BEIJING (AP) — The annual session of China's National People's Congress is being held in Beijing.
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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
NEW DELHI (AP) — The United States and Iran have offered sharply different accounts of thesinking of an Iranian warshipin the Indian Ocean last week, with Washington rejecting Tehran's claim the vessel was unarmed and Iranian officials insisting it was operating in a noncombat role.
The United States Indo-Pacific Command on Sunday rejected Iran's claim that the warship IRIS Dena was unarmed when it was sunk in a submarine attack in international waters off Sri Lanka on March 4. In a statement on X, INDOPACOM called Iran's assertion that the vessel was unarmed "false."
The response followed strong objections from Tehran, which has repeatedly characterized the warship as defenseless, saying it was returning homeafter taking part in a naval exercise.
An Indian navy official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media, said the Iranian vessel was not "entirely unarmed" and had taken part in drills alongside other countries' warships.
Some experts have, however, suggested that visiting ships at such events typically do not carry a full combat load of live munitions unless scheduled for live-fire drills. They say even during the sea phase of exercises, ships generally carry only tightly-controlled ammunition limited to specific drills.
Rahul Bedi, an independent defense analyst based in India, said the vessel may have used some limited non-offensive ammunition during the naval exercises, but protocol requires "the participating platforms to be unarmed."
"The precondition of participating in such a parade, or such a ceremony, is that it (the vessel) comes unarmed. That is the precondition of the Indian Navy and it's a precondition of most navies when they hold such similar sort of fleet reviews," Bedi said.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Friday that the warship, sunk by a U.S. torpedo, had not been carrying weapons and accused Washington of targeting a ceremonial vessel.
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"That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed," he told reporters in New Delhi.
The IRIS Dena was sunk on March 4 in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka after being struck by a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine, according to American and Iranian officials. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors andrecovered 87 bodies.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the IRIS Dena as a "prize ship" and said it "died a quiet death." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as "an atrocity at sea" and stressed that it had been "a guest of India's Navy."
Disputes over whether the vessel was armed have intensified tensions over the incident, which occurred as it was returning from multinational naval exercises in India, and raised questions about whether it was operating in a noncombat role when it was attacked.
India's defense ministry said in a statement after the exercises that "live firings as part of surface gun shoots, as well as anti-air firings, were also undertaken" by participating vessels.
The warship's sinking highlighted how theU.S.-Israeli war with Iranis spreading beyond the Middle East.
Two other Iranian vessels — the IRIS Bushehr and IRIS Lavan — aredocked in Sri Lankaand India after seeking assistance from the two countries.
Associated Press writer Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India, contributed to this report.
ISTANBUL (AP) — Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is standing trial on Monday with more than 400 other defendants accused of widespread corruption in a case critics see as a politically motivated move against Turkey's opposition.
Imamoglu, who has been behind bars for nearly a year, is the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's 23-year rule. He was elected as the main opposition party's candidate for an election due in 2028 just days after he was detained.
Most of the 402 defendants worked for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, headed by Imamoglu since 2019. Many are elected officials from the Republican People's Party, or CHP, while journalists are also among the accused.
Imamoglu's arrest on March 19 last year sparked weeks of street protests, the largest seen in Turkey for more than a decade.
He faces 142 charges, including establishing the "Imamoglu criminal organization for profit" from 2015, when he was mayor of Istanbul's Beylikduzu district. The 3,900-page indictment alleges the goal was not just to enrich the accused through a system of bid-rigging and pay-offs but also to finance Imamoglu's rise in the CHP, ultimately resulting in his presidential candidacy.
If convicted he could face a total prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years.
In a newspaper article published Friday, Imamoglu described Monday's trial as "one of the toughest tests of democracy" in Turkey's history and an "attempt to overturn the will of the people."
The case is just one of the many indictments in which the 54-year-old mayor could be jailed and banned from politics. Others include claims of terrorism, espionage, falsifying his university diploma and insulting officials.
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In what government critics says is a broad judicial campaign against the opposition, elected CHP members, including mayors of other major cities, face separate terrorism and corruption allegations. The party's leadership itself is also under legal pressure over alleged irregularities surrounding its 2023 congress.
The scale and anticipated length of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality trial, which could run for years, has seen authorities commission the building of a new courtroom at the prison complex in Silivri, west of Istanbul, where Imamoglu and many defendants are held. Until it is completed, participants will squeeze into an existing chamber at the prison.
To highlight what they see as the political nature of prosecutions against CHP members, Imamoglu's supporters and human rights groups point to a series of factors, including the role of Istanbul's chief prosecutor. Akin Gurlek, the deputy justice minister, was appointed to that office in late 2024, where he initiated a series of investigations targeting CHP figures. Last month, he returned to government as justice minister.
