Turkey protests: More than 1,000 people arrested in 5 days

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary: "Turkey Protests: More than 1,000 People Arrested in 5 Days"
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host/Author: BBC World Service

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1. Turkey Protests Escalate with Over 1,100 Arrests

Ekrem Imamoglu's Arrest Sparks Massive Demonstrations

In the latest developments from Turkey, widespread protests continue as authorities have arrested more than 1,100 individuals over the past five days. The primary focus of these arrests has been Ekrem Imamoglu, the pivotal opposition figure and mayor of Istanbul, who is seen as a formidable challenger to President Erdogan's long-standing political dominance.

Key Events:

• Imamoglu's Detention: Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on charges of corruption, which his supporters claim are politically motivated. Despite these charges, he has been officially nominated as the presidential candidate by the opposition CHP party.
• Public Response: The government's ban on protests has failed to quell the public's dissent. Demonstrators have been marching for five consecutive nights, voicing their concerns over the state of Turkish democracy.

Notable Quotes:

• Woman Protester in Istanbul ([02:23]): "There is no such thing as justice in the Republic of Turkey. Absolutely not. I don't believe it. I'm even thinking of leaving the country. I don't want to live here anymore. I mean, I have a beautiful country. I don't want to live in it because people are ruling it."
• Interior Minister Ali Alikaya ([02:55]): "More than 1,100 people have been detained, and 123 police officers have been injured throughout these protests."

Analysis: Simon Jack elaborates on the situation, highlighting the targeted nature of the arrests, especially against journalists and photojournalists who have been documenting the protests. The opposition remains resolute, planning to mobilize further demonstrations despite the crackdown.

Future Implications: With Imamoglu's legal battles ongoing, the opposition maintains momentum, challenging President Erdogan's legitimacy and pushing for early elections ahead of the scheduled 2028 elections. The political landscape in Turkey remains volatile, with the potential for increased unrest.

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2. US-Russia Negotiations in Saudi Arabia Aim to Halt Ukraine Conflict

Diplomatic Efforts Underway

In a significant diplomatic move, US and Russian negotiators are engaged in talks hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. These negotiations come amid President Donald Trump's push for a swift resolution.

Key Developments:

• Optimistic Outlook: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, stating, "[06:17] Simon Jack: I feel that he [Putin] wants peace."
• Russian Stance: Conversely, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remains skeptical, emphasizing unresolved issues that need addressing.

Notable Quotes:

• US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff ([06:17]): "I feel that he [Putin] wants peace. The president had two very productive calls this week... in both conversations, it was all about a lasting peace."
• Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov ([06:36]): "There are still many outstanding issues to be resolved."

On-the-Ground Reporting: Frank Gardiner provides insights from Riyadh's Ritz Carlton hotel, detailing the divided Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Ukrainian officials express readiness for a full truce, while Russian delegates seek a revival of a previous agreement that allowed for the export of farm produce and fertilizer from the Black Sea region.

Implications: While talks indicate a willingness for peace, tangible progress remains uncertain. The international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.

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3. Intensifying Conflict: Israel's Airstrikes on Gaza

Renewed Assault Causes Significant Casualties

Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza, intensifying airstrikes that have resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties. The recent bombardments have intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Key Statistics:

• Casualties: Palestinian health officials report that at least 60 people have been killed in the latest wave of assaults, bringing the total fatalities since the ceasefire was broken last week to over 700.
• Notable Victims: Among the deceased is a Hamas leader who was fatally struck at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

Notable Quotes:

• Hospital Official ([08:54]): "A 16-year-old recovering from surgery was among those killed, and many others are injured, including medical personnel. We accuse Israel of violating all international and humanitarian laws."

On-the-Ground Reporting: Emir Nader provides a harrowing account from Jerusalem, detailing the destruction at Nasser Hospital and the chaos ensuing from the strikes. Israeli Defense Minister acknowledges the death of a Hamas leader but faces international scrutiny over the expansion of ground and air attacks in key Gaza cities.

Humanitarian Impact: The relentless assaults have devastated Gaza's infrastructure, displacing thousands and overwhelming medical facilities. The international community calls for immediate humanitarian aid and a renewed push towards dialogue to prevent further loss of life.

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4. Gerard Depardieu Faces Trial on Sexual Assault Charges in France

Celebrity's First Legal Battle Amid Multiple Allegations

French cinema icon Gerard Depardieu has appeared in court to face sexual assault charges for alleged misconduct that occurred on a film set four years ago. This marks the first trial among numerous accusations against the 76-year-old actor.

Key Details:

• Charges: Depardieu is accused of groping two women, with allegations including inappropriate touching and manhandling.
• Defense Stance: His legal team vehemently denies all accusations, asserting that only one side of the story has been presented thus far.

Notable Quotes:

• Simon Jack ([10:21]): "Gerard Deperge is in court. He arrived shortly before the session opened looking okay, but looking his age."
• Cancer of Reputation: "Before that, he was what they call a monstrous sacre, a holy monster of cinema... now his reputation is a shadow of his former self."

Impact on Career: Depardieu's legacy as one of France's most esteemed actors is now overshadowed by these serious allegations, significantly tarnishing his public image in the wake of the MeToo movement.

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5. Skin Lightening Crisis in Nigeria Raises Health Concerns

Widespread Use of Bleaching Creams Leads to Health Emergencies

Nigeria faces a burgeoning public health crisis as over three-quarters of its population reportedly uses skin lightening creams, a trend that is alarmingly prevalent among both adults and children. The World Health Organization identifies Nigeria as the highest consumer of such products in Africa.

Key Insights:

• Health Risks: Long-term use of bleaching creams can cause severe skin rashes, first-degree burns, and kidney issues like nephrotic syndrome.
• Regulatory Actions: In 2023, Nigeria's food and drug regulator, NAFDAC, declared a state of emergency regarding these products. Despite regulations, illegal creams remain widely accessible.

Notable Quotes:

• NAFDAC Representative Zainab Shiriau ([13:25]): "Until it [awareness] does, the health of many children may yet be put at risk."
• Affected Mothers ([12:47]): "My youngest child was barely two years old when I started bleaching him, and the scars have started showing on his skin."

On-the-Ground Reporting: Medina Mashanu explores Kano State's markets, revealing that many sellers are unaware of NAFDAC's strict ingredient regulations. Some vendors mix their own creams, leading to inconsistent and dangerous concentrations of harmful substances.

Call to Action: NAFDAC is intensifying its efforts to educate sellers and consumers, emphasizing the severe health implications of using such products. The agency warns of upcoming crackdowns to curtail the distribution of illegal bleaching creams.

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6. Premier League Star Balances Football and Ramadan Fasting

Athlete's Faith and Discipline Shine During Holy Month

Highlighting the intersection of sports and religion, the podcast features Dango Atara, a 23-year-old winger for Bournemouth in the Premier League, who observes Ramadan while maintaining his professional athletic performance.

Key Insights:

• Fasting Routine: Dango wakes up at 4:30 AM for ablutions and pre-dawn meals, balances training sessions, and participates in evening prayers.
• Mental Resilience: He describes Ramadan as a mental challenge, emphasizing his adaptability and the support from his team.

Notable Quotes:

• Dango Atara ([16:20]): "I wouldn't say that Ramadan is difficult. It's more mental because personally, I'm used to doing it. It's more the lack of water."
• Mosque Secretary Farouk Talukta ([27:06]): "Ramadan brings you closer to God. Also, you gain self-control and are aware of the unfortunate people."

Community Support: Dango's commitment to his faith has fostered a supportive environment both within his team and the local community, highlighting the importance of cultural and religious respect in professional sports.

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7. South Korea's Political Turmoil Continues Amid Presidential Impeachment

Constitutional Court Reinstates Acting President Han Deoksu

South Korea remains embroiled in political instability following the impeachment of President Yoon Sung Niol and acting President Han Deoksu. The Constitutional Court has recently reinstated Han Deoksu, adding complexity to the nation's governance.

Key Developments:

• Court Ruling: The court dismissed the impeachment of Han Deoksu, stating insufficient evidence of his involvement in the previously declared martial law.
• Future Implications: Speculation mounts over whether this ruling will influence the ongoing impeachment case against President Yoon Sung Niol.

Notable Quotes:

• Acting President Han Deoksu ([18:20]): "I am grateful for the wise decision by the Constitutional Court. Above all else, I want to thank the former Acting President, Choi Sang Marco and Cabinet members for leading the country during the suspension of my duty."
• Asia Pacific Editor Mickey Bristow ([20:48]): "This court ruling today is essentially a sideshow, a minor event compared to the big event which is the Constitutional Court's decision on whether to endorse the impeachment of President Yoon."

