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Court lifts sentence on South Korean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue

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Choi Mal-ja leaves the Busan District Court after she was acquitted

A South Korean court has acquitted a woman previously convicted for defending herself against an act of sexual violence six decades ago.

Busan’s District Court overturned the previous ruling on Wednesday, saying Choi Mal-ja’s actions “constitute justifiable self-defence” under South Korean law.

Choi’s actions at the time are now “deemed an attempt to escape an unjust infringement on her bodily integrity and sexual self-determination”, the court said in a statement.

The ruling overturns Choi’s 1965 conviction, when the court found her actions had “exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self-defence”.

Choi, who was 19 at the time of the incident, was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae in 1964.

The man pinned her to the ground and repeatedly forced his tongue into her mouth, at one point blocking her nose to stop her from breathing, according to court records.

Choi managed to break free by biting off about 1.5cm (0.6 inches) of his tongue.

In one of South Korea’s most contentious rulings on sexual violence, the aggressor received only six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation – but not attempted rape.

But Choi, now 79, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Wearing a bright pink blazer, Choi beamed as supporters handed her multiple bouquets after the new ruling.

The Korea Women’s Hotline (KWH), one of the groups that supported Choi during the trial, said the verdict will pave the way for other victims of sexual violence seeking justice.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Protests hit France as new PM takes office

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Protests hit France

France is seeing a day of protests led by a grassroots movement named Bloquons Tout (“Let’s Block Everything”) in a show of anger against the political class and proposed budget cuts.

The demonstrations are taking place on the same day new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was sworn in following the toppling of his predecessor, François Bayrou, in a no-confidence vote earlier this week.

Demonstrators blocked streets, set bins on fire, and disrupted access to infrastructure and schools across the country. Around 250 people had been arrested by mid-morning, outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said.

A bus was torched in Rennes and electric cables near Toulouse were sabotaged, he added.

Several thousand people gathered in Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux and Montpellier.

However, the disruption has remained fairly small-scale. Most of the arrests were made in or around Paris, where about 1,000 protesters – many masked or wearing balaclavas – clashed with police outside Gare du Nord train station.

Some tried to enter the station but were thwarted by agents who fired tear gas, French media report.

Many protesters chanted political slogans against President Emmanuel Macron and Lecornu. Several carried placards against the war in Gaza.

The nebulous movement Let’s Block Everything appears to have been born on social media some months ago and gained momentum over the summer, when it encouraged people to protest against Bayrou’s €44bn (£38bn) budget cuts.

The movement has a distinct left-wing character. Its demands include more investment in public services, taxation for high income brackets, rent freezes and Macron’s resignation.

Credit: bbc.com

UK urged to arrest Israeli President Isaac Herzog during London visit

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog

“Starmer rolls out red carpet for genocide,” reads the front-page headline of The National, a Scottish daily, as anger mounts over the British prime minister’s meeting with Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president.

Herzog is understood to have arrived in the UK on Tuesday. He will meet the premier, Keir Starmer, on Wednesday and is reportedly planning to speak at the Chatham House think tank later in the day. He is expected to leave on Friday.

Herzog’s visit, which comes during a week when Israel has dropped bombs on Gaza, Syria, Lebanon and Qatar, has prompted calls for his arrest while he is in London.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written to Scotland Yard, demanding that the Israeli president be investigated upon his arrival in the UK, “on suspicion of bearing criminal liability for alleged war crimes”, the group said.

“Herzog is suspected of bearing criminal liability for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and actions that constitute plausible genocide,” said ICJP.

Protests condemning the visit began earlier this week. Demonstrators will gather with pots and pans at Chatham House in an attempt to disrupt the president’s address there.

Friends of Al-Aqsa, a UK-based NGO that calls for political change regarding Palestine, has applied to the director of public prosecutions and attorney general to launch criminal proceedings against Herzog on charges of encouraging indiscriminate attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the Strip’s civilian infrastructure. It has also sought an arrest warrant against Herzog. More than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 2023.

Herzog, president since 2021, has come under fire for the comments he made in October 2023 after the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel, during which nearly 1,200 people were killed.

Credit: aljazeera.com

NATO shoots down Russian drones in Polish airspace, accuse Moscow of being reckless

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NATO shoots down Russian drones

NATO fighter jets shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine early on Wednesday, as the military alliance denounced Moscow for “absolutely dangerous” behavior that ratcheted up tensions to a new level.

The operation marked the first time that shots were fired by NATO since the start of the war in Ukraine. Polish and Dutch jets intercepted the drones, with assistance from Italian, German and NATO’s multinational forces, officials said.

