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Feb 24 (Reuters) - A little over 540 prisoners ‌have been freed ‌in Venezuela since January 8, ​Alfredo Romero, the director of legal rights NGO Foro Penal, said on ‌Tuesday.

FILE PHOTO: Relatives of detainees and activist speak to the media in Caracas

• Of ⁠the 545 political prisoners released since ⁠January, 91 were freed since an amnesty law ​passed on ​February ​20, Romero ‌said on X.

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• The government claims nearly 2,200 people have been released from Venezuelan jails or ‌had other legal ​restrictions withdrawn ​since ​the start of ‌the new amnesty law.

• ​International ​observers have remained skeptical, citing lack of ​transparency ‌and due process in ​the release process.

(Reporting by ​Reuters staff;)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A group of 11 South African men allegedlylured tofight alongside Russian soldiers in the war against Ukraine are expected to return home soon, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

It will bring to 15 the number of South African nationals to have returned after four men arrived in Johannesburg last week following months fighting on the front lines in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

They were allegedly deceived into traveling to Russia under the pretense that they would receive security training.

Two other South Africans remain in Russia, with one in hospital and the other being processed before planned travel home, according to Ramaphosa, who said the repatriations have been facilitated through diplomatic channels following a commitment by Russia's President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

"The South African government working closely with the Russian government has secured a safe return of the men. The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing," Ramaphosa said in a statement.

At least three people are being investigated in connection with the men's recruitment to Russia, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.

She has denied any wrongdoing butresigned as a lawmakerin South Africa's parliament following the claims.

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South Africa's government said in December that it had received distress calls from the men who said they were trapped in Ukraine's war-torn eastern Donbas region.

The men, all aged between 20 and 39, had joined mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts, the government said.

Their travel to Russia appears consistent with otherreports of African menwho have been recruited to fight in the war against Ukraine, including over 1,000 from Kenya, according to an intelligence report presented to the Kenyan parliament last week.

Dozens of Kenyan families have in recent weeks urged the government to bring back loved ones stranded in Russia, with some allegedly forced to fight on the front lines and others held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

Thulani Mahlangu, a spokesperson and relative of one of the four South Africans who arrived from Russia last week, told The Associated Press that the men had now been released to their homes after questioning by police.

South African citizens are prohibited to fight in foreign armed conflicts without official authorization from the government.

"They were questioned for quite sometime when they arrived here in South Africa because there is still an investigation about how the ended up in Russia. But they were released after talking to the police," said Mahlangu.

By Andrew Hay

Feb 24 (Reuters) - A Utah judge is expected to rule on Tuesday on whether to disqualify prosecutors from the trial of the man ‌accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk because a daughter of a senior ‌prosecutor witnessed the killing.

This month, District Court Judge Tony Graf held a hearing on the challenge by defense lawyers ​for Tyler Robinson, who contend that prosecutors from the Utah County Attorney's Office should be disqualified from the case.

Robinson's defense attorneys noted that the 18-year-old daughter of a senior prosecutor witnessed the September 10 murder. They said the prosecutors' decision to seek the death penalty less ‌than a week later showed a "strong ⁠emotional reaction" from Chad Grunander, a deputy attorney whose daughter alerted him to the murder in a string of text messages.

Grunander testified that ⁠his daughter's presence at the shooting did not play any role in his office's move to seek the death penalty. He said the decision was made after he and other prosecutors ​decided they ​had sufficient evidence against Robinson.

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"We felt there's simply ​no conflict here," Grunander told the ‌Provo, Utah, court during a February 3 hearing.

There has been no discussion in court or filings of who would prosecute the case if the judge rules to disqualify Grunander's team. Defense lawyers have previously requested that the Utah state attorney general's office answer their conflict of interest allegations, not the Utah County Attorney's Office.

Robinson, 22, was studying to be ‌an electrician. He is accused of firing a ​single round from a rooftop that struck down Kirk ​as he debated students at Utah ​Valley University in Orem during a tour of U.S. colleges.

Kirk was credited ‌with mobilizing young voters who helped President ​Donald Trump win the ​2024 election. His assassination on stage in front of hundreds of onlookers was a stunning public display of mounting political violence in the U.S.