Critics also say the prosecution's reliance on "secret witnesses," whose identity is hidden from defense lawyers, and defendants testifying against their co-accused, contravene the right to a fair trial.
The government maintains that Turkey's judiciary is independent and impartial.
Benjamin Ward, Europe and Central Asia deputy director at Human Rights Watch, described the cases against the CHP over the past year as "weaponizing the criminal justice system."
"Looking at these cases as a whole, it's hard to avoid the conclusion that prosecutors are trying to remove Imamoglu from politics and discredit his party in ways that undermine democracy," he said.
Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey.
Celebrities have been everywhere this week.Chrishell StauseandMartin Lawrencestep out for events in Los Angeles, whileBad Bunnyperforms in Tokyo. Meanwhile,Naomi WattsandJustine Skyeattend the Jean-Paul Gaultier show during Paris Fashion Week.
Here are the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!
Chrishell Stause glows in green at the 2026 Unforgettable Awards in L.A. on March 7.
Bad Bunny performs during Spotify's Billions Club Live show in Tokyo on March 7.
Naomi Watts attends the Jean-Paul Gaultier show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 8.
Martin Lawrence watches a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena in L.A. on March 8.
Justine Skye dons an elegant black gown while attending the Jean-Paul Gaultier womenswear Fall/Winter show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 8.
Amy Adamsattends the Lacoste Womenswear Fall-Winter 2026 show with her 15-year-old daughter Aviana Olea Le Gallo (left) during fashion week in Paris on March 8.
New Balenciaga ambassadorHudson Williamsdons a striking leather jacket as he attends the Balenciaga Winter 26 show, showcasing designer Pierpaolo Picciol's second collection for the brand, at Paris Fashion Week on March 7.
Winona Ryderflashes a smile at the Balenciaga Winter 26 show, unveiled during Paris Fashion on March 7.
Aubrey Plazawears a striking red outfit at the Lacoste Womenswear Fall-Winter 2026 show held during Paris Fashion Week in the French capital on March 8.
Barbara Palvin, Ellie Bamber andAnnabelle Wallismodel chic tailored outerwear and statement footwear while sitting front row at the Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Fall Winter 26-27 show at Paris Fashion Week on March 7.
Paul Wesleyand fiancéeNatalie Kuckenburghold hands while attending the Elie Saab Ready-to-Wear Fall Winter 26-27 show at Paris Fashion Week on March 7.
Bowen YangandAtsuko Okatsukapose for a photo together at the 2026 Unforgettable Awards on March 7 in Los Angeles.
KPop Demon HuntersstarArden Chomakes a stunning appearance in a white tasseled gown at the 2026 Unforgettable Awards in Los Angeles on March 7.
Mýarocks a bold orange outfit while performing onstage at the Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival in Miami Gardens, Florida, on March 7.
Scotty McCreeryperforms onstage at the C2C Festival in Berlin on March 6.
Lola Youngturns heads at the Vivienne Westwood show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 7.
Blake Livelysupports Wrexham A.F.C., the soccer team co-owned by her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in a match against Chelsea F.C. in Wrexham, Wales, on March 7.
Chappell Roanrocks an updo and gothic black gown at the Vivienne Westwood womenswear show in Paris on March 7.
Paris Jacksonattends the Vivienne Westwood show at Césure during Paris Fashion Week in France on March 7.
I Love LAcostars Jordan Firstman andRachel Sennottpose for a photo at the Balenciaga fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 7.
Diane Krugerposes for photos on arrival at the Victoria Beckham Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear show during Paris Fashion Week in Paris on March 6.
Naomi Wattsopts for a sleek tailored look while attending the Celine Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-27 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 7 in Paris.
Rooney Maramodels a pinstripe suit at the Givenchy Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-27 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 6.
Rita Oraflashes a smile while attending the final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne's Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 7.
Justin BieberandHailey Bieberstay close to each other stepping out for lunch together at South Beverly Grill in Los Angeles on March 6.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach,Jessica HechtandJon Bernthalattend the photocall for their upcoming Broadway playDog Day Afternoon, based on the 1975 film, at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City on March 5.
Love StorystarSarah Pidgeonlooks effortlessly chic in a brown leather jacket and white textured pants at the Loewe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-27 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 6.
CoupleEric DeckerandJessie James Deckerattend the Cupshe x Jessie James Decker Nashville Launch Event in Nashville on March 5.
Chris Colferattends the photocall for his new horror-comedy filmThe Restoration at Grayson Manorat the Glasgow Film Festival in Glasgow, Scotland, on March 6.
The rock band Gogol Bordello perform onstage at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco on March 6.
Stella McCartneycelebrates receiving the Legion of Honor with her father,Paul McCartney, and friendsGayle King,Anna WintourandOprah Winfreyduring Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Martha Stewartlooks radiant in yellow at the Hudson River Park Friends 10th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon in New York City on Mar. 6.
