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Senators call on Blinken to apply rare ‘wrongfully detained’ label to jailed Putin critic on December 13, 2023 at 5:14 pm

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A bipartisan group of senators is calling for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to apply a priority designation of “wrongfully detained” — a label uniquely created for American citizens — to a jailed Russian opposition leader and negotiate for his release.

In a letter sent Wednesday, Democrat and Republican senators are urging the Biden administration to advocate for the release of Russian politician Vladimir Kara-Murza, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. who was arrested by Russian authorities in April 2022. Kara-Murza was an outspoken critic of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

The letter was led by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and James Risch (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the panel, and joined by nine other senators.

The lawmaker’s request is unique in that they are looking to elevate advocacy for Kara-Murza’s release to the highest levels of the American government, in an authority reserved for U.S. citizens. Kara-Murza’s wife and children are American nationals. 

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“We write to strongly urge you to designate U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR) Vladimir Kara-Murza as ‘wrongfully or unlawfully detained’ in accordance with the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Accountability Act,” the senators wrote. 

Congress passed the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act in 2020, directing the Secretary of State to determine whether an American detained abroad is done unlawfully.

Once a determination is made, government resources can be concentrated on advocating and negotiating for the release of the “wrongfully detained” person. American citizens Brittney Griner and Trevor Reed were freed from imprisonment in Russia in prisoner swaps, after being designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.

Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovitch, imprisoned in Russia, have also been designated as wrongfully detained but remain in Russian jails.

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“By designating Mr. Kara-Murza under the Levinson Act, you will provide him and his family with additional advocacy tools and critical resources. We are dismayed that Mr. Kara-Murza has not yet been designated and we encourage you to make this determination without delay,” the senators continued.

“If he cannot be designated in a timely manner, we request an in-person briefing by January 30 to provide an outline of steps being taken to secure his timely release.”

Alarm over Kara-Murza’s fate comes as the team surrounding Alexei Navalny, the jailed Russian opposition leader and survivor of an alleged Kremlin poisoning, said he has disappeared for nearly a week.

Kara-Murza, a Russian and U.K. citizen, is a prominent democracy and human rights activist who served in the opposition against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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He survived alleged poisonings in 2015 and 2017. After his arrest in April 2022, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison on convictions related to criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The charges included spreading “disinformation” about the Russian army, collaborating with “undesirable” organizations and high treason. Kara-Murza pleaded not guilty. 

“For the ‘crime’ of free speech and expressing his conscience against Russia’s unacceptable actions in Ukraine, Mr. Kara-Murza has been sent to a maximum-security prison in Siberia where he is reportedly being held in solitary confinement,” the senators wrote.

“His health, already damaged by earlier Kremlin-directed poisonings, is rapidly deteriorating and we understand his prison conditions are extremely poor. His wife and children are American citizens who are tirelessly advocating for his freedom.”

Kara-Murza was honored on Tuesday evening in Washington by the National Democratic Institute, and Shaheen spoke in support of his work and called for the U.S. to help secure his release. 

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“Following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir knew that if he did not go back to support the younger generation of Russian activists working to put a spotlight on Putin’s inhumane actions in Ukraine, Russia’s democratic movement could die,” she said. 

“So tonight as we gather here, Vladimir sits in a jail in Omsk, Siberia. And despite the poor living conditions, he knows that his incarceration is in itself an act of defiance. For as long as people like Vladimir are alive to hold Putin and his corrupt allies accountable, hope for a democratic Russia remains alive.”

​ A bipartisan group of senators is calling for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to apply a priority designation of “wrongfully detained” — a label uniquely created for American citizens — to a jailed Russian opposition leader and negotiate for his release. In a letter sent Wednesday, Democrat and Republican senators are urging the Biden administration… 

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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

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Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

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• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

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• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

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• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

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• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

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The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

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President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

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Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

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Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

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Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.

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