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US Government Blocks British Court Hearing on Diego Garcia Citing Security Concerns

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According to official records, the US government has refused to hold a British court hearing on British territory due to security concerns.

The highest court of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Biot) was scheduled to hold a hearing this week, attended by the BBC, to determine whether a group of migrants was being unlawfully imprisoned on the island of Diego Garcia.

The island is home to a classified UK-US military installation, and entry is strictly restricted.

According to official emails, the US announced last week that it was “withdrawing its consent” for lawyers representing migrants and “members of the press”—the BBC—to visit the island.

It stated that it would not allow hearing participants to board US military flights to Diego Garcia and would not provide “housing, transportation, and food for the visit”.

The US stated that it would be “willing to reconsider” if the visit was “conducted in a manner” that met its “security and operational concerns”.

Dozens of migrants arrived on the island in October 2021, claiming to have been fleeing persecution and attempting to sail to Canada to seek refuge when their boat became stuck near Diego Garcia.

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Late last Thursday night, hours before the judge, UK government lawyers, refugees’ representatives, and the BBC were scheduled to board flights for the first leg of the journey, the court issued an order canceling the hearing.

The US security concerns stem from a site visit slated for the island as part of the hearing, which was to include the migrant camp and numerous other parts of Diego Garcia.

In a message dated July 3, headlined “United States Notification to the United Kingdom of denial of the 6-12 July 2024 visit by the Biot Supreme Court to Diego Garcia,” US authorities stated that the site visit posed “risks to the security and effective operation” of the facility.

It has previously stated that it was willing to allow access to locations such as the migrant camp, the surrounding beaches, and a chapel where children receive education.

However, it stated that it would not grant access to areas “open to civilian contractors and other non-military personnel,” such as a movie theater, a barbershop, and a bowling alley, the airport terminal, and “all US-controlled areas occupied by the Biot administration, the Royal Overseas Police, and the Royal Navy.”

According to court filings filed on behalf of Biot’s commissioner, the reasons for the island’s US military commander’s decision were “confidential and based on the US’s assessment of its own national security needs”.

Tom Short, a lawyer with the UK company Leigh Day, representing some migrants, said the cancellation of this week’s hearing was “a devastating blow to our vulnerable clients” and urged it to be rescheduled as soon as possible.

“Our clients have agreed to US demands that the site visit exclude certain US-controlled buildings (such as the gym and swimming pool where US cheerleaders and celebrity chefs visited earlier this year), as well as facilities such as the Turner Club and Golf Club (which Biot and FCDO civil servants frequent).”

“It is of paramount importance to our clients that the Judge see the detention camp and that they attend a hearing in person,” he claimed.

A virtual court session on Tuesday, attended by lawyers in London and migrants in Diego Garcia, aimed to establish the next steps in the case as talks between the UK and US governments continued.

After the hearing, migrants told the BBC they were disappointed that this week’s hearing had been canceled.

“It has taken away all our hope,” one woman stated. “We’ve been locked here for about three years. We hoped that this hearing would bring us some relief.”

In 1965, the UK acquired the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, from its then-colony, Mauritius. It then evicted its population of over 1,000 to make a place for the military base.

Agreements struck in 1966 authorized the United States to exploit the region for an initial 50 years, followed by an additional 20 years. The agreement was subsequently “rolled over” in 2016, and according to the Biot website, it will now expire in 2036.

Biot is managed from London but is said to be “constitutionally distinct” from the UK.

Mauritius, which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1968, claims ownership of the islands, and the United Nations’ highest court has decided that the UK’s administration of the area is “unlawful” and must terminate.

The US controls most of the troops and resources on Diego Garcia, including most of the island’s accommodation, transportation, restaurants, and businesses.

For security considerations, the US military commander may prohibit access to US military-operated or controlled places.

In a witness statement, Biot’s deputy commissioner, Nishi Dholakia, stated that it would be impossible to “make alternative arrangements to replace the logistical support which the US was due to provide” in time for the scheduled court hearing this week.

He stated that the chamber where the hearing was set could only be used if the United States cooperated.

According to Biot’s official website, only “those with connections either to the military facility or the Territory’s Administration” can visit the island.

Diego Garcia has been referred to as a significant strategic base for the US. Two B-52 bombers were sent there to conduct training drills earlier this year.

In recent decades, US planes have flown from the facility to strike Afghanistan and Iraq.

The UK government revealed that rendition flights landed on the territory to refuel in 2002. However, former CIA director Michael Hayden disputed that it was ever used to detain and interrogate terror suspects.

