Members of the US House panel investing the January 6 attack on the Capitol voted to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Reuters
Members of the US House panel investing the January 6 attack on the Capitol voted to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Reuters
Members of the US House panel investing the January 6 attack on the Capitol voted to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Reuters
Members of the US House panel investing the January 6 attack on the Capitol voted to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Reuters

January 6 committee recommends contempt charges against Mark Meadows


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The US House panel investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection has voted to recommend contempt charges against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows as lawmakers revealed a series of frantic texts he received as the attack was underway.

The texts, provided by Mr Meadows before he ceased co-operating with the committee, revealed that members of Congress, Fox News anchors and even former president Donald Trump’s own son were urging Mr Meadows to push the president to act quickly to stop the siege by his supporters.

The House is expected to vote on Tuesday to refer the charges to the US Justice Department, which will decide whether to prosecute him.

“We need an Oval address," Donald Trump Jr texted Mr Meadows as his father's supporters were breaking into the Capitol, sending lawmakers running for their lives and interrupting the certification of President Joe Biden's victory.

"He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand.”

Trump Jr. added, "He’s got to condemn this [expletive] ASAP."

The vote comes as the panel has already interviewed more than 300 witnesses, and subpoenaed more than 40 people, as it seeks to create the most comprehensive record yet of the lead-up to the insurrection and of the violent siege itself.

Mr Meadows last week stopped co-operating with the House panel because it had no "intention of respecting boundaries" concerning questions that Mr Trump has claimed are prohibited because of executive privilege, according to his lawyer.

The former Trump ally has also sued the committee over its "unduly burdensome" summons.

  • An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of former president Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, US, January 6, 2021. Reuters
    An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of former president Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, US, January 6, 2021. Reuters
  • A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after supporters of US President Donald J. Trump breached the US Capitol security in Washington. EPA
    A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump sits on the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after supporters of US President Donald J. Trump breached the US Capitol security in Washington. EPA
  • Police detain a person as supporters of US President Donald Trump protest outside the US Capitol. AFP
    Police detain a person as supporters of US President Donald Trump protest outside the US Capitol. AFP
  • Protesters enter the US Capitol Building. AFP
    Protesters enter the US Capitol Building. AFP
  • A protester holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber. AFP
    A protester holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber. AFP
  • US Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
    US Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
  • Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
    Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
  • Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol. AFP
    Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol. AFP
  • Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol. AFP
    Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol. AFP
  • Congress staffers hold up their hands while Capitol Police Swat teams check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump supporters. AFP
    Congress staffers hold up their hands while Capitol Police Swat teams check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump supporters. AFP
  • US Capitol Police stand detain protesters outside of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
    US Capitol Police stand detain protesters outside of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress. AFP
  • A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits at a desk after invading the Capitol Building. AFP
    A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits at a desk after invading the Capitol Building. AFP
  • A protester sits in the Senate Chamber. AFP
    A protester sits in the Senate Chamber. AFP
  • Pro-Trump protesters tear down a barricade as they clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the US Congress. Reuters
    Pro-Trump protesters tear down a barricade as they clash with Capitol police during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the US Congress. Reuters
  • Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda. AFP
    Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda. AFP
  • Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda. AFP
    Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda. AFP
  • A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber. AFP
    A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber. AFP
  • Riot police prepare to move demonstrators away from the US Capitol. AFP
    Riot police prepare to move demonstrators away from the US Capitol. AFP
  • Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol. AFP
    Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol. AFP
  • Trump supporters clash with police and security forces, as they storm the US Capitol. AFP
    Trump supporters clash with police and security forces, as they storm the US Capitol. AFP
  • A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask as he protests after storming the US Capitol. AFP
    A supporter of US President Donald Trump wears a gas mask as he protests after storming the US Capitol. AFP
  • Pro-Trump supporters storm the US Capitol following a rally. AFP
    Pro-Trump supporters storm the US Capitol following a rally. AFP
  • Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol. AFP
    Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol. AFP
  • US President Donald Trump is seen on TV from a video message released on Twitter addressing rioters at the US Capitol, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
    US President Donald Trump is seen on TV from a video message released on Twitter addressing rioters at the US Capitol, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
  • Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol in Washington, DC. AFP
    Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol in Washington, DC. AFP
  • Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda. AFP
    Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda. AFP
  • Paramedics perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient. AFP
    Paramedics perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient. AFP
  • A wounded protester is carried on barricade as demonstrators breach the US Capital building grounds. Bloomberg
    A wounded protester is carried on barricade as demonstrators breach the US Capital building grounds. Bloomberg
  • US Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi preside over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 Electoral College results after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol earlier in the day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. EPA
    US Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi preside over a joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 Electoral College results after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol earlier in the day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. EPA
  • Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of the morning, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington. AP
    Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of the morning, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington. AP

