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Blogger claims Pakistan behind attempted contract killing

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3 years ago

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Blogger claims Pakistan behind attempted contract killing

An exiled political blogger on Friday accused Pakistan of plotting to kill a potential killer after he was convicted in a British court.

Supermarket worker Muhammed Gohir Khan, 31, was convicted of conspiring to kill Ahmad Waqass Goraya after being recruited by an intermediary apparently based in Pakistan.

A judge in Kingston-upon-Thames, southwest London, adjourned the case on March 11, with Khan facing life in prison.

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Khan, from east London, was charged last June with conspiring with other unknown people to murder Goraya in the Netherlands.

He was arrested after returning to the UK by train.

Goraya, an outspoken blogger and liberal activist who has lived outside Pakistan for more than a decade, did not attend the hearing.

He said after the verdict that he was “pleased that there was at least a new precedent: ‘If you hunt down exiles, you will be prosecuted’.”

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However, he said he was disappointed that the trial did not identify the perpetrators.

“I hope the real people who sent these people will one day be prosecuted as well,” he told AFP.

“I’m sure it’s the Pakistani government,” he said, pointing to the amount involved and what the mastermind knew about his secret location.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said the sentence “could serve as a landmark sentence” and “a rare step in establishing criminal responsibility for transnational crimes against journalists”.

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RSF UK director Rebecca Vincent said: “We call on the relevant authorities to continue their investigation to identify the intermediaries and anyone else involved in this horrific conspiracy and to ensure full criminal justice.”

Prosecutor Alison Morgan said Golaya, who lives in the Netherlands with his wife and two children, appeared to be targeted for his satirical social media posts against the Pakistani government and military.

She told the jury that Khan was employed by “other people who appear to be in Pakistan”.

In 2018, the court was told that Golaya had received information from the FBI saying he was on a “kill list” and believed that some of the threats he received were led and orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.

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The jury heard that Khan was contacted by a Pakistani middleman named Muzi who promised to pay £100,000 ($137,000, €120,000) for the “job”, of which he would cut £20,000 GBP.

He also promises wealth in “Jannah” or paradise.

Khan received thousands of pounds from a Pakistani bank account and promised: “Brother, I’ll do it.”

The court heard at the time his debts totalled more than £200,000.

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British police liaised with Dutch authorities to build a dossier of his encrypted communications with the intermediary on WhatsApp and Signal, as well as security camera footage of his movements.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

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2 weeks ago

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April 24, 2025

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US vice president JD Vance, wife Usha and kids visit Jaipur’s iconic Amber Fort | Pics

US Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their children visited the historical Amer Fort in Jaipur on April 22, 2025. The Vance family received a warm welcome at the Fort, where they were greeted with a traditional Rajasthani dance performance and elegantly decorated elephants. Second Lady Usha Vance, the wife of US vice president JD Vance, carries her daughter Mirabel as they watch a cultural performance at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur. The Vance family will depart for the US early Thursday morning. In related news, JD Vance and wife Usha attended Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Vance also visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on April 23, 2025. Vance said that “good progress.

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In other news, Pope Francis’ funeral is set to start on Wednesday, and the J&K tourist hub has been completely shut today. On 4/20, celebrations across the US highlight cannabis culture and calls for legalization had been made towards a trade deal with India after meeting with “tough negotiator” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The Vance family visited.

On April 22, 2025, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, and their three children, visited Jaipur’s historic Amber Fort. The family received a warm welcome, highlighted by traditional Rajasthani folk performances and a red carpet reception. As they entered the fort’s main courtyard, Jaleb Chowk, they were greeted by two elegantly decorated elephants named Chanda and Mala, raising their trunks in greeting. ​

During their visit, the Vances were joined by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who guided them through the fort’s rich history and architectural marvels. The family also enjoyed cultural performances featuring traditional dances such as Kacchi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Kalbeliya, offering a glimpse into the vibrant.

Usha Vance, dressed in a chic white shirt and patterned skirt, explored the fort alongside her family and dignitaries, embracing the cultural experience culture of Rajasthan This visit was part of Vice President Vance’s four-day official trip to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and India. The Vance family departed for Washington.

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Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed the Vance family as they visited the historic Amer from Jaipur on April 24, concluding their cultural tour of India Upon their arrival at Amber Fort, the Vance family was greeted with traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Two elegantly decorated elephants, Chanda and Pushpa, adorned with silver ornaments, were stationed at the entrance welcome.

The family was also treated to a cultural performance featuring folk artists dressed in traditional Rajputi and Kalbelia attire, accompanied by musicians playing regional instruments. The vibrant rangolis and the overall festive atmosphere highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan The fort’s impressive courtyards and majestic structures.

Exploring the Fort’s Historical Significance

During their tour of Amber Fort, the Vance family explored various architectural marvels, including the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), known for its intricate mirror work and stunning design. They were accompanied by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who provided insights into the fort’s history and significance.​

Engaging with Local Culture

Throughout their visit, Vice President Vance demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with The Vance family’s visit to Amber Fort was part local culture. He interacted with the folk artists and expressed appreciation for the traditional performances, reflecting a genuine curiosity and respect for India’s diverse cultural heritage.​

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