Jimmy Sham, a prominent pro-democracy figure, is now free after spending four years in jail. He was arrested under national security law. Sham played a key role in 2019 protests. He was among 47 activists arrested for primary election involvement. Sham continued to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while incarcerated. He acknowledges self-censorship and uncertainty about his future freedom.
Related news
Flash flooding in north-central Nigeria last week killed more than 200 people, the Niger state humanitarian commissioner said Tuesday, while hundreds more remain missing and are feared dead. Given the number of people still missing nearly a week later, the toll from a single morning of flooding in Mokwa could be worse than all of 2024 combined, which saw 321 deaths from flooding across the country.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the deadly attacks on civilians near aid distribution sites in Gaza as potential war crimes. Recent incidents, including one in Rafah that killed 27, highlight the dangers faced by Palestinians seeking essential food aid. Turk called for investigations and accountability, criticizing Israel's militarized aid system for endangering lives and violating international standards.
The Swiss village of Blatten faces devastation after a glacier collapse buried it under debris, displacing around 300 residents. While evacuated in time, villagers like Daniel Ritler lost homes and livelihoods. Glaciologist Saskia Gindraux links the disaster to climate change, highlighting increased risks in mountain regions.
Nearly 200 migrants trying to cross the Channel from France to Britain in small boats were rescued between late Friday and late Saturday, French coastal authorities said. A total 184 people were picked up in four different rescue operations, the maritime prefecture for France's Channel and northern region said in a statement on Sunday.
In anticipation of Eid-ul-Adha, the Bangladesh central bank has released new currency notes of Taka 1,000, Taka 50, and Taka 20. These notes replace the image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with depictions of nationally significant establishments and scenic locations. The new notes are available in limited quantities at the Motijheel office and will be distributed more widely soon.
Two paintings by Frans Hals, possibly depicting his children, are returning to the Netherlands after a century abroad. The Frans Hals Museum and the Mauritshuis jointly purchased "Boy Playing the Violin" and "Girl Singing" for $7.8 million. The museums will share the works, displaying them in Haarlem and The Hague, highlighting their cultural significance.
Poles are set to vote on Sunday in a knife-edge presidential election with major implications for the country's role in Europe and for abortion and LGBTQ rights. Malgorzata Wojciechowska, a tour guide and teacher in her fifties, said Polish women "unfortunately do not have the same rights as our European friends".
Malaysia's economy minister said Wednesday he was resigning from his cabinet post after losing his position as deputy president of the ruling PKR to the premier's daughter in a party poll. The party's president is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and his daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, won the post of deputy president last week with close to 10,000 votes while Rafizi received around 4,000.
Thomas Mann, a Nobel laureate and literary giant, fled Germany in the 1930s, later using his voice to condemn the Nazi regime through essays and BBC broadcasts. His early success with "Buddenbrooks" propelled him to fame, but his opposition to authoritarianism led to exile and the revocation of his citizenship.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Vladimir Putin, accusing him of "playing with fire" amid stalled peace talks and escalating attacks on Ukraine. Trump hinted at potential severe consequences for Russia if it weren't for his past actions.