Political Landscape: With Han Deoksu reinstated, the path forward remains uncertain. The Constitutional Court is yet to rule on President Yoon's impeachment, which, if upheld, would lead to his permanent dismissal and prompt new elections within two months.

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8. 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy Amid Data Privacy Concerns

DNA Testing Giant Struggles Post Data Breach

The American DNA testing firm 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy protection and announced the resignation of its CEO and co-founder, Anne Wojcicki. This development follows a severe data breach that compromised the personal information of nearly 7 million customers.

Key Details:

• Bankruptcy Filing: Under Chapter 11, 23andMe seeks to sell itself under court supervision, aiming to stabilize amidst plummeting valuations.
• Financial Decline: The company's valuation has nosedived by approximately 98-99%, from a peak of $6 billion.

Notable Quotes:

• Attorney General of California ([21:54]): "Consumers are advised to delete their data to protect it because there's so much uncertainty about the company's financial situation now."
• Simon Jack ([21:54]): "People can delete their data to protect it because there's so much uncertainty about the company's financial situation now."

Impact on Consumers: In light of the bankruptcy and data breach, authorities have urged customers to secure their personal information. The company's future operations remain uncertain as it navigates the complexities of insolvency.

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9. Freedom of Speech Under Fire in India Amid Comedian's Defamation Case

Comedian Faces Legal Challenges for Satirical Performance

In India, comedian Kunal Khamra is under investigation for defamation following a parody song that mocked a state leader allied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This case has ignited debates over freedom of speech and the limits of satire in the country.

Key Developments:

• Incident Details: Khamra's performance in Mumbai included references to a traitorous politician, leading to multiple police complaints and the ransacking of the comedy venue by angry supporters.
• Political Backdrop: The targeted politician, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, recently rebelled against his party, forming a breakaway faction aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Notable Quotes:

• Simon Jack ([25:30]): "Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Indian constitution while the other side says that it should not be abused."
• Simon Jack ([25:30]): "The current chief minister has said that freedom of speech is not absolute and it cannot encroach on others."

Community Reaction: Supporters of the targeted politician have expressed intense disapproval, leading to violent protests that damaged property and threatened the safety of public spaces.

Comedian's Stance: As of the recording, Khamra has not publicly responded to the allegations. Historically, he has remained defiant against such accusations, continuing to use satire as a tool for political commentary.

Broader Implications: This case exemplifies the ongoing struggle in India between maintaining constitutional freedoms and addressing societal sensitivities. It raises critical questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the role of government in regulating speech.

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10. Conclusion

The latest episode of the BBC World Service's Global News Podcast presents a comprehensive overview of pressing global issues, from political unrest in Turkey and South Korea to humanitarian crises in Gaza and Nigeria. It also delves into significant cultural and societal debates, such as freedom of speech in India and the intersection of faith and professional sports in the UK. The episode underscores the interconnectedness of global events and their profound impacts on societies worldwide.

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For more updates and detailed analyses, subscribe to the Global News Podcast and stay informed on the critical stories shaping our world today.

Transcript

[Simon Jack]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.

[Zing Singh]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[Zing Singh]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Simon Jack]

Yep, Lebron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

That's good. Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Foreign this is the global news podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Janat Jalil and 14 hours GMT on Monday 24th March. These are our main stories. More demonstrators and journalists are arrested in Turkey as the authorities say they've detained well over a thousand people in the past five days of protests. Talks between US And Russian negotiators are underway in Saudi Arabia as Donald Trump pushes for a swift end to the war in Ukraine. Israel intensifies its bombardment of Gaza. Palestinian health officials say at least 60 people have been killed in the renewed assault. Also in this podcast, why this comic song has caused a stir about freedom of speech in India. We start in Turkey where in less than a week, the man seen as the strongest challenger to President Erdogan's decades long dominance of Turkish politics, Ekrem Imamolu, has been arrested, interrogated, jailed and stripped of his position as mayor of Istanbul, sparking some of the biggest protests Turkey has seen in more than a decade. Despite being charged with corruption, he has now officially been nominated as a presidential candidate by the opposition CHP party. Mr. Imamoglu says the charges against him are politically motivated. A ban on protests failed to deter Turks from taking to the streets in large numbers for a fifth night running to voice their fears for the future of their democracy, among them this woman in Istanbul.

