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Marius Borg Høiby

Norway in Shock: Princess's Son Accused of 23 Crimes, Including Three Rapes

Marius Borg Høiby, the 28-year-old son of the Norwegian princess, has been charged with 23 criminal offenses, including three counts of rape, the Norwegian police announced.

Høiby, the son of Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Prince Haakon, has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4, 2024, reports "The Guardian."

After news emerged that he had been accused of assaulting his girlfriend, a wave of new allegations surfaced.

He is suspected of violating a criminal statute concerning “sexual intercourse with a person who is unconscious or otherwise unable to resist,” the statement said.

“What police can say about the rape is that it concerns a sexual act without consent. The victim, it is claimed, was not capable of resisting,” police added, according to the Daily Mail.

Previous Incidents

Borg Høiby was initially detained on August 4 following a nighttime altercation in the apartment of a woman he was in a relationship with. At that time, he was charged with causing bodily harm. Police found a knife embedded in the bedroom wall.

In September, he was arrested again for violating a restraining order. When arrested on Monday, he was in a car with the alleged victim from the August incident.

On Tuesday, police stated that the suspicions from the August incident have now been expanded to include domestic violence. It is still undecided whether Borg Høiby will remain in custody.

Who is Marius Borg Høiby?

He was born in 1997 from a relationship prior to Mette-Marit's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, the future king of Norway. He and his half-siblings – Princess Ingrid Alexandra (20) and Prince Sverre Magnus (18) – were raised together. Unlike them, Marius has no official public role.

Fire on Ship Sinks 3,000 Cars off the Coast of Alaska

Fire on Ship Sinks 3,000 Cars off the Coast of Alaska (VIDEO)

Three weeks after a fire broke out on a cargo ship off the coast of Alaska, the vessel has sunk in the Pacific Ocean with thousands of cars on board, according to U.S. media reports. All 22 crew members were successfully evacuated, and the Coast Guard reports that there are currently no signs of pollution.

The fire broke out on June 3 aboard the Morning Midas, a 183-meter-long, 46,800-ton ship, but no crew members were injured, the U.S. Coast Guard stated earlier.

The ship, which was carrying around 3,000 vehicles including 800 electric cars, was sailing under the Liberian flag. It departed from China and was en route to Mexico.

The company operating the ship, “Zodiac Maritime,” stated that smoke was first detected on the deck and that the crew failed to bring the fire under control. However, the ship’s owner has not been disclosed.

The vessel was built by the Chinese company Xiamen Shipbuilding.

Liberia has announced it will launch an investigation into the cause of the fire, while “Zodiac Maritime” is conducting a separate internal investigation.

Both the company and the Coast Guard emphasize that it is too early to draw conclusions about whether the electric vehicles caused the fire.

Fires involving electric vehicles are often harder to extinguish and more dangerous, and on cargo ships, the cars are packed in ways that limit ventilation, which can accelerate the spread of fire, Bloomberg notes.

Taiwan Asserts Its Will to Defend Itself as China Vows to Boost Combat Readiness

Taiwan Asserts Its Will to Defend Itself as China Vows to Boost Combat Readiness

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) “shows zero tolerance for separatist activities aimed at Taiwan’s independence,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defense on Thursday, when asked about recent speeches by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te.

The PLA will enhance combat readiness to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, said spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang at a regular press briefing, according to Reuters.

“Lai’s administration is constantly pushing Taiwan into a dangerous war situation; they are the source of threats to the lives of the Taiwanese people,” Zhang stated, adding that Lai’s comments reveal his “malicious intentions.”

On Sunday, Lai began a series of 10 speeches on “national unification,” stating that the democratically governed Taiwan is “naturally a state” and that China has neither legal nor historical rights over it.

Beijing and Taipei have clashed over their opposing interpretations of history in an escalating war of words.

Beijing stated that it is impossible to “invade” what is already Chinese territory.

Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control and harbors a particular resentment toward Lai, labeling him a “separatist.”

Taiwan strongly opposes China’s sovereignty claims and says the island’s future should be decided by its own people.

Tensions between China and Taiwan now include the daily deployment of air and naval forces near the island.

China’s most recent military drills in April and October were widely viewed by regional military attachés as a test of a potential blockade of Taiwan.

