International
Bolsonaro testifies in fake vaccination certificates case
May 17 |
The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, appeared this Tuesday before the Federal Police in Brasilia to testify about the alleged falsification of vaccination certificates against Covid-19, reiterating his innocence and denying any involvement in the facts attributed to him.
Bolsonaro arrived at the police headquarters around 13:40 local time in a car with dark windows and left about four hours later in the same manner, without offering statements to the press.
In his statement to authorities, Bolsonaro again denied his involvement in the alleged scheme to create Covid-19 vaccination certificates for himself, his 12-year-old daughter and collaborators, reported former Communication Secretary and current Bolsonaro advisor Fabio Wajngarten.
Authorities are investigating an alleged “criminal association” suspected of “inserting false anti-covid vaccination data for the benefit of the then president” and his close associates, according to official documents.
The objective was to “circumvent sanitary restrictions”, to travel with a retinue of family members and advisors to the United States, two days before the end of his mandate on January 1st, where he stayed for three months.
The former president, who sowed doubts about vaccines at the height of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, which killed more than 700,000 people in Brazil, was entered in the immunization system records as having received two doses of the vaccine, last August and October.
After the raid on his home, the 68-year-old former president denied the accusations and accused the authorities of trying to “fabricate a case” against him.
Bolsonaro’s former deputy, Mauro Cid, who was considered his right-hand man during the former president’s term, was arrested in connection with the case, on suspicion of “initiating” the practice of illicit acts.
Until May 11, the United States required international air travelers to present proof of vaccination against the coronavirus, a requirement that did not apply to foreign government officials.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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