Robinson is charged ​with aggravated murder, witness tampering ‌and obstruction of justice. He will not enter a plea until after a ​preliminary hearing, tentatively scheduled for mid-May.

(Reporting by Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; ​editing by Donna Bryson and David Gregorio)

Robert Carradine, the youngest of hisprolific Hollywood familyand whose biggest hit was the 1984 comedy "Revenge of the Nerds," has died at 71.

Robert Carradine

In a Tuesday statement to Deadline, his family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades and died by suicide.

"We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it," his brother Keith Carradinetold the news outlet. "It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day."

EDITOR'S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

Known for both his film and television work, Robert Carradine worked steadily in the industry for over 40 years. Though he collaborated with some of the most respected directors of the day, he never gained the worldwide recognition of his more famous siblings Keith Carradine (also the father ofMartha Plimpton)and half-brother David Carradine, who died in 2009.

Robert Carradine, a Los Angeles native and son to character actor John Carradine, was introduced to audiences with roles on the television series "Bonanza" in 1971 and in the John Wayne Western "The Cowboys" in 1972.

Despite his family background, acting wasn't his first calling, though.

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"I always had a passion to be a race car driver, and that's what I thought I was going to do, and at some penultimate moment … I think I was sitting with my brother David when 'The Cowboys' was being cast, and they were interested in David as the bad guy, and he didn't want to be the guy that shot John Wayne in the back," Carradine recalled in a2013 interview with Popdose."But he said, 'You know, it is called The Cowboys, and they're meeting all these young guys. Why don't you go in?'"

In addition to starring in a short-lived television spinoff of "The Cowboys," and appearing alongside David Carradine in his popular ABC series "Kung Fu," he would go on to nab roles in Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets," Hal Ashby'sVietnam drama "Coming Home,"and Samuel Fuller's World War II film "The Big Red One."

The heights of his brother David's success eluded Robert Carradine, but the two could often be seen in the same projects, including in Walter Hill's "The Long Riders" and Paul Bartel's "Cannonball."

Robert Carradine's biggest hit would come in 1984 with the off-color comedy "Revenge of the Nerds," in which where he played head nerd Lewis Skolnick, with his abrupt, infectious and guttural laugh. He reprised the role for the big-screen sequel and two made-for-television follow-ups, and continued to pay homage to the beloved character with a guest role on the series "Robot Chicken" and as a co-host (with "Revenge of the Nerds" co-star Curtis Armstrong) of the pop culture competition show "King of the Nerds," which aired for three seasons.

In the 2000s, Carradine gained small-screen success in The Disney Channel's "Lizzie McGuire" as the eponymous character's father.

"It's really hard to face this reality about an old friend," Hilary Duff, who played Lizzie McGuire, wrote on Instagram. "There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I'll be forever grateful for that. I'm deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering."

Work remained consistent even if the projects diminished in prestige and quality. Then Quentin Tarantino, ever the champion of fading character actors, cast Carradine in "Django Unchained" as one of the trackers in the 2012 film after seeing a "very furry" photograph, as Carradine told Popdose.

In 2015, Carradine wascited for a Colorado crashthat injured him and his wife, Edith. They later divorced, after more than 25 years of marriage.

Carradine's survivors include his three children, actor Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine.

"Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it's because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back," Ever Carradine wrote on Instagram. "I think it's partly because we basically grew up together. Twenty years age difference really isn't that much, and while I never ever thought of him as a sibling, I did always think of him as my partner. We were in it together."

Survivoris back and bigger than ever: The super-size 50th season of the hit reality show is the largest yet, with a whopping 24 fan favorites from previous games seeking to outwit, outlast and outplay their competitors.

This season, titledSurvivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans, will see the group divided into three tribes, each starting with eight players before whittling down their numbers at each tribal council. And with the playersalready well aware of each other's approach to game play(with the exception of the Season 49 competitors, who played back-to-back games) these aspiring Sole Survivorsare entering the island with many preconceived ideas about their fellow competitors. That includes who they want booted ASAP.

