337 jili casino online games

Hyderabad police arrest couple for stealing valuables, cash337 jili casino online games 。

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretchATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Senate Republicans recommended on Friday that the state write laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in high school and college sports, setting the stage for action in the 2025 legislative session. The vote by a committee that was studying the issue is hardly a surprise. — a possible Republican contender for governor in 2026 — announced almost identical goals at the . It’s an issue that’s already been addressed in Georgia. Legislators in 2022 empowered the Georgia High School Association to regulate transgender students’ participation in sports. The association, which regulates sports and activities for all public schools and some private schools, transgender boys and girls from playing on the school sports teams matching their gender identity. Jones and others argue that doesn’t go far enough and that lawmakers themselves need to act. It’s a sign Republicans believe there is more political gain in fears about transgender women playing women’s sports or using women’s bathrooms. At least have passed laws or rules to restrict transgender girls from participating high school sports and, in some cases, transgender women from , according to the Movement Advancement Project, a gay rights group. In Georgia, additional action appears more likely now after House Speaker Jon Burns and Gov. Brian Kemp, both Republicans, have voiced support for further legislation. Jeff Graham, executive director of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Georgia Equality, said his group is playing defense, concerned about the possibility of other bills that could or ban transgender people that match their gender identity. “We’re expecting that it’ll be at least what we saw in 2023 and 2024, with the number of bills and more than likely laws,” Graham told reporters Friday. But Burns, from Newington, has said he’s not interested in other bills dealing with transgender people besides those dealing with girls’ and women’s sports. Republican State Sen. Greg Dolezal, of Cumming, who led the Senate study committee, said Friday that he, too, is not interested in a broader bill regulating bathroom usage, although his committee recommended that schools that host sporting events require athletes to use locker rooms based on their assigned sex at birth. Dolezal said senators would seek to write legislation that regulated public schools and colleges, as well as private institutions that compete against public schools and colleges. The committee also recommends that people be able to sue or file grievances if schools break the rules, and that state money be withheld from schools that break the rules. Supporters of more action have focused on the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championships at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, swam for the University of Pennsylvania and . The NCAA has since revised its policy on transgender women’s participation, saying it will follow the rules of respective athletics federations. World Aquatics, the swimming governing body, who have been through male puberty from competing in women’s races. That means Thomas wouldn’t be allowed to swim in NCAA events today. “My basic contention that this is a solution in search of a problem remains,” Graham said. He said he fears that many people who oppose laws that seek to restrict transgender people will be afraid to testify and lobby at the Georgia Capitol, against a man accused of shaking U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in a Capitol office building in Washington, D.C. Dolezal repeatedly tried to turn down the emotional temperature of the issue on Friday. “I think that there’s a group of people that wants to be respected and I think that they deserve respect,” Dolezal told reporters. “But I also think that you can be respectful, but also recognize that in the sporting arena, fairness and competition is important.” Jeff Amy, The Associated Press

Harvard professor and author Dr. Arthur Brooks breaks down how to navigate the political landscape and division in politics on 'One Nation.' Harvard University president Alan M. Garber reportedly told faculty that they need to rethink their messaging following the Republican Party's election sweep. Garber reportedly described the sour mood in Washington, D.C. regarding higher education as the single greatest threat to the university in recent memory, the Harvard Crimson reported. During a closed-door session of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on Dec. 3, according to three anonymous faculty members, Garber said that since becoming president he has met with roughly 40 members of Congress during his six trips to Washington. He reportedly admitted there were "bipartisan frustrations with Harvard and acknowledged that he believes the criticisms contain elements of truth," according to the Crimson. The Crimson reported Garber saw last month's election results as an "anti-elite repudiation by the American electorate," and said Harvard "must listen to public criticism with 'empathy and humility.'" HARVARD IDENTITY-BASED GRADUATIONS EXCLUDED JEWS IN NOW-DELETED WEBPAGE AS ANTISEMITISM CLAIMS PLAGUE SCHOOL Harvard University President Alan Garber at the Harvard University 363rd Commencement Exercises Ceremony on May 29, 2014 