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Brazil judge threatens to suspend X within 24 hours

Brazil judge threatens to suspend X within 24 hours
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Updated 29 August 2024
AFP
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Brazil judge threatens to suspend X within 24 hours

Brazil judge threatens to suspend X within 24 hours
  • The decision escalates a months-long feud between Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes
  • In April, Moraes ordered an investigation of Musk, accusing him of reactivating some banned accounts
Updated 29 August 2024
AFP
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Brasília: Brazil’s Supreme Court threatened on Wednesday to suspend social media platform X unless billionaire owner Elon Musk names a new legal representative for the company within 24 hours.
The decision escalates a months-long feud between Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has previously ordered the suspension of dozens of accounts on X for allegedly spreading disinformation.
In April, Moraes ordered an investigation of Musk, accusing him of reactivating some banned accounts.
Musk and other critics accuse Moraes of stifling free speech.
In an order made public Wednesday, Moraes ordered Musk “to appoint the company’s new legal representative in Brazil within 24 hours.”
“In the event of non-compliance with the order, the decision provides for the suspension of the social network’s activities in Brazil,” it said.
In response, Musk posted on X that “this ‘judge’ has repeatedly broken the laws he has sworn to uphold.”
Musk shut X’s business operations in Brazil this month, claiming the judge had threatened the company’s previous legal representative with arrest to force compliance with “censorship orders.”
Brazilian users have meanwhile continued to be able to access the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
Moraes, who also presides over Brazil’s Superior Electoral Tribunal, has spearheaded a battle against disinformation in South America’s largest nation, clashing with Musk along the way.
Several of the X accounts he ordered suspended belonged to supporters of Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who tried to discredit the voting system in the 2022 election, which he lost.
Musk previously said that if X had complied with Moraes’s orders, “there was no way we could explain our actions without being ashamed.”
Musk is also the subject of a separate judicial investigation into an alleged scheme where public money was used to orchestrate disinformation campaigns in favor of Bolsonaro and those close to him.

Mozambique deploys soldiers ahead of planned protests

Mozambique deploys soldiers ahead of planned protests
Updated 36 sec ago
AFP
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Mozambique deploys soldiers ahead of planned protests

Mozambique deploys soldiers ahead of planned protests
  • The southern African nation has been rocked by violence since an October 9 vote
  • Main opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane says results were false and that he won
Updated 36 sec ago
AFP
MAPUTO: Soldiers and police were patrolling Mozambique’s capital Maputo early Thursday ahead of a planned protest against election results seen by the opposition as fraudulent, AFP reporters said.
The southern African nation has been rocked by violence since an October 9 vote won by the Frelimo party, which has been in power for almost 50 years.
The city of more than one more million people was a ghost town on Thursday morning, with shops, banks, schools and universities closed.
A group of a dozen demonstrators, many wearing flip flops and one man wrapped in a Mozambican flag, gathered around 0700 GMT on one of the main streets before being told by a soldier to go home.
Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo won the presidential election with 71 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission, while the main opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane came in second with 20 percent.
Mondlane, backed by the small Podemos party, who said results were false and that he won, called for a mass protest on Thursday.
Using social media, he has rallied supporters out onto the streets since the election in demonstrations that have turned violent in police crackdowns.
In an interview with AFP, the opposition leader, whose whereabouts are unknown, said he would not be present at the march due to concerns over his safety.
At least 18 protesters have been killed in post-electoral violence, according to Human Rights Watch. Local NGO the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD) said the death toll was 24.
A police officer was also killed in a protest at the weekend, Defense Minister Cristovao Chume told reporters Tuesday, warning the army could intervene “to protect the interests of the state.”
“There is an intention to change the democratically established power,” he said, amid fears that outgoing President Filipe Nyusi could declare a state of emergency.
Nyusi is expected to step down early next year at the end of his two-term limit.
The authorities have restricted access to Internet across the country in what seemed like an effort to “suppress peaceful protests and public criticism of the government,” according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
“The shutdown inhibits people’s ability to receive and use life-saving information, to assemble peacefully, and to express their political opinions in a time of crisis,” said Allan Ngari, Africa advocacy director at HRW.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said on Wednesday that he was “deeply alarmed by reports of violence across the country.”
“The police must refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force and ensure that they manage protests in line with Mozambique’s international human rights obligations,” he said.
The Southern African Development Community has called for an extraordinary summit between November 16 and 20 in part to discuss developments in Mozambique.

Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy

Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy
Updated 5 min 3 sec ago
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
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Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy

Japanese envoy bids farewell, reflects on Saudi Arabia’s transformation, cultural legacy
Updated 5 min 3 sec ago
MANAL AL-BARAKATI

RIYADH: As he prepares to leave Saudi Arabia, Japan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Iwai Fumio, affectionately known as “Abu Kuji” among his Saudi friends, reflects on the sweeping transformations he witnessed during his tenure.

“Saudi Arabia feels like a second home,” he said.

“The connection I feel to this country and its people is truly unique,” Iwai added.

Under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, he observed the Kingdom evolving at an unprecedented pace, blending progress with the preservation of its cultural legacy. 

“Vision 2030 isn’t just about change — it’s a complete reimagining of what Saudi Arabia can be,” he said, emphasizing how the initiative reshaped the Kingdom’s economy and expanded its influence.

As Saudi Arabia emerged as a regional hub, attracting investment and establishing global partnerships, the ambassador noted the Kingdom’s growing role on the world stage.

From the bustling streets of Riyadh to the awe-inspiring landscapes of AlUla and the towering peaks of Asir, he has seen firsthand the beauty and spirit of a nation embracing change while honoring its heritage.

“Each place tells a story of resilience and pride,” he said, noting how the Kingdom’s diverse regions reflect the harmony of tradition and progress.

Iwai spoke with deep appreciation of the hospitality he encountered throughout his time in Saudi Arabia. “The warmth here is unmatched,” he said, recalling how Saudis welcomed him not just as a diplomat but as part of their extended community. 

The title “Abu Kuji” itself, bestowed upon him by his Saudi friends, symbolizes a personal connection and affection that goes beyond formal diplomacy.

“There is a sincerity here, a tradition of openness and generosity that is incredibly touching,” he remarked. “It’s rare to find such genuine warmth in the world.”

The ambassador also praised the Arab News Japanese edition, a key initiative fostering closer ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He acknowledged the publication’s vital role in promoting mutual understanding, enabling Japanese readers to appreciate the breadth and depth of Saudi Arabia’s transformation. 

“Arab News Japan has allowed people back home to witness this journey of growth and ambition,” he said. “It has been instrumental in bridging our cultures and deepening the friendship between our nations.”

Reflecting on his years in Saudi Arabia, he expressed admiration for the rapid advancements in technology, infrastructure and economic diversification under Vision 2030.

From newly developed hotels and infrastructure projects to the ease of new digital visa services, he noted the strides the Kingdom has made to attract international businesses and tourists alike.

“These developments show Saudi Arabia’s readiness to welcome the world,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted how Japan, with its experience and technological expertise, is well positioned to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on these fronts.

Yet beyond the visible changes, it is the people and their shared pride in tradition that left the most indelible mark on him. From experiencing the energy of Saudi cities to the tranquil beauty of its historical sites, the ambassador described his journey through the Kingdom as transformative on a personal level.

“It’s not just the landscapes or the cities,” he said, “but the people, their warmth, their traditions — these are the true treasures of Saudi Arabia.”

As he bid farewell, Iwai voiced optimism for a future of strengthened collaboration, particularly in fields such as energy, technology, and cultural exchange, where Japan’s expertise aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals under Vision 2030.

He leaves with a sense of gratitude and hope, confident that the friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan will continue to deepen.

Reflecting on his next chapter, the ambassador shared his excitement for his upcoming assignment in Egypt, a country he believes will offer new opportunities to deepen Japan’s ties in the region.

“Each country has its unique story and path, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the spirit of partnership I’ve cherished here in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia will always hold a special place in my heart,” he added, “for the incredible transformations I witnessed, but most of all, for the friendships and warmth of its people, who welcomed me like family.”

