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Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Lawyers for Brazil's Bolsonaro say he did not violate social media ban
BRASILIA - Lawyers for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that he did not violate a court-ordered social media ban, after the top judge accused him of breaching the order and demanded an explanation from his lawyers. In a document sent to Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is overseeing an investigation into allegations that Bolsonaro plotted a coup, Bolsonaro's lawyers asked the court to clarify the exact scope of the social media ban. Moraes ordered the ban on Friday, along with mandating he wear an ankle bracelet, among other measures, alleging he courted the interference of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has tied steep new tariffs on Brazilian goods to what he called a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. On Monday, Moraes accused Bolsonaro of violating the order by giving an interview to journalists, pointing to clips the news outlets later posted on their social media accounts. The judge gave Bolsonaro's legal team 24 hours to explain the media appearance, warning that failure to comply could lead to an arrest warrant. Earlier on Monday, Moraes had issued a clarification of Friday's ruling, which stated that Bolsonaro's use of social media included use through third parties. The clarification generated debate among legal experts regarding if it would include interviews to news outlets. Bolsonaro's lawyers on Tuesday argued that media outlets sharing his remarks on social media was an "uncontrollable" development beyond their client's control. They have asked the justice to clarify the exact scope of the order and whether it prohibits giving interviews to the press. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The lawyers added that Bolsonaro will make no further public remarks until the court provides that clarification. REUTERS
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Forum: Efforts made to support well-being of students with special needs in mainstream schools
We thank Mr Yuanyou Gao for the letter ' More can be done for well-being of students with special needs ' (July 17) and for sharing his perspective as a parent of a child with autism. In a recent reply to a Forum letter, ' Building a supportive, safe learning environment for all ' (July 19), we shared that our schools continue to make the efforts to implement a whole-of-school approach to create a nurturing environment that supports all learners. Preventive, educative and restorative measures are adopted to address bullying incidents. We agree that supporting students with diverse learning needs is a shared responsibility in schools. Building expertise takes time – much like society's journey towards inclusion. Through daily interactions with students and collaborative work with school personnel such as school counsellors and special educational needs (SEN) officers, our teachers continue to hone their skills and develop the confidence to foster positive classroom and school cultures. The adolescent years present unique challenges for all students, including students with SEN. During this period, the partnership between schools and parents is vital in providing effective support for our students. Parent-teacher meetings and case conferences help develop strategies that can be implemented both at home and in school. This collaborative approach between parents and school personnel helps students develop essential social skills and self-advocacy strategies, creating a supportive environment that bridges school and home. The Ministry of Education will continue to build up our efforts to support students with SEN, by working closely with schools, parents and the community so that our education system evolves and remains responsive to diverse learners' needs. Dayna Chia Divisional Director, Special Educational Needs Division Ministry of Education Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Pakistan jails eight from former PM Imran Khan's party 2023 riots
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pauses as he speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo LAHORE - A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight senior members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to 10 years in prison late on Tuesday over riots that targeted military sites following Khan's 2023 arrest, their lawyer said. Khan is on trial on similar charges, being tried separately. The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the residence of a senior commander in Lahore. The prosecution is still presenting witnesses in Khan's proceedings, and Tuesday's verdict does not directly affect his case. The sentences, issued in a jail trial in Lahore, are among a series of prosecutions involving Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Defence lawyer Burhan Moazzam said they would appeal. 'It is surprising that six people were acquitted while eight were convicted, even though they were all charged under the same allegations,' he said. The case relates to one of several incidents stemming from the May 9 unrest, involving alleged incitement during attacks near a major intersection in Lahore. Moazzam said separate trials were ongoing in connection with other incidents that day. Those sentenced include senior PTI figures who held positions in Khan's Punjab government: Yasmin Rashid, a former provincial health minister; Ejaz Chaudhry, a senator; Mehmoodur Rashid, a former housing minister; and Umar Sarfraz Cheema, a former provincial governor and aide to Khan. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The court also acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is in custody in connection with other cases, and it was not immediately clear whether the acquittal would lead to his release. Commenting on the verdict, junior law minister Aqeel Malik told local media the decision was 'in line with the law and the constitution.' Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, remains in prison facing multiple cases, including charges of corruption, contempt, and disclosure of official secrets. He denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically motivated. The military denies targeting PTI. Authorities say the May 9 violence caused billions in damage and led to over 3,000 arrests in Punjab. REUTERS
Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Spain out to finally end winless run against Germany in Euro semi
ZURICH - World champions Spain will aim to secure a first-ever win against Germany in their Euro 2025 semi-final on Wednesday, though the Spaniards insist reaching their first European Championship final matters more than settling old scores. Spain have never beaten eight-times European champions Germany, most recently losing to the Germans for bronze at last year's Paris Olympics. "Personally I see it more as an opportunity, not so much a revenge or a thorn in my side," Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas said in Tuesday's pre-game press conference. "The Olympics are a completely different competition and any player who has been able to play the Olympics and a European Championship or a World Cup, I think we all agree, it is a totally different context, other stadiums, another way of competing. "So I think that the Olympic Games will have nothing to do with the European Championship, with tomorrow's game, but, well, in the end it was a rival against whom we lost and tomorrow we have the opportunity to win it for the first time." Spain coach Montse Tome would love to end their winless run against Germany. "We have not been able to beat them, but we have been closer and closer to beating them," Tome said. "In the Olympic match, we had a chance to do so, it was good and now we are at another point. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving "I think they are also another team, they have another coach, but Germany is Germany and they have eight European Championships. Their essence is the same, regardless of who is in charge, and we are very clear about the game we want to play tomorrow, how we want to condition it and where we want to take it." Spain won their three group stage games by a combined score of 14-3 before defeating a spirited Swiss side 2-0 in the quarter-finals. "My feelings are good, full confidence in what we are creating, in the mentality we have, in the game we have played throughout the European Championship," Putellas said. "It will be a very tough game, like any semi-final of a major tournament, but with maximum enthusiasm and maximum motivation to move forward and make history once again." The winner meets either England or Italy in the final on Sunday in Basel. REUTERS
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Key dates in the US and UNESCO's on-again, off-again relationship
UNESCO logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Once again, the U.S. has said it will pull out of the United Nations culture and education agency UNESCO, with U.S. President Donald Trump repeating a move from his first term in office that his successor, Joe Biden, had reversed. Here are some important dates in the sometimes tumultuous relationship between the U.S. and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: * November 16, 1945: UNESCO's founding treaty is signed and its constitution is adopted in London, saying it intends to advance "international peace" and "the common welfare of mankind." * September 30, 1946: The U.S. ratifies the UNESCO treaty, becoming one of its founding member states. * June 1977: Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The Fund for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Outstanding Universal Value, also called the World Heritage Fund, is established under UNESCO. It provides millions of dollars to support conservation programs at UNESCO-designated sites. * October 1979: The first 45 sites are inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, including three from the U.S.: the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Florida's Everglades National Park and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. * December 30, 1983: U.S. President Ronald Reagan's administration announces that the U.S. is withdrawing from UNESCO, effective December 1984, saying it had become "politicized," financially mismanaged, unduly focused on weapons disarmament during the Cold War and hostile to free markets and a free press. * October 1984: The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and California's Yosemite National Park are inscribed on the World Heritage List. * 1985–2003: Despite the U.S. withdrawal, UNESCO continues to add U.S. sites and cultural heritages to the World Heritage List, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park; Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello in Virginia and the Chaco Culture of the Pueblo people who occupied what is now a large region in the U.S. Southwest. * April 1994: U.S. Congress passes a law that blocks U.S. financing for any U.N. agency that accepts the State of Palestine as a full member. * September 12, 2002: U.S. President George W. Bush announces in a speech to the UN General Assembly that the U.S. will rejoin UNESCO, citing leadership reforms in recent years as he sought to build international support for the Iraq War. It does so formally the following year. * October 31, 2011: UNESCO accepts Palestine as its 195th full member, despite the risk of losing U.S. funds, which at the time reportedly accounted for about 22% of UNESCO's budget. U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, which had unsuccessfully sought to get Congress to relax the 1994 financing law in the runup to the vote on Palestinian membership, ends U.S. funding. * October 12, 2017: Trump's administration announces the U.S. will once again leave UNESCO, this time for what it called "anti-Israel bias." The U.S. became a non-member observer. * June 2023: Biden's administration announces it will rejoin UNESCO, saying the agency had "modernized its management and reduced political tensions." * July 22, 2025: Trump's administration announces the U.S. again will leave UNESCO for the third time, because of his government's belief that it "supports woke, divisive cultural and social causes." REUTERS
