More than 180 writers, including Nobel Prize winners Olga Tokarczuk and JM Coetzee, have signed a letter asking Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to prove that 12 writers detained since 2001 are still alive. They emphasize that the Eritrean government has kept the fate of these writers secret for 25 years, which violates international law.
Key Facts
A letter signed by 188 writers calls for proof of life for 12 Eritrean writers arrested in 2001.
The letter was sent to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who leads a dictatorship without elections since 1993.
The detained writers include poet Amanuel Asrat and journalist Dawit Isaak.
The writers have been held without communication for 25 years, with no information on their health or whereabouts.
The letter says this silence is a violation of international law and cruel treatment.
PEN International, a writers’ organization, will deliver the letter to the Eritrean embassy in London and launched a public petition for proof of life.
Signatories include well-known authors like Colm Tóibín, Elif Shafak, and Isabel Allende.
The letter urges Eritrea to build its future using the talents of its people rather than suppressing them.
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A shooting occurred at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. Authorities are investigating, classes have been suspended, and medical teams are helping the victims.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on a Friday afternoon at Banga National High School in Mindanao, Philippines.
At least one person died, and four others were hospitalized, according to local officials.
The shooter’s identity and details about the victims have not been confirmed.
The Department of Education is coordinating with authorities and focusing on the safety of students and staff.
Classes in the whole municipality of Banga have been suspended because of the shooting.
The Philippine Red Cross sent medical teams to assist with the emergency.
Police are investigating the incident at the school site.
While gun ownership is high in the Philippines, school shootings are still uncommon.
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Women treated for breast cancer at a hospital in northeast England say they had their breasts removed when it was not needed. The hospital trust admitted that 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies due to mistakes in the breast cancer unit. The new chief executive apologized for the harm caused.
Key Facts
20 women had unnecessary mastectomies at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT).
These women were part of a larger group harmed during breast cancer treatment.
The issue was revealed after an investigation by the BBC.
Steve Russell recently became the chief executive of CDDFT.
He offered an unreserved apology for the trust’s mistakes.
The problem came from serious failures in the hospital’s breast cancer unit.
The hospital is part of the NHS, the national health system in the UK.
The story highlights risks some patients face during cancer treatment.
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Russia held a parliamentary election where there was little real competition, and anti-war opponents were excluded. Experts say the election results do not truly show support for President Putin or the war; instead, looking at voter turnout and party performance might reveal more about Russia’s political system.
Key Facts
Russia's recent parliamentary election lacked meaningful competition among parties.
Opposition groups against the war were not allowed to participate.
Experts believe the election results do not accurately reflect public support for President Putin.
The authorities emphasize voter participation as a sign of national unity.
Observers suggest that details like election timing, turnout, and how different parties performed give more insight into Russia’s political environment.
The election reflects the political system President Putin has built in Russia.
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Indonesia has received its first aircraft carrier, a former Italian navy ship called Giuseppe Garibaldi, now renamed KRI Sriwijaya. The ship will help with disaster relief across Indonesia and can also be used for military missions as part of a wider effort to upgrade Indonesia’s defense.
Key Facts
The aircraft carrier is 41 years old and was previously operated by Italy’s navy.
It arrived in North Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok seaport after sailing from Italy via Colombo and the Malacca Strait.
The ship can carry up to 18 helicopters and about 830 personnel.
It will aid disaster management by quickly delivering supplies to remote areas with helicopters.
The carrier can also be used for combat if needed.
Italy gifted the ship to Indonesia to strengthen defense ties and avoid decommissioning costs.
Indonesia’s government has approved $450 million for the carrier in 2025, with concerns about the total cost.
Indonesia is expanding its military, including purchasing Rafale fighter jets from France and receiving missile supplies from India.
Indonesia recently signed a major defense partnership with the U.S. and a security treaty with Australia.
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A shooting at a school in Banga town, South Cotabato, Philippines, killed at least two people and injured four others. The victims who died were students, and it is the third school shooting in the country since June.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a school in Banga town, South Cotabato, Philippines.