The U.S. and its regional allies are closely monitoring the situation, with some officials warning that China’s troop deployments and military modernization have increased the likelihood that Beijing might one day act on its threat to seize Taiwan by force.

Eight Dead at Youth-Led Protest Against Police Brutality and Poor Governance in Kenya

Eight Dead at Youth-Led Protest Against Police Brutality and Poor Governance in Kenya

At protests across Kenya organized by youth against police brutality and poor governance, at least eight people were killed and more than 80 hospitalized on Wednesday due to gunshot wounds and beatings, according to human rights groups.

The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported demonstrations nationwide, with more than 400 people injured and over 60 arrested during protests that spread to 23 out of 47 counties – reports Danas.

The protests marked the first anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations in which 60 people were killed and 20 went missing.

The Parliament and the presidential office in Kenya’s capital Nairobi were barricaded with barbed wire, and police blocked all access roads.

Thousands of protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas, opened fire, and beat people.

The demonstrations, which spread to major cities including Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyahururu, escalated into calls for the president’s resignation over poor leadership.

During last year’s protests, demonstrators stormed Parliament where a law increasing taxes was passed, setting part of the building on fire while lawmakers fled. Bodies lay in the streets, and medics and watchdogs said police had opened fire. The army was deployed.

Youth in Kenya remain frustrated with the government over corruption, rising cost of living, and police brutality, as well as the recent death of a blogger in custody. A close-range shooting of a civilian during recent protests has further fueled anger.

President William Ruto on Wednesday called on demonstrators who were storming his office in Nairobi not to “destroy the country.”

Young Kenyans used social media to organize protests to honor those killed last year. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said on Monday there would be no protests and that Wednesday would be a “normal working day,” but that did not happen.

However, businesses in Nairobi remained closed on Wednesday, and police restricted vehicle movement in the central business district.

Hundreds of Kenyans were already in the streets early in the morning, chanting anti-government slogans as police fired tear gas at them.

An Associated Press journalist witnessed one protester being shot by police and another being struck in the head by riot officers, after which medics took him away by ambulance.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja stated on Tuesday that unauthorized persons would not be allowed entry into protected zones such as Parliament and other government buildings.

Protester Rose Murugi said, “Police brutality must stop and Ruto must go.”

Another protester, Derick Mwangi (25), said, “We are tired, even though we’re still young.”

“People are being kidnapped, people are being killed,” he said.

The headline of the major newspaper “The Standard” on Wednesday read “A luta Continua,” Portuguese for “The struggle continues,” a slogan used by rebels during Mozambique’s war for independence from colonial rule.

During the protests, the Communications Authority banned live broadcasts and shut down some free TV signals, sparking condemnation from human rights groups.

Political analyst Herman Manyora warned that demonstrators remain dissatisfied because “the government has been unyielding and has only strengthened the youth’s resolve to continue fighting.”

During last year’s protests, President Ruto dissolved the government accused of incompetence and corruption, but retained most of his former ministers in the new administration.

The finance law proposing high taxes, passed by parliament, was repealed but new taxes were later introduced through amendments to the same law.

Last year, President Ruto appointed opposition party members to government and in March signed a political pact with his electoral rival, opposition leader Raila Odinga, but the situation has not improved.

History of US–Iran Relations: From the 1953 Regime Change to Trump’s Strikes

History of US–Iran Relations: From the 1953 Regime Change to Trump’s Strikes

Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached their highest levels in decades after President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered direct strikes he said “destroyed” key nuclear facilities across the Middle Eastern country.

Iran has remained America’s biggest regional adversary since the 1979 Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, which overthrew pro‑Western Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Since then, the two nations have clashed over issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its support for regional proxies, and US political interference, writes Al Jazeera.

Last week, Israel—who long viewed Iran as a threat—launched unprecedented strikes across Iran after accusing the country of developing nuclear weapons. Those Israeli claims lacked credible proof, but Trump drew the US into war following Israel’s action.

On Sunday, after days of the Israel‑Iran conflict, the US directly attacked Iran in what the Trump administration called a highly sophisticated covert operation involving over 125 aircraft and 75 precision bombs. Washington said the Iranian nuclear facility was “destroyed,” while Tehran warned of retaliation.