Addressing the Polish parliament, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that while there was no reason to say that Poland was in a state of war, it was closer to a conflict than any time since World War II. He said the country was facing an “enemy that does not hide its hostile intentions.”

Tusk also announced that Poland has invoked Article 4 of NATO, meaning the alliance’s main political decision-making body will now meet to discuss the situation and its next steps.

Russia’s defense ministry said in a statement that it had carried out a strike against Ukraine overnight. It said that “no targets on the territory of Poland were planned for destruction,” and that the drones it used in Ukraine have a flight range that of no more than 700 kilometers (435 miles).

The Russian foreign ministry then said that these “specific facts completely debunk the myths repeatedly spread by Poland in order to escalate the Ukrainian crisis further.”

NATO chief Mark Rutte said, however, that the violation of Poland’s airspace was not an “isolated incident.”

Credit: cnn.com

Marmoush to miss Manchester derby with knee injury

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Omar Marmoush

Manchester City will be without Omar Marmoush for Sunday’s Manchester derby after the Egypt forward suffered a knee injury on international duty.

The 26-year-old was substituted in the ninth minute of his country’s World Cup qualifier with Burkina Faso – which finished as a goalless draw – in Ouagadougou on Tuesday.

Marmoush, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59m in January, was hurt following a robust fourth-minute challenge.

City said initial scans in Egypt indicated Marmoush would miss Manchester United’s visit to Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The club confirmed Marmoush “will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation”.

Marmoush initially played on after receiving treatment on the field, but was replaced by Osama Faisal shortly afterwards.

He has scored eight goals in 28 appearances for City.

City boss Pep Guardiola could be short of options in attack, given summer signing Rayan Cherki is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and England attacking midfielder Phil Foden missed the defeat by Brighton before the international break.

Credit: bbc

Alexander Isak jets in to start work for Liverpool amid death threat drama

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The Swede appeared in great spirits at Melwood after jetting in from Sweden this week

Alexander Isak has taken part in his first training session with Liverpool since sealing a British record £125million move to Merseyside last week.

Having been included in Sweden’s squad for their World Cup Qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, the 25-year-old linked up with his new team-mates on Wednesday.

And Isak appeared in great spirits at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground this morning as he was pictured beaming with a huge grin in the club’s new Adidas gear.

It remains to be seen whether Arne Slot‘s new No 9, who netted an impressive 23 Premier League goals last term, will be fit enough to start at Turf Moor against Burnley on Sunday after missing out on a pre-season.

He was nevertheless deemed in good enough condition to feature off the bench for his national side as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 loss against 10-man Kosovo on Monday.

With Sweden already two goals down, Isak was introduced with 20 minutes to go in a desperate bid to get his side back in the game.

The former Real Sociedad man was however unable to help Sweden pull off a comeback as he, Viktor Gyokeres and co suffered a loss which now leaves them in danger of missing out on next summer’s World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.

Having failed to win either of their opening two qualifiers, Sweden sit five points adrift of group leaders Switzerland and two points behind Kosovo in their qualifying group in a predicament which left tensions amongst some Swedish supporters boiling over on Monday.

A number of the players were subjected to vile death threats on social media post-match, which the Swedish FA say ‘crossed the line’. A number of comments have been reported to the police.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

KAIPTC, UNDP, and Japan brings Accra Initiative Capacity-Building Project to a Close

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BERNICE BESSEY
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The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, hosted the official closing ceremony of the project titled “Support to Strengthen Capacities for Promoting Efficiency in the Implementation of the Accra Initiative in West Africa and the Sahel.”

Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the year-long project focused on building capacity, fostering collaboration, and enhancing operational readiness among the seven signatory states of the Accra Initiative — Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Mali, and Niger, with Nigeria participating as a collaborative observer.

The event brought together senior security officials, diplomats, and stakeholders in peace and security from across West Africa and beyond. Key speakers included the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, Ms. Shaima Hussien.

In his address, Brigadier General Ayorrogo praised the collective effort that led to the successful completion of the project.

“The presentations and discussions during this Steering Committee Meeting have clearly demonstrated the substantial progress achieved,” he noted. “The tailored training packages, research, and strengthened policy dialogues have significantly enhanced regional security cooperation and operational readiness.”

He also commended the project for fostering stronger ties among sister nations, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum and deepen partnerships in the face of growing regional threats.

“The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre reaffirms its unwavering support for the Accra Initiative and stands ready to assist in the continued pursuit of a stable and secure West Africa and Sahel,” he added.

