Morning Briefing: May 10, 2023

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Wednesday, including chaos in Pakistan after former Premier Imran Khan’s arrest, France designating Russia’s Wagner group a terrorist organization, and former US President Donald Trump being found liable of sexual abuse.

TOP STORIES

- Turmoil in Pakistan after ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest

Thousands of people took to the streets after paramilitary forces arrested former Prime Minister Imran Khan from a court in Islamabad. Protests erupted in different cities, internet and mobile services were suspended, social media was restricted, and political leaders and supporters were rounded up by the police.

At least one was killed and several injured during clashes. Enraged protesters also attacked an army commander's house in Lahore, footage showed.

Khan, removed from power in a no-confidence vote last April, was arrested in a case filed by the anti-corruption body. He would be presented before a court today.

- US jury finds former US President Trump liable of sexual abuse

US jury has found former US President Donald Trump liable of sexually abusing and defaming former colleague E Jean Carroll.

The jury also ordered the ex-president to pay Carroll $5 million in damages. Writer Carroll had accused Trump of rape in a department store nearly three decades ago.

Responding to the verdict, Trump said he has absolutely no idea who the woman is. “This verdict is a disgrace - a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time!" he said.

- France terms Wagner Group a terrorist organization, wants EU to do the same

The French parliament adopted a resolution to formally label Russia’s Wagner as a "terrorist group." The resolution calls on the EU to add the mercenary group on its official list of terrorist organizations.

The Wagner Group, a private military organization, has significant importance in operations in eastern Ukraine, especially in the frontline city of Bakhmut. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the organization, has been recently criticizing Russia's military leadership, raising concerns about potential ammunition shortages.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• US President Joe Biden warned that the US-Mexico border will be “chaotic for a while" as Title 42, a coronavirus pandemic-era authorization which facilitates the deportation of irregular migrants at the country's border, is set to expire.

• Ukrainian military downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile using the US-made Patriot air defense system, the Pentagon’s top spokesman confirmed.

• Foreign ministers of Türkiye, Russia, Syria and Iran would be holding talks on Syria today. In Moscow’s meeting, Türkiye aims for Syria’s stability, cooperation in fight against PKK/YPG terrorists, and ensure the voluntary return of Syrians.

• Two worshippers and a security guard were killed in an attack on El Ghriba synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba, authorities said. The attacker was killed by security forces. Nine people were also injured.

• Saudi Arabia decided to resume its diplomatic mission in Syria. The decision came as Arab League readmitted the war-torn country after nearly 12 years of suspension.

• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he ordered killing Islamic Jihad commanders a week ago. At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday, according to the Health Ministry.

• Canada "will not be intimidated" by China after Beijing expelled Ottawa’s consul from Shanghai, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned. Canada said Zhao Wei threatened Canadian lawmaker and his relatives in Hong Kong.

• Police in Kenya unearthed 21 more bodies from a property belonging to cult leader Paul Mackenzie, bringing the death toll to 133.

• Leaders of Türkiye, Russia, Ukraine and UN are likely to meet in a day or two in Istanbul to discuss the extension of the Black Sea grain deal, which is set to expire on May 18. Evacuation plan of merchant ships in Ukrainian ports would also be discussed.

• At least 17 children died as a boat they were traveling in capsized in the Dandeji River in Nigeria’s Sokoto State. Around 40 girls and boys were on their way to fetch firewood at a nearby bush when the incident occured.

SPORTS

• Madrid, City share spoils in Champions League clash

Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an engrossing 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, setting up a tantalizing Champions League semifinal second leg in England next week.

A thunderous goal from Vinicius Jr. put Madrid ahead, while a powerful Kevin De Bruyne strike leveled matters after the break.

• Messi’s father denies footballer joining Saudi’s Al-Hilal

Lionel Messi's father and agent Jorge Messi denied rumors that his son has agreed to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.

In an Instagram post, he said: "There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finishes the league with PSG. Once the season is over it will be time to analyze and see what is there, and then make a decision."

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• US banks to perform weak in 2023

Rating agency Fitch said it expects weak financial performance for American banks in 2023. It added that the US banking system is in turmoil amid sudden collapses of several banks.

The global rating agency said most banks started this year with strong profitability and other factors but performance depends on their "business model, asset concentration and diversity and stability of deposit.

• LinkedIn lays off over 700 employees, shuts down Chinese app

Social media network LinkedIn announced it would cut its workforce by 716 employees while also phasing out its China-based jobs app, InCareer. The US-based employment online service provider said InCareer encountered "fierce competition and a challenging macroeconomic climate."