International
Former Peruvian president asks to be released from prison for cancer treatment
November 4 |
Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo requested Friday his release from prison to receive treatment for cancer, in his first intervention in the trial he faces for allegedly having received millions in bribes from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.
“I ask you please, it has to do with the issue of my health, I ask you to let me defend myself in freedom (…) I have cancer,” pleaded Toledo, 77, his voice cracking as he addressed the court.
Toledo even suggested to be prosecuted “under house arrest” if he does not regain his freedom, according to the hearing broadcast by the Judicial Power channel, to which the press has no access.
The former governor (2001-2006) gave as an example the legal situation of two other former presidents who succeeded him, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski and Ollanta Humala, who are defending themselves in freedom in other trials derived from the Odebrecht mega-scandal in Peru.
Toledo remarked that it is “vital” to have access to a clinic to treat cancer. However, he did not specify what type of cancer he suffers from, although he pointed out that for the last 15 years he has been suffering from “serious illnesses” that were treated in the United States.
The former president has been held since April 23 in a small prison for former presidents east of Lima, where he is serving 18 months of preventive detention, after being extradited by the United States. Also in the prison are former presidents Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) and Pedro Castillo (2021-2022).
Toledo began his trial on October 17 for allegedly receiving a bribe of US$35 million. The prosecution has requested 20 years and 6 months in prison for the alleged crimes of collusion and money laundering to the detriment of the State.
According to the indictment, the bribe allowed Odebrecht to win a concession to build a section of the Interoceánica Sur highway between Peru and Brazil.
Toledo denies the charges since in 2016 Brazilian Odebrecht revealed before the US justice system a corruption scheme at regional level to obtain public works.
The Odebrecht corruption scheme splashed four former Peruvian presidents. In addition to Toledo, prosecutors investigated Alan García (2006-2011), who committed suicide in 2019 before being arrested, Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018).
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
-
International2 days agoFloods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
-
International3 days agoHurricane Melissa kills over 30, leaves thousands displaced in the Caribbean
-
International3 days agoU.S. considering airstrikes on military sites in Venezuela, reports say
-
International4 days agoHurricane Melissa leaves Jamaican residents homeless as recovery efforts begin
-
International4 days agoUS Deputy Secretary criticizes Mexico’s call to end Cuba trade embargo at UN
-
International4 days agoVenezuela warns citizens who call for invasion risk losing nationality
-
International4 days agoMexico advances continental shelf claims at UN Commission in New York
-
International3 days agoTrump sets historic low refugee cap at 7,500, prioritizes white South Africans
-
International4 days agoTrump orders immediate U.S. nuclear testing, ending 30-year moratorium
-
International4 days agoBrazilian president defends coordinated anti-drug operations after deadly Rio raid
-
International3 days agoUNICEF: Over 700,000 children affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean
-
International1 day agoAt least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
-
International2 days agoFBI foils ISIS-Inspired attack in Michigan, arrests five teens
-
International3 days agoPope Leo XIV revives Global Compact on Education to confront cultural crisis
-
International3 days agoU.S. warns China over Taiwan during high-level defense talks in Kuala Lumpur
-
International4 days agoSimeón Pérez Marroquín, ‘El Viejo,’ detained for role in Miguel Uribe Turbay assassination plot
-
International1 day agoU.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers