law 4 - The Latremie Post

Georgia’s highest court sides with slave descendants fighting to protect threatened island community

FILE — Cornelia Bailey sits on the front porch of the Sapelo Island Cultural and Revitalization Society in the Hog Hammock community of Sapelo Island, Ga., on Thursday, May 16, 2013. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

FILE — The new Nathan Deal Judicial Center was dedicated to the former governor that bears its name on February 11, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

FILE — J.J. Wilson, 9, rides a school bus to catch a ferry to his school on the mainland from his home in the Hog Hammock community of Sapelo Island, Ga., on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

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**ATLANTA —** Georgia’s highest court on Tuesday sided with Black landowners in a fight over zoning changes that weakened long-standing protections for one of the South’s last Gullah-Geechee communities founded by freed slaves.

The state Supreme Court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling that had stopped a referendum to consider repealing a revised zoning ordinance passed by McIntosh County officials two years ago.

Residents of Sapelo Island opposed the zoning amendments that doubled the size of homes allowed in a tiny enclave called Hog Hammock. Homeowners feared the change would result in one of the nation’s most historically and culturally unique Black communities facing unaffordable tax increases.

Last year, residents and their supporters submitted a petition with more than 2,300 signatures from registered voters seeking a referendum in the coastal county, which lies 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Savannah.

However, McIntosh County commissioners sued to stop the referendum, and a lower court ruled that it would be illegal, halting the vote with less than a week to go before Election Day. Hundreds of people had already cast early ballots in the referendum.

On Tuesday, the high court found that the lower court was wrong to conclude that the zoning ordinance was not subject to referendum procedures provided for in the Georgia Constitution’s Home Rule Provision.

“Nothing in the text of the Zoning Provision in any way restricts a county electorate’s authority to seek repeal of a zoning ordinance,” Supreme Court Justice John Ellington wrote in the opinion.

“We feel vindicated,” said Jazz Watts, a Hog Hammock homeowner who helped organize the referendum effort. “The election should not have been stopped. It was stopping the voice of the people.”

It is not immediately clear when the referendum might be rescheduled. But attorney Dana Braun, who represents the Hog Hammock residents, said the ruling will give county residents “some real say” in whether they support the zoning change.

McIntosh County attorney Ken Jarrard expressed that the county commissioners are “obviously disappointed” by the order but respect the high court’s ruling. Jarrard had asserted during oral arguments at the Supreme Court in April that zoning powers are different from others entrusted to county governments by the state Constitution and, therefore, cannot be challenged by referendum.

Philip Thompson, an attorney representing the Hog Hammock residents, argued that they have a constitutional right to a referendum on the zoning changes so that they can defend a place that’s “a cultural and historical treasure.”

Approximately 30 to 50 Black residents live in Hog Hammock, a community of dirt roads and modest homes founded by their enslaved ancestors who worked the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding. The community is among a dwindling number of small settlements started by emancipated island slaves—known collectively as Gullah, or Geechee, in Georgia—scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida.

Scholars say the island’s separation from the mainland allowed the communities to retain much of their African heritage, from their unique dialect to skills and crafts such as cast-net fishing and weaving baskets.

In 1996, Hog Hammock earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of treasured U.S. historic sites.

Residents depend on the local government in McIntosh County, where 65% of the 11,100 residents are white, to maintain protections that preserve the community.

The state Supreme Court was not weighing whether Hog Hammock deserves special protections. Instead, the justices considered technical questions about whether local zoning laws can be challenged by referendum and whether McIntosh County commissioners had a right to sue to stop the vote last October.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/across_america/georgias-highest-court-sides-with-slave-descendants-fighting-to-protect-threatened-island-community/article_89423039-aec7-49c1-b0f1-8a21812a7292.html

Couple ‘deliberately starved’ three-year-old daughter to death, London court told

A couple deliberately starved their three-year-old daughter to death over many months, a UK court has heard.

Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, and Manpreet Jatana, 34, appeared at the Old Bailey in London on Tuesday charged with the murder of Penelope Chandrie.

Prosecutor Philip McGhee stated that the prosecution’s case is that the defendants mistreated their daughter over an extended period and deliberately starved her, leading to her death.

