Non-bailable warrants issued for Imran Khan’s sister
ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi issued non-bailable arrest warrants against former PM Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, over a 2024 protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The case involves charges of anti-government slogans, vandalism, stone-pelting, and protesting against the government. The court also issued warrants against her two guarantors and ordered Aleema to be arrested and presented on Wednesday, rejecting her request for exemption. A show-cause notice was issued to the Superintendent of Police for failing to execute previous warrants. Aleema had skipped several hearings, appearing finally on November 20 after property seizure orders and 11 arrest warrants. Her defense cited blocked bank accounts, ID card, and passport as obstacles to travel and daily affairs, seeking temporary exemptions. (PTI)
Police contacted over alleged Epstein leaks by Mandelson
LONDON, Feb 3: The UK government has handed police material alleging that Labour politician Peter Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting an investigation into potential criminal misconduct. Newly released Epstein files suggest Mandelson passed documents on the 2008 financial crisis and continued contact with Epstein after his conviction for sex crimes. Records also show payments totaling $75,000 linked to Mandelson or his partner, alongside other financial favors. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the revelations “appalling,” ordering an urgent civil service review of Mandelson’s Epstein contacts and preparing legislation to strip him of parliamentary and House of Lords privileges. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Mandelson’s association as a betrayal. Mandelson resigned from Labour, asserting he did not want to cause further embarrassment amid mounting scrutiny. (AP)
Norwegian prince pleads not guilty in rape case
OSLO, Feb 3: Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of rape, as his trial opened in Oslo on Tuesday. The case, stemming from incidents between 2018 and 2024, also involves abuse in close relationships, threats, acts of violence, and possession of 3.5 kg of marijuana. Hoiby admitted to some driving offenses, an aggravated drugs charge, and partial assault and threat charges. Prosecutors say he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Hoiby was detained ahead of trial over new allegations of assault and restraining order violations. Seven alleged victims are expected to testify. The trial has cast a shadow on the royal family, though Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit will not attend. The case coincides with renewed scrutiny of Mette-Marit’s past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, which she has publicly regretted. (AP)
