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Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to become undisputed heavyweight champ

By
Kaniva Staff
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Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory over Britain’s Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision on Sunday to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.

Usyk (22-0) added Fury’s WBC title to his own WBA, IBF and IBO belts with a spectacular late rally highlighted by a ninth-round knockdown in a back-and-forth bout between two previously unbeaten heavyweight champs. Two judges favoured Usyk, 115-112 and 114-113, while the third gave it to Fury, 114-113.

“It’s a great time. It’s a great day,” Usyk said.

Usyk started quickly, but then had to survive while the confident, charismatic Fury dominated the middle rounds. Usyk rallied in the final rounds, just as the Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist has done so many times in his career, taking control with a dominant eighth and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth.

Usyk hurt Fury (34-1-1) with a left hand and eventually sent him sprawling into a corner in the final seconds of the round, getting credit for a knockdown right before Fury was saved by the bell. Fury made it to the 10th, but he struggled to mount a consistent attack after nearly getting stopped.

“Thank you so much to my team,” Usyk said while fighting back tears in the ring. “It’s a big opportunity for me, for my family, for my country. Slava Ukraini!”

Fury kissed Usyk on the head after the final bell. Fury also said he wants the rematch in October.

“I believe I won that fight,” Fury said. “I believe he won a few of the rounds, but I won the majority of them, and I believe it was one of those what-can-you-do, one of them … decisions in boxing. We both put on a good fight, best we can do.

“You know, his country is at war, so people are siding with a country at war. But make no mistake, I won that fight, in my opinion, and I’ll be back. I’ve got a rematch clause.”

Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (R) fights against Britain's Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2024. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to win the world's first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years on May 19, 2024, an unprecedented feat in boxing's four-belt era. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk (R) fights against Britain’s Tyson Fury during a heavyweight boxing world championship fight at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 19, 2024. Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to win the world’s first undisputed heavyweight championship in 25 years on May 19, 2024, an unprecedented feat in boxing’s four-belt era. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP) Photo: FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP

The 37-year-old Usyk is the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis held the honor for five months in 1999 and 2000. He is also now the lineal heavyweight champion by beating Fury, who beat Wladimir Klitschko to earn that distinction in 2015.

Usyk is six inches (15cm) shorter than the 6-foot-9 (2.05m) Fury, and he weighed in 30 pounds (13.6kg) lighter than the hulking British star this week. The size difference didn’t matter to Usyk, who has used his athleticism and skill to counter every challenge he has faced since moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight in 2019.

Usyk landed 41 percent of his 407 punches, while Fury landed just 31.7 percent of his 496 punches, according to CompuBox statistics. Usyk both threw (260 to 210) and landed (122 to 95) more power punches.

Usyk upset Anthony Joshua to win three title belts in 2021, and he kept them through two defenses while angling for the ultimate payday of a fight against Fury in Saudi Arabia.

Usyk has now joined the elite club of fighters who held every major world championship belt at heavyweight – and he is the first to do it in the four-belt era, which began in 2007. The list of undisputed champions includes Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson.

The most recent undisputed heavyweight champ was Lewis, who beat Evander Holyfield in late 1999 and enjoyed a five-month reign. He soon lost a title because of the territorial squabbles that have beset boxing for the past quarter-century and routinely prevented the biggest fights from happening.

Fury and Usyk both asked for this matchup, and they finally got together in the ring largely because of the involvement of Saudi Arabia, which made the financial rewards simply too great for the fighters’ typically recalcitrant promoters and the sanctioning bodies to reject. Fury will reportedly make more than US$100 million for the bout.

To reach the lucrative Western pay-per-view audience, the bout didn’t begin until 1:45am on Sunday morning at Kingdom Arena.

– AP

New Caledonia unrest: Defence Force to bring New Zealanders home

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

The Defence Force (NZDF) will fly into New Caledonia to bring home New Zealanders while commercial services are not operating.

Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ NICK MONRO

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is waiting for the go-ahead from French authorities, based on safety.

“Ever since the security situation in New Caledonia deteriorated earlier this week, the safety of New Zealanders there has been an urgent priority for us,” Peters wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“NZ authorities have now completed preparations for flights using NZDF aircraft to bring home New Zealanders in New Caledonia while commercial services are not operating.