Ambassador Yoshimoto echoed Japan’s strong support for African-led peace and security initiatives.
“This project is an affirmation of our shared commitment in the face of evolving threats. Terrorism and violent extremism do not recognize borders, and coordinated efforts like the Accra Initiative are critical,” he said.

Recalling Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s 2022 visit to Ghana, the Ambassador reiterated Japan’s dedication to peace and stability in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.

“The Accra Initiative aligns with Japan’s longstanding principle of locally-driven efforts. We are proud to have contributed to laying the foundation for long-term impact in this region.”

Ms. Shaima Hussien of UNDP Ghana emphasized the increasing urgency of such collaborative efforts.
“According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel region now accounts for over 50% of global terrorism. The security landscape continues to deteriorate rapidly, making initiatives like this not only timely but essential,” she said.

She extended gratitude to the Government of Japan and KAIPTC for their leadership and commitment to peace and development in the subregion.

The closure of this capacity-building project marks a significant milestone in regional security cooperation, but leaders at the event made it clear that the work is far from over.

“We look forward to continuing this year’s collaboration and many more of such fruitful partnerships in the future,” said Brigadier General Ayorrogo.

As violent extremism and instability continue to threaten the Sahel and West Africa, the Accra Initiative stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when regional actors, international partners, and expert institutions like KAIPTC unite for a common cause.

Battle Over Mining Concession: Assemblyman Shot Dead Allegedly By Soldiers … Angry Youth Burn Asanko Mines Excavators In Retaliation

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RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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The burnt excavators

Residents of Mpatuam in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region are in mourning, following a violent confrontation between military personnel and community members that have left two people dead, including an elected assembly member, with others injured.

The deceased have been identified as Samuel Dankwa, Assembly Member for AboaboTetekaso, and Akwasi Bonsu, an indigene of the area. Two others remain on admission at a health facility, after sustaining gunshot wounds.

How It Began

The incident, according to The Chronicle’s sources, began on Sunday, September 8, 2025 when Bonsu allegedly drowned after falling into an abandoned mining pit, while fleeing from military personnel stationed at Asanko Gold’s concession.

Angered by his death, the irate youth retrieved the body and dumped it at the military base in protest.

A standoff ensued, during which soldiers reportedly opened fire on the crowd. Three people were hit, including Assembly Member, Samuel Dankwa, who died later.

Asanko Gold Reacts

Mining company Asanko Gold confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a confrontation between soldiers and residents on its concession in the Amansie South District.

The company noted that the military presence forms part of a state-sanctioned security arrangement coordinated through the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

“Tensions escalated within the community, leading to civil unrest, an attack on military camps and an invasion of mining operational areas. These events led to a fatality and significant damages to contractor equipment,” the statement said.

The company extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged to work closely with authorities and community leaders to restore calm and maintain dialogue.

MP Condemns the Killings

The Member of Parliament for MansoNkwanta, Mr.TweneboahKoduahFokuo, expressed outrage, describing the killings as a “heinous crime” that undermines Ghana’s democracy.

“This act of violence not only robs families of their loved ones, but also strikes at the heart of our democracy, security and dignity of the communities that host the mine,” he said.

Fokuoaccused the military of brutalising residents over several months, creating fear and mistrust between the mines and its host communities.

The MP has, therefore, called for an independent inquiry into the tragic development. He appealed to the Ministry of the Interior to initiate a public inquiry into the deployment, conduct and accountability of the military officers involved, while also spelling out clear guidelines for the use of armed security in private commercial spaces.

He further urged the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces Command to take disciplinary and criminal action against the officers directly responsible for the shootings.

According to him, there must also be a thorough review of the deployment policy to prevent the military from being used as an instrument of corporate intimidation.

Touching on the role of the mining company, Mr.Fokuo called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, together with the Minerals Commission, to investigate whether Asanko Mines sanctioned or facilitated the excessive use of force.

He also demanded a review of the company’s social responsibility and community engagement practices to ensure peaceful co-existence with its host communities.

The MP did not leave out the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which he urged to independently examine the human rights violations allegedly suffered by the people of Mpatuom.

He emphasised that CHRAJ’s recommendations must include redress measures such as compensation for the families of the victims.

Finally, he asked the Parliament of Ghana’s Defence and Interior Committee to summon the Ministers of Defence, Interior and Lands and Natural Resources to account to the Ghanaian people on the matter.

Pending the outcome of these investigations, the MP insisted on the immediate suspension of all military personnel deployed at Asanko Mines.

