Venezuelan President Appears in U.S. Court After Arrest on Drug Charge

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NEW YORK — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has appeared before a United States federal court following his recent arrest and extradition, according to reports from international media outlets. Maduro was transported under heavy security to a federal courthouse in New York for an initial court appearance. The development marks a rare and significant moment in international criminal proceedings involving a sitting head of state. Background to the Case U.S. prosecutors accuse Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and related criminal conspiracies. The charges stem from indictments first announced several years ago, alleging that senior Venezuelan officials participated in large-scale cocaine trafficking operations targeting the United States and other international destinations. The case had remained inactive due to Maduro’s position in power and the lack of extradition until his reported arrest. Court Proceedings During the initial appearance, procedural matters wer...

Ghanaian Journalist Fled Country Due to Galamsey-Related Threats

Ghanaian Journalist Forced into Exile Amidst Galamsey Reporting Threats

ACCRA, GHANA – Erastus Asare Donkor, a prominent environmental journalist working with the Multimedia Group in Ghana, has revealed the difficult circumstances that led him to flee the country prior to the 2024 elections. Donkor's decision to leave Ghana was prompted by a series of escalating  threats to his life, directly linked to his courageous investigative reports on the pervasive issue of illegal mining, more commonly known as "galamsey," within the nation.


Donkor's revelations came during an appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile program, where he detailed the harrowing experiences that forced him to prioritize his personal safety. He explained that his relentless efforts to expose the detrimental activities of illegal mining operations had incurred the wrath of powerful individuals and vested interests involved in the illicit trade. "It's been a difficult period for me for some time now," Donkor stated, "and leading up to the elections, after carefully assessing my security situation, I was left with no choice but to temporarily leave the country."

The journalist further disclosed that the threats he received were not limited to mere verbal warnings. Instead, they took on a more menacing nature, with threats being delivered both in person, during unsettling encounters, and through a barrage of alarming private messages. The nature of these threats suggested a clear intent to cause harm, leaving Donkor with grave concerns for his well-being.

Even after his return to Ghana, Donkor's ordeal did not come to an end. He reported that the intimidation and threats persisted, with disturbing messages continuing to pour in from unidentified individuals through various channels. "Upon my return," Donkor recounted, "I've been met with a fresh wave of threats, coming at me both directly from people I've encountered and through a constant stream of messages in my inboxes."

Donkor's experience highlights the perilous environment faced by journalists who dare to expose corruption and environmental crimes in Ghana. His story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with investigative journalism, particularly when it involves powerful and unscrupulous actors.

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