Latest news with #Prosecution
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Confusion prevails over next State Police Chief as LDF govt mulls options beyond UPSC list
Former Director General of Prosecution Asaf Ali termed the move 'foolhardy,' stressing that the state must adhere to the directives laid down by the Supreme Court. 'Nothing is above the Supreme Court verdict which has given proper directions in the Prakash v. Union of India. It clearly states that the state government will go with the three names shortlisted by the UPSC. UPSC selection body chooses the top ranks with the length of service, very good record and range of experience for heading the department. Nobody can violate it and move forward." he added. For the states that have in-charge DGPs, the tenure is two years. And also, why would any government look at other states when already a Supreme Court verdict is clear. It will not stand if legally challenged. For example, in Sen Kumar's case, the state government was not able to violate the law. As in the case of Kerala Police Act, it has been diluted for convenience. In a special circumstance like if UPSC list is late, if other states are choosing in-charge DGP, that should not be the norm. There is a Supreme Court verdict and nothing can't be done above that,' he said.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' team ends their defence after only 20 minutes
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team rested their case in his sex trafficking trial on Tuesday after making arguments for only about 20 minutes. Their short presentation followed nearly seven weeks of arguments and witness testimony brought by federal prosecutors in New York. The prosecution finished making their case Tuesday afternoon. His defence attorneys argued that the government has failed to meet the burden in proving any of the charges against him, which he's vehemently denied, and the judge should drop the case against Combs also confirmed to the court that he would not take the stand in his own trial. "It's my decision with my lawyers" not to testify, he told the judge. Mr Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He faces up to life in prison if convicted in the scheme. Speaking for the first time in court in weeks on Tuesday, Mr Combs told Judge Arun Subramanian that he was "doing an excellent job". "I want to tell you thank you," the rapper told the judge. Prosecutors have alleged Mr Combs used his celebratory status and business empire to run a criminal enterprise to sex traffic women and conceal his crimes. During their arguments, the government called more than 30 witnesses to the stand. As Diddy prosecution rests, how compelling is the case against him?How ex Cassie's testimony builds the sex trafficking case against himWhat is Sean 'Diddy' Combs charged with and how long will his trial last?The defence called none, instead submitting into evidence several text messages between Mr Combs and his ex-girlfriends, singer Casandra Ventura, and another victim who testified under the pseudonym Jane. It is always difficult for defence teams to decide whether to call any fact witnesses to the stand, said Mitchell Epner, a New York-based lawyer and former prosecutor. Calling new witnesses can introduce more problems for the defence - and having Mr Combs take the stand would have been an even riskier move, hanging the case mostly on his testimony, Mr Epner said. Instead, Mr Combs' lawyers gave a quick presentation, showing messages in an attempt to bolster their argument that Mr Combs' girlfriends were willing participants in sexual encounters with him and male escorts, which were called freak-offs. Get all the latest trial updates on the BBC Sounds 'Diddy on Trial' podcast available wherever you get your BBC podcasts. In one text message to Mr Combs that his attorneys read aloud, Jane told him "I always have fun" during their freak-offs, or what she called "hotel nights". The quick defence case came after Mr Combs' legal team filed a motion asking the court to acquit their client, claiming the government had not met their burden in proving any of the charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. His attorney Alexandra Shapiro argued that the victims in the case were capable women who could have left on their own accord, giving a hint of the points the legal team is likely to present during closing arguments scheduled later this week on Thursday and Friday. Mr Combs was "regrettably violent, but domestic violence is not sex trafficking", Ms Shapiro said. Prosecutors have argued Mr Combs' ex-girlfriends were coerced into unwanted sex acts with drugs, violence and other means.
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
Prosecution rests in Sean "Diddy" Combs sex trafficking, racketeering trial
The prosecution rested its case Tuesday in the sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs. Combs' defense team is not expected to call any witnesses, meaning that closing arguments are expected Thursday. As soon as the prosecution rested, Combs' defense team moved for acquittal, claiming the government failed to meet its burden in proving the charges. Monday, a federal agent with Homeland Security Investigations testified about evidence charts prepared by the prosecution. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five counts and faces up to life in prison if he's convicted. At issue is whether or not he coerced women into sexual encounters with male sex workers. A main component of the racketeering charge is the allegation that he used employees to facilitate illegal activities. Prosecutors say those sexual encounters with his girlfriends and sex workers, whether they were dubbed "freak offs" or "hotel nights," amount to proof of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs' defense maintains all of the sexual encounters were consensual and part of a swingers lifestyle.