 

Abronye ‘Chauffeured’ To Court In Black Maria

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Abronye being assisted to board the Black Maria

The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), James Kwame Baffoe Abronye, widely known as Abronye DC, was on Tuesday arraigned before the Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah, on charges of publication of false news and offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace.

Abronye DC, who arrived at the court in a Black Maria, under tight police escort, had his plea deferred upon the request of the prosecution team, led by Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye Okuffo and Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer.

The court granted the prosecution’s prayer for remand, with the accused set to reappear on Friday, September 12, 2025.

According to the prosecution team, on September 3, 2025 during a live-streamed programme on Ohia TV, Abronye DC falsely alleged that “all the strategic meetings conducted by the NDC in Akwatia had the IGP in attendance.”

He further described the current Inspector General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, as having a “low Intelligence Quotient (IQ)” and being “the most foolish and most corrupt IGP in the history of Ghana.”

The prosecution asserts that these statements were made with malicious intent and were likely to provoke breaches of public peace.

A forensic capture of the broadcast has been secured as evidence and the police say the video was later uploaded to Abronye’s TikTok account, under the username “@bawumiaty.”

Prosecution’s Argument

Chief Inspector Okuffo told the court that the nature of the allegations touch on national security and therefore warrant a thorough investigation.

He urged the court to remand the accused to allow investigators more time to conclude their work without violating the 48-hour constitutional detention limit.

Chief Inspector Lawer supported this stance, arguing that granting bail at this stage would “hamper the ability” of the police to investigate the matter.

He added that Abronye DC is a potential flight risk, alleging that the accused had previously written to various embassies seeking asylum and that, given Ghana’s porous borders the risk of absconding was high.

“If the accused is granted bail, the chances of absconding are 100%,” Lawer told the court.

Defence Response

In response, defence counsel Daniel Nii Martey Addo dismissed the claims, stating that Abronye DC voluntarily submitted himself to police upon invitation, and had shown no intention of fleeing the jurisdiction.

“The charges are misdemeanours. The accused is not and will never be a flight risk,” the defence counsel argued.

“The court should exercise its discretion in favour of the accused and grant bail under Section 96 of the Criminal Procedure Code,” defence counsel added.

Daniel Nii Martey Addo also contended that the prosecution’s opposition to bail was misconceived, noting that the alleged asylum letters were written prior to the accused’s arrest and that, his client would cooperate fully with both the court and law enforcement.

Court’s Decision

After hearing arguments from both sides, His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah ruled that Abronye DC be remanded into police custody to allow for uninterrupted investigations, particularly to stay within the constitutional 48-hour detention rule.

“The police have stated their intention to conduct a full investigation. The prosecution’s prayer will be granted,” the judge ruled.

Abronye DC will reappear before the court on Friday, September 12, 2025. The case stems from a viral video posted on social media where Abronye DC, during a live discussion made serious allegations against the Inspector General of Police and the opposition NDC.

The Ghana Police Service is the complainant in the matter.

Customs Vows To Clamp Down On Revenue Leakages At Ports

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Deputy Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA, Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan

The Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Brigadier General Glover Ashong Annan, has reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to plugging revenue leakages and enhancing tax compliance at the country’s ports of entry.

In a telephone interview with The Chronicle’s Business Desk yesterday, Brigadier General Annan revealed a raft of robust strategies being deployed to combat revenue loss, particularly through the diversion of transit goods, smuggling, under-declaration and mis-description of imports.

He identified the diversion of transit goods, where importers circumvent duty payments by illegally selling in-transit goods within the country as a major concern, but assured the public that Customs is intensifying its surveillance and enforcement to end the practice.

“Our focus is to make it impossible for goods to leave bonded warehouses without proper duty payments. We are also clamping down on the smuggling of high-duty items like alcoholic beverages, which have been a consistent source of tax evasion,” the Deputy Commissioner stated.

He issued a stern warning to Customs personnel, who collude with clearing agents and importers to manipulate the system for personal gain, describing such actions as unpatriotic. “We are cleaning house. Any officer found aiding evasion schemes will face severe disciplinary action,” he added.

As part of these intensified measures, the Division has already uncovered several cases of tax evasion and under-declaration.

Brigadier General Annan emphasised that these efforts form part of Customs’ broader objective to ensure that every cedi due the state is collected to support national development.

“Our ports are economic lifelines. We must protect them from being exploited. The Ghana Revenue Authority will continue to invest in technology, train our officers, and strengthen compliance enforcement to ensure maximum revenue collection,” he concluded.

The Customs Division is urging importers and agents to act in good faith, as the authority ramps up efforts to track and punish fraudulent practices at all entry points.

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