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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.
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“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
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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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