With talk of riots, Trump probe moves into more explosive territory

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Awash in arguments over redacted affidavits and special masters and the meaning of "uncharged persons," we might seem to be settling into a debate about the Trump investigation that only lawyers can love.

But along comes Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of the former president, with this proclamation on Fox News: "If there is a prosecution of Donald Trump for mishandling classified information after the Clinton debacle… there literally will be riots in the street." Well, that woke everyone up.  Especially when Trump shared the video on Truth Social. Sounds like a prediction of civil war.

A screenshot of Sen. Lindsey Graham from America's Newsroom on November 10, 2021. (Fox News)

IMPROPER JUSTICE LEAKS TRIGGER BOMBSHELL STORY ON TRUMP'S STASH OF CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS A bitter opponent of Trump who became a close confidant and has been ordered to testify in a Georgia criminal probe of the former president, the senator was not mincing words. But was he delivering a not-so-veiled threat to Merrick Garland about bringing charges based on the boxes of classified material that Trump held back from the National Archives? Trump, for his part, has essentially called for a revolt at the FBI. "When are the great Agents, and others, in the FBI going to say ‘we aren’t going to take it anymore… The wonderful people of the FBI went absolutely ‘nuts’" during the Hillary Clinton probe, he wrote. It’s not just about legal language anymore.  Trump is referring to the former first lady’s private email server when she was at the State Department, and sent some emails that were later deemed to be classified. She was not charged, although James Comey did plenty of damage to her campaign by publicly assailing her conduct. Sandy Berger, Bill Clinton’s national security adviser, was fined $50,000 and given two years probation for stealing classified papers from the Archives. It is cases like this that make it impossible for me to believe that the Justice Department will bring charges against Trump solely for mishandling classified documents – unless, that is, it’s connected to some further misconduct that was blacked out in that FBI affidavit. This is not some mere paperwork dispute – these are criminal offenses – but the history of leniency works in Trump’s favor.

Former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago home was raided by the FBI earlier this month.  (Fox News)

Andy McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor, told me on "Media Buzz" that while Trump’s legal strategy of resistance has backfired, the Justice Department insistence that most of the FBI affidavit remain sealed is revealing. "It doesn’t make sense to me that they would fight so hard to withhold this information if they actually intended to charge him," McCarthy said. Noting the reference to "uncharged persons" – which could obviously include Trump – he added the fact that DOJ is fighting disclosure so hard is "a sign that they won’t prosecute." The former president is poised, however, to win a legal skirmish after another judge (appointed by him) indicated she will probably rule in favor of his request for a special master, or outside expert, to review the seized documents. I don’t see what that gets him – DOJ has been poring over this material for three weeks – but the suit itself was widely mocked, especially after his inexperienced lawyers bungled the paperwork. As for the impact of the Mar-a-Lago search, news accounts, some based on DOJ leaks, make clear that Garland’s investigation is in the early stages. In normal criminal probes, search warrants are executed at the end, often before an indictment. What, then, was the rush, other than retrieving the super-top secret stuff? Still, some of Trump’s defenders have switched to process arguments – too many redactions! – now that emerging evidence makes clear that the 45th president repeatedly held back classified documents that are the government’s property.  What does all this mean for 2024? It’s still extremely difficult for me to imagine Trump running and somehow losing the nomination. National Review Editor Rich Lowry says that while Trump’s narrative of chaos and persecution is boosting his core Republican support, "that a potential presidential candidate was raided by the FBI is a terrible reason to support him. "It’s become clear that Trump certainly could have been more cooperative and forthcoming in the negotiations with the National Archives, to keep the conflict from even getting to this point… "Wouldn’t it be better to go with someone who isn’t so routinely victimized; indeed, someone who doesn’t adopt a framework of victimhood at all? The answer would seem obvious, but not many Republicans feel that way." David Frum, in the Atlantic, says "the enforcement of a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago has rallied trial Republicans to Trump’s defense. The search boosted his fundraising to $1 million a day – and helped to extend his lead over Governor Ron DeSantis in a putative 2024 primary contest. NBC reported on a poll that showed Trump, pre-search, tied with DeSantis in a multicandidate field. Post-search, he led DeSantis 52–20. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to supporters at a campaign stop on the Keep Florida Free Tour at the Horsepower Ranch in Geneva.   (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

