Alexander Mashinsky , 58, of Manhattan, entered the plea in New York federal court to commodities and securities fraud. He admitted illegally manipulating the price of Celsius’s proprietary crypto token while secretly selling his own tokens at inflated prices to pocket about $48 million before Celsius collapsed into bankruptcy in 2022. In court, he admitted that in 2021 he publicly suggested there was regulatory consent for the company's moves because he knew that customers “would find false comfort” with that. And he said that in 2019, he was selling the crypto tokens even though he told the public that he was not. He said he knew customers would draw false comfort from that too. “I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Mashinsky said of crimes that stretched from 2018 to 2022 as the company pitched itself to customers as a modern-day bank where they could safely deposit crypto assets and earn interest. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a release that Mashinsky “orchestrated one of the biggest frauds in the crypto industry” as his company's assets purportedly grew to about $25 billion at its peak, making it one of the largest crypto platforms in the world. He said Mashinsky used catchy slogans like “Unbank Yourself” to entice prospective customers with a pledge that their money would be as safe in crypto accounts as money would be in a bank. Meanwhile, prosecutors said, Mashinsky and co-conspirators used customer deposits to fund market purchases of the Celsius token to prop up its value. Machinsky made tens of millions of dollars selling his own CEL tokens at artificially high prices, leaving his customers “holding the bag when the company went bankrupt,” Williams said. An indictment alleged that Mashinsky promoted Celsius through media interviews, his social media accounts and Celsius’ website, along with a weekly “Ask Mashinsky Anything” session broadcast that was posted to Celsius’ website and a YouTube channel. Celsius employees from multiple departments who noticed false and misleading statements in the sessions warned Mashinsky, but they were ignored, the indictment said. A plea agreement Mashinsky made with prosecutors calls for him to be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison and to forfeit over $48 million, which is the amount of money he allegedly made by selling his company's token. Sentencing was scheduled for April 8.America’s trade deficit dipped in October from the previous month, with imports and exports falling more than usual, according to recent government data. The big dip in imports came after buyers increased their purchases in September, according to a Dec. 5 post from accounting company KPMG. “Manufacturers and retailers were stocking up to hedge against the threat of a port strike on the East Coast and to avoid another round of tariffs levied on China,” KPMG stated. The decline of four percent was also the fourth largest drop in imports since the end of the 2007–08 Great Financial Crisis, according to KPMG. Major import declines were seen in goods like computers, semiconductors, crude oil, pharmaceutical preparations, and automotive vehicles, parts, and engines. Meanwhile, the 1.6 percent dip in exports was the “largest decline in eight months,” KPMG said. “Soft growth among the main U.S. trading partners and the strong dollar are to blame.” Goods like computer accessories, passenger cars, industrial supplies and materials, consumer goods, and trucks, buses, and special-purpose vehicles saw a dip in exports. Overall, the $73.8 billion trade deficit was higher than expected, the accounting company said. “The trade deficit with the European Union improved by $6.7 billion, far and away the biggest advance since the data has been collected and due almost entirely to fewer imports. The deficit with China fell following last month’s scramble to avoid new tariffs,” it noted. It pointed out that America’s trade deficit has been widening over the past several years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also vowed to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports, over and above other tariffs, citing the failure of the communist regime to tackle fentanyl flows into the United States. Some have warned against imposing such measures. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently said during a press conference that the president-elect’s proposed tariffs would lead to prices of food, gas, oil, and other commodities rising. “This is a regressive tax that will have a profound impact on progress and momentum that we’re starting to enjoy,” Newsom said. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman, dismissed such concerns. “In his first term, President Trump instituted tariffs against China that created jobs, spurred investment, and resulted in no inflation,” she said to The Epoch Times. While the trade deficit affects several sectors, agriculture is a key issue. In March, a group of Senate Republicans asked the federal government to tackle the agricultural trade deficit America is facing. “This decline is unsustainable, and we urge the Biden administration to immediately take action to improve the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products abroad and reverse this trend.”vo casino 。

NORAD’s Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kidsIs Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughing

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump called his meeting with Justin Trudeau productive and said the prime minister made a commitment to work with the United States to end the drug crisis amid the threat of stiff tariffs. "We discussed many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address, like the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration, Fair Trade Deals that do not jeopardize American Workers, and the massive Trade Deficit the U.S. has with Canada," Trump said in a post on Truth Social Saturday. Trudeau flew to Florida Friday evening to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump's transition team is based. The in-person meeting came at the end of a rocky week in which Trump threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, unless the two countries stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. Trudeau thanked Trump for the dinner in a post on social media on Saturday. "I look forward to the work we can do together, again," Trudeau said in the post that included a picture of the two leaders sitting at a table and smiling together. Trump said he and Trudeau discussed the drug crisis and the president-elect made it "very clear that the United States will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims" of the drug epidemic, which he attributed to cartels and fentanyl coming from China. "Prime Minister Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families," Trump posted. Trump's post did not directly mention tariffs and it's unclear whether the prime minister's visit has alleviated his concerns about the border. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the leaders "shared a productive wide-ranging discussion" centred on collaboration and strengthening the bilateral relationship. "As Canada's closest friend and ally, the United States is our key partner, and we are committed to working together in the interests of Canadians and Americans," the statement said. Trudeau had a notably rocky relationship with the Republican leader during the first Trump administration. However, the prime minister was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. Trudeau's invitation to Mar-a-Lago says a lot about the working relationship, a senior government source said, speaking on background. The dinner lasted more than three hours. Sources said Trudeau and Trump discussed trade, border security, Ukraine, NATO, icebreakers, the Middle East and the Group of Seven meeting in Alberta next year. They also talked about energy projects, including the Keystone Pipeline, Line 5, Trans Mountain Pipeline, and other topics related to liquefied natural gas. It was described as a friendly and welcoming dinner. Trump's social media post about the meeting with Trudeau appeared much more collaborative in tone than his response to a phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier this week after which he claimed a tariff victory. Trump wrote Wednesday that Sheinbaum had agreed to stop unauthorized migration across the border into the United States, "effectively closing our Southern Border." The Mexican president said that it was an "excellent" conversation but countered that her country was already doing its part. "We reiterate that Mexico's position is not to close borders but to build bridges between governments and between peoples," Sheinbaum said. Trump's return to the White House has brought concern to America's closest neighbours. He has long used the threat of import taxes to pressure other countries to do his bidding, saying last summer that "the most beautiful word in the dictionary is 'tariff.'" The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is up for review in 2026 and experts suspect this week's tariff announcement is a negotiating tactic. Canadian premiers have been calling on Trudeau to be more proactive in his approach to the incoming Trump administration. More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the United States and provincial leaders have said Trump's duties would be devastating. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was glad Trudeau met Trump to learn more about the president-elect's concerns. But Ottawa has to show the premiers a plan to make the border more secure to avoid "disastrous tariffs," Ford said in a statement on social media. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she believed Trump and Trudeau had a constructive conversation. Speaking on her provincewide call-in radio shown Saturday, Smith said it was notable the conversation included the energy sector. Canada is the largest source of U.S. energy imports, and almost all Canadian crude oil exports went to its neighbour in 2023. The Alberta premier said it's critical to demonstrate how Canada's energy aligns with American's domestic and international interest. "Our strategy is this: let's talk to the Americans about the things we know they need and use that as a leverage point to make sure that we have zero tariffs on all goods," Smith said. — With files from Kyle Duggan in Ottawa, Rob Drinkwater in Edmonton and The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 30, 2024. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian PressLignocellulosic Market Size, Driving Factors, Competitive Landscape And Forecast To 2034-2031 | 12-22-2024 12:00 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Coherent Market Insights Lignocellulosic Market This report on the Lignocellulosic market offers an comprehensive analysis of the current trends, market size, and projections up to 2031. Combining qualitative and quantitative insights, the report covers key trends, challenges, opportunities, market size, growth forecasts, and recent developments. It also evaluates government policies, market dynamics, cost structures, and the competitive landscape, while highlighting emerging advancements and future growth potential. The report further highlights year-over-year growth rates and calculates the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), offering insight into market performance and future projections. Several analytical frameworks, such as Porter's Five Forces, PESTLE, and Value Chain Analysis offer a holistic view of the market, enabling businesses to navigate both current challenges and future opportunities. Ultimately, This research offers valuable guidance for both industry leaders and newcomers navigating market shifts and upcoming trends. 