Timeline of US–Iran Relations since 1953:

(1953) US‑backed coup and the Shah’s restoration: Tensions initially rose when democratically elected PM Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized the Anglo‑Iranian Oil Company. The UK appealed to the US, and the CIA helped orchestrate a coup that reinstated Shah Pahlavi

(1957) Atoms for Peace: The US and other Western allies supported the Shah’s nuclear ambitions. They signed a civil nuclear agreement; Iran received a reactor and uranium fuel under Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” initiative :contentReferenc.

(1979) Islamic Revolution: Widespread protests toppled the Shah in early 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile and established the Islamic Republic.

(1980) US severs ties: After Iran harbored the Shah and students seized the US embassy, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days, Washington cut diplomatic ties and imposed sanctions.

(1980–88) US backs Iraq: During the Iran‑Iraq War, the US supported Saddam Hussein’s invasion, deepening hostility.

(1984) Designated state sponsor: Reagan labeled Iran a “state sponsor of terror” following attacks in Lebanon, including the Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 US troops. The Iran‑Contra affair later revealed secret US‑Iran dealings.

(1988) USS Vincennes incident: A US warship shot down Iran Air Flight 655, killing 290 civilians. The US paid compensation but did not formally apologize.

(1995) Tighter sanctions: President Clinton banned US‑Iran business and penalized foreign investment in Iran’s energy sector.

(2002) Axis of Evil: After 9/11, President George W. Bush labeled Iran part of the “Axis of Evil.” Iran cooperated with the US briefly on counter‑terrorism, but its uranium enrichment raised concern.

(2013–15) Nuclear deal: Under Obama, Iran agreed to the JCPOA in exchange for sanctions relief. Enrichment was capped at 3.67%.

(2018) US withdrawal: In 2018 Trump pulled out of the deal and imposed “maximum pressure” sanctions.

(2020) Killing of Soleimani: A US drone killed IRGC Commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against US forces in Iraq.

(2025, Mar–Jun) Nuclear talks: Trump invited Iran to resume negotiations. Five rounds took place in Oman, Rome, and Muscat, but no agreement was reached. Israel launched attacks before the sixth round.

(2025, Jun) US strikes: On June 21–22, the US launched “Operation Midnight Hammer,” deploying over 125 aircraft and dropping 75 precision bombs on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites—the first US direct military operation on Iranian soil since 1979. Trump declared it a “spectacular success.” Iran responded with missile attacks within Iran‑Israel conflict context.

The escalation triggered global concern over oil prices, regional security, and a rare “Worldwide Caution” alert for Americans abroad.

China, India, Russia and Partners Establish International Commodity Exchange

China, India, Russia and Partners Establish International Commodity Exchange

The commodity exchanges of Russia (St. Petersburg Exchange), China, India, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a declaration on the establishment of the International Association of Commodity and Futures Exchanges at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

"Eliminating trade barriers, simplified access to promising markets, expanding the circle of business partners, additional trading and marketing tools – these are the benefits our clients will receive," said Alexander Osmolovsky, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange (BUCE), describing the advantages of the new association, as reported by Kommersant.

According to a press release, the association is expected to become a key platform for cooperation between the commodity and futures exchanges of the member countries of the Eurasian Union (EAEU+), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the BRICS+ group.

Special emphasis will be placed on the implementation of a project to form an international pricing agency, aimed at establishing a system of fair price benchmarks for key commodities, reports B92.

In addition to BUCE and the St. Petersburg Exchange, the declaration was signed by the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange of India, the Asia-Europe International Trade Center from China, the Iran Commodity Exchange, the Eurasian Trade System Exchange from Kazakhstan, and the Uzbek Republican Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange.

The development of organized commodity markets within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is entering a new phase, stated Igor Artemyev, President of the St. Petersburg Exchange. Earlier in March 2025, the exchange officially restored its historical name – the St. Petersburg Exchange – and during the recent period modernized its strategy, launched its own information-analytical platform SPX, and strengthened cooperation with Kazakhstan through the ETS exchange.

The St. Petersburg Exchange positions itself as a leader in the integration of Eurasian commodity markets, and through the new association, the SPX platform, and the national pricing body, a foundation is being built for its own pricing infrastructure and deeper regional economic cooperation.

As Artemyev announced earlier this month to Forbes, the goals of the International Association of Commodity and Futures Exchanges are to become the main platform for dialogue and cooperation among exchanges, to enable experience and information sharing, to develop common standards and methodologies, to improve trading transparency and liquidity, and to strengthen the role of commodity exchanges in the regional economy – through analytics, price indicators, and cooperation with regulators.