[Simon Jack]

There is no such thing as justice in the Republic of Turkey. Absolutely not. I don't believe it. I'm even thinking of leaving the country. I don't want to live here anymore. I mean, I have a beautiful country. I don't want to live in it because people are ruling it.

[Zing Singh]

Since the protests began on Wednesday, the Turkish government says more than 1,100 people have been arrested, including at least 10 journalists detained today in dawn raids. We got this update from Hilkan Boran of the BBC Turkish Service who's in Istanbul.

[Simon Jack]

What we know about the arrest is the official statement from the Interior Minister, Ali Alikaya, and he has said that more than 1100 people have been detained, and we know that 123 police officers have been injured throughout these protests. From Yalikaya's statements, and as for the morning rays that you mentioned, we know that especially photojournalists appear to have been targeted because they have been reporting on the protests, because Turkey's media watchdog has been warning other news organizations to not directly make news of the protests, especially with live broadcasts. So it appears that this might be a targeted operation to prevent people from learning more about the protests. But what we know from the main opposition is that they will be going out in force again into the streets, because head of the CHP has called on people to gather in front of the city hall once again. And it remains to be seen whether the number of people who are going out today on the sixth night of consecutive protests will match the previous nights.

[Zing Singh]

The arrest of Mr. Imamolu and the fact that he's been charged with corruption. The opposition party that he heads went ahead with its vote to choose him as its presidential candidate with a huge turnout in the primary.

[Simon Jack]

Yes, the primary was actually initially slated only for members of the main opposition party. But after Imam ola's arrest on 19 March, the head of the main opposition announced that there will be solidarity boxes, ballots being set up so that people who are not party members could also vote. And Ozhar claimed in a speech yesterday in front of Istanbul City hall that close to 15 million people have showed up and voted, with just 1 million, 1.5 million approximately of them being CHP members. And he said that this number of people voting for Imam Olu puts Erdoan's legitimacy in question. And he has challenged the Turkish president to early elections, because normally the elections are slated for 2028.

[Zing Singh]

And there are big questions about whether President Erdogan can contain these protests, especially given the fact that he has had run ins in the past with the Turkish Milit.

[Simon Jack]

Of course, this is a thorny subject to talk about, because when it comes to Turkey's military history, we know of several coups that have been initiated by the military beforehand. But in today's Turkey, it's a much different picture. Now, the main opposition party has been describing the events since 19 March as a political coup against them and against their presidential candidate. But going beyond that, it's really hard to gauge what is going to happen in the coming days. What we know so far is, is that Imamolu's absence. The Istanbul City Council will be gathering on 26 March to elect a replacement for Imam Olu. And because the city council, the chp, has the majority in the council, we are expecting a CHP nominated candidate to take over Imam Olu's post as he's going through these legal cases.

[Zing Singh]

Hurkin Boran in Istanbul as we record this podcast. Talks between US and Russian officials are underway in Saudi Arabia to try to agree a plan to stop the fighting in Ukraine. It comes a day after the Americans met with the Ukrainian side for discussions that were later described by Ukraine's defense minister as productive and focused. While Ukraine says it's ready for a full truce, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he will seek a wide range of concessions. First, the US Special envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News before the talks that he was optimistic that the Russian leader was interested in ending the conflict.

[Simon Jack]

I feel that he wants peace. The president had two very productive calls this week, or last week, I should say. One with President Zelensky, one with President Putin. I was in, I sat and listened to both of them. In both conversations, it was all about a lasting peace.

[Zing Singh]

But this optimism is not shared by Russia itself. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said there were still many outstanding issues to be resolved.

[Simon Jack]

Apparently we are talking about the desire and willingness of countries to move towards a peaceful settlement. There is indeed a common understanding here. In general, of course, there are still a lot of different aspects related to the settlement to be worked out.

[Zing Singh]

Our security correspondent, Frank Gardiner is covering the talks in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

[Simon Jack]

The glittering opulence of Riyadh's Ritz Carlton hotel is the venue today for crucial talks aimed at pausing at least aspects of the war in Ukraine. The Russian delegation is on one floor. The Ukrainians, all 25 of them, are on another. The Americans have been meeting both trying to live up to the rather optimistic expectations of President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The Ukrainians say their talks last night were productive. They brought with them technical experts from the Energy Ministry as well as diplomats and naval officers to discuss how to safeguard Black Sea shipping lanes. The Russians are keen to revive a moribund deal in the Black Sea which allowed them to export farm produce and fertilizer in exchange for refraining from attacks on Ukrainian shipping.

