Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
HOUSTON – A total of 236 new cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from July 3-10, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Among those are 106 people who face charges of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, violent crimes, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 116 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while six cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration related crimes.
Two of those charged include Mexican nationals Charlie Ruben Ortiz-Lopez and Mauricio Rivera-Medina. According to their criminal complaints, both have prior convictions for illegal reentry. Rivera-Medina was last removed just last month, but authorities allegedly found him again illegally in the United States near Mission. They encountered Rivera-Medina near Edinburg after he had been previously removed in November 2023, according to his charges.
Another man facing charges this week is Honduran national Jose Eduardo Escobar-Reyes, who law enforcement allegedly discovered unlawfully in the United States near Roma. According to court documents, he was previously removed March 12 and has a prior conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
If convicted, all three face up to 20 years in prison.
In addition to the new cases, a Rio Grande City man was ordered to prison for 24 months for unlawfully transporting an illegal alien. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Jason Al Venecia took his girlfriend and her minor daughter with him to smuggle the illegal alien to facilitate passage through the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. While on bond awaiting sentencing, Al Venecia was also caught assisting his girlfriend during her own attempt to smuggle illegal aliens. She has since pleaded guilty to separate charges in her case prosecuted in the McAllen Division.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.
According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.
A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-3289 RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-113_Cruz
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.
According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.
A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-3289 RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-113_Cruz
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.
According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.
A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-3289 RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-113_Cruz
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW DELHI, July 14 (Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed and 11 others injured after a truck carrying mangoes overturned in India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state, police said on Monday.
The accident occurred on Monday night, about 387 km southwest of Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati.
“The accident occurred when a truck lost control and overturned. The truck was carrying mangoes weighing about 40 tonnes and there were 20 workers sitting on top,” a police official said.
When the truck overturned, crates of mangoes fell on workers, causing casualties and injuries, police said.
After the accident, local residents and rescuers arrived at the scene to conduct a rescue operation and took the victims to the hospital.
The cause of the accident is being investigated. Police suspect that overloading was the cause of the accident, but the driver who survived the accident said that he lost control while trying to avoid a collision with a car traveling in the opposite direction. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Ahead of the appeal hearing of 13 people – among 45 individuals convicted in a mass trial last year of “conspiring to subvert state power” under Hong Kong’s National Security Law – Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:
“The Hong Kong 47 case stands as one of the most shocking examples of the crackdown on human rights in the city. This appeal hearing is a chance for the courts to start righting the wrongs of this unprecedented mass prosecution.
“Research findings we released earlier this month show that the vast majority of convictions under the National Security Law have targeted legitimate expression. It is appalling that Hong Kong courts could condone a crackdown that leaves more than 80% of defendants wrongfully languishing behind bars.
“This appeal is a pivotal test—not just for these 13 individuals, but for the future of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Only by overturning these convictions can Hong Kong’s courts begin to restore the city’s global standing as a place where rights are respected and where people are allowed to peacefully express their views without fear of arrest.”
Over the past six months, the headlines have been dominated by stories of fear, division and hatred.However, activists around the world are working away to ensure hope prevails. Here are some of the human rights wins we can be proud of from January to June 2025.
January
Afghanistan
In 2023, Amnesty International released a report on the Taliban’s war on women. Following its findings, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor filed a request for arrest warrants against the Taliban’s Supreme Leader and their Chief Justice, citing crimes against humanity.
The request charges the Taliban’s Supreme Leader and their Chief Justice for gender persecution against women, girls, and LGBTI people since their return to power in August 2021. Although the warrants are still subject to the approval of ICC judges these are the first public arrest warrants sought by the ICC in Afghanistan since the country became a member of the court in 2003.
Cameroon
Dorgelesse Nguessan was released on 16 January after spending more than four years in prison for participating in a protest. The hairdresser and single mother had never been politically active yet joined a protest after growing concerned about the high cost of living. She was charged with insurrection, tried by a military court and sentenced to five years in prison on 7 December 2021.
I thank those who directly or indirectly work for your organization and contributed to my release.
Dorgelesse Nguessan
Dorgelesse was part of Amnesty International’s 2022 Write for Rights campaign, where thousands of supporters called for her release. Amnesty also provided short-term relief support to assist Dorgelesse and her family through the difficult moments of her detention. On 16 January, the Court of Appeal reduced her sentence.
“I thank you for all the efforts you have devoted as I was arbitrarily detained,” said Dorgelesse. “I thank those who directly or indirectly work for your organization and contributed to my release.”
Chile
On 2 January, two police [Carabineros] officers were sentenced to prison for shooting activist Renzo Inostroza and blinding him in one eye. The court concluded that their actions violated both Chile’s national regulations and international obligations. This conviction set a judicial precedent in the struggle to ensure the Chilean justice system pursues criminal responsibility for the unlawful actions of the Carabineros. This conviction follows Amnesty’s landmark Eyes on Chile report, which analyzed patterns and individual cases of police violence during the social unrest that broke out in Chile in October 2019. Renzo’s case was part of the report.
Saudi Arabia
From January to February, Amnesty successfully campaigned for the release of several human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia. On 7 January, human rights defender and former prisoner of conscience, Mohammed al-Qahtani, was conditionally released after spending 12 years in prison for his human rights work. On 13 February, 47-year-old teacher Asaad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi was released from prison following an unfair trial before the notorious Specialized Criminal Court (SCC). Asaad was arrested in 2022 and initially sentenced to 20 years in prison for social media posts criticizing the government’s Vision 2030 programme. On 10 February 2025, Leeds University PhD student and mother of two, Salma al-Shehab, was released from prison after completing a four-year prison term following an unfair trial before the SCC. Following a grossly unfair trial, the SCC had convicted Salma al-Shehab of terrorism-related offences for publishing tweets in support of women’s rights.