“We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed.”

Nouméa descended into chaos on Monday, with armed clashes between indigenous Kanak pro-independence protesters and security forces.

Peters urged any Kiwis in New Caledonia not already registered with SafeTravel to do so.

“Those already registered should update their details if their circumstances change.”

The unrest was sparked by anger at a proposed new law that would allow French residents who have lived there for more than 10 years to vote – which some say will weaken the Kanak vote.

On Friday, New Zealanders stuck in New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa, told RNZ they felt abandoned by their own country, having received little help from the government.

Also on Friday, Air New Zealand confirmed it was forced to cancel its upcoming flights between Nouméa and Auckland on Saturday and Monday, with the airport in Nouméa closed until at least Tuesday.

There are currently 242 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in New Caledonia.

In a post on social media platform X, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government was “working with authorities in France and New Caledonia, and like-minded partners including New Zealand, to assess options for Australians to safely depart.”

Police appeal for sightings of Auckland missing woman Milika

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police are urgently appealing for sightings of missing woman Milika.

Milika, aged 25, is missing from her home in Great South Road, Ōtāhuhu.

She was last seen on the morning of May 9 and there are significant concerns for her welfare.

If you think you’ve seen Milika since the morning of 9 May, or have any information which might help us find her, please call 111 and quote file number 240509/3212.

Jail for unlicensed drunk woman who injured partner in Tongatapu high-speed crash

By
Kaniva Staff
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A woman who was intoxicated and speeding while her partner attempted to grab the steering wheel of the vehicle as they argued has been sent to jail.

Angilau pulled the steering wheel towards her to regain control, causing the vehicle to veer off to the right side of the road toward the University of the South Pacific campus.

Tepi Angilau was imprisoned for 10-months for causing serious bodily harm to her partner Viliami Lehā’uli.

A court document shows that on or about 25 August, 2023, at approximately 2pm, Angilau and  Leha’uli as well as  others were drinking alcohol at a tax allotment at Pelehake.

At around 9pm, they moved to Laulea Beach at Fua’amotu to continue drinking. The group travelled in Viliami’s vehicle, license number R1949.

Shortly after arriving at Laulea, Angilau and Lehā’uli left the group to pick up  Siutita Nusi from Tatakamotonga in the same vehicle. After they picked Nusi up, they went to get a change of clothes for Angilau from Lehā’uli’s house. Lehā’uli, then drove them to Ciora Bar in Nuku’alofa.

At the Ciora Bar, Angilau and Lehā’uli were barred from entering as they were inebriated.

The party made their way back to Pelehake travelling on Taufa’ahau Road. Angilau was driving with Lehā’uli seated at the front passenger seat and Nusi seated at the back seat.

Angilau was speeding. Her passengers, Lehā’uli and Nusi cautioned and urged her to drive carefully but Angilau persisted. That escalated to an argument between Angilau and Lehā’uli.

As they approached the Tonga College at Ha’ateiho, Lehā’uli attempted to take charge of the steering wheel to stop the vehicle. Angilau resisted causing the vehicle to swerve left and right along the Taufa’ahau Road, heading east.

Angilau pulled the steering wheel towards her to regain control, causing the vehicle to veer off to the right side of the road toward the University of the South Pacific campus. The vehicle crashed onto the sidewalk, flipped sideways towards a nearby fence, hitting a palm tree and landed back on its wheels.

As the vehicle flipped sideways, Angilau and Lehā’uli  were catapulted out of the vehicle while Nusi remained in the back passenger seat. All three were rushed to the hospital.

Angilau was tested for alcohol, her reading came back at 720 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Angilau and Nusi sustained abrasions and bruising to their face and chest. Lehā’uli sustained a severe bilateral lung contusion with a right hemopneumothorax, soft tissue injury to his right shoulder and right flank, and multiple abrasions to his right lower back, left chest, left shoulder and abdomen.

Angilau cooperated with the Police and admitted to the offending. At the time of the accident, she did not have a valid driver’s license.

Acting Chief Justice Petunia Tupou  convicted and sentenced Angilau as follows:

a) One count of causing serious bodily injury while driving under the influence of alcohol and is sentenced to 3 years imprisonment; and

b) One count of driving a motor vehicle without a valid motor driver’s license and is fined $200 payable within 6 months from the date of her release from prison.

The final 26 months of her sentence is suspended for a period of two years from the date of her release from prison, on conditions that during the said period of suspension, Angilau is to:

a) Not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment;

b) Be placed on probation;

c) Report to the Probation Office within 48 hours when released from prison; and

d) Complete courses in drug and alcohol awareness as directed by her probation officer;

Failure to comply with any of the said conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded, in which case, the Defendant will be required to serve her head prison sentence.

Subject to compliance with the said conditions and any remissions available under the Prisons Act, Angilau will be required to serve 10 months in prison.

Pursuant to s34(2) of the Traffic Act, Angilau is disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for a period of 12 months commencing on the date she is released from prison.

Fury v Usyk: all you need to know

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Jamie Wall, rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk

Ring of Fire: Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World

Heavyweight boxers Britain’s Tyson Fury, center left, and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk face off during the weigh-in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Sunday, 19 May (NZT)

Main event ring walks expected at 10am NZT

The long-awaited clash of the two undefeated holders of all the heavyweight gold is finally happening. Briton Tyson Fury and Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk were supposed to meet back in March, but an injury to Usyk in training meant a delay till now. Between them, there is a veritable alphabet of titles, but the best way to describe this is that the winner will become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000.

The build up to this card, billed as ‘Ring of Fire’, has been full of the usual Fury antics and Usyk stoicism, however things reached a boiling point this week when John Fury, Tyson’s father, head butted one of Usyk’s entourage in a pre-fight press conference. Usyk landed a bit of a psychological blow by pointing out that Fury had lost a fair bit of weight for the fight, which is a fair point given Fury’s size has always been a significant advantage throughout his career. Both men had to be separated by security at the pre-fight weigh in.

It is also a big day for Kiwi cruiserweight David Nyika, who is fighting German Michael Seitz on the undercard, as well as a big day for Fury and Usyk’s bank accounts with the main event purse rumoured to be somewhere about $200 million.

Here is the tale of the tape:

Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury

Record: 34-0-1 (24 KO)

From: Manchester, England

Age: 35

Height: 6’9″ (206cm)

Reach: 85″ (216cm)

Weight: 262 pounds (118.8 kg)

Fury is back in the ring once again after retiring at least twice, continuing a remarkable career that has seen him become world champion and be involved in some of the most memorable fights of the last decade. His larger-than-life personality often dominates the headlines, however it unfairly obscures the fact that Fury is an incredibly skilled ring tactician.

He uses his size to great effect, often dropping his left hand to invite the jab, before swiftly evading and countering. Fury moves his head in an unorthodox fashion making it even harder to get to on top of the height difference he usually enjoys, while also employing some cunning tricks like a headlock while both fighters are in a clinch.

Oleksandr Usyk

Record: 24-0 (14 KO)

From: Simferopol, currently disputed territory between Russia and the Free State of Crimea

Age: 37

Height: 6’3″ (191cm)

Reach: 78″ (197cm)

Weight: 233.5 pounds (105.9kg)

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist is coming in with a formidable record after waiting patiently for this massive occasion. Usyk had dispatched Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua twice in his last three fights, firmly putting him in the main contender bracket, and has long been seen as a man who can unify the heavyweight titles. His style is an uncommon right-handed southpaw stance, having his jab on his strong hand meaning he can throw it harder, faster and more accurately.

Usyk is a busy fighter, gauging distance constantly and using his timing to disguise his power punches and get through guards. This sort of constant movement is aimed at disrupting opponents’ movement and forcing them into a high work rate at the outset of a fight.

What does this mean for Joseph Parker

No doubt watching on with interest is former WBO world champion and the fighting pride of South Auckland, Joseph Parker. The result of this fight could have a major bearing on his career trajectory, after his stunning return to the heavyweight picture late last year after his win over Deontay Wilder. Parker supposedly has a rematch lined up with China’s Zhilei Zhang, who he comfortably beat on points in March, but given the fluid nature of the division right now it would not be much of a surprise if that gets shelved in favour of something bigger.

