Sher Abbas Stanikzai, a senior Taliban figure, publicly urged the group’s leader to lift education bans on Afghan women and girls, calling it unjust and not based on Islamic law. Speaking in Khost province, he emphasized the lack of justification for denying education, highlighting the impact on 20 million people. Stanikzai, who previously led Taliban negotiations, has consistently advocated for women’s education rights. His recent remarks directly appeal to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, marking a significant push for policy change. Penelope Kingsley 19/01/2025 9:30 am
The Additional District and Sessions Court, Sealdah, found Sanjay Roy guilty of raping and murdering a doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College. Judge Anirban Das announced the verdict, with sentencing set for January 20. The CBI’s evidence, including CCTV footage, led to Roy’s conviction under Sections 64, 66, and 103 (1) of Bharatiya Nyay Samhita. Roy, a civic police volunteer, was arrested after the victim’s body was found on August 9. Despite pleading innocence, he faces a potential death sentence or life imprisonment. Penelope Kingsley 19/01/2025 9:30 am
Russia sentenced three lawyers of Alexei Navalny to several years in prison for transmitting his messages from prison, amid a crackdown on dissent during the Ukraine conflict. Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser, and Igor Sergunin were convicted of participating in an “extremist organisation.” The sentences drew international condemnation, with the US, France, Germany, and Britain criticizing the Kremlin’s actions as undermining human rights and suppressing dissent. Navalny’s widow called the lawyers “political prisoners.” The trial was held behind closed doors near Moscow. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 6:00 am
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel is prepared to resume military action against Hamas if ceasefire talks fail. He emphasized the ceasefire’s temporary nature and claimed support from US President-elect Donald Trump. Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s military successes, including the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The ceasefire is set to begin, contingent on receiving a list of hostages from Hamas. Despite ongoing airstrikes, a deal involves releasing 33 hostages in exchange for 1,890 Palestinian prisoners, with Israel pulling back forces from Gaza. Penelope Kingsley 19/01/2025 2:30 am
Two judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghisseh, were killed in a shooting at Tehran’s supreme court. The gunman, who later killed himself, targeted the judges known for handling national security cases. The motive remains unclear, but the assailant wasn’t involved in any court cases. Authorities are investigating, and several individuals have been identified or arrested. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged swift action. Moghisseh was previously sanctioned by the US, and Razini survived a 1998 assassination attempt. Attacks on judges are rare in Iran. Ava Sinclair 19/01/2025 2:30 am
A South Korean court extended the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing concerns he might destroy evidence related to his martial law declaration. This decision enraged his supporters, who stormed the court building, causing chaos and minor injuries. Police restored order and arrested 46 protesters. Yoon, held at the Seoul detention center, has refused to cooperate with investigators. The court approved the detention due to fears of evidence tampering, allowing for up to 20 days of detention. Noah Prescott 19/01/2025 2:30 am
An Indian court found police volunteer Sanjay Roy guilty of raping and murdering a trainee doctor in Kolkata, sparking nationwide protests over women’s safety. The crime highlighted ongoing violence against women. The trial was expedited, and Roy’s sentencing, which could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, will be announced Monday. The case was transferred to federal investigators due to alleged mishandling by local police. The incident led to widespread protests by doctors, medical students, and women demanding justice and improved security. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 11:00 pm
A South Korean court extended President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention for up to 20 days due to concerns he might destroy evidence related to a martial law declaration probe. Yoon, the first sitting president arrested for insurrection, refused questioning, prompting investigators to seek extended detention. The court approved the request, citing evidence destruction concerns. Yoon is held at Seoul Detention Centre, and his detention sparked protests. Insurrection charges, which Yoon may face, are not covered by presidential immunity. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 11:00 pm
A Russian air strike on Kyiv’s central Shevchenkivskyi district killed three people, including a couple in their vehicle. The attack caused significant damage to civilian buildings, including a business center and nearby metro station. A deep crater was left in the road, and missile fragments were identified as from an Iskander-M ballistic missile. Emergency workers are clearing wreckage, and the area has been targeted repeatedly by Russia. Initially, officials reported four deaths. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 11:00 pm
After Iran elected a more moderate president, Italian journalist Cecilia Sala received a journalist visa after two years of rejections, as Iran’s new government appeared more open to foreign reporters. However, upon arriving in Tehran, she was detained by intelligence agents from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and taken to Evin prison, highlighting the unchanged oppressive environment despite initial hopes for reform. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 11:00 pm