The London court heard that the couple failed to register Penelope’s birth, provide her with GP care or education, as they isolated themselves from the wider world. When the child died, it is alleged that they initially considered cremating the body in the back garden of their home in Hayes, west London, before contacting a funeral director.

On December 17, 2023, police found Penelope’s very emaciated body wrapped in a sheet, with bruising to her neck, the court was told. An examination of her body found the cause of death to be malnutrition. Pathological findings indicated starvation over a prolonged period of many months, culminating in fatal ketoacidosis, Mr McGhee explained.

There were also marks on her neck consistent with the use of bindings, and injuries to her hands consistent with a sharp object such as a knife, the court heard.

At the time Penelope died, officers found the defendants’ home to be in poor condition. The family’s vegetarian diet mainly consisted of yoghurt, lentils, and butter, Mr McGhee added. What appeared to be a ligature was found attached to the bannisters on the stairs.

The defendants, who met at university, had not worked for some time and lived in a house belonging to Uppal’s father.

On Tuesday, Uppal appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey, while Jatana appeared via videolink from Bronzefield prison. Both spoke only to confirm their identities.

In addition to the murder charge, the defendants are accused of manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and abandoning a child or causing them unnecessary suffering or injury.

Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a timetable for the case, with a plea hearing scheduled for December 16. A provisional trial date will be confirmed later. She remanded the defendants into custody.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/couple-deliberately-starved-three-year-old-daughter-to-death-court-told-1813133.html

EXCLUSIVE: ‘Flu Shot Cheerleader’ Vows She’s Not Done With Mario Lopez Yet… After Defamation Lawsuit She Filed Against Him Was Dismissed

**Former NFL Cheerleader Vows to Appeal After Judge Dismisses Defamation Claims Against Mario Lopez**

*Published: September 30, 2025, 7:05 p.m. ET*

The former NFL cheerleader who sued actor Mario Lopez for defamation is determined to continue her legal battle, RadarOnline.com can report, even after a judge dismissed her claims.

Desiree Townsend told RadarOnline.com that she plans to file appeals and is exploring other avenues against Lopez despite the setback.

Late last week, a judge granted Lopez’s anti-SLAPP motion in full, striking down all claims brought against him. Additionally, Lopez is now entitled to seek reimbursement of his legal fees from Townsend.

However, Townsend remains optimistic and looks forward to pursuing her case further. “It’s on to the appellate courts now!” she declared. “This is where real change happens and where case law is shaped.”

Before moving forward, Townsend will focus on appealing the restraining order Lopez obtained against her, which requires her to stay at least 100 yards away from him and his family.

“Right now, my focus is on appealing the restraining order decision,” she explained. “One of the grounds for the appeal is that the anti-SLAPP motion was never properly heard, and Mario’s team presented no opposition evidence.”

### Desiree Townsend Strikes Back Against Lopez

Townsend expressed particular frustration with Lopez’s legal representation. She stated, “His attorneys couldn’t answer basic questions, like why he posted the video in the first place or how it related to any public controversy about vaccines or the flu in the middle of June.”

She added, “They even went so far as to complain on the record that I need to stop making fun of Geragos & Geragos on TikTok and ‘warned’ the court they might sue me.”

In response, attorneys Alexandra Kazarian and Daniel JV Tapetillo released a statement to RadarOnline.com expressing their desire to move on from the case.

“We are hopeful this complete dismissal of her lawsuit, coming on the heels of the Restraining Order against this woman, will end her fixation and obsession with our client,” they said.

### Lopez’s Defense: Freedom of Speech

Lopez has maintained that his statements are protected under the First Amendment right to free speech. His legal team filed the anti-SLAPP motion, designed to quickly dismiss lawsuits against public figures when claims threaten free expression.

In prior court documents, Lopez’s attorneys argued, “Defendant alleges that any representations or omissions alleged in the Complaint were protected by Defendant’s First Amendment Rights to Freedom of Speech.”

They further stated, “Defendant’s statements were purely opinions, and not statements of fact, and no reasonable person who heard the statements would have interpreted them as anything but opinions.”

### Townsend Aims to ‘Create Change’

Initially, Townsend filed a $10 million lawsuit against Lopez, which she later increased to $25 million. She also added Lopez’s law firm, Geragos & Geragos, to the complaint and raised her damages demand to $50 million.

Despite the high sums at stake, Townsend pledged to donate any award to the Women In Media charity, which advocates for gender balance in the film and entertainment industries.

