New York, May 17 (IANS) The man who attacked author Salman Rushdie, blinding him in one eye, was sentenced on Friday to 25 years in prison, the local prosecutor said.

Judge David Foley gave an unrepentant Hadi Matar at court in Mayville in New York State, near where the attack took place, for attempted murder.He was convicted under state laws in February, and he faces separate terrorism charges under federal laws.Matar, 27, also received a sentence of seven years that would run concurrently with the main sentence.The district prosecutor for Chautauqua County, Jason Schmidt, said after the sentencing, “I’m pleased with the sentence that was imposed by the judge.”Matar’s lawyer Nathaniel Barone said that he planned to file an appeal.Matar rushed to the stage and attacked Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022 when the author, who was under a fatwa from Iran’s Ayatollah, was about to speak.Rushdie was stabbed several times, including in his right eye, which he lost and now wears an eye patch.Henry Reese, who runs a programme to give persecuted writers asylum, was also injured during the attack.Rushdie detailed the attack and its aftermath in a memoir published in 2024, “Knife”.The origins of the attack go back to 1989, when Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued the fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death, saying that his novel published the previous year, “The Satanic Verses,” was blasphemous.This forced Rushdie to hide under the protection of British authorities for several years, before he moved to New York and began to appear in public.Before the sentencing, Matar told the judge Rushdie “wants to be a bully, he wants to bully other people. I don’t agree with that”.Rushdie was disrespectful to other people, Matar said in a rambling statement in which he spoke incongruously about freedom of speech and religion.”There’s an irony to all of this,” Schmidt said.”His value system is that he can impose his own sense of justice and sentencing upon somebody who violates, you know, his value system.”Barone said Matar was trying to let the court know that “he felt very strongly about his Muslim religion”.He noted that while some may have agreed with Matar, other Shia Muslims said, “What happened is wrong.”When federal charges were filed against Matar in July, Merrick Garland, who was then the Attorney General, said he “committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organisation aligned with the Iranian regime”.Barone said that a hearing in the case was expected in July, and he expected the trial to start early next year.In the US legal system, there are separate — and sometimes overlapping — federal and state laws with separate state, local and federal court systems, and people can be tried on different charges in those courts.–IANSal/khz

Islamabad, May 17 (IANS) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a first formal acceptance of…

Colombo, May 16 (IANS) The Sri Lankan Buddhist Lawyers’ Association on Friday congratulated the newly-appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai who was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 14.In a letter addressed to the CJI, who is the first Buddhist to head the country’s judiciary, the association stated that this milestone stands not only as a personal triumph but as a beacon of inclusion, harmony, and the enduring relevance of Dhamma, or the teachings of Buddha, in public service.”We are deeply moved and proud to witness this historic moment, the elevation of Your Lordship as the first Buddhist to assume the highest judicial office in the Republic of India. Your unwavering commitment to equity, wisdom, and compassion and working for the welfare of all sentient beings through the dispensation of fair and enlightened justice echoes the teachings of the Buddha,” the lawyers stated.The association wished that in these times of complexity, the leadership of the CJI inspires not only Bharat but the wider region in reaffirming the foundational values of justice, tolerance, and universal fraternity”May Your Lordship’s tenure be blessed with clarity of mind, strength of heart, and the serene courage to uphold the Constitution with equanimity and honour. In the timeless words of the Dhammapada, Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacarim. As a venerable guardian of justice, your life and career reflect the noble path of right action (samma kammanta) and right livelihood (samma ajiva), which lie at the heart of the Eightfold Noble Path,” the letter stated while highlighting the principles of Buddhism.CJI Gavai will have a tenure of over six months and will demit the highest judicial office of the country on November 23, 2025.Son of former Bihar Governor R.S. Gavai, Justice Gavai also took pride in the fact that he would be the first Buddhist CJI of the country.”My father had embraced Buddhism along with Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I will become the first Buddhist Chief Justice of the country. I go to temples, dargahs, Jain temples, gurudwaras everywhere,” said Justice Gavai asserting that he believes in all religions.–IANSint/scor/as

