LORRAINE DEVI ARRESTED ON CORRUPTION AND INCITEMENT TO RIOT CHARGES

by Alfred Ingham - February 25, 2025

The Harmony leader is in legal trouble after the deadly protests against the government. Image credit

Lorraine Devi, leader of the far-right Harmony party, was arrested early this morning on charges of corruption, incitement to riot, and hate speech. Authorities allege that Devi orchestrated and encouraged violent protests against the proposed Political Etiquette Act last month, leading to at least 21 deaths and hundreds of injuries and arrests.

Devi was taken into custody by the Forecoaster Police Department after an arrest warrant was issued earlier this week. According to law enforcement, Devi misused party funds to finance demonstrations that escalated into violent riots and provided financial support to armed militias across Elthize to further intensify the unrest.

The protests, which erupted in major cities including St. Lucas, Montgomery, and Forecoaster, initially opposed government restrictions on public speech and political discourse that would be placed by the Political Etiquette Act, but quickly spiraled into some of the deadliest riots in recent history. Authorities claim Devi and other Harmony members incited violence by spreading inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation about the law’s implications.

Before her arrest, Devi dismissed the charges as "politically motivated." "These allegations hold no value," she stated. "Some of them are outright ridiculous. Claiming that we have secretly funded armed militias in Elthize? These are conspiracy theories. If they think they can silence us with this, they’ll have to try harder."

Devi's arrest has sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum. Bernard Lee, a Harmony MP, condemned it as "absolutely authoritarian" and called for President Melissa Chai’s resignation. "It has been about half a year and the left has already embraced a psychotic dictatorship. We cannot handle this any longer. Chai must go." Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Party leader Wirt Harland described the arrest as "unprecedented" and warned that it "could set a dangerous precedent in Elthic politics moving forward." Former President Greenwich Grimwald, in his first public statement since leaving office, also denounced the arrest, stating it is "against everything Elthize stands for."

Meanwhile, members and supporters of the governing coalition have largely supported the arrest. Zoe Allen, leader of the Congress for Social Democracy, praised the authorities, saying, "Justice has prevailed over chaos." Moderates leader Freddie Abbey went even further, declaring "good riddance" and expressing her eagerness to see Harmony disbanded entirely: "All they've done is bring violence and disorder. I cannot wait for these thugs to be kicked out of our country's politics," Abbey claimed.

Devi is expected to appear in court within the coming days, where a judge will determine whether she will remain in custody or be granted conditional release, with a certain possibility of a block on leaving Elthize until the case is concluded. Tom Nakamura, vice leader of Harmony and a member of parliament, has stated that Devi would remain the leader of Harmony, even if she remained in custody, while he would assume her duties in a caretaker position.

Governing coalition clashes over possible ban on insider trading

The agreement between CSD and UnitedLeft may collapse
February 21, 2025

Tensions within Elthize’s governing coalition are rising substantially as the Congress for Social Democracy (CSD) and the UnitedLeft alliance clash over the Political Etiquette Act’s insider trading ban. The law aims to prevent elected officials from using confidential government information, such as upcoming policy changes, economic forecasts, or regulatory decisions, to influence their personal financial investments. Lawmakers found guilty could face removal from office, hefty fines, and imprisonment, making it one of the strictest measures against political corruption in Elthize’s history.

Zoe Allen, leader of CSD, the largest party in Parliament, has raised concerns about the law’s broad scope, arguing it could unfairly punish lawmakers for routine financial decisions. “We all support transparency and accountability, but we cannot create a system where politicians are afraid to make standard investments,” Allen stated in a press briefing. Sources within CSD suggest some members are pushing for amendments to clarify what constitutes insider information, introduce exemptions for certain financial activities, weaken penalties, or simply remove the ban altogether.

UnitedLeft, meanwhile, rejects any changes. President Melissa Chai, also leader of the Democratic Socialists of Elthize (DSE), called public office a “position of trust,” stating that "any lawmaker who prioritizes personal wealth over the people should have no place in government". Leon den Hollander, leader of the Communist Party of Elthize (CPE), took an even stronger stance, accusing CSD of “protecting corrupt elites".

The insider trading ban is part of Section 5 of the Political Etiquette Act, titled "Prohibition of Political Favoritism Toward Corporate Interests".

"No elected official, government employee, or political candidate shall propose, support, or enact policies that prioritize corporate profits, private financial interests, or economic entities over the fundamental rights and well-being of Elthic citizens."

The law considers the following to be a violation of this principle:

• Supporting legislation that provides financial benefits, tax breaks, or deregulation for corporations at the direct expense of public services such as healthcare, education, workers' rights, or environmental protections.

• Accepting bribes, gifts, or financial incentives from corporate entities in exchange for favorable political treatment, including campaign donations that result in policy influence.

• Engaging in insider trading or using privileged government information for personal financial gain.

