Bukele’s in the news as El Salvador cuts prison time with life sentences, amid his crackdown. Salvadoran president, entrepreneur (born 1981).
Trinidad and Tobago's parliament approved a three-month extension of its state of emergency, allowing increased powers for arrests and searches amid ongoing crime concerns. The move, supported by a 26-12 vote, continues a pattern of emergency measures used to combat violence, despite criticism over human rights and economic impacts.
El Salvador's legislature passed a reform capping prison sentences at 60 years, reducing sentences for serious crimes. The move follows a state of emergency that has detained over 90,000 people amid allegations of human rights abuses and crimes against humanity during the country's ongoing crackdown on gangs. The reform is likely to pass, raising concerns about justice and human rights.
Eswatini released Pheap Rom from prison and is in the process of repatriating him to Cambodia. The country has received multiple third-country deportees from the US since July, under a deal worth around $5 million. Rights groups criticize the policy for detaining migrants without charges and poor conditions.
Peru has held a chaotic first round with 35 presidential candidates; Keiko Fujimori is leading with roughly 17% while second place remains contested between Roberto Sanchez and Rafael López Aliaga. The electoral authority head has resigned and thousands of contested ballots are being reviewed as observers say procedural errors occurred but no firm evidence of fraud has emerged.
Pope Leo XIV has been outspoken in his call for peace during his African tour, despite criticism from Donald Trump. The pope remains committed to condemning war and promoting dialogue, while Trump has branded him weak on foreign policy and crime. The visit highlights tensions between the Vatican and US leadership.
Trump has unleashed a fresh attack on Pope Leo XIV, calling him “WEAK” on crime while Leo continues his African tour, urging peace and dialogue. The exchange follows Trump’s deletion of an AI-generated image of himself as a doctor and a string of partisan reactions from U.S. and Vatican allies.
The Venezuelan government has requested and received the release of some individuals detained over alleged corruption at PDVSA. The move follows ongoing efforts to reduce political prisoners and normalize relations with the U.S., amid criticism over the transparency and fairness of legal processes. Today’s date is Tue, 21 Apr 2026.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly "war on drugs". Judges have found substantial grounds to believe Duterte ordered murders and attempted murders during his terms as mayor and president. The trial will proceed despite his defense claiming mental unfitness. Meanwhile, El Salvador is conducting a mass trial of 486 alleged gang members accused of over 47,000 crimes under President Bukele's crackdown.
Abelardo de la Espriella has surged to the top in the first round with about 43% of the vote, ahead of Iván Cepeda (≈41%), triggering a runoff on June 21. The far-right outsider promises hardline security and mega-prisons, while Cepeda advocates Petro’s continuity and Total Peace. Valencia trails after a major collapse.