Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.
You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
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.
.
Source: Amnesty International –
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Idris Hasan, an ethnic Uyghur man detained in Morocco for three-and-a-half years and at risk of extradition to China, was finally freed in February
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.”
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.
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.
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 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.”
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Source: Government of South Africa
Monday, July 14, 2025
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.
The Police Minister has been placed on leave of absence by the President.
READ | Mkhwanazi allegations: What the judicial commission of inquiry will probe
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
Source: Government of South Africa
Monday, July 14, 2025
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: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Minds Together benefits the person experiencing distress, while also supporting the wellbeing and coping skills of carers.
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:
Minds Together was developed by Everymind. It is jointly funded by the ACT and Commonwealth Governments.
If you would like to find out more, visit the Minds Together website.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website.
In an emergency always call triple zero.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
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: 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).
Source: APO
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.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
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.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
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.
.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
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.
(Reuters)
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.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
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.”
(IANS)
Source: South Australia Police
The City has marked the official handover of Lot 211 Quinns Road, Mindarie for the development of Dunes Beach Resort, an ecotourism style resort with an accommodation, café and event space.
Mayor Linda Aitken said she was pleased to mark the major milestone and officially hand the site over to Eco Tourism Pty Ltd.
“The development of the Dunes Beach Resort will generate employment opportunities for our residents, boost the local economy and assist with the development of our City as a sustainable tourism destination,” she said.
“It will also provide residents with access to a significant area of lawn space, a sit-down café and kiosk area, public bike racks, improved beach access and picnic tables.
“This site is incredibly important to our residents and I can’t wait to see this project progress as the site is developed into a space that will benefit both the Quinns community and the wider City.
“I look forward to visiting Dunes Beach Resort in the not-too-distant future.”
Director Eco Tourism Pty Ltd Russell Percival said he was excited to be moving forward with the project and to be building something for both the local community and tourists to enjoy.
“After three and a half years, it is great to see our vision and dream start to evolve and we look forward to providing an amazing resort and facilities for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
“We thank the City of Wanneroo for their help and assistance along the way, and we are very excited that the first version of our Australia-wide concept is starting in Perth.”
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Amarnath Yatra: Over Two Lakh Devotees Offer Prayers, Fresh Batch of 6,143 Leaves for Kashmir
Over the last 11 days, since it began on July 3, more than two lakh pilgrims have undertaken the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. Another batch of 6,143 pilgrims departed from Jammu for Kashmir on Monday.
Officials stated, “Another batch of 6,143 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two escorted convoys for the Valley today. The first escorted convoy of 100 vehicles carrying 2,215 Yatris left at 3:30 a.m. for the Baltal base camp, while the second escorted convoy of 135 vehicles carrying 3,928 Yatris left at 4 a.m. for the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.”
On Sunday, nine yatris sustained injuries when four vehicles in their escorted convoy collided in the Kulgam district on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The injured were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital in Anantnag town, where doctors described their condition as stable.
The Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on Thursday. The Chhari Mubarak was taken to Pahalgam by a group of sadhus, led by its sole custodian, Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar. In Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar temple, where the Bhumi Pujan was held. The Chhari Mubarak will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.
Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra. These measures come in the wake of the cowardly attack on April 22, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on their faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.
An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the local police.
The Army has rolled out ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology. As part of this extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats.
“Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring yatra convoys and the holy cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilized for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation. The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen. Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads have also been deployed,” the Army stated.
All transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by security forces.
This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.
Yatris approach the holy cave shrine, situated 3,888 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, from either the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to complete. Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and can return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra.
No helicopter services are available to Yatris this year due to security reasons.
The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindu devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave.
(IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
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.”
(IANS)
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are seeking Louis Pukeroa, who has a warrant for his arrest.
Pukeroa is believed to be actively evading Police and should not be approached.
If you have seen him please contact Police via 111 and quote file number 250701/1234.
Information after the fact should be provided via 105 using the same file number.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received enquiries from members of the public about fraudsters forging HKMA documents which claim that an investment company’s assets have been frozen due to regulatory breaches, advising clients to suspend all transactions with the company. The fraudsters also posed as the company to issue a notice, claiming that clients can transfer their assets to a partner institution by paying a service fee.
The HKMA clarifies that the documents purported to be issued by the HKMA are fraudulent, and the company and partner institution as referred to above are not regulated by the HKMA.
The HKMA advises the public to carefully verify documents purported to be issued by the HKMA, or institutions purported to be regulated by the HKMA. If in doubt, they may refer to the Register of Authorized Institutions and Local Representative Offices, the Register of Stored Value Facility Licensees, and the List of Approved Money Brokers available on the HKMA website, or contact the HKMA (enquiry hotline: 2878 8222).
The HKMA has reported the case to the Hong Kong Police Force. Members of the public who suspect that they have become victims of any fraudulent acts should contact the Police or the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012 for follow-up actions and investigation by the Police.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 19-year-old male in relation to an assault that occurred in Nightcliff on Thursday evening.
The offender was charged on Friday afternoon with Attempt Sexual Intercourse Without Consent, Gross Indecency, and Aggravated Assault.
He was remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (131 114).
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are investigating a series of break-ins at Tanunda over the weekend.
Between 8pm Saturday 12 July and 6am Sunday 13 July an unknown person broke into several businesses on Murray Street and Basedow Road.
The suspect has been captured on CCTV and police are seeking help from the public to identify them.
Anyone who recognises the person in the footage, or who may have CCTV footage to assist in the investigation is asked to contact police.
