More Americans Want J6ers Pardoned, as 68 Percent of Dems Support Case-by-Case Reviews if Pardons Go ForwardIn the final matchup, Irving faced off against his toughest competition yet. The stage was set for an epic showdown between two of the Mavericks' brightest stars, each eager to claim the title of one-on-one king. The tension was thick in the air as the two superstars went head-to-head, trading baskets and jaw-dropping highlights with every possession.
By SAMY MAGDY CAIRO — Famine is spreading in Sudan due to a war between the military and a notorious paramilitary group that has devastated the country and created the world’s largest displacement crisis, a global hunger monitoring group said Tuesday. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said it detected famine in five areas, including in Sudan’s largest displacement camp, Zamzam , in North Darfur province, where famine was found for the first time in August. The report said the war has triggered unprecedented mass displacement and a collapsing economy. It said hostilities can result in farmers abandoning their crops, looting and stock destruction. FILE – People gather to collect water in Khartoum, Sudan, May 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) FILE – Sudanese Khadiga Omer adam sits by her sick child in an MSF-run clinic in the Aboutengue displacement site near Acre, Chad, Friday, Oct 4. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File) FILE – Sudanese refugees arrive in Acre, Chad, Sunday, Oct 6. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File) File – A man walks by a house hit in recent fighting in Khartoum, Sudan, an area torn by fighting between the military and the notorious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, April 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) FILE – Residents displaced from a surge of violent attacks squat on blankets and in hastily made tents in the village of Masteri in west Darfur, Sudan, on July 30, 2020. (Mustafa Younes via AP, File) FILE – A World Food Programme (WFP) truck backs up to load food items from a recently landed UN helicopter, in Yida camp, South Sudan, Sept. 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin) FILE – Sudanese refugee girls carry water supplies near a polling station in the refugee camp of Zamzam, on the outskirts of El Fasher, Darfur, Sudan, on April 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser, File) FILE -People line up in front of a bakery during a cease-fire in Khartoum, Sudan, May 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) This grab from video shows smoke rising over Khartoum, Sudan on Thursday Sept. 26, 2024, after Sudan’s military started an operation to take areas of the capital from its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. (AP Photo/Rashed Ahmed) File – A man walks by a house hit in recent fighting in Khartoum, Sudan, an area torn by fighting between the military and the notorious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, April 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) FILE – People gather to collect water in Khartoum, Sudan, May 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) FILE – Sudanese refugees displaced by the conflict in Sudan gather to receive food staples from aid agencies at the Metche Camp in eastern Chad Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jsarh Ngarndey Ulrish, File) Women who fled war in Sudan rest in a refugee camp in Adre, Chad, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) A woman who fled war in Sudan and requested anonymity because she feared retribution after reporting sexual exploitation, holds her baby in a refugee camp in Adre, Chad, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) People cross into Chad from Sudan in Adre, Chad, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) A woman who fled war in Sudan digs in a refugee camp in Adre, Chad, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) Patients are treated in an MSF-run clinic in the Aboutengue displacement site near Acre, Chad, Friday, Oct 4. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) Halima Habdullha holds her 7-month-old severely malnourished daughter Kaltum Abakar in an MSF-run clinic in the Aboutengue displacement site near Acre, Chad, Friday, Oct 4. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) Ousmane Taher and his family cross from Sudan into Chad near Acre Sunday, Oct 6. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) Sudanese refugees arrive in Acre, Chad, Sunday, Oct 6. 2024. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) FILE – People gather to collect water in Khartoum, Sudan, May 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali, File) Along with the Zamzam camp, which has more than 400,000 people, famine was also detected in two other camps for displaced people, Abu Shouk and al-Salam in North Darfur, and the Western Nuba Mountains, the IPC report said. Five other areas in North Darfur are projected “with reasonable evidence” to experience famine in the next six months, including el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, it said. Seventeen areas in the Nuba Mountains and the northern and southern areas of Darfur are at risk of famine, it added. The report also said some areas in the capital, Khartoum, and the east-central province of Gezira “may be experiencing” famine-like conditions. It said experts were unable to confirm whether famine threshold has been surpassed due to lack of data. “It is not merely a lack of food but a profound breakdown of health, livelihoods and social structures, leaving entire communities in a state of desperation,” it said. There is widespread hunger, with food in markets scarce and prices high. Aid groups say they struggle to reach the most vulnerable as warring parties limit access, especially in North Darfur province. Ahead of the IPC’s report, Sudan’s government said it had suspended its participation in the global monitoring