At least two people died and four were injured in the attack.
The victims who died were students.
It is not clear how many shooters were involved.
This is the third deadly school shooting in the Philippines since June.
The shooting took place on a Friday.
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A man died after being bitten by a shark while swimming at Sorrento Beach near Perth. Emergency teams responded quickly and searched the area, but the man did not survive his injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
The man was swimming off Sorrento Beach in northern Perth.
He was bitten by a shark and later died because of the bite.
Police confirmed the cause of death was the shark attack.
Emergency services, including water and air teams, searched the area after the incident.
Sorrento Beach is a popular spot for swimmers.
The authorities responded promptly to reports of the shark attack.
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France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that the government will reduce public spending by €54 billion in 2027 to lower the country’s budget deficit. This effort aims to bring the deficit down despite rising fuel prices and social tensions ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Key Facts
France plans to cut public spending by €54 billion ($62 billion) in 2027.
The goal is to reduce the budget deficit to 4.8% of gross domestic product (GDP), excluding defense spending.
Including military spending, the deficit target is 5%.
France’s deficit was 5.1% of GDP last year but is expected to rise to 5.4% this year.
The government denies these measures are austerity and aims to avoid social unrest like the previous yellow vest protests.
Retirees will not face pension cuts, though cost-of-living increases for public workers will be paused.
Income tax brackets will rise, increasing revenue, while some company taxes will be lowered.
France’s debt is about 117.5% of GDP, and borrowing costs have increased to levels not seen since 2008.
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Emergency services responded to a possible fatal shark attack near Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia. Authorities are investigating, and the beach has been closed to swimmers for safety.
Key Facts
A suspected fatal shark attack happened off Sorrento Beach in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Police and wildlife officers are investigating the incident.
Witnesses saw blood in the water and reported a person may have been bitten by a shark.
The beach was closed to swimmers following the incident.
Recently, a surfer was seriously injured in a shark attack near Geraldton, about 400 kilometers north of Perth.
Australia has had four confirmed fatal shark attacks this year.
On average, Australia experiences two to three fatal shark attacks each year, according to an official shark incident database.
Fatal attacks have involved various victims this year, including spearfishing divers and a 12-year-old boy.
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Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh activist held in India since 2017 on alleged terror charges, has been granted bail by an Indian court. His family expressed relief but said they are still waiting for details about what will happen next.
Key Facts
Jagtar Singh Johal was arrested in India in 2017, accused of involvement in targeted killings of religious and political leaders.
He was acquitted in 2025 of charges related to financially supporting a terror group but still faces other federal charges.
A UN panel declared his imprisonment as arbitrary detention in 2022.
Johal has said he was subjected to torture, though Indian authorities deny this and say legal procedures are being followed.
His family and supporters say he was targeted for writing about human rights abuses against Sikhs in India.
Johal was arrested weeks after his wedding in India’s Punjab region.
His brother has asked the UK government for help to secure his release, but past meetings with officials have been described as disappointing.
The UK Foreign Office has raised concerns with India about Johal’s long detention at every chance they had.
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Several Western countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, imposed sanctions on Israel because of its illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Despite these international actions and criticism, most Israeli voters continue to support the government’s policies on settlements and show little political change before the October elections.
Key Facts
The UK, France, and Canada sanctioned Israel for its illegal settlements in the West Bank.
Israeli politicians, including Gideon Saar and President Isaac Herzog, called these sanctions interference in their elections.
A recent poll showed that over half of Jewish Israelis support keeping the settlements, and nearly 40% support annexing the West Bank.
Many Israelis see the settlements as normal and are not influenced by foreign sanctions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces electoral challenges, but the sanctions are not a main factor in voter decisions.
Security concerns are the top issue for Israeli voters, not international pressure.
The occupied West Bank is increasingly called “Judea and Samaria” by Israelis, reflecting a shift in language and attitude.
Opposition politicians focus more on criticizing foreign countries than on opposing Israel’s settlement policies.
