Latest news with #TDF
Epoch Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
$38,000 Fines Waived for Ontario Amish Families Convicted for Not Using ArriveCan App
Over $38,000 in fines have been waived and convictions set aside for a group of people from an Ontario Amish community who were convicted for not using the ArriveCan app during COVID-19 lockdowns. Lawyers with The Democracy Fund (TDF) won the case after seven months of negotiations and multiple court appearances on behalf of the group known to avoid modern technology due to their faith.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
U.S. trans mercenary who fought for Ukraine handed 20-year jail term for 'spreading fake news'
Russia has sentenced a U.S. trans woman who fought for Ukraine to 20 years in prison. Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, 47, was found guilty Tuesday of being a mercenary for Kyiv 's forces and spreading fake news about Russia's forces. The former journalist had been volunteering as a medic for Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces (TDF) and briefly served as its spokesperson. She was found guilty by the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic in occupied Ukraine. Ashton-Cirillo traveled to Ukraine shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 to cover the conflict as a war correspondent for the U.S. publication LGBTQ Nation. Within a matter of months, she resigned her post and volunteered to join the Ukrainian army, fighting as part of Kharkiv's 113th Territorial Defense Brigade, and was made a junior sergeant. In 2023 she withdrew from the frontline, having suffered injuries amid a Russian artillery attack on her unit's position, and was appointed as an English-language spokesperson for the TDF. In this role, she launched a YouTube show entitled Russia Hates The Truth which she reviewed and debunked Moscow's disinformation campaigns, catching the eye of Russian media controllers. Russian authorities added Ashton-Cirillo to a 'register of extremists and terrorists' and opened a criminal case against her in 2024, months after she said Russian journalists affiliated with state media would be 'hunted down.' She was sentenced in absentia by the court in Donetsk, meaning that she would be liable to face the full jail term if captured by Russian forces. Ashton-Cirillo courted controversy in August 2023 after her work with the Ukrainian TDF was brought to the attention of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who at the time was a Republican senator. Vance penned a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines in which he accused the junior sergeant of threatening 'physical violence to anyone who circulates Russian propaganda' during a video message she had made while in post. He also wanted to know whether Ashton-Cirillo was being 'compensated using American resources' and questioned whether U.S. officials had 'reason to believe Ukrainian forces or intelligence services are planning to commit acts of violence against those who engage in "Russian propaganda." ' But Ashton-Cirillo went on to release a follow-up video amid Vance's speculation in which she told viewers that 'Russian devils' would 'pay for their crimes,' with Ukrainian TDF branding in the background. The release of the clip coincided with a visit to Washington by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and was not approved by the Ukrainian TDF, leading to her suspension. Speaking to in 2023, Ashton-Cirillo admitted she had not sought approval from her superiors before posting her response to Vance. 'Russia Hates The Truth doesn't require anything to be vetted - I and the TDF team have editorial control over that. 'It's meant to be as over the top as possible. 'It was my response to Senator Vance in uniform in front of the TDF logo without approval which was the reason for my suspension. 'I told my team that I was going to do it, but given that it was something as sensitive as a response to a U.S. Senator in a public setting, it needed to be approved. 'I couldn't believe it that there was a U.S. Senator trying to unmask me. 'It wasn't my message to him that was a problem, it was that President Zelensky was on a trip to the U.S. at the time and I probably should have held back in responding.' She was later cleared of wrongdoing and reinstated, but quickly moved into another unspecified role in Ukraine's Armed Forces. Ashton-Cirillo remains in Ukraine as of May 2025 and is engaged in promoting fundraising and crowdfunding campaigns to help Ukrainian soldiers wounded on the frontlines. The Russian-controlled court took umbrage with Ashton-Cirillo's vow to 'hunt down' Russian state-affiliated journalists and allegations that Russian forces had used biological weapons in operations in Ukraine and Syria. A court statement on the ruling against Ashton-Cirillo was published yesterday. It reads: 'The Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic has issued a verdict in absentia in the criminal case against 47-year-old U.S. citizen Sarah Ashton-Cirillo. 'She was found guilty under paragraph 'd' of Part 2 of Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (public dissemination of knowingly false information about the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation), Part 3 of Article 359 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict). 'The court established that... the mercenary arrived in Ukraine, voluntarily joined the International Legion, and was then assigned to the 113th Territorial Defense Brigade of Ukraine. 'She underwent military training at training bases and was provided with firearms, ammunition, uniforms, and special equipment. Ashton-Cirillo took part in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian security forces against servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. 'In August 2023, she prepared a video story, which she posted on the Internet, about the alleged stockpiles of biological weapons created in Russia and the use of chemical weapons by the Russian Armed Forces in the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as on the territory of Ukraine during a special military operation. 'The mercenary has been placed on an international wanted list, and the court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of detention in absentia against her. 'Taking into account the position of the state prosecutor, the court sentenced Ashton-Cirillo in absentia to 20 years of imprisonment to be served in a general regime penal colony.'