system, according to a senior United Nations official with knowledge of the move. In a letter dated Dec. 23, Agriculture Minister Abu Baker al-Beshri accused the IPC of “issuing unreliable reports that undermine Sudan’s sovereignty and dignity,” said the U.N. official, who spoke in condition of anonymity to discuss the letter. Sudan’s 20-month war has killed more than than 24,000 people and driven over 14 million people — about 30% of the population — from their homes, according to the United Nations. An estimated 3.2 million Sudanese have crossed into neighboring countries including Chad, Egypt and South Sudan. The war began in April 2023 when tensions between its military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into fighting in Khartoum before spreading to other areas. The conflict has been marked by atrocities including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the U.N. and rights groups. The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Dervla Cleary, a senior emergency and rehabilitation officer at the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, said 638,000 people are experiencing famine. “The situation in Sudan is just awful. It is unacceptable in a world like today,” she said. The IPC report called for a ceasefire, calling it the only way to reduce the risk of famine spreading further.” Sudan is the third country where famine was declared in the past 15 years, along with South Sudan and Somalia. The IPC comprises more than a dozen U.N. agencies, aid groups and governments that use its monitoring as a global reference for analysis of food and nutrition crises. The organization has also warned that large parts of Gaza’s Palestinian population face the threat of famine.Menarini Group and MEDSIR Present the Phase III Study ADELA: A New Therapeutic Strategy for Advanced Breast Cancer
While the announcement of President al-Assad's decision to step down has been met with cautious optimism, many challenges lie ahead in the path towards a lasting peace in Syria. The country remains deeply divided along political, ethnic, and sectarian lines, and the legacy of the conflict will continue to cast a long shadow over the future of the country. Rebuilding infrastructure, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and ensuring the rights and safety of all Syrians will be daunting tasks that will require the concerted efforts of the international community and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved.As the countdown to the match begins, all eyes are on the returning superstar. His fitness and form will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the game, with fans eagerly anticipating his first appearance back on the field. The stakes are high, with Real Madrid needing a win to stay alive in the competition and salvage their season.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. ESTThe availability of a wide range of native applications on the HarmonyOS platform not only enhances user experience but also empowers local businesses to expand their digital footprint. By leveraging the capabilities of HarmonyOS, app developers in Fujian can tap into a larger user base and drive innovation in their respective domains.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. ESTIn conclusion, the latest update on the Spring Festival Gala has revealed exciting developments with the inclusion of 6 language programs under review and the appearances of Yue Yunpeng and Sun Yue during the review process. As China's most-watched television event draws near, audiences can look forward to a spectacle of cultural diversity, humor, and entertainment that will captivate viewers nationwide.In a surprising turn of events, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced today that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has taken a monumental step towards ending the prolonged conflict in Syria by ordering a peaceful transfer of power and renouncing his position as President. This stunning development marks a significant shift in the Syrian political landscape and has sparked a wave of speculation and hope for a new era of peace and stability in the war-torn country.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos' usually stout defense has been rocked ever since losing second-year cornerback Riley Moss to an MCL injury against Las Vegas in Week 12. Without Moss there to capitalize on opponents shying away from star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos (9-6) have had to largely abandon their preferred man coverage in favor of zone strategies and the results haven't been pretty. They when former teammate Jerry Jeudy caught nine passes for a career-best 235 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Only as he was about to score a 41-yard touchdown and give Indianapolis a 20-3 lead saved the Broncos in Week 15 and allowed Denver to seize momentum and get the victory. They , who led the Los Angeles Chargers back from a double-digit third-quarter deficit for a 34-27 win last week that prevented the Broncos from ending their eight-year playoff drought. It also put more pressure on the Broncos to win Saturday at Cincinnati, where the Bengals (7-8) cling to hopes of catching the Broncos and denying Denver a wild-card berth. Moss returned to practice last week and the Broncos will determine this week whether he’s ready to return to the field or if it’s better to keep him out until their season finale against Kansas City. But all signs point to Moss being on the field to help thwart Cincy's offense led by Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. “It's great to have him back,” Surtain said after practice Tuesday. “I mean, you talk about a guy who was playing lights-out before the injury, but to see him back out there with confidence, out there practicing, getting his mojo back, it brings a lot of confidence to the team, as well. So, it's good to see him back out there in action, for sure.” Moss has enjoyed a breakout season in Denver with 71 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception in 12 starts. He played in 14 games as a rotation player his rookie season after recovering from core muscle surgery that relegated him to special teams and spot duty in 2023. “We were and have been super excited" about the third-round pick out of Iowa, coach Sean Payton said. "Obviously, the guy that plays opposite of Patrick is going to get a lot of business. All throughout training camp, he really rose to the occasion, battled, competed and throughout really a good portion of the season. “He’s a big reason why we were playing so well defensively,” Payton added. "The sooner the better when we can get him back in the lineup. Hopefully it can happen this weekend.” In Moss' dozen starts, the Broncos allowed 16.8 points per game. Without him, they've been allowing 26.3 points a game. Burrow and Chase pose a bigger challenge to the Broncos than Jeudy and Jameis Wiston did for Cleveland or Herbert and Ladd McConkey did for the Chargers. The medial collateral ligament is on the inside of the knee that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. It’s one of four major ligaments that stabilize the knee and allow it to rotate. It typically takes a month to recover from an MCL sprain and the Broncos had their bye week earlier this month, meaning Moss might only have to miss three games. If the Broncos reach the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's last start, they'll likely need to have a healthy Moss opposite Surtain to have any realistic hopes of avoiding a one-and-done appearance. The Broncos got a scare when Surtain injured an ankle against Indianapolis two weeks ago and limped off the field in the closing minutes. However, he was a full-go at practice last week and had no issues against the Chargers. NOTES: The Broncos waived veteran CB Levi Wallace, who had been inactive the past two weeks after giving up several big plays to Jeudy on Dec. 2. Denver also designated RB Tyler Badie to return from a back injury he sustained against the Jets in Week 4. Payton said he hopes to sign Wallace to the practice squad if he clears waivers. ___ AP NFL: Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 87-40 on Saturday. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team's previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Illinois is unbeaten in four home games. Maryland Eastern Shore is winless in six road games. Illinois: Coming off a 100-87 loss Wednesday to No. 8 Alabama, the Illini had no trouble dominating the overmatched Hawks. They led 35-15 at halftime and extended the lead to as many as 52 points in the second half. Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks couldn’t match Illinois’ height and depth and were slowed by 15 turnovers. After struggling at the start of the game, the Illini went on a 17-0 run over a seven-minute stretch to move in front 25-8 with 5:15 to go in the first half. Maryland Eastern Shore struggled from the field, shooting 22% (15 for 68), including 5 for 20 on 3-pointers. Illinois hosts Little Rock on Monday. Maryland Eastern Shore plays at No. 20 Arkansas on Monday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballQuarterbacks in spotlight when No. 6 Miami visits SyracuseIn conclusion, the case of the employee who was fired for requesting a salary increase has ignited a broader conversation about transparency, fairness, and employee rights in the workplace. As companies grapple with how to navigate these complex issues, it is crucial to consider the implications of strict confidentiality policies on employees' ability to advocate for themselves and seek fair compensation. By finding a balance between protecting sensitive information and fostering open dialogue, organizations can create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all.When speaking at the New York Times ’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Alex Cooper of Call Her Daddy said that while she “didn’t want to technically get into politics,” she recognized “there was a larger conversation that was directly impacting my audience.” Cooper confirmed that both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris ‘ teams reached out before the election. “We had a Zoom call with Trump’s team,” said the host. “I wasn’t on it. I was like, ‘Let me know how it goes.'” The podcaster explained that the possibility of venturing into politics sparked her interest as she’s a “very competitive person.” “I’m like, how do we keep ramping this up?” she continued. “Joe Rogan has a conversation. He knows his audience. I know my audience, and it’s a bunch of women looking for someone to advocate for them every single day.” Ultimately, Cooper interviewed the Democratic presidential nominee in an episode that aired in October. During their conversation, Harris and Cooper discussed women’s rights, the overturning of Roe v. Wade , and abortion bans. And while Cooper acknowledged the pushback from some of her audience when discussing abortion, the host doubled down on her decision during the summit. “I understand people are like, ‘Oh God, you’re gonna focus the whole time on abortion.’ Yeah, I am. Because it’s not about abortion, it’s about women’s rights to their body.” She added, “I thought, ‘Why not have on someone that could potentially have a huge impact on our country?'” Cooper’s remarks on Wednesday echoed her thoughts prior to her discussion with Harris. In the intro before the Call Her Daddy episode, Cooper said that she “went back and forth” on whether or not to address politics or have politicians on her podcast, but concluded she felt “the conversation I know I’m qualified to have is the one surrounding women’s bodies and how we are treated and valued in this country.” She also made it clear that it wasn’t a “one-sided conversation,” and that if Trump was willing “to have a meaningful, in-depth conversation about women’s rights in this country,” he would be “welcome on Call Her Daddy anytime.”