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Fuel prices have risen by about 10 percent in areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The increase is linked to rising global oil prices and recent fighting in Yemen, making daily life harder for people like taxi driver Ahmed Yahya who already struggle with food and rent costs.
Key Facts
Petrol prices in Houthi-controlled Yemen increased from 4,750 to 5,250 Yemeni riyals (about $8.90 to $9.80) per 10 liters.
The price had been stable for four years before this recent rise.
The Yemen Petroleum Company says the hike is due to global fuel price increases and expects it to be temporary.
Fighting resumed recently in Yemen after four years of relative calm, affecting transportation and prices.
Transporting goods now takes longer and costs more because truck drivers avoid conflict areas, raising prices for consumers.
About 18 million people in Yemen face severe food shortages.
Taxi driver Ahmed Yahya spends about $140 monthly on food, and fuel price increases raise this to about $159.
The International Monetary Fund reports Yemen’s conflict has caused widespread hunger, disease, displacement, and limited clean water access.
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Nigerian police are investigating the deaths of 37 people who were held in custody after being arrested for illegal mining. Authorities say the deaths might be due to disease, but reports suggest overcrowding and poor air circulation in the detention center may have caused suffocation.
Key Facts
37 detainees died after being arrested for illegal mining in Niger State, Nigeria.
Officials said disease might have caused the deaths but have not specified which disease.
An intelligence report and a survivor's statement suggest overcrowding and lack of ventilation in the jail cell.
65 people were reportedly packed into a poorly ventilated cell, causing breathing difficulties.
Bodies were sent for further medical examination to find the exact cause of death.
The head of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has been suspended.
Niger State’s governor declared three days of mourning for the victims.
Protests occurred after the deaths, and police used tear gas to control the crowds.
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The United States has approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, aiming to improve Saudi Arabia’s defense and cooperation with U.S. forces. The sale requires approval from the U.S. Congress and has raised concerns about regional military balance and security risks related to China.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion.
Saudi Arabia seeks these jets to boost its defense and work better with U.S. military forces.
Israel, the only Middle Eastern country currently operating F-35s, has expressed concerns about Saudi Arabia buying these jets.
The sale must be approved by the U.S. Congress before it can proceed.
The U.S. says the sale will not change the military balance in the region to maintain Israel’s advantage.
Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from Iran-backed forces and Yemen’s Houthi rebels in ongoing regional conflicts.
There are worries about potential Chinese spying through Saudi partnerships, with some U.S. lawmakers opposing the sale for security reasons.
The U.S. has previously limited F-35 sales to close allies and removed Turkey from the program due to security concerns.
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Saudi Arabia’s oil exports have been disrupted after damage to a major pipeline, forcing the country to use ship-to-ship transfers near Oman to export crude oil. These transfers involve moving oil directly between ships at sea to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments.
Key Facts
The East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia was damaged by Iran-aligned Houthis, disrupting oil exports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for about one-fifth of global oil, but it is effectively closed due to conflict involving Iran.
Saudi Arabia now transports oil to Oman’s Sohar port, near the strait, for ship-to-ship transfers to other vessels.
Ship-to-ship transfers involve moving oil directly from one ship to another at sea using hoses and special fenders to prevent damage.
These transfers are done secretly, with ship trackers turned off and strict safety checks in place.
The US military has helped support these secretive transfers to keep Gulf oil exports flowing.
Sohar (Oman) and Fujairah (UAE) ports are key in bypassing the Strait of Hormuz for these transfers.
Iran closely monitors and sometimes attacks ships taking unauthorized routes near the strait.
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The Russian government has launched a mobile app called Max that combines messaging, payments, and government services in one platform. Research shows the app can secretly monitor users, take screenshots, access messages and payments, and possibly carry out cyberattacks. Many Russians, including students and public workers, have been forced to use Max after bans on other messaging apps.
Key Facts
Max is a super-app created by VKontakte, a Russian social media company linked to the government.
President Vladimir Putin reportedly has an indirect stake in the app.
Max combines multiple services like messaging, banking, and government functions in one app.
