A nurse who rushed to help Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas after she fell 130 feet from a bridge without a bungee cord said the 21-year-old was still alive when she reached the ground.“I saw she was breathing heavily, I looked at her pupils, which unfortunately were dilated, and felt her pulse. It was weak, but she still had a pulse,” nurse Rayza Dias told Brazilian television network Domingo Espetaclar on Sunday.Díaz climbed down the steep, muddy terrain, injuring her hand in the process. “I bruised my whole hand because there was a steep slope down there and we only had a rope to climb down. Everything was covered with dirt. I kept going down, down; we went all the way,” she said.When she reached the victim, she spoke to her. “I have a habit of joking, ‘Nobody dies on my watch.'” I told her, ‘Duda [Eduarda]no one died while I was on duty. “Even though I wasn’t on duty there,” Dias said. Despite his best efforts, Freitas, a 21-year-old physical education graduate, fell from the Skull Bridge in Limeira, state of São Paulo, and died from multiple injuries.The incident happened on Saturday morning and was captured on video. The video shows Freitas launching from the platform. Immediately after she was launched, people could be heard shouting “Guys, rope!” as they realized the safety equipment had not been attached.
Six people arrested, murder charges under investigation
The case has been handed over to the Limeira Second Police District for investigation. Authorities are investigating who was responsible for securing the safety equipment and whether proper protocols were followed.Authorities initially detained six people in connection with the incident. Three workers were arrested and charged with homicide in Freitas’ death. Two suspects reportedly tried to escape after the incident and had to be chased by military helicopters.
Shortly before her jump, Freitas posted a joking tone on her Instagram story: “Who is that crazy guy who made me jump off the bridge?” Her profile was deleted hours after her death.The case has been handed over to the Limeira Second Police District for investigation. Authorities are investigating who was responsible for securing the safety equipment and whether proper protocols were followed.
Controversial internet personality Charleston White withdraws comment Carmelo Anthony He has now allegedly shared screenshots of messages he sent to the killer’s father in which he threatened to ensure his son “went to jail”. Just days ago, White said he would now rather support Austin Metcalfe Father. White pledged $75,000 to help Anthony appeal his first-degree murder conviction for stabbing Metcalf to death.
Threatening text messages from Charleston White to Carmelo Anthony’s father surface (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
according to social media postsWhite sent a text message to Anthony’s father that read: “My son is free so it’s easy for me to say fuck you and your son. You came to me and I helped you! I will make sure your son suffers in jail!”
The follow-up text read: “I think I know you well, a nigga laying on his son. I feel sorry for you.”
On Saturday, June 13, White withdrew his support after a confrontation with Anthony’s father, Drew. White called Drew “weak” for allegedly focusing on personal funds for the GiveSendGo campaign. he vowed to come back Jeff Metcalfe instead.
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the 2025 murder of Metcalf. He is accused of stabbing Metcalf to death during a rain delay at a high school track meet. Before the stabbing at Frisco Memorial High School, Metcalf reportedly asked Anthony, who is black, to leave the event because he did not attend that school. Metcalfe is white.
Anthony has now been transferred to a Texas prison to begin serving his sentence. On the morning of Wednesday, June 10, he was transferred to the Wallace Park Jail near Houston, Texas, after spending the previous night in the county jail.
He filed a notice of appeal after his conviction, according to court records.
Harry S. Truman was never known for his polished political language. Even in the White House, he sounded more like a neighbor sharing opinions than a leader delivering a carefully constructed message. This quality explains why many of his statements endured long after his presidency ended. Some are serious. Some people are outspoken. Others have a dry sense of humor that reflects his personality.This quote, often cited as Truman’s quote about power, money, and women, falls neatly into that last category. It starts with what sounds like a warning and ends with a joke. Yet the quote has stuck around for decades because readers often find more than just humor in it. Behind the wisdom lie familiar observations about ambition, temptation, and the things that have complicated the lives of powerful people throughout history.