Parker and Fury are close friends, with Parker’s switch to trainer Andy Lee two years ago bringing him into the Fury camp’s sphere of influence. That connection has meant that a fight between the two has long been presumed unlikely, but Parker indicated last month that he is open to the possibility. Given how much money is available now that Saudi Arabia has made itself the epicentre of boxing, it is little wonder nothing is off the table right now.

Prediction

This is an incredibly tough one to pick, given the two men’s wildly different styles and the obvious height difference. However, it id safe to say this will not be a brawl – at least for the first eight rounds because Fury and Usyk are simply too good to get drawn into anything that risky.

This will most likely go the distance, Fury has only ever been knocked down once in his career and Usyk has not had that happen at all as a professional. The evasive caginess of both men might make this a bit of a slow burn at first, but Fury’s fights generally pick up pace in the later rounds.

Full fight card

Main Event: Heavyweight: Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles

Cruiserweight: Jai Opetaia vs Mairis Briedis for the vacant IBF title

Super featherweight: Joe Cordina vs Anthony Cacace for the IBF title

Heavyweight: Frank Sanchez vs Agit Kabayel

Heavyweight: Moses Itauma vs Ilija Mezencev

Lightweight: Mark Chamberlain vs Joshua Wahab

Light heavyweight: Sergey Kovalev vs Robin Sirawn Safar

Light heavyweight: Daniel Lapin vs Octavio Pudivtr

Cruiserweight: David Nyika vs Michael Seitz

Featherweight: Isaac Lowe vs Hasibullah Ahmadi

Parliament suspends employee amid Police illicit drugs investigation in wake of king’s grave concerns  

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua has suspended an employee over serious allegations amid Police illicit drugs investigation.

Tonga Parliament. Photo/Fale Alea ‘o Tonga (Facebook)

It says the employee was suspended on Wednesday.

Specific details of the allegations were not given.

It said the Speaker and the Office of the Legislative Assembly are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

“It will not tolerate or condone any activities involving illicit drugs. The actions of this employee are not representative of the values of the Legislative Assembly and this Office”, a statement said.

“The Office of the Legislative Assembly will continue to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations.

“It is committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the public and will take all all-necessary steps to ensure that its employees conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values and principles of the Legislative Assembly as well to comply with the Laws of Tonga”.

The news came after His Majesty King Tupou VI expressed his grave concern at what appeared to be the government’s lack of social systems to combat the country’s drugs problem.

Yesterday the king mentioned in his speech delivered by Crown Prince Tupouto’a at the state opening of the 2024 session of the Legislative Assembly  that Police had previously seized over TOP$14 million worth of illicit drugs.

The king was concerned at the enormity of the drugs.

He was referring to reports in which a senior bank official at the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) and his sister were charged after being caught with 15 kilograms methamphetamine in February.

In that case, the Police seized 5.657kg of meth at their family residence at Kolofo’ou and a further 9.927kg at the official’s office at the NRBT.

The king said: “Despite the great work by Tonga Police and relevant stakeholders on fighting against illicit drugs, it is an immense concern that illicit drugs are being easily spread and reaching families and communities.”

He urged MPs to share his message with their constituents and see if they could come up with plans on how they are going to combat this huge challenge to the country.

New Caledonia’s Nouméa airport is closed until Tuesday, Air New Zealand says

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Air New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday, as civil unrest continues in the French territory.

File image. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

In a statement, Air NZ said the closure of the airport left it “with no option but to cancel our services on Saturday 18 May and Monday 20 May”.

“Even when the airport does reopen, Air New Zealand will only operate into Nouméa when we can be assured that the airport is safe and secure, and that there is a safe route for our ground staff and customers to reach the airport.

“We are in close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), who are providing us with updated information and guidance, as well as our codeshare partner Aircalin.

Once we are able to resume operations again, customers will be rebooked onto available services. We are also offering flexibility for customers to defer travel.”

