TRIAL BEGINS OF CENTRAL AFRICAN EX-PRESIDENT BOZIZE OVER WAR CRIMES. (PHOTO).

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 Trial begins of Central African ex-president Bozize over war crimes A UN-backed court in the the Central African Republic will on Tuesday begin the trial in absentia of former president Francois Bozize, over crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013. The alleged crimes committed by members of Bozize's security forces include murder, enforced disappearance, torture and rape. Bozize, 79, who seized power in a 2003 coup before being overthrown 10 years later by rebels, has been living in exile in Guinea-Bissau since March 2023. But three of his former senior military officers, Eugene Barret Ngaikosset, Vianney Semndiro and Firmin Junior Danboy, are all in pre-trial detention in the Central African Republic. Crimes against humanity The case will be heard by the Special Criminal Court (SCC), a hybrid jurisdiction located in the capital Bangui with Central African and foreign judges. In February 2024, the SCC issued an international arrest warrant for the former president ...

DEMOCRATS THREATEN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IF WHITE HOUSE REFUSES ICE REFORM DEMANDS. (PHOTO).


 Democrats threaten government shutdown if White House refuses ICE reform demands 

Senate Democrats are threatening to block a broad government funding bill on Thursday unless the White House agrees to new restrictions on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising the risk of a partial government shutdown. The legislation funds the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, and Democrats say they will withhold support until ICE’s operations are overhauled following recent deaths of protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.

Democrats’ demands include requiring officers to remove masks and show identification, obtain warrants for arrests, coordinate with local law enforcement, and adhere to an enforceable code of conduct. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the caucus is united behind these “common sense reforms” and that Republicans must act to prevent federal agents from “terrorizing our streets.” Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith added that ICE officers should be held to the same accountability standards as local police.

Negotiations between the White House and Democrats have shown some signs of progress, including a potential plan to separate Homeland Security funding from the larger spending bill and extend it temporarily while talks continue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated some willingness to consider certain Democratic requests, but House Republicans have opposed any changes, insisting that Homeland Security funding remain in the package.

The standoff comes just two months after a 43-day government shutdown over expiring health care subsidies, which ended when a small group of moderate Democrats broke with their party. This time, Democrats appear more unified in response to the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents. While some Republicans have signaled support for separating the funding bills, many oppose reforms requiring ICE officers to unmask or implement stricter operational rules.

Democrats say they will not back down, framing the standoff as a moral issue. Sen. Richard Blumenthal described the moment as a “moral stand,” while Schumer emphasized the need to rein in ICE and protect communities from federal overreach.


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