👉 Purchase This Premium Report Upto 45% Discount at: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/promo/buynow/90055 🎯 Scope of Lignocellulosic Market Report: This report provides a detailed analysis of the Lignocellulosic market, covering historical data, current trends, and future projections. It explores key market drivers, challenges, and technological advancements that will shape the market's growth. The competitive landscape is analyzed, highlighting major players, innovators, and emerging startups. Regional insights are provided to offer a breakdown of market performance across key geographic areas. Through a combination of primary and secondary research, the report presents a balanced view of the market, considering both opportunities and challenges. Key factors such as government policies, economic influences, and R&D advancements are also examined to give a clear picture of the market's future potential. 🔑 Highlights and Key Insights of the Report: • Overview of Key Insights and Findings • Market Size and Future Growth Forecasts • Key Trends Shaping the Lignocellulosic Market • Analysis of Key Market Competitors • Understanding Customer Segments and Behavior • Factors Driving and Restricting Market Growth • SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats • Identifying Growth Opportunities in the Lignocellulosic Market • Strategic Insights for Market Growth 🔍 Detailed Research Methods and Market Insights of Lignocellulosic Market Report : The research employs a systematic approach and various techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data, addressing specific research questions. It includes detailed figures, tables, and charts to support analysis, while examining industry value chains, trade patterns, and relevant regulations. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of competitors and market share information, helping stakeholders identify opportunities to outperform their competition. It also examines trade patterns, the industry value chain, recent news, and relevant policies and regulations. Additionally, the report provides customized solutions tailored to specific needs, and for any inquiries or customization requests, please feel free to contact us. 📍 By Regions and Countries ◘ North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) ◘ Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe) ◘ Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of APAC) ◘ South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA) ◘ Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Africa, Rest of MEA) ✅ Purchase This Research Report and Get 45% Discount with our limited-time offer! https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/promo/buynow/90055 The report highlights key players and their competitive strategies, as well as emerging growth opportunities. It analyzes consumer behavior and preferences that influence market dynamics. The research incorporates quantitative methods to collect and analyze numerical data while also utilizing qualitative techniques-such as focus groups, observations, and interviews-to gain insights into subjective experiences and perspectives. All data and information are sourced from credible references to ensure an accurate and reliable market analysis, supporting the forecast of market size and growth potential for the period of 2024 to 2031. Additionally, the report examines regulatory factors and technological advancements that impact the market. Overall, this report serves as a valuable resource for those looking to make informed business decisions. 📌 Reasons to Purchase this Report: • Market Size Analysis: Analyze the Lignocellulosic Market size by key regions, countries, product types, and applications. • Market Segmentation Analysis: Identify various subsegments within the Lignocellulosic Market for effective categorization. • Key Player Focus: Focus on key players to define their market value, share, and competitive landscape. • SWOT Analysis: Conduct SWOT analyses of key players to assess their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. • Development Plans: Review the development plans of key players for future strategic directions. • Growth Trends Analysis: Examine individual growth trends and future prospects in the Lignocellulosic Market. • Market Contribution: Evaluate contributions of different segments to the overall Lignocellulosic Market growth. • Growth Influencers: Detail key factors influencing market growth, including opportunities and drivers. • Industry Challenges: Discuss challenges and risks affecting the Lignocellulosic Market. • Competitive Developments: Analyze competitive developments, such as expansions, agreements, and new product launches in the market. ✅ Purchase This Premium Report Upto 45% Discount at: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/promo/buynow/90055 💬 Important Issues Resolved in the Report ◘ What is the projected market size and forecast for the years 2024 to 2031 for Lignocellulosic Market? ◘ What opportunities and challenges exist for new entrants in the Lignocellulosic market? ◘ What is the forecasted CAGR for the