“Three things can destroy a man: power, money and women. I never wanted power, I never had money, and the only woman in my life is at home right now.”
Understand the meaning of Harry S. Truman’s quote
The first half of this sentence almost sounds like old-fashioned advice.Power, money, and relationships have appeared in stories, biographies, and historical records for centuries. Empires rose and fell around them. Careers are made and destroyed by them.Then Truman changed his tone completely.Instead of continuing his serious speech, he turned the focus to himself. The result is a sentence that feels more like dialogue than philosophy.Part of the appeal comes from this contrast. The reader expects a moral lesson, but instead gets a self-deprecating joke.At the same time, humor works because its underlying ideas are widely understood. Success often brings complications. The greater the influence or wealth, the greater the likelihood of making poor decisions.Truman’s remarks acknowledged this reality without sounding preachy.
This quote reflects Truman’s public image
Those who followed Truman throughout his political career often commented on his forthright attitude.He doesn’t come across as someone trying to impress his audience with complicated language. Whether talking to reporters, political allies or ordinary citizens, he generally prefers direct communication.This style helped shape public perception of him.Supporters view him as pragmatic and straight-talking. Critics sometimes find him outspoken. Regardless, he rarely sounds scripted.This quote reflects this reputation.Even decades later, it feels less like a prepared statement and more like something that comes naturally out of the conversation.This quality may explain why it remains so memorable.
Power has fascinated people for centuries
Perhaps it is no accident that the word “power” appears first in the quotation.History is full of examples of authority changing people. Some leaders fulfill their responsibilities well. Others were devoured by it.This topic recurs in literature, politics, and philosophy because it deals with a fundamental question: What happens when individuals exert influence over others?There is no single answer.Power can be used responsibly. It also promotes arrogance and overconfidence.Truman did not explore these ideas in detail. He simply lists the powers and lets readers draw their own conclusions.
Wealth and fame themselves bring stress
Money occupies a similar place in public discussion.Most people recognize its importance. Financial stability creates opportunities and alleviates certain concerns. Yet wealth never guarantees contentment or good judgment.Stories of wealth gained and lost emerge in every generation.Some people spend their lives chasing money, only to find that success creates new pressures instead of removing old ones.This tension helps explain why wealth remains such a common theme in quotes and public debate.Truman’s joke worked in part because it touched on an issue that people had been discussing for centuries.
How to apply Harry S. Truman’s quotes in your daily life
While the phrasing belongs to another era, the broader message is still worth reflecting on.Most people will never become president or have great wealth. Even so, questions about ambition, priorities and personal choices remain relevant.This quote reminds us that success is not enough. Character is important. Judgment is important. The ability to stay grounded is important.Professional achievements can be valuable, but they rarely make up for bad decisions made along the way.Many readers also appreciated the humor in Truman’s response. Instead of portraying himself as a heroic figure, he chose to laugh at himself.This approach has its own lessons.Insight is useful, especially when life gets complicated.
Why is this sentence so unforgettable?
Some quotes survive because they contain profound philosophical insights.Others survive because they display individuality. This one is a little bit of both.The reader encounters a former president talking about a serious subject and then unexpectedly turns the conversation into a joke. The shift feels very human. It feels spontaneous.This is probably why the quote continues to appear in collections of famous quotes and political anecdotes.The humor comes first. Reflection often comes later. Perhaps it’s this combination that has kept the franchise alive for so many years.
A GoFundMe has been raising money for a Mandarin High School student who was seriously injured in an apparent accident shooting this weekend. Micah “Vegas” Howell on Saturday at “accidental shootingThe Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating, News4JAX reported.
Mikah Howell GoFundMe: Mandarin High School student, 17, ‘fighting for life’ after suffering traumatic brain injury, shooting (GoFundMe)
The events leading up to the shooting are unclear. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office did not hold a media briefing after Howell was found with a gunshot wound to the head.
