copenlu/druid huggingface dataset:
Claim: Sri Lanka to gift two female elephants to Pakistan !! (Social Media Users, 2023-04-23)
Evidence (2024-08-30): For over three decades, Pakistan's only Asian elephant has been confined to an inadequate enclosure at the Marghazar Zoo in Islamabad, Pakistan. At just a year old, he was given as a gift from the Sri Lankan government to the government of Pakistan in 1985 in order to build relations between the two countries. At six years old, Kaavan was joined by a mate, elephant Saheli from Bangladesh. The two elephants spent the next 22 years together, until tragically, Saheli developed an infection from the cuts caused by her chains and died in 2012.
Claim: Sri Lanka to gift two female elephants to Pakistan !! (Social Media Users, 2023-04-23)
Evidence (2023-04-24): Karachi: In the wake of the tragic death of Noor Jehan, an African elephant at Karachi Zoo, Sri Lanka on Monday offered to gift two elephants to Pakistan. [...] According to Joyia, Sri Lanka would be sending two female elephants to Pakistan, one for Karachi Zoo and another for Lahore. He expressed sorrow over the absence of elephants in Lahore Zoo since Suzi, the only large mammal there, passed away in May 2017. [...] The Sri Lankan envoy mentioned that the names of the elephants will be given by the government back home, and the announcement of their arrival will be made soon.
Claim: Sri Lanka to gift two female elephants to Pakistan !! (Social Media Users, 2023-04-23)
Evidence (2023-05-05): The social media posts were trying to convince the public that Sri Lanka would gift two female elephants to Pakistan. And interestingly, those posts take the sources as a conversation of Pakistani mainstream media GeoNews with Sri Lanka's honorary consular general to Lahore, Yasin Joya. [...] Animal rights activist groups in Sri Lanka also called out against the possible gifting of two female Sri Lankan elephants to Pakistan after the plight of Noor Jehan, as seen below. First, we directed our attention towards the full article of Geo News, which was the primary source of subsequent viral claims. Speaking to GeoNews, the Honorary Consul General of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Yasin Joyia, reportedly said that Sri Lanka would send two female elephants to Pakistan as gifts. According to a Geonews report, Joyia said Sri Lanka would send those two elephants to Lahore and Karachi Zoo. The GeoNews report can be found here.
Claim: Sri Lanka to gift two female elephants to Pakistan !! (Social Media Users, 2023-04-23)
Evidence (2023-04-25): The news about Sri Lanka gifting two elephants to Pakistan has turned out to be false. Sri Lanka Honorary Counsel Yasin Joya denied making a statement regarding Sri Lankan government’s willingness to gift two elephants to Pakistan. On April 23, Geo News quoted Sri Lanka Honorary Counsel General Yasin Joya as saying that Sri Lanka will be sending two female elephants to Pakistan — one for the Karachi Zoo and another for Lahore. [...] The incorrect news about Sri Lanka gifting two elephants to Pakistan started circulating a day after the tragic death of Karachi Zoo’s ailing elephant, Noor Jehan.
Claim: Sri Lanka to gift two female elephants to Pakistan !! (Social Media Users, 2023-04-23)
Evidence (2023-04-25): On April 22, a critically ill 17 year old African elephant Noor Jehan, ailing in pain at the Karachi zoo succumbed to her critical condition. But two days later, Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly agreed to gift two female elephants to Pakistan. Speaking to local media, Pakistan’s Honorary Consul General Yasin Joyia said that a request for the elephants has been sent to the Sri Lankan High Commission and that Sri Lanka will be sending two elephants, one for the Karachi zoo and one for Lahore. [...] Pakistan has proven time and again to be ill-equipped both in terms of resources and knowledge to meet the complex needs of elephants. Saheli Menika, an elephant sent from Sri Lanka to Pakistan in 1991 died an agonizing and prolonged death at just 23 years of age. Kaavan, an elephant sent from Sri Lanka in 1985 was transferred to a sanctuary in Cambodia as per the orders of the Pakistani courts after hearing extensive evidence of his unsuitable living conditions and poor quality care. It is therefore inconceivable that the Honorary Consul General would consider sending further Sri Lankan elephants to Pakistan to suffer a similar fate. Elephants are sentient beings that cannot be considered and ‘gifted’ as objects under any circumstances. We would request Sri Lankan authorities to reconsider this request and to not send more elephants to Pakistan to suffer untimely deaths," the statement read.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-03): The claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the Yukthiya operation is connected to fake heroin samples, are unsubstantiated. The issue of identifying bread floor and paracetamol capsules from heroin samples mentioned in the screenshot predates the Yukthiya operation. The ongoing mission is separate from this issue, and there is no evidence supporting the claim that the drugs seized during Yukthiya are fake.