[Zing Singh]

Frank Gardiner in Riyadh. Before we move on, we have another Q and a with our BBC colleagues from UkraineCast coming up soon and we'd like your questions to put to the team. Our email address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk that's globalpodcastbc.co.uk and if you can, please record your question as a voice note to Gaza now, where there have been intensified Israeli airstrikes on targets across the territory. The Hamas run health Authority in Gaza says more than 60 people have been killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the number who have died since Israel broke the ceasefire last week to more than 700. Among those killed was a Hamas leader who died in a strike on Nasser Hospital hospital in Khan Younis in the south. Israel does not allow foreign journalists to report independently from Gaza, so Emir Nader filed this report from Jerusalem.

[Simon Jack]

Videos show the chaos in the moments after the strike. A floor of the Nasser hospital on fire and a ward destroyed. Ismail Barhoum, the head of Hamas's financial department, is understood to have been one of the last two members of the group's political bureau remaining in Gaza. He was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an earlier strike at the busy hospital's surgery department. Palestinian health officials said a 16 year old recovering from surgery was among those killed and many others were injured, including medical personnel. The head of the hospital accused Israel of violating all international and humanitarian laws. Israel's Minister of defense said Bar Hum had become the new prime minister of Gaza in recent days, but Hamas hasn't confirmed this. Israel is expanding its ground and air attacks with initial reports of numerous deadly raids launched on Monday morning in cities including Rafah and Khan Younis. On Sunday, health officials announced that the number of Palestinians killed since Israel began its campaign in Gaza has passed 50,000.

[Zing Singh]

Emma Nader shortly before we recorded this podcast, one of France's most famous film stars, Gerard Depardieu, arrived at a court in Paris to face sexual assault charges. The 76 year old is accused of groping two women on a film set four years ago. In the past, around 20 women have accused him of sexual assault or abuse. This is the first case to come to trial. Gerard Depardieu denies or the allegations Our Paris correspondent Hugh Scofield spoke to us from outside the court.

[Simon Jack]

Gerard Deperge is in the court. He arrived shortly before the session opened looking okay, but looking his age. Let's not forget that he's also quite ill in the sense that he has a heart condition and diabetes. And that's one reason why this court case was postponed from its original scheduled date, which was in October. And even now there are sort of specialists, special provisions to account for his his poor state of health. It's the first time Gerald Deputy has come to trial after a number of allegations about his behavior on film sets. Dating back many, many years. In this particular case, we're talking about a film which was made a few years ago, Sang without Trace. The film called Le Volley Vert, incidentally, about an aging actor coming to terms with his own declining career. On the set there were two women who said that they were abused sexually by Gerard Deposit, that he groped them, that he manhandled them, that he touched their breasts and their buttocks. One of them complained and said she wanted an apology. She got a kind of apology, but one accompanied by all sorts of lewd language and so on.

[Zing Singh]

The defense that is Gerald W. And.

[Simon Jack]

His lawyers contest this, totally said that. Only one side of the story has been heard so far. I mean, this is a very big story in France. George, we know, has been the butt of many, many accusations of sexual misbehavior, abuse, lewd behavior going back some years now. But before that, he was what they call a monstrous sacre, a holy monster of cinema, in other words, you know, the most admired and highly regarded of cinema actors of his of his time. And I mean, probably the most well known French male actor around the world, I would say. But of course, his star fell dramatically when these accusations started coming in in the wake of the MeToo movement a few years ago. And now his reputation is a shadow.

[Zing Singh]

Of his former self, Hugh Scofield in Paris. In Nigeria, more than three quarters of people use skin lightening creams, commonly known as bleaching creams. It's the country with the highest use in Africa, according to the World health organization. In 2023, Nigeria's food and drug regulator, NAFDAC declared a state of emergency over these products. But it's not just adults. There's a worrying trend of parents using the creams on their children, even on babies. Medina Mashanu has been to Kano State, one of several major hubs for skin bleaching in the country, from where she sent this report.

[Simon Jack]

My youngest child was barely two years old when I started bleaching him and the scars have started showing on his skin. This Nigerian mother used skin lightening creams on all six of her children, which she says burnt their skin. We are concealing her identity for their privacy.