For her, the lawsuit is about more than financial compensation. “My hope is that these cases will leave a lasting legacy and set important precedent for people in California and beyond,” she shared. “A trial court win would have only benefitted me personally, but as I’ve said before, these cases were never about money; they’re about creating change.”
https://radaronline.com/p/flu-shot-cheerleader-desiree-townsend-mario-lopez-defamation-lawsuit-dismissed/

Telangana HC Dismisses Private Parties Claim Over 36 Acres In Kondapur

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the High Court recently dealt with appeals filed by the government in 2002 and 2003. These appeals sought to set aside a decree issued by the Civil Court of Rangareddy district, which had declared private parties as owners of three acres each.

The private parties asserted ownership and possession over the land, relying on pattas allegedly granted in 1961 under Rule 9(g) of the Laoni Rules, 1950. They sought a declaration of title, an injunction against interference, and the mutation of their names in the revenue records. The trial court accepted their case and ruled in their favor in April 2002.

On appeal, the state challenged the validity of the pattas, arguing that they were fabricated, temporary in nature, and issued contrary to revised assignment rules notified in GO Ms. No. 1406 of 1958, which superseded the earlier Laoni Rules. The government also highlighted GO Ms. No. 1122 of 1961, which imposed a ban on assignments within a 10-mile radius of Hyderabad, including the area of Kondapur.

Furthermore, the state contended that portions of the land had already been allotted to various institutions, complicating the claim of the private parties.

The High Court found several anomalies in the pattas presented by the private parties. These included discrepancies in dates and the use of terms that were absent from the prescribed format. The court ruled that the plaintiffs failed to establish valid title to the land, emphasizing that in suits for declaration, the burden of proof lies squarely on the claimants.

Additionally, the court rejected the private parties’ plea of adverse possession, holding that such a claim cannot coexist with their assertion of pattas as evidence of ownership. Justice Bheemapaka criticized the private parties for their contradictory stance—initially claiming the land was allotted under the Loani Rules and later asserting settled possession for 40 years.

The judge made it clear that the civil court, acting as a fact-finding body, could not presume possession in the absence of supporting documents. Concluding that the trial court had erred in presuming both title and possession, the High Court set aside the earlier decree and dismissed the suits.

The litigation was termed by the court as an attempt to encroach upon valuable government land, underscoring the importance of adhering to proper legal procedures and documentation in land disputes.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/telangana-hc-dismisses-private-parties-claim-over-36-acres-in-kondapur-1907262

EXCLUSIVE: Nicole Kidman’s ‘$600K Per Year Drug Clause’ for Keith Urban Under Scrutiny After Split — ‘A Decision’ to Separate ‘Wasn’t Made Lightly,’ Legal Expert Claims

**Sept. 30, 2025, Published 3:03 p.m. ET**

As Nicole Kidman’s separation drama from Keith Urban unfolds, a divorce attorney has exclusively spoken to RadarOnline.com about an intriguing detail in their prenuptial agreement — the so-called “cocaine clause.”

According to reports, this “cocaine clause” stated that Urban would be eligible for $600,000 annually, but only if he abstained from drugs and alcohol during their marriage.

### A Legal Expert Dishes on the Alleged Provision in Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Prenuptial Agreement

Lois Liberman, a partner in Blank Rome’s Matrimonial and Family Law Group, shared her insights exclusively with RadarOnline.com about this pertinent clause.

“It is more than likely that, in addition to the alleged provision which provides Keith with $600,000 per year from Nicole for every year of marriage, there would be additional clauses that specify what Keith acquired in his own name as his separate property,” Liberman explained. “For those assets that the parties held jointly, there would presumably be some distributable interest in those assets. Any drug use would not diminish his interest in those assets.”

### Keith Urban’s Separation Likely Not a Light Decision, Says Legal Expert

Liberman noted it’s “possible” that the monies Keith was to receive annually — as compensation for waiving claims to assets Nicole acquired during the marriage — could be forfeited for years in which he did not have his drug use “under control.”

She added, “Given that it has been reported that the decision to separate was Keith’s, it is likely that if there were such a huge financial penalty — whereby he would have lost $11,400,000 ($600,000 x 19 years) — that such a decision would not have been made lightly. Alternatively, he may have felt financially secure enough to proceed with the divorce regardless.”

