Protesters In Rawalakot Brand Sharif, Munir, Asif Ali Zardari, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore As Terrorists

<p class="isSelectedEnd">In Pakistan-occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir (PoJK), a day after crowds raised slogans demanding freedom from Pakistani and Chinese occupation, protesters in Rawalakot escalated their rebellion by declaring Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, PoJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and President Asif Ali Zardari as &ldquo;Qalandam&rdquo; (terrorists).</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Addressing the gathering, leaders of the Awami Action Committee said that even the tribal groups that forcibly occupied PoJK in 1947 and seized land are now standing alongside the protesters and participating in the movement. They added that, for the first time, the agitation was receiving support from Jammu, Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/n2OPKui" width="720" /></p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Issuing a warning to Pakistan's oppressive regime, the Awami Action Committee declared that &ldquo;this is not Sindh, Balochistan or D-Chowk; this is Kashmir, where if one body falls, millions come onto the streets.&rdquo;</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">According to the latest figures, 53 people have been killed since last Friday, yet protesters remain entrenched in Rawalakot, refusing to back down and maintaining an openly defiant stance against the Pakistani government and military.</p> <h2><strong>Divisions Emerge Within Protest Leadership</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">At the same time, divisions within the Awami Action Committee have become increasingly visible.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">While Sardar Aman Khan and Khawaja Mehran have adopted an openly rebellious position, demanding PoJK's independence from Pakistan's occupation and calling for a direct confrontation with the Pakistani military, Umar Nazir and Shaukat Nawaz Mir are pursuing a softer approach, seeking negotiations with Pakistani authorities over the protesters' demands.</p> <h2><strong>Two Key Demands At The Centre Of The Deadlock</strong></h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Two key demands remain at the centre of the deadlock.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The first concerns the 12 so-called refugee seats in PoJK's political structure, which protesters want abolished.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/8gSTYnP" width="720" /></p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">The second relates to the oath taken by elected representatives. Protesters are demanding that the pledge of loyalty to Pakistan be removed and replaced with an oath of loyalty to the unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that PoJK is not a part of Pakistan.</p> <p>As demonstrations continue, Rawalakot remains the epicentre of a growing anti-Pakistan uprising, with protesters challenging both Islamabad's authority and the Pakistani military's control over the region.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/protesters-rawalakot-pojk-shehbaz-sharif-asim-munir-asif-ali-zardari-faisal-mumtaz-rathore-terrorists-1850063

Are US, Iran Near A Deal? Trump, Pakistan Say Pact Lands Sunday; Tehran Denies It: What We Know

