France is set to hold its largest child sex abuse trial, with former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec accused of abusing 299 individuals, mostly children. His detailed notebooks document decades of abuse. The trial, starting in Vannes, aims to empower victims and challenge societal taboos. Le Scouarnec, 74, faces up to 20 years in prison. The case began in 2017 after a neighbor’s complaint led to the discovery of incriminating evidence. Activists hope the trial will shift shame from victims to perpetrators and improve justice for survivors.

Noah Prescott 22/02/2025 8:30 pm

A 19-year-old Syrian refugee was arrested for a stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, injuring a Spanish tourist. The suspect, who arrived in Germany in 2023 and applied for asylum, allegedly intended to kill Jews, influenced by Middle East conflicts. The victim, attacked in the neck, underwent emergency surgery and is now stable. The suspect, found with a knife, Quran, and prayer mat, is under investigation for attempted murder. The attack occurred amid heightened migration debates in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the crime and emphasized deporting violent offenders.

Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 8:30 pm

As Ukraine neared the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, U.S. President Trump’s call with Putin signaled a shift in U.S. policy, alarming Kyiv and European allies. Trump and Putin agreed to negotiate ending the war, excluding Ukraine, which President Zelenskyy deemed dangerous. U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth suggested NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic, aligning with Moscow’s stance.

Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 8:30 pm

Hamas released six hostages in Gaza, including four kidnapped during the October 2023 attack on Israel and two held for years. In exchange, 602 Palestinian prisoners will be freed, including 50 serving life sentences. This marks the end of the first phase of a ceasefire deal, with more hostages expected to be released in the next phase starting March 1. The bodies of four more hostages will be returned to Israel next week. Currently, 59 hostages remain, with about half believed to be alive.

Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 8:30 pm

France is set to hold its largest-ever child sex abuse trial, with former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec accused of abusing 299 people, mostly children. His detailed notebooks document decades of abuse. The trial, starting in Vannes, aims to empower victims and challenge societal taboos. Le Scouarnec, 74, faces up to 20 years in prison. The case began in 2017 after a neighbor’s complaint, leading to the discovery of incriminating evidence. Activists hope the trial will shift shame to perpetrators and improve justice for victims.

Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 5:00 pm

A 19-year-old Syrian refugee, suspected of antisemitic motives, stabbed a 30-year-old Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial. The attack occurred Friday evening, with the victim seriously injured but no longer in critical condition. The suspect, who arrived in Germany in 2023 as an unaccompanied minor and lived in Leipzig, was not previously known to law enforcement. The incident happened ahead of a local election focused on migration and security issues.

Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 5:00 pm

Hamas released five of six hostages in Gaza, the last agreed upon in a ceasefire deal. Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu were released in Rafah, while Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert were handed over in Nuseirat. Hisham al-Sayed’s release is pending. The hostages appeared in better condition than previous ones. Hamas expects Israel to release 602 Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The releases follow indirect talks in Qatar, leading to a ceasefire agreement.

Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 1:30 pm

Pope Francis, 88, remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to fragile health and age-related risks, including bilateral pneumonia. Doctors emphasize he is “not out of danger” and requires “enhanced” treatment. Despite his condition, he continues to work and read. The pope occasionally uses oxygen support and faces potential sepsis risk. He aims to return to his Vatican residence, Santa Marta, once stable.

Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 1:30 pm

The U.S. and Russia have initiated talks in Saudi Arabia to negotiate an end to the nearly three-year war in Ukraine, without Ukrainian or European involvement. This marks the first high-level dialogue between the two nations since the war began. President Trump urged Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to swiftly negotiate peace, warning of severe consequences. The last meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and former U.S. Secretary of State Blinken occurred in January 2022, just before Russia’s invasion.

Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 1:30 pm

Seven Arab leaders met in Riyadh to discuss Gaza’s future, rejecting a US plan to displace residents and transform Gaza. They aim to propose an alternative at the March 4 Arab League meeting. The meeting, called by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, included leaders from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. They discussed an Egyptian reconstruction plan linked to a ceasefire with Israel. Funding and political control remain unresolved, with reconstruction costs estimated at over $53 billion. The leaders seek a unified proposal for international support.

Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 10:00 am