USA
The United States sanctioned a number of companies involved in the transfer of weapons into Sudan and Darfur. These sanctions follow Amnesty’s innovative briefing, published in July 2024, that combined business trade data and video analysis to show how the constant import of foreign-manufactured arms into Sudan was fuelling relentless civilian suffering.
Amnesty International members long campaigned for the release of Native American activist Leonard Peltier and most recently called on President Biden to grant Leonard Peltier clemency on humanitarian grounds and as a matter of justice.
USA
Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist, was imprisoned for nearly 50 years in the USA for a crime he maintains he did not commit. There were serious concerns about the fairness of his trial and conviction. Tribal Nations, Nobel Peace Laureates, former FBI agents, numerous others, and even the former U.S. Attorney, James Reynolds, whose office handled the prosecution, have called for Leonard Peltier’s release. Amnesty International members had long campaigned for his release, and most recently called on President Biden to grant Leonard Peltier clemency on humanitarian grounds and as a matter of justice. In the final hour of his presidency, former President Biden commuted Peltier’s life sentence to home confinement. Amnesty recently offered him short-term relief support as he works to rebuild his life after his release.
February
Algeria
Thanks to sustained advocacy work from Amnesty International Algeria and several national women’s rights organizations, Algeria’s president Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a series of concrete measures to combat violence against women – moving from commitment to action.
The Ministry of Solidarity has since launched a national toll-free helpline, available 24/7 across the country, enabling victims to report abuse, be referred to appropriate support services, and receive emergency assistance when in danger. It is already proving effective. A Guide for Women Victims of Violence has been published in Arabic and English and is currently being distributed nationwide. New legal measures, including the possibility of issuing an immediate restraining order against perpetrators of violence, have also been announced.
Benin
Thousands of Beninese families living in coastal areas have been living an endless nightmare, victims of forced evictions orchestrated in the name of tourism development. However, in February the authorities issued a public call for people awaiting proper compensation to come forward so their case can be followed up. The National Agency for Land and Property’s direct also asked Amnesty International for a list of people who have not received appropriate reparations.
The move follows the release of an Amnesty International report on forced evictions in Benin in December 2023 and a subsequent campaign calling for proper compensation for those who have been unfairly evicted, which proved vital in securing this positive outcome.
Thank you all very much. Without your help, we could not have saved my husband.
Zaynura Hasan
Amnesty International had been campaigning for his freedom since he was initially detained in July 2021. Zaynura Hasan, Idris’ wife, thanked the organization for the relentless support.
“Thank you all very much. Without your help, we could not have saved my husband.”
Serbia
Recent research by Amnesty International’s Security Lab and European Regional Office documented how Serbian police and intelligence authorities are using advanced phone spyware alongside mobile phone forensic products to unlawfully target journalists, environmental activists and other individuals in a covert surveillance campaign.
In a significant human rights win, Cellebrite (a company specialising in digital intelligence and forensics) announced it will stop the use of its digital forensic equipment for some of its customers in Serbia as a direct result of Amnesty’s research. Simultaneously, Serbia’s Prosecutor for High Technological Crime, the Ombudsman and Data Protection Commissioner started separate investigations based on the research findings.
Senegal
In a positive step forward, the Senegalese government invited Amnesty International to provide support and assistance for people who have been arrested for participating in protests, as well as former detainees.
Since 2021, Amnesty International has denounced the unlawful use of force by security forces during protests, compiled a list of those who have been killed, and condemned the arbitrary detention of hundreds of people for having called for or participated in protests. According to figures gathered by Amnesty International and other civil society organizations, at least 65 people were killed, the majority by firearms, with at least 1,000 wounded. A further 2,000 people were arrested.
Amnesty International continues to call for the repeal of the amnesty law adopted by the former government, for justice and reparation for the victims and their family members.
Taner Kılıç, a refugee rights lawyer and former Chair of Amnesty International’s Türkiye section, was finally acquitted after nearly eight years of judicial proceedings.
Türkiye
Taner Kılıç, a refugee rights lawyer and former Chair of Amnesty International’s Türkiye section, was finally acquitted after nearly eight years of judicial proceedings.
Arrested in June 2017 and imprisoned for over 14 months, he was unjustly convicted in 2020 despite no credible evidence. He faced more than six years in prison for “membership of a terrorist organization”. Amnesty provided relief support to him and his family as they navigated the difficulty of his imprisonment.
Reflecting on the case, Taner said: “This nightmare that has gone on for almost eight years is finally over… The only thing I was sure of throughout this process was that I was right and innocent, and the support from all over the world gave me strength. I thank each and every one who stood up for me.”
In a landmark ruling, Brazilian actor Juan Darthés was found guilty for the rape of Argentinian actress Thelma Fardin. Amnesty provided legal and psychosocial support to Thelma.
Latin America
In a landmark ruling for women’s rights in Latin America, a Brazilian court convicted actor Juan Darthés of sexual violence against Argentine actress Thelma Fardin, who accused him in 2018 of abusing her when she was 16. Amnesty provided support for transport related costs, and psychosocial support for Thelma throughout her case. The sentence sets an important precedent for sexual violence cases in the region.