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:b2f981eb-13fe-4254-88c8-70f3eaa373df-38" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:b2f981eb-13fe-4254-88c8-70f3eaa373df-38" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:b2f981eb-13fe-4254-88c8-70f3eaa373df-38" data-testid="conversation-turn-78" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="a40feae4-6339-4991-83c1-4d89cd1649d2" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p data-start="93" data-end="360">US President Donald Trump on Saturday said a new nuclear agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, contradicting with Iran's claim that no deal will be signed. He also said that&nbsp;the deal would prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.</p> <p data-start="362" data-end="714">In a post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticised former President Barack Obama's 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling it a pathway to an Iranian nuclear weapon. He claimed his administration's agreement was "the exact opposite" and would serve as a barrier to any Iranian nuclear ambitions.</p> <p data-start="716" data-end="979">Trump said Iran no longer seeks a nuclear weapon and would be prevented from obtaining one through development, purchase, or any other means. He also claimed the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to all maritime traffic immediately after the agreement is signed.</p> <p data-start="981" data-end="1281">The US president stressed that, unlike the Obama-era deal, the new agreement would not involve any transfer of US funds to Iran. He also said that nuclear material allegedly buried deep underground in Iran would eventually be recovered, downblended and destroyed, either in Iran or the United States.</p> <p data-start="981" data-end="1281">"Barack Hussein Obama&rsquo;s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now. My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor will they have one, either through purchase, development, or any other form of procurement. The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL," Trump said in a post.</p> <p data-start="1283" data-end="1554">Expressing optimism about future ties, Trump said Washington looked forward to working with Iran and countries across the Middle East.&nbsp;</p> <p data-start="1556" data-end="1719" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">" At the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust, buried deep under the powerful sunken granite mountains, thanks to our beautiful B-2 Bombers and their brilliant pilots, and downblend and destroy it, whether in Iran, or the United States," he said.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden"> <div class="text-center">However, he warned that the United States retained "the ultimate alternative" if diplomatic efforts failed, without elaborating further.</div> <div class="text-center"> <h2>Pakistan Signals Imminent Breakthrough</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Adding to speculation, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suggested that the agreement could be concluded as early as Sunday. In a post on X, Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for peace and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing of the deal, followed by technical-level discussions next week.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">"We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical-level talks next week," Sharif said.</p> <h2>No Confirmation On Signing Date</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Despite Pakistan's optimism, neither the United States nor Iran has officially confirmed when the agreement will be signed. Tehran has cautioned against expectations of an immediate breakthrough.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Iranian officials indicated that a peace framework could be signed in the coming days but rejected suggestions that it would happen within the next 24 hours.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Araghchi said discussions were progressing, though changes to the proposed agreement were still possible. He added that the tentative deal reflected Iran's strengthened position following the conflict.</p> <h2>'Wait And See': Tehran</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei ruled out a signing ceremony on Sunday and urged caution over predictions about the timing.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">"We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow," Baghaei said.</p> <p>"The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out. However, due to the hesitation of the other side, we must be cautious in making any comments about this process," he added.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-donald-trump-pakistan-say-pact-lands-sunday-tehran-denies-it-what-we-know-1850059

Trump accuses Iran of attacking Indian ships; Tehran rejects charge as 'baseless'

<p> Washington, Jun 12 (PTI): US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, describing the alleged action as "totally unacceptable", while Tehran rejected the charge as "baseless".</p><p> Three vessels with Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast this week. One of them resulted in the death of three Indian seafarers on Wednesday.</p><p> "Their (Iran's) totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social.</p><p> In the same post, Trump also accused Iran of leaking the terms of the peace deal to the media that had nothing to do with the points under discussion.</p><p> Iran vehemently rejected Trump's allegation.</p><p> "The US president's accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless," the Iranian Embassy in India said in a social media post late Friday night.</p><p> "It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the US has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian sailors. That's pathetic!" it said.</p><p> Trump's remarks came after India summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi to protest against US attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian nationals near the Oman coast.</p><p> India has described the attacks on commercial vessels as "deeply worrisome" and it has strongly taken up the matter with the US. PTI SKU ZH SCY SCY</p><p><i>(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)</i></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-accuses-iran-of-attacking-indian-ships-tehran-rejects-charge-as-baseless-1849915

US-Iran Deal Explained: What Trump's Proposed Agreement Means For Nuclear Talks

<p>US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that an agreement with Iran could be imminent. He spoke of a "memorandum of understanding" (MoU) that both sides <span class="editable placeholder" data-id="77520654" data-size="NORMAL" data-type="LIVEBLOG">aim to conclude in the coming days</span>.</p> <p>Iranian officials said that no draft MoU had yet been approved. However, if the United States were to accept the proposal put forward by Iran, it was likely that Iran would follow suit.</p> <p>An agreement would mark the most significant diplomatic development since the Iran war began over three months ago &mdash; a conflict that has cost thousands of lives and pushed global energy prices higher.</p> <h2>Iran's Nuclear Program Remains Key Hurdle</h2> <p>At the center of the US-Iran negotiations is Tehran's nuclear program, in particular the handling of what is believed to be around 400 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to around 60%.</p> <p>If further enriched, this material could theoretically be sufficient to produce several nuclear weapons &mdash; something the United States is seeking to prevent.</p> <p>Iran's state-run IRNA news agency said that "Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasised with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement."</p> <p>While the US side has reportedly proposed a long-term moratorium of up to 20 years, Tehran has so far rejected this approach. Instead, talks have instead centered on a much shorter pause of around five years.</p> <h2>Dispute Over Highly Enriched Uranium</h2> <p>Iran views its enriched uranium as a bargaining chip in negotiations and is unwilling to give it up. The country has proposed downblending the material to lower enrichment levels itself, but only in exchange for lifting US sanctions.</p> <p>The involvement of a third country is also under discussion as a possible compromise. Russia has repeatedly offered to take custody of Iran's highly enriched uranium for secure storage or further processing on its own territory.</p> <p>China is also said to have signaled its willingness to be involved in a new deal as a mediator and logistical partner.</p> <p>Alongside the nuclear issue, the economic dimension also plays a central role. A key point of contention is how to handle Iranian assets frozen abroad, which are estimated to amount to as much as $100 billion (&euro;86 billion).</p> <p>Much of these funds stem from oil exports that have been blocked by US sanctions in countries such as South Korea, China and Japan. Tehran is calling for the release of between $6 billion and $12 billion, as well as an easing of sanctions.</p> <p>The US government, meanwhile, wants to release funds only gradually and strictly for humanitarian purposes.</p> <p>At the same time, officials in Washington are reportedly discussing using parts of Iran's frozen assets to compensate for damages suffered by US allies in the Gulf region.</p> <p>In response to US strikes, Iran targeted US bases and their logistical facilities in Arab countries along the Persian Gulf. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is said to have tasked a team of experts with estimating the costs of the recent escalation and exploring possible funding options.</p> <h2>A Marshall Plan Or Iraq Deja Vu?</h2> <p>In a post on Truth Social on June 8, Trump said peace talks were proceeding "subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way."</p> <p>When asked to clarify his post during an interview with US broadcaster ABC News, Trump said, "If people are stupid, we'll end up in something where we have to wipe out an entire infrastructure of a nation, and I don't think that's a good thing, because somebody's going to have to rebuild it."</p> <p>Trump suggested that in such a scenario, the US would likely end up helping to fund the rebuilding of Iran.</p> <p>"Somebody's going to have to build all that infrastructure ... You know, they're talking about a trillion dollars, probably more. And you know that's why we'll probably get involved in rebuilding, right, helping them rebuild," he said. Asked if that would be like a Marshall Plan for Iran, Trump replied, "Yeah." He added, "But we'll get half their oil."</p> <p>Iran, however, rejects any foreign control over its oil resources as a violation of national sovereignty. Public opinion is also shaped by the experience of neighboring Iraq.</p> <p>A significant share of Iraq's oil revenues &mdash; the country's main source of income &mdash; has effectively been handled from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in an arrangement dating to the aftermath of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.</p> <p>The system was originally set up by the US-led transitional administration to safeguard funds for reconstruction. Infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing the economy are still incomplete.</p> <h2>What Will Happen With Strait Of Hormuz?</h2> <p>As an initial step following any agreement, shipping traversing the Strait of Hormuz is to be gradually normalized and the US blockade of Iranian ports lifted.</p> <p>Disruptions to shipping in the key waterway are already having significant effects on global trade and energy prices. Around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passed through this narrow chokepoint before the conflict.</p> <p>Despite a ceasefire between Iran and the US in place since April 8, the past weeks have seen near-daily military clashes between the two sides in the Persian Gulf.</p> <p>According to US statements, the operations have targeted Iranian positions along the coast, including surveillance facilities, communication systems and air defense sites, with the aim of weakening Tehran's military capabilities &mdash; and in particular its potential control over the strait.</p> <p>Iran, for its part, responded with direct attacks on US targets in the region and most recently escalated further by shooting down a heavy combat helicopter.</p> <p>On Friday, Iran's state media said that Tehran would not give up control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>"Iran makes no commitment &hellip; to cede the management of the strait or the restoration of conditions that existed prior to the American and Israeli military aggression," IRNA reported.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-deal-explained-what-trump-s-proposed-agreement-means-for-nuclear-talks-1849908

