分类： society

Kemar Riley, one of four individuals convicted in December 2019 for the brutal 2011 murders of 18-year-old Joeith Lynch and her 40-year-old mother Charmaine Rattray in Lauriston, St. Catherine, has filed an appeal against his conviction and life sentence. Riley, who was 29 at the time of his conviction, has consistently denied involvement in the killings, which involved beheading and extreme violence. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, requiring him to serve a minimum of 52 years before parole eligibility. The case, initially scheduled for a hearing during the Michaelmas Term, was adjourned after Riley’s attorney, Obiko Gordon, requested time to consult with his client. Subsequently, the court indicated that a new attorney would be assigned to handle the appeal. The prosecution’s case hinged on the testimony of a star witness who claimed Riley confessed to participating in the murders while in custody. Riley, however, maintains his innocence, stating he had no prior knowledge of the crime or the alleged confession. The murders, described by Justice Vivene Harris as acts of terror, were reportedly ordered by the Klansman Gang, targeting the victims as alleged informers. The case has left a lasting impact on the Lauriston community, with Justice Harris emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes in her sentencing remarks.

An elderly U.S. citizen, Rafie Shouhed, has announced plans to file a $50 million damages claim against the government following a violent encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a raid at his Los Angeles car wash. Surveillance footage captured the 79-year-old being forcefully subdued by masked, heavily armed agents, who detained him for nearly 12 hours without providing medical attention despite his pleas about a pre-existing heart condition. Shouhed, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in the 1980s, described the incident as unprovoked and brutal, stating that agents ignored his medical concerns and only warned him, ‘You do not F with ICE.’ The raid, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants, has sparked controversy, particularly in Los Angeles, where critics argue such operations disproportionately target individuals based on ethnicity or workplace. Shouhed, a Trump voter, sustained broken ribs, severe elbow injuries, and a traumatic brain injury during the incident. His attorneys argue that the agents’ excessive force and disregard for his rights warrant legal action. The Department of Homeland Security defended the raid, claiming it led to the arrest of five undocumented immigrants and that Shouhed was detained for allegedly impeding federal officers. However, Shouhed’s lawyer, Jim Desimone, countered that surveillance video shows his client was cooperative and questioned the necessity of such aggressive tactics.

A month into the new academic year, student leaders at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are celebrating the transformative impact of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) dedicated bus service. The initiative has significantly reduced travel costs and enhanced safety for students, garnering widespread praise. Roshaun Wynter, UWI Mona Guild president, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, emphasizing the service’s role in providing secure transportation for those attending late-night classes. Launched on July 31, the service connects key locations such as Half-Way-Tree, Portmore, Spanish Town, and Old Harbour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness further bolstered the initiative by announcing free JUTC bus travel for students from September to October, a move Wynter described as a financial lifeline for many. Despite minor concerns about route expansion, the service has been lauded for its punctuality and reliability. Notably, the bus system has enabled some students to move off-campus, easing financial burdens associated with housing. UTech Students’ Union President Percival Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting the service’s popularity among early and late commuters. The initiative has also gained traction on social media, with students sharing their positive experiences on platforms like TikTok. Looking ahead, Wynter expressed hope for fleet and route expansions to further support commuting students, particularly those in rural areas.

In a groundbreaking legal decision, an Australian man has been fined more than AU$340,000 (US$222,000) for distributing deepfake pornography featuring high-profile women. The case, the first of its kind in Australia, was brought forward by the eSafety Commissioner’s office, marking a significant step in combating digital abuse. Anthony Rotondo, also known as Antonio Rotondo, admitted to posting the manipulated images on a now-defunct deepfakes website during proceedings in federal court. The victims’ identities remain protected under a court order to safeguard their privacy. One victim, quoted by the national broadcaster ABC, described feeling “violated, vulnerable, and completely without agency.” The eSafety Commissioner emphasized that the ruling sends a clear message about the severe consequences of engaging in deepfake image-based abuse. The office also expressed ongoing concerns about the psychological and emotional harm caused by non-consensual explicit deepfake content. This case highlights the growing prevalence of “nudify” apps, which use artificial intelligence to digitally remove clothing without consent. Australia has been a global leader in addressing online harms, particularly those targeting children. A forthcoming ban on social media use by individuals under 16, set to take effect in December, has sparked debate over its enforceability. Additionally, new regulations aimed at shielding children from harmful content, including online pornography and AI chatbots, are set to be implemented in the coming months.

In a significant development in St James, Jamaica, a 31-year-old butler, Nicoy Ramsay, also known as ‘Nick’ from Esher, Hanover, has been formally charged in connection with a high-profile robbery that occurred in June. Ramsay faces charges of robbery with aggravation and unlawful wounding following a violent incident that left two employees of a trading company traumatized and financially devastated. The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm on the evening in question, as the employees were traveling in a motor truck. Upon reaching the intersection of Upper Bevon Avenue and Market Circle, Ramsay and an accomplice, both reportedly armed, allegedly ambushed the vehicle, making off with approximately $7,000,000. During the altercation, one of the assailants is said to have struck the driver, resulting in a bleeding wound. The victims promptly reported the incident to the police, who swiftly initiated an investigation. On September 17, Ramsay, accompanied by his attorney, voluntarily surrendered at the Negril Police Station. Following his identification during a police lineup, he was handed over to detectives in St James and formally charged. Authorities are currently finalizing the details of his court appearance.