Ashworth was brought in by Manchester United in September 2021 to assist with player recruitment and scouting operations. However, his tenure at the club has been short-lived, with reports suggesting that his contract has been terminated prematurely. The decision to end Ashworth's association with the club comes amid growing concerns over Manchester United's recruitment strategy and the underperformance of several high-profile signings.Prabowo's Coalition Sweeps Key Regional Elections in Indonesia
Brandi Glanville revealed that she has been spending thousands of dollars to figure out the cause behind her facial disfigurement. In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum opened up about her tiring health struggle and frustration with not having a proper diagnosis for her deformed face. "Honestly, I have so many doctors and I’ve had so many tests. I did lab work for $10,000. They ran every test under the sun. They’re like, ‘It could be a parasite that’s new,’” she told the outlet. Glanville went on to say “I’ve been on meds this whole year. I don’t socialize. I don’t go out and I’m just spending all of my money on trying to figure out what’s wrong with me.” According to the TV personality, she has spent over "$70,000" on her treatment so far and is "stressed" out because of the condition. Moreover, she suspected the root cause for the skin problem she is facing stems back from her time in Morocco which she visited for the filming of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. “Six months after I got back from Morocco, I started having this speaking thing and the swelling up thing. It started in July and we’re still here trying to figure it out.” Earlier in December Glanville posted her selfie which sparked concern among fans about her health. Later the reality star explained on X account that she has been visiting hospitals to diagnose what is the root cause of her disfigured face.
In conclusion, the case of Cao Cao's alleged use of a Gatling gun AI modification raises intriguing questions about the intersection of historical accuracy, creative interpretation, and copyright laws. While the concept of blending ancient history with modern technology can be captivating, it is essential to navigate this territory with caution and respect for intellectual property rights. As discussions continue to unfold, it is clear that finding the balance between honoring the past and embracing innovation will be a nuanced and evolving process.As tensions escalate between law enforcement officials and citizens, it is crucial for both parties to uphold mutual respect, communication, and cooperation in order to prevent further conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can strive towards a more harmonious and peaceful society where conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and violence.Minnesota Twins Trade Lefty Reliever to Boston for Utility Help
The large mysterious drones reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. The Morris County Republican was among several state and local lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the spate of sightings that range from the New York City area through New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. The devices do not appear to be The dronees wereffffflown by hobbyists, Fantasia wrote. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month and have raised growing concern among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility; and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey were larger than those typically used by hobbyists. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to threaten public safety. The FBI has been investigating and has asked residents to share any videos, photos or other information they may have. Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, U.S. Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones. Smith said a Coast Guard commanding officer briefed him on an incident over the weekend in which a dozen drones followed a motorized Coast Guard lifeboat “in close pursuit” near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. Coast Guard Lt. Luke Pinneo told The Associated Press Wednesday “that multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in vicinity of one of our vessels near Island Beach State Park.” The aircraft weren't perceived as an immediate threat and didn't disrupt operations, Pinneo said. The Coast Guard is assisting the FBI and state agencies in investigating. In a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Smith called for military help dealing with the drones, noting that Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has the capability "to identify and take down unauthorized unmanned aerial systems.” However, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Wednesday that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.” Many municipal lawmakers have called for more restrictions on who is entitled to fly the unmanned devices. At least one state lawmaker proposed a temporary ban on drone flights in the state. “This is something we’re taking deadly seriously. I don’t blame people for being frustrated," Murphy said earlier this week. A spokesman for the Democratic governor said he did not attend Wednesday's meeting. Republican Assemblyman Erik Peterson, whose district includes parts of the state where the drones have been reported, said he also attended Wednesday's meeting at a state police facility in West Trenton. The session lasted for about 90 minutes. Peterson said DHS officials were generous with their time, but appeared dismissive of some concerns, saying not all the sightings reported have been confirmed to involve drones. So who or what is behind the flying objects? Where are they coming from? What are they doing? “My understanding is they have no clue,” Peterson said. A message seeking comment was left with the Department of Homeland Security. Most of the drones have been spotted along coastal areas and some were recently reported flying over a large reservoir in Clinton. Sightings also have been reported in neighboring states. James Edwards, of Succasunna, New Jersey, said he has seen a few drones flying over his neighborhood since last month. “It raises concern mainly because there's so much that's unknown,” Edwards said Wednesday. “There are lots of people spouting off about various conspiracies that they believe are in play here, but that only adds fuel to the fire unnecessarily. We need to wait and see what is really happening here, not let fear of the unknown overtake us." —— AP reporters Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania; and Wayne Parry in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, contributed to this report.“Please can you drop the charges against my mum and dad so that I can keep living with my cat brothers and sisters?” That was the plea from the woman at the centre of a sensational starvation trial in a letter sent to state prosecutors. The trial ended last week, with the woman’s parents remanded in custody after being found guilty. The girl’s parents outside court last month. Credit: 9News Perth The woman – now 20, and whose identity is protected by a court order – did not want her parents to go to prison and, from what she wrote, did not think they needed to be punished. But a jury thought otherwise, last week finding them both guilty of not just starving the girl – leading to a dangerous level of malnutrition – but also of emotional abuse, due to their treatment of her as if she were a small child. The case, which was first reported exclusively by WAtoday last year , features elements of infantalisation, a “complex” psychological behaviour that is often rooted in the parents’ own emotional needs, according to Perth clinical psychologist Donna Stambulich. “Common drivers include fear of abandonment, unresolved personal trauma, anxiety about their child’s independence, and difficulty accepting the natural progression of child development,” Stambulich said. “In some cases, narcissistic personality traits may lead parents to view their children as extensions of themselves rather than independent individuals.” So what do we know about the parents, who will be sentenced over the offences early next year? The woman’s father, aged in his 40s, is a senior IT professional, who has held management-level positions in several Perth companies. He became the breadwinner of the family when his daughter was born and his wife gave up her career to be the girl’s full-time carer. A dance school teacher told Perth District Court the girl was small, even by the standard of other students. The family moved to Floreat five years ago and purchased a four-bedroom house for almost $2 million. Department of Communities staff told the court that when they visited the home to check on the girl, it looked “cluttered” and cockroaches were seen scuttling out of the front door where they stood speaking to the father. The father refused to allow them inside and, away from the jury, the court was told the house was filthy and unhygienic, with piles of used sanitary towels sitting in corners. Despite this, the father tried to convince the jury he suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the husband was earning good money, the wife’s family were also wealthy, and the girl’s grandfather wanted to pay for her to attend a prestigious girls’ school which commands fees of up to $28,000 a year. But the parents refused, instead choosing to homeschool the girl. The mother’s relationship with the girl’s grandfather was rocky. She claimed he was abusive to her when she was a child, and would not allow him to be left alone with her daughter. However, the girl was later placed in his care by the Department of Communities, where she stayed until her 18th birthday, when she returned home to live with her parents. The mother also testified that she had little to do with her siblings, and claimed her daughter was hospitalised in part because her sister and their father had both spoken to the department about the girl’s emaciated appearance. When the mother’s sister raised those concerns with her, she cut off contact. The girl was also, for some time after her parents were arrested, placed into the care of her uncle, who soon after relinquished that care because of the parents’ “ongoing involvement”. Outside court, it was also mentioned that the girl was unable to do much for herself and needed constant care and help with day-to-day activities, such as washing and taking care of her hygiene. She was 17 years old at the time. Prosecutors said that after the woman’s own mother died, she isolated herself and her daughter from the rest of the family. None of her family came to court throughout the four-week trial. The girl was hospitalised after the Department of Communities investigated concerns from a dance studio. What the jury weren’t allowed to hear One element of the case that was kept from the jury was the suggestion the girl was wearing nappies as a teenager. Both the prosecution and defence agreed to withhold the information, but some witnesses almost blurted it out on a number of occasions. The jury was also not allowed to hear why the girl herself did not enter the courtroom to give evidence, and that seeing her so distressed almost brought District Court Judge Linda Black to tears. On November 14, the girl’s mother’s lawyer called her as a witness to tell her side of the story. It was a much-anticipated moment, but she did not make it into the courtroom. The jury was told the girl had “changed her mind”. After coming to court with a “support person”, the 20-year-old had a panic attack and could not give evidence. Black went out of the courtroom to speak with her and, on her return, confronted the mother’s lawyer Michael Perella, asking whether he had ensured the girl received her own legal advice before coming to court. He replied that he had only recommended she did. Black asked Perella whether the girl was told what to wear for the occasion by her mother , and noted she was wearing a “relatively child-like dress” and ballet flats. Perella denied that was the case, and attempted to apply to have the trial aborted because of the turn of events. Black fought back tears as she blasted the lawyer for suggesting such a vulnerable person be brought to court in the first place. “If she was shocked that her daughter was in floods of tears, [the mother] must not know her daughter very well at all,” the judge said. She refused to allow the trial to be vacated. The impacts of infantilisation “can be profound and far-reaching”, Stambulich said. “In the short term, children may experience delayed emotional development, poor self-esteem, and significant difficulties in peer relationships,” she said. “They often struggle with basic decision-making skills and age-appropriate social interactions. “The long-term consequences can be even more severe, potentially leading to chronic dependency, persistent relationship difficulties, anxiety and depression, and significant challenges in managing adult responsibilities. “Many adults who experienced infantilisation struggle with boundary setting and may have difficulty establishing their own independent identity.” During the trial The girl was 14 when this photo was taken. The trial itself may have been arduous for the jury, who were initially told it would be finished in seven days. Instead, it dragged on for weeks, in part due to attempts by the mother to have the trial thrown out twice – midway through proceedings, the court was told the woman was too unwell to attend and listen to the evidence. She was given a brief reprieve to recover, but Black insisted she return and could keep a sick bag at her side in case she needed it. They couple sat side-by-side for four weeks but did not appear to communicate once. As the jury read out their guilty verdicts, the father sat straight-faced, as he had the entire trial, while his wife sobbed, even after bring asked to stop by the judge because of the noise. Their relationship had been examined throughout the trial, with accusations of manipulation, control and verbal abuse from the husband to the wife. He didn’t deny that on the stand. But it was accepted throughout the trial that both parents loved their daughter very much. Stambulich said parents who infantilised their children often had limited insight into their behaviour and its impact. “They typically rationalise their actions as necessary protection or expressions of love and care,” she said. “ These parents may minimise or completely deny any harmful effects of their parenting style, viewing their actions as beneficial rather than potentially damaging to their child’s development.” The mother told the jury her daughter would always be her little girl. She had made sure of that by limiting her ability to grow in height and mature like a girl of her age should have, and limiting her ability to mix with other girls her age, to develop age-appropriate interests and have any level of independence. When the father of the girl was presented with photos of her looking small, frail, sick and severely underweight, he told the prosecutor she was thin but not overly so . “Do you have problems with your eyesight?” he was asked. “No,” he replied. Knowing that they were neglecting and damaging their daughter was at the heart of ensuring there was a guilty plea, state prosecutor Jehna Winter told the court. Their education, ability to comprehend when someone looks healthy and well, and their choice to ignore repeated concerns were what led to them being charged and ultimately convicted. The pair will be sentenced in January and face a maximum penalty of 20 years each. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Courts Crime Crime Courts Law Police More... Rebecca Peppiatt – is a journalist with WAtoday, specialising in crime and courts. Connect via email . Most Viewed in National Loading
The second signing is a versatile forward known for his pace and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to play across the front line and stretch defences with his speed will add a new dynamic to Beijing Guoan's attacking play. His proven track record in La Liga will make him a valuable asset in the team's quest for silverware next season.