### Possible Post-Nuptial Agreement May Have Addressed Sobriety Issues

Liberman also suggested that Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban might have created a post-nuptial agreement during their marriage to address Urban’s “initial sobriety slip.”

“This may have clarified whether he would still be entitled to such monies if he remained clean and sober throughout the rest of the marriage,” she concluded.

### Keith Urban’s Struggles and Recovery During His Marriage to Nicole Kidman

In October 2006, only a few months after marrying Kidman, Keith Urban entered rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. Reports say Kidman planned an intervention, which Urban credits as a pivotal moment in his recovery.

He has described Kidman’s support during this period as critical, saying he was “very, very blessed” to have her by his side as he worked toward sobriety.

### Separation Outed: Split Said to Be One-Sided

As RadarOnline.com reported, the couple’s separation was revealed on September 29. Sources claim the split is one-sided, with Kidman doing everything she can to save their marriage.

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Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
https://radaronline.com/p/nicole-kidman-keith-urban-drug-clause-prenup-under-scrutiny-divorce/

Defamation case: Bathinda court directs Kangana to appear in October

The court has ordered Kangana Ranaut to appear physically on October 27. The summons will be served through the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

### Background of the Case

The case dates back to January 2021, when Ranaut allegedly defamed an elderly woman farmer on social media during the farmers’ agitation.

### Allegations and Complainant

The defamation complaint was filed by Mahinder Kaur, a 73-year-old resident of Bahadurgarh Jandian village in Bathinda. She alleged that Ranaut had defamed her in a social media post by mistakenly identifying her as Shaheen Bagh protester Bilkis Bano.

Ranaut’s tweet read, “She is the same daadi who featured in Time magazine for being the most powerful Indian. And she is available in 100.”

Feeling harmed by these remarks, Kaur filed the case on January 4, 2021, claiming damage to her reputation.

### Legal Proceedings

In February 2022, the Bathinda court issued summons to Ranaut. Following this, Ranaut approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking relief; however, her petition was dismissed.

She then moved the Supreme Court, which also refused to intervene and upheld the lower court’s order.

Ranaut maintained that she had only reposted a lawyer’s social media post without making any independent remarks. Despite this, the Bathinda court found sufficient grounds to continue the proceedings and rejected her plea for a virtual appearance.

### Supreme Court’s Comments

Earlier this month, Supreme Court Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta commented on the case during proceedings. The bench observed,

*”It was not a simple retweet. You have added spice. What this means is a subject matter of trial. Don’t ask us to comment on what is written in the tweet. It may prejudice your trial.”*

The judges noted that the Member of Parliament from Mandi had not merely shared the tweet but had added her own comment, which is central to the trial.

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The upcoming court date will be critical in determining the next steps in this ongoing defamation case involving Kangana Ranaut.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/bathinda-court-summons-kangana-in-october-in-defamation-case/story

India records close 4.5 lakh crimes against women in 2023: NCRB report

The figures, compiled from police records across states and union territories, indicate a national crime rate of 66.2 incidents per lakh female population, based on mid-year projected female population estimates of 6,770 lakh. The overall chargesheeting rate for these cases stood at 77.6 percent in 2023.

Among the states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of cases at 66,381, followed by Maharashtra with 47,101, Rajasthan at 45,450, West Bengal at 34,691, and Madhya Pradesh with 32,342 cases. Telangana led in crime rate at 124.9 per lakh female population, ahead of Rajasthan (114.8), Odisha (112.4), Haryana (110.3), and Kerala (86.1).

Cruelty by husband or relatives under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) accounted for the largest share, with 133,676 cases and a rate of 19.7. Kidnapping and abduction of women followed with 88,605 cases and a rate of 13.1. Assault on women with intent to outrage modesty was recorded in 83,891 cases at a rate of 12.4, while rape accounted for 29,670 cases with a rate of 4.4.

Dowry deaths totaled 6,156 cases with a rate of 0.9, abetment to suicide accounted for 4,825 cases at a rate of 0.7, and insult to modesty was reported in 8,823 cases at a rate of 1.3.

Rape cases involved 28,821 incidents with women aged 18 and above, and 849 cases involving girls below 18. Attempts to commit rape numbered 2,796 cases, and acid attacks were reported in 113 cases.

