Connect with us

News

South Korea opposition leader hospitalised after hunger strike

Published

on

South Korea opposition leader hospitalised after hunger strike

South Korea opposition leader hospitalised after hunger strike

South Korea’s main opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was admitted to the hospital on Monday after enduring a 19-day hunger strike to protest government policies, according to his party.

Shortly after his hospitalization, prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with corruption allegations.

Lee, aged 58, initiated his hunger strike on August 31 to decry what he perceives as the government’s “incompetent and violent” policies, particularly its failure to object to Japan’s release of treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactor.

Media footage showed Lee, a former presidential candidate, appearing pale and frail. However, his hospitalization did not deter prosecutors from pursuing his arrest.

Read Also: Kiss Scandal: Rubiales’mum begins hunger strike to protest son’s ‘witch hunt’

“Whether to fast or not and how to fast is a matter of personal freedom, but it should not affect the investigation or trial,” remarked South Korea’s Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon during a parliamentary session.

He added, “If a precedent is set that affects investigations and trials, wouldn’t everyone, including petty criminals, start fasting when they receive a summons notice?”

Prosecutors have accused Lee of bribery related to a company suspected of illicitly transferring $8 million to North Korea. Additionally, he is alleged to have breached his duties during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam City, resulting in a loss of 20 billion won ($15 million) for a company owned by the city. Lee vehemently denies all allegations.

For a court to consider the prosecution’s request for an arrest warrant, Lee’s parliamentary immunity would need to be waived by the 300-member National Assembly, where the Democratic Party, led by Lee, holds the majority. Lee’s party criticized this latest development, asserting that the arrest warrant signifies the “violent and oppressive” nature of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration in a statement.

In February, the National Assembly had previously rejected a request for an arrest warrant. The ruling People Power Party has urged Lee to cease his hunger strike and expressed readiness to engage in discussions with him regarding his policy concerns once he regains his health.

Lee’s journey to political prominence, from a former child factory worker who suffered an industrial accident as a teenage school dropout, was partly based on his rags-to-riches narrative.

However, his pursuit of the highest office has been marred by a series of scandals, including a questionable land development deal and persistent rumours linking him to organized crime.

Tragically, at least five individuals connected to various scandals related to Lee have been found dead, with some apparent suicides. In the previous year’s presidential election, he lost to Yoon by a narrow margin of 0.7 per cent.

South Korea opposition leader hospitalised after hunger strike

Headlines

FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

Published

on

Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

Continue Reading

Headlines

Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Published

on

Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

Continue Reading

Headlines

Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

Published

on

Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

Continue Reading

You May Like

Copyright © 2024 Acces News Magazine All Right Reserved.

Verified by MonsterInsights