World News
Former UN employee sentenced to 15 years for drugging and raping several women during nearly two decades of humanitarian missions
Steph Deschamps / October 28, 2022
A former United Nations employee was sentenced Thursday in a New York court to 15 years in prison for drugging and raping several women during nearly two decades of humanitarian missions in the Middle East.
Karim Elkorany sexually assaulted at least 20 women, most of whom were relatives, during work trips to Iraq, Egypt and the United States.
Journalists, Fulbright scholars and UN employees were among nine women who spoke at his trial in a Manhattan federal court. They testified that they were haunted by not knowing the details of their assault, which was committed while they were unconscious, and by not knowing about the drugs that Elkorany injected into them. They also stressed that the violence they were committing was an open secret.
A journalist told of being raped by the former UN employee in Kurdistan in November 2016. She described the trauma that followed the assault as a cancer.
Karim Elkorany had pleaded guilty in May to charges of sexual assault and lying to the FBI, the federal law enforcement agency in the United States.
Federal Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald imposed the harshest possible sentence for these charges. In particular, she pointed out that Elkorany never considered whether the drugs he administered to his victims could cause permanent damage.
The assistant federal prosecutor also pointed out that Elkorany photographed unconscious women and gave some victims STIs because he did not wear a condom. The federal prosecutor called Elkorany’s crimes “monstrous”.
Karim Elkorany began working in international aid, development and relations in 2005. He worked for Unicef in Iraq between 2013 and 2016, before being promoted to communications specialist.
The 30-year-old apologized to the victims in court.
World News
2024 Report Highlights Major Digital Growth in Yemen
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Datareportal, a leading authority in global digital insights, has released its highly anticipated “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, showcasing remarkable advancements in digital adoption across the country amidst ongoing challenges.
Key findings from the report include:
1. Internet Penetration Growth: Internet penetration in Yemen has surged by 22% from the previous year, with an estimated 10.5 million Yemenis now having access to the internet, representing 36% of the population.
2. Mobile Connectivity: Mobile devices remain the primary means of internet access, with smartphone ownership increasing by 18%, reaching a total of 9.2 million users. This growth is attributed to expanded mobile network coverage and more affordable data plans.
3. Social Media Usage: Social media usage has seen a significant uptick, with platforms like Facebook experiencing a 30% increase in active users, now totaling 7.8 million Yemenis. WhatsApp and YouTube follow closely, each with over 6 million active users.
4. E-Commerce Expansion: E-commerce has boomed, witnessing a 45% rise in online transactions compared to the previous year. The total value of e-commerce transactions in 2024 reached USD 360 million, indicating a growing preference for digital shopping experiences.
5. Digital Payments Surge: Digital payment systems have gained widespread adoption, with mobile money users growing by 55% to reach 4.3 million users. This surge in digital payments has led to a 25% decrease in cash transactions across various sectors.
While Yemen continues to face challenges, the rapid growth in digital adoption is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people,” said [SIMON KEMP], at Datareportal. “These numbers reflect the transformative potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and improving access to essential services.
The report also sheds light on ongoing challenges such as intermittent power outages and internet disruptions, which hinder seamless digital integration. Additionally, the cost of digital access remains relatively high for many Yemenis, highlighting the need for continued efforts to enhance affordability and accessibility.
For a detailed analysis and access to the full “Digital 2024: Yemen” report, visit [Website URL].
– About Datareportal
Datareportal is a leading provider of comprehensive digital insights, empowering businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools. With a commitment to accuracy and depth, Datareportal remains at the forefront of global digital trends and transformations.
Fuad Al-Qrize ( Arabic: فؤاد الكريزي ) – Yemeni Writer
World News
Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin promises those responsible will all be “punished”, EI says four of its fighters carried out the attack
Eva Deschamps / March 23,
At least 133 people were killed on Friday evening in an armed attack followed by a huge fire at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow, which was claimed by the jihadist group Islamic State (EI).
The four perpetrators” of the attack were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, said the Russian president on Saturday March 23.
The Russian president spoke at a time of terrible tragedy in Russia. “The four perpetrators” of the attack near Moscow were arrested “on their way to Ukraine”, he said in a televised speech broadcast the day after the murderous attack. “According to initial data [from investigators], on the Ukrainian side, a passage had been prepared for them to cross the border”, he continued, notes Le Monde.
The attack, which killed at least 133 people near Moscow, was in the eyes of the Kremlin leader a “bloody and barbaric act of terrorism”. “Peaceful, innocent people […] including children, teenagers and women” were killed, he continued, adding, “I express my deepest and most sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.” A national day of mourning will be observed on March 24.
“War”. In his speech, Vladimir Putin assured that “those behind these terrorists will be punished” and that they “will have no future”. On Saturday, the Kremlin announced that eleven people had been arrested, including the four suspects who carried out the attack.
World News
Princess Kate announces cancer diagnosis
Sylvie Claire / March 23,
After weeks of silence from the British royal family, cancer-stricken Princess Kate has announced that she has begun chemotherapy.
Princess Kate explains that it has taken them some time to explain the situation to their children George, Charlotte and Louis. She concludes her message: “But for now, I need to focus on my full recovery. I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer. For anyone facing this disease in any form, don’t lose faith or hide. You are not alone.