The first asylum petitions on Biot were filed by dozens of Sri Lankan Tamils who arrived in October 2021. Approximately 60 people, including at least 16 children, remain there, guarded by private security company G4S, as intricate court fights over their destiny play out.

This week’s session was scheduled for their first in-person meeting with their counsel. There have been many suicide attempts on the island, as well as claims of sexual harassment and assaults reportedly perpetrated by migrants in the camp.

Some migrants have been airlifted to Rwanda for medical treatment following self-harm and suicide attempts, while those who have successfully filed claims are awaiting the identification of a “safe third country” in which to resettle.

Last year, United Nations representatives visited the camp and found arbitrary detention conditions.

During Tuesday’s virtual session, one of the island’s migrants fainted repeatedly.

The Foreign Office has previously informed the BBC that the island is unsuitable for migrants to reside on and is “working tirelessly to process the migrants’ claims for protection and to find a suitable third country for those whose claims are upheld”.

“At all times, the welfare and safety of migrants on Biot has always been our top priority,” it stated earlier this year.

Source: BBC

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‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

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Los Angeles — Anna Sorokin, a convicted con artist, appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” with a featherweight — and extremely glittery — ankle monitor.

The so-called ‘fake heiress,’ who was convicted of swindling banks, hotels, and friends in 2019 after fraudulently claiming to be a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, debuted the ballroom-worthy ankle monitor during the launch of “Dancing With the Stars'” new season Tuesday night.

“It’s not a huge deal at all. It’s quite light, and I asked them to tighten it so it doesn’t droop. So it’s not too horrible,” she told The Associated Press following the premiere. She and professional dancer Ezra Sosa performed a routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

“It’s the real star of the show, let’s be honest here,” Sosa said of Sorokin’s glittering ankle monitor.

“I think it’s kind of funny how people like — it’s not like an ankle weight,” Sosa told reporters. “It’s not like twenty pounds. It’s literally less than a pound, so it’s no big issue.”

Sorokin recognized that her debut did not go as expected.

“I feel relieved that it’s over,” she stated. “I feel like my dance could have been a little bit better, but I’m happy I’ve done this and it was a great experience all over.”

Sorokin expressed optimism that viewers will be forgiving despite her criminal history.

“Hopefully, people will give me a chance to demonstrate what I can do. “And I served my sentence and paid my restitution,” she claimed.

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

Early fan reactions were negative, with the phrase “Anna Delvey’s Lacklustre DWTS Debut” trending on social media site X.

She was released from prison in February 2021, but immigration authorities apprehended her immediately after, stating she had overstayed her visa and needed to be repatriated to her native Germany. The “Inventing Anna” inspiration was in ICE custody for more than a year before a judge paved the way for her to be transferred to house confinement in October 2022 while fighting deportation.

Her parole conditions had to be modified to allow her to travel from New York to Los Angeles for filming.

SOURCE | AP

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Wojnarowski, ’91, Steps Down as ESPN General Manager to Join Bonnie’s Basketball Program

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(VOR News) – Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving journalism to become St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager.

“I am delighted and honoured to be back at St. Bonaventure University, and the chance to contribute to Coach Mark Schmidt and our prestigious Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said.

“During these dynamic eras of collegiate athletics, I am excited about becoming part of a championship program that integrates elite basketball, widespread television visibility, professional training, and future-oriented learning opportunities inside a close-knit and nurturing educational setting.”

Wojnarowski will help the coaching staff recruit, engage with families and alumni players, raise money for professional player programs, coordinate collective efforts, run the transfer portal, and capitalise on NIL opportunities as general manager.

Since 2022, some mid-major and power conference schools have hired general managers, especially for men’s basketball and football, to keep up with the fast-changing collegiate sports market.

The director of basketball operations wanted to share NBA success stories and new ideas with the community. The director also stressed the importance of global possibilities for our players in athletics and in life.

Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski’s selection a “incredible opportunity” for the university, men’s basketball, and athletics.

“Amidst significant upheaval in the intercollegiate athletics industry, we are conclusively demonstrating that St. Bonaventure remains at the vanguard of transformation,” he said. “This is an audacious decision that is in line with our institutional objectives to sustain and thrive.”

Beretta believes Wojnarowski’s global basketball network will aid the endeavour.

Woj understands St. Bonaventure and Franciscan ideals, the president stated, in addition to his extensive professional and intercollegiate basketball network.

“The willingness of the most accomplished journalist in his profession to relinquish a lucrative media career in order to provide support to his alma mater is a clear indication of his deep affection and great enthusiasm for Bonaventure.”

Schmidt called Wojnarowski’s hire a “home run.”

