Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran was found guilty last week on one charge of obstructing justice and four others for accepting gifts from individuals with whom he had official dealings. He is the first minister in nearly 50 years to be charged and sentenced to prison in Singapore.

Judge Vincent Hoong stated in his ruling that there is an expectation that senior officials “must avoid any perception that they can be influenced by bribes.” He deemed it appropriate to impose a sentence that exceeded the expectations of both parties, announcing a 12-month prison sentence for the five charges. The defense had requested no more than eight weeks in prison, while the prosecution sought a sentence of six to seven months.

The court granted Iswaran’s request to postpone the start of his sentence until Monday, according to “Channel News Asia.” It remains unclear whether he will appeal the sentence.

Initially facing 35 charges, Iswaran’s trial was continued with only five of them, as prosecutors reduced two corruption charges to one for the illegal acceptance of gifts (bribery). Prosecutors stated they would seek consideration of the remaining 30 charges for sentencing.

Iswaran received gifts worth over $57,000 from Ong Beng Seng, a wealthy Malaysian real estate magnate based in Singapore, and businessman Lum Kok Seng. The gifts included tickets for the Singapore “Formula 1” race, wine, whisky, and a luxury “Brompton” bicycle. Ong purchased the rights to organize the “Formula 1” race in Singapore, and Iswaran served as chairman and later advisor of the Grand Prix organizing committee.

The Attorney-General’s Office indicated it would soon decide whether to charge entrepreneurs Ong and Lum after the conclusion of the case against Iswaran.

Singaporean ministers are among the highest-paid in the world. While the amount involved in Iswaran’s case appears relatively small, his indictment is damaging to the ruling People’s Action Party, which prides itself on a clean image. Singapore ranks among the five least corrupt countries in the world in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

The last cabinet minister charged with corruption was Wee Toon Boon, who was found guilty in 1975 and imprisoned for accepting gifts in exchange for assistance to a businessman. Another cabinet minister was investigated for corruption in 1986 but died before charges were brought against him.

Iswaran resigned shortly before the bribery charges were filed against him. His trial comes just over four months after Singapore appointed new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong following Lee Hsien Loong’s resignation after 20 years in office.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a heartfelt video message to the nation, extending his condolences to the families of eight soldiers killed during operations in southern Lebanon. This statement came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced their deaths, marking a significant moment amid escalating tensions in the region.

In his address, Netanyahu expressed, “I want to convey my sincere condolences to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon. We are in the midst of a fierce battle against the axis of evil led by Iran, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen, because we will stand united, and with God’s help, we will triumph together.” His words resonated with a deep sense of solidarity and resolve as Israel faces growing threats from militant groups.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the issue of hostages, stating that approximately 100 individuals remain in the hands of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. He underscored the emotional and strategic implications of these hostages, noting the urgency of their situation. Furthermore, he mentioned the Israeli citizens who have been forced to evacuate their homes in the northern regions due to the threats posed by Hezbollah. “We will rescue our hostages in the south, we will return the residents to the north, and we will guarantee the eternity of Israel,” Netanyahu asserted, demonstrating a commitment to both the safety of citizens and the defense of the nation.

The backdrop of Netanyahu’s message is marked by the IDF’s recent operations in Lebanon, where military engagements have escalated, resulting in the tragic loss of life. On Wednesday, the IDF reported the death of one soldier, followed by the announcement of seven additional fatalities in separate incidents in southern Lebanon. This surge in violence has heightened the stakes for Israel, prompting an urgent response from its leadership.

Netanyahu’s remarks reflect a broader narrative of resilience and determination within Israel, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of adversity. As the nation grapples with the consequences of ongoing conflicts, his pledge to rescue hostages and protect Israeli citizens resonates deeply with those affected by the turmoil.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister’s message is not just a reflection of the immediate crisis but a call to action for Israelis to remain steadfast and united against threats that challenge their existence. As tensions continue to rise in the region, Netanyahu’s words serve as a rallying cry for a nation committed to its security and future.

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The Ethics Secretariat has suspended Gazment Bardhi, Flamur Noka, and Bledjon Nallbani from parliamentary proceedings for 60 days, while Edi Paloka received a 10-day suspension, and others were suspended for 40 days. Following this announcement, Gazment Bardhi, the head of the Democratic Party (PD) group, expressed his defiance, stating that this action will not prevent them from standing “against Edi Rama.”

Bardhi emphasized the severity of the suspensions, asserting, “They are willing to imprison you without law or evidence, so why would they hesitate to exclude you from Parliament without legal grounds?” He criticized the ruling party’s actions as a clear indication of Edi Rama’s fear and smallness. “The exclusion of the opposition from Parliament for months demonstrates just how cowardly Edi Rama truly is! Whether we are inside or outside Parliament, we will confront you!”

He further condemned the ruling party’s tactics, accusing them of stifling dissent and silencing opposition voices. Bardhi’s passionate remarks highlight a broader sentiment among the opposition, emphasizing their commitment to resist what they perceive as authoritarian measures. He concluded with a strong message, asserting that the parliamentary hall is not immune to their fight against what they describe as a criminal regime. Bardhi’s determination reflects the ongoing political tension in the country and the PD’s strategy to rally support against the current government.

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Yesterday, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel’s assassination in Beirut of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah last week and its assassination in Tehran of Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh in July.United States President Joe Biden instructed the US military to assist Israel in neutralising the missiles – not that Israel is not already equipped with various layers of ultra-sophisticated protection against incoming projectiles, which permit it to go about slaughtering folks left and right while suffering minimal damage in return.During a news briefing at the White House, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that US naval destroyers had “joined Israeli air defence units in firing interceptors to shoot down in-bound missiles”. Praising the “professionalism” of the Israeli military, Sullivan also lauded the “skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack”.