Padma Lakshmiand her daughterKrishna Thea Lakshmi-Dellspend quality time together at theAmerica's Culinary Cupseason 1 premiere event in New York City on Mar. 3.
Bella Hadidhits the town in a red dress and black shades for a night out in Paris on Mar. 6.
Chappell Roanshows off yet another bold glam look during Paris Fashion Week at the Mugler womenswear show on Mar. 6.
Tyriq Withersholds tight to a Dr. Seuss book as he leaves an interview in New York City on Mar. 6.
Ariana DeBoseis cheesing hard exiting theTamron Hall Showstudios in New York City on Mar. 6.
Elizabeth Olsenis the definition of chic sitting front row at the Givenchy show during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Megan Moroneyis pretty in pink for her liveBiscuits & Jamconversation withSouthern Living'sSid Evansin New York City on Mar. 5.
Barbara Palvin,Emma Chamberlain, andParis Jacksonare the ultimate it-girls sitting front row at the Mugler womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Nicky Rothschild Hiltonhas fun in a backless polka dot dress for the Nina Ricci show during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Nikki Reed,Danai Gurira,Mandy Moore, andMindy Kalingattend the Ilia Complexion Residency in Los Angeles on Mar. 5 in support of founder Sasha Plavsic.
Danai Gurira andArielle Kebbelexperience some puppy love at the Ilia Complexion Residency in Los Angeles on Mar. 5.
Nina Dobrevsuits up for the Lanvin show during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Nicola Coughlanshows off her love forHarry Stylesat the One Night in Manchester Netflix event in Manchester on Mar. 6.
Rose Byrneposes for the camera at theFallen Angelphotocall in New York City on Mar. 6.
Dianna Agronhops on a Lime bike to explore the city during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Rachel Sennottposes with herPerfectmagazine cover at the signing event in Paris on Mar. 6.
Mark Consuelosshows off his pearly whites at theFallen Angelsphotocall event in New York City on Mar. 6.
Olivia Jadesports a LBD at the Nina Ricci womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week on Mar. 6.
Eva MendesandRyan Goslingmake their first public appearance together in 13 years on theTonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonon March 5.
FormerRiverdalecostars and best friendsLili ReinhartandCamila Mendespose together at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards held at the Beverly Hilton on March 5.
Julianne Mooreis happily sandwiched by her son Caleb and husband Bart Freundlich at the Tenth Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver on March 5.
Amber GlennandConnor Storrieare pictured at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 5.
Noah Schnappshowcases his award at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards on March 5 in Beverly Hills, California.
Bradley Whitfordattends theFor WorseChicago premiere at the Music Box Theatre on March 5 in Chicago.
Samba Schutte,Rhea Seehornand Karolina Wydra pose in the IMDb portrait studio at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards on March.
Tiffany Haddishcelebrates Read Across America at August Knodt Elementary School in Stockton, Calif. on March 5.
Whitney Portis all smiles while stepping out in Los Angeles on March 4.
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Hozier,Whoopi GoldbergandMatt Friendare a happy crew at the Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver at the Beacon Theatre on March 5.
Jessie Buckleychats with host Jimmy Fallon during an interview on March 5.
A dapperJonathan Bennettposes with a bejeweledFrankie Grandeat the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 5 in Beverly Hills, California.
Chris Perfetti,Cara DelevingneandQuinta Brunsonand Minke are coordinating in shades of black and grey at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards held at the Beverly Hilton on March 5.
Abbott Elementarycostars and friendsSheryl Lee RalphandLisa Ann Walterare all dressed up at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 5.
Stephanie Beatriz brings the sparkles at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton on March 5.
Niecy Nashspreads the love at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 5.
Chrishell Stauseis beautiful in an electric blue gown as she arrives at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Cynthia Nixon,Carrie CoonandKate Marapose backstage atBug(in which Coon stars) on Broadway on March 4 in New York.
Brooks Nadermakes a cute exit as she leaves Alba restaurant on March 5 in Los Angeles.
Matt Damonposes with some of the performers from the immersiveMasqueradein N.Y.C.
Laverne Coxbrings the drama on the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards red carpet.
Richard Linklater, Julian Schnabel andMatthew McConaugheyget together for a cool photo at the Texas Film Awards Honoree Welcome Reception 2026.
Scott Grimes, Alanna Ubach, Giorgia Whigham,Seth MacFarlaneand Max Burkholder pose together at theTedseason 2 party at The Gutter in New York.
Rob Macis all smiles as he poses backstage during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton.
Julia Garnerattends the Loewe fashion show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 6.
Matt Rogers,Demi LovatoandBowen Yangare the perfect trio at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards held at the Beverly Hilton on March 5.
Sarah Pidgeonattends the Loewe Womenswear Fall/Winter show as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 6.