“Recruiting and retention in the new NIL college basketball landscape are crucial,” said Schmidt, the school’s most successful men’s basketball coach. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”

Wojnarowski plans to leave his lucrative ESPN position in 2022 to support the university that changed his life. The Jandoli School of Communication and Basketball has received funding from him and his 92-year-old wife Amy.

“I express my gratitude to President (Jeff) Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the collective St. Bonaventure community for extending a warm reception to my wife, Amy, and myself as we reintegrate into the campus community in a new capacity,” he stated. “The university’s stunning campus immediately enthralled us as undergraduate students.” I’m ready to work.

Today on ESPN on X, 1991 graduate Wojnarowski retired.

“While this craft has had a profound impact on my life, I have made the decision to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” he stated. “While I acknowledge the commitment inherent in my work, my level of motivation has diminished compared to my previous state.” The objective is to optimise the use of my finite time.

Wojnarowski edited Yahoo Sports’ Vertical for two years before joining ESPN in 2017. In nearly ten years at The Record of New Jersey, he won two APSE Columnist of the Year awards. He worked for the Waterbury Republican-American and the Fresno Bee for years.

The National Sports Media Association awarded Wojnarowski the Peer Recognition Award for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Red Smith, Jim Murray, Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Bob Ryan, and Tom Verducci have won this competition three years running.

Wojnarowski wrote “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty,” a New York Times bestseller.

Wojnarowski received an honorary degree in 2022, spoke at the university’s graduation ceremony, and was named Jandoli School Alumnus of the Year for 2019. His name was also on the school’s Wall of Distinguished Graduates.

Amy and Adrian’s return to Bonaventure will be commemorated with a news conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Quick Centre for the Arts theatre. Residents of the university can attend.

SOURCE: BONNIES

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The Bank of England is Largely Expected to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged as Long as Inflation Exceeds its Target.

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(VOR News) – The Bank of England will probably keep interest rates at the same level on Thursday after official data showed that inflation in the UK remained steady in August at an annual rate of 2.2%.

This occurs one day following the official release of the numbers. This is because the higher cost of flying was somewhat offset by decreased petrol prices as well as cheaper costs for lodging and dining.

Additionally, the Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates.

The cost of borrowing money increased dramatically by central banks worldwide from near zero during the Coronavirus outbreak, as a result of rising supply chain concerns and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which increased Bank of England energy costs, when prices started to soar.

This action was taken in reaction to the notable rise in prices due to the rising cost of electricity. They have started lowering interest rates in response to this scenario, as inflation rates have started to decline from multi-decade highs.

The Office of National Statistics released its most recent figure on Wednesday, and it was in line with market expectations.

This leads one to conclude that, for the second consecutive month, the inflation rate has remained somewhat higher than the 2% target set by the British central bank. For the first time in more than three years, inflation inched closer to the target in June.

The central bank has been progressively lowering its main interest rate by a quarter point since the start of the outbreak, bringing it down to 5% below its starting point.

This was the first decline that has happened since the start of the pandemic. Even though the Bank of England vote was quite close, four out of the nine members decided against changing the original proposal.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in the previous four years. Interest rates would be reduced for the first time with this.

The great majority of economists believe that the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will be on holiday on Thursday. This is due to the fact that several committee members have continuously expressed their concerns about price increases in the vital services industry, which accounts for almost 80% of the UK economy.

The statistical data released on Wednesday indicates that the services sector experienced an increase in inflation in August, from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August.

Bank of England increased this due to rising airfares across Europe.

Nonetheless, they believe that after the government’s budget was made public on October 30, the bank would probably reduce its deposits once more in November.

Claiming that it is imperative to close a projected 29 billion dollar deficit in the public budget—or 22 billion pounds less than the previous administration estimated—the incoming Labour government has taken office.

Additionally, they have said that they might have to increase taxes and cut spending, which would probably be bad news for the British economy’s short-term outlook and drive down inflation. It is anticipated that this event will have a detrimental effect on the British economy.

According to Suren Thiru, the director of economics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales, “an interest rate cut on Thursday is looking unlikely with the majority of the Monetary Policy Committee likely to want to assess the impact of next month’s budget before deciding when to loosen policy again.”

Suren Thiru is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales because he is the director of economics.

Suren Thiru made his statement in reaction to the decision that was made by the Monetary Policy Committee regarding when in the future to relax policy once more. On account of the fact that the majority of committee members arrived at this conclusion, this remark could be made public.

SOURCE: AP

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Market Speculation Over the Next Fed Rate Reduction Hides More Fundamental Issues.

Elon Musk has Often Stirred Up Political Unrest, Which Makes People Worry About the US Election.

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