Topics: Saudi Arabia Japan

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Sotheby’s to stage first live auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025

Sotheby’s to stage first live auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025
Updated 8 min 46 sec ago
Rebecca Anne Proctor
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Sotheby’s to stage first live auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025

Sotheby’s to stage first live auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025
  • The inaugural auction and public exhibition will take place in the Saudi heritage site of Diriyah
Updated 8 min 46 sec ago
Rebecca Anne Proctor

DUBAI: Sotheby’s has announced it will stage the first ever live auction in Saudi Arabia in February 2025. Taking place in the historic town of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Saudi state, located northwest of Riyadh, the auction will offer modern and contemporary artworks, Islamic objects, jewelry, watches, cars, sports memorabilia and handbags, among other items. 

Titled “Origins,” the live auction will take place on Feb. 8, 2025, presenting global offerings and fine art by both home-grown Saudi artists and leading names in international art history.

Ahmed Mater, Untitled (Diptych from The Illumination Series), Offset lithograph and gold leaf on paper with tea and pomegranate toning, 174 by 225cm, 2012. (Courtesy Sotheby's)

The auction will take place as a two-part evening auction and will be preceded by an exhibition of the contents of “Origins,” that will be showcased in a free, public exhibition, open from Feb. 1 – 8.

“This auction - and indeed our incorporation - is the culmination of many years of supporting cultural initiatives in the Kingdom, and a natural evolution of our business,” Edward Gibbs, chairman of Sotheby’s Middle East & India, told Arab News. 

“We have been travelling to Saudi for a number of years, working with clients who are based there, as well as meeting new collectors in the region, and have been supporting the Ministry of Culture’s exciting endeavors –not least with all of the editions of the biennale, where we have provided an educational component, with specialist talks and tours,” he added.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sotheby's (@sothebys)

Increasingly, said Gibbs, Sotheby’s saw that Saudi Arabia was a space rife for a growing art market and live auctions, proven by its fast paced development, young demographic, growing collector base and the increasing presence of the regional and international art community.

“The auction comes hand in hand with our opening of an office in Riyadh, so marks a new chapter in our activities in Saudi — a phase that we are entering with great optimism and ambition,” Sebastian Fahey, managing director of Sotheby’s Global Fine Arts, told Arab News. “Alongside the inaugural sale, our activities will also continue to include educational offerings around art, luxury and collecting, as this is something we strongly believe in.”

The auction and exhibition will be staged in the historic Diriyah, the ancestral heart of the nation, where the
First Saudi State was inaugurated just under two decades before Sotheby’s was established in 1744. (Supplied)

“The art market has never been quite so international, and this opening complements our global network, particularly in the Middle East, which has long been a region we have believed in and invested in,” stressed Fahey.

Diriyah is a significant place to stage Saudi Arabia’s first-ever live auction. In the historic town, now developing as one of the Kingdom’s gigaprojects, the First Saudi State was inaugurated just under two decades before Sotheby’s was established in 1744. 

At present, Diriyah is transforming into a local and global hub for art, culture and high profile events in the Kingdom, connecting its past and present through heritage and creativity.

Topics: Sotheby's Diriyah Saudi Arabia

Oil Updates – prices edge up as investors eye US election fallout

Oil Updates – prices edge up as investors eye US election fallout
Updated 41 min 22 sec ago
Reuters
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Oil Updates – prices edge up as investors eye US election fallout

Oil Updates – prices edge up as investors eye US election fallout
  • US dollar near four-month high as markets digest Trump win
  • China may face Iran crude squeeze if Trump ramps up sanctions
  • China’s October crude oil imports fall
Updated 41 min 22 sec ago
Reuters

SINGAPORE: Oil prices ticked up on Thursday following a sell-off triggered by the US presidential election, as risks to oil supply from a Trump presidency and a hurricane building in the Gulf Coast outweighed a stronger dollar and lower crude imports in top importer China.

Brent crude oil futures were up 29 cents, or 0.39 percent, at $75.21 per barrel by 10:00 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 18 cents or 0.25 percent to $71.87.

Concerns around a Trump presidency squeezing oil supply from Iran and Venezuela as well as an approaching storm “more than offset the post-election impact of a stronger US dollar and ... higher-than-expected US inventories,” Tony Sycamore, a market analyst with IG, wrote in a note.