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Paul Marotta/Getty Images) He admitted Harvard's communications strategy has not worked as well as its leaders originally thought. However, Garber did not provide details on how Harvard would modify its messaging going forward. "Garber’s conciliatory tone suggests he intends to take a diplomatic approach — rather than a defiant one — as he interacts with an incoming presidential administration that has Harvard in its crosshairs," The Crimson reported. A Harvard spokesperson, Jason A. Newton, did not get into specifics about the meeting, but told Fox News Digital in a statement, "The University will continue to engage in Washington and with federal leaders to make the case for the partnership between the government and universities that supports students, vital research and innovation that fuel economic growth, as well as improvements in health and wellbeing." HARVARD WAS RANKED LAST FOR FREE SPEECH. HERE'S WHAT THE STUDENTS ARE SAYING At the meeting, vice president for public affairs and communications Paul Andrew reportedly detailed what he believes are the key legislative threats to Harvard, including the endowment tax, congressional probes and threats to federal research funding. Trump nominated Harmeet K. Dhillon to lead the Justice Department's civil rights division this week, but given her outspoken position against Ivy League schools' failure to combat antisemitism, schools like Harvard are on guard about the administration's potential policies. Harvard University was one of several institutions plagued by on-campus antisemitism. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images) HARVARD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS CLAIM ISRAEL ‘ENTIRELY RESPONSIBLE' FOR GAZA ATTACKS In addition, Trump’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, is considering linking a university’s likelihood of receiving research grants to a ranking or measure of academic freedom on campus, the Wall Street Journal reported . For the second year in a row, Harvard University earned the lowest ranking among 251 colleges and universities for its free speech climate, according to the survey conducted by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Garber replaced former Harvard president Claudine Gay after she was forced to resign in January 2024 following a weeks-long scandal over comments about antisemitism at a Congressional hearing and widespread plagiarism allegations. Kendall Tietz is a writer with Fox News Digital.35 New Year's Eve events in Tucson to help you ring in 2025 🥂

Intel CEO Gelsinger retires; Zinsner and Johnston Holthaus named interim co-CEOsBorder-Gavaskar Trophy Live Score: Jaiswal, Rahul become first visiting pair to post 150-plus run partnership in Australia in 14 years Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul's record-defining partnership on Day 2 of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth saw them join an exclusive club on Saturday. After the pitch started to change its nature and turn in favour of the batters, Jaiswal and Rahul made the most of what was on offer. They shifted through gears, picked their moments and constantly rotated the strike to put pressure off their shoulders. Australia's bowlers soon ran out of depth as they fell to Jaiswal and Rahul's mercy. The relentless approach from the Indian openers became a sight to behold. They upped the ante to post an unbeaten 172-run opening partnership, propelling India's score to 172/0 at the stumps. It was the first 150-plus opening stand by a visiting team in Australia since 159 posted by English duo Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook at the MCG back in 2010. Notably, this was the first 150-plus opening partnership outside Ashes Tests since 191 stitched up by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth at the SCG back in 1986. India vs Australia Live Score: Yashasvi Jaiswal breaks Brendon McCullum's 10-year-old Test record India's young southpaw Yashasvi Jaiswal etched his name in the history book by slamming the most sixes in Test cricket in a calendar year by eclipsing former New Zealand power-hitter Brendon McCullum's 10-year-old record. On Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series opener against Australia, Jaiswal smoked the ball into the stands towards the end of the day's play. He danced around the crease and found the ideal connection to launch the ball over the boundary rope off Nathan Lyon. This was Jaiswal's 34th Test maximum in 2024, surpassing McCullum's tally of 33, which he amassed in 2014. England Test captain Ben Stokes slipped to the third spot with 26 sixes that he tonked in 2022. Australia's destructive Adam Gilchrist and India's legendary opener Virender Sehwag struck 22 sixes each in 2005 and 2008, respectively. IND vs AUS Live Score: 11th five-wicket haul for captain Bumrah In the morning, India captain Bumrah deservedly got his 11th five-wicket haul while debutant Harshit Rana bowled a fiery opening spell to dismiss the hosts for 104 at the stroke of lunch despite a stiff last-wicket resistance from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Starc (26 off 113 balls) shielded Hazlewood (7 not out off 31 balls) admirably during their 25-run last-wicket stand that lasted 18 overs. The day began with Bumrah (5/30 in 18 overs) getting one to rear up from back of the length and Carey's edge carried at a good height to Rishabh Pant behind stumps. The skipper's celebration was understated as he purposefully strode back to his bowling mark even before Nathan Lyon had arrived. At the other end, the burly Harshit Rana (3/48 in 15.2 overs) carried on from where he had left off on the opening day. The rookie speedster used more short balls, and one such well-directed delivery accounted for Lyon, who was pouched at gully by KL Rahul. Border-Gavaskar Trophy Live Score: 'Shot of the Day' Rahul's back-drive off Pat Cummins can easily be called the shot of the match but it was heartening to see Jaiswal put in a big stride forward while driving Mitchell Starc through covers apart from getting under the bounce and playing the ramp shot. In case of Rahul, he kept a very loose bottom-hand and that helped with the deliveries, even the ones that took the thickish edge only to fall way in front of the slip cordon. There was a spell of play in the post-tea session when Indians were kept quiet by Nathan Lyon but neither Jaiswal nor Rahul ran out of patience. Jaiswal's half-century came off 123 balls, his slowest in 15 Tests and spoke volumes about his adaptability. For Rahul, it was about forgetting the unfortunate dismissal on Friday and concentrate, which he did splendidly. Any target above 300 would be very difficult to chase on this track and Washington Sundar can come into play if those cracks open up, not to forget the three quicks who can use the variable bounce to good effect. India vs Australia Live Score: Rahul and Jaiswal wore down the Australian attack The way Rahul wore down the Australian attack was a sight to behold. There was no chatter from the slip cordon and at one point, the stitches of the Kookaburra came out. The live grass died by the second afternoon and the seam movement also went out of equation making batting easier. But no one can take away any credit from the two who were hardly troubled except for a mix-up that could have led to Rahul's run-out. Jaiswal also showed that he had learnt his lessons from the first innings and curbed his urge to drive on the up initially, which was the best part about his batting. Each of his seven fours and two sixes were well-executed shots. Once he had defended enough deliveries, the Australian pacers didn't have any option but to try either short or full length which he utilised well. The whip over mid-wicket to hit Starc for one-bounce four and then induce a grin from the pacer by telling him "you are slow", spoke volumes about how fearless the current generation of Indian cricketers is. In the final session, he flicked him for good measure for a maximum. IND vs AUS Live Score: Jaiswal, Rahul put India on top Yashasvi Jaiswal combined game awareness with perfect shot selection while KL Rahul remained technically unflappable in an unbroken opening stand of 172 as India looked set to bat Australia out of the match with an overall lead of 218 runs on the second day of the opening Test in Perth. After skipper Jasprit Bumrah's game-changing 11th five-wicket haul decimated Australia for 104, young Jaiswal (90 batting, 193 balls) and seasoned Rahul (62 batting, 154 balls) decided to grind it out with some old fashioned Test match batting by waiting for the loose deliveries and respecting good fast bowling. The Indians showed their compact defense by scoring 88 runs in 31 overs during the post-tea session as Jaiswal inched towards a coveted ton on his maiden outing on Australian soil. With enough time at their disposal and signs of cracks appearing on the surface, this is going to be India's Test match to lose. Match Statistics Yashasvi Jaiswal KL Rahul Devdutt Padikkal Usman Khawaja Nathan McSweeney Marnus Labuschagne Top Stories Right NowTitans are their own worst enemy as they fail again to string together wins

Sunday, December 22, 2024 Rosen Law Firm, a prominent global advocate for investor rights, has announced an investigation into the actions of Southwest Airlines’ directors and officers. The focus of the probe is on potential breaches of fiduciary duties related to the airline’s information technology infrastructure and its impact on the company’s operations, financial health, and stock performance. As a key player in the aviation industry, Southwest Airlines has faced increasing scrutiny over its IT systems, particularly in light of disruptions and challenges that have raised questions about the company’s management and governance. The investigation seeks to determine whether Southwest’s leadership adequately safeguarded shareholder interests by ensuring robust oversight of its technological resources and operational efficiency. Rosen Law Firm has built a global reputation for representing investors in complex securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. The firm’s distinguished record includes achieving the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company, a groundbreaking victory that underscores its commitment to holding corporate leaders accountable. Recognized as the top firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services for the number of settlements in 2017, Rosen Law Firm has maintained a consistent presence among the leading firms in securities litigation since 2013, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone, the firm secured an impressive $438 million in settlements for its clients. Under the leadership of founding partner Laurence Rosen, who was named a Titan of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 in 2020, the firm has earned accolades for its relentless pursuit of justice. Many of its attorneys have been honored