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
TDF participates as 'Strategic Partner' in Aseer Investment Forum
Abha – Under the patronage of HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) -the national enabler of the tourism sector- took part in the 2nd edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential investment opportunities across the region's key sectors, with a special focus on tourism. TDF's participation as a strategic partner reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact projects, empowering MSMEs, and accelerating tourism investments in a region known for its extraordinary natural and cultural appeal. As part of the forum's agenda, senior executives from TDF embarked on site visits to several flagship tourism projects supported by the Fund in the Aseer region. The tour began with The Point—the region's largest mixed-use development. Spanning 75,000 square meters, the destination marks the first Hilton-branded hotel in Aseer, featuring 250 guest rooms. The project also includes a vibrant retail hub with 150 stores, 41 restaurants and cafés, and 10 state-of-the-art cinema halls. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the region's cultural identity, The Point offers a seamless fusion of hospitality, entertainment, and shopping in one dynamic location. The delegation then visited Khayal Walk Boulevard, an entertainment and retail complex distinguished by its innovative design, which blends urban architecture with the mountainous terrain of Aseer. The project includes terraced levels that house upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, delivering a refined visitor experience anchored in local heritage. Next on the itinerary was the InterContinental Hotel, one of the region's flagship luxury hospitality developments. Strategically located to offer stunning natural views, the hotel comprises over 200 rooms and operated by global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts. It also features an array of amenities, including fine dining venues, event spaces, and a children's club, serving a broad spectrum of traveler needs. The final stop was Le Premier, Aseer's first mixed-use destination that fuses modern aesthetics with a strong national character. The development includes six locally inspired restaurant and café buildings and the four-star Hajlah Hotel, which will offer approximately 150 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference hall, establishing the destination as a year-round draw for both leisure and business tourism in Abha. The combined value of tourism projects enabled by TDF in the Aseer region has now reached approximately SAR 2 billion, reflecting the Fund's ongoing commitment to developing distinctive tourism destinations that contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, commented: 'Our participation in the 2nd Aseer Investment Forum aligns with the Fund's broader strategy to enable promising destinations across Saudi Arabia. By catalyzing tourism investments and providing tailored financial and advisory solutions, we support transformative projects to grow and thrive. Aseer's exceptional natural and cultural assets make it a prime destination for tourism development, and we are proud to foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.' During the forum, TDF held a workshop titled: 'Tourism Financing: Sustainable Solutions for Investors in the Aseer Region,' which explored TDF's portfolio of financial offerings. The session provided insights into eligibility criteria, access mechanisms, and investor-focused financing solutions tailored to the local market. TDF also featured a dedicated interactive booth, where it showcased its suite of financing products and non-financial programs, offering direct consultations to entrepreneurs and investors interested in entering the tourism sector in the Aseer region. Through initiatives like these, TDF continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism destinations that enrich the visitor experience and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, going beyond financing to drive high-impact investments and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi's tourism destinations. TDF enables entrepreneurs and tourism businesses with tailored financial solutions and non-financial support programs while attracting local and international investors to develop landmark tourism projects. With a vision to create a dynamic and attractive investment environment, TDF fosters strategic partnerships, supports economic diversification, enriches visitor experiences, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination. Committed to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, TDF remains a trusted partner, working closely with investors and key stakeholders across the sector. For media inquiries, please contact TDF Corporate Communication team: cc@
Trade Arabia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Saudi Eastern Province a ‘promising tourism destination'
Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province is one of the most promising destinations on the national tourism map, and enabling high-impact tourism projects in the region will help deliver world-class experiences, a senior official has said. This will also enhance Saudi Arabia's global appeal and contribute to the sector's growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030, said a CEO of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Qusai Al-Fakhri, who this week visited several flagship tourism projects in Al Khobar as part of the fund's ongoing efforts to monitor project progress and assess readiness in alignment with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy. To date, TDF has supported more than 534 tourism projects directly and indirectly through its Tourism Empowerment Program, in partnership with the financial sector. The total value of TDF-enabled projects in Eastern Province has reached approximately SAR10 billion ($2.67 billion), underscoring the fund's commitment to empowering unique destinations that contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. One of the key destinations being developed by TDF in the region is The Avenues – Khobar, one of the largest mixed-use projects in the Eastern Province. Spanning nearly 200,000 sq m and featuring over 400 hotel rooms, the project marks a significant milestone in integrating luxury hospitality with retail and commercial centres, supporting economic diversification and encouraging investment in the tourism and retail sectors. The visit also included Ajdan Fairmont, which is part of a mixed-use project in Khobar that features a five-star hotel with more than 160 all sea-view rooms managed by the global Fairmont brand, alongside upscale restaurants, cafés, and modern commercial spaces. The project reflects direct investment in improving quality of life, promoting urban sustainability, and stimulating the local economy. Ajdan Bayfront is a comprehensive seafront development covering over 100,000 sq m. It offers a fully integrated experience including retail, dining, and entertainment venues, in addition to a range of hospitality units. The project is expected to boost commercial activity and enhance modern urban lifestyles, aligning with the aspirations of residents and visitors in Al-Khobar. Nobu Hotel & Residences marks the debut of the global Nobu brand in the Eastern Province. The project features more than 160 luxury hospitality units, the renowned Nobu restaurant, and a branded café, delivering a high-end hospitality experience that enriches the luxury tourism scene in the Kingdom. The project represents a major step in elevating contemporary hospitality standards, supported directly by TDF.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Eastern Province a ‘promising tourism destination'
Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province is one of the most promising destinations on the national tourism map, and enabling high-impact tourism projects in the region will help deliver world-class experiences, a senior official has said. This will also enhance Saudi Arabia's global appeal and contribute to the sector's growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030, said a CEO of the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), Qusai Al-Fakhri, who this week visited several flagship tourism projects in Al Khobar as part of the fund's ongoing efforts to monitor project progress and assess readiness in alignment with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy. To date, TDF has supported more than 534 tourism projects directly and indirectly through its Tourism Empowerment Program, in partnership with the financial sector. The total value of TDF-enabled projects in Eastern Province has reached approximately SAR10 billion ($2.67 billion), underscoring the fund's commitment to empowering unique destinations that contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. One of the key destinations being developed by TDF in the region is The Avenues – Khobar, one of the largest mixed-use projects in the Eastern Province. Spanning nearly 200,000 sq m and featuring over 400 hotel rooms, the project marks a significant milestone in integrating luxury hospitality with retail and commercial centres, supporting economic diversification and encouraging investment in the tourism and retail sectors. The visit also included Ajdan Fairmont, which is part of a mixed-use project in Khobar that features a five-star hotel with more than 160 all sea-view rooms managed by the global Fairmont brand, alongside upscale restaurants, cafés, and modern commercial spaces. The project reflects direct investment in improving quality of life, promoting urban sustainability, and stimulating the local economy. Ajdan Bayfront is a comprehensive seafront development covering over 100,000 sq m. It offers a fully integrated experience including retail, dining, and entertainment venues, in addition to a range of hospitality units. The project is expected to boost commercial activity and enhance modern urban lifestyles, aligning with the aspirations of residents and visitors in Al-Khobar. Nobu Hotel & Residences marks the debut of the global Nobu brand in the Eastern Province. The project features more than 160 luxury hospitality units, the renowned Nobu restaurant, and a branded café, delivering a high-end hospitality experience that enriches the luxury tourism scene in the Kingdom. The project represents a major step in elevating contemporary hospitality standards, supported directly by TDF. 'At TDF, we are committed to supporting projects that drive meaningful impact in the tourism sector and reflect the Kingdom's aspirations for a sustainable and diversified tourism future. By enabling these projects in the Eastern Province, we continue to build unique destinations that enrich the visitor experience and help drive local economic growth,' said Al-Fakhri. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