Texas Shooting: Suspect Killed After Standoff Leaves 1 Dead, 10 Injured

<p class="isSelectedEnd">A suspect was killed following a shooting and subsequent standoff in Midland, Texas, on Friday morning that left at least one person dead and 10 others injured, authorities said.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Police responded to reports of an active shooter in the 4600 block of West Wall Street, where officers encountered gunfire coming from a building, according to officials. Video footage shared on social media captured multiple gunshots during the incident.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">In an update issued around 12.35 pm ET, city officials confirmed that the suspect had died and the immediate threat had been neutralised. However, authorities said the scene remained active and had not yet been cleared.</p> <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">Victims Sent To Midland Memorial Hospital, Odessa Hospital</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, according to a hospital spokesperson. Three underwent surgery, while another was recovering. Two victims were reported to be in stable condition in the emergency department, and three others were later discharged.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">An additional victim was taken to Odessa Medical Center Hospital.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Officials have not yet confirmed whether all of the injured individuals sustained gunshot wounds.</p> <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">'Our Thoughts And Prayers With Victims': Midland Mayor</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd">"Our thoughts and prayers are absolutely with the victims and their families," Midland Mayor Lori Blong said during a press conference.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">SWAT teams and multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene as authorities worked to contain the situation.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Blong said investigators have not released confirmed details about the suspect or the victims. Preliminary information suggests the incident began in southeast Midland before moving across the southern part of the city.</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Authorities urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.</p> <p>"Additional information will be released as it becomes available," the city said in a post on X.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/texas-shooting-suspect-killed-after-standoff-leaves-1-dead-10-injured-1849906

‘Pakistan Se Lenge Azaadi’: Massive PoJK Protest Movement Gains Momentum After Deadly Crackdown

<p>Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) witnessed a dramatic escalation in anti-establishment protests as more than 80,000 demonstrators gathered in Rawalakot and openly demanded freedom from Pakistan while condemning the actions of the Pakistani military in the region.</p> <p>The latest mobilisation came despite a deadly crackdown at Rawalakot&rsquo;s Eidgah Ground a day earlier, in which 16 protesters were killed. Rather than dispersing, thousands remained at the protest venue throughout the night, signalling a new phase in the movement. Shortly after midnight, demonstrators launched fresh calls for independence, transforming the gathering into one of the largest displays of resistance seen in the territory in recent years.</p> <p>Videos obtained by ABP News from the protest site show crowds chanting slogans including &ldquo;Hum Kya Chahte? Azaadi!&rdquo;, &ldquo;Pakistan Se Lenge Azaadi!&rdquo;, &ldquo;China Se Lenge Azaadi!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Gilgit Bhi Mange Azaadi!&rdquo;. The slogans represented a direct challenge to Pakistan&rsquo;s control over the territory and also criticised China&rsquo;s presence in the Shaksgam Valley.</p> <h2>Protest Movement Pushes Constitutional Demands</h2> <p>The movement is being spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which submitted a series of political and constitutional demands to Pakistan on April 20, 2026.</p> <p>Among the key proposals accessed by ABP News is a demand to amend the oath currently taken by members of the PoJK Assembly, the prime minister and ministers. At present, elected representatives are required to pledge loyalty to Pakistan and support the territory&rsquo;s accession to Pakistan.</p> <p>The AAC wants that provision replaced with an oath affirming the &ldquo;geographical unity and integrity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir&rdquo;. Protest leaders argue that such a change would better reflect the region&rsquo;s political aspirations and constitutional identity.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/js1JpeF" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'We Lodged A Strong Protest': MEA On Attack That Killed 3 Indian Sailors</a></strong></p> <h2>Calls for Electoral Reforms and End to Special Privileges</h2> <p>The committee has also demanded the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the PoJK Assembly. According to the AAC, these seats have been used by Islamabad and Pakistan&rsquo;s intelligence establishment to influence political outcomes and install governments favourable to the federal authorities.</p> <p>In addition, the group is seeking fresh delimitation of constituencies, updated voter rolls and voting rights for Overseas Kashmiris through digital mechanisms or postal ballots.</p> <p>Protest organisers have also called for an end to what they describe as special privileges enjoyed by political elites, arguing that broader reforms are necessary to improve democratic representation in the territory.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_7PdCUDBzTg?si=RpKO9HUhIz9qUnnh" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h2>Crackdown Deepens Standoff Across Region</h2> <p>The AAC&rsquo;s demands have directly challenged Pakistan&rsquo;s control over PoJK and contributed to a breakdown in talks between protesters and authorities. As a result, tensions have continued to rise across the region.</p> <p>According to the report, at least 53 civilians have been killed and more than 100 others injured since Friday in firing involving Pakistani Rangers, Frontier Corps personnel and army units. Medical treatment for those wounded is continuing at various facilities.</p> <p>Authorities have simultaneously intensified action against the movement&rsquo;s leadership. Key organisers, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Sardar Usman Nazir, Sardar Aman Khan and Khawaja Mehran, have been declared wanted. Bounties of PKR 10 million each have reportedly been announced for their arrest, while cases involving sedition, public disorder and other charges have been registered against them.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://ift.tt/c1i0OUq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump Calls Off Planned Strikes On Iran, Cites Progress In Talks</a></strong></p> <h2>Protesters Remain Defiant</h2> <p>The Awami Action Committee has also been designated a terrorist organisation by the authorities, further escalating the confrontation between the movement and the state.</p> <p>Despite repeated firing incidents and an ongoing security crackdown, thousands of demonstrators continue to occupy public spaces and participate in protests. The movement has shown little sign of losing momentum, with participants maintaining their demands and refusing to retreat.</p> <p>The unfolding unrest has emerged as one of the most significant public challenges to Pakistan&rsquo;s administration of PoJK in recent years. Protesters are openly questioning Islamabad&rsquo;s role in the territory, accusing the establishment of political interference and repression while demanding political reforms, democratic rights and an end to what they describe as decades of imposed rule and military dominance.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-se-lenge-azaadi-massive-pojk-protest-movement-gains-momentum-after-deadly-crackdown-1849701