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2023-12-24): Yukthiya operation against narcotics traffickers: More than 12,000 suspects arrested More than 12,000 suspects have been arrested by police up to yesterday as part of the ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) operation launched countrywide targeting narcotics traffickers and their distribution networks.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-03-09): COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lankan authorities report that 779 suspects were arrested during Operation Yukthiya in the 24 hours ending at 12:30 am today. [...] Police operations resulted in the confiscation of a substantial amount of illegal drugs, including heroin, ice, cannabis and Mawa pills.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Operation Yukthiya: 1,800 more drug suspects arrested in 24 hours [...] In continuation of the special island-wide operation ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) to crack down on narcotics, Sri Lankan security forces have arrested nearly 2,000 more suspects in a 24-hour mission ending at 12:30 a.m. on Friday (Dec.22). [...] Since the special raids were kicked off under the operation ‘Yukthiya’ on December 17, the security forces personnel have made more than 10,000 arrests and seized large consignments of narcotics.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): 1,038 more drug suspects arrested during operation Yukthiya [...] According to the Ministry of Public Security, 417g of heroin, 205g of methamphetamine (‘Ice’), 722 intoxicating pills, 2.88kg of cannabis and 24,203 cannabis plants were seized in the latest raids carried out under the special anti-drug operation ‘Yukthiya’.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-15): On 17 December 2023 the Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennekoon, with the endorsement of Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, spearheaded an operation titled "Yukthiya", with the stated aim of controlling "the drug menace". The operation is ongoing as of 10 January 2024, with at least one thousand persons arrested daily. [...] - Immediately cease operation "Yukthiya" and release persons who have been arrested without evidence or reasonable suspicion. The government should ensure that those arrested who do not have access to legal representation are provided legal aid. [...] [1] ‘Operation ‘Yukthiya’: 1,184 more suspects arrested with drugs’ Ada Derana, 5 January 2024. https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=96159 [2] ‘HRCSL concerned over alleged human rights abuses in ’Yukthiya’ Operation’ Daily Mirror, 8 January 2024. https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/HRCSL-concerned-over-alleged-human-rights-abuses-in-Yukthiya-Operation/108-274667 [3] ‘Operation Yukthiya: Over 18,000 suspects arrested since launch’ News First, 30 December 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6vdBuEH4dw [4] Ambika Satkunanathan (2021) ‘Broken System: Drug Control, Detention and Treatment of People Who Use Drugs in Sri Lanka’ Harm Reduction International. https://www.hri.global/files/2021/08/03/HRI_Report_Sri_Lanka_Drug_Control.pdf [5] Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Prison Study by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, 2020, https://www.hrcsl.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Prison-Report-Final-2.pdf.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-22): UN experts call on Sri Lanka to immediately suspend and review ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation 22 January 2024 GENEVA (22 January 2024) – UN experts* expressed alarm at the heavy security-driven approach of Sri Lanka’s drug response. They called on authorities to immediately suspend and review so-called Operation ‘Yukthiya’ and to focus on policies based on health and human rights. [...] They deplored reported cases of arbitrary arrests of thousands of drug offenders from marginalised socio-economic groups, and the detention of hundreds in compulsory military-run rehabilitation centres. Torture and ill-treatment were also reported during the security operation known as ‘Yukthiya’.