by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers, highlighting their expertise and dedication to investor advocacy. Rosen Law Firm’s enduring success is a testament to its unwavering commitment to protecting investor interests worldwide. By consistently challenging corporate misconduct and advocating for accountability, the firm has become a trusted ally for investors seeking justice and fair treatment. In this latest investigation into Southwest Airlines, Rosen Law Firm aims to shed light on whether the airline’s leadership upheld their fiduciary responsibilities, particularly regarding the technological backbone that is critical to its operations. Investors are encouraged to monitor developments in this case closely, as the findings could have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and shareholder value. Rosen Law Firm’s efforts once again highlight its mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in the corporate world.Gap raises guidance ahead of holidays after storms, warm weather slowed sales - CNBCNone

Labour's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is 'potentially undeliverable', source warns By JASON GROVES POLITICAL EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 17:32 EST, 2 December 2024 | Updated: 18:18 EST, 2 December 2024 e-mail View comments Labour's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is ‘potentially undeliverable’, a Cabinet source has warned. Downing Street yesterday denied reports that Sir Keir Starmer will ‘sideline’ the pledge when he unveils a major reset of the government this week. But Government insiders acknowledged that the Prime Minister will unveil a new focus on improving household incomes. And a Cabinet source told the Mail that the G7 pledge ‘should never have been made’, as it relies on factors outside the government’s control, such as the growth rate in competitor countries like the United States. ‘How can we guarantee the fastest growth in the G7?’ the source said. ‘It is not something we can completely control - it is potentially undeliverable, even if things go well.’ Sir Keir will use a major speech on Thursday to try and get his government back on track after a rocky start and a painful Budget . He is expected to ‘refresh’ Labour’s five missions for government following criticism that they are too vague. Alongside the growth target, Labour’s other original ‘missions’ were: rebuilding the NHS ; safer streets, widening opportunity; and making Britain a ‘clean energy superpower’. Sir Keir Starmer's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is 'potentially undeliverable', a Cabinet source has said Labour originally pledged to restore annual GDP growth to 2.5 per cent, but official forecasts have been cut following the Chancellor's tax-raising Budget in October (pictured: City of London) The PM is expected to commit the new government to a series of new ‘milestones’ to demonstrate to voters that measurable progress towards the goals is being made. The original goal on the economy was to restore GDP growth to 2.5 per cent a year and make the UK the fastest growing in the G7. But official growth forecasts for the end of the decade were cut in the wake of Labour’s huge tax-raising Budget at the end of October. And gloomy talk from ministers appears to have hit business and consumer confidence. In Labour’s first three months in power, growth fell to just 0.1 per cent, the second slowest in the G7. The new target is expected to focus on improving disposable household income, which is currently forecast to flatline in the coming years. The PM’s official spokesman yesterday said economic growth remained the government’s ‘number one priority’ and denied that the G7 target had been ditched. He added: ‘We’ve been clear that the benefit of growth must be felt by working people. Milestones set out later in the week will set out how we’re going to achieve that.’ But the Conservatives urged the Government to change course on the economy. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said Rachel Reeves (pictured) had ‘made some terrible choices’ on the economy The OBR expects the huge Budget tax raid to squeeze economic expansion Growth forecasts were revised down after the Chancellor's package was unveiled A Tory spokesman said the sidelining of the original pledge was ‘the direct and inevitable consequence of the disastrous Budget of broken promises’. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said Rachel Reeves had ‘made some terrible choices’ on the economy, and urged her to halt the £25 billion raid on employers’ National Insurance, branding it a ‘jobs tax’. Read More Starmer accused of 'sidelining' vow of fastest growth in G7 as he scrambles to 'reset' Mr Griffith also called on Labour to slow the introduction of the controversial Employment Rights Bill, which firms have warned will cost jobs. Sir Keir is expected to impose a new goal for slashing hospital waiting lists in a bid to show Labour is getting to grips with a health service the health secretary Wes Streeting has described as ‘broken’. By March 2029, the NHS will be required to be conducting 92 per cent of routine operations and appointments within 18 weeks - a level which has not been achieved for almost a decade. But the plan has led to warnings that other parts of the health service could be hit as priorities are steered towards hitting the new target. An NHS source told The Times that mental health, community care and accident and emergency units could all suffer if the health service prioritised waiting lists. ‘If the priority is putting all the money into electives,what we will see is war zone A&Es and all sorts of other things being sidelined,’ the source said. Downing Street NHS Labour Keir Starmer Share or comment on this article: Labour's flagship pledge to make Britain the fastest growing economy in the G7 is 'potentially undeliverable', source warns e-mail Add comment