Yaounde, May 16 (IANS) Former Chadian Prime Minister Succes Masra was arrested on Friday in…

Naypyidaw, May 16 (IANS) Residents of Myanmar are unhappy with the local authorities in Mandalay who they allege are delaying the inspection of risk assessment of damaged buildings and in handling applications for demolition or repair since the devastating March 28 earthquake which wrought massive destruction in the country.”We’ve been sleeping outside on the street since the earthquake. It’s really difficult to keep living like this when inspections aren’t happening and repairs aren’t allowed,” Myanmar’s media outlet ‘The Irrawaddy’ quoted one of the residents as saying on Friday.”My two-story brick house didn’t collapse, but some of the pillars were slightly damaged. Since it was built by a private builder, they said they could assess and repair it. Some repairs were already completed, but then the municipal authorities came and told me to stop. That was more than 10 days ago, but no municipal officials have come to inspect it,” said another resident who had to vacate his property.The devastating earthquake on March 28 claimed over 2,000 lives in Mandalay city alone. Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded since the quake which have forced residents to sleep outside, enduring high temperatures of 42 degree Celsius.According to the Mandalay City Development Committee, nearly 4,000 buildings have collapsed completely and the clearing of the rubble and rebuilding has been continuing since the earthquake.Last week, Myanmar state media reported that the clearance of buildings damaged by the massive earthquake is approximately 80 per cent complete in Mandalay and about 50 per cent complete in Sagaing.In Mandalay, major roads affected by the earthquake have been cleared of debris to prevent obstacles and ensure the safety of commuters, state-owned daily ‘The Global New Light of Myanmar’ reported, citing the officials of Myanmar Fire Brigade Headquarters.The earthquake has caused the deaths of 3,759 people and injuries to 5,107 others, with 114 individuals still reported missing nationwide, as of earlier this month.Last month, a report of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted that frequent strong aftershocks continue to shake central Myanmar almost daily, increasing fear and uncertainty, adding that many families still sleep outdoors, exposed to the elements and the risk of disease and venomous insect and snake bites.–IANSint/scor/as

Kathmandu, May 16 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s unwavering commitment to global climate action and the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the Himalayas and other mountain ecosystems during the inaugural session of ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ organised in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on Friday.The high-level global dialogue was convened under the theme of ‘Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity’ and saw participation of ministers and climate leaders from across the world.”The Himalayas bear a significant part of the burden of the environmental crisis. We in India, with our significant Himalayan territory, witness these impacts first-hand. India shares the concerns of the mountain States and their people. Our environmental futures are intrinsically linked. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is deeply committed to contributing to climate action with the urgency it demands, despite our minimal role for the crisis,” Yadav posted on X after the session.Several foreign dignitaries, including Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Vice Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Xiao Jie and COP29 President and Azerbaijan’s Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev participated in the session.”It is a profound honour to represent India at this historic gathering. The name Sagarmatha, meaning ‘Head of the Sky’, aptly encapsulates the majesty and the responsibility we bear in protecting the mountains that form the lifeblood of our planet,” said Minister Yadav.He appreciated Nepal for hosting the ‘Sambaad’ and stated that India, with its vast Himalayan region, shares a common ecological and cultural bond with its mountain neighbours. He stressed that South Asia accounts for only four per cent of historical global CO₂ emissions, despite being home to nearly 25 per cent of the global population.The Minister emphasised that the burden of the climate crisis continues to fall disproportionately on developing nations, while developed countries remain far from fulfilling their commitments to climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.Yadav asserted the immense biodiversity value of high-altitude ecosystems like the India and Nepal region. He stressed on the need for enhanced transboundary conservation efforts, calling on all Himalayan nations to collaborate under the International Big Cats Alliance to support joint protection initiatives for species such as snow leopards, tigers, and leopards.”The Alliance aims to foster conservation expertise, fund critical initiatives, and create a knowledge repository for the protection of these iconic species,” he stated during his address.”At the 13th CoP to the Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of protecting the snow leopard and its habitat in the upper Himalayas. In line with this vision, India has conducted its first comprehensive Snow Leopard Population Assessment, which carried out between 2019 and 2023, found a total of 718 snow leopards across India, representing approximately 10-15 per cent of the global population,” Yadav said further while reflecting on the significance of Project Snow Leopard launched by PM Modi.”India stands ready to partner with Nepal and all mountain nations to protect our shared ecological heritage. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — we must ensure that our sacred mountains continue to stand tall as beacons of hope and sustainability,” Yadav concluded.Following the session, Yadav met Nepal PM Oli on the sidelines of ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ event.”Communicated India’s appreciation for organising Sagarmatha Sambaad to discuss ‘Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity’. Both sides showed willingness to deepen ties in areas of clean energy, biodiversity conservation and protecting our natural resources. Expressed my gratitude for the wonderful Nepalese hospitality,” he said after meeting Oli.Later in the day, Yadav also called on Arzu Rana Deuba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal.”A good meeting with Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India. We took stock of the gamut of deep-rooted Nepal-India ties. Given India’s role as a climate leader, we value H.E. Yadav’s important perspective at the Sagarmatha Sambaad,” Deuba posted on X after the meeting.–IANSint/scor/as