Artemyev emphasized the importance of independent market information sources in light of external pressure and sanctions. To this end, a National Exchange Pricing Agency Body was established to develop representative price indicators and analytics for specific sectors, using data from actual transactions (both exchange and over-the-counter) and relying on the SPX platform to disseminate information.

The St. Petersburg Exchange is the largest commodity exchange in Russia and one of the largest spot exchanges in the world, key to the stability and transparency of Russian commodity and financial markets. In 2024, the trading volume reached 2.337 trillion rubles (about 30 billion dollars), representing a 31.9% increase compared to 2023.

Elon Musk's Rocket Explodes: Powerful Blast Shakes Nearby Towns and Lights Up the Sky Over Texas

VIDEO Elon Musk's Rocket Explodes: Powerful Blast Shakes Nearby Towns and Lights Up the Sky Over Texas

A SpaceX rocket exploded during a routine test on Wednesday evening at the Starbase facility in Texas.

The Starship 36 model was undergoing a static fire test around 11 PM when, according to footage, a sudden and powerful explosion occurred at the front of the spacecraft.

In a statement, SpaceX, Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, reported that a "major anomaly" occurred during the test while the rocket was on the test stand at Starbase.

"The safety zone around the location was maintained throughout the entire test, and all personnel are safe and accounted for," the company stated.

Local residents reported that the strong explosion rattled their windows.

City authorities warned that "the effects of the explosion might be felt or heard" and shared a link for reporting any possible damage.

Who Is Reza Pahlavi, Who Called on the Iranian People to Rise Up?

“In Exile Since 1979”: Who Is Reza Pahlavi, Who Called on the Iranian People to Rise Up?

“My compatriots, the Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapse,” said Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, on social media yesterday, calling on the Iranian people to rise up.

“What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together we will turn the page of history,” he emphasized.

In a video posted on the social network X, Pahlavi said that “a total uprising is needed to end this collective nightmare once and for all,” according to news agencies.

“Now is the time to rise, the time to reclaim Iran together. Do not worry about the day after the fall of the Islamic Republic. Iran will not enter a period of instability or civil war,” Pahlavi declared amid the Iran-Israel conflict, now in its sixth day – reports Danas.

Who Is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of the deposed Iranian leader Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He has lived in exile since 1979.

He advocates the principles of freedom, democracy, and human rights for his fellow countrymen.

He is the founder and leader of the National Council of Iran, an opposition group in exile, and is a prominent critic of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Wikipedia.

According to his website, he calls for the establishment of a secular democracy in Iran and criticizes the oppression of the Iranian people.

He advocates for regime change through nonviolent civil disobedience and supports a free and open referendum on Iran's future government.

He was born in Tehran in 1960. Wikipedia notes that after his birth, the Shah (Persian title for king) pardoned 98 political prisoners, and the government announced a 20 percent reduction in income taxes.

He was officially declared the crown prince of Iran in 1967 during his father’s coronation. He left Iran at the age of 17 to undergo jet fighter pilot training at the U.S. Air Force base Reese in Lubbock, Texas.

Meanwhile, the establishment of the clerical regime in Iran prevented his return to his homeland, and in 1980 he moved with his family to Egypt.

During his early years in exile, he continued and completed his higher education, earning a degree in political science from the University of Southern California.

In his youth, he was an avid soccer fan. Besides Persian, he speaks French and English fluently.

During the Iran-Iraq war, he volunteered to serve his country as a fighter pilot, but the clerical regime rejected him, his website states.

When once asked about his religion, Wikipedia reports he replied, “That’s a private matter, but if you must know, I am, of course, a Shia Muslim by education and belief. I am a man of deep faith.”

He has three daughters with Yasmine Etemad-Amini, whom he married in 1986. As a believer in equal rights for men and women, he declared that Noor, Iman, and Farah are, in that order, his successors.

His wife earned a degree in political science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and later obtained a law degree from the same university’s law school.

In 1991, she co-founded the Foundation for the Children of Iran, which she led as director for 23 years.

She is an advocate of the democratic movement in Iran and has appeared at pro-democracy gatherings, events, and panels in many cities over the years.

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