Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegal campaign financing, marking the first time since Louis XVI that a former French head of state has been incarcerated.
Ion Iliescu, Romania's first freely elected president and a key figure in the country's transition from communism to democracy, has died at age 95. His legacy is complex, marked by his leadership during Romania's pivotal years, including joining NATO and pursuing EU membership, as well as controversies related to the 1989 revolution and subsequent protests. His death prompted reflections on his impact and unresolved historical issues, with a state funeral planned in Bucharest.
Nigeria's former president and military ruler Muhammadu Buhari died at 82 in London after battling illness; he was a polarizing figure known for his anti-corruption efforts and military rule, with a complex legacy marked by both praise and criticism.
A South Korean court has approved the arrest of former President Yoon, who was removed from office in April after impeachment. Yoon's legal team questioned his detention, which could last months if he faces additional charges, potentially leading to a lengthy period in custody and further legal proceedings.
A jury of 12 citizens has been selected in a Manhattan court to judge former President Donald J. Trump, who faces accusations of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison while also seeking to reclaim the White House as the presumptive Republican nominee. The jury selection marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in American history that a former president is being judged by a jury, highlighting the intersection of politics and the justice system.
Jury selection for the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York has progressed quickly, with seven jurors selected so far from a pool of 96. The trial is expected to last at least six weeks, with opening statements potentially beginning on Monday. Both sides are carefully questioning potential jurors, and the judge has emphasized the importance of fairness and impartiality. Trump's attorneys have also been scrutinizing jurors' opinions and social media history. Additionally, there have been instances of tension in the courtroom, including a judge reprimanding Trump for muttering and gesturing toward a juror being questioned.
Seven jurors have been selected for the criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump in New York City, with the judge indicating that opening arguments could begin as early as Monday. The prospective jurors were questioned on their political views, opinions about the former president, and ability to remain impartial. Trump's lawyers scrutinized their digital footprints for any signs of bias. The selected jurors include a man from Ireland, an oncology nurse, a grandfather from Puerto Rico, a middle-school teacher from Harlem, and two lawyers, highlighting the importance and challenge of picking a jury in a city where the defendant is deeply unpopular.
Former President Donald Trump's trial for alleged falsification of business records to conceal hush money payments is set to begin in Manhattan Criminal Court, marking a historic first for a former president. Trump faces charges in multiple criminal prosecutions and has pleaded not guilty, claiming the cases are politically motivated. The trial will involve jury selection and arguments over trial rules, with over 500 potential jurors expected. The case alleges that Trump falsified business records to conceal payments made to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to prevent adult film star Stormy Daniels from publicly revealing details about a past sexual encounter with Trump.
Former President Donald Trump faces challenges in jury selection for his hush-money trial in New York, with potential jurors being vetted for political views and affiliations. Trump's conduct during the trial, including storming out of the courtroom and potential testimony, could impact the jury's perception. Both Trump's attorneys and the prosecution seek jurors who are neutral or sympathetic to Trump, with the trial's outcome potentially influencing public opinion and the 2024 election.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou in China, marking a rare high-level meeting between the two sides. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing seeking to assert its claim over the self-governing island.
Todd Blanche, a former federal prosecutor and partner at a prestigious law firm, has taken a significant career risk by representing Donald Trump in his upcoming criminal trial in Manhattan, making him the first former U.S. president to face prosecution. Blanche's decision to defend Trump has raised eyebrows among his former colleagues, as he has left a lucrative law firm partnership to represent a client known for legal troubles and disputes with his lawyers. This move has pushed Blanche outside his comfort zone, as he has limited experience as a defense lawyer, and has sparked speculation about his future in Trump's orbit.
After Donald Trump criticized the Oscars and host Jimmy Kimmel on Truth Social, Kimmel fired back during the show, reading Trump's post and quipping, "Isn't it past your jail time?" The former president faces multiple legal challenges, including felony counts and defamation cases, and has been ordered to pay millions in penalties and interest. Trump's comments and Kimmel's response added a political twist to the Oscars, where "Oppenheimer" won the best picture award.
Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández was convicted in a New York court of helping drug traffickers send tons of cocaine to the United States in exchange for bribes, highlighting the infiltration of narcotics gangs in some Latin American governments. Despite close ties with the U.S., Hernández was accused of aiding in the movement of at least 500 tons of cocaine to the U.S. over 18 years, including during his presidency. The verdict raised questions about U.S. awareness and collaboration with Hernández, and comes amid a broader crackdown on Latin American drug traffickers and officials aiding them.
As Donald Trump's first criminal trial approaches on March 25, it becomes evident that he may be his own worst enemy, as seen in recent civil trials where he directed his lawyers to object at inopportune moments, ranted about judges, and even stormed out of the courtroom, resulting in losses and hefty fines. With a new legal team preparing to defend him in Manhattan against accusations of covering up a potential sex scandal, the success of his defense may hinge on their ability to control and muzzle Trump's behavior during the trial.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who turned 99 in October, has been in home hospice care for a year, choosing to spend his remaining time with family instead of pursuing additional medical intervention for his cancer. His family expressed gratitude for the support and privacy during this time, and his decision to enter hospice care has sparked important discussions across the country. Carter's wife, Rosalynn, passed away last November, and they had been married for 77 years.