Defense rests without ex-President Trump taking the witness stand in his New York hush money trial
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s lawyers have rested their defense without the ex-president taking the witness stand in his New York hush money trial. The jury was sent home Tuesday until May 28, when closing arguments are expected. Trump did not stop to speak as he left the courthouse and ignored a question about why he wasn’t testifying. The first former American president to be tried criminally had previously said he wanted to take the witness stand to defend himself. Prosecutors have accused the Republican ex-president of a scheme to bury negative stories to fend off damage to his 2016 campaign and falsifying internal business records to cover it up. Trump denies wrongdoing.
Israel tries to contain the fallout after some allies support ICC prosecutor’s request for warrants
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel is seeking to contain the fallout from a request by the chief prosecutor of the world’s top war crimes court for arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. The move was supported by three European countries, including key ally France. Belgium, Slovenia and France each said Monday they backed the decision by International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel. While no one faces imminent arrest, the announcement deepens Israel’s global isolation at a time when it is facing growing criticism from even its closest allies over the war in Gaza.
Mourners begin days of funerals for Iran’s president and others killed in helicopter crash
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mourners began gathering Tuesday for days of funerals and processions for Iran’s late president, foreign minister and others killed in a helicopter crash. For Iran’s Shiite theocracy, mass demonstrations have been crucial since millions thronged the streets of Tehran to welcome Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 during the Islamic Revolution. Whether President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and others draw large crowds remains in question, particularly as Raisi died in a helicopter crash, won his office in the lowest-turnout election in the country’s history and presid…
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.