[Zing Singh]

When my daughter was mistaken for a.

[Simon Jack]

Drug addict because of the bleaching, it made me extremely sad. She says she did it because of pressure from her own mother. When I visit my mother, she shows more love to her other light skinned grandchildren. But when I got the bleaching cream and started using it on them, they became lighter.

[Zing Singh]

And then she started Bringing them closer to her.

[Simon Jack]

Her story is part of a growing trend in Africa, says medical aesthetician and campaigner Zainabshiriau. So a lot of people link light skin to beauty or wealth. Women tend to shield, as they call it, shield their children from that discrimination by bleaching them from childbirth. Some of these women even go to the ex extent of taking injections while they are pregnant, just so they can give birth to lighter skinned children. Long term use of skin lightening products can have serious consequences. They can have severe rashes all over their bodies. We've also had cases of first degree burn. It can also affect their kidney, which we call the nephrotic syndrome. Common bleaching ingredients include steroids, mercury, hydroquanone and Kojic acid. Many of these are banned or tightly regulated by Nigeria's food and drug regulator, nafdaq, especially in children's products. Despite tight regulations, these bleaching creams are still easily accessible. For example, in this supermarket in Kano State, when I picked up one of the creams that says baby bleaching cream, I noticed that many of the ingredients here are illegal substances. I met one mother in the market buying bleaching creams for her kids, despite her own hands being discolored by them. Many shopkeepers here who were not identifying for their safety mixed their own creams from raw ingredients. It wasn't clear how precisely they were measuring the bleaching chemicals. We decide the percentage depending on what the customers want. Some want full tablespoon, then sometimes we use baby teaspoon. Some sellers I spoke to admitted they were not aware of all the NAFDA gruesome. NAFDAQ has regulated the use of Kojic acid. You can now only use a certain percentage. Did you know that? No, I didn't. But now that you've told me about it, now I know. I asked NAFDAQ what it's doing to educate sellers. We have done our own sensitization. Many of them. All those people from the market, this one, they came and they asked questions. I was there and I also made a presentation to them on the dangers of all these things. Why isn't NAFDAQ doing enough? Since sensitization is clearly not working, our officers are already gathering intelligence. Once we are ready to strike, we will strike. With so many producers and such high demand, the challenges are vast. What happened to me is why I want to advise other people not to follow this route. They will regret it. You need to accept how God created you for this message to be heard. It needs to break through deeply entrenched views on skin color. Until it does, the health of many children may yet be put at risk.

[Zing Singh]

That report from Nigeria by Madina Mashanu.

[Simon Jack]

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[Zing Singh]

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[Simon Jack]

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[Simon Jack]

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[Zing Singh]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack and together we.

[Zing Singh]

Host Good Bad Billionaire, the podcast exploring.

[Simon Jack]

The lives of some of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Simon Jack]

Yep, LeBron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

That's Good Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You're listening to the Global News Podcast. It's the latest twist in the months of political turmoil that have rocked South Korea since its president, Yun Sung Niol briefly declared martial law last December. This led to him being impeached, as was the man who became acting president, the Prime Minister, han Deoksu. Now Mr. Han's impeachment has been dismissed by a Constitutional court which has reinstated him as South Korea's acting president. Mr. Han, unsurprisingly, welcomed the ruling.

[Simon Jack]

I am grateful for the wise decision by the Constitutional Court. Above all else, I want to thank the former Acting President, Choi Sang Marco and Cabinet members for leading the country during the suspension of my duty. I will tend to the most urgent matters.

[Zing Singh]

The court found no proof that Mr. Han had played an active role in approving the short lived martial law declared by President Yun. There's now speculation that Mr. Yun's impeachment could also be overturned soon. Our Asia Pacific editor is Mickey Bristow. There's a lot of complications to this story. Essentially, it began back in December when the President, Yoon Sung Yeol, had Declared martial law. He tried to declare martial law. He was impeached, removed from office a week later. And into the breach stepped Han Duk Su. He became acting president. He was the Prime Minister. Became acting president. But then he too was removed from office, impeached by the National Assembly. And so a third politician had to step into the role as acting president. What the Constitutional Court has done today is to say that Mr. Han should not have been removed from office as acting president. And they've reinstated him. So he's gone straight back to the office, resumed duties. As you heard there, he thanked the judges. So still a lot of change. Still a lot of upheaval. We've got an acting president back in office in the shape of Mr. Han. But at the same time, we've still got the president being impeached, who briefly declared martial law at the end of last year. Will the verdict in the case of Mr. Han have any bearing on Mr. Yun's case? Yeah, that's. This court ruling today is essentially a sideshow, a minor event compared to the big event which is the Constitutional Court's decision on whether to endorse the impeachment of the President Yoon Suk Yul for declaring martial law. It was possible that today's ruling could.

