Moscow court slaps Google with $20 decillion fine over Russian channel block on YouTube
Moscow: A Moscow court has issued an unprecedented $20 decillion fine against Google, following its block on Russian state-affiliated channels like Tsargrad TV on platforms including YouTube. The amount, a figure surpassing the global GDP, has drawn worldwide attention as it highlights ongoing tensions over content censorship.
This legal dispute began when Google blocked Tsargrad TV, a pro-government channel, four years ago, later extending restrictions to other Russian state-linked media. Russia’s invocation of Article 13.41 of its Administrative Offences Code, which prohibits unauthorised restrictions on legal content, led to the court-imposed penalty of 100,000 roubles per day, doubling every 24 hours that Google did not comply. The fine eventually ballooned to 2 undecillion roubles, equivalent to $20 decillion.
In response, Google halted operations in Russia, declaring bankruptcy amid unmanageable legal demands. Following this, Russian authorities seized $100 million in assets from the company, reportedly allocating the funds to military support.
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Woman, four daughters killed in Lucknow hotel laid to rest in Sambhal
Sambhal (UP) (PTI): The Agra woman and her four daughters who were allegedly killed by her son in a Lucknow hotel were buried in Sambhal on Friday in front of her grieving family.
The bodies were brought to Sambhal early on Friday.
Mohammad Arshad allegedly killed his mother Asma and sisters Alia (9), Aksa (16), Rahmeen (18) and Alshia (19) in a Lucknow hotel room on Wednesday, according to police.
He then shot a video in which he confessed to slitting the wrists and throats of his sisters and mother. In the 6.5-minute selfie video, Arshad further claimed his father was also involved in the killings.
The family members of Asma, who hailed from Sambhal, demanded the death penalty for Arshad.
Asma's brother Mohammad Zeeshan said, "I received a phone call from Lucknow that day. I spoke with Arshad. He said, 'Uncle I have killed the whole family,' after which the police took away the phone."
"I last spoke to my sister almost four months ago. She was very simple and loving. I want Arshad to get the harshest punishment, he should be hanged," he said.
He also demanded that Arshad's father be arrested immediately.
Arshad, who was arrested shortly after the murders, was on Thursday sent to judicial custody.
Arshad's family lived in Agra and preliminary inquiry has revealed that he took the step because of domestic disputes.
In the video, Arshad claimed that he took the extreme step due to harassment and oppression by the residents of his locality.