Gurugram, Dec 22 (PTI) Gurugram Cyber Police has arrested a man from Tamil Nadu for running an illegal SIM card racket, officials said on Sunday. The accused, Mohammad Jamil bin Mohammed Iqbal, a resident of Kuala Lumpur, used to buy SIM cards from India and sell them in Malaysia, which cyber fraudsters used to cheat people in this country while sitting abroad, police said. Also Read | Suicide Attempt at Sovabazar Metro Station: Kolkata Metro Services Partially Disrupted After Man Jumps in Front of Moving Train. Police have recovered a Malaysian passport, an international driving licence, one health card, one debit card, one mobile phone, and Indian and foreign currency notes from the possession of Iqbal, who was arrested from Trichy in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. Iqbal, who arrived in India on Thursday, took more than 150 SIM cards to Malaysia on two occasions, police said. Also Read | BPSC Students Protest: Tejashwi Yadav Meets Protesters, Writes to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for Exams Cancellation (Watch Video). Two persons who arranged SIM cards for the accused were caught in August along with two others for their alleged involvement in duping a Gurugram resident of Rs 2.81 crore in the name of investment in stock markets. During interrogation, the accused disclosed the name of Iqbal, which prompted the cyber police to issue a look out circular in his name. As soon as he landed in Trichy on Thursday, the airport police caught Iqbal and informed Gurugram Police who took him into custody on Saturday. "Iqbal's mother was from Tamil Nadu. He also got married to a woman from the state and was well-versed in Tamil. Iqbal, who came to India with another Malaysian accomplice, came in contact with a gang of cyber thugs in February. We are presently questioning the accused," Priyanshu Dewan, Assistant Commissioner of Police (cyber wing), said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "dateCreated": "2024-12-22T19:13:24+02:00", "datePublished": "2024-12-22T19:13:24+02:00", "dateModified": "2024-12-22T19:16:57+02:00", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22776/opinions/denial-as-devotion-a-kings-legacy-and-the-ghosts-of-colonial-africa", "headline": "Denial as devotion: A king’s legacy and the ghosts of colonial Africa", "description": "Ah, King Baudouin, the devout Catholic monarch of Belgium, a man whose faith was as strong as his silence in the face of bloodshed. It is said that faith...", "keywords": "", "inLanguage": "en", "mainEntityOfPage":{ "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/22776/opinions/denial-as-devotion-a-kings-legacy-and-the-ghosts-of-colonial-africa" }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/22/66893.jpg", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/thenewtimes/uploads/images/2024/12/22/66893.jpg" }, "articleBody": "Ah, King Baudouin, the devout Catholic monarch of Belgium, a man whose faith was as strong as his silence in the face of bloodshed. It is said that faith can move mountains, but what of faith that stands still while millions are crushed beneath the weight of colonial exploitation? In a world where the divine is often invoked to absolve the sins of the powerful, Baudouin’s saintliness seems to be in question, or perhaps it’s just that his sins were buried too deeply in the soil of Africa. After all, when a monarch stands by, silently, while nations are torn apart, can his devotion truly shine through the fog of indifference? And now, as the Vatican considers beatifying him, we’re left to wonder: are we looking at a man of piety, or is he simply another emblem of the convenient amnesia that allows history’s injustices to fade from memory, especially when the victims are conveniently out of sight—and out of mind? The legacy of a Belgian king in Africa Let’s begin with the events that matter far more than the number of Hail Marys King Baudouin whispered before sleep. On July 25, 1959—the sudden and suspicious death of King Mutara III Rudahigwa of Rwanda raised immediate questions, yet the hand of Belgian authorities, under the watchful eyes of Baudouin’s regime, was never truly scrutinized. A Belgian doctor stood as the last person to see the Rwandan king alive, and his death is shrouded in mystery. Could this have been an accident or, perhaps, an engineered tragedy to clear the path for a more compliant successor? The details remain murky, but the shadow of Belgian colonial interests looms large. Then, January 17,1961—Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of the newly independent Congo, met a violent and premeditated end. His assassination was planned and executed by Belgian officials and other Western powers—an inconvenient truth that is swept under the rug of history. Baudouin, King of Belgium, was not a mere passive observer. His closest confidant, Minister Harold d'Aspremont Lynden, was deeply entangled in the events leading up to Lumumba’s death, and Baudouin’s silence on the matter speaks volumes. At no point did he express regret, nor did he extend an apology. The tragic legacy of Lumumba’s death