Earlier today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters told Morning Report government officials had been working on an “hourly basis” to see what could be done to help New Zealanders wanting to leave.

That included the Airforce or using a commercial airline.

More than 200 New Zealanders were registered as being in the country, his advice to them was to stay in place and keep in contact.

Before the closure of the airport, Wellington researcher Barbara Graham – who has been in Nouméa for five weeks – said the main issue was “the road to the airport … and I understand it still impassable because of the danger there, the roadblocks and the violent groups of people”.

More to come…

Tongatapu man jailed after stealing building materials worth $19,000 from employer by falsifying documents

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Nukunuku man was sent to jail after forging delivery documents to obtain building materials worth of TOP $19,644.

‘Etuate Siaosi Katoa, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of falsification of account and one count of theft.  

Kātoa was working as a delivery driver for Anna’s Building Supplies at Kolofo’ou.

Court document showed that on or about September 16, 2023, he was at the business warehouse at Fangaloto loading building supplies to deliver them to a customer.

However, another employee by the name of Aveave Fonua discovered that the amount of hardie flex sheets loaded by Kātoa into the delivery truck was greater than the amount on the delivery book. When confronted Kātoa responded that they would unload the excess materials.

Aveave took Kātoa’s delivery book to double-check the records and in reviewing two delivery receipts, she discovered there was a discrepancy in the total amount compared to the quantity itemized on the delivery receipt.

Aveave took a photo of the pages and the receipts and reported the matter to the manager Tony Raj Kumar.

The Kumar and his partner Ruby then contacted Kātoa and asked him about the changes he made on the delivery book. Kātoa admitted to them and said he made the changes so that he could take the excess material to fix his house.

Kumar told Kātoa  to stay behind after work so they could talk, as they would be returning to Tonga on that same day. Kātoa left the office and did not contact the Kumar.

Kumar continued to review the sales receipts and delivery records which Kātoa was responsible for delivering. He discovered that this had occurred multiple times and had calculated the extra material which Kātoa has falsified in the delivery book and taken from the warehouse to a total amount of TOP$19, 644  for the months of August and September.

In August 2023, Kātoa falsified the business delivery book by inserting an additional number to the specified quantity or altering the number in the specified quantity, thereby increasing the quantity removed from the business warehouse from the actual quantity which was ordered and paid by the customers.

Kumar summarised the loss in August to a total of $11 , 689 pa’anga.

ln September 2023, Kātoa falsified the business delivery book again in the same manner.

Kumar summarised the loss in September to a total of TOP$7,955.

The total loss summarised by the manager came to a total of TOP$19,644.

On or about the last week of August, up to the first week of September, Kātoa and Kolio Puafisi made several deliveries of excess building supplies to ‘Unaloto Vea at Puke and there were several drop offs to a house in Tofoa.

On or about September 21, 2023, Kumar lodged a complaint to the police about the alleged falsification of the business delivery book by Kātoa.

On or about Friday,  September  21, 2023, at about 8pm the prisoner was arrested by Police and held in custody.

On or about September 26, 2023, police interviewed Kātoa in relation to the allegation against him. He was given his rights and he cooperated with the police by confessing to the offence.

On each count of falsification of accounts, and theft Justice Langi convicted and sentenced Kātoa to one year and six months imprisonment each to be served concurrently.

The last 15 months is suspended for a period of two years on the following conditions:

a. Mr. Katoa is not to commit any further offences punishable by imprisonment for a period of two years.

b. He is to contact the probation officer within 48 hours of being released from prison;

c. He is to complete the life skills program offered by the Probation office;

The accused is to serve a total of 3 months imprisonment.

Slovak PM Fico in life-threatening condition after being shot, government says

By
Kaniva Staff
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot and wounded in an attempted assassination on Wednesday, the government office said.

Slovak media said the shooter was a 71-year-old man but the motive was not immediately clear.

The incident shocked Slovakia, a small central European nation with little history of political violence. Slovakia’s partners in the European Union and NATO condemned the shooting.

Fico, 59, was rushed to hospital in the central Slovak town of Handlova where he had been chairing a government meeting. He was then transported by helicopter to regional capital Banska Bystrica for urgent treatment, it said, adding that his condition was too serious for him to be taken to Bratislava.