Off course, not once has it occurred to the Biden administration to meticu

lously thwart Israel’s ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where officially more than 41,000 people have been killed in less than a year although the true death toll is without a doubt exorbitantly higher. Nor has the oh-so-skilled US military deemed it necessary to interfere in the wanton butchery currently going down in Lebanon, where Israel just killed more than 700 people in less than a week.And while many an international observer has sounded the alarm that the US could now be “dragged” into a regional war – warnings that will only increase after the Iranian missile attack – in reality the US is not really being “dragged” anywhere.Rather, the US is in a position entirely of its own making. And the fact of the matter is that the US is already at war.To be sure, even prior to the launch of the genocide, the US habit of flinging billions of dollars at the Israeli military on an annual basis long ago made it transparently complicit in Israeli efforts to disappear Palestine. Since October 7, the billions have only multiplied, despite Biden’s intermittent squawking about cutting off the supply of certain offensive weaponry to Israel.In August, the Biden administration approved a $20bn weapons package to its Israeli partner in crime. And on September 26, the Reuters news agency reported Israel’s announcement that “it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region”.The package was said to include “$3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement… and $5.2 billion designated for air defense systems including the Iron Dome anti-missile system, David’s Sling and an advanced laser system”.

Sotiraq Filo, the mayor of Korçë: “On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, we visited one of the Senior Centers opened by the municipality in Korçë today.

We spent some time in their company, engaging in conversations and assuring them that the municipality’s support for this age group will continue not only through the Pensioners’ Card and Community Centers but also with other programs and projects aimed at enhancing services and improving their quality of life.

Often, it is the elderly who teach us to respect values, reminding us of our roots and the path of dignity, dedication, and generosity.”

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Deputies of the Democratic Party took an extreme action by burning chairs outside the Assembly of Albania, a protest that marked heightened political tensions. The flames briefly got out of control, posing a risk to the entrance of the parliament. Security guards quickly intervened to extinguish the fire, preventing a more dangerous situation. Following this incident, the deputies returned to the plenary session and blocked the podium, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s decisions.

This event highlights the turbulent political climate in Albania, where tensions between the opposition and the majority are on the rise. The deputies’ protest reflects their concerns and signals the deep disagreements that continue within the Albanian political system.

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Andrea Mano, the former chairman of the Democratic Party in Korçë, has secured a seat in the 140-member Parliament of Albania amid recent developments within the party. This comes after news that current deputy Ervin Salianji is facing potential imprisonment due to the charges against him. According to party procedures and the electoral system, Mano, who was second on the electoral list, will take over Salianji’s mandate upon his resignation.

Mano is recognized as a significant political figure in Korçë, known for his strong commitment to community development and support for right-wing policies. He has been active in local politics and is well-regarded for his dedication to addressing citizens’ issues. His election to Parliament brings renewed hope for increased support for developmental projects in Korçë and for strengthening the opposition.

Next week, the Assembly is expected to revoke Ervin Salianji’s mandate, paving the way for his legal proceedings. This development marks a new era for the Democratic Party and for the city of Korçë, where Andrea Mano is anticipated to play a crucial role in representing the interests of residents and promoting democratic values.

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Following the decision of the Appeals Court, which upheld the one-year prison sentence for Ervin Salianji, the Democratic Party announced an urgent meeting at its headquarters. Salianji expressed serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the judicial process, labeling the court’s decision as premeditated and falsified. He emphasized that the hearing had a predetermined outcome and that the judges acted as representatives of the Socialist Party.

In his statement, Salianji made a strong accusation, claiming that one of the judges was “superordinary” and had a dubious role in the case. He added that the ruling was an attempt to attack the opposition and undermine the image of the Democratic Party, especially ahead of the elections. Salianji viewed this process as an organized attack against him and the party he represents.

Determined to continue his legal battle, he confirmed that he would appeal the decision and pursue all possible legal avenues. Salianji accused Fatmir Xhafaj of being an instrument used by Prime Minister Rama to manipulate the judicial system. He stated that he was willing to cooperate with the authorities and would gladly continue his fight for justice.

According to him, this process is a clear sign of the government’s attempts to control the system and influence the outcome of the upcoming elections. Salianji promised to commit himself to ensuring that these issues are addressed fairly and transparently in the future. He hopes there will be opportunities to rectify the injustices he believes are occurring.

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Prefect Nertil Jole:

“During my visit to Sovjan, where I observed the work being done on cleaning the collector by the Regional Directorate of Water and Drainage, I met several farmers and young people from the village.

Rami Dautllari and Shefki Dautllari are two experienced farmers who are deeply engaged in agriculture with their families, producing onions, potatoes, and corn on their family farms. The Korça region is home to many hardworking individuals who, despite the specific challenges they face throughout the production year, continue their efforts to ensure that the products with the excellent reputation of Maliqi are of the highest quality.”

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Korça’s Prefect, Nertil Jole, recently shared photos of the cleaning work on the Sovjan collector, writing the following:

“A significant effort by the Korça Directorate of Irrigation and Drainage to clean the Sovjan collector, the main drainage project for the Maliqi area, with a length of 9.3 km and a volume of 53,000 m³ of alluvium.

This intervention will conclude after 25 days and addresses a highly sensitive issue for the residents and farmers of the area. Respect for the challenging work of Petrika and Eriskeli, who are working as excavators alongside their colleagues.”

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