Released

Detained and Released: Immigration Crimes Bear No Jail Time Under Emergency Laws

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MELBOURNE, Australia – Two dozen individuals who were released from immigration detention have been charged with crimes, although none of them have been imprisoned under emergency laws. In December 2023, the government rushed through powers that allowed the responsible minister to apply for community safety or supervision orders. These orders granted the authorities the ability to lock up or closely monitor individuals who had been released from detention. However, as of January 31, no applications had been made to enforce these powers. The release of 149 people was triggered by a High Court ruling on … Read more

Rays Shortstop Wander Franco Released from Jail, Still Faces Serious Charges in Alleged Inappropriate Relationship with Minor

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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – A judge has dismissed money laundering and sexual exploitation charges against Wander Franco, but the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop may still face counts of sexual and psychological abuse and abduction. The charges stem from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old. Franco, 22, was released from jail in the Dominican Republic on Monday after posting a financial guarantee of $34,000. This guarantee ensures that he will make monthly visits to the court for the next six months. If found guilty of the accusation of sexual abuse of a minor, Franco … Read more

Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop Released on Bond Amid Controversy Over Alleged Relationship with Minor

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PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic – Wander Franco, a shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been ordered for conditional release by a Dominican judge while under investigation for allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl. According to court documents obtained, Franco is accused of providing the girl’s mother with a small car and thousands of dollars in exchange for her consent. Franco’s bond has been set at 2 million pesos ($34,000) and he is expected to be released on Saturday. However, he must return to the Dominican Republic once a month to meet … Read more

Al Jazeera Reporter Released After Arrest in Tunisia Raises Concerns About Freedom of Speech

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TUNIS, Tunisia – Tunisian authorities have released Al Jazeera reporter Samir Sassi, just two days after his arrest, according to his lawyer. Sassi, 55, was taken into custody on Wednesday after police raided his home and seized his electronic devices. The reasons for his arrest have not been disclosed by Tunisian authorities. Sassi’s lawyer was unable to confirm if he will face any criminal charges in relation to the case. The release of Samir Sassi comes amidst concerns over the freedom of speech in Tunisia. The International Federation of Journalists has criticized the Tunisian government … Read more