Latest news with #Azeri
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Azerbaijan hands down long prison terms to seven journalists amid media crackdown
BAKU - A court in Azerbaijan sentenced seven journalists to jail terms ranging from 7-1/2 to nine years on Friday after finding them guilty of smuggling, in what international press freedom advocates have described as a politically motivated case. Six of the defendants are affiliated with Abzas Media, an independent outlet focused on corruption and human rights in the South Caucasus country, which ranks 167th of 180 countries in Reporters without Borders' World Press Freedom Index. Abzas Media's editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi, director Ulvi Hasanli, translator Mahammad Kekalov, staff journalists Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova, and freelance journalist Hafiz Babali all denied the charges. Their lawyers said they would appeal. The seventh defendant, Farid Mehralizada - who received a nine-year sentence and also maintained his innocence - is a reporter with the Azeri language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), an outlet funded by the U.S. government. In a statement, RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus condemned the trial as a "sham" and said Mehralizada should be released home to his family. President Ilham Aliyev, in power since 2003, has rejected criticism over the arrests of journalists and said Azerbaijan has "a free press and a free internet." The first arrests in the case were made in November 2023 after authorities said they had found 40,000 euros ($41,000) in cash in Abzas Media's Baku offices. Several other media workers have been arrested on similar charges of smuggling in recent years in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich country of 10 million case against the seven journalists drew condemnation from global press freedom groups and the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden, with his secretary of state, Antony Blinken, calling for their release last year. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shelbourne face potential clash with European regulars Qarabag in Champions League second round
SHELBOURNE will face a daunting visit to Azeri champions Qarabag in the Champions League if they beat Linfield. Advertisement 2 Shelbourne could face Qarabag if they get past Linfield in the Champions League 2 Shelbourne manager Damien Duff and his side get their Euro campaign underway in July The first leg would be at home on July 22 or 23, with the away leg the following week. The Baku-based outfit are one of the toughest potential opponents are are group stage regulars having reached that stage of one of Last season, they reached the Europa League groups by virtue of qualifying for the And they previous experience against Irish opposition beating Dundalk 4-1 on aggregate in the Champions League in 2019. Advertisement read more on football Manager Gurban Gurbanov has been in charge for 18 years and his squad also provides the backbone of the Azerbaijan national team - five that featured against Hungary last week were Qarabag players. Shelbourne know that victory over Linfield will also guarantee them the 'champions path' which means they are guaranteed three more ties even if they lose. That route guarantees €1.75 million in prize money and it can rise to €3.87 million if they win one tie, as it guarantees Conference League group stages at least. But defeat to Linfield would see Shelbourne parachuted into the Conference League second round and needing to win three consecutive ties to make the group stages. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog If the Reds are in the Conference League, they will have a tie with Lithuanians Zalgiris or Maltese outfit Hamrun Spartans with the first leg due to be away on July 24 and home on July 31. But the pick of the Conference League ties for Irish clubs is the potential meeting between Shamrock Rovers and Belfast outfit Cliftonville. Harry Kane enjoys makeshift ice bath in WHEELIE BIN after 10-0 Bayern Munich rout in Club World Cup opener The Hoops enter the competition at the second round phase by virtue of their high ranking which saw them given a first round bye following Drogheda United's expulsion. But they will now watch the first round closely as they face the winners of Cliftonville or Gibraltar outfit St Joesph's - who Shelbourne beat last year. Advertisement St Patrick's Athletic also learnt they will face Kalju of Estonia or Partizani of Albania if they beat Hegelmann of Lithuania in the first round of the Conference League with the first leg at home. But the three Dublin clubs could potentially see ties and dates move as UEFA do not allow clubs to play on the same day in the same city. That is potentially a problem for Rovers and Shels, but also because of a potential clash between Cliftonville and Linfield as well.
NBC News
2 days ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Tucker Carlson clashes with Sen. Ted Cruz: 'You don't know anything about Iran'
WASHINGTON — Right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson clashed with Ted Cruz in an interview and posted a clip Tuesday night where the senator was unable to answer questions about Iran. "How many people live in Iran, by the way?" Carlson asked the Texas Republican. "I don't know the population," Cruz responded. "At all?" Carlson asked, prompting Cruz to reiterate that he did not know. "You don't know the population of the country you seek to topple?" Asked again how Cruz did not know Iran's population, the senator responded, "I don't sit around memorizing population tables." (The CIA estimated in 2024 that the country's population level sits at around 88 million.) The clip immediately caught fire online, with Carlson's post racking up over 22 million views and thousands of comments, according to X analytics. The clash underscores a broader split within the MAGA movement over U.S. involvement in the conflict between Iran and Israel. One faction of the movement, including Carlson, has urged against U.S. intervention, painting the other side as " warmongers." The more hawkish faction, which includes Cruz, has forcefully supported the U.S. backing Israel's efforts. The conflict comes as President Donald Trump weighs what he will do, with a senior administration official telling NBC News Wednesday morning that "all options remain on the table." Asked about potential U.S. strikes against Iran, Trump told reporters Wednesday, "I may do it, I may not do it." Cruz said in a Fox News interview on Sunday that he believed 'it is very much in the interest of America to see regime change' in Iran. Also included in the clip of Carlson's interview, which airs in full on Wednesday, the former Fox News host argued that Cruz's knowledge about Iran's population was "kind of relevant because you're calling for the overthrow of the government." Moments later, Carlson asked Cruz for the ethnic mix of Iran. "They are Persians and predominantly Shia," Cruz said, referring to a sect of Islam. Carlson cut in to ask for percentages, and Cruz retorted, "this is cute" as the two men talked over each other. (Persians make up Iran's largest ethnic group, but the country also Azeri, Kurd, Lur and other groups, according to the CIA.) "You don't know anything about Iran," Carlson said, and the interview devolved into a heated, overlapping exchange. After the clip was published, Cruz accused Carlson on X of releasing "a snippet playing a 'gotcha' on the population of Iran." "I declined to play that silly game," he continued, encouraging people to watch the full interview when it airs. Trump has weighed in on Carlson's criticism of potential U.S. strikes on Iran, calling the former Fox News host "kooky." "Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that,' IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!' Trump said in a post to Truth Social on Tuesday before the interview clip was posted to X. Asked by a reporter on Monday for his response to Carlson calling Trump "complicit" in the conflict with Iran, Trump said, "I don't know what Tucker Carlson is saying. Let him go get a television network and say it so that people listen." Carlson left Fox News in 2023.
Vogue Singapore
04-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue Singapore
In Azerbaijan, a cultural haven awaits
Getty Nestled along the coastline of the Caspian Sea, Baku is a city where 12th century alleyways meet gleaming skyscrapers. Azerbaijan's capital offers a perfect blend of culture and modernity; with the city's allure prominent within its juxtapositions—one moment you're walking through the cobblestoned streets of the ancient Old City, and the next you're gazing up at Zaha Hadid's architectural masterpiece. A place where space and time appear to intersect. The city pulses with a rich cultural rhythm of tea houses filled with the aroma of saffron, contemporary art galleries tucked within Soviet-era facades and locals who are as proud of their traditions as they are of their nation's rapid growth. This oil rich city has a little bit of the Middle-East, a little bit of Europe and of course a little bit of Asia, making it a hidden gem for any avid traveller. You'll get to dive deep into the Azerbaijani craft, heritage and culture through the city's fascinating museums and historical sites—whilst also enjoying a rejuvenating hamam experience at a local bathhouse and unwind along the breezy Caspian Sea coast. Below, find a curated list of recommendations for where to go, eat and stay in Baku to experience the best of this rising cultural hotspot. Courtesy of Azerbaijan Travel 1 / 8 Old City A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City or Icherisheher is Baku's medieval quarter. Spend your day exploring the ancient mosques, caravanserais and the iconic Maiden Tower. Further inside the ancient city, you'll find the Shirvanshah Palace—a religious fortress that was home to the rulers of the Shirvan dynasty—and explore its great hall, mosque, bath house and Shah's burial vault. Beyond the monuments, you'll find vendors setting up their stalls against the sandstoned walls, selling handwoven carpets and silverware. Getty 2 / 8 Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Shaped like a giant rolled carpet, this three-storey waterfront museum is not just an architectural marvel—it's a deep dive into the nation's long-standing love affair with carpets. Inside, get lost amongst the national garments, traditional ceramics and thousands of Azeri carpets. Courtesy of Eurasia Travel 3 / 8 Shikhov Beach Just ten kilometres from the heart of Baku, Shikhov Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Azerbaijan. Take part in the various water activities offered along its shores, from jet skiing to windsurfing, or explore the party scenes at the beach clubs. Head there at dusk for a breathtaking view of the setting sun whilst sipping a glass of local wine. Courtesy of Four Seasons Baku 4 / 8 Four Seasons Baku For a stay in the heart of the city, Four Seasons Baku overlooks the Caspian Sea on one side and the Old City on the other. Expect luxurious suites, world class service and an impeccable breakfast spread. Plus, its prime location means that you're mere steps away from the city's museums, markets and nightlife. @museuminnbaku 5 / 8 Museum Inn Nestled within the walls of the Old City, this quaint restaurant is a hidden gem for tea lovers. Upon stepping inside, you'll find antiques, works of local artists and traditional handwoven carpets adorning the place. Sip your morning tea with some rose jam or pakhlava—all while enjoying the breathtaking view of the city's historic core. Getty 6 / 8 Nizami Street With its neoclassical and baroque style buildings, Nizami street instantly transports you to a European city—specifically Paris. Named after the famous 12th century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, this street is the heart of Baku's social scene. Known for its bustling high end and local shops, restaurants and cafes, it's a perfect spot for tourists to enjoy the city's modern atmosphere. By evening, Nizami street comes alive with nightlife, with an array of bars and clubs for the choosing. Courtesy of Azerbaijan Travel 7 / 8 Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre Designed by the renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is a masterclass in modern architecture. Its flowing, wave-like curvature stands out in Baku's majestic skyline. Inside, the centre hosts art exhibitions, concerts and an exhibition on Azerbaijani history and heritage. @hamambath 8 / 8 HamamBath To truly experience Baku the traditional way, indulge in a rejuvenating visit to a local hamam. HamamBath is a modern and luxurious hamam experience that's just a fifteen minute drive from central Baku. Step into a warm marble chamber and enjoy a traditional scrubbing ritual, followed by a cup of soothing tea. A perfect place to sit back and relax after a tiring day exploring the city.
TimesLIVE
02-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery extends US crude buying spree into July
Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery will import at least 5-million barrels of US WTI crude oil in July, three trading sources told Reuters, extending its buying spree after a potential record tally for June. The giant new 650,000 barrel per day capacity oil refinery is set to import around 161,000 bpd of WTI in July after awarding tenders in recent days, the sources said, off the back of a record 300,000 bpd booked in its June tenders. Final totals for the month could change should the refinery make more purchases. The buying spree highlights the increasing competition oil exporters face as the OPEC+ producer group increases output, with US crudes struggling to compete in Asia against a six-month low in spot premiums for UAE Murban crude, traders said. Commodity trader Vitol supplied 2-million barrels for July delivery in the latest Dangote tender, Azeri state-owned Socar another 2-million barrels, and miner and trader Glencore sold the remaining 1-million barrels, the sources said. Vitol did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the tender result, while Socar and Glencore declined to comment.