In a series of coordinated law enforcement actions in St Ann, Jamaica, authorities made significant progress in an ongoing murder investigation. Early Friday morning, around 7:00 am, police conducted their first operation in Bamboo, St Ann, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. Among those detained was a person of interest linked to the murder case. Additionally, a man sought on a civil court warrant and another accused of violating the Dangerous Drug Act were apprehended. Three women were also taken into custody for further processing. Later that day, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Specialised Operations Branch joined forces with local St Ann officers to execute a second operation in Green Acres, Mammee Bay. During this raid, three properties were searched, leading to the discovery of a Kel-Tec submachine gun equipped with a magazine containing sixteen 9mm rounds of ammunition. Authorities also confiscated a Glock magazine with twelve 9mm rounds and eleven 5.56 rounds of ammunition. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the seized firearms, though their identities remain undisclosed by the police.

TOKYO, Japan — The globally renowned Pokémon franchise has publicly distanced itself from a controversial video released by the United States government, which used the brand’s iconic slogan ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All’ in connection with an immigration enforcement operation. The video, posted by the US Department of Homeland Security on social media platform X, depicted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid, featuring armed officers detaining individuals portrayed as illegal immigrants while the Pokémon theme song played in the background. Scenes from the clip included the franchise’s main character, Ash (known as Satoshi in Japan), throwing ‘Poke Balls,’ a signature element of the Pokémon series. Nintendo’s Pokémon Company swiftly issued a statement clarifying that it had no involvement in the creation or dissemination of the video, emphasizing, ‘We have never approved the use of intellectual property that we control.’ The video’s release coincided with the Trump administration’s launch of ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ a new immigration enforcement initiative in Chicago targeting individuals deemed ‘the worst of the worst criminals.’ Since its debut in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy, Pokémon has grown into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring movies, an animated TV series, and the augmented-reality mobile game ‘Pokémon Go.’ The franchise’s roots lie in the Japanese tradition of bug-collecting, with players capturing and training creatures ranging from mice to dragons. The unauthorized use of Pokémon’s intellectual property in the government’s video has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of pop culture and political messaging.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a landmark event marking Senior Citizens Month 2025, 59 senior citizens graduated from the Digital Literacy Programme, a collaborative initiative by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the HEART/NSTA Trust. The programme, designed to empower older Jamaicans with essential digital skills, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society. The graduation ceremony, themed “Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,” celebrated the participants’ achievements and highlighted their transformative journey into the digital age. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, addressing the graduates, praised their resilience and adaptability, stating, “This proves that age is no barrier to learning or growth.” He emphasized the practical applications of their newfound skills, from reconnecting with family abroad to accessing online health and banking services. The programme, which trains seniors in using smartphones, tablets, and computers, aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure no senior is left behind in Jamaica’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr. Taneisha Ingleton and her team were commended for their pivotal role in expanding digital inclusion opportunities. Minister Charles Jr reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing digital equity through expanded training programmes, improved internet connectivity, and community support. He encouraged families to assist their senior members in embracing technology, emphasizing, “It’s never too late to start this journey.”

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The nation of Argentina is reeling in shock and grief after the brutal torture and murder of two young women and a teenage girl, whose deaths were live-streamed on Instagram. The victims, identified as 20-year-old cousins Morena Verdi and Brenda Del Castillo, and 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez, were laid to rest on Friday in separate ceremonies attended by mourning relatives and community members. Their bodies were discovered buried in the yard of a house in a southern suburb of Buenos Aires, five days after they went missing. The crime, linked to narco activity, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Investigators revealed that the victims were lured into a van under the pretense of attending a party, only to be subjected to horrific violence as a warning to others. The live-streamed footage, viewed by 45 members of a private Instagram account, depicted the gang leader declaring, “This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me.” Argentine media reported that the victims endured unimaginable torture, including the removal of fingers and nails, beatings, and suffocation. Rights groups have organized nationwide protests under the slogan, “There are no good or bad victims, only femicides,” emphasizing the need to address gender-based violence regardless of the victims’ backgrounds. Maria Eugenia Luduena, director of the NGO Presentes, highlighted the socio-economic vulnerabilities that often push women into dangerous situations, exacerbated by Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis. The suspected gang leader, known as “Little J” or “Julito,” remains at large, while the families of the victims have reportedly received death threats, prompting calls for police protection. The case has drawn condemnation from political, cultural, and social leaders, who are demanding an end to femicide and systemic violence against women.

The Aubyn Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering education and sustainable development by sponsoring scholarships for four deserving students at the Morgan’s Family Foundation back-to-school event on August 17 in Curatoe Hill, Clarendon. Each student received $50,000 to support their academic pursuits. The foundation’s chairman, Aubyn Henry, and CEO Toni-Ann Gayle were present to personally deliver the awards.