THE MEDIA LIONIZE CHENEY AS SHE LOSES, CHEERING THE ANTI-TRUMPER THEY ONCE OPPOSED "Although the Republican base loves Trump, Republican leaders recognize that he’s a general-election loser. Trump at the head of the ticket in 2024 spells trouble; even a reminder that Trump is at large in 2022 hurts down ballot. That’s why Republican leaders have pleaded with Trump to delay any announcement of a 2024 run until after November’s voting. SUBSCRIBE TO HOWIE'S MEDIA BUZZMETER PODCAST, A RIFF ON THE DAY'S HOTTEST STORIES "To win consistently, a party needs a broad coalition. A party that keeps alienating great numbers of voters by nominating extremists, crooks, and weirdos is a party that is abdicating from governing." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP That’s an obvious reference to some of the MAGA contenders and election deniers who won primaries with Trump’s backing, but are considered problematic candidates, especially in Senate races, in the midterms.

There’s an old adage in politics that if you’re explaining, you’re losing. My updated version is, if you’re talking about riots, you’re on the defensive, and changing the subject from some very unflattering facts.  

Howard Kurtz is the host of FOX News Channel's MediaBuzz (Sundays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. ET). Based in Washington, D.C., he joined the network in July 2013 and regularly appears on Special Report with Bret Baier and other programs.

#talk #riots #Trump #probe #moves #explosive #territory https://www.globalcourant.com/with-talk-of-riots-trump-probe-moves-into-more-explosive-territory/?feed_id=17729&_unique_id=630dc56eebdcf

Amethi Lekhpal, Who Failed to Recognise Smriti Irani Over Phone, Faces Probe

Last Updated: August 29, 2022, 22:56 IST

Irani, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, phoned the lekhpal, but he could not recognise her. (Photo: IANS)

A resident of Poore Pahalwan village under Musafirkhana tehsil had on August 27 given a complaint letter to Irani saying that after the death of his father, who was a teacher, his mother Savitri Devi is entitled for pension, whose verification has not been done by lekhpal Deepak

A probe has been ordered against a lekhpal, who failed to recognise Amethi MP and Union minister Smriti Irani over phone, for not discharging his duties, officials said on Monday. A resident of Poore Pahalwan village under Musafirkhana tehsil had on August 27 given a complaint letter to Irani saying that after the death of his father, who was a teacher, his mother Savitri Devi is entitled for pension, whose verification has not been done by lekhpal Deepak. The complainant, Karunesh (27), further said due to which his mother is not able to get the pension. On this, Irani, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, phoned the lekhpal, but he could not recognise her. Read all the Latest News India and Breaking News here

#Amethi #Lekhpal #Failed #Recognise #Smriti #Irani #Phone #Faces #Probe https://www.globalcourant.com/amethi-lekhpal-who-failed-to-recognise-smriti-irani-over-phone-faces-probe/?feed_id=17484&_unique_id=630cfe8b2f000

Pakistan reiterates call for joint probe on India's firing of supersonic missile into Pakistan

Islamabad Police personnel standing outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday rejected India's purported closure of a  "highly irresponsible incident" during which a supersonic missile was fired into Pakistan's territory this year on March 9. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan has reiterated demand for a joint probe. "We have seen India’s announcement of the findings of an internal Court of Inquiry regarding the incident of firing of a rogue supersonic missile into Pakistani territory on 9 March, and the decision to terminate the services of three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers reportedly found responsible for the reckless incident," statement by the FO read. FO further stated that the measures taken by India in the aftermath of the incident, in addition to the subsequent findings and punishments handed by the "so-called internal Court of Inquiry" are totally "unsatisfactory, deficient and inadequate".
The ministry's statement added that India has not only failed to respond to Pakistan's demand for a joint inquiry, but has also evaded the questions raised by Pakistan regarding its command and control system, safety and security protocols, and the reason for India’s delayed admission of the Missile launch. "Systemic loopholes and technical lapses of serious nature in handling of strategic weapons cannot be covered up beneath the veneer of individual human error," the statement read, demanding India for a joint probe in the spirit of transparency — particularly if it has "nothing to hide". The FO asserted that the imprudent Indian action of March 9, jeopardized regional peace and security, and that Pakistan’s demonstration of exemplary restraint is a testament of the country's systemic maturity and abiding commitment to peace as a responsible nuclear state. "Pakistan reiterates its demand that the Indian Government must immediately provide specific responses to the queries raised by Pakistan after the incident and accedes to its call for a joint probe," the statement read.

