Human Rights

Trump pardons former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández

Donald Trump announced he will pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, who was serving a 45-year US sentence for drug trafficking and weapons charges.

South Africa expels Israel’s top diplomat

South Africa’s foreign ministry declared Israeli charge d’affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours.

EU designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group

The European Union added Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to its terrorist list.

TotalEnergies relaunches Mozambique LNG buildout

TotalEnergies announced it has restarted construction of its $20bn LNG project at Afungi in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province after a suspension since 2021.

Venezuela releases detainees held on political grounds

The NGO Foro Penal reported that at least 104 people on its political-prisoner list were freed on Sunday, with additional releases possible.

UN to take over al-Hol camp for IS families in Syria unrest

The UN says it has taken over management of Syria’s al-Hol camp after Kurdish-led forces withdrew amid an advance by Syrian government forces, triggering unrest that halted aid operations.

Colombia sentences ex-paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso to 40 years in jail

A Colombian special tribunal sentenced former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso to 40 years in prison for murders and forced disappearances committed in La Guajira between 2002 and 2006, with a possible reduction if he cooperates with transitional justice and reparations.

China and Canada agree to lower tariffs and adjust EV tax rates

China and Canada announced tariff relief and other trade steps during Mark Carney’s Beijing visit, signalling a reset in bilateral relations.

EU disburses €1 billion in budgetary support to Egypt under 2024 partnership agreement

The European Commission disbursed €1 billion to Egypt in budgetary support under a 2024 partnership agreement, while activists and human rights organizations criticized ongoing repression in Egypt.

Rhineland-Palatinate suspends deportations to Iran for three months

Rhineland-Palatinate suspended deportations to Iran for three months, citing a worsening human rights situation and risks to deportees’ life and freedom.

US claims control over Venezuela’s interim government as Maduro is held in New York on drug charges

The Trump administration said it will dictate decisions to Venezuela’s interim authorities as Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores were abducted in a US military offensive and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

India and Bangladesh suspend visa services amid escalating diplomatic tensions

India and Bangladesh suspended mutual visa services amid protests and violent incidents, reflecting strained diplomatic ties and internal political instability.

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