Howell’s mother, Jessica McPhee, who disclosed her son’s condition on social media, said the teen was a student in Cambridge’s AICE program and dreamed of attending the University of Central Florida and becoming a civil engineer specializing in urban planning and development.
this to fund me A campaign launched for Howell said he was now fighting for his life after suffering a devastation. Traumatic brain injury On June 6, the page described Howell as “a scholar and dedicated football player at Mandarin High School known for his passion on and off the field.”
“Now more than ever, Micah and his family need the support of ‘The Village’. His mother is with him in the intensive care unit and is unable to work as she focuses on Micah’s recovery. The uncertainty and emotional toll are immense, and as medical bills and living expenses pile up, so does the financial stress,” the page reads.
McPhee addressed her son’s condition in a Facebook comment, writing: “The bullet cannot be removed and now we don’t know what the future holds. Every day is filled with uncertainty. Every hour is a waiting game. We are taking things one step at a time and praying for healing, strength and miracles.”
“He had a way of making everyone feel important, as if they were the only person in the room. He was kind, loving, compassionate, and fearless. He lit up every room he walked into and made people smile wherever he went. He loved being around people and genuinely loved making others feel seen, valued and cared about,” his mother said of him.
McPhee added: “As his mother, I have watched him grow into an incredible young man. He is smarter than his peers, a natural problem solver who never gives up when faced with a challenge. If he wants to learn, solve or accomplish something, he will apply himself until he succeeds. He is not your average teenager. He has big dreams, a bright future and a lot of life left to live.”
Mcphee has been sharing updates on Facebook. In a touching post, she urged everyone to hug their children and tell them how much they are loved.
“I never imagined that one day I would be sitting next to my son’s hospital bed, hoping to hear his voice, see his smile, or feel his arms wrap around me again. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Nor is the next hour. Life can change in the blink of an eye,” she wrote.
“Make the most of every second you have. Put down your phone. Take extra time. Go to a football game. Take a family photo. Say ‘I love you’ one more time. Put the little things aside because one day you may find yourself wishing you could just live one more mundane moment,” she said, adding that she hopes everyone can raise awareness about “gun safety and gun education.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said before the meeting that Britain would supply enriched uranium to Ukraine for use in its nuclear power plants and impose new sanctions on Russia. G7 summit Tuesday meeting.Starmer’s office said in an official government press release on Monday that Britain would increase its support for Ukraine amid continued military action by Russia.Starmer condemned Russia’s “brutal attack” on Ukraine and said Britain was “stepping up” to “cut off the revenue that fuels Putin’s war and powers Ukraine through the winter ahead”.The deal includes a major energy deal to power Ukraine over the next two years by supplying it with British nuclear fuel, the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding it would also support hundreds of British jobs in north-west England. The operation against Russia’s “shadow fleet” is part of broader pressure measures, the press release said, referring to the military operation that intercepted the SMYRTOS vessel early Sunday morning.Starmer said, “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary and this statement reinforces that. Putin should withdraw his tanks, end his brutal attacks and return to the negotiating table.”Under the deal, the UK will support Ukrainian nuclear power plants through £210m of UK export finance over the next two years, enabling UK-based Urenco to supply enriched uranium to Ukraine’s state nuclear operator Energoatom. Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky finalized the deal when they met in Downing Street last week.The agreement is crucial for Ukraine’s energy security, with Energoatom accounting for more than 50% of the country’s electricity supply.The plan also supports UK industry, with more than a third of uranium supplies expected to come from UEN’s processing plant in northwest England. The company employs more than 650 people in the UK, with its Chester facility providing more than 4,500 jobs across the wider supply chain.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is making headlines again after accusing President Donald Trump of using the Justice Department to investigate him and his family for political reasons. As the public battle between the two leaders intensifies, attention has been focused on Newsom’s wealth, salary and how he amassed his fortune before entering politics. Today, the governor’s wealth is tied to years in business, with much of the family fortune tied to investments and the family background of his wife, Jennifer Siebel.