Under Special and Local Laws (SLL), crimes against women totaled 87,850 cases. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, registered 15,489 cases, while the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, recorded 1,788 cases involving women victims. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, had 632 cases.

Other figures included 31 cases under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986; 40,046 cases under the POCSO Act for child rape; 22,149 cases for sexual assault; 2,778 cases for sexual harassment; 698 cases for using a child for pornography; and 513 cases under other provisions of the law.

Police disposal statistics revealed that 185,961 cases were pending investigation from previous years. In 2023, 448,211 new cases were registered, and 987 cases were transferred, totaling 635,159 cases. Of these, 182,219 were chargesheeted, yielding a chargesheeting rate of 77.6 percent. Pendency stood at 182,219 cases, or 28.7 percent.

Court disposal data showed 2,184,756 cases were pending trial from prior years, alongside 350,937 new cases and 6,276 reopened cases, totaling 2,535,693 cases. Pendency at courts reached 2,303,657 cases, or 90.8 percent.

A total of 667,940 persons were arrested in 2023 for crimes against women, comprising 587,441 males, 80,490 females, and nine transgender persons.

*Note:* This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agency. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-records-close-4-5-lakh-crimes-against-women-in-2023-ncrb-report-23596534

‘QAnon Shaman’ Files Insane $40 Trillion Lawsuit Against Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve, Declares Himself Leader of a ‘New Constitutional Republic’

**Jacob Chansley, the ‘QAnon Shaman,’ Files $40 Trillion Lawsuit Declaring Himself U.S. Leader**

*Published: September 28, 2025, 4:30 p.m. ET*

Jacob Chansley, the Arizona man widely recognized as the “QAnon Shaman” for his horned warrior attire during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, has filed a sweeping lawsuit demanding $40 trillion in damages while declaring himself the rightful leader of the United States, RadarOnline.com can report.

The Phoenix resident submitted a 26-page complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court earlier this week. The document, written as a single paragraph resembling a manifesto, names an eclectic mix of defendants ranging from President Donald Trump to international institutions, major corporations, and even Hollywood studios. Chansley is representing himself in the case.

### The Lawsuit and Its Defendants

Among the listed defendants are former President Donald Trump, the Federal Reserve, the National Security Agency (NSA), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the Bank of International Settlements, the state of Israel, Elon Musk’s X Corp., T-Mobile, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and Warner Bros. Studios.

Chansley claims these entities are part of a conspiracy to systematically violate Americans’ constitutional rights. While the case was filed in state court, its federal claims suggest it may be transferred to the U.S. District Court.

Attempts by the Phoenix New Times to contact Chansley via phone and the email listed on his filing were unsuccessful.

### Extraordinary Allegations

The lawsuit levels a series of far-fetched accusations. Chansley asserts that the U.S. central banking system is unconstitutional and that the government has committed treason by prioritizing foreign financiers.

He also alleges that the NSA spied on him while he drafted what he calls a “2nd Declaration of Independence.” According to the complaint, “all radio stations and most of their DJs are a part of the intelligence community.”

Chansley claims that plot details from Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight* and James Cameron’s *Avatar* were stolen from his own writings. He further contends that the NSA catfished him on Facebook by impersonating actress Michelle Rodriguez, whom he describes as “my celebrity crush.”

Based on his “shamanic beliefs,” Chansley says he was “offered the opportunity to work with NASA covertly and help them deal with other-worldly matters.”

### Targeting Trump

The complaint also states that Trump emailed him on January 8, 2021, from the address “donaldtrump@nsa.gov,” and that the government seized over $100,000 in cryptocurrency from him.

“These seemingly insignificant facts are designed to seem insignificant on their face,” Chansley wrote, “but if a person were in the loop of what I had written on my computer a few months prior, those details would stand out to a sharp mind.”

Chansley refers to more than 1,000 exhibits stored in a Google Drive folder to support his claims, though the folder was inaccessible when reporters attempted to view it.

### Broader Critiques and Grandiose Declarations

Amid the outlandish accusations, Chansley also voices criticisms of American governance. He argues that citizens’ Fifth Amendment rights were violated when an Israeli official accused of attempting to solicit sex from a minor in Nevada was allowed to return home.

