Tunisia in the headlines now: judges upholding journalist jailings amid a crackdown on dissent; Ghannouchi hospitalised as Ennahdha protests grow. Politically charged.
Michael Olise has scored a hat-trick as France have beaten Northern Ireland 3-1 in their final home friendly before the World Cup. Coach Didier Deschamps has praised Olise’s form at Bayern and suggested the 24-year-old will be important for France’s opener against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey.
At least 22 migrants have died after their boat capsized off Libya, with bodies thrown into the sea. Survivors report overcrowding and rough weather. Rescue efforts continue, highlighting ongoing dangers for migrants crossing from North Africa to Europe.
The US embassy in Namibia emphasizes strict adherence to visa rules, warning travelers about overstays and document fraud. Meanwhile, the UK issues broad travel warnings for multiple countries, citing safety and legal concerns. Both stories highlight increased scrutiny on international travel and visa compliance as global mobility rises.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been acquitted of charges including spreading false information and harming national security after 52 days in Kuwaiti detention and has left Kuwait, his legal team and rights groups have said. His arrest had highlighted an expanding crackdown on social media and press coverage in Gulf states since the US-Israel strikes on Iran began in late February.
Tunisia has continued to restrict civil society organizations and arrest critics since President Kais Saied's power consolidation. Recent measures include suspending NGOs and detaining journalists, reflecting a broader crackdown on freedoms and opposition since 2021. These actions threaten Tunisia's democratic progress.
Rached Ghannouchi, the 84-year-old Tunisian opposition figure and Ennahdha leader, has been transferred to hospital after a sharp health deterioration. Ennahdha asserts he is being held arbitrarily and calls for his immediate release amid a broader crackdown on dissent that has drawn international attention.
The Middle East conflict has pushed up fuel, fertiliser and packaging costs, feeding higher food prices globally. Retailers warn inflation is likely to continue if the war persists, while farmers face rising input costs and potential production cuts.
A Paris investigating judge will examine JR complaints that Mohammed bin Salman was involved in torture and enforced disappearance in Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 killing. The Paris Court of Appeal has allowed the civil-complaint process to proceed against the Saudi crown prince, though no charges have been filed.
The United States has announced a waiver of visa bonds for qualified World Cup fans who have tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system. The policy applies to supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries and co-hosts the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The move follows ongoing immigration enforcement concerns and broad bond requirements that previously affected travelers from 50 nations.
Protesters in Tunisia have called for an end to one-man rule, criticizing the government’s economic handling and alleged use of judiciary and police to silence critics. Rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on dissent as shortages and inflation strain public services.
The Italian coastguard has recovered bodies after a boat packed with refugees capsized near Malta. A fishing boat has rescued about 48 people, with the vessel believed to have departed from Libya. EU talks on asylum returns and new rules are unfolding as rescue operations continue amid ongoing crossings that have claimed many lives this year.
A roundup of developing World Cup stories from multiple sources, highlighting tactical shifts, managerial changes and key player moments as teams press for qualification and success.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.