California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at the Center for American Progressive Thought conference at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, United States, May 19, 2026. Reuters/Annabelle Gordon(REUTERS)
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Gavin Newsome’s net worth is estimated to be $30 million. While he spent much of his public life in politics, much of his wealth came from business ventures he helped start before becoming mayor of San Francisco.
1991, newsom A group of investors founded PlumpJack Associates. The business later expanded into breweries, restaurants, hotels and retail stores. Over the years the company has grown into a successful operation with hundreds of employees.
When Newsom became mayor of San Francisco in 2004, he sold ownership stakes in local businesses to avoid conflicts of interest. His family fortune is also tied to his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel. Her father, Ken Siebel, is a successful investment manager and real estate investor.
Gavin Newsom’s salary as California governor
As California governor, Gavin Newsom draws a state salary. The governor’s annual salary is approximately $242,000, making him one of the highest-paid governors in the United States.
However, this salary represents only a small part. Newsom’s Overall financial condition. His business success, investments, and family assets contribute far more to his estimated wealth than his government salary.
Before becoming governor in 2019, Newsom also served as mayor of San Francisco and later as California’s lieutenant governor, building a political career that spanned nearly three decades.
Newsom drew national attention again this week after claiming that federal agents contacted his family, friends and former employees while reviewing old records and documents.
Newsom said in a video shared on social media president donald trump He was targeted because he might run for president in the future. He also urged Trump not to involve his wife and family in what he said was a personal vendetta.
The Justice Department and the White House had not responded to requests for comment as of the time of this report. The latest spat adds a new chapter to the long-running political rivalry between Newsom and Trump.
Good active noise cancellation is no longer limited to premium headphones. In the past, buyers often had to spend much more than Rs. 15,000 for effective ANC and solid wireless performance. Things have changed now. Today, there are several brands offering headphones priced at Rs. 10,000 features that combine noise reduction, long battery life, app control, multipoint connectivity, and support for high-quality audio codecs.
These ANC earphones are priced at Rs. 10,000 gives you noise cancellation, long battery life, and everyday convenience. (pixels)
For commuters, remote workers, students, and people who travel frequently, ANC can reduce distractions from traffic, office conversations, and other background sounds. If you’re looking for wireless headphones with ANC capabilities but don’t want to stretch your budget, here are seven options worth considering.
The Nothing Headphone Pro’s CMF stands out for its battery life. The company claims up to 100 hours of playback on a single charge, making it one of the longest-lasting options in its category. A five-minute top-up provides up to eight hours of listening time.
The headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers and support LDAC for high-resolution audio streaming. ANC is rated up to 40dB to help reduce ambient noise while traveling or working. Users also get wireless and wired connectivity options, making the headset suitable for a variety of use cases.
Each product review is clearly listed Advantages and Disadvantagesgiving you a balanced view.
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We specialize in products with the following brands Proven reputation and long-term market trust.
The JBL Tune 770NC focuses on battery life and everyday convenience. JBL claims up to 70 hours of playback time with ANC disabled and up to 44 hours with ANC enabled. Fast charging support provides up to 3 hours of listening time after 5 minutes of charging.
The headphones feature 40mm drivers, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and multipoint pairing. Ambient awareness and TalkThru mode help users understand their surroundings when needed. The JBL Headphones app also allows users to customize sound profiles to their liking.
The Sony WH-CH720N remains one of the most recognized ANC headphones in this price range. Weighing approximately 182 grams, it is one of the lightest over-ear wireless headphones available.
Sony offers active noise cancellation and ambient sound modes for situations where users need to hear their surroundings. The headphones feature 30mm dynamic drivers and support SBC and AAC codecs over Bluetooth 5.2. Battery life is rated at up to 35 hours with ANC enabled and up to 40 hours without ANC enabled. Detachable cable allows for wired listening when needed.