Lignocellulosic market covering the years 2024 to 2031? ◘ What emerging trends are influencing the Lignocellulosic market? ◘ Which region is estimated to hold the highest share of the market? ◘ What is the key factor driving the market? ◘ What are the main market segments, and how are they performing? ⏩ Author of this marketing PR: Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate PR writer with over three years of expertise in content writing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes writing contents and documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. ☎️ Contact Us: 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 400, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States United States of America: +1-206-701-6702 United Kingdom: +44-020-8133-4027 Australia: +61-2-4786-0457 India: +91-848-285-0837 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com ⏩ About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. We are known for our actionable insights and authentic reports in various domains including aerospace and defense, agriculture, food and beverages, automotive, chemicals and materials, and virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. We create value for clients through our highly reliable and accurate reports. We are also committed in playing a leading role in offering insights in various sectors post-COVID-19 and continue to deliver measurable, sustainable results for our clients. This release was published on openPR.London - The third season of HBO’s hit TV series “The White Lotus” will premiere in February, followed months later by the second instalment of “The Last of Us”, Warner Bros. Discovery said Thursday. Unveiling its upcoming global programming slate, HBO and Max streaming service CEO Casey Bloys also confirmed the much-anticipated “Game of Thrones” prequel “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is set for release later next year. Beyond that, the first “Harry Potter” television series -- announced last year and currently in casting -- is scheduled to start filming in mid-2025 at Warner Bros.’s Leavesden studios in the UK, Bloys said. With the mega-selling books author JK Rowling among its executive producers, it is envisaged as “a decade-long series” featuring a new cast from the films. “Succession” director and executive producer Mark Mylod revealed at the London announcement event that the casting team were currently reviewing 32,000 submissions for kids’ roles. “We will watch every one,” Mylod said, adding the team were currently reviewing between 500 and 1,000 tapes daily. They then hope to “workshop with some of our shortlisted candidates” in January. He noted they took following the “extraordinary actors” from the films “incredibly seriously”. “But we do follow the ethos of the films in searching out the cream of British acting talent, not necessarily the biggest stars,” he added. Artists abandon Abidjan for Ivory Coast beachside haven Rowling has faced accusations of transphobia in recent years for putting an emphasis on biological sex over gender identity in comments about trans women. She denies the accusation. Asked if he was worried her involvement in the production could prove problematic, Bloys said he was “not concerned”. Tags: white lotus season

Bitcoin’s recent drop to $80,000 has caught many by surprise. This unexpected shift in the market presents a unique chance to explore other promising cryptocurrencies. In the midst of this volatility, five digital coins stand out as must-haves. Delving into these options could unveil significant opportunities for savvy investors looking beyond Bitcoin. DOGEN: The First Memetoken for Alpha Males Who Demand the Best Unleash your inner alpha with DOGEN, the meme token built for those who want to live a beautiful life. DOGEN is the alpha dog that never misses a chance to win big . This is the token for winners who won’t settle for anything less. Think luxury cars, stacks of cash, and beautiful women — that’s the Alpha DOGEN lifestyle! Ready to live like an Alpha DOGEN and enjoy the finer things in life? It’s on the runway, gearing up for a 700% takeoff by the end of the presale — and that’s just the start. With DOGEN, you’re looking at potential thousand-fold returns as memetokens lead the hottest trend of this altcoin season. The earlier you jump in, the more you win! It’s a deal that others will envy, and you’ll be at the top of the pack. DOGEN is the new doggie on the Solana memetokens ground alongside BONK, WIF, and Popcat known for their astonishing 1000% growth . Currently undervalued, DOGEN is poised to take this crypto narrative to the next level, potentially breaking records in this bull run. DOGEN isn’t just a short-lived hype; it’s a growing movement . The team behind DOGEN is laser-focused on building a thriving community of alpha leaders who refuse to settle for less and are geared up to dominate the market. This token offers real value , from exciting campaigns to exclusive perks for early adopters. DOGEN is an opportunity to be part of something that lasts. DOGEN’s multi-level referral program is as fierce as it gets: You’ll score 7% from every token your direct bros (1st level) buy using your referral code. Plus, there are more rewards down the line — you can grow your profits as your referrals bring in even more users. Hold DOGEN and let others envy you! Join the Dogen Army today and conquer the crypto world! Dogecoin: The Memecoin Turned Top Cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) is a cryptocurrency that began in 2013 as a fun alternative to traditional coins, using a Shiba Inu dog as its logo. Unlike Bitcoin, which