Calls are growing in Serbia for an independent investigation into allegations that security forces used a banned sonic weapon at a peaceful anti-corruption rally. Despite denials from President Aleksandar Vucic, rights groups and opposition officials plan to file charges. Vucic invited the FBI and Russia’s FSB to investigate. An online petition with over half a million signatures seeks an international probe. The protests, sparked by a deadly railway station collapse, challenge Vucic’s government, accused of corruption. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 9:30 pm
Thousands protested in Kocani, North Macedonia, demanding justice after a nightclub fire killed 59, mostly teenagers. The fire at Pulse nightclub, sparked by flares, injured over 160, with many seriously hurt. Protesters blame corruption for inadequate safety measures. Authorities detained 20 people, including the club owner and former ministers. Relatives queued for DNA samples to identify missing victims. Mourners gathered, lighting candles and seeking justice for the tragedy. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 9:30 pm
The UK and France urged Russia’s President Putin to demonstrate commitment to a peace deal with Ukraine. French President Macron praised Ukraine’s President Zelensky for agreeing to a ceasefire and challenged Russia to reciprocate. UK Foreign Secretary Lammy called for a “full and unconditional ceasefire,” warning of further actions if Russia doesn’t negotiate seriously. The White House expressed optimism about upcoming Trump-Putin talks, focusing on peace in Ukraine and issues like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russia since 2022. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 9:30 pm
President Trump is set to tour the Kennedy Center and lead its board meeting as part of his takeover, which included leadership changes. He aims to “straighten it out.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will address questions, likely about Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to expel immigrants. Meanwhile, the EU and Canada are imposing tariffs on U.S. goods in response to Trump’s trade policies. Ava Sinclair 17/03/2025 9:30 pm
The U.S. conducted airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Hodeidah and Al Jawf, in response to Houthi threats to international shipping. At least 53 people were killed, including children and women, with 98 injured. The strikes aim to pressure the Iran-aligned Houthis and coincide with U.S. efforts to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program. Despite a proposal for talks, Iran’s Supreme Leader rejected it as deceptive. The U.S. military operation is the largest in the Middle East since Trump returned to office. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 6:00 pm
Lithuanian prosecutors accused Russia’s military intelligence of orchestrating an arson attack on a Vilnius IKEA store in May, possibly due to its logo’s resemblance to Ukraine’s flag. The fire, linked to Russia’s GRU through over 20 intermediaries, was part of a suspected sabotage campaign. Two Ukrainian citizens were allegedly paid to execute the attack. IKEA, which halted operations in Russia post-Ukraine invasion, appreciated the investigation but refrained from further comment. The fire was quickly contained, and the suspects will face trial in Lithuania and Poland. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 6:00 pm
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić faces escalating protests, the largest in modern Serbian history, with over 100,000 people demanding action against corruption. The movement began after a train station collapse in Novi Sad killed 15 people. Marked by 15-minute vigils, the protests occur monthly on the 15th. Despite government attempts to downplay or concede, the protests gain momentum, even swaying some government supporters. While protests are common in Serbia, these are notably significant, reminiscent of past movements like the Oct. 6 Revolution against Slobodan Milošević. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 6:00 pm
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili received an additional four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for illegally crossing the border in 2021. Already serving over 12 years for embezzlement and abuse of power, Saakashvili denies wrongdoing, calling his imprisonment politically motivated. He opposes the ruling Georgian Dream party, which leans towards Russia, while he favored Western ties. Arrested in 2021 after returning from Ukraine, Saakashvili, who led Georgia from 2004 to 2013, vows to continue fighting. Rights groups claim his detention is politically driven. Penelope Kingsley 17/03/2025 6:00 pm
A German court is hearing a case by Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya against RWE, claiming the company’s emissions contributed to Andean glacier melting, increasing flood risks. Lliuya, backed by Germanwatch, seeks €21,000 from RWE for a $3.5 million flood defense project. He argues RWE is responsible for nearly 0.5% of global emissions since the industrial revolution. The case could set a precedent for holding companies accountable for climate impacts. Legal experts are closely monitoring its potential influence on future climate litigation. Noah Prescott 17/03/2025 2:30 pm
A devastating fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 and injured 155 during a concert. Pyrotechnics likely ignited the blaze. Chaos ensued as attendees fled, with musicians urging evacuation. Many injured were hospitalized, some with severe burns, and assistance came from neighboring countries. Health Minister Arben Taravari emphasized the maximum effort to save lives. Grieving families, including Dragi Stojanov, who lost his only child, gathered outside hospitals. Ava Sinclair 17/03/2025 2:30 pm