Hanoi, May 16 (IANS) Renowned Buddhist scholar and spiritual leader Ling Rinpoche on Friday visited the Buddhist temple Quang Sa Pagoda in Vietnam to pay respects to the holy Buddha Relics sent from India. He was warmly welcomed by monks and devotees, offered prayers and joined a special ceremony highlighting deep spiritual ties across Buddhist traditions.The sacred relics of Lord Buddha from India were enshrined in the Buddhist temple Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi earlier this week with ceremonial ritual and prayers conducted by monks from India and Vietnam.Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam also shared information on relics of Lord Buddha and upcoming projects with the local media.Terming it as a national treasure of India, the Embassy stated that the visit of Lord Buddha’s relics to Vietnam is the result of the cooperation between both governments, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and other organisations.On Thursday evening, Comrade Bui Thị Minh Hoai, Member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, also visited the Quan Su Pagoda to venerate the Buddha’s Sacred Relic on the occasion of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025.Earlier, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha visited the Buddhist temple in Hanoi to venerate and pay respects to the sacred relics. The visit took place in a solemn and reverent atmosphere, reflecting deep respect for the spiritual and cultural values of Buddhism.Vietnam’s Hanoi came to a standstill this week as a large crowd thronged the capital city from across the country and gathered outside the Quan Su Pagoda to pay their obeisance to the Holy Buddhist Relics sent from India.Around five lakh people had gathered on the streets to welcome the sacred relics as it entered the Vietnamese capital on Tuesday. People were high on emotions, with many weeping and praying while others chanted aloud.India’s sending of the holy relics to Vietnam has been appreciated by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong as a gesture that has further strengthened the strong spiritual and cultural ties between both countries.The holy relics were brought from India on May 2 by an Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior monks and officials.The holy relics will remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations. The relics were earlier displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, and then in Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province and are currently in Hanoi till Friday.–IANSint/scor/as

Quetta, May 16 (IANS) The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and activists by the Pakistani authorities which it said reflects the state of lawlessness in the province.Baloch human rights defenders from the BYC have allegedly been arrested by the Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department or forcibly disappeared, the BWF said while demanding their immediate release.”In the span of around two months, several leaders and workers of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have been arrested, including their Central Organiser Mahrang Baloch. These arrests have further intensified the situation and are fueling the already growing hatred among the Baloch civilians for state institutions. We are of the opinion that the so-called parliamentarians and the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are intentionally worsening the situations here, functioning solely as warlords,” read a statement issued by the BWF.The BWF also revealed a detailed list of several BYC activists illegally detained by the Pakistani forces.”The Central Core Committee member of the BYC, Bebagr Baloch, was abducted on March 20 from his home along with his brother Hammal. They surfaced a day later in Bijligarh Police Station in Quetta. After over a month and some days, Hammal was released but Bebagr is still in illegal detention,” the BWF stated.”The Central Organiser of the BYC Mahrang Baloch was arrested on March 22 after midnight when the police cracked down the protesting sit-in with the dead bodies of three protesters killed by the police earlier. Along with Mahrang Baloch, Baloch activist Beebow Baloch was also detained from Saryab. During her detention, she was threatened and tortured inside the Hudda Jail where she is imprisoned under the black law of Maintenance of Public Order (MPO),” the BWF further stated.Along with these leaders, numerous BYC activists are also facing illegal detention and abuse in Pakistan while many are charged under the draconian MPO law.Highlighting the growing human rights violations, the BWF stated that these two months have been testing months for the Baloch community.”We have observed a rise in the cases of enforced disappearances while several others were martyred in fake encounters and targetted killings. While using acts as PECA and MPO to silence the dissents from shouting out against the injustices, the LEAs have been fully working on enhancing Baloch genocidal policies, including dumping bodies of several already disappeared Baloch. We have continuously alarmed the state and its notorious and concerned institutions to refrain from human-cum-Baloch rights violations, but all in vain,” read the BWF statement.”We, at the Baloch Women Forum, denounce in the harshest words the brutal police crackdown on Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and, what we believe, illegal arrests of its leadership for around two months under a colonial-cum-black-law of Maintenance of Public Order (MPO),” the statement added.The BWF mentioned that, as a stakeholder in Baloch politics, it is severely concerned about the safety and fundamental rights of not only the detained Baloch activists, but collectively for the Baloch as a nation.The BWF called for the immediate release of detained BYC activists and their family members; stop continuous harassment of peaceful political workers and civilians; end to the growing number of target killings and fake encounters in Balochistan; accountability for all those involved in human rights violations of the Baloch; and, to let the Baloch live peacefully.The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is an organisation advocating for the rights of the minority Baloch community in Pakistan.–IANSint/scor/as

Seoul, May 16 (IANS) Heavier-than-expected rainfall hit the greater South Korea’s Seoul area on Friday,…

Seoul, May 16 (IANS) South Korean Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung appealed to voters in North Jeolla Province on Friday, while People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo headed to battleground regions in the Gyeonggi and South Chungcheong provinces.With the official campaigns for the June 3 presidential election entering the fifth day, Lee appeared to solidify his support in the region, a stronghold for the DP, while Kim sought to woo centrist voters in the battleground region.The June 3 presidential vote is being held to pick a successor to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid.So far, the DP’s Lee has kept a solid lead in opinion polls in a three-way race that also includes Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party.A Gallup Korea survey conducted this week showed that the DP’s Lee was leading Kim with 51 per cent support against Kim’s 29 per cent. The minor party’s Lee came third with eight percent.Lee Jae-myung will start the day by visiting Iksan and Gunsan in North Jeolla Province before meeting young traditional musicians in the southwestern city of Jeonju.He will then hold a campaign rally at the back gate of Jeonbuk National University and wrap up his day in the southwestern city of Jeongeup.PPP’s Kim will campaign in the greater Seoul area, which is considered a barometer of public sentiment, and seek to gain support in the key battleground of the central region.Kim started off by greeting commuters at Pangyo in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, and held a campaign rally at a traditional market in Suwon. He will move to Dongtan on the southern outskirts of the capital, where he is set to announce his pledge regarding the Great Train Express (GTX) at Dongtan Station.He will then head to the central cities of Cheonan, Sejong, Cheongju and Daejeon. In Sejong, he plans to visit the site of the planned relocation of the National Assembly building and announce his pledge to develop the administrative capital, Yonhap news agency reported.Meanwhile, Lee of the minor New Reform Party unveiled his pledge to transform Busan into a global data hub by establishing a “data special zone.”He also announced plans to introduce a special law that would require explicit consent from a data subject or approval from an independent committee to view, copy or utilize high-risk sensitive information even if a search and seizure warrant has been issued.–IANSint/jk