THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he allegedly oversaw while in office.

A three-judge panel found unanimously there were “substantial grounds” to believe the ex-leader was responsible for dozens of murders, first as mayor of the southern Philippine city of Davao and later as president.

Duterte, 80, was arrested in the Philippines last year and denies the charges against him.

In their 50-page decision, judges found that the evidence shows that Duterte “developed, disseminated and implemented” a policy “to ‘neutralize’ alleged criminals.”

According to prosecutors, police and hit squad members carried out dozens of murders at Duterte’s behest, motivated by the promise of money or to avoid becoming targets themselves.

“For some, killing reached the level of a perverse form of competition,” deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang told the court in pretrial hearings in February.

A date for the start of the trial has not yet been set.

Duterte’s lead defense lawyer Nick Kaufman told judges during the February hearings that he “stands behind his legacy resolutely, and he maintains his innocence absolutely.”

Kaufman argued that the prosecution “cherry-picked” examples of Duterte’s “bombastic rhetoric,” and his client’s words were never intended to incite violence.

Estimates of the death toll during Duterte’s presidential term vary, from the more than 6,000 that the national police have reported to up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

Duterte has not been present in the courtroom for any hearings, having waived his right to appear. Last month judges found he was fit to stand trial, after postponing an earlier hearing over concerns about his health.

ICC prosecutors said in 2018 that they would open a preliminary investigation into the violent drug crackdowns. In a move that human rights activists say was aimed at avoiding accountability, Duterte, who was president at the time, announced a month later that the Philippines would leave the court.

On Wednesday, appeals judges rejected a request from Duterte’s legal team to throw out the case on the grounds that the court did not have jurisdiction because of the Philippine withdrawal.

Fans have suggested he shouldn’t be one of the five possible victims to be killed in an upcoming murder on the cobbles

Coronation Street fans have said they’re ‘obsessed’ as they made a U-turn over Carl Webster and suggested he shouldn’t be one of the five possible victims to be killed in an upcoming murder on the cobbles.

Viewers of the ITV soap have watched Carl make enemies of his own family and other Weatherfield residents, which comes after it was revealed he was the one driving the car involved a multi-vehicle crash, which led to the death of Billy Mayhew.

But it was amidst the drama that Carl made a shocking discovery. He was thought to be the son of Bill and Elaine Webster, having been born in Germany where his parents were living at the time. However, it emerged that Bill and Elaine weren’t Carl’s biological parents, with Debbie Webster confirming that she was his mother, not his half-sister like he had been brought up to believe.

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Debbie was seen taking the blame for the horror multi-vehicle crash, which took place in January and claimed the life of vicar Billy. While Carl thought he was letting Debbie take the blame after he coldly pulled her from the passenger side into the driver’s seat at the time of the incident to make it seem like she was behind the wheel, she later revealed she was doing it to protect him as he’s her son.

Debbie ended up spending time behind bars and upon her release, Carl hasn’t made things easier for her, repeatedly trying to fleece her for cash. This week, Carl was seen throwing his weight around at the Chariot Square Hotel, after giving Debbie and ultimatum – sign over half of the hotel to him or he’ll go to the police and report her husband, Ronnie Bailey, for his attack.

Later, Carl confronted Debbie at the flat, and made it clear that he would never get his hands on the hotel. Although she’d initially felt sympathy for him after lying about being his sister rather than his biological mum, his disgusting behaviour towards her continued, to which Debbie branded him cruel and went as far as to call him ‘unlovable’.

Hitting out, he headed back to the hotel and caused a flood, which put a spanner in the works for Lisa Swain and Carla Connor’s wedding. But it’s not just Debbie and her family Carl is causing problems for, as knowing Theo Silverton didn’t try and save Billy during the crash earlier this year, he struck a deal with Summer Spellman to get him put behind bars for £10,000 following the exposing of his abuse towards husband, Todd Grimshaw.

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During Wednesday’s (April 22) episode of the soap, Carl was seen getting in between Theo and his son, Miles. With Theo begging his son to let him back into his life, and that things could go back to how they used to be, Carl intervened and pretended to be Theo’s date for the evening, causing Miles to storm off.

Carl then headed off to the Rovers, were Debbie, Ronnie Bailey and Abi Webster were trying to enjoy a quiet drink and this time, he caused Abi to lose her temper. But his latest scenes have left Corrie fans convinced that Carl could be redeemable, and ruled him out of being the victim of the upcoming muder, which also sees Theo, Maggie Driscoll, Megan Walsh and Jodie Ramsey at risk.

@NoniFlax101 said: “Cackling at Carl wrecking havoc wherever he goes – I know he’s a horror, but can we please protect him. #Corrie.” @Louiseee2012 commented: “I’m actually obsessed with Carl he better not die #Corrie.” @LadyReignFC wrote: “They better keep their paws off Jodie & Carl. They are a hoot. They better be breathing next week #corrie.”

