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Recent attacks in the Sahel region have resulted in significant civilian casualties. In Niger, at least 44 people were killed during a mosque attack attributed to the Islamic State in the Great Sahara. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's Journalists Association leaders were arrested amid increasing media repression. The situation reflects a broader trend of violence and instability in the region.
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Indonesia's parliament has approved controversial revisions to military law, allowing armed forces personnel to hold more civilian positions. Critics warn this could lead to a resurgence of military influence reminiscent of the Suharto era, raising concerns over human rights and democratic governance.
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The Trump administration has resumed deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) under a controversial agreement with President Nayib Bukele. This follows a federal judge's ruling temporarily blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, raising concerns over due process and human rights violations. The latest deportations included confirmed murderers and rapists.
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Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption charges. Demonstrators claim the arrest is politically motivated, targeting Erdogan's main rival ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The unrest has led to nearly 1,900 arrests, including journalists covering the events, prompting international concern over press freedom and police violence.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, where Venezuelans deported by the U.S. are held. The deportations, linked to alleged gang affiliations, have raised human rights concerns and legal questions about the detainees' status.
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On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on corruption charges, sparking nationwide protests. Hundreds of thousands rallied in Istanbul on March 29, demanding his release and an end to government repression. The protests, organized by the opposition CHP, are the largest Turkey has seen in over a decade, with nearly 2,000 arrests reported.
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Pakistan's government is expelling hundreds of thousands of Afghans under a repatriation plan initiated in late 2023. Over 100,000 Afghans have been sent back since April 1, facing uncertain futures in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The crackdown has drawn criticism from human rights groups and raised concerns about the safety of returnees.
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Three American citizens, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, have been repatriated to the U.S. after their death sentences in Congo were commuted to life imprisonment. This decision follows a meeting between U.S. officials and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, amid ongoing discussions about a minerals deal between the two nations.
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Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, were found guilty of mischief. The protests, which opposed COVID-19 mandates, led to significant disruptions in the capital and border crossings. They will be sentenced at a later date.
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Michael Sang Correa, a former Gambian soldier, was found guilty in a Denver court of torturing five men during a failed coup attempt in 2006. The trial marks a significant application of U.S. laws against torture committed abroad, with multiple victims testifying about their experiences. Correa faces sentencing later this year.
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As Sudan's civil war marks its third year, violence has escalated, particularly in Darfur, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified attacks on displacement camps, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with 13 million displaced and widespread famine affecting millions. International responses remain inadequate.
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Recent developments in Hungary and Tunisia highlight a troubling trend of democratic backsliding. In Hungary, constitutional amendments target LGBTQ+ rights and dissent, while in Tunisia, President Kais Saied's regime intensifies repression against political opponents and civil liberties. Both situations raise concerns about the future of democracy in these nations.
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On April 19, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced over 40 opposition figures, including former diplomats and journalists, to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years for conspiracy against state security. The trial has been criticized as politically motivated, reflecting President Kais Saied's ongoing crackdown on dissent since his power consolidation in 2021.
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Israeli forces have conducted a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah despite an ongoing ceasefire. Hezbollah's new leader, Naim Kassem, stated the group will not disarm while Israeli troops remain in Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and ongoing tensions in the region.
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On May 2, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh to 34 years in prison for allegedly facilitating jihadist departures to Syria. This ruling follows a broader crackdown on dissent, including the recent arrest of lawyer Ahmed Souab, amid accusations of political motivations behind the trials. Human rights groups have condemned the escalating repression.
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The Hong Kong police have arrested relatives of pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, marking a significant escalation in the use of the national security law against families of exiled activists. This follows the recent release of former legislator Claudia Mo after serving over four years for national security offenses. Human rights groups have condemned these actions.
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Five members of Venezuela's political opposition, who had sought refuge in the Argentinian embassy in Caracas for over a year, have been successfully rescued and are now in the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the operation as precise, amid ongoing tensions with Nicolás Maduro's regime.
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The UK High Court is hearing a case challenging the legality of arms exports to Israel, particularly F-35 components, amid allegations of war crimes in Gaza. Human rights groups argue that the UK is complicit in violations of international law by continuing these exports despite evidence of potential genocide. The hearing began on May 13, 2025.
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Tensions between the US and South Africa escalate as President Trump grants refugee status to white Afrikaners, claiming they face persecution. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects these allegations, asserting that the Afrikaners are economically privileged. The situation highlights deep-rooted racial dynamics and political disagreements between the two nations.
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FIFA is under scrutiny as it prepares for the 2026 Men's World Cup and the expansion of the Women's World Cup. Human Rights Watch has urged reconsideration of hosting decisions if safety cannot be guaranteed, while FIFA's strategy for Afghan women's soccer remains controversial amid Taliban restrictions.
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Human Rights Watch reports that migrant workers in Saudi Arabia face increasing risks of preventable deaths due to workplace accidents as the country ramps up construction for the 2034 World Cup. The organization highlights failures in worker protections and compensation, urging FIFA to ensure accountability for worker safety.
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Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 94 people today, including a journalist and his family. The strikes follow a series of bombings that have resulted in over 82 deaths since last night. Amidst this violence, President Trump is visiting Gulf states, raising hopes for a ceasefire.
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The UK Ministry of Defence is reviewing thousands of rejected resettlement applications from Afghan commandos linked to UK special forces. This follows allegations of bias and conflict of interest amid an ongoing inquiry into war crimes. The review aims to address concerns over the treatment of Afghan allies who served alongside British troops.
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The murder of María José Estupiñán, a Colombian model, is being investigated as a possible femicide. The 22-year-old was shot by a disguised assailant at her home, prompting widespread outrage over the country's failure to protect women. Activists highlight systemic issues contributing to gender-based violence in Colombia.
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Recent events in Egypt and Algeria highlight ongoing political repression and electoral fraud. In Egypt, journalist Rasha Qandil was released on bail amid accusations of spreading false information, while former presidential candidate Ahmed Tantawi faces new charges. In Algeria, three former presidential hopefuls received 10-year sentences for electoral fraud.
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Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong's national security law. This marks the second time Wong has faced charges under this law, which critics argue is used to suppress dissent. Wong is currently serving a sentence and is due for release in January 2027.
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In recent days, the Houthi rebels from Yemen have launched multiple missile attacks targeting Israel, including a significant strike on Jaffa. This escalation follows Israel's military operations against Iranian positions, marking a new phase in the ongoing conflict involving regional powers and their proxies.
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As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to impose stronger measures against Israel. Recent parliamentary debates and public protests highlight calls for sanctions and a halt to arms exports, amid accusations of complicity in alleged war crimes. The situation remains dire for Palestinians in Gaza.
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On June 5, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on four ICC judges, citing their involvement in investigations against the US and Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the ICC as politicized, while the court defended its independence. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, escalating tensions between the US and the ICC.
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Colombian senator Miguel Uribe remains in extremely critical condition following a shooting at a campaign event on June 7. After undergoing multiple surgeries, his health is precarious, with persistent brain swelling and bleeding. The attack has reignited fears of political violence in Colombia, reminiscent of past assassinations of candidates.