On Monday, Ms Cheney read the texts from Mr Trump Jr and a series of Fox News hosts as those in Mr Trump’s inner circle attempted to reach the president through his chief of staff, imploring him to take action against the violence that was taking place outside and inside the Capitol.

“Hey Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home ... this is hurting all of us ... he is destroying his legacy,” Fox News host Laura Ingraham texted Meadows, according to the committee.

In response to one text from Mr Trump Jr, Mr Meadows texted: “I’m pushing it hard. I agree.”

Ms Cheney also detailed texts that she said were from members of Congress and others in the Capitol.

“Hey, Mark, protestors are literally storming the Capitol,” read one text. "Breaking windows on doors. Rushing in. Is Trump going to say something?”

Another appeared to come from a member in the House chamber. “There’s an armed standoff at the House Chamber door,” the text read, according to the panel.

If Mr Meadows had appeared for his deposition, lawmakers had planned to ask him about Trump’s efforts to overturn the election in the weeks before the insurrection, including his outreach to states and his communications with members of Congress.

Committee members also said they wanted to ask Mr Meadows about his text messages from members of Congress - who were not named - discussing ways to avoiding certifying the election result.

Mr Meadows could become the third associate of the former Republican president to face a criminal contempt of Congress charge.

The Justice Department, at the House's request, has already brought similar charges against Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon. The House is also considering similar action against former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark.

Agencies contributed to this report

The bio

His favourite book - 1984 by George Orwell

His favourite quote - 'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' by Derek Bok, Former President of Harvard

Favourite place to travel to - Peloponnese, Southern Greece

Favourite movie - The Last Emperor

Favourite personality from history - Alexander the Great

Role Model - My father, Yiannis Davos

 

 

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

SRI LANKA SQUAD

Upul Tharanga (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella
Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana
Chamara Kapugedara, Thisara Perera, Seekuge Prasanna
Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera
Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay

Company profile

Name: Tharb

Started: December 2016

Founder: Eisa Alsubousi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Luxury leather goods

Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings

 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlanRadar%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2013%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIbrahim%20Imam%2C%20Sander%20van%20de%20Rijdt%2C%20Constantin%20K%C3%B6ck%2C%20Clemens%20Hammerl%2C%20Domagoj%20Dolinsek%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVienna%2C%20Austria%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EConstruction%20and%20real%20estate%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E400%2B%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20B%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Headline%2C%20Berliner%20Volksbank%20Ventures%2C%20aws%20Gr%C3%BCnderfonds%2C%20Cavalry%20Ventures%2C%20Proptech1%2C%20Russmedia%2C%20GR%20Capital%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize

This year’s winners of the US$4 million Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize will be recognised and rewarded in Abu Dhabi on January 15 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week, which runs in the capital from January 13 to 20.

From solutions to life-changing technologies, the aim is to discover innovative breakthroughs to create a new and sustainable energy future.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

The Gandhi Murder
  • 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
  • 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eamana%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2010%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Karim%20Farra%20and%20Ziad%20Aboujeb%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EUAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERegulator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDFSA%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinancial%20services%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E85%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESelf-funded%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

Ultra processed foods

- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns 

- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;

- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces

- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,

- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.

'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap​​​​​​​
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal​​​​​​​
Rating: 3.5/5

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Updated: December 14, 2021, 3:09 PM