The capital of Belarus, rights and politics in focus
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Spain has imposed reciprocal border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome has kept controls that it introduced following a deadly mass crossing into Ceuta on 30–31 July. Italy has said it will not lift checks until it is satisfied there is no new migration wave or security risk. The dispute has fractured EU unity and left thousands still in Ceuta.
Belarusian authorities have released 25 political prisoners as part of a U.S.-brokered interim deal, with sanctions relief on two state companies linked to the move. Washington says more releases and relief will follow as talks continue, while opposition figures warn that repression persists.
Belarusian potash shipments are weighing on US-Canada trade tensions as Washington explores a deal to buy potash at prices lower than Canada’s, amid sanctions and Minsk’s support for Russia. Trump has touted a “massive” deal, while Belarus warns volumes are limited and current contracts are tight.