stains the King’s name permanently. Congolese people, as well as historians, have long since concluded that Baudouin’s role in the assassination cannot be ignored. In Burundi, October 13, 1961 brought yet another tragedy: the assassination of Prince Louis Rwagasore. This murder, like the others, bore the fingerprints of Belgian imperial influence. The Belgian authorities, and King Baudouin’s regime, shielded the assassins and refused to acknowledge the hand they played in the bloody political game. Once again, Baudouin remained silent, never once condemning the murder or seeking forgiveness. His complicit silence is not a mere lapse—it is an endorsement of the brutal legacy of his monarchy in Africa. Now, turn your attention to Rwanda, where the seeds of genocide were sown long before the horrors of 1994. In the 1960s, the Belgian trusteeship in Rwanda supported the rise of a republican regime under President Grégoire Kayibanda. This regime, bolstered by Belgium, pursued a genocidal agenda against the Tutsi population, resulting in massacres during the Kayibanda era (1960-1973). Baudouin, ever the close ally of Kayibanda, not only tolerated these atrocities but offered his tacit approval. The friendship between the two men was as strong as it was morally bankrupt. Baudouin’s failure to condemn the killings is a stain on his legacy. Kayibanda’s visits to Belgium—most notably in 1966 and 1967—were not moments of reconciliation or condemnation but of cordial affirmation of a genocidal regime. Belgian archives and the testimonies of those who lived through these dark years reveal a monarch who failed to distance himself from these acts of terror, much less seek forgiveness for his implicit approval. A call for accountability Despite King Baudouin’s devout Catholicism and his public campaign against abortion, his political actions in the Belgian Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi have left an indelible mark of shame on his legacy. It is not enough to claim devoutness when one has turned a blind eye to the murder of democratically elected leaders, the complicity in the destruction of nations, and the silence in the face of genocidal regimes. His failure to acknowledge the political assassinations, his unwavering support for genocidal regimes in Rwanda—abominable. And, his reluctance to distance himself from the blood-soaked history of Belgium’s colonial empire render any attempt at beatification an insult to the very idea of sainthood. Baudouin’s lack of remorse, his refusal to apologize for these crimes, and his unending silence make it abundantly clear that his legacy is one not of piety, but of indifference to the suffering of the African people. Perhaps one of the most audacious examples of this tension is the Church’s consideration of King Baudouin for sainthood—a monarch who, in a move that could only be described as theological sleight of hand, abdicated his throne for a single day to avoid personally signing an abortion law. He then swiftly reclaimed it the following day, ruling with a “clear conscience” over Belgium, even as his country, in his own words, carried out what he considered a mortal sin. If such moral gymnastics are the standard for sanctification, one could be forgiven for wondering: can anyone truly call themselves a saint, or even a faithful servant of God, after engaging in such a deceitful maneuver? The Church’s apparent willingness to overlook the glaring contradictions in Baudouin’s actions raises uncomfortable questions about its priorities and its moral compass. But Baudouin’s moral quandaries are just the tip of the iceberg. His reign—especially over Belgium's colonies in Africa—was marked by a legacy of exploitation, violence, and silent complicity in the suffering of millions. It seems that, in the eyes of some, devotion can be so powerful that it defies the weight of history, evidence, and morality itself. Especially, that the beatification of King Baudouin of Belgium, a man hailed as a Catholic monarch, is in progress. This deeply ironic and contentious decision raises some fascinating questions about what we are willing to overlook in the name of sanctity, and how history often appears to be rewritten when it comes to figures of power. Bloody legacy King Baudouin’s devotion to his faith is not the problem; after all, he was not only pious but a fervent protector of his realm and its “interests.” But it is his political actions, or rather his deliberate inaction, in the face of some of the most brutal colonial crimes in Africa that should give pause. Baudouin’s legacy is inextricably linked to the brutal colonial history of Belgium. His granduncle, King Leopold II, whose reign over the Congo Free State is remembered for its brutality and mass atrocities, laid the foundations for a colonial system that Baudouin would inherit and perpetuate. By the time Baudouin ascended to the throne, Belgium had switched from the horrific excesses of Leopold to a subtler form of exploitation: neo-colonialism. While the colonies were officially granted independence, the mechanisms of control—economic, political, and cultural—remained firmly in Belgian hands. His role in the deaths of leaders, and his warm relations with genocidal regimes in Rwanda, paint a much darker portrait of this supposedly saintly figure. It appears that devotion is not always about prayer and piety; sometimes, it’s about remaining silent while others suffer, sometimes it’s about extending an olive branch to those who wield violence. After