This image taken from video footage obtained by AFPTV shows security personnel carrying Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (C) towards a vehicle after he was shot in Handlova on May 15, 2024. Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico was battling life-threatening wounds after officials said he was shot multiple times in an assassination attempt condemned by European leaders. (Photo by RTVS / AFP)

This image taken from video footage obtained by AFPTV shows security personnel carrying Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, centre, towards a vehicle after he was shot. Photo: AFP

A Reuters witness heard three or four shots as Fico exited a building to shake hands with a crowd of people who had been waiting to greet him. Police then wrestled a man to the ground.

“An assassination (attempt) on Prime Minister Robert Fico was carried out today at the government’s off-site meeting in Handlova,” the government office said in a statement.

News outlet Aktuality.sk reported the shooter was a 71-year-old man and cited his son as saying his father was the legal holder of a gun licence. It did not name either of the men.

“I have absolutely no idea what my father intended, what he planned, what happened,” it quoted the shooter’s son as saying.

Broadcaster TA3 reported four shots had been fired, and that the leftist prime minister had been hit in the abdomen.

“I don’t think I will wake up from this,” Lubica Valkova, a 66-year-old resident told reporters. “This kind of thing just can’t happen in Slovakia.”

Veteran leader

Fico, who returned as prime minister last October for the fourth time, has drawn criticism in some quarters for taking a more pro-Russian stance in the Ukraine war and initiating reforms of criminal law and the media which have raised concerns over the rule of law and prompted street protests.

(FILES) Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico speaks during a press conference with the German Chancellor at the Chancellery in Berlin on January 24, 2024. Slovakia's PM has been shot on May 15, 2024, after a government meeting and taken to hospital: according to local media reports. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico. Photo: AFP

Following the shooting, Slovakia’s biggest opposition party Progressive Slovakia called off a planned protest against government public broadcaster reforms set for Wednesday evening.

“We call on all politicians to refrain from any expressions and steps that could contribute to an escalation of tension,” said Michal Simecka, leader of Progressive Slovakia, a liberal pro-Western party.

Slovakia’s acting speaker of parliament Peter Ziga condemned the shooting as an attack on the principle of democracy.

“Such a horrible act has never happened in Slovak history. I consider it to be the result of whipped-up passions and the division of Slovak society into two irreconcilable camps,” he said.

Under Slovak law, a deputy prime minister will replace Fico while he is incapacitated.

During a three-decade career, Fico has moved between the pro-European mainstream and nationalistic positions opposed to EU and US policies. He has also shown a willingness to change course depending on public opinion or changed political realities.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen led international condemnation of the attack.

“Such acts of violence have no place in our society and undermine democracy, our most precious common good. My thoughts are with PM Fico, his family,” she said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock on X, adding: “News of the cowardly assassination attempt on Slovakian Prime Minister Fico shocks me deeply. Violence must have no place in European politics.”

Slovak President Zuzana Caputova wrote on X: “Utterly shocked by today’s brutal attack on #Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, which I condemn in strongest possible terms.

“I wish him lot of strength in this critical moment and early recovery.”

President-elect Peter Pellegrini cut short a foreign trip and is returning to Slovakia, a spokesperson for his HLAS party said.

This story appeared on rnz.co.nz

No foul play suspected after man’s body found on Tongatapu roadside, police say

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police said there were no signs of foul play after a body was found face down on the side of the road in Tongatapu’s Tokomololo village during the early hours of May 5.

As Kaniva News reported recently, 50-year-old Kepueli ‘Ahome’e’s body was discovered by a passer-by.

Photos and streamed videos taken at the scene were shared on social media.

Police reportedly said that there was no indication of foul play.

It is understood a post-mortem examination was cancelled after recommendation by the Minister of Health due to ‘Ahome’e’s known health conditions.

Meanwhile, ‘Ahome’e is being remembered as a “friend to many”.

“It is with deep sadness we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our  brother, father, uncle and friend to many,” a tribute on Facebook said.  

Another tribute described him as “tangata angalelei koe mo fklogologo”.

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