The Noise Master Buds Max are aimed at users who want feature-packed over-ear headphones. The headphones come with Sound by Bose tuning, and the ANC is rated to reduce ambient noise by up to 40dB. Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts noise reduction levels, while transparency mode allows external sounds to pass through when needed.
The headphones use 40mm drivers and support the LHDC 5.0 codec. Noise also includes five ENC-enabled microphones to improve voice quality during calls. Bluetooth 5.4, dual-device pairing and IPX4 protection are also added to the package. Battery life is rated at up to 60 hours, and a 10-minute charge provides up to 10 hours of playback.
The Marshall Major IV takes a different approach, focusing on battery life and simplicity. On-ear headphones provide over 80 hours of wireless playback, reducing the need for frequent charging.
One of its notable features is wireless charging support, which is still uncommon in this price range. The headset uses Marshall’s signature multi-directional control knob to manage music and calls. The 3.5mm audio jack allows for wired listening and music sharing via a cable connection when needed.
The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 is designed for listeners who prefer stronger bass output. Its Adjustable Sensory Bass system uses tactile drivers to create physical feedback that matches low-frequency sounds, allowing users to control bass intensity via a dedicated adjustment wheel.
The headphones also include a four-microphone ANC system to reduce ambient noise. Battery life is rated up to 50 hours, and fast-charging support helps minimize downtime. Other features include dual-device pairing and hands-free voice control, making it suitable for music, movies, and games.
For buyers looking for ANC from a well-known audio brand, the JBL Tune 750BTNC remains a practical choice. The headphones feature JBL Pure Bass Sound technology and feature active noise cancellation to reduce background distractions.
Battery life is rated at up to 15 hours with ANC enabled and up to 22 hours with ANC disabled. Charging takes about two hours. Multipoint connectivity allows users to switch between devices without having to manually reconnect, while the included detachable audio cable ensures uninterrupted listening even when the battery is drained.
5 things to consider before buying ANC headphones $10,000
1. Active noise reduction performance
Not all ANC systems work the same way. Check the claimed level of noise cancellation and whether the headphones offer features like adaptive ANC or transparency mode. Frequent travelers and commuters may benefit more from stronger noise cancellation.
2. Battery life
Backup batteries vary widely between models. Some headphones can last between 20 and 40 hours of playback, while others can last upwards of 80 hours. Consider how often you travel and whether fast charging support is important to your usage.
3. Audio codec support
If you stream music from a service that supports high-quality audio, look for headphones with codecs like LDAC, LHDC, or AAC. These codecs can help provide better sound quality compared to standard Bluetooth audio transmission.
4. Comfort and design
Headphones are typically worn for several hours at a time. Pay attention to weight, earpad design, and whether the headphones have an over-ear or on-ear shape. Comfort can have a significant impact during long listening sessions.
5. Connection characteristics
Features like multipoint pairing, Bluetooth version, wired playback support, and companion apps can improve the overall experience. Multipoint connectivity is especially useful for users who frequently switch between smartphones and laptops.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnerships, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We are not responsible for any claims relating to the products under applicable law (including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act 2019). The products listed in this article are in no particular order of preference.
US President Donald Trump has announced that Iran has agreed never to acquire nuclear weapons and sees the impending deal with Tehran as a major breakthrough.Yet days after the announcement, key details of the proposed deal, from uranium enrichment to sanctions relief and a reported $300 billion reconstruction fund, remain uncertain.The confusion centered on reports that Iran would receive a $300 billion reconstruction and investment package if it abides by the deal. Trump dismissed Truth Social’s claims, calling reports that the United States would pay “$300 billion” to Iran “fake news.”Trump posted on Truth Social: “Iran has agreed never to have nuclear weapons! Furthermore, the story that the United States paid Iran $300 billion is fake news spread by democrats!”Senior U.S. officials acknowledged, however, that a fund of this size had been discussed as part of a broader framework. The proposal would not involve direct payments from the United States but rather an international investment vehicle funded by Gulf states and would be entirely tied to Iran’s compliance with the deal, according to officials.Vice President Vance confirmed the possibility, saying Iran could receive such benefits “as long as it meets its obligations.”
The $300 billion figure first emerged in media reports citing diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations. Although Trump has publicly denied claims that the United States would provide such funds to Iran, senior administration officials have clarified that discussions have taken place around a reconstruction and investment mechanism that could ultimately help revive the Iranian economy.Officials stressed that no U.S. taxpayer funds would be involved and that any economic package would be tied to Iran’s fulfillment of its commitments in the deal.Vance has repeatedly argued that Iran will “not get a dime” unless it meets its obligations, while also suggesting that sanctions relief and international investment could follow if Tehran complies.
A future nuclear deal is expected to address four main issues: a long-term moratorium on uranium enrichment, reducing or diluting Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, dismantling nuclear facilities, and strengthening inspections.But even on these core terms, there are significant differences.The United States has reportedly urged Iran to halt uranium enrichment activities for 20 years. Iran countered with a shorter timetable while negotiating a possible compromise.Vance said Iran “has now agreed to eliminate its enriched stockpile.” Tehran, however, offered a different explanation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that any dilution of highly enriched uranium should be carried out within Iran and not through transfer abroad.Tehran insists detailed nuclear talks will begin only after an interim deal is implemented.
The money has not been released yet
Questions also remain over the lifting of sanctions and access to frozen Iranian assets.U.S. officials insist that the frozen funds in Iran have not been released so far. However, they acknowledged that there have been discussions about lifting sanctions, the possible release of frozen assets and wider economic incentives if Iran complies with the deal.“The very simple fact is that zero dollars of frozen assets have been released,” a senior U.S. official said.Vance believes that bringing Iran back into the global economy could create economic opportunities without requiring direct financial assistance from the United States.
an agreement that involves many unresolved issues
The uncertainty surrounding the deal extends beyond the Reconstruction Fund.Vance described the signed memorandum as a “very general document,” only about a page and a half. The White House said fuller details would be released later this week.That raises questions about whether Washington and Tehran are describing the same deal. While U.S. officials have emphasized constraints on Iran’s nuclear program and conditions for economic benefits, Iranian officials have publicly maintained positions that appear inconsistent with some U.S. claims.Even Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed caution, saying he was concerned that Iran’s understanding of the deal appeared to be different from that of the U.S. negotiating team.For now, both sides view the agreement as a step forward. But the key question remains: What to do with Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium? How extensive will the sanctions relief be? What exactly does the reported $300 billion reconstruction plan involve?
Can Congress step in?
Another question is whether the deal will face scrutiny from Capitol Hill.Under the Iran Nuclear Deal Review Act, agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program can be submitted to Congress for review. The nuclear deal signed by former President Barack Obama in 2015, known as the JCPOA, followed a similar process.While the submission is not automatic and depends on the administration’s approach, congressional review could become another political battleground if the deal evolves into a more detailed and binding agreement.The White House is expected to release the text of the memo in the coming days, with lawmakers, allies and critics looking for answers to unresolved questions.
on Xbox status pagewhich states that there are login issues related to the account and profile. Forza Horizon 6: Game saves also appear to be facing issues, with a status page added stating that both cases are pending.
Several people complained about the outage in the comments section of DownDetector and X.
Xbox servers down: Players express frustration
An angry player was tagged Xbox and wrote “@XBOX please fix the server issue, after logging in I can connect to the network on the dashboard but no games are launching. Says not connected. Please fix the 8000 reports on downDetector. And you haven’t changed the http://Xbox.com website to reflect that the server everything is down.”
other additional “@Microsoft At the price you’re charging people for Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox Live servers shouldn’t be down…smh. “
Another one explain “The Xbox servers are down. The night is ruined.” On DownDetector, people from different parts of the United States complained about the server outage.