all, why bother with the moral complexities of decolonization, genocide, and assassinations when you can smile, exchange pleasantries, and maintain your royal dignity? But, as the saying goes, those who do not learn from history are doomed to turn it into a convenient story for the powerful. If King Baudouin’s piety should be enough to lead to his beatification, we must ask: What does that say about the Church’s stance on justice, morality, and truth? And more importantly, what does it reveal about how the world views African suffering? Racism and genocide indictment Nowhere is King Baudouin’s failure more evident than in Rwanda—a regime led by Grégoire Kayibanda. This regime institutionalized ethnic divisions and carried out massacres against the Tutsi population, laying the groundwork for the genocide of 1994. Kayibanda, an ally of King Baudouin, openly espoused genocidal rhetoric. His government orchestrated massacres in 1963 and beyond, with the King maintaining friendly ties to this regime. Baudouin could not claim he didn’t know what was happening in Rwanda. Key moments in this tragic history include: September 27, 1959: The publication of the Ten Hutu Commandments, a manifesto of anti-Tutsi hate, ignored by Belgian authorities. In early 1963: President Kayibanda, a friend of King Baudouin, openly used the term genocide in his speeches, foreshadowing future atrocities. His major speeches, including those from 1963 and beyond, are documented in Le Président Kayibanda vous Parle (1972). Late 1963: Kayibanda’s regime orchestrated mass killings of Tutsi, condemned by Pope Paul VI in a telegram to the Rwandan episcopate on February 6, 1964. Newspapers such as Le Monde (February 4, 1964), Le Témoignage Chrétien (February 6, 1964), and Le Figaro (February 11, 1964) also denounced it. Yet, King Baudouin remained silent and maintained his friendship with Kayibanda. The friendship with Rwanda’s ultra-racist and genocidal leaders continued under President Juvenal Habyarimana, who was considered devout Christian by Baudouin because they had to attend a mass in the Royal Chapel before a meeting. This did not translate into real life. King Baudouin’s failure to condemn these atrocities, or to distance himself from leaders like Kayibanda, underscores his moral complicity in the suffering of Rwanda’s Tutsi population. And now the Kivus in DRC. Roma locuta est: When silence speaks louder than doctrine The Catholic Church is no stranger to proclamations of universal truths. After all, the Scriptures boldly declare the unity of humanity under God. In Paul’s epistle to the Galatians (3:28), we are reminded: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And yet, for an institution that prides itself on upholding divine revelation, its silence in the face of genocide and crimes against humanity remains a stain on its moral fabric. This declaration by the pope to begin a beatification and eventually canonization of a king who became an enabler of genocide in Rwanda and violent crimes in the Great Lakes Region of Africa is an opportunity to start a serious conversation—the unity of humanity. One cannot help but wonder: is the Catholic Church reading a different Bible? Or is it simply too preoccupied with theological bureaucracy to address the pressing matters of life and death? Perhaps the Vatican has decided that silence is a virtue when it comes to mass atrocities like the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda or the genocidal killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After all, Roma locuta est; causa finita est—Rome has spoken, the case is closed. But for those of us mere mortals trying to make sense of it all, the case is far from closed. The Second Vatican Council’s declaration, Nostra Aetate, stands as one of the most significant theological affirmations of human unity. It proclaims: “Humanity forms but one community. This is so because all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth (see Acts 17:26), and also because all share a common destiny, namely God.” This is a clear acknowledgment of the shared origin and destiny of all people, a principle deeply rooted in Scripture. Shared humanity transcends boundaries of creationism and evolutionism. There is convergence. The declaration further states that divine providence and God’s saving designs extend to all humankind. It addresses humanity's shared existential questions—about suffering, sin, death, and the ultimate mystery of life. Nostra Aetate sought to foster unity and understanding among all religions and explicitly called for the rejection of hatred and discrimination. Yet, despite its lofty ideals, one must ask: why did it take centuries for the Church to acknowledge what was already declared in Genesis 1:27—that all humans are created in the image of God? Why did the Church’s history include doctrines and actions that contradicted this very principle, such as the colonial decrees that deemed some people less human than others? When silence becomes sacrilegious The hypocrisy becomes glaring when one examines how the Church has responded—or failed to respond—to genocidal acts. For instance, in Rwanda, during the Genocide Against the Tutsi, certain members of the clergy not only failed to protect victims but actively participated in their extermination. A Catholic Bishop, Focas Nikwigize, went so far as to declare that Tutsis were evil by nature. Such a declaration inherently question the Creator’s integrity and directly contradict the principles outlined in Nostra Aetate. And yet, the Vatican’s response was silence. Same as Rwanda’s Episcopal Conference. There was no universal condemnation from the Pope, no sweeping reform in Canon Law to proscribe genocide as the ultimate sin against humanity. This silence was not just indifference; it was complicity. Today, in the DRC, genocidal killings continue, with evidence posted on social media for the world to see. But the Church remains largely silent. There is no moral outrage, no pastoral letters to guide the faithful, no condemnation strong enough to match the scale of the atrocities. Instead, the Church occupies itself with ceremonial beatifications, such as that of King Baudouin, whose colonial legacy casts a shadow over his sanctity. Scripture proclaims unity, but actions betray it The Bible is unequivocal in its call for unity and justice. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that all humanity is made in God’s image. Acts 17:26 affirms the shared origin of all nations. Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly and to love mercy.” James 2:8-9 condemns favoritism, stating that loving one’s neighbor is the royal law of Scripture. And yet, the Church’s actions often contradict these teachings. Its failure to explicitly condemn genocide in Canon Law reveals a troubling gap between doctrine and practice. What greater sin is there, than the systematic extermination of those made in God’s image? Ephesians 4:4-6 reminds us: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” If the Church truly believes this, it must act accordingly. Silence in the face of genocide is not just complicity—it is heresy. It is time for the Church to update its Canon Law to explicitly condemn genocide as the gravest of sins. It is time for bishops and priests to speak out unequivocally against crime—even if it means challenging political powers. And it is time for the Vatican to match its proclamations of universal brotherhood with concrete actions to defend the dignity of all humanity. Until then, we are left with the bitter irony of a Church that professes to be the moral compass of the world but often seems lost in its own labyrinth of contradictions. Indeed, Roma locuta est, but perhaps it is time for the faithful to say, Causa non finita est. A bitter reflection: Racism, indifference, and the legacy of empire Let us acknowledge, here we are—where the blood of millions can be ignored, brushed aside, or forgotten because the victims of these crimes were not white. This is the silent message conveyed by those who look past King Baudouin’s political transgressions, offering him sainthood while turning a blind eye to the horrific consequences of his actions. The casual dismissal of the murders in Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi reflects not just a failure to recognize a monarch’s culpability, but a deeper, more insidious racism. If the victims had been European, if the crimes had been committed in the heart of Belgium, perhaps there would be outrage, investigation, and justice. But when the victims are African, the scale of justice tips in favor of indifference. The Vatican’s potential canonization of a monarch who aided in the destruction of African nations is not merely an oversight—it is a glaring reflection of how deeply rooted racism remains in our judgment of history. Baudouin’s “devotion” was not an innocent act of faith; it was a shield to obscure the empire’s sins. His quiet endorsement of tyranny, and his failure to speak out against genocide—are the true stains on his legacy, and they should not be overlooked simply because the victims were Black. It seems fitting, then, that King Baudouin, a man whose legacy is wrapped in the blood-soaked history of Belgian colonialism, might be sanctified by a church that has long been complicit in the racial inequalities of the world. A saint among white supremacists, perhaps, but certainly not a man to be held up as a model of faith. If Pope Francis seeks to elevate Baudouin to sainthood, let it be a reminder that, in the eyes of the powerful, Black lives are still too easily erased from history. In the complex tapestry of history, the Catholic Church has often found itself at the crossroads of sanctity and moral compromise. If Baudouin’s canonization is a reflection of true Christian virtue, one wonders what other compromises the Church is willing to make. Perhaps it is time for the Vatican to redefine its standards for sainthood—not by turning a blind eye to history, but by confronting it honestly and with the moral courage that true faith demands. For without accountability, how can the Church ever hope to reconcile its divine mission with its earthly legacy?", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Tom Ndahiro" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/", "sameAs": ["https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTimesRwanda/","https://twitter.com/NewTimesRwanda","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZbZj6DF9zWXpdZVceDZkg"], "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "/theme_newtimes/images/logo.png", "width": 270, "height": 57 } }, "copyrightHolder": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "The New Times", "url": "https://www.newtimes.co.rw/" } }

French Prime Minister Faces No-Confidence Vote After Austerity Budget

Ayatollah Khamenei says all Israeli political and military captains must face justiceHow to watch Las Vegas Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: TV channel, streaming info