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Myanmar's military launched operations against KK Park, a major cybercrime compound near the Thai border, detaining over 2,000 people and seizing Starlink equipment. Thousands of scam workers fled into Thailand amid ongoing civil conflict and regional pressure to curb cross-border cybercrime. The operation highlights Myanmar's role in transnational online scams.
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Last week’s Tanzanian elections, marked by ballot stuffing, violence, and opposition disqualification, drew international criticism. The AU and SADC reported electoral irregularities and unrest, with opposition claims of over 1,000 deaths amid government denials. The situation highlights ongoing political repression and violence in Tanzania.
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A riot at Ecuador's Machala prison has resulted in 27 deaths, mostly by hanging or asphyxiation, linked to ongoing gang violence. The violence occurred during a planned transfer to a new maximum-security facility, highlighting escalating prison unrest and organized crime influence. The incident follows recent deadly riots across the country’s prisons.
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Between mid-October and late November 2025, armed groups in eastern Congo and Mali have intensified violence. In Congo's North Kivu, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed at least 89 people, including 17 in a maternity ward. In Mali, al-Qaeda-linked JNIM executed TikTok user Mariame Cissé after abducting her. Malian military and allied militias also killed at least 31 civilians in Segou amid ongoing conflict.
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Several Tunisian opposition figures, including Ben Mbarek, Rached Ghannouchi, and Issam Chebbi, are protesting their detention through hunger strikes amid allegations of torture and political repression by authorities since President Kais Saied's power consolidation in 2021. The protests highlight ongoing civil liberties concerns.
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A new HRW report details the forcible displacement of about 32,000 Palestinians from Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps during early 2025. The Israeli military destroyed homes and barred return, prompting accusations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing amid ongoing West Bank tensions.
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As of December 2025, Tunisia's Court of Appeal upheld prison sentences ranging from 2 to 45 years for around 40 opposition figures, including activists, lawyers, and politicians. The convictions stem from a politically charged mass trial accusing them of conspiracy and terrorism. Rights groups condemn the verdicts as a crackdown on dissent under President Kais Saied's rule, with hunger strikes underway by some prisoners.
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Tanzania's government canceled Independence Day celebrations amid ongoing protests over the October election, which opposition and rights groups say led to hundreds of deaths. Authorities have detained activists and supporters, imposed internet blackouts, and warned against planned protests, raising concerns over human rights and political repression.
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Russia has designated Human Rights Watch as an 'undesirable' organization, banning its activities and opening legal cases against other groups like Pussy Riot and Navalny's foundation. The move intensifies Moscow's crackdown on dissent amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
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European officials, led by Michael McGrath, emphasize that any ceasefire in Ukraine must include accountability for Russian war crimes. They oppose proposals for amnesty and reintegration, warning that impunity would encourage future aggression. The debate follows US and Ukrainian negotiations on peace plans amid ongoing investigations into Russian atrocities.
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The US government is preparing for the 2026 World Cup across North America amid concerns over immigration policies and security. While efforts are underway to facilitate visas for fans and delegations, restrictions and rhetoric from President Trump raise questions about the event's welcoming spirit and safety measures.
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Tanzania's Independence Day was marked by police patrols and roadblocks following violent protests over the October 29 disputed election. President Hassan won with over 97%, opposition protests were suppressed, and hundreds are believed to have been killed. International groups condemn the crackdown.
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Since December 2025, the UN reports that the Houthis in Yemen have detained 59 UN personnel, all Yemeni nationals, with some held incommunicado for years. Several have been referred to a criminal court on fabricated espionage charges, raising concerns over violations of international law and human rights.
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Mohammed Bakri, a Palestinian actor and filmmaker known for his politically charged works like 'Jenin, Jenin,' died on December 25 at age 72 in Nahariya, Israel. His career challenged Israeli narratives and faced censorship, making him a key figure in Palestinian cultural resistance. His death marks a significant loss for Palestinian arts.
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Recent UK legislation and court cases reveal a significant crackdown on peaceful protests, with laws expanding police powers and criminalizing non-violent activism. Human rights groups warn these measures threaten democratic freedoms, as the government seeks to control dissent amid international scrutiny. The debate continues as the legislation advances in parliament.
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Human Rights Watch reports 86 civilian deaths in Syria's Suweida province amid sectarian violence. Government forces are investigating, but no trials have begun. Clashes involve Druze and Bedouin groups, with displacement reaching 187,000. The conflict highlights ongoing instability and sectarian tensions post-Assad.