Allison Mack released on bond in sex cult case

Actress Allison Mack walked out of Brooklyn federal court after posting a $5 million (Dh18 million) bond and agreeing to stay under house arrest in California.
Lawyers for the Smallville actress-turned-alleged-cult leader have been in plea talks on the sex-trafficking and forced labour conspiracy charges against her.
Both sides agreed to allow Mack, 35, to be released while awaiting trial, and a judge then officially approved the deal, reports pagesix.com.
As part of the agreement, Mack has to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and not have contact with the cult's other members, who reportedly include Seagram's liquor heiress Clare Bronfman and India Oxenberg, the daughter of Dynasty star Catherine Oxenberg.
"Basically, avoid contact with anyone you know associated in any way with NXIVM. Do you understand?" Judge Viktor Pohorelsky asked Mack on Tuesday. "Yes, your honour," Mack responded.
Mack's whereabouts will be monitored by California officials while she stays in her parents' Los Alamitos, California, home awaiting her next hearing, officials said.
She will only be allowed leave the house for pre-approved activities, including travelling to Manhattan to meet her lawyers or Brooklyn for court appearances. Pohorelsky also forbade her from using the internet without approval.
Mack did not respond to reporters' questions as she walked out of court on Tuesday evening.
Mack's mother Melinda secured the $5 million bond using Mack's house in upstate Clifton Park, the family's Los Alamitos home and a retirement account, authorities said.
Mack and NXIVM leader Keith Raniere kept women as "slaves", prosecutors say.
Raniere was arrested in March, and Mack was arrested last week. Both have pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking. Mack's next court date is May 3.

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More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
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UAE results
Beat China by 16 runs
Lost to Thailand by 10 wickets
Beat Nepal by five runs
Beat Hong Kong by eight wickets
Beat Malaysia by 34 runs

Standings (P, W, l, NR, points)

1. Thailand 5 4 0 1 9
2. UAE 5 4 1 0 8
3. Nepal 5 2 1 2 6
4. Hong Kong 5 2 2 1 5
5. Malaysia 5 1 4 0 2
6. China 5 0 5 0 0

Final
Thailand v UAE, Monday, 7am

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Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.

In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.