[Simon Jack]

Have indicated which way the judges were thinking.

[Zing Singh]

But in actual fact, what they did, they were looking narrowly at whether Mr. Han, the acting president, had been involved in martial law itself. They decided that he had nothing to do with that. So essentially, it doesn't really give us much of an indication of how they're going to rule in the bigger decision on Mr. Yoon's impeachment. Now that's expected. Well, it was expected already.

[Simon Jack]

Some people thought it was going to come mid March.

[Zing Singh]

It hasn't. And so a lot of people now are trying to work out what it.

[Simon Jack]

Is the judges are thinking, want them.

[Zing Singh]

To get on and make this decision.

[Simon Jack]

Because as long as this decision isn't.

[Zing Singh]

Made, the political turmoil and chaos in South Korea continues.

[Simon Jack]

Once they've made the decision on Mr. Yoon, he will either go back to.

[Zing Singh]

Being president or he will be dismissed permanently. And there'll be new elections within two months. So it's only this next court case which will really will see the beginning of the end of the political turmoil in South Korea. Nikki Bristow. The once popular American DNA testing firm 23andMe, has filed for bankruptcy protection and announced the resignation of its CEO and co founder, Anne Wojcicki. The company says it will now attempt to sell itself under the supervision of a court. This comes six months after the firm settled a lawsuit alleging it failed to protect the privacy of nearly 7 million customers whose personal information was exposed in a 2023 data breach. Our North America technology correspondent Lee Jamali told us more.

[Simon Jack]

This company was really premised on the idea that you could spit into a test tube and learn a whole lot about your ancestry as well as potential health, health risks. And it was a product that really resonated with, with customers. Certainly they had a whole bunch of celebrity endorsements early on. And it also resonated with investors who took the value of this company up to $6 billion at one point. It has now fallen by about 98, 99%. It's lost that much value. They're going into chapter 11 in the hopes that they will be able to sell the company through a court supervised process. But the company saying that, you know, for now not much changes, it stays in operations. But I can tell you that on Friday, just a couple days ago, going into this announcement of this Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection situation that they're now in, the Attorney General of California actually issued a consumer alert here in our state saying that people can delete their data to protect it because there's so much uncertainty about the company's financial situation now.

[Zing Singh]

Lalit Jamali. Now to India where the comedian singing this parody song is being investigated for possible defamation for joking about an Indian state leader who is an ally of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It's just the latest case in India that raises questions about freedom of speech. Police in the western city of Mumbai opened an investigation against Kunal Khamra over his comedy skit following a complaint filed by a politician from the state leaders party after supporters were angered by the use of the word traitor. The venue where the comedian performed was reportedly ransacked. Our correspondent in Delhi, Aruna Day Mukherjee told us more.

[Simon Jack]

This comedian was performing at a venue in the city of Mumbai where he made those comments which you heard vis a vis that song. Multiple police complaints following that happened, filed against the comic for making those references. Now there is a background to this and that is that the target of the comedy act is the current deputy chief minister of the state of Maharashtra, the capital of which is the city of Mumbai. Now this person had rebelled against his party and then formed a breakaway one which allied with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party belonging to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is why the reference to a traitor was was made by this comedian. Now this is essentially why you're seeing this kind of controversy Erupt. We saw the supporters going ahead and protesting. Now the old party to which this politician belonged to has come out in support of the comedian while the new party, along with the ruling BJP continues to criticize this comedian. And also, as I mentioned, police cases have been filed.

[Zing Singh]

And has there been any response from the comedian?

[Simon Jack]

Not yet. We haven't heard from him as yet. I've been trying to track his social media accounts but we haven't heard him say anything at the moment. But in the past, this comedian has had similar run ins with the ruling establishment and authorities. He's had police cases, court cases against him. So this is not new. And usually, if history is to be seen, he is usually seen to have brazened these out even in the past. And he's, you know, he's quite well known in the comedy circles as someone who has always taken on the ruling establishment with satire.