Among the players this year areThe White Lotuscreator Mike White, marking his second time seeking out the Sole Survivor crown. Meanwhile, Jenna Lewis-Dougherty, who appeared on the first season of the show in 2000, as well as Season 8's all-star season, will also compete. So, too, will Cirie Fields, who has appeared on four previous seasons of the show — and went on to win the first season ofThe Traitorsand compete onBig Brother.

Here's a rundown of all the players.

The Cila Tribe

Rick Devans

Previous season:Edge of Extinction

Though he only played one season of the show, Devens is deeply rooted in theSurvivorfandom as host of the show's official podcastOn Fire.

Jenna Lewis-Dougherty

Previous seasons:Borneo,All-Stars

Lewis-Dougherty was a part of the very first season ofSurvivorback in 2000, becoming the second tribal council member when she exited the game in eighth place. She returned for the show'sAll-Starsseason in 2004, when she finished in third place.

Cirie Fields

Previous seasons:Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, Game Changers

Prior to the current season ofSurvivor, Fields appeared on four seasons of the U.S. version. Last year, she represented her home country onAustralian Survivor.Fields, however, has yet to earn the title of Sole Survivor.

"Cirie scares me because she's so good," Jonathan Young toldthe Hollywood Reporterof Fields. "She's like a mom out here. Everybody respects Cirie, but I think everybody fears Cirie."

Emily Flippen

Previous season: Season 45

Flippen, a financial analyst, came in seventh place during her oneSurvivorgame. She told THR she's concerned about the brawnier players, such as Young, who tend to be protected early on.

Christian Hubicki

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

Hubicki, who placed seventh on his season, is a robotics professor, and once recited hismaster's thesis during an immunity challengeto stay focused.

Joe Hunter

Previous season: Survivor 48

Hunter, who went viral forassisting fellow player Eva Erickson during an autistic "episode" on her season, finished third after playing a compassionate game.

Savannah Louie

Louie is one of the few Sole Survivors competing this season, having taken home the $1 million prize on the 49th season. She is also one of the two players this season to play back-to-back games, something that could be an advantage to her.

Wade toldTHRthat he doesn't have a "good vibe" from the two Season 49 players for that reason. "I don't know them but I'm having flashbacks of Russell [Hantz] and how he came intoHeroes vs. Villainsand nobody knew how he played and he lied to us," Wade said. "I have a fear of the two new players because they know all of us, and none of us know how they play."

Ozzy Lusth

Previous seasons:Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific, Game Changers

The strong competitor crushed many physical challenges during his four previous games, but lacked some of the other skills necessary to become Sole Survivor — he finished as the runner-up to his first season, which wasCook Islands, and in third place onSouth Pacific.

The Kalo Tribe

Charlie Davis

Previous season: Season 46

Davis,Survivor's biggest Swiftie, played only once before, having been betrayed by his ally Maria in the final tribal council.

Tiffany Ervin

Previous season: Season 46

Ervin previously finished in eighth place on Season 46, and previously toldEntertainment Weekly,she'd love to return to the game before her Season 50 casting was announced.

Chrissy Hofbeck

Previous season:Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers

Hofbeck was a runner-up on her only season playingSurvivor. She took home four different immunity challenges during her run.

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Kamilla Karthigesu

Previous season: Season 48

Karthigesu played just two seasons ago, but she's back, having previously gotten to the final episode of the series. That season was won by Kyle Fraser, who is also competing onSurvivorthis season.

Stephenie LaGrossaKendrick told THR that Karthigesu is someone who "concerns" her a lot in the game. "She prides herself on lying and likes to lie," she said, noting that she's a "huge threat."

Dee Valladares

Previous season: Season 45

Entrepreneur Valladares took home the Sole Survivor trophy her first time playing, becoming the first Cuban-American to earn the win.

Benjamin "Coach" Wade

Previous seasons:Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, South Pacific

The self-described "Dragon Slayer" and former soccer coach returns to the game for the fourth time.

Mike White

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

The writer, director and actor came in second place on theDavid vs. Goliathseason. For anyone concerned that Season 4 ofThe White Lotuswill take a creative dip due to White's focus onSurvivor, he said it'sactually the opposite.