You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000. Please quote reference 25-95M.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault incident in a community in the Roper Gulf Region on Saturday.
About 1am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a 35-year-old female being speared through the abdomen throughout a large disturbance.
The female was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital by Careflight in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigations remain ongoing to understand the circumstances of the incident and identify the alleged offender.
The Central Division has carriage.
Source: US FBI
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man on Thursday admitted robbing two St. Louis County, Missouri businesses at gunpoint in 2024.
Stanley E. Alford, 58, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He admitted robbing a store on Gravois Bluffs Boulevard in Fenton, Missouri on Jan. 24, 2024, and a pawnshop in the 8100 block of Gravois Road in St. Louis County two days later.
During the first robbery, Alford asked a cashier for change and left when she said she couldn’t open the register. He returned a short time later to return an item that he’d just purchased. When the victim opened the register, Alford pulled a handgun and ordered the cashier to give him the cash drawer. He then made her put the cash in a bag and shoved her head with the barrel of the gun.
At the pawnshop, Alford browsed jewelry before pulling a handgun. After the employee who was helping Alford ran for her life, he jumped over the counter and stole a tray containing ten gold and diamond rings.
Surveillance video captured Alford committing both robberies and fleeing in a vehicle registered to him. He was also wearing or had in his possession several stolen rings, and officers found distinctive clothing and other evidence connecting him to the robberies.
Alford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14. The robbery charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The brandishing charges carry a penalty of seven years in prison, consecutive to any other charge, meaning Alford faces at least 14 years in prison.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Kaitaia on Friday.
He was 27-year-old Ngaiwa Miru, of Kaitaia.
Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Call for information on jewellery store burglary
Monday, 14 July 2025 – 11:20 am.
Investigations are under way into a burglary at a jewellery business on Murray Street, Hobart, in the early hours of Sunday.Police were called to the business on Murray Street about 2am on July 13 after it was broken into and a quantity of jewellery, including rings and watches, was stolen.Entry was gained by smashing a security door and a glass front door.Detectives are calling for any members of the public who observed the break-in or suspicious activity in Murray Street or Collins Street – where a stolen vehicle was set on fire – to contact police or Crime Stoppers.The following link https://taspol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/police_investigating_hobart_jewellery_business_burglary is provided to upload any CCTV or dash cam footage that members of the public may have.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Please quote offence report number 779855 .
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Three men charged with drug and firearms offences in northern Tasmania
Monday, 14 July 2025 – 11:17 am.
Three men have been charged with drug and firearms offences following a recent police operation in northern Tasmania.
Detective Inspector Nathan Johnston said the operation, led by the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit, had been running since May.
“The operation, which involved a range of specialist police resources, was brought to a planned resolution on 10 July, when two men were taken into custody at a property in Newnham,” he said.
“Police located $24,000 in cash at the property, as well as a quantity of methylamphetamine and a luxury vehicle believed to have been stolen from Victoria in March.”
“Several other searches were conducted in the Launceston area, with a further $140,000 in cash located alongside more methylamphetamine in a storage container linked to one of the men.”
“A suspected stolen motorcycle was also seized.”
“Police also located two firearms in another container linked to a third man, who was then taken into custody at the scene.”
Charges:
A 32-year-old man was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, motor vehicle stealing and other offences. He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at 2.15pm today.
A 30-year-old man was charged with firearms offences.
A 45-year-old man was charged with minor drug offences.
Source: New Zealand Police
Wellington motorists are advised to take extra care around the city centre, Miramar, and towards Kaiwharawhara, after a large amount of diesel leaked from a truck.
Clean up in affected areas has been organised but will take some time.
Delays can be expected and Police would like to thank motorists for their paitence.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 14/07/2025
The ACT Government has today welcomed the lifting of restrictions on plasma donations, with gay and bisexual men and transgender women now eligible to donate plasma under new inclusive rules.
From today, most sexual activity-based deferrals that previously excluded many LGBTIQA+ people from donating plasma will be removed, a milestone moment in the journey toward equity in Australia’s healthcare system.
Lifeblood has also been progressing changes to blood donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules for blood and platelets, expected next year.
Chris Steel MLA, a long-time advocate for blood donation reform, will mark the occasion by donating plasma at the Lifeblood’s Civic Donor Centre.
“Today we are no longer being treated differently because of who we are or who we love,” Minister Steel said.
“Like thousands of other Australians, the LGBTIQIA+ community have been ready and willing to roll up our sleeves to safely contribute to the blood supply, and now we can.
“This is a win for equality, for evidence-based policy, and for public health.
“I hope these changes encourage everyone who can to consider donating.”
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the change comes at a critical time for Australia’s health system.
“Plasma is the most in-demand blood product in the country, with rising demand for lifesaving treatments across Australia,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Opening up donation to more Australians not only strengthens the blood and plasma supply, it also sends a strong signal that our donation system is based on safety, science and fairness.”
“This change reflects the ACT Government’s longstanding commitment to inclusion and health equity, and I commend Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and the Therapeutic Goods Administration for delivering this important reform.”
Canberra is also leading the way when it comes to plasma donation. On a per capita basis, Canberra’s plasma donors are the most generous in the country, ahead of every other capital city.
Today’s change means people previously excluded from plasma donation, including gay and bisexual men, sex workers, people on PrEP, and more, can now donate, provided they meet standard eligibility criteria.
These changes are expected to allow an additional 24,000 Australians to donate and enable 95,000 more plasma donations every year.
Australians are encouraged to consider donating plasma. To check eligibility or book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases