A report by the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre reveals over 1,000 Syrians died in detention at a military airport near Damascus, through execution, torture, or maltreatment. The report, based on witness testimony, satellite imagery, and documents, identifies seven suspected grave sites. Reuters could not independently confirm the graves but noted disturbed earth in satellite images. Shadi Haroun, a report author and former detainee, described severe torture and neglect. The report includes interviews with 156 survivors and former intelligence members. The new government has banned former regime officials from commenting. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 12:30 pm
Thailand has deported at least 40 Uyghurs to China, despite warnings from rights groups about potential torture and death. The group, held for 10 years in Bangkok, was reportedly flown to Xinjiang. This marks Thailand’s first Uyghur deportation since 2015. The operation was secretive, with concerns from the U.S. and U.N. China claims the deportees were illegal immigrants, denying they were Uyghurs. Thai PM emphasized adherence to law and human rights, while China assured their well-being. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 12:30 pm
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, concluded in Prayagraj after six weeks, attracting over 400 million visitors. Pilgrims, including sages and ordinary devotees, gathered to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. A temporary 15-square-mile city was constructed to accommodate attendees, featuring pontoon bridges, steel roads, and luxury tents. The 2025 event saw increased turnout due to a rare celestial alignment and government promotion. Despite advanced crowd control measures, a stampede occurred on January 29. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 12:30 pm
Andrew and Tristan Tate, controversial social media influencers, have left Romania for the US after restrictions on their travel were lifted. The brothers, under investigation in Romania for alleged crimes including human trafficking and rape, deny all charges. They must report to Romanian police monthly. Previously banned from leaving Romania, they were arrested in 2022 and charged in 2023. The Tates, dual UK-US citizens, are also wanted in the UK for similar allegations. Their lawyer confirmed their US visit is now legally permitted. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 12:30 pm
Thousands freed from Myanmar’s scam centers are now stranded in makeshift camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. Among them is Mike, an Ethiopian, who was lured with a job promise but ended up in a brutal scam operation. Conditions in the camps are dire, with unsanitary facilities and insufficient food. Armed militia groups, overwhelmed by the numbers, have halted freeing more people due to slow relocation processes. Many, like Mike, suffer from poor health and trauma after enduring harsh conditions in the scam centers. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 9:00 am
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported increased Chinese military activity, with 45 aircraft and 14 navy ships near Taiwan, including seven in a Chinese-declared drill zone. Despite the setup for “shooting” drills, no live-fire exercises were detected. Taiwan condemned the move as provocative and dangerous, lacking prior notice, and urged international attention. The drill zone, 70 nautical miles long and 20 wide, was outside Taiwanese waters. Officials noted the activity mirrored China’s recent regional military actions, emphasizing the need for risk management among allies. China has not commented. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 9:00 am
Ocean Infinity has relaunched the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, missing since March 2014. Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the renewed effort, though contract details are still being finalized. The plane vanished with 239 people on board, and its disappearance remains a mystery. Families of the victims, like Grace Nathan and Jaquita Gonzales, hope the search will provide closure. Ocean Infinity’s vessel is currently in the south Indian Ocean, and the search is on a “no-find-no-fee” basis, with Malaysia agreeing to resume in December 2024. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 5:30 am
An Israeli security official reported that Hamas transferred four bodies to the Red Cross, with Israel expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners soon. This marks the final exchange under Phase 1 of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which officially ends Saturday. The bodies, yet to be identified, were handed over early Thursday. Israel will confirm identities before releasing prisoners, following a previous mix-up. If confirmed as hostages, Hamas holds 59 captives, with over half presumed dead. The Qassam Brigades named the deceased as Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 5:30 am
Kier Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, warned Donald Trump that failing to protect Ukraine could lead to further aggression from Vladimir Putin. Despite Starmer’s serious message, Trump indicated he was unwilling to extend security guarantees, preferring Europe to take responsibility. This sets the stage for a challenging diplomatic meeting between Starmer and Trump. Starmer’s comments were made en route to Washington, where he is one of three leaders visiting the White House, alongside French President Macron and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 5:30 am
Sir Keir Starmer, en route to Washington, reiterated the need for a US security guarantee in Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression. He emphasized the importance of a US “backstop” in any peace deal, though details remain under discussion. In contrast, Donald Trump suggested Europe should take more responsibility for security guarantees, while highlighting a minerals deal with Ukraine as beneficial. Starmer stressed the need for lasting peace, not just a ceasefire, to prevent future Russian advances. Following Starmer’s visit, Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 2:00 am