Thailand:Two Men Sentenced To Death For 2015 Bangkok Shrine Bombing

<p><em><strong>Edited by:</strong> Wesley Rahn</em></p> <p>A court in Thailand sentenced two ethnic Uyghur men to death over a deadly bombing attack in Bangkok that took place over a decade ago.</p> <p>The defendants, both Chinese nationals, were convicted on charges of premeditated and attempted murder for their role in planting a bomb at the popular Erawan Shrine on August 17, 2015.</p> <p>The shrine is a popular spot for Chinese tourists in the heart of Bangkok. The explosion killed 20 people and injured 120.</p> <p>"The defendants committed a single act that violated multiple laws. The court therefore imposed the harshest penalty available under the law, the death sentence," a member of the four-judge panel that delivered the verdict said.</p> <p>They allegedly were linked by video, fingerprints and other evidence to the bombing. The two men allegedly confessed during initial questioning but pleaded not guilty when the trial began in 2016.</p> <p>The two men have since denied the charges against them and will appeal the sentence within a month, one of the suspect's lawyers told the media.</p> <p>"I don't accept any of this. I didn't do anything wrong," Yusufu M said after the verdict.</p> <h2>Decade-long trial in Erawan shrine attack</h2> <p>No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. After the bombing, police named 17 suspects, but only arrested the two men who ended up facing charges.</p> <p>Thai officials said the attack was carried out by a people-smuggling gang in retaliation for a crackdown the gang's alleged trafficking of Uyghurs into Thailand.</p> <p>In the month that preceded the bombing, Thailand's then ruling-junta deported over 100 Uyghurs back to China.</p> <p>rights groups say the Muslim minority Uyghurs from China's northwest Xinjiang region face cultural and religious repression at the hands of Beijing. Chinese authorities deny cracking down on Uyghurs.</p> <p>However, mass camps for Uyghurs have been built in Xinjiang under the guise of "vocational education and training centers" used to combat "extremism and terrorism."</p> <p>The trial opened in 2016 and spanned over ten years, with delays due to problems securing translators, and later, the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p><em>(Disclaimer: This report first appeared on<strong> Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong> for DW)</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/uyghur-men-thailand-bangkok-erawan-shrine-bombing-death-sentence-1849664