Researchers found Max can spy on users by taking screenshots and accessing information without permission.
The app can impersonate users and inject harmful code, possibly enabling cyberattacks.
Russia has banned other popular messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, pushing citizens to use Max.
Public workers, students, and school staff have been pressured or required to use Max for communication and access to facilities.
Max is similar to China’s WeChat in combining services and increasing government control over the internet.
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South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said his country will not send troops to the Middle East in a way that might involve them in a war with Iran, rejecting pressure from President Trump. However, South Korea is considering ways to help protect shipping in the region and is working on an investment deal with the US.
Key Facts
South Korea will not deploy military forces that could lead to involvement in a war with Iran.
President Lee said South Korea might increase efforts to protect shipping routes, like its current anti-piracy mission near Somalia.
President Trump criticized South Korea for not supporting the US more strongly against Iran.
The US and South Korea have reduced some of their joint military drills this summer.
South Korea is reviewing a possible military role in the Strait of Hormuz, but the idea is unpopular within the country.
South Korea has promised to invest $350 billion in US manufacturing in exchange for lower US tariffs on Korean imports.
Talks between South Korea and the US on this investment deal are near an agreement but face some difficulties.
President Lee mentioned the possibility of a future meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to continue peace talks.
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The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) is investigating whether a former Labor councillor and others were involved in dishonest actions and improper conduct related to political matters and property development in New South Wales. The inquiry involves messages about damaging a Liberal minister’s reputation and possible illegal political donations linked to a property developer.
Key Facts
A former Labor councillor, Sharangan Maheswaran, testified before Icac about messages involving plans to harm the reputation of NSW Liberal minister David Elliott.
Maheswaran denied that these messages related to his work for property developer Jean Nassif.
Icac is investigating alleged misconduct by Maheswaran and another Labor councillor, Karen Pensabene, including possible blackmail and breaches of public trust.
The inquiry also looks into whether Liberal figures expected to receive illegal donations from Nassif for political favors, including harming David Elliott’s career.
Maheswaran worked as a lawyer and executive for Nassif’s company, Toplace, but denies wrongdoing.
Evidence includes a message from lobbyist Jeremy Greenwood saying “We have something that will kill Elliott.”
Maheswaran said he shared common political interests with Greenwood but rejected claims that their messages involved work for Beckington, Greenwood’s company.
Maheswaran subcontracted legal work through a company he owned, Anwalt Pty Ltd, and confirmed he was its only employee and shareholder.
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Russia held a three-day parliamentary election starting in the Far East, the first since it began a full-scale war in Ukraine. The ruling party, United Russia, aligned with President Vladimir Putin, is expected to keep control, while the only party opposing the war was removed from the ballot.
Key Facts
Russia’s parliamentary election began with voting in the Far East and will last three days.
This is the first election since Russia started its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
United Russia, President Putin’s main party, is expected to maintain a strong majority.
The only party that spoke against the war was excluded from the election.
Some anti-war politicians have been jailed or fled Russia.
The election includes votes from four Ukrainian regions that Russia annexed, which Ukraine calls illegal.
The war and repeated drone strikes have hurt Russia’s economy and public mood.
President Putin said the election is a way to show support and unity for the war effort.
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Russians are voting in a three-day election to choose members of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, amid ongoing war in Ukraine and economic difficulties. The ruling United Russia party, which supports President Putin and the war, is expected to keep its majority, while genuine opposition parties have limited or no participation.
Key Facts
The election runs from Friday through Sunday and includes voting for local governors and regional legislatures.
Over 111 million Russians are eligible to vote, including people in territories Russia occupies in Ukraine.
Half of the 450 State Duma seats are decided by party lists, the other half by individual races.
United Russia, the pro-Putin party, has controlled parliament since 2001 and won two-thirds of seats in 2021.
United Russia’s top candidates include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
Opposition party Yabloko, which opposes the war, was removed from the main ballot by the Supreme Court.
The Communist Party supports the war and is competing to gain second place in the election.
Other “systemic opposition” parties generally agree with the government on key issues.
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