After a five-year legal battle across three countries, Thelma stated: “Today I can look my 16-year-old self in the eye and say we did it.”
Philippines
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by police on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.
Thousands of people, mostly from poor and marginalized communities, were unlawfully killed by the police – or by armed individuals suspected to have links to the police – during Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs”. Amnesty has been calling for his arrest for a number of years and described it as “a long-awaited and monumental step for justice”. He is now due to stand trial at the ICC.
Sierra Leone
Hawa Hunt, a reality TV star, was freed from detention on 4 March and cleared of all the cybercrime related charges against her. She was arrested on live television in December 2024 and charged with insulting the President and First Lady in a social media video.
Amnesty International called on authorities to release her and to ensure her rights were upheld.
Her daughter Alicia said: “In one of the very few phone calls I was able to have with my mother as she was in jail, I told her how Amnesty International spoke up for her. She and our whole family were very touched by the support. We believe it played a very key role in her being released.”
Since May 1995, the Saturday Mothers have held peaceful weekly protests demanding justice for relatives forcibly disappeared in the eighties and nineties.
Türkiye
Since May 1995, the Saturday Mothers have held regular peaceful protests at Galatasaray Square every Saturday, demanding justice for relatives forcibly disappeared in the eighties and nineties. Their 700th vigil on 25 August 2018 was banned and violently dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons.
Forty-six people were detained and later released, but in 2020, they were prosecuted for “attending illegal meetings and marches without weapons and not dispersing despite warnings”.
Thanks to the determination of the Saturday Mothers and their supporters – including Amnesty International who provided legal aid – all were acquitted in March 2025.
USA
On March 17, US immigration authorities detained Alberto, the father of a Venezuelan family of four, separating him from his wife and two children. Despite the family having pending asylum applications, he was charged with “illegal” entry to the United States. His case was an example of the Trump administration’s use of a provision of immigration law to target individuals and families that have been in the United States for years, rather than recent arrivals at the US-Mexico border. On April 21, 2025, Alberto was granted bond and released from ICE detention, following calls from Amnesty International and reunited with his wife and two children.
May
Chile
Romario Veloz was shot and killed by an army captain during social unrest in La Serena, Chile, in 2019. The police officer who shot Romario Veloz was imprisoned in May 2025 – setting a precedent in cases of human rights violations committed by state agents. Despite the victory, widespread impunity for police violence continues. Romario was also part of Amnesty’s Eyes on Chile investigation (2020). Amnesty provided support to Romario’s young child, helping her access education as well as covering the legal expenses for the family’s quest to seek justice.
Alongside the report, Amnesty was part of the Advisory Unit for Police Reform, wrote letters to the Chilean president and gave numerous media interviews on police violence. Amnesty Chile’s relentless campaigning paid off and helped to stop the implementation of the use of tasers by Chilean police forces.
Côte d’Ivoire
On 7 May, Ghislain Duggary Assy, Communications Secretary of the Movement of Teachers for the Dignity Dynamic union, was provisionally released pending his trial, due to international pressure from Amnesty International. A month earlier, he had been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment solely for having called for strike action in primary and secondary schools.
Amnesty International condemned the flagrant violation of workers’ rights, in particular the right to strike and freedom of association and will continue to call for his unconditional release.
Greece
Two years ago, the Pylos shipwreck led to the death of more than 600 people. Now, 17 Greek coastguard officers face charges in connection with it, including causing a shipwreck, exposure to danger and failure to provide assistance. These developments may pave the way towards accountability for the worst shipwreck in the Mediterranean in recent years.
Amnesty has been calling for justice through sustained advocacy and campaigning.
Türkiye
Afghan asylum seeker Tabriz Saifi is blind due to chronic diabetes and relies on dialysis three times a week. However, his international protection application was rejected by the Turkish authorities on 28 February, which meant he no longer had access to life-saving healthcare. Amnesty International immediately launched an urgent action, calling for the decision to be reversed.
On 2 May, his family was informed that the decision had been reversed and that his asylum seeker status had been reinstated, along with full access to free healthcare.
Girls and women support the right to abortion in Argentina.
Argentina
An Argentine private health insurer was fined over $4,000 USD for denying a legal abortion to a woman whose pregnancy posed serious health risks — a clear violation of the country’s reproductive rights law.
Amnesty International Argentina provided legal advice and stressed that rulings like this reinforce the need to guarantee access to legal abortion as a right, not an exception subject to individual or institutional discretion.
Council of Europe
Following sustained advocacy by Amnesty International and the Omega Research Foundation, the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH) adopted a report on measures against the trade in goods used for death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Georgia
After months of public pressure, protests and legal action, the Georgian Ministry of Justice announced it would end the humiliating practice of fully stripping detainees during body searches.
The decision followed a lawsuit from the Public Defender in February, a report from Amnesty International condemning the practice as degrading and unlawful, as well as a video featuring Georgian artist and activist Kristina Botkoveli, who was subjected to a forced strip search, harassment, and threats after participating in protests.
Following calls from Amnesty International and other organizations, the revised Sámi Parliament Act has now been approved by the Finnish parliament.
Finland
The Sámi are a group of Indigenous people that come from the region of Sápmi, which stretches across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola peninsula in Russia.
For a number of years, they have been subjected to human rights violations. However, following calls from Amnesty International and other organizations, the revised Sámi Parliament Act has now been approved by the Finnish parliament.
The amended Act strengthens Indigenous Sámi people’s right to self-determination and improves the way in which the Sámi Parliament operates. It also corrects human rights violations highlighted by international human rights treaty bodies.