Fox News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Diddy prosecution nears close without A-list witnesses in strategic move to focus on charges: celebrity lawyer
Print Close By Lauryn Overhultz, Janelle Ash Published June 22, 2025 Multiple high-profile celebrities were brought up during witness testimony for the prosecution in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial as the government's case comes to a close. While no celebrities were mentioned during the sixth week of trial testimony in the rapper's sex trafficking and racketeering case, the first five weeks included a handful of A-list stars. Diddy's trial began May 12 with opening statements. Throughout the past week of testimony, the jury heard from special agents along with Combs' alleged "drug mule," Brendan Paul. DIDDY'S DEFENSE TEAM SIGNALS SHIFT IN TRIAL STRATEGY AS PROSECUTORS WRAP UP: EXPERT R. Kelly's lawyer, Nicole Blank Becker, told Fox News Digital that she's not surprised there haven't been more big named celebrities called to testify by the prosecution. "I don't anticipate that any of those celebrities will be testifying or used as character references in this particular case. Why? Because this is really a case about whether or not he, P. Diddy, at the top of this so-called organization, is the one who is affecting the entire organization and he's ruling with an iron fist. "So, under those circumstances, given all the witnesses that the government has put up, there's really no need to bring those people in," she said. With Diddy being accused of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), Becker said the defense will need to separate those who have testified from the rapper. "Yes, it's possible [other celebrities] were there when some things were happening. However, at this point, whatever evidence that has already come in, that evidence and those witnesses need to be taken as far away from each other to individualize their relationships, i.e. boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, instead of showing that it's some type of enterprise in which he was the puppeteer," Baker said. Here's a look at some of the celebrities mentioned in court as the prosecution prepares to wrap up their case. Barack Obama Sean "Diddy" Combs' former assistant, David James, testified that the rapper typically carried "25 to 30" undisclosed pill bottles. According to James, some of the pills were ecstasy. "Can you describe the ecstasy that you saw him taking?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Slavik asked. "There were various pills, but there was one that was in the shape of a former president's face," James explained. "Which former president?" the prosecutor questioned. "President Obama," James answered. Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger Diddy's ex-assistant Mia , who testified under a pseudonym, mentioned both Leonardo DiCaprio and Mick Jagger in a text to her former boss that was read in court. During her cross-examination, the disgraced music mogul's defense zeroed in on text messages Mia had sent after she had experienced alleged physical and sexual abuse by Combs. The former assistant admitted the text messages she had sent to Diddy after being terminated from her job were all positive. "Love you, too. And the only things to remember are the good times, and those are the only memories I have!! Ha ha ha, like f------ hysterical ones! I'll send you everything I've got! I remember even before you had videographers with us, I carried around the little iVid thing. I found those, too. Completely forgot about them. "So many magical hilarious things, like drinking 1942 on the Parrot Cay Beach and champagne under the Eiffel Tower at 4:00 a.m. in the dark; and singing with Jimmy at Interscope; and Mick Jagger trying to take me home, but I ran away; and Ibiza caves, where I got a seven-inch scar; and Hawaii 5.0, when you punched that d--- f--- for talking s--- to me; and launching Revolt; and that random underground Baccarat game where Jlolo wouldn't pay out and I stayed only, and you won 650 grand, and that little prick ran away from me, and Leo [DiCaprio] grabbed my pink bedazzled BlackBerry, and you said that Titanic mother f----- doesn't know s---. He won 10K, I won 650K. Ha ha ha. Gosh, there are trillions of stories that are amazing." Cassie Ventura, Kid Cudi Cassie Ventura and Kid Cudi both took the stand early on in Diddy's trial. Cassie, who dated the rapper from 2007 until 2018, testified about the alleged abuse she experienced. Most of her testimony focused on the "freak offs" she claimed she had been forced to participate in. The alleged events would go on for multiple days and require the singer-songwriter to have sex with other men in front of Diddy. Kid Cudi took the stand and told the jury he believed Diddy had been involved in a home break-in and a car fire that left his Porsche damaged beyond repair. According to Kid Cudi, the alleged incidents occurred in 2011 after Diddy found out about his relationship with Cassie. At the time, Cassie and Diddy had apparently been on a break. CASSIE VENTURA EMERGES AS 'STAR WITNESS' IN DIDDY'S FEDERAL SEX CRIMES TRIAL: EXPERT Usher Former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard testified that Usher was at a dinner where Sean "Diddy" Combs allegedly punched Cassie Ventura in the stomach. "We were having a private conversation, and we were all sitting, eating at the tables together," Richard recalled during her testimony. "When I say we, I mean some Bad Boy, some of our other label, and even some celebrities were in the room. And they were secretly arguing, and he punched her in the stomach. Sean Combs punched her in the stomach." "She immediately bent over and then was – he was – he told her to leave, because I could see him point out, and she went out and