International

Provisional release for the policeman detained in a town in Granada for jihadism

The local policeman arrested in a Civil Guard operation against jihadism in the Granada municipality of La Zubía has been provisionally released this Saturday after testifying before the National Court, that he has withdrawn his passport and weapons permit.

The agent, who made a police statement this Saturday, has also done so by videoconference before the Central Examining Court of the National Court, in charge of the anti-jihadit operation for which he was arrested on Thursday at his home in La Zubia.

The policeman has declared represented by criminal lawyer Félix Fernández, who has detailed to EFE that the hearing before the Court has been advanced – it was scheduled for this Sunday – based on the information collected during the investigation.

In his statement, the agent has assured that he does not practice Islam or approach this religion, and has ruled out any contact with jihadist environments.

Sources of the investigation have detailed to EFE that the Civil Guard had been investigating him since October last year, with a follow-up of his movements that does not link him to radical environments.

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The judge in charge of the case has ordered his provisional release accused of a crime of self-indoctrination, has withdrawn his passport and has prohibited him from leaving the country.

He will also have to appear in court every fortnight and his weapons permit has been withdrawn.

At the moment, the analysis of the content of his phone continues, with numerous videos and images and a lot of content in Arabic, since the agent was studying that language.

The same sources have specified that the only document linked to jihadism located in the first analysis is related to a course offered by the Local Police of Granada to prevent this type of terrorism.

The precautionary doctors imposed do not make any reference to his work as a police officer, although the use of weapons is prohibited.

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The detainee, in active employment, accumulates thirty years of service as an agent of the Local Police of Granada, has not received any work share in these years nor has he had problems or absences due to mental health.

In the operation carried out this Thursday, the Civil Guard searched a house on the first floor of a building on the Camino de Gójar, in La Zubia, in which several weapons were intervened.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.