Hungary
On 28 June, Budapest Pride proceeded despite restrictive anti-Pride laws and police targeting the march. Around 200,000 people, including over 280 Amnesty International activists and staff from Hungary and 22 other countries, peacefully demanded equality and assembly rights. This was Budapest’s largest Pride in 30 years, symbolizing strong public resistance to discrimination and highlighting the resilience of Hungary’s LGBTI community. Amnesty’s Let Pride March campaign helped raise awareness, mobilize activists, and urged police to respect peaceful protest. With over 120,000 global actions supporting the event – it demonstrated that solidarity can overcome oppression, though challenges for LGBTI rights in Hungary persist.
Activists and speakers – including King Okabi of the Ogale community – call for an end to Shell’s pollution of the Niger Delta and compensation outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, on day one of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial, 13 February 2025.
Nigeria/UK
After a decade-long fight for justice, a UK court ruled that Shell can be held liable for the oil spills and leaks it has failed to clean up in the Niger Delta – regardless of how long ago they happened.
The judgement is an important step towards justice for communities in the Niger Delta and a vital opportunity to make Shell pay for the devastating pollution it has caused to the Ogale and Bille communities’ lands.
In parallel with this decision, the Nigerian government also pardoned the Ogoni Nine. The group of activists, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nigerian author and campaigner, were executed 30 years ago by a government that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta.
Amnesty has been supporting and campaigning for justice for the Ogoni Nine for years and documenting the destruction Shell has left behind through a series of powerful reports. While these are positive outcomes, much more needs to be done to ensure justice is achieved for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do – and Amnesty will be there every step of the way!
Ukraine
On 24 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset signed an agreement establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine in Strasbourg, following calls from Amnesty International and others. It is hoped this will help hold perpetrators of the crime of aggression accountable.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and student organizer who recently graduated from Columbia University, was targeted for his role in student protests at Columbia University.
USA
On March 9, US immigration authorities unlawfully arrested and arbitrarily detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, lawful permanent resident of the USA, and student organizer who recently graduated from Columbia University. Mahmoud was targeted for his role in student protests at Columbia University, where he was exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He was not charged with a crime yet was held in a detention centre, told that his permanent residency status was “revoked”, and placed in deportation proceedings. Amnesty International demanded that authorities release Mahmoud immediately and respect his rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and due process. After 104 days in a Louisiana immigration detention centre, Mahmoud Khalil was released on bail in June 21, however he’s still facing threats of deportation by US authorities. He has since filed a $20 million USD lawsuit against the Trump administration.
“The Hong Kong 47 case stands as one of the most shocking examples of the crackdown on human rights in the city. This appeal hearing is a chance for the courts to start righting the wrongs of this unprecedented mass prosecution.
“Research findings we released earlier this month show that the vast majority of convictions under the National Security Law have targeted legitimate expression. It is appalling that Hong Kong courts could condone a crackdown that leaves more than 80% of defendants wrongfully languishing behind bars.
“This appeal is a pivotal test – not just for these 13 individuals, but for the future of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Only by overturning these convictions can Hong Kong’s courts begin to restore the city’s global standing as a place where rights are respected and where people are allowed to peacefully express their views without fear of arrest.”
Dramatic deterioration of human rights
In Hong Kong’s largest prosecution under the National Security Law, which came into force in June 2020,47 opposition figures were jointly chargedwith “conspiracy to commit subversion”. Thirty-one of the 47 pleaded guilty to the charge while 16 pleaded not guilty, two of whom were acquitted.
On 14 July, Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal will hear the appeal of 13 of those convicted. In the same hearing, Hong Kong’s Department of Justice will also appeal against the acquittal of one of the defendants, Lawrence Lau.The charges against the ‘Hong Kong 47’ relate to their organisation and participation in self-organised ‘primaries’ for the 2020 Legislative Council elections that were ultimately postponed by authorities on Covid-19 grounds before the Chinese government brought in a new electoral system that strictly vetted who could stand for office.
Research published last month by Amnestyon the fifth anniversary of the National Security Law’s enactment, found that more than 80% of people convicted under the law have been wrongly criminalised and should never have been charged in the first place.Human rights in Hong Kong have deteriorated dramaticallysince 2020, with Amnesty identifying more than 250 people arrested for violating the National Security Law or a colonial-era “sedition” law.Last year, the Hong Kong parliament itself enacted further national security legislation – the so-called ‘Article 23’ law – whichhas further deepened repression and silenced opposition voices in the city.
Reappointment of a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board
The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Habib Motani as a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board.
The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Habib Motani as a non-lay member of the Legal Services Board for four years from 18 April 2026.
Mr Motani qualified as a solicitor in 1980. He is a Consultant to Clifford Chance LLP having spent over 30 years as a partner in the firm’s banking and finance practice. He is a Visiting Professor at the School of Law at the University of Edinburgh. and a Trustee at: The British Institute of International and Comparative Law, the Institute of Ismaili Studies and The Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the Steering Group of the Canary Wharf Multi-faith Chaplaincy.
The Legal Services Board (LSB) is the independent body overseeing the regulation of lawyers in England and Wales. Its goal is to reform and modernise the legal services marketplace by putting the interests of consumers at the heart of the system. It is independent of government and the legal profession and oversees the approved regulators, which themselves regulate lawyers.
The LSB also oversees the Office for Legal Complaints and its administration of the Legal Ombudsman scheme that resolves complaints about lawyers.
Appointments and reappointments are made, by the Lord Chancellor, under the Legal Services Act 2007 and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This reappointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
This study provides a general overview of the procedures before the two courts within the Court of Justice of the European Union – the Court of Justice and the General Court. It focuses on the preliminary reference procedure, the action for infringement of EU law, the action for annulment, the action for failure to act, the action for damages, and the review of compatibility of an international agreement with EU law. Appellate procedures are also discussed. With regard to each procedure, the analysis identifies the parties that may initiate it, the defendant parties, the object of the procedure, and the procedural steps.
– having regard to Opinion No 19/2022 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD),
– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas Ryan Cornelius, a 71-year-old British national married to an EU citizen, has been arbitrarily detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2008, following a conviction on false fraud charges related to a loan from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) for a property development project;
B. whereas he was initially sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and, just before his scheduled release in 2018, his sentence was extended by an additional 20 years under Dubai Law 37 of 2009, applied retroactively and in violation of international legal standards;
C. whereas according to human rights organisations, the UAE Government has a concerning track record of arbitrary detention, unfair trials and allegations of torture;
D. whereas according to independent auditors, the real estate development seized from Ryan Cornelius by DIB is demonstrably worth many times the amount of his outstanding debt to the bank;
E. whereas the UNWGAD has declared his continued imprisonment a violation of international law, citing a lack of due process, coerced confessions, solitary confinement, denial of legal counsel and coerced signing of documents in Arabic;
F. whereas Ryan Cornelius continues to be held in inhumane prison conditions, with his health deteriorating and without proper access to healthcare;
G. whereas Dubai Law 37 of 2009 states in Article 7(1) that the convicted person (the debtor) shall not be sentenced to jail if that person is aged over 70; whereas Ryan Cornelius turned 70 in 2024 and as such should be granted an exemption under this law;
1. Condemns Ryan Cornelius’s arbitrary and prolonged detention and calls for him and all other arbitrarily detained persons to be released immediately and unconditionally;
2. Demands that he be granted an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law;
3. Urges the Dubai authorities to provide him with access to adequate medical treatment and care in accordance with international standards on the treatment of prisoners, and to ensure an independent investigation into his arbitrary detention;
4. Denounces the retroactive application of Law 37 of 2009 and urges the UAE to ensure fair trials and abolish the practice of debt-related imprisonment; notes that Ryan Cornelius remains in prison despite the authorities having seized assets valued at more than twice his original debt;
5. Expresses solidarity with his family;
6. Calls on the United Kingdom to take all necessary action to ensure Ryan Cornelius’s release; urges the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States and the EU Delegation to the UAE to raise his case in all bilateral engagements with the UAE and closely monitor the conditions of his detention;
7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States, and the governments of the United Kingdom and the UAE.
Ambassador Selby Pillay represented Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Republic of Seychelles, at the 47th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from 10th to 11th July 2025.
The 47th Ordinary Session was conducted under the theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through reparations”. It adopted the African Union Commission budget for 2026, assessed the implementation of the Agenda 2063, considered the roadmap on the theme of the year 2026, and endorsed decisions on critical issues affecting the African Continent.
During the discussions on the roadmap of the theme for the year 2026: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”, Ambassador Pillay recognised the inseparable linkage between water and other factors such as health, agriculture, and climate resilience. He further underscored that “Seychelles, as a Small Island Developing State, will always be a strong advocate for environment sustainability and climate change, due to its vulnerabilities mainly from the devasting effects of climate change”.
The Ordinary Session further witnessed the election of Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona from Burundi as the new African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) and Mrs Francisca Tatchouop Belobe from Equatorial Guinea as the new Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM). This completes the election and appointment process of the Senior Leadership of the African Union Commission, a process which started in February 2025.
Ambassador Pillay was accompanied by Mrs Patricia Ilunga, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Seychelles in Addis Ababa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
The chaipersons of Parliament’s Justice and Police committees have welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The provincial commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Justice and Constitutional Development Committee chairperson, Xola Nqola, said: “The National Prosecuting Authority, as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system.”
Police Portfolio Committee chairperson, Ian Cameron, said: “The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal justice system.”
Last week, National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, mandated the two committees and the Intelligence Committee to consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
In that regard, the committees are expected to meet this week to consider the way forward and report back to Didiza. – SAnews.gov.za
The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police.
“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.
“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.
“The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.
A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.
“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large. –SAnews.gov.za
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
UK Trade Policy updated to benefit citizens and allies
Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures
New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas.
UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced imports as part of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Part of the UK’s Plan for Change and recently launched Trade Strategy to grow trade with markets of the future, strengthen global partnerships and deliver for British households.
British consumers and businesses are set to benefit from a package of new trade measures unveiled today (10 July), which will simplify imports from developing countries — helping to lower prices on everyday goods while supporting jobs and growth in some of the world’s poorest nations.
The measures will give UK consumers greater access to competitively priced imports — from clothes to food and electronics — as upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK, helping to lower prices on the high street.
Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries like Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa. They also ensure countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia continue to benefit with zero tariffs on products like garments and electronics.
This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies.
Ministers briefed British business leaders and Ambassadors from around the world on the changes at a joint Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reception in London today.
Minister for International Development Jenny Chapman, said:
The world is changing. Countries in the Global South want a different relationship with the UK as a trading partner and investor, not as a donor.
These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.
Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander, said:
No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours.
Over recent decades trade has been an essential ingredient in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty around the globe.
The DCTS allows some of the world’s poorest countries to export to the UK duty and quota-free, with over £16 billion in UK imports benefiting from tariff savings since its launch in June 2023.
In addition to the DCTS changes, the UK will:
offer targeted support to help exporters in developing countries access the UK market and meet import standards; and
make it easier for partner countries to trade services — such as digital, legal, and financial services — by strengthening future trade agreements. This will create new opportunities for UK businesses to collaborate and invest in fast-growing sectors.
The reforms will support trade with emerging markets in Asia and Africa, strengthening the UK’s global partnerships, with major retailers such as M&S and Primark expected to benefit.
Director of Sourcing, Marks & Spencer PLC, Monique Leeuwenburgh said:
We are supportive of changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments.
The ongoing collaboration between the government and retail industry has provided clarity and certainty for businesses in good time.
This change will enable us to maintain our long-standing and trusted relationships with our key partners in Bangladesh, to deliver the same great quality Clothing & Home products at great value for our customers.
Interim Chief Executive at Primark, Eoin Tonge said:
We welcome the changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments which remove the potential cliff edge when a country graduates from Least Developed Country status.
This will help us to maintain our existing supply chain strategy in our key sourcing markets in Asia, such as Bangladesh and Cambodia.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the government on these changes and their responsiveness to the concerns of UK retailers in this very technical area of trade policy.
Adam Mansell, CEO, The UK Fashion & Textiles Association said said:
UKFT welcomes these additional changes to the Rules of Origin under the DCTS, which will bring real benefits to the fashion industry in the UK and in DCTS countries.
The new rules demonstrate a genuine commitment from the government to modernise trade policy to support global economic growth.
At a time of such uncertainty in international trade, these reforms are especially welcome.
Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka, said:
We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy.
The new rules allowing greater regional sourcing for garments while retaining duty-free access to the UK are a game-changer.
With the UK as our second-largest apparel market, this will boost exports, support livelihoods, and help us compete more fairly with global competitors.
The updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.
And just last month, the UK’s Trade Strategy was published in further support of the Plan for Change to grow the economy, strengthen international ties, and deliver for households across the UK.
Notes to editors:
Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products.
The UK is committed to growing services trade with developing countries, supporting digital trade and professional services.
The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Minds Together benefits the person experiencing distress, while also supporting the wellbeing and coping skills of carers.
In brief:
The Minds Together online program is now available for those supporting others with mental health concerns.
Minds Together aims to enhance the mental health, wellbeing and coping skills of family, friends and carers.
Minds Together offers practical strategies to support families, friends and carers in their caring role.
Content warning: this article discusses suicide
Supporting someone with mental health concerns isn’t always easy.
Minds Together is a new free online program providing support and advice for carers of someone in distress.
They can access self-paced online support featuring interactive activities, multimedia content, peer support and shared stories and advice from other carers.
The program offers practical strategies, such as how to:
find out more about mental health concerns and suicidal distress
learn new strategies to support family members or friends
strengthen coping and communication skills
reduce stress and worry.
Minds Together was developed by Everymind. It is jointly funded by the ACT and Commonwealth Governments.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are investigating a fatal helicopter incident that occurred in Gapuwiyak this afternoon.
Around 2:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a helicopter carrying two occupants had made an emergency landing at the Lake Evella airstrip after the aircraft struck a bird. The impact allegedly caused the bird to fatally strike a 44-year-old male passenger.
The pilot was able to land the aircraft safely and was uninjured.
Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene; however, the 44-year-old male was declared deceased.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
NT WorkSafe and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, July 14 (Xinhua) — The SCO Think Tank Forum 2025, themed “Promoting Sustainable Development Guided by the Shanghai Spirit,” was held from Saturday to Sunday at the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China) based at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.
Nearly 100 experts and scholars from leading universities and think tanks in China and abroad attended the forum. They held in-depth exchanges of views on the issues of “SCO and the Transformation of the Global Governance System,” “SCO’s Own Construction and Reform,” “Striving for Sustainable Common Security,” “Inclusiveness, Win-Win, Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, and Striving for Common Prosperity,” “Searching for Universal Values in the Diversity of Civilizations,” and “Development Prospects for the SCO.”
Rector of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Director of the Office of the Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation of the SCO /China/ Liu Xiaohong noted that over the past 20 years, guided by the “Shanghai Spirit”, the SCO has achieved significant success in regional security, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges and serves as an important example of a new type of regional cooperation mechanism. She also expressed hope that the forum will give new impetus to regional cooperation.
According to Sun Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the launch of the “SCO Year of Sustainable Development” within the framework of China’s rotating chairmanship of the SCO will contribute to the development of global governance in a more just and rational direction and will make the SCO’s contribution to promoting peace and development throughout the world.
Speaking at the event, former SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov suggested that SCO think tanks focus on priority tasks, including aligning national strategies for transport infrastructure development, developing a unified mechanism for monitoring carbon emissions with the involvement of national environmental agencies, and expanding research into SCO humanitarian diplomacy, which, he said, not only reflect the realities of the current geopolitical and economic context, but also outline a concrete agenda that can transform the SCO from a platform of declarations into a mechanism for practical solutions.
The forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China), the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the China Center for SCO Studies. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A 59-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on July 10 for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
On July 5, 2024, Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and Police intercepted an inbound private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of 123 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the driver’s seat, front and rear passenger seats and the boot of the vehicle. The 59-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $550,000, and the duty potential was about $410,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A 59-year-old man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on July 10 for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
On July 5, 2024, Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and Police intercepted an inbound private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized a total of 123 000 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes at the driver’s seat, front and rear passenger seats and the boot of the vehicle. The 59-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested, and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $550,000, and the duty potential was about $410,000.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, have noted the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Commission of Inquiry on allegations made by the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“The announcement of the establishment of a commission will surely enable a process to root out corruption from the SAPS. It is important that the establishment of the commission is not merely cosmetic but facilitates greater reflection and steps to rejuvenate the entire criminal Justice system,” said Mr Ian Cameron.
“The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as well as the Judiciary and Magistracy are pillars of the criminal justice system and constitutional rule of law. They are the guardians of justice and accountability, and we cannot have a question mark hanging over them, causing the public to lose confidence in our justice system,” said Mr Xola Nqola.
While the announcement is welcomed, both Chairpersons highlighted that the process announced by the President does not affect the parliamentary process. “The directive from the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly was clear, and the committees will endeavour to urgently implement the directive. Also, the Constitution mandates the national legislature to ensure effective oversight and accountability over the executive. It is in this context that the parliamentary process continues, especially because the credibility of the entire criminal justice system is at stake,” Mr Nqola said.
Both Chairpersons underscored the importance of having an effective and efficient justice system that is capable of ensuring the safety and security of everyone. Despite the decisions made by the President, the perception of a systematic breakdown remains, and the parliamentary process might assist in ensuring openness and accountability.
As a result, the committees will hold an initial meeting later this week to consider a way forward and report to the National Assembly as guided by the Speaker.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department “France: Financial System Stability Assessment”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 180 (2025), accessed July 14, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229017428.002
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Summary
The French financial system has proven resilient to the shocks of the last five years but faces headwinds from domestic and external policy uncertainty and high fiscal consolidation needs. Bank-insurance conglomerates that include four Global Systemically Important Banks dominate the financial landscape, and financial markets have become increasingly complex in the post-Brexit environment. Banks’ capital and liquidity buffers remain high, but with low profitability versus peers.
The French economy has demonstrated resilience in 2024 despite high uncertainty, bolstered by the summer Olympics in Paris. The disinflationary process is progressing well, and the labor market remains robust. However, high and rising public debt, combined with significant domestic and external headwinds to the recovery, highlights the urgent need to strengthen public finances and pursue structural reforms to foster sustainable growth. While the political compromise on the 2025 budget reached in February marked a positive step forward, it will be essential for the authorities to continue building consensus to further advance fiscal and structural reforms.
Keywords:Aging,Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT),Fiscal consolidation,Labor markets,Pension spending,Productivity,Structural reforms
The ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route is drawing widespread praise from pilgrims and officials alike, with many describing the journey as both spiritually uplifting and exceptionally well-managed. Pilgrims returning from the sacred pilgrimage have expressed deep gratitude for the arrangements made by Indian authorities, particularly the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC).
Rajendra Chettri, Chief Executive Officer of STDC, lauded the success of this year’s Yatra, noting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. According to Chettri, the fourth batch of pilgrims has successfully completed the Yatra and is currently en route to Lhasa, while the fifth batch is stationed at Sherathang, preparing to cross into Tibet. Chettri is scheduled to visit Nathu La on Monday to personally oversee arrangements for the group’s movement into the Tibetan region.
“The Yatris are extremely happy with the facilities provided by STDC,” he said. “At any given time, two batches are in the Tibetan region—one entering and one returning.” Most of the batches comprise 45 to 48 pilgrims and are accompanied by two Liaison Officers deputed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The final batch is expected to depart on August 7, cross into Tibet by August 12, and return by August 23. All pilgrims are scheduled to head home by August 24.
Chettri highlighted the improvements made since the last Yatra in 2019, especially in hygiene and accommodation. He also acknowledged the cooperation of Chinese authorities, calling their support “welcoming and encouraging.”
Pilgrims have described the Yatra as deeply emotional and spiritually fulfilling. A female pilgrim, who undertook the journey with her husband, called it a divine experience. “It is by the grace of God that we were chosen for this Yatra. Everything was managed so well that we never felt any discomfort. The welcome was overwhelming—Yogi ji himself greeted us and offered gifts, marking a spiritual start to our journey.”
Reflecting on her visit to Mount Kailash, she added, “Even now, I get goosebumps recalling the moment. Our journey was not only smooth but truly divine. I am grateful to everyone—the Indian and Chinese authorities and the countless people working behind the scenes.”
Ravi Verma, a pilgrim from Pune, described the experience as both physically and spiritually uplifting. “Despite the long trek and high altitude, I didn’t feel any of my usual knee or muscle pains. That itself felt miraculous.” He recounted his trek through Yamadwar, Deraphuk, and Dolma Pass—one of the most physically demanding segments of the Yatra. “Even Dolma Pass, with its low oxygen and steep climb, felt safe and manageable. Collecting water from Gaurikund was a special moment.”
Verma also shared a personal connection to the Yatra, revealing that his parents had completed the journey on foot in 1997, covering nearly 500 kilometres. “Their dedication inspired me. Though I walked only 40 kilometres, the experience was equally divine. I believe all my success in life is a blessing from Mount Kailash.”
Devendra Tiwari, a pilgrim from Bhopal, echoed similar sentiments. He praised the discipline among fellow pilgrims and credited the Government of India, MEA, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and STDC for their seamless coordination. “Not even rain or clouds came in our way. We completed darshan and puja peacefully. I truly feel blessed.”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
NEW YORK, July 13 (Xinhua) — Two women, aged 72 and 32, were killed in a shooting in the U.S. state of Kentucky on Sunday, officials said.