has a limited supply, Dogecoin has no maximum cap and adds 10,000 new coins every minute. Initially seen as a joke, its value soared in 2021, breaking into the top ten cryptocurrencies with a market value over $50 billion. This rise was fueled by social media and support from figures like Elon Musk. Dogecoin’s strong community and broad appeal show its potential. In the current market cycle, it remains a significant player, and its active community might attract those interested in cryptocurrency. NEAR Protocol: A Scalable Platform for Decentralized Applications NEAR Protocol is a blockchain platform designed to support the creation and deployment of decentralized applications. By utilizing sharding through its Nightshade technology, it achieves scalability and efficiency, allowing the network to handle more transactions with lower fees. Founded by Alex Skidanov and Illia Polosukhin, NEAR has attracted significant investment, raising over $20 million from major venture firms. Features like the Rainbow Bridge enable seamless token transfers with Ethereum, and Aurora provides a Layer 2 solution that leverages Ethereum’s tools for better performance and reduced costs. The coin’s focus on scalability and developer support positions it well in the current market, making it an attractive option for those interested in decentralized application platforms. Jupiter (JUP): Leading DeFi Platform on Solana with Expanding Features Jupiter (JUP) is a prominent platform in Decentralised Finance on the Solana blockchain. It is the most popular DEX aggregator globally, pooling resources to enable efficient token swaps, futures trading, and decentralised stablecoin management. Originally focused on liquidity aggregation for token swaps, Jupiter has expanded to include perpetual futures similar to GMX. It is also launching its own decentralised stablecoin to reduce custodial and regulatory risks. Jupiter’s growth and innovations suggest strong potential in the DeFi space. In the current market cycle, its expanding services and position on Solana may make it an attractive option for users interested in decentralised finance. OM: MANTRA – A Security-Focused Blockchain for Regulatory Compliance OM: MANTRA is a security-first Layer 1 blockchain designed to meet real-world regulatory requirements. Built with the Cosmos SDK, it is compatible with the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol and supports CosmWasm smart contracts. Secured by a sovereign Proof-of-Stake validator set, it can scale up to 10,000 transactions per second. The platform offers built-in modules, SDKs, and APIs to create, trade, and manage regulatory-compliant real-world assets. With an improved user experience, it aims to onboard non-native users and institutions to Web3. OM: MANTRA provides a permissionless blockchain for permissioned applications, positioning itself as a platform for institutions and developers seeking compliance and scalability. In the current market, its focus on regulatory adherence may offer significant potential. Conclusion While DOGE, NEAR, JUP, and OM may have less short-term potential, DOGEN stands out. Designed for those seeking luxury and success, DOGEN expects 700% growth by the end of the presale, with the potential for thousand-fold returns. It follows in the footsteps of successful tokens like BONK and WIF, building a community of alpha leaders and offering real benefits to early adopters. Site: Dogen crypto Twitter: https://x.com/dogenmeme Telegram: https://t.me/Dogen_PortalPolice in Georgia on Saturday fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse pro-EU protesters rallying for a ninth consecutive day against the prime minister's decision to shelve talks on joining the bloc. The Caucasus nation has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia rallied Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement Friday. On Saturday, riot police moved in with water cannon to disperse the rally outside the parliament building, making arrests as the crowd retreated a few metres (yards), an AFP reporter witnessed. Tear gas was later deployed and groups of protesters reportedly spread across the city, blocking traffic along the capital's key thoroughfare. Georgia's rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, said police "had no legal grounds for the dispersal of peaceful rally." He called on the interior ministry "to immediately halt the dispersal of the protest, cease the detention of participants, and refrain from using special measures, ensuring that protesters can continue their demonstration peacefully." Thousands blocked the street outside parliament on Friday, with some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. "People will continue the protest," said one demonstrator, 23-year-old Giorgi, wearing a Georgian flag and a back scarf pulled over his nose. "They're patient, I will be here for the rest of my life if it is necessary to save my country." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's public broadcaster -- accused of being a government propaganda tool -- as well as the education ministry and the country's tourism administration offices. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. On Friday, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Zviad Tsetskhladze told the judge "the rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." The prime minister on Friday praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely," Kobakhidze said. With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants." Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Rights ombudsman Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/rsc