A UN rights expert, Mary Lawlor, condemned Algeria's harassment and criminalization of human rights defenders, including independent journalist Merzoug Touati. Despite visiting Algeria in late 2023, Lawlor noted the situation hadn't improved. She highlighted cases of arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment, and torture, especially Touati’s ongoing legal struggles. Lawlor also expressed concern over arrests of human rights lawyers and activists and emphasized that all individuals must be treated per international human rights law.
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Megyn Kelly who was present at Tulsi Gabbard's hearing said a bunch of naysayers had a problem with Tulsi Gabbard because she is different, she looks different, she sounds different and she doesn't say all the things that others have said. "And it took quite a bit of browbeating to get these Republican senators in line. I mean the letters she had to write. They really make you bend the knee when you are in her position," Kelly said about the confirmation hearing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized their united strategy on Gaza, warning that severe action would ensue if hostages are not released. Netanyahu reinforced Israel's goals of defeating Hamas and securing hostages, with critical support from the US.
​“I have lived in New Jersey my whole life. This is the first time that I’ve noticed drones over my house. And I was in a restaurant in Monmouth County on Friday night, had people at the bar coming up to me and saying, Governor Murphy won’t tell me anything. The president won’t tell me anything. Do you know? Like, well, I don’t know,†Christie said.
Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's comments about a possible Palestinian state on Saudi land. They stressed the importance of the Palestinian issue and rejected any statements diverting attention from Israeli actions in Gaza, describing the remarks as unacceptable and extremist.
​Pasadena mayor Victor Gordo who has been asserting that the Sussexes were not there publicity said a fire victim asked Prince Harry for a donut. “[Harry] says, ‘There’s no donut here, but I will find one,'†Gordo narrated the story. “He (Harry) takes off, and 10 minutes later, he returns with a donut," Gordo said.
A blast at a seminary-cum-mosque in Peshawar's Urmur Bala village killed senior cleric Mufti Munir Shakir and injured three others. This incident follows a terrorist attack on another mosque in South Waziristan, highlighting a series of violent acts against religious institutions in the region within 24 hours.
President Joe Biden will not enforce the TikTok ban set for January 19, leaving the decision to President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has pledged to keep TikTok available in the US. Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz mentions the possibility of an extension if a viable deal emerges.
Pete Hegseth, nominee for Defence Secretary, defended his qualifications during a tense Senate hearing. He addressed scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct, public drunkenness, and his views on women in combat, among others. Hegseth emphasised his commitment to military readiness and a 'warrior ethos,' drawing on his Army National Guard experience.
US President Donald Trump called China's AI model DeepSeek a wake-up call for American industries. He emphasised the need for the US to focus on AI innovation. This comes after Nvidia lost nearly $600 billion in market value. DeepSeek's success highlights the growing competition between the US and China in the AI sector.
Vice President Kamala Harris did not extend the customary invitation to incoming Vice President JD Vance to familiarize him and his family with the Naval Observatory residence. Communication was later established between Vance's team and Navy officials to arrange details concerning the residence. Harris' team reportedly said they were busy canceling an overseas trip first and then with California wildfires.