The incident occurred around 11:35 a.m. ET near Blue Grass Airport, where a police officer pulled over a vehicle after receiving a signal to read the license plates. The suspect, who was in the vehicle, shot the officer, stole another car and fled the scene before driving to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where he killed two women, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Withers said at a news conference.
The fleeing suspect wounded two people before being shot by three police officers who arrived at the scene and declared dead. The injured officer is in stable condition.
In a post on social media platform X, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called the incident a “senseless act of violence” and thanked local police for their prompt response. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
A gunman killed two women at a church in Kentucky and shot and wounded a state trooper outside an airport on Sunday before police were able to shoot him to death, authorities said.
The women were killed at the Richmond Road Baptist Church in Lexington. Two men were also wounded there, including one who was in critical condition, Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told an afternoon press conference.
Authorities did not provide the suspect’s name or age.
“There are days like today that are extremely difficult,” Weathers said. “Sometimes things happen, you just don’t have a reason why.”
The suspect fired at the trooper after being pulled over near Blue Grass Airport at about 11:30 a.m. in Fayette County, Weathers said. The shooting happened on a road that rings the airport but was not connected to its operations, police said.
The trooper was being treated at a nearby hospital and was in stable condition.
The suspect then carjacked a vehicle about 10 miles (16 km) from the airport and fled to Richmond Road Baptist Church, where the individual began firing at people on the church grounds.
Police tracked the location of the carjacked vehicle to the church.
The police chief did not offer any motive for the shootings, but said there was some indication that the suspect may have known some of the people at the church.
Weathers said Lexington police would conduct an internal review of the shooting, as required by department policies.
The Blue Grass Airport posted on X at 1 p.m. ET (1700 GMT) that there was a law enforcement investigation affecting a portion of an airport road, but that all flights and operations were now proceeding normally.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating multiple aggravated burglaries that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.
Around 2am, police received reports that two male youths unlawfully entered a residence on Ptilotus Crescent in Sadadeen. The offenders allegedly gained entry through the front window, before stealing personal items from a 66-year-old male victim. They fled the scene in the victim’s white Holden Commodore sedan with NT registration CB25VV.
At 2:15am, police were notified of an unlawful entry at a residence in Chewings Street in East Side. The victims reportedly woke to an offender in their bedroom, who subsequently fled the scene with a second offender who was in the backyard. It is unknown if any items were stolen at this stage.
Around 2:30am, police received reports that two male youth offenders unlawfully entered a residence on Raggatt Street in East Side. The offenders were disturbed by the four victims who were home at the time. A male victim followed the offenders outside and observed them entering his vehicle, before allegedly challenging him and throwing rocks at him. He retreated inside the residence and the offenders fled in his silver Ford Territory with NT registration CG03EJ.
Police are investigating if the incidents are linked, and the offenders and stolen motor vehicles remain outstanding at this time.
Strike Force Viper have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information, including CCTV footage or dash cam footage, to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 64-year-old hiker has been rescued from near Ellery Creek after NT police received notification from a satellite distress alerting device yesterday evening.
Around 7:15pm, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) contacted the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) after it received a distress message from near Ellery Creek. The 64-year-old man had suffered a medical incident while hiking in a group of experienced bushwalkers about 12km north of Ellery Big Hole.
The group had established camp and requested urgent medical assistance and extraction of the man.
The Search and Rescue Section (SRS) was deployed and established a recovery plan. The group was able to stay in contact with emergency service personnel via satellite messaging throughout the evening.
The recovery team, consisting of NTPF, St John Ambulance, and Parks and Wildlife Rangers accessed the location via 4WD and a 2km hike, and reached the victim around 2am.
He was extracted via stretcher and was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition.
SRS Sergeant Karl von Minden said, “Being able to communicate with the group throughout the rescue operation was crucial to the successful recovery, and I commend them for being adequately prepared for their hike.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank our police members, St John Ambulance personnel, and the rangers involved for their professionalism in executing a safe rescue in very cold conditions overnight.
“The positive outcome of this rescue is testament to all parties, and a timely reminder to anyone thinking of exploring the Territory to ensure you are travelling with enough food and water, and are equipped with a PLB, EPIRB, or satellite communication device for those unforeseeable circumstance.”
On the first Monday of the holy month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, a spiritual wave swept across Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform ‘Jalabhishek’ and offer prayers.
The sacred city of Varanasi echoed with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” as the Mangala Aarti and elaborate floral decorations marked the first Monday of Sawan.
Devotees began queuing outside the temple late on Sunday night, with many waiting seven to eight hours for the temple doors to open. As the gates opened, the entire city resonated with spiritual fervor, and chants filled the morning air.
Speaking about the arrangements, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal said, “We are fully prepared. All senior officers are present on-site. Complete barricading has been done. Devotees are having darshan in a well-managed and systematic manner.”
To ensure safety and smooth management, a massive security deployment was in place. The police commissionerate had stationed six Quick Response Teams (QRTs), three drone units, mounted police, and tourist police at key locations, including Godowlia Chowk, the Ganga Ghats, and the temple premises.
As part of the warm welcome, officials greeted pilgrims with a shower of flower petals, creating a deeply moving and sacred atmosphere.
A devotee expressed their joy, saying, “The arrangements are excellent, and we had a wonderful darshan by the grace of Mahadev.”
DCP (Crime) Sarvan T. stated, “Today is the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan. Keeping this in mind, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure the safety and security of the devotees.”