"To be totally honest, it's one of the appeals of coming here is I need to stop thinking aboutThe White Lotus," he told Entertainment Weekly. "I love it, but I also feel like it's a fire hose into my mouth of feedback on the show coming up. And I want the next season to be inspired. I want it to really be great and not just trying to fulfill another slot or something. And I think the only way it can be that is if I really get a reset."

Jonathan Young

Previous season: Season 42

The brawny Young — he's both an athlete and a bodyguard — is back, having previously finished in fourth place on his sole season.

The Vatu Tribe

Angelina Keeley

Previous season:David vs. Goliath

Keeley is one of the three players from Season 37. Sheappeared in a cameo roleon the third season ofThe White Lotusin Thailand, thanks to her connection to White. Ahead of Season 50, Donaldson revealed to THR that he considers Keeley a "big threat" to the other players.

Aubry Bracco

Previous seasons:Kaôh Rōng, Game Changers, Edge of Extinction

Bracco, who debuted in the 32nd season subtitledBrains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty, used her wit to outplay her competitors throughout her three seasons. She was the runner-up of that initial game but failed to make it as far in her next two attempts.

Q Burdette

Previous season: Season 46

Burdette, who fans may remember became the subject of another player's ire when hetook home an Applebee's reward, brought plenty of charm to the show. Ultimately, he came in sixth place.

Colby Donaldson

Previous seasons:The Australian Outback, All-Stars, Heroes vs. Villains

Donaldson, an earlySurvivorfan favorite, hasn't played the game in more than a decade, having come in fifth place — and the last "hero" standing — onHeroes vs. Villainsin 2010.

Kyle Fraser

Previous season: Season 48

Fraser became Sole Survivor of Season 48, right ahead of his Season 50 competitor Karthigesu. The two had a secret alliance during the game, allowing them both to make it to the end.

Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick

Previous seasons:Palau, Guatemala, Heroes vs. Villains

Kendrick was the show's runner-up in Season 11, but wasn't so lucky her third time playing, as she was booted off early inHeroes & Villains— something she admitted she wasquite salty over.

Genevieve Mushaluk

Previous season: Season 47

The corporate attorney was one of the villains of the 47th season, placing fifth and becoming a jury member. She toldEntertainment Weeklyshe'd happily come back for another season: "You've got to say yes because it's such an adventure," she said.

Rizo Velovic

Previous season: Season 49

Velovic is playing back-to-back games, with the so-called RizGod coming in fourth place on Season 49.

WatchSurvivorSeason 50 on CBS and Paramount+ on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.

"Home Improvement" alum Zachery Ty Bryan was reportedly sentenced to 16 months in jail stemming from aDUI in 2024.

The troubled actor pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 percent or higher — which is double the .08 percent legal limit — in Riverside County, Calif.,TMZ reported Monday.

Bryan, who struck a plea deal, was denied probation but received a 57-day served credit.

The "Longshot" star, 44, was arrested on a felony DUI charge and a misdemeanor contempt of court charge while driving in La Quinta, Calif., around 2:30 a.m. in February 2024.

At the time, a La Quinta Police Department spokesperson told TMZ that officers were conducting a traffic stop and noticed a vehicle suspected of being in a traffic collision.

When they addressed Bryan, he showed signs of impairment and was arrested.

He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center, and his bail was set at $50,000, not including an additional $15,000 fee for the misdemeanor.

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The child star posted bail the same day.

Additionally, Bryan was arrested on a DUI charge and driving without a license in Custer County, Ok., in October 2024.

He told officers that he had "too much" to drink, and admitted his expired license was a result of one of his multiple DUI arrests.

Bryan has had several run-ins with law enforcement, including in 2020 when he wasarrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, nearly to suffocation.

Most recently, in November, it was revealed that Cartwright wasreceiving a five-year restraining orderagainst the Bryan after he allegedly punched her in the head and threatened to end her life that July.

That same month, Bryan spoke out about the domestic violence report, referring to it as a "painful wake-up call."

"Fame as a child actor left scars — being thrust into the spotlight at nine years old brought pressures I wasn't equipped to handle — but that's no justification for my choices as an adult," he told TMZ, adding that he "deeply" regrets his actions.

Cartwright, meanwhile, was accused ofattempting to run Bryan overwith a truck in December.