[Zing Singh]

I mean, there have been reports that the comedy venue has been ransacked. And this all comes at a time of growing concern in India about freedom of speech and intimidation of the media.

[Simon Jack]

Absolutely. And I think that is the point that is also being reported. Angry supporters of the party yesterday went on a rampage at this studio where their comments were actually made. This was, according to them, a sign of their protest and anger. Visuals that we've seen on social media and local television channels showed that the supporters were swinging chairs and damaging cameras and lights at the studio where these comments were made. They've also warned for more protests if action is not taken against the comedian. You have to understand that this is a party which is in alliance with the BJP currently governing the state of Maharashtra. So the police in a way is directly answerable to this government. So it would be interesting to see how the police actually acts. But like you pointed out, there have been cases against comedians, artists, actors for expressing dissent, for hurting sentiments for another community. It's been a polarizing issue. One side always says freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Indian constitution while the other side says that it should not be abused. And even in this case, the current chief minister has said that freedom, freedom of speech is not absolute and it cannot encroach on others. Freedom.

[Zing Singh]

Aruna DEI Mukherjee. In recent years, elite level sport has started doing more to help professional Muslim athletes who observe the holy month of Ramadan. The Premier League is a good example, introducing pauses in play that allow players to break their fast if the sun sets during a game. But it's not easy to play football without eating or drinking during daylight hours. Our reporter Ian Williams has been speaking to one Premier League star about his faith.

[Simon Jack]

The call to prayer, a sound familiar to Muslims across the world. During Ramadan, the holy month in which followers believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, spiritual reflection becomes even more important, such as for those bowing in prayer here at Poole Mosque on England's south coast. But among the regular worshippers is someone recognisable to millions, someone who has traveled a long way from home and who finds familiarity in faith. My name is Dango Atara. I was born in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. I play football for Bournemouth in the Premier League. For me, faith comes first. It comes before football. Faith allows me to overcome many challenges, to respect others, to be stable in everything I do, whether it's on the pitch or off it. It allows me to be calm in my daily life. As Dango poses for photographs, it's clear that his quiet, unassuming nature is at odds with the stereotype of the flashy Premier league player. The 23 year old winger arrived in Bournemouth from Frenchside Lorient just over two years ago. But until today's visit, some at the mosque still didn't know they had such a famous member of their family. And for Dango, who left Africa five years ago as a teenager, that family has been important. When you find yourself in another town, having the community shows that you are not alone. And as I came to the mosque, everything went well for me with the football. One of only four Burkinabes to play in the English top flight. He's certainly been hungry for goals, scoring nine times in 30 appearances this season for the Cherries. But as we settled down cross legged on the mosque carpet, I wanted to know how fasting affects. I wouldn't say that Ramadan is difficult. It's more mental because personally I'm used to doing it. It's more the lack of water. And what do you do to try and get round it? I think you get up early, is that correct? I wake up at 4.30am, I do my ablations and I've already got the food which has been prepared by the club chef. Then I go back to bed for an hour or so. Then after training, I say my prayers and sleep for another hour. Everyone asks me, how are you feeling? Is it going well? They try to understand me and not demand too much, even though I still try to do my sessions as usual. As the afternoon ticks by, more people arrive and do their ablutions before praying. They're beginning to look forward to the iftar, the meal which breaks their fast at sundown. Farouk Talukta is the mosque secretary. Ramadan brings you closer to God. Also you gain self control and also you are aware of the unfortunate people. Brings the community closer. Yeah, we are very happy and we are very proud to have someone like Dango to come here as a part of our family. For Dango, the feeling is mutual. You have the opportunity to pray with other people or to meet new people. It keeps us focused on religion. In his new home in England, faith has brought stability and routine, helping to turn Dango into a success on the pitch. Someone who Bournemouth fans also have faith in.

[Zing Singh]

That report by Ian Williams. And that's all from us for now. But there will be a new edition edition of the Global News Podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered, you can send us an email. The address is, of course, globalpodcastbc.co.uk this edition was mixed by Nick Randall, the producer of Chantal Hartle. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Janak Jalil. Until next time, Goodbye.

[Simon Jack]

Foreign.

[Zing Singh]

Sing.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[Zing Singh]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire, the podcast exploring the lives of some.

[Simon Jack]

Of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Simon Jack]

Yep, Lebron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

That's Good Bad Billionaire from the BBC BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.