“Can’t connect to the internet after get off work? Is it a blackout? Reports from central Illinois,” one person wrote. Another added, “In Indiana. Turned on my Xbox and it said I needed to connect to the internet so that’s what I did??? Thought maybe my fiber was messed up due to the recent storms, we just finished a new air drop but everything was fine on that side. Then it finally connected to the internet and I did a speed test and every one of my downloads was fine at 1000Mps but my uploads were 5-10mps, what was my packet loss like?” 100%, that’s what’s going on. “
However, the issue appears to have returned to normal for some, with some noting that servers in Arizona and Kentucky appear to have been restored.
Xbox Down: How to Fix Login Issues
If the login issues on your Xbox are not caused by a server outage, you should try deleting and re-adding your account. If this doesn’t work, you should try restarting the console entirely.
A hard reset should fix the issue, but in this case, several people have complained about the issue and the login issue is most likely on the Xbox side and a user-level fix won’t fix the problem.
A Dutch court has sentenced a Syrian national to 26 years in prison for crimes against humanity, including torture and rape of people held by forces loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad during the country’s civil war.The man, identified under Dutch privacy regulations as Rafiq al Q, was convicted by The Hague District Court for abuses committed between 2013 and 2014 while working as an interrogator for the pro-Assad Defense Forces (NDF) in the Syrian city of Salamiyeh.The court said evidence showed that the 58-year-old participated in the torture of prisoners held in the detention center, including beating, electric shock and hanging detainees upside down. The judge also found him guilty of sexual violence against multiple victims.In delivering its verdict, the court said the defendants caused the detainees to suffer severe physical and mental suffering.“The defendant is also guilty of sexually abusing multiple victims. He raped one of the victims,” the court said in a summary of the ruling, Reuters reported. “The defendant repeatedly placed the victims in situations of extreme fear, threat, pain, despair and powerlessness. During court hearings, the victims provided compelling testimony about the impact this incident had on them and the consequences they are still suffering today,” the statement added.Presiding judge Wim van Hattum said the court had established that Rafik Al Q. either committed the crimes himself or ordered others to commit them.“In this case, the suspects tortured, raped or otherwise sexually abused eight victims, either personally or by ordering others to commit the acts,” Van Hattum said, reading a summary of the ruling.Rafik Al Q denied all the charges during the trial, insisting he had not participated in the abuse and accusing witnesses of lying and conspiring against him. He appeared in court wearing a striped shirt and sat next to his attorney, but did not make any visible reaction as the sentence was handed down. The court acquitted him of multiple charges due to insufficient evidence.Netherlands gets first conviction for Assad-era atrocitiesThe verdict marks the first Dutch conviction for atrocities committed in Syria by forces aligned with Assad’s government. This is also the first time that a Dutch court has classified sexual violence as a crime against humanity.The case was brought under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows national courts to prosecute suspects of serious international crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, even if the crimes were committed abroad.Rafiq al Q arrived in the Netherlands as an asylum seeker in 2021 and lived in the town of Druten until his arrest in 2023.Both prosecutors and the defense have 14 days to appeal the verdict.The ruling is part of a wider international effort to hold individuals accountable for crimes committed during Syria’s civil war and under Assad’s rule.Since Assad was ousted from power in December 2024 and fled to Russia, courts across Europe have been pursuing cases involving former Syrian officials and government supporters accused of torture, killings and other abuses.Last year, a German court sentenced a Syrian doctor to life in prison for torture and war crimes committed in Syria, while a Paris court sentenced three senior Syrian officials to life in prison in absentia in 2024 for complicity in war crimes.Syria itself has also begun prosecuting former regime officials. In April, the first public trial of a former Assad-era official began in Damascus, with former Brigadier General Atef Najib facing charges of alleged crimes against the Syrian people.Rights groups and former detainees have long documented widespread torture, sexual violence, brutality and mass executions in detention centers run by Assad’s government during the civil war.