He also condemns U.S. involvement in protracted wars. “When we also recall that the Vietnam War was proven to be entered into based on false pretense, then it’s no surprise that the same government is continuing multiple deadly wars for profit, and even allowing foreign leaders to dictate American foreign policy in the Middle East and eastern European nations,” he wrote.

Chansley concludes his filing by declaring himself president of what he calls the “New Constitutional Republic of the United States.” He states the only laws in this republic are the Bill of Rights and the original U.S. Constitution, and that Phoenix will serve as its capital.

As his first act, Chansley says he would direct the Federal Reserve to mint a one-ounce gold coin valued at $40 trillion to eliminate the national debt — a proposal that fundamentally misunderstands how debt and currency function.
https://radaronline.com/p/qanon-shaman-40-trillion-lawsuit-donald-trump-constitutional-republic/

Three Anti-ICE Influencers Indicted After Stalking, Doxing Agent in Los Angeles [WATCH]

A federal grand jury has indicted three women accused of following an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent to his home and posting his address on Instagram. The Justice Department announced Friday that Cynthia Raygoza, 37, Ashleigh Brown, 38, and Sandra Carmona Samane, 25, were charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of publicly disclosing the personal information of a federal agent.

According to investigators, the incident occurred on August 28 after the women encountered the agent at the Civic Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Prosecutors said they began livestreaming on Instagram accounts including ice_out_of_la, defendmesoamericanculture, and corn_maiden_design. As the agent drove home, the women allegedly followed him in a black sedan driven by Raygoza.

When he arrived at his residence, the women began shouting to neighbors and livestream viewers, identifying him as an ICE officer. “Your neighbor is ICE,” one of them said. Others shouted, “La migra lives here,” and “ICE lives on your street and you should know.” They concluded by announcing the agent’s address and encouraging viewers to come on down. The footage was later deleted from the Instagram accounts.

Brown and Samane were arrested earlier on federal complaints. Brown is being held without bond, in part because she faces a separate charge for assault on a federal officer. Samane was released on a $5,000 bond. Raygoza remains at large.

Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern California Bill Essayli condemned the incident. “Our brave federal agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our nation safe,” he said. “The conduct of these defendants is deeply offensive to law enforcement officers and their families. If you threaten, dox, or harm in any manner one of our agents or employees, you will face prosecution and prison time.”

The indictment follows a string of recent attacks against ICE. Just days earlier, a gunman killed one and critically injured two others at an immigration facility in Dallas, Texas. Anti-ICE activists also disrupted court proceedings in Los Angeles when the charges were first announced.

The arrests come as California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty. The measure, introduced in response to ICE officers wearing face coverings during Los Angeles immigration raids, is the first of its kind in the nation.

Law enforcement groups have strongly opposed the ban, saying it exposes federal agents to retaliation. Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security’s assistant secretary for public affairs, called the law “despicable” and a “flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.” She added that Newsom’s rhetoric had contributed to a 1,000 percent increase in attacks on federal agents and accused him of acting as a sanctuary politician who placed officers at risk of being doxxed and targeted by known and suspected terrorist sympathizers.

Essayli also criticized the measure, stating on X that California has no authority to regulate federal law enforcement. “If Newsom wants to regulate our agents, he must go through Congress,” he wrote.

The California State Sheriffs Association, the Peace Officers Research Association of California, and the California Police Chiefs Association have all voiced opposition, calling the law reckless and dangerous. They argue that protecting the identities of agents is critical for their safety and that of their families, especially in light of increased harassment both online and in public.

President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Democrats to stop what he described as inflammatory rhetoric against ICE. “The Brave Men and Women of ICE are just trying to do their jobs, and remove the WORST of the WORST Criminals out of our Country, but they are facing an unprecedented increase in threats, violence, and attacks by Deranged Radical Leftists,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“This violence is the result of the Radical Left Democrats constantly demonizing Law Enforcement, calling for ICE to be demolished, and comparing ICE Officers to Nazis,” he continued. “I AM CALLING ON ALL DEMOCRATS TO STOP THIS RHETORIC AGAINST ICE AND AMERICA’S LAW ENFORCEMENT, RIGHT NOW!”