#Pakistan #reiterates #call #joint #probe #Indias #firing #supersonic #missile #Pakistan https://www.globalcourant.com/pakistan-reiterates-call-for-joint-probe-on-indias-firing-of-supersonic-missile-into-pakistan/?feed_id=15370&_unique_id=63068e4302f42

Australia's Albanese mulls probe into secret ministries saga

PM Anthony Albanese says his government could investigate ex-premier Scott Morrison, who was secretly sworn in to five key ministries during Covid pandemic.

PM Albanese (R) has previously said Morrison had attacked the Westminster system of government by secretly appointing himself to the portfolios. (Reuters and AP archives)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said his government could consider an inquiry into ex-PM Scott Morrison being secretly sworn into key ministries during the coronavirus pandemic. Albanese said on Sunday the government would receive advice on Monday from the Solicitor General, the country's second highest law officer, on the legality of Morrison's actions. Albanese indicated the government would also consider an inquiry and reforms to ensure the actions could not be repeated. "We'll examine all of those issues after we receive the Solicitor General's advice. I am running a proper cabinet government, that has proper processes, and we'll give full consideration to it," Albanese told Sky News television. Morrison's unprecedented assumption of powers Morrison, who stepped down as leader of the Liberal Party after losing a general election in May, was secretly sworn in to five key ministries during the pandemic, which represented an unprecedented assumption of powers, it emerged this week. The action has drawn criticism from the Labor government and Morrison's own party, but the former prime minister has defended the moves on the basis that he felt responsibility for the nation in the pandemic was his alone. Albanese said while the Solicitor General would advise on legal issues, there also were broader issues that needed to be probed. "There's separate questions about the functioning of our democracy, about conventions and whether any conventions have been overturned, and whether there's a need for any reforms required to ensure that something like this can never happen again," the prime minister said. Albanese has previously said Morrison had attacked the Westminster system of government by secretly appointing himself to the portfolios, which included home affairs, treasury, health, finance and resources between 2020 and 2021. Morrison has said he did not "take over" the ministries, after being sworn in by the governor general, and no ministers were interfered with except on one occasion, where he rejected a resources project. Source: Reuters

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/australias-albanese-mulls-probe-into-secret-ministries-saga/?feed_id=13667&_unique_id=6301af4debf34

TRS Leader Stabbed to Death in Broad Daylight; Probe On, Section 144 Imposed

A ruling TRS functionary was reportedly stabbed to death at a village in Khammam district of Telangana on Monday. The incident happened when the deceased, Tammineni Krishnaiah, was returning from an Independence Day flag hoisting function.

Authorities have imposed section 144 in the area following the killing.

Four unidentified persons in an auto chased and stopped Krishnaiah’s bike near Teladurapally village before stabbing him and fleeing the scene, police told PTI. Special teams have been formed to nab the culprits.

Meanwhile, supporters of the deceased tried to pelt stones on the house of a man belonging to another political party, who was absconding, on the suspicion of his involvement. The house of the absconding man is close to the scene of incident. However, police brought the situation under control, an official told PTI.

There are allegations about the involvement of the absconding man and the facts, including motive for the murder, would be known after investigation, the official added.

In another incident in Telangana on Independence Day, two persons suffered injuries when a clash broke out between the supporters of the ruling TRS and the BJP during state BJP president and MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s ongoing ‘padayatra’ in Jangaon district.

The clash, including stone-pelting, occurred at Devaruppala in the district and two persons suffered minor injuries, police said. Both sides are expected to lodge complain with the police on the incident, they said. Kumar, who resumed his ‘padayatra’ after the incident, alleged that “TRS goons” pelted stones leaving two BJP activists injured.

Read the Latest News and Breaking News here

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/trs-leader-stabbed-to-death-in-broad-daylight-probe-on-section-144-imposed/?feed_id=11490&_unique_id=62fb241cc45ea

DR Congo launches probe after UN peacekeepers kill civilians in shootout

A joint investigation will establish responsibility for the incident that left at least two people dead and 15 injured and impose severe sanctions against the peacekeepers involved.

The incident came days after demonstrators took to the streets in several towns in eastern Congo to demand the departure of the UN mission. (Reuters)

The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an investigation after the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, admitted that its troops killed two people in a shootout in a town on the border with Uganda.

“Two compatriots died and 15 were wounded following shots fired by peacekeepers from a contingent of the MONUSCO intervention brigade from Uganda,” said Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, the DRC's minister in charge of communication and media and government spokesman on Sunday.

He announced the opening of a joint investigation with MONUSCO to establish responsibility for the incident, learn the motivation behind it and to impose severe sanctions against the peacekeepers involved.

Katembwe said they are already under arrest, stressing that they can no longer be part of the contingents of the UN mission pending the outcome of a plan to withdraw MONUSCO from the DRC.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_9Ig-tYT2w[/embed]

'Serious incident'

In a statement, Bintou Keita, head of the mission, said she had learned with deep shock about the grave incident, which happened Sunday morning.

“During this incident, soldiers of the Intervention Brigade of the MONUSCO force, returning from leave, opened fire at the border crossing for unexplained reasons and forced their way through. This serious incident resulted in loss of life and serious injuries,” she said.

Footage of the incident posted on social media showed uniformed men advancing towards an immobilised UN convoy behind a closed barrier in the town of Kasindi in eastern DR Congo's Beni territory.

After a verbal exchange, the peacekeepers appear to have opened fire before opening the gate. They drove on and continued to shoot, scattering residents.

“The perpetrators of the shooting have been identified and arrested pending the conclusions of the investigation that has already begun in collaboration with the Congolese authorities,” added Keita.

The incident came days after demonstrators took to the streets in several towns in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province to demand the departure of the UN mission.

The protests claimed the lives of 19 people, including three peacekeepers.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN under-secretary-general for peace operations, visited Congo on Saturday, where he held talks with Congolese authorities aimed at avoiding a recurrence of the tragic incidents.

The UN mission in Congo has been facing criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness at stopping fighting in the volatile east.

READ MORE: DRC's Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels

Source: TRTWorld and agencies

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/dr-congo-launches-probe-after-un-peacekeepers-kill-civilians-in-shootout/?feed_id=5034&_unique_id=62e788a066930

Slain Al Jazeera journalist's family in US seeking independent probe

The family said it was calling for the United States to launch its own "thorough, credible independent and transparent investigation" into Abu Akleh's murder.

Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist and a prominent Palestinian reporter, was killed on May 11 as she covered an Israeli operation in the occupied West Bank. (AP)

The family of slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has pressed the United States for an independent probe and accountability from Israel on a visit to Washington at the invitation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"For far too long, the United States has enabled Israel to kill with impunity by providing weapons, immunity, and diplomatic cover," Shireen's brother Tony Abu Akleh and her niece and nephew said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Impunity leads to repetition. We are here to do our part to ensure that this cycle ends," they said.

"If we allow Shireen's killing to be swept under the rug, we send a message that the lives of US citizens abroad don't matter, that the lives of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation don't matter, and that the most courageous journalists in the world, those who cover the human impact of armed conflict and violence, are expendable."

READ MORE: How Shireen Abu Akleh inspired a generation of female reporters

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB0qwbo8e8M[/embed]

Criticising Israel for using force

Shireen Abu Akleh, an Al Jazeera journalist and a prominent Palestinian reporter, was killed on May 11 as she covered an Israeli operation in the occupied West Bank.

The United States on July 4 released a statement saying she was likely shot by Israeli fire but that there was no evidence her killing was intentional and that the bullet was too damaged for a conclusive finding.

The statement outraged Abu Akleh's family and Palestinian leaders who say that the United States is not seeking accountability from Israel over the death of the journalist, who also held US citizenship.

Israel says it is still probing her death and rejects suggestions it targeted a journalist.

Abu Akleh's family unsuccessfully sought to meet President Joe Biden when he visited Israel and the occupied West Bank earlier this month.

Blinken, however, invited the family to visit Washington, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said during the trip.

Blinken had spoken earlier to her family by phone and publicly criticised Israel for using force at her funeral, when police grabbed Palestinian flags and pallbearers struggled not to drop her casket.

READ MORE: Relatives of Abu Akleh reject Israeli probe into funeral violence

Source: AFP

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/slain-al-jazeera-journalists-family-in-us-seeking-independent-probe/?feed_id=2470&_unique_id=62e0327dd16a4

French Prosecutors Open Probe into Russian Oligarchs: Legal Source

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the assets owned by Russian oligarchs, a legal source said on Monday.

The probe is expected to look into possible money laundering and corruption.

The investigation, first reported by the Parisien newspaper, comes after anti-graft group Transparency International filed a legal complaint against oligarchs in France in May. 

France has frozen Russian-owned assets worth billions of euros since the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine in February, including luxury yachts, ski chalets and property.

The country's Mediterranean coast, high-end ski resorts and Parisian real estate market have long been favoured destinations for Russian cash for investment and leisure.

"The ambitions of the sanctions regime against Russia and the first asset seizures are running into difficulties in identifying the assets owned by sanctioned individuals," Transparency International France said in a statement last month.

"In France, as elsewhere, the hunt for goods owned by oligarchs and others close to the Russian regime is at a standstill," it added as it filed its legal case. 

The French government has said it faces serious difficulties in identifying and seizing assets that are often owned by overseas shell companies. 

Transparency International said it had "drawn up an inventory of real estate assets in France of several oligarchs and people close to the Russian regime".

It said it possessed evidence of how the money used to pay for them came from illicit sources. 

European Union countries have frozen assets worth 13.8 billion euros ($14.1 billion) linked to sanctioned Russian and Belarusian individuals, according to figures from July 12. 

The EU has so far adopted six sanction packages against Russia, including a ban on most Russian oil imports that was approved in early June.

The French probe will be led by specialised investigators at the Central Office for the Repression of Major Financial Crime, part of the National Financial Prosecutors' Office. 

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/french-prosecutors-open-probe-into-russian-oligarchs-legal-source/?feed_id=1982&_unique_id=62ded9dc4a2a0

Commission formed to probe Tayyaba Gul’s allegations against former NAB chairperson

Tayyaba Gul (L) and former NAB chief Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Saturday issued a notification announcing the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate sexual harassment allegations levelled at former National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal and others.

The commission will investigate allegations of “sexual offences including assault, harassment, outraging and insulting modesty, misdemeanour, misconduct, misuse and abuse of authority” made by the complainant against the alleged offenders, the notification states.

The commission will conduct a probe and perform its tasks according to the following terms of reference (TORS), namely:

To determine violation, if any, of the integrity of the process of administration of justice, security of person, right to a fair trial, absolute inviolability of dignity of person and equality of citizen.

To determine, after inquiry, as to whether criminal liability, if any, is incurred by any or all persons complained against or any other person or public office holders, by any offences so defined In the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act).

To inquire into allegations that Gul was prompted to provide video/audio material by some officials and the same was later on leaked to a private TV channel for ulterior motive and design.

To determine, after inquiry, as to whether disciplinary proceedings, if any, are attracted by some persons complained against or any other person, by any of their act.

To fix the responsibility on any person or public office holder, aiding or abetting by any act in the Commission of any offence(s) or in violation of laws, if any, so determined.

To make clear and specific recommendations in the light of the findings of the inquiry to take any necessary legal action, by any agency, department or any other person.

The decision to form a commission came after Gul accused former NAB chief of sexual harassment. During her appearance in Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada ke Saath’ on July 7, she also disclosed that the PTI chief Imran Khan used her videos to blackmail the Opposition and shut down his NAB cases.

She shared that Justice (retd) Iqbal threatened her saying ‘I can destroy your life within a minute’.

Following her allegations, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called for removal of the former NAB chairperson, along with other accused officials of the accountability watchdog.

“It is of grave concern that these allegations were levelled by a woman who had approached Justice (Retd) Iqbal in his capacity as COIED chairman—a position in which he was responsible for protecting Tayyaba Gul’s testimony and securing her right to seek justice for a missing relative,” a statement by the HRCP read.

Source https://www.globalcourant.com/commission-formed-to-probe-tayyaba-guls-allegations-against-former-nab-chairperson/?feed_id=1118&_unique_id=62dcb40f4d62a