@LorrenWildexx posted: “Why is Carl rage bating Theo the best thing he’s done since he came into the show. Part of me wants neither to be killed next week so it can continue #Corrie.” @BenoitBlancFan admitted: “I don’t know when it happened but they’ve made me like Carl Webster quite a lot. #Corrie.”

@Her_EvilQueen shared: “Carl and Maggie are comedy gold with some of the things they come out with. Jodie I need to know more about her. Theo and Megan are the worst out of the bunch so I definitely think it’s one of them being killed.” However, @__cosmicdancer_ added: “I wish there was a redemption arc for Carl because I find him too funny but surely he dies #Corrie.”

Fifa has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup according to sources, after the switch was proposed by US president Donald Trump’s special envoy.

There has been ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament because of the war with US and Israel.

US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times, external: “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.

“I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

Fifa did not comment officially on Zampolli’s suggestion but highlighted a statement made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino last week where he said: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”

The FT reported Zampolli’s plan was suggested to smooth things over between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump over his comments towards Pope Leo XIV.

Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third successive World Cup following a qualification play-off defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.

Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

The tournament, which begins on 11 June, is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Under Fifa rules, the world governing body has “sole discretion” on what happens if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition.

Article six of its World Cup regulations also says: “Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”

ATO attended the scene and examined a suspicious device which was deemed to be inviable.

Two men have been arrested following a security alert in east Belfast.

At approximately 12.55pm on Wednesday, April 22, police received a report of two masked men with firearms in the Victor Street area of the city.

Officers attended and searched a residential property, where a number of suspected imitation firearms and a suspicious device were discovered. A number of local residents were evacuated while a safety operation was conducted.

READ MORE: Man dies after fire inside Belfast hospital’s emergency departmentREAD MORE: Man killed in early-morning collision with bus near Dublin Airport

A man aged in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm under suspicious circumstances and a second man aged in his 20s was arrested later on suspicion of the same offence.

A PSNI spokesperson said on Thursday morning: “Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene and examined the item which was thankfully deemed to be inviable.

“Residents were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening. We thank them for their patience.

“The man aged in his 20s has been released on bail to allow for further enquiries, while the man aged in his 40s remains in custody at this time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist us to contact 101, quoting reference number 687 22/04/26.”

You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

fans were quick to spot actress Vicky Myers’ very fast move as she was seen tying the knot in the latest episode of the ITV soap

Coronation Street fans were quick to spot Vicky Myers’ very fast move as she was seen tying the knot in the latest episode of the long-running show.

The actress made her debut in the ITV soap as DS Lisa Swain back in 2021, but it wasn’t until 2024 that she was announced as a regular on the cobbles. It was then months later that Lisa was seen striking up a romance with Carla Connor and the rest, as they say, is history.

While it hasn’t been easy for the couple to get to this point, during Thursday’s (April 23) edition of Corrie, which became available at 7am on ITVX and YouTube ahead of the wedding episode airing on ITV at 8.30pm, Lisa and Carla were finally seen saying ‘I do’.

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And it marks a major moment for the soap itself, as the couple’s nuptials mark the first time that two women have successfully married in Corrie’s 65-year history, a milestone being widely celebrated by fans.

While things almost didn’t got to plan, thanks to Carl Webster causing a flood at the hotel in retaliation to Debbie not signing over half the business to him, the couple were eventually seen walking down the aisle at the Chariot Square Hotel, with Lisa’s daughter, Betsy, Carla’s nephew, Ryan Connor, and her father-figure, Roy Cropper as their witnesses.

Following the early airing of the episode, some Corrie fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media, but some eagle-eyed X (formerly Twitter) users were quick to notice that Vicky wasted no time in making a change, as she updated the bio on her profiled to say: “Lisa Connor-Swain in @itvcorrie.”

Commenting on the move, @Teardrop76 said: “Iconic behaviour by Miss Myers at this time in the morning and this is why we adore her . The love and devotion she gives to playing Lisa Connor-Swain is unreal . Happy wedding day #swarla and thank you @VixMyers #Alisonking.”

@Swain__Connor shared: “She’s been waiting to do that for weeks [crying emojis].” @carrlaconnor posted: “Vicky updating her twitter bio to read ‘lisa connor-swain in itv corrie’ [face holding back tears emoji].” @simplymrtv replied: “She was waiting and watching just like us [crying and crying laughing emojis].”

@TheConnorSwains shared: “Not Vicky already updating her bio to Lisa Connor-Swain #Swarla #Corrie.” @Paw135792468 added: “Vicky changing her bio to “Lisa Connor-Swain” really does something to my swarla soul! #swarla #corrie #ConnorSwain.”

The star will step down from their role at BBC Radio Scotland at the end of May as the organisation prepares for a major shift in the station’s current line-up

BBC Scotland has confirmed that one of its high-profile presenters will be leaving the airways in the coming weeks. Michelle McManus, best known for winning Pop Idol in 2003, is set to step down from her role on BBC Radio Scotland’s Afternoons programme. Her final show will air on Friday, May 29.

Following her departure, River City star Grant Stott will take over hosting duties. His return comes five years after he previously left the show in 2021, bringing a familiar voice back to listeners. He will be on air presenting Afternoons from Monday to Thursday, with the programme continuing to air from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

The 45-year-old singers exit is part of a broader reshuffle within the station, she has held the role since 2023 as well as presenting the Entertainment Mix. Alongside Michelle, presenters Len Pennie and Nicola Meighan will also leave their roles at the end of May. The trio’s departure signals a notable shift in the station’s current line-up.

Victoria Easton Riley, Head of Audio and Events at BBC Scotland, acknowledged the contributions of the three departing presenters. She said: “We’re enormously grateful to Michelle, Len and Nicola for the energy, creativity and passion they’ve brought to the programme.”

She added: “We wish them every success, and our door is open for future collaborations.”

Speaking about returning to the BBC and taking over for Michelle, Grant told the BBC: “I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to Afternoons. The Radio Scotland audience is a warm, curious and engaging bunch and I can’t wait to dive back in.

“We’ll be bringing listeners everything they need to stay plugged into Scotland’s buzzing arts and culture scene, all with the perfect soundtrack.”

The changes reflect a wider period of transition at BBC Radio Scotland, with Michelle becoming the latest recognisable name to move on. In recent months, several huge stars have also left the station as part of ongoing restructuring efforts.

In November BBC Radio Scotland confirmed it was dropping some of its longest-serving figures. Among those affected were Billy Sloan and Ian Anderson, both of who have worked at the Beeb since the 1980s.

Natasha Raskin Sharp and Roddy Hart were also included in the shake-up.

According to broadcasting executives, the aim of these changes are to reshape output in a big to achieve “broad mainstream appeal”.

There is also a clear intention to attract younger audiences, with new strategies introduced under the leadership of Ms Easton Riley.

However, the transformation is not limited to presenters. The BBC recently announced the plans for widespread job cuts across the organisation. More than 2,000 roles are expected to be affected, equating to roughly one in ten staff members.

This move represents the largest wave of redundancies at the corporation in nearly 15 years and forms part of a major cost cutting drive.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is deep in preparations for this summer’s World Cup but he has a fresh concern with Lamine Yamal having seemingly picked up an injury

Spain have a fresh World Cup worry on their hands with star winger Lamine Yamal picking up a potentially serious injury. The Barcelona winger was expected to play a crucial part for the European champions at this summer’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

But he will now undergo tests after picking up an injury in the process of scoring a penalty in the Catalan giants’ slender 1-0 win against Celta Vigo on Wednesday evening.

Speaking after the game, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said: “We have to wait. We have to see what it is. There is something. He felt it. After the goal, he would not leave the pitch without reason.

“So it’s something. Something happened. Hopefully it’s not so bad, but we have to wait until tomorrow.”

He added: “I think there’s an injury, but we’ll have to wait to see how long he’ll be out. I can’t say anything else. We have to wait. As a coach, you have to manage these things.

READ MORE: Donald Trump envoy names country FIFA should replace Iran with at 2026 World CupREAD MORE: Barcelona make audacious Marcus Rashford transfer offer as deal hangs in the balance

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“It’s a shame that Lamine got injured now, but I’m also thinking about Raphinha, [Marc] Bernal, [Andreas] Christensen… Now we have to focus on Getafe. I wouldn’t say I’m upset, I’m thinking about a lot of things. We fought hard.”

Spanish outlet Marca have reported that Yamal has suffered a hamstring tear, which would put the rest of his season, as well as the winger’s place at the World Cup, in significant doubt.

Yamal’s Barcelona and Spain teammate Pedri said: “We just hope that Yamal’s injury is not significant. We still don’t know and I imagine we will need to wait for the medical tests tomorrow, but I’m optimistic because he is young and should get back soon.”

Yamal has enjoyed another sensational season with Barcelona. The 18-year-old has 24 goals and 18 assists in all competitions this term.

That form has taken his side to the verge of the La Liga crown, with Barcelona currently sitting nine points clear of fierce rivals Real Madrid with six games to be played.

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Yamal was not the only injury concern that Barcelona picked up against Celta Vigo. Portugal defender Joao Cancelo was also withdrawn in the first half with an apparent muscle injury.

“We hope their injuries are not serious and that they are back with us as soon as possible,” Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García said about those issues.

Spain will take on Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H of this summer’s World Cup.

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.