Trump reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to its pledge to secure the nation’s borders and support law enforcement officers carrying out that mission.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/three-anti-ice-influencers-indicted-after-stalking-doxing-agent-in-los-angeles-watch/

Sarkozy jailing reignites debate over French political justice ahead of Le Pen appeal

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy’s prison sentence has deepened divisions in France over the judiciary’s handling of political wrongdoing, just months before far-right leader Marine Le Pen attempts to overturn her own embezzlement conviction and run for the country’s top office.

A court in Paris shocked the political landscape on Thursday by handing Mr. Sarkozy a five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy related to efforts to raise campaign funds from Libya. Should the sentence be enforced, he will become France’s first post-war president to be imprisoned.

Ludovic Friat, president of the USM—the largest union representing French prosecutors and judges—said the ruling demonstrated that no one is above the law, even if some question the court’s motivation. “There will clearly be a before and after this decision,” he said. “In high-profile political-financial trials, some inevitably see judges stepping onto the political stage. What I regret is that too often, this becomes a smokescreen that diverts attention from the offences actually committed.”

### Judges Cracking Down on Political Wrongdoing

As Mr. Sarkozy left the court, he reiterated his innocence and warned that the ruling could undermine public trust in the judiciary. “What happened today is of extreme gravity in regard to the rule of law, and for the trust one can have in the justice system,” he said.

His prison sentence is enforceable immediately. The former president was given a short period to arrange his affairs but is not allowed to avoid imprisonment while awaiting appeal—a contrast to how some French politicians have handled similar situations in the past.

Appeals in such cases can take years, often fueling a perception of impunity among the powerful. As a result, judges are increasingly issuing “provisional execution” sentences that begin immediately, according to lawyers and politicians who spoke to Reuters.

“For several decades, there has been a growing democratic demand for integrity among elected officials,” said Judith Allenbach, president of another judicial union. She added that 89 percent of jail terms over two years are enforced before any appeals process and highlighted that judges are implementing laws passed by parliament mandating tougher penalties for political crimes.

Reflecting the mounting tensions, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Saturday that it had launched investigations into threats directed at the lead judge in Mr. Sarkozy’s case. The judge who presided over Ms. Le Pen’s conviction earlier this year has also received threats and has been placed under police protection.

### What Does This Mean for Marine Le Pen?

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), was convicted of embezzling EU funds in March. She received a five-year political ban that currently bars her from running in the 2027 presidential election. Like Mr. Sarkozy, she was given a provisional execution of the sentence.

Le Pen’s appeal is scheduled for January and will determine whether she remains eligible to run in 2027. She criticized Mr. Sarkozy’s conviction, stating that the increasing use of provisional execution by certain courts “represents a great danger.”

Judicial sources have emphasized that the cases of Le Pen and Sarkozy are distinct, and it is impossible to predict how one ruling might affect the other.

Mr. Friat affirmed that the Sarkozy ruling shows judges remain steadfast in their fight against political corruption. “I can understand her concern,” he said regarding Ms. Le Pen’s stance, while noting that the outcome of her appeals process remains uncertain.

Le Pen’s supporters argue that right-wing politicians face harsher judicial treatment. They point to the case of former centrist prime minister François Bayrou, who was acquitted last year of fraud allegations related to EU fund misuse.

Le Pen’s legal struggles have also drawn international attention. Former US President Donald Trump called her a victim of “lawfare” and sent a diplomatic delegation to offer support.

### Calls for Judicial Reform and Debate

Brigitte Bareges, a right-wing former mayor who was convicted of embezzlement in 2021 and given a provisional political ban (later acquitted on appeal), criticized the justice system. “What we see today is that the justice system, or at least a part of it, has become the weapon of those in power,” she said. “Once, I had faith in justice; today, I’m afraid.”

The justice ministry has not responded to requests for comment on Bareges’ remarks.

Following Sarkozy’s conviction, conservative Senate chief Gérard Larcher acknowledged growing societal debate over the provisional execution of convictions before appeals are exhausted. “I share this concern,” he said.

However, left-wing lawmakers applauded the verdict. Manuel Bompard of the France Unbowed party stressed, “The requirement to be honest and respect the law is not reserved for the public. It also applies to those in power.”

Amid mounting calls to repeal the provisional execution measure, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told *Le Parisien* on Friday that “if a law gives rise to debate, it is up to parliament to address it.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/update-1-sarkozy-jailing-reignites-debate-over-french-political-justice-ahead-of-le-pen-appeal-1811902.html