left the room," she added. Richard claimed that music executive Harve Pierre, two of Diddy's assistants, the rapper's security and Kaleena Harper had been present for the West Hollywood dinner. During cross-examination, it was revealed that Richard hadn't mentioned all of the celebrities at the dinner. "Usher was there, Jimmy Iovine was there, Ne-Yo came through," Richard eventually added. "There were a few others, too. I don't recall those people, but those are the ones I remember talking to." Madonna After Diddy's former assistant, who testified under the pseudonym Mia , was let go in March 2017, she was hired by pop star Madonna. The rapper's defense team had questioned Mia about whether she had worked in the "same industry" as before after being fired. When asked what the ex-assistant did for Madonna, Mia replied, "A myriad of things." "I was hired to help lead her film division," Diddy's former employee claimed on the stand. "She also needed help restructuring her internal executive team, then it morphed into multiple roles." DIDDY'S ALLEGED 'SEXUAL DEVIANT' BEHAVIOR DOESN'T PROVE GOVERNMENT'S CASE: EXPERT Beyoncé, Rihanna Rihanna and Beyoncé were mentioned during Bryana Bongolan's testimony . Cassie Ventura's friend claimed the two had been working on a clothing line with Diamond Supply Company. According to Bongolan, the two released a few collections during a two-year period. However, the clothing lines didn't work out, due to "internal" reasons at Diamond Supply Company. Cassie's friend agreed with Diddy's defense lawyer that the clothing lines had not succeeded because the two had been competing with Rihanna and Beyoncé. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey Diddy's former executive assistant, Capricorn Clark, mentioned both Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey during her testimony in the sex trafficking trial. Clark claimed she thought Cassie was talented but was more of a studio artist. "Why do you think she just had talent, as opposed to being very talented?" Diddy's lawyer asked the ex-assistant. "Um, talented to me is Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey," Clark said. "Very talented is that level of performer, entertainer. Cassie was more of a studio artist." Clark described a studio artist as "a little bit more comfortable in the vocal booth to have a little bit of things equalized for you and, you know, engineered properly. Less of a live performer." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Kobe, Michael Jordan, Shaq Diddy's ex-girlfriend mentioned three basketball superstars during her testimony. Jane, testifying under a pseudonym, told the jury she had sometimes used nicknames to refer to Diddy and a male escort named Paul during the trio's alleged "hotel nights." "Trifecta," was one nickname. Jane explained they had used it "because it's three." "I think Sean was the one who said 'Trifecta,'" Jane testified. "And then it became Trifecta." Jane also testified that they hd given each other nicknames relating to sports stars Kobe Bryant, Shaq and Michael Jordan. Jane was Bryant, Diddy was Jordan, and the male escort was often referred to as Shaq, according to her testimony. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Print Close URL
Arab News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Malaysian court drops money laundering charges against jailed former leader Najib Razak
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian court dropped three money laundering charges against jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, in a case linked to the multibillion-dollar looting of a state fund. Najib was previously convicted in a graft case tied to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad state fund, or 1MBD, and began serving time in 2022, after losing his final appeal. He also faces other graft trials. The High Court's decision to drop the charges alleging Najib received 27 million ringgit ($6.3 million) in illegal proceeds to his bank accounts came after procedural delays by the prosecution, which saw the case dragging on for six years, Najib's lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said. Prosecutors could not give the court a timeline for when they will be ready for the trial, he added. Prosecutors reserve the right to revive charges against Najib and a discharge does not mean an acquittal, Shafee said. But Najib was happy and can now focus on the main 1MDB trial, he added. Najib set up 1MDB shortly after taking power in 2009. Investigators allege that more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund and laundered by his associates to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases. The scandal upended Najib's government and he was defeated in the 2018 election. Last November, the High Court also discharged Najib and the former treasury chief in another 1MDB-linked corruption case after repeated delays by the prosecution. The pair can still be charged for the same offense in the future. In 2023, Najib was acquitted on separate charges of tampering with a government audit into 1MDB. Najib was sentenced to 12 years in jail in his first graft trial but the sentence was halved by the Pardon Boards in 2024. Najib alleged the board had issued a home arrest order for him to complete his sentence at home, but the case is still being heard in court. Najib awaits his verdict in another key case that ties him directly to the 1MDB scandal, which has prompted investigations in the US and several other countries. The defense in May closed their case on four charges of abuse of power to obtain over $700 million from 1MDB that went into Najib's bank accounts, and 21 counts of money laundering involving the same amount. Closing arguments are scheduled in October, after which the court will set a date for verdict.
