Iran hangs man over alleged ties to Mossad
Dubai, April 22: Iran hanged a man on Wednesday over alleged ties to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency as Tehran continues a series of executions during the war, and after nationwide protests in January. The Mizan news agency of Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of Mehdi Farid. It described Farid as working for a “sensitive state organisation” and passing information to the Israeli spy agency. It said Farid was convicted in Iran’s Qom province. Human rights activists have long said Iran convicts people in closed-door trials without allowing defendants to properly defend themselves. There have been multiple executions of alleged spies recently, as well as protesters and those affiliated with an Iranian exiled opposition group. (AP)
UK passes bill to ban cigarette sales
LONDON, April 22: The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, a landmark law aimed at gradually eliminating smoking for future generations. Under the legislation, children born after December 31, 2008, will be permanently banned from legally buying cigarettes, effectively creating a “smoke-free generation.” The law now awaits royal assent from King Charles III, which is considered a formality. The bill also grants the government broader powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products, including control over flavours and packaging. While selling tobacco to under-18s is already illegal, the new law goes further by progressively raising the legal buying age each year, eventually phasing out cigarette access entirely for younger generations. Health advocates welcomed the move, calling it a major step in reducing addiction and related deaths. Smoking rates in the UK have fallen significantly since the 1970s, but around 6.4 million people still smoke. Authorities estimate smoking causes about 80,000 deaths annually in the country. (AP)
Stolen gun linked to killing of 8 children: US probe
LOUISIANA, April 22: A man in Louisiana told investigators that the assault-style weapon used in the killing of eight children was stolen from his truck in the weeks before the attack in a Shreveport neighbourhood, according to court documents released Tuesday. Charles Ford said he believes Shamar Elkins, the father of seven of the children killed, may have taken the gun, as he was one of the few people who had access to his vehicle. Ford reportedly noticed the gun missing around March 9 and later confronted Elkins. However, he said he did not pursue the matter further after Elkins became confrontational. Investigators say Ford initially denied possessing the weapon when questioned after the shooting, leading to federal charges against him for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements. Elkins died after a police pursuit following the rampage, which left eight children aged 3 to 11 dead and two women injured. The motive remains under investigation. (AP)