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-23): Minister for Public Security Tiran Alles last week insisted he doesn’t give a hoot (thutuwakata gananganne neha) what the UN or any other human rights agency says about his latest "Yukthiya" operation to counter narcotics. The minister, flanked by acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, was addressing the local media last week. The Supreme Court recently found Tennekoon in violation of fundamental rights, including protection against torture. Alles says that the recent concerns expressed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is on the behest of a few lawyers and NGOs who had reported numerous violations of due process, excessive use of force, arbitrary detention, torture and even killings during the much-touted Yukthiya operation. Alles claims that those who criticise the Yukthiya operation are connected to drug traffickers and financial beneficiaries of drug barons. [...] The much-touted operation by Alles and Tennakoon, backed by advisors to the President who wish to portray the head of state as tough on crime in an election year, has only seized around 17 kg of heroin and 15 kg of ICE after a whole month. The Navy meanwhile has seized a sizable quantity of narcotics at sea recently which did not involve the numerous violations and excessive use of force as in the case of the operation by the police and the army.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Operation Yukthiya: Drugs worth over Rs. 850 mn seized in 14 days [...] Sri Lanka Police together with the Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested over 20,000 suspects over drugs-related crimes during the past 14 days of the ‘Yukthiya’ operation, says the Public Security Ministry.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Operation Yukthiya: 1,100 more drug suspects under arrest [...] During the ongoing island-wide anti-drug operation ‘Yukthiya’, the security forces personnel have arrested over 1,100 more suspects on suspicion of drug peddling. [...] Further, 287g of heroin, 246g of methamphetamine (‘Ice’), 5.4kg of cannabis, 119 narcotic pills and 19,052 cannabis plants were seized in the anti-drug operation.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Sri Lanka on Thursday rejected the UN human rights body’s allegations about the ongoing operation to curb the narcotics menace and challenged it to provide evidence of the alleged excesses during controversial ‘Operation Yukthiya’. Addressing a press conference, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles also vowed to continue with the drug bust operation. Alles was reacting to the January 12 statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in the wake of Operation ‘Yukthiya’ (the Sinhala term for ‘justice’) launched on December 17 with a June 30 deadline to end the drug menace plaguing the island nation and arrest all the drug dealers. "We are very concerned that authorities in Sri Lanka are adopting a heavily security-based response to the country’s drugs problem, instead of public health policies grounded in human rights. A staggering 29,000 people have reportedly been arrested on drug-related matters since December 17, with allegations that some have been subjected to ill-treatment and torture," Turk had said in the statement.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-12): The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urges the Government of Sri Lanka to review its ongoing "Yukthiya" operation, and to implement human rights based approaches, notably the right to health, in addressing the issues of illicit drugs in society. Allegations of abuse of authority, torture and ill-treatment and denial of due process and fair trial rights must be thoroughly and impartially investigated, and justice must be served.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2023-12-24): They say the operation led to the seizure of almost 440kg of various types of narcotics, including heroin.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-10-08): Operation Yukthiya: Over 2,000 more arrested within 24 hours
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-05): Debunking Viral Claims Of Fake Heroin Samples in Yukthiya Operation! [...] The claims circulating on social media, suggesting that the Yukthiya operation is connected to fake heroin samples, are unsubstantiated. The issue of identifying bread floor and paracetamol capsules from heroin samples mentioned in the screenshot predates the Yukthiya operation. The ongoing mission is separate from this issue, and there is no evidence supporting the claim that the drugs seized during Yukthiya are fake. [...] Title:Viral Claims Stating Fake Heroin Samples Found in Sri Lanka's Yukthiya Operation Debunked
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2024-01-19): The U.N. human rights council expressed concern last week over reports of unauthorized searches, arbitrary arrests, torture and even strip searches in public during the operations, code-named "yukthiya," or justice.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2023-12-27): Along with the YUKTHIYA operation, 23 people were arrested in Warakapola area along with Mattakkuliye Kudu Roshan, when they were returning from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo last night. [...] The Yukthiya Operation was implemented today in Palliyawatta and Peliyagoda areas. [...] Serach operations were conducted at Laksandha Sewana housing complex and Sinhapura areas belonging to the Wellampitiya police division under operation Yukthiya.