• Allowing private entities to monopolize essential public services or infrastructure in ways that diminish affordability, accessibility, or public oversight.

• Entering into government contracts with private businesses without transparency, competitive bidding, or consideration for public interest.

Section 5 of the Political Etiquette Act has become a major point of contention among Elthize’s political parties. While it has seen full support from the UnitedLeft alliance, other political parties have various issues with what is considered a violation of the proposed principle. Liam Zachary, leader of the Business Party, argued that the law is "anti-growth" and proposed the removal of Section 5 altogether. Wirt Harland, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party (PCP), stated that they would observe the discussions around Section 5 "with great concern".

The most interesting reaction came from Lorraine Devi, leader of Harmony, who has recently got in legal trouble over her role in recent lethal protests against the Political Etiquette Act. While Devi reiterated her staunch opposition to the proposed act, she stated that she fully supports an insider trading ban, calling it "a betrayal of the people". Devi also stated that she would vote for an insider trading ban if it were delivered separately from the Political Etiquette Act.

With both sides of the governing coalition stubborn over their vision on the bill, the future of the bill is uncertain. it is rumoured that the bill may be withdrawn from consideration, at least until the next general election. Nonetheless, the Political Etiquette Act does seem to enjoy popularity among Elthics: According to recent polling from the Polling Institution of Elthize (PIE), 45% of responders thought of the bill positively, compared to 27% of responders who thought of the bill negatively.

President Ran Mouri-Kudo Calls for EU-Wide AI Regulation Treaty at Press Conference

Executive Mansion, Commonwealth of Leagio – In a bold and decisive move, President Ran Mouri-Kudo has called for a European Union-wide treaty agreement to regulate the powers and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at a press conference held at the Executive Mansion, the Leagioan leader emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated European framework to ensure AI development remains ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all citizens.

She stressed that while AI holds great potential to revolutionize industries, its unchecked growth could lead to privacy violations, algorithmic biases, and economic disparities.

"Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, transforming industries from healthcare to finance and beyond," President Mouri-Kudo stated. "However, with great power comes great responsibility. If we fail to put adequate safeguards in place, AI could exacerbate inequalities, undermine democratic values, and challenge human rights."

The President called on EU leaders to collaborate on drafting a legally binding treaty that would establish clear standards for AI ethics, accountability, and governance. She highlighted the importance of transparency in AI decision-making processes and the need for a framework that prevents misuse by both corporations and governments.

President Mouri-Kudo outlined key principles that she believes should be enshrined in the EU-wide AI treaty, including:

• Transparency and Accountability: AI developers must be required to disclose how their algorithms function and ensure that AI decision-making is explainable.

• Data Protection and Privacy: AI applications must comply with strict data security laws to prevent the misuse of personal information.

• Bias Prevention and Fairness: AI systems must be designed to eliminate racial, gender, and economic biases, ensuring equitable outcomes for all citizens.

• Ethical AI Use in Employment: Governments must regulate AI-driven automation to protect jobs and prevent mass layoffs.

• Military and Security Restrictions: AI should not be used for autonomous lethal weapons or mass surveillance that infringes on civil liberties.

• Human Oversight in Critical Decisions: AI should not be used to make life-altering decisions, such as medical diagnoses or criminal sentencing, without human oversight.

The President reaffirmed Leagio’s own commitment to responsible AI governance, citing the country’s advancements in digital infrastructure and ongoing initiatives to ensure ethical AI use. Under her administration, the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Communications has been working to draft national regulations aligned with broader EU standards. Additionally, Leagio’s government has initiated cross-border partnerships in digital governance and cybersecurity, as outlined in the Westwood Accord signed with the Commonwealth of California​. These partnerships aim to strengthen international cooperation on technology-related challenges.

The call for an AI treaty has sparked mixed reactions across the European Union. Supporters of the initiative, including members of the Progressive Alliance Party (PAP) and Green Party (GP) of Leagio​, praised the President’s leadership in addressing the pressing issue of AI regulation. However, the Federal Constitutional Conservative Party (FCCP) and Federation of Centrist Democrats (FCD) voiced concerns about potential overregulation, warning that excessive restrictions could stifle innovation and economic growth​. Meanwhile, industry leaders have expressed cautious optimism, with some calling for balanced policies that promote both innovation and ethical considerations.

President Mouri-Kudo announced that she will be engaging in diplomatic talks with EU leaders in the coming weeks to push forward discussions on the proposed treaty. She has also requested that the Leagioan Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs draft an initial proposal to be presented at an upcoming EU summit.

"We stand at a crossroads where we can either shape AI for the good of humanity or allow it to be dictated by profit and power," President Mouri-Kudo concluded. "Leagio is ready to lead the charge for responsible AI governance in Europe and beyond."

