Elon Hacked Venezuela?

Hi Global Recap readers,

Remember when we scratched our heads over the supposed Venezuelan President Maduro challenging Elon Musk to a fight?

At first, we thought it was just a distraction. Turns out, it might be more than that.

Maduro’s using Musk as a scapegoat—classic 200 IQ move! (Not really.) 👇

Before moving on: I want to thank you all for the amazing participation in yesterday’s poll. So many of you shared your personal stories and backgrounds, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such an honest and open community. Thank you again.

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
Maduro Accuses Musk of Hacking

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is accusing Elon Musk of being behind a supposed hacker attack on the country’s electoral body.

He believes the attack is part of a larger conspiracy against his government.

Take a look at the video. 👆

Meanwhile, the US Weighs IN

The US has declared that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro did not win the recent presidential election, recognizing opposition candidate Edmundo González as the true victor.

• In his press statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the election results as “deeply flawed” and unrepresentative of the Venezuelan people’s will.

• The National Electoral Council’s (CNE) failed to provide disaggregated data or vote tally sheets.

• Meanwhile, the democratic opposition published tally sheets showing González’s insurmountable lead.

US Recognition

In formally recognizing Edmundo González as the winner, Blinken called for a peaceful transition of power.

• The US consulted with allies and partners, none of whom concluded Maduro won.

• The Biden administration congratulated González on his successful campaign.

Maduro’s Response

However, does this mean Maduro will step down? No.

• Maduro has led Venezuela since 2013 while facing previous US rejection.

• The US rejected Maduro’s re-election in 2018, imposing sanctions.

• It’s unclear if new sanctions will be pursued if Maduro refuses to cede power.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
9/11 Masterminds’ Plea Deals

The Pentagon has announced that three men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks have reached a plea deal, avoiding the death penalty in exchange for pleading guilty to all charges.

As expected, this led to criticism of the Biden administration. However, the White House has distanced itself from the news.

White House Statement

President Biden and his administration were not involved in the plea deal process.

• The White House supposedly learned about the plea agreements only after military prosecutors negotiated them.

• The President directed his team to consult with the Department of Defense on this matter.

The Accused

Three men have been held at Guantanamo Bay for years without trial.

• The suspects will be spared the death penalty as part of the deal.

• Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi are the accused.

• They have agreed to plead guilty to all charges, including the murder of 2,976 people.

Victims’ Families’ Reactions

Families of 9/11 victims expressed disappointment with the plea deals.

• Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, criticized the lack of transparency.

• Terry Strada, who lost her husband, called it a “victory” for the detainees.

• Some family members feel the government has failed them by not seeking the death penalty.

• They believe the suspects should receive the highest penalty for their crimes.

Legal Proceedings

The plea deal was announced in a letter to victims’ families.

• The deal could be finalized next week, with sentencing expected in the summer of 2025.

• Families may deliver victim-impact statements during the sentencing hearing.

Previous Proposal

A previous proposal for a deal was rejected by President Biden last year.

• The suspects had proposed conditions including no solitary confinement and civilian-run medical care.

🇹🇷 TURKEY
Turkey Blocks Instagram

Turkey’s communications authority blocked Instagram on Friday, sparking controversy and debate.

Government’s Decision

• The Information and Communication Technologies Authority announced the decision early Friday.

• No specific reason was provided for the block.

Media Reports

However, media outlets close to the government provided some context.

• Yeni Safak and other media said the block was in response to Instagram removing posts expressing condolences for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

• Fahrettin Altun, a presidential aide, criticized Instagram for its actions.

• Note: Hamas is internationally recognized as a terrorist organization.

Public Reaction

The decision has been met with criticism from various quarters.

• Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, denounced the block, calling it censorship.

• Imamoglu emphasized the importance of social media for communication and commerce.

Historical Context

But this isn’t new. Turkey has a history of censoring social media and websites.

• Hundreds of thousands of domains have been blocked since 2022.

• YouTube was blocked in Turkey from 2007 to 2010.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Historic Prisoner Swap

Russia and the US have completed their largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War, involving high-profile figures and sparking significant political reactions.

The Swap

The swap took place at an airfield in Turkey, involving 24 prisoners from seven countries.

• Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, and Alsu Kurmasheva were among the Americans freed.

• The exchange included 16 people swapped for eight Russian prisoners. The prisoners were held in the US, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia and Belarus.

• The deal was in the making for over 18 months.

Prisoners’ Return

The freed Americans received a warm welcome.

• They were greeted with cheers and hugs at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

• President Biden declared their ordeal over and praised the diplomatic efforts.

• The released Americans were sent to Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas for medical check-ups.

Russian Response

Russia celebrated the return of its prisoners.

• President Vladimir Putin personally greeted the returning Russians with flowers and state awards.

• Kremlin confirmed that Vdim Krasikov, a hitman returned by Germany, was indeed a FSB empolyee. He served in Alpha Group, the FSB’s special forces unit.

🇳🇬 NIGERIA
Protests Over Economic Crisis

Nigeria is currently facing a wave of protests due to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

Thousands of young people have taken to the streets, demanding an end to corruption and poor governance.

Mass Protests Erupt

Security forces fired gunshots and tear gas to disperse protesters.

• At least two people were killed in Niger state.

• Protests occurred in multiple states, including Abuja, Bauchi, and Borno.

• Demonstrations were dubbed “day of rage.”

Economic Hardship

Protesters are frustrated with the economic situation.

• Removal of gas and electricity subsidies has increased prices.

• Protesters carried banners reading, “This hunger is too much.”

• Calls for reinstatement of subsidies and better governance.

Government Response

Authorities have imposed curfews and used force.

• Three governors declared curfews in their states.

• Police used excessive force, according to rights groups.

• No immediate comments were given by the government.