Trump’s election had initially triggered a sell-off that pushed oil prices down by more than $2 as the US dollar rose to its highest level since September 2022. But the front-month contracts pared losses to settle down 61 cents for Brent and 30 cents for WTI by the end of the Wednesday session.

“Historically, Trump’s policies have been pro-business, which likely supports overall economic growth and increases demand for fuel. However, any interference in the Fed’s easing policies could lead to further challenges for the oil market,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

“With the bumper surge in the dollar hovering at near 4-month highs, oil seems to be talking massive headwinds in the aftermath of the US election results.”

The upside to oil markets may be limited to the short to medium term as OPEC is expected to increase supply capacity in January, while historical trends do not suggest sanctions will prevent India and China from continuing to purchase oil from Russia or Iran, Sachdeva said.

Crude oil imports in China, the world’s largest crude importer, fell 9 percent in October, posting a sixth consecutive monthly year-on-year decline as a plant closure at a state oil refinery adds to weaker demand from independent refiners, data showed on Thursday.

Donald Trump is expected to reimpose his “maximum pressure policy” of sanctions on Iranian oil. That could cut supply by as much as 1 million barrels per day, according to an Energy Aspect estimate.

Trump in his first term had also put in place harsher sanctions on Venezuelan oil, measures that were briefly rolled back by the Biden administration but later reinstated.

In North America, Hurricane Rafael intensified into a category 3 hurricane on Wednesday, and about 17 percent of crude oil production or 304,418 barrels per day in the US Gulf of Mexico had been shut in response, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said.

US crude inventories rose by 2.1 million barrels to 427.7 million barrels in the week ending on Nov. 1, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, compared with expectations for a 1.1 million-barrel rise.

Topics: oil updates oil prices

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Trial operation to remove radioactive debris from Fukushima nuclear plant successful

Trial operation to remove radioactive debris from Fukushima nuclear plant successful
Updated 47 min 20 sec ago
AFP
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Trial operation to remove radioactive debris from Fukushima nuclear plant successful

Trial operation to remove radioactive debris from Fukushima nuclear plant successful
  • Extracting the estimated 880 tonnes of highly radioactive fuel and debris from Fukushima remains the most challenging part of the decades-long decommissioning process
Updated 47 min 20 sec ago
AFP

TOKYO: A difficult operation to remove a small piece of radioactive debris from Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear plant using a robotic device was completed successfully, the plant operator said Thursday, after technical issues halted earlier attempts.
Extracting the estimated 880 tonnes of highly radioactive fuel and debris from Fukushima remains the most challenging part of the decades-long decommissioning process.
But radioactivity levels inside the former power station, which went into meltdown in 2011 after being hit by a catastrophic tsunami, are too high for humans to enter.
So engineers used a specially developed extendible robotic device to remove a sample with a diameter of five millimeters (0.2 inches), aiming to study it for clues about conditions inside the stricken reactors.
The trial debris removal began in September, after an initial attempt in August was suspended at an early stage over a problem with the equipment’s installation.
Another technical snag related to cameras on the apparatus caused a pause of over a month before the procedure resumed in late October.
On Thursday, plant operator TEPCO said it had “completed the trial removal of fuel debris,” declaring the operation a success after several complex steps.
Over the weekend, the robot managed to remove a piece of debris from a containment vessel surrounding a damaged reactor for the first time.
Technicians then tested the radiation level of the sample on Tuesday and put it in a special container.
It will be sent to research institutes in Ibaraki north of Tokyo for analysis, a TEPCO spokeswoman said, adding that the company is still studying when it will be able to start the full-fledged removal of the radioactive debris.
Three of Fukushima’s six reactors were operating when the tsunami hit on March 11, 2011, triggering the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.
Japan last year began releasing into the Pacific Ocean some of the 540 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of treated reactor cooling water amassed since the disaster.
The step sparked a diplomatic row with China and Russia, both of which banned seafood imports, although Japan insists the discharge is safe, a view backed by the UN atomic agency.
Beijing, however, said in September it would “gradually resume” importing seafood from Japan after imposing the blanket ban.

Topics: Fukushima Japan

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