The global community now watches closely as Leagio positions itself at the forefront of ethical AI governance, signaling a new era of digital responsibility in European policymaking.

Stabbing Attack in San Diego

SAN DIEGO---A stabbing attack occurred in the San Diego State area as clubs closed at 2:30 a.m. Reports of a disgruntled altercation outside of a nightclub was known. San Diego Police and the CFP are investigating. Prime Minister Harris, with her attorney general background, has been watching keenly.

image credit - 1 - 2

The Commonwealth of Leagio expresses deep concern over the ongoing violence and loss of life in Elthize related to the protests against the proposed Political Etiquette Act. We extend our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and urge all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Leagio upholds the fundamental principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. We firmly believe that peaceful protests and open dialogue are essential components of a healthy democratic society. The reports of civilian casualties and the use of excessive force in some areas are troubling, and we call upon all authorities in Elthize to ensure that human rights and civil liberties are respected.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Leagioan citizens currently in Elthize to exercise extreme caution, avoid areas of unrest, and follow local authorities' safety instructions. For those seeking assistance, the Leagioan consulate remains available for support and, if necessary, will coordinate safe return options.

We urge all stakeholders in Elthize to work toward a resolution that prioritizes the safety and rights of its citizens and prevents further escalation of violence.
Signed:
President Ran Mouri-Kudo
President of the Commonwealth of Leagio
Prime Minister Revy Robertson
Federica Mogherini
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Political Map of California

Political Map of California

Thirteen people dead in anti-Chai riots

State of emergency declared in Montgomery and St. Lucas as protests against recent political etiquette law escalate
February 3, 2025

The protests against the proposed Political Etiquette Act have escalated in violence, resulting in at least thirteen fatalities, and more injured. Ten people have lost their lives in the province of Forecoaster, with at least seven deaths attributed to police brutality. Two individuals were killed in St. Lucas by police, while a man accidentally self-immolated in Montgomery in an attempt to burn down the provincial headquarters of Congress for Social Democracy.

The Forecoaster Police Department has asserted that they resorted to force in self-defense, alleging that the men were armed with pistols and shotguns. Harrison Faulkner, the Minister of Internal Affairs, has further claimed that “various armed militias have seized the opportunity and are attempting to terrorize the streets”.

More than five hundred people have been arrested, with at least seventy-two people detained. Most of the arrested are charged with damage to personal property or businesses, as well as assault and causing injury. At least one person in Montgomery has been detained under charges of attempted murder during a clash between protestors and counter-protestors.

A state of emergency has been declared in Montgomery and St. Lucas, following a similar move made in Forecoaster a couple of days ago. In St. Lucas, Governor Martha Krystoff declared the protests "the most violent uprising we have had to endure in the last fifteen years". In Montgomery, Governor Hunter Vance also declared a state of emergency, asking all citizens to "calm down", while declaring disapproval of the proposed law, claiming that President Melissa Chai is "fueling the fires of disorder".

In response to the disorder, the government has released a statement guiding its citizens on how to stay safe during the riots. The statement recommends that people do not go outside unless absolutely necessary, particularly if within the downtown area, plan an escape route in case of emergency, avoid being involved with the protests as much as possible, and refrain from crowded areas.

NEW PASSPORT DESIGN ANNOUNCED, TO BE DISTRIBUTED IN FEBRUARY

by Alfred Ingham - January 31, 2025

The new passport (left) comes with the addition of the Elfiz language, compared to the old passport (right).

Joanne Bird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has unveiled the new design for the Elthic passport, marking the first update in a decade. The most notable changes in second edition of the biometric passports, which are the first edition since Elthize joined the European Union in 2022, is the inclusion of the Elfiz language on both the cover and pages of the passport.

The new design also features the phrase "European Union" alongside its Elfiz translation, Eruberni, appearing for the first time. Additionally, the passport now incorporates silver accents instead of gold, for the first time in fifty years.

There are changes to passport pricing as well. For the first time, people earning less than 1,500 EMU per month will not pay the passport fee. Additionally, families who earn less than 2,500 EMU per month will be exempt from passport fee for their children.

Repeat passports have become more expensive, however. Those who request a new passport less than three years before their previous passport was issued will have to pay 99 EMU, instead of the standard 69 EMU fee.

Additional services now come with extra fees: A 64-page passport (instead of the standard 32-page costs an additional 19 EMU, home delivery of passports requires an extra 9 EMU fee, and passports issued outside Elthic borders, such as in embassies or consulates, will cost an additional 19 EMU.

The new passport has also been adjusted to fit various international security standards. For example, the sex marker, which was removed with the 2015 passport, has been reintroduced, following various issues at security checks. Three options will be available: M (male), F (female), and X (other).

The updated design is set to be distributed starting in February, though certain locations may prioritize to offer the old passport design to deplete stocks. You can learn more about the new passports on the factbook.