Claim: Heroin Samples Found In Yukthiya Operation Are Fake!! (Social Media Users, 2024-01-03)
Evidence (2020-11-26): 15 - Only Parliament holds authority over government fiscal control -President - Operating hours of liquor stores revised - Operation ‘Yukthiya’ Yields Impressive Results in Crime Crackdown - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: 1,135 more drug suspects arrested - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: 1,800 more drug suspects arrested in 24 hours - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: 950 more drug suspects arrested within 24 hours - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: Nearly 1,000 suspects nabbed during 24-hour window - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: Over 2,000 more arrested within 24 hours - Operation ‘Yukthiya’: Scores of drug suspects arrested in over 2,300 raids - Operation begins to trace underage children serving as domestic servants - Operations Yukthiya – Value of drugs seized Rs. 7.8 billion - Opportunity for school children to observe Parliament debates - Opposition Leader alleges that government is getting ready to ban Sirasa TV - Opposition Leader to boycott Independence Day - Opposition parties in Sri Lanka are expressing unrealistic views on managing the economy, threatening long-term economic stability. It’s crucial to prioritize economic progress over political games and sound principles.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-07-14): The posts which were shared mentioning that the geckos are deadly venomous or poisonous even than snakes are incorrect. They are just innocent, harmless animals. There can be some harm, but it does not occur because of venom or poison. But food contaminated with their faeces is dangerous and can pervade human salmonellosis.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2022-07-07): Are geckos poisonous or venomous? Geckos are neither venomous nor poisonous. However, the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) and other large lizards, such as the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) and Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), are venomous. That said, deaths due to bites from these big venomous lizards are extremely rare—dating back to 1939. [...] Some people think that geckos are dangerous because of the culture they belong to. Depending on their cultural background and upbringing, their superstitions regarding geckos can either be positive or negative. For example, geckos are considered symbols of good luck in Turkey but they are generally thought to be signs of bad omens in India.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2024-07-29): When asking whether geckos are poisonous, they are more likely wondering whether they are venomous. Geckos are a wide-ranging group of reptiles in the infraorder Gekkota. Many reptile species are considered highly venomous, meaning they have the ability to inject toxins into potential prey, usually for the purposes of overpowering them. This can be seen in snakes, but there are some lizards which have this ability. At thedailyECO, we find out are geckos poisonous? [...] Geckos are not venomous. They do not have any specialized glands or stingers which can deliver toxins, nor do they create the toxins in the first place. A gecko may try to bite you if you pick them up or otherwise threaten them, but they will not envenomate you when doing so. [...] If you want to read similar articles to Are Geckos Poisonous?, we recommend you visit our Facts about animals category.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-03-30): Geckos, by nature, don’t carry any venom that’s harmful to dogs. Yet, they may be the hosts of a few different parasites that can cause a lot of damage. [...] Although, that’s not the case. Geckos don’t make any venom, but they do carry a host of parasites and other harmful microorganisms. [...] Are geckos dangerous? Most of the time, geckos are completely harmless to humans and animals.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-07-05): The posts claim that gecko skin is "more dangerous than snake venom" and that the reptile is "the most dangerous killer in the household". [...] But is there any truth to the claim that gecko skin is more dangerous than snake venom and that the reptile is the most dangerous killer in the household? We checked. [...] Geckos are not poisonous, therefore the claim that the skin of geckos is "more dangerous than snake venom" is false.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-06-26): It explains that the wall gecko is poisonous and that to chase it out of your home, you should crush garlic with salt and put this mixture in the nooks and crannies of your house. This seems to be the source of the meme. But no evidence is provided for the gecko being poisonous. [...] According to Animal Diversity Web, a database run by the University of Michigan in the US, "geckos are non-venomous and harmless to humans".
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-09-14): One example of a gecko species with venomous saliva is the Gekko vittatus, also known as the Yemen black-eyed gecko. Found in the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa, this species possesses specialized glands in its lower jaw that produce a toxic substance. When threatened, it can deliver venomous bites to its prey or potential predators, injecting them with a potent cocktail of toxins. While the venom's effects on humans have not been extensively studied, it is known to cause pain, swelling, and tissue damage in affected animals. [...] In conclusion, while there are a few gecko species that possess venomous saliva or produce toxins, the danger they pose to humans is relatively low. Most geckos are harmless and play a beneficial role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. As with any encounter with wildlife, it is important to exercise caution and respect their space to avoid any potential harm. [...] No, geckos do not have venom. Unlike some other reptiles, such as snakes or lizards, geckos do not possess venom glands or venomous fangs. They rely on their agility, camouflage, and ability to shed their tails for defense, rather than venomous bites or stings.
Claim: Geckos are deadly venomous animals !! (Social Media Users, 2023-07-14)
Evidence (2023-09-08): Wall geckos, those mysterious and elusive creatures that scuttle across our walls at night, have long fascinated and intrigued us. But have you ever wondered if these tiny creatures are harmless or potentially dangerous? Many people believe that wall geckos are poisonous, capable of inflicting a venomous bite. In this article, we will delve into the truth behind the wall gecko's alleged toxicity and decipher the facts from the myths. So, hold onto your curiosity as we embark on a journey to uncover the truth about wall geckos and their potential dangers. [...] Many people have a fear of geckos, especially when they find them inside their homes. While these small creatures are harmless to humans, there is a common misconception that geckos, specifically wall geckos, are poisonous. In this article, we will explore whether wall geckos are indeed poisonous to humans if ingested or touched. [...] In conclusion, wall geckos are not venomous and generally do not pose any significant danger to pets or other animals. They are excellent natural pest control agents and play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance within households. However, it is essential to ensure a harmonious coexistence by preventing aggressive interactions between pets and geckos and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals that can inadvertently harm these delicate creatures.