An emotional Savannah Guthrie makes her return on the March 5 episode of theTodayshow for the first time since her mother went missing.
Tyriq Withers flashes his winning smile as he's seen atThe Kelly Clarkson Showon March 5 in New York City.
Chappell Roan meets the moment in an eye-catching purple ensemble at Rick Owens' Autumn/Winter Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week on March 5.
Reneé Rapp means serious business as she arrives for the Isabel Marant show at Paris Fashion Week on March 5.
Barry Keoghankeeps it low-key as he steps out at the BBC Studios in London on March 5.
Nina Dobrevappears to be in high spirits as she arrives at the Hotel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week on March 5.
Becky Gstruts through the streets of Paris while exiting the Manko restaurant in on March 5.
A beamingAshley Grahamis snapped at the Isabel Marant fashion show in Paris on March 5.
Keynote speakerQuinta Brunsonarrives at the AFI DWW+ Showcase for the Class of 2026 at the Directors Guild of America on March 4.
Dani Michelle,Elsa Hoskand Pia Baroncini sit together at the Montce x Elsa Hosk Capsule Collection Launch Event at Cara Hotel in Los Angeles on March 3.
Georgina Chapmanand Stacey Bendet are joined by Chapman's beau,Adrien Brodyas they host an Evening in Honor of Magic Bus Nonprofit at a private residence in New York.
Stassi Schroedermakes a cool entrance as Joe's Jeans and Dani Michelle celebrate the opening of the brand's Beverly Hills Flagship in L.A. on March 3.
Kid Cudiis calm, cool and collected at the Off-White fashion show in Paris on March 5.
Frances Tiafoemakes a stylish appearance at the ATP's Athlete Arrivals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Abe Lichy andErin Lichyare all hugged up at the Executive Retail Shops World of Wonder at Casa Neos on March 4, in Miami, Florida.
Devon Windsor is a vision in a golden two-piece while celebrating the launch of Veronica Beard's spring collection and collaboration with artist Thomas Lelu.
Kimora Lee Simmonsand her lookalike daughterMing Lee Simmonsarrive for the Off-White show during Fashion Week in Paris on March 5.
Kate Middletonattends the Aakash Odedra Company in Leicester, England, to celebrate the festival of Holi on March 5.
Ryan Goslingprepares to hostSaturday Night Livefor the fourth time in New York City on March 3.
Olivia Rodrigolooks angelic in pink at the Chloé show during Fashion Week in Paris on March 5.
Nina Dobrevrocks a floral print dress to the Chloé show during Fashion Week in Paris on March 5.
Maude ApatowandAimee Lou Woodare high fashion at the Chloé show during Paris Fashion Week on March 5.
Becky Gis fashion-forward at the Off-White show during Fashion Week in Paris on March 5.
Kid Cudiopts for a sweatshirt at the Off-White show during Paris Fashion Week on March 5.
Prince Williamputs his baking skills to the test during a visit to the Gear Farm Pasty Company in Cornwall, England, on March 5.
Terry Crewsflashes a smile as he walks in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia, on March 5.
TraitorschampionRob Rauschmakes good onhis promiseto buy castmateMaura Higginsa Birkin in New York City on March 4.
Lil Mamashines at the premiere of her filmDeb Is Bossin New York City on March 4.
Megan Moroneyrocks a gingham dress backstage atThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on March 4.
Kerry WashingtonandRachel Bilsongo country at the Stetson & THE GREAT launch event in Los Angeles on March 4.
Rumer Williswears a flowery jacket at the Stetson & THE GREAT launch event in Los Angeles on March 4.
Paris Hiltonsteps out in her signature color pink in Los Angeles on March 4.
Tim Roth,Cillian MurphyandBarry Keoghanattend the BAFTA preview and Q&A ofPeaky Blinders: The Immortal Manin London on March 4.
Adam DiMarco, Nina Kiri andEli Rothare a terrific trio at a special screening and Q&A of A24'sUndertonein Los Angeles on March 4.
Reneé Rapprocks a stylish trench coat at the LVMH Prize Cocktail during fashion week in Paris on March 4.
Anya Taylor-Joywears a colorful look at the LVMH Prize Cocktail on March 4 during Paris Fashion Week.
Oprah Winfrey,Paul McCartneyandGayle KingsupportStella McCartneyat her fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on March 4.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteleystruts in an all-black ensemble during Paris Fashion Week on March 4.
Sam Heughandrops byThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on March 4.
Jamie Lee Curtiswaves to the audience atThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin New York City on March 4.
Paris Jacksonputs a twist on a suit at the Tom Ford show during Paris Fashion Week on March 4.
Kate Mossis spotted out shopping in Paris on March 4.
David Harbourgives a double peace sign on the set ofLate Night with Seth Meyersin New York City on March 4.
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