China hosted over 50 African leaders in Beijing to strengthen ties amid global turmoil, offering a red carpet welcome and entertainment. The summit aimed to present a sense of equality and shared victimhood of Western imperialism. Leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya’s William Ruto, met with Xi Jinping and toured key cities. China’s strategy contrasts with Western aid approaches, emphasizing solidarity as a developing nation. Over two decades, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, though trade heavily favors China, with significant exports of metals, minerals, and fuel to China.

Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 6:30 am

Large protests in Tel Aviv continued for a third night as hundreds demanded a cease-fire to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. This follows the Israeli military’s report that six hostages were killed by their captors. Many Israelis blame Prime Minister Netanyahu and seek a cease-fire. The U.S. is working on a new cease-fire and hostage deal with Egypt and Qatar. The UN Security Council will discuss the war. The Israeli military killed Hamas militant Ahmed Fozi Wadia, involved in an Oct. 7 attack. The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack, has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.

Ava Sinclair 04/09/2024 3:00 am

A Russian missile attack on Poltava, Ukraine, killed over 50 people and injured hundreds, targeting a military educational institute and a nearby hospital. Two ballistic missiles struck, trapping many under rubble. President Zelensky urged allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons to prevent further attacks. The death toll rose to 51, with over 200 injured. Rescuers faced delays due to air raid sirens. Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for air defense systems and long-range strikes to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks.

Noah Prescott 04/09/2024 3:00 am

The trial of Dominique Pélicot, 71, accused of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pélicot, and recruiting over 70 men to rape her while unconscious, began in Avignon, France. For nearly a decade, Pélicot allegedly sedated his wife and invited men via online platforms to assault her. The victim, 72, requested an open court trial to raise awareness. Pélicot has admitted to the crimes, expressing shame. Some defendants claimed ignorance of the non-consensual nature of the acts. The trial, expected to last months, highlights the issue of “chemical submission” in sexual abuse.

Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 11:30 pm

David Cameron, former foreign secretary, delayed acting on advice from Foreign Office officials about breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza, risking UK complicity, according to an ex-FCDO adviser. The Labour government later banned 30 arms export licenses due to similar risks. The adviser criticized the delay, suggesting lives could have been saved. Legal advice to the previous government was iterative and did not explicitly mandate suspending arms sales. Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned Labour’s decision, likening Israel’s fight against Hamas to Britain’s WWII stand against Nazis, despite strained UK-Israel relations.

Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 11:30 pm

Lebanon’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was arrested after a hearing at the judicial palace, according to state media. Judge Jamal al-Hajjar detained the 73-year-old after interrogating him. Salameh, who served as governor for 30 years, faces allegations of financial crimes, including illicit enrichment and embezzlement. He is also wanted by French authorities, with Interpol issuing red notices. Salameh denies the charges, claiming his wealth is from legitimate sources. He was questioned for over three hours about financial matters, including manipulating financial statements and accruing over $110m via financial crimes.

Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 11:30 pm

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia, his first trip to an ICC member since a warrant for his arrest was issued for alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Welcomed with a lavish ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, he met with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. Despite protests and Ukraine’s call for his arrest, the Kremlin expressed no concern about detention. The ICC alleges Putin and Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights committed war crimes in Ukraine since February 2022. Moscow denies the allegations, calling the warrants “outrageous.” ICC members are expected to detain suspects, but enforcement is lacking.

Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 11:30 pm

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will block social network X in Brazil to avoid losing its license after Brazil’s supreme court blocked X for defying orders and not paying fines. The court froze Starlink’s assets to ensure X’s compliance. X refused to suspend accounts allegedly harming democratic institutions, including a senator under investigation. Critics argue the court’s actions overreach. Starlink has 250,000 customers in Brazil, competing with Hughesnet, Viasat, and Telebras. The telecommunications regulator, Anatel, had threatened sanctions against Starlink before it agreed to comply.

Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 11:30 pm

Caroline Darian stormed out of her father’s trial in tears after the judge revealed he had nude photos of her on his computer. Dominique Pélicot, 71, is accused of drugging his wife, Gisele, and filming men raping her while she was unconscious. Darian fears she may have been drugged and raped as well. Gisele and her children attended the trial in Avignon, France. Police believe Gisele was raped at least 92 times by 72 men, 51 of whom are identified and face up to 20 years in prison. Pélicot recruited the rapists online with specific instructions.

Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 8:00 pm

In Poltava, Ukraine, two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military academy and nearby hospital, killing over 50 and injuring more than 200, according to Ukrainian officials. The missiles hit the Poltava Military Institute of Communication, causing significant structural collapse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an investigation. The attack left shattered bricks, blood pools, and glass-covered roads. Volunteer Yevheniy Zemskyy expressed concern for the town’s residents and children.

Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 8:00 pm