A Japanese court ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church following a government request, citing manipulative fundraising tactics that harmed followers. The move, spurred by the investigation into Shinzo Abe’s 2022 assassination, strips the church of its legal status and tax-exempt privileges. The church condemned the ruling as a violation of religious freedom and plans to appeal. The case revealed deep ties between the South … Continue reading A court orders the Unification Church in Japan dissolved

Turkish authorities arrested several journalists amid mass protests over the jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Erdogan. Imamoglu’s detention on corruption charges, widely seen as politically motivated, sparked Turkey’s largest protests in over a decade. Police have detained over 1,100 people, clashing with demonstrators using tear gas and rubber bullets. Critics accuse the government of suppressing press freedom and democracy, … Continue reading Turkey detains journalists as protests grow over the jailing of key Erdogan rival

Israel has intensified its targeted killings of senior Hamas leaders, including de facto Prime Minister Ismail Barhoum, aiming to disrupt the group’s governance in Gaza. The strikes, following the end of a cease-fire, have killed multiple political and military figures, with Israel leveraging intelligence gathered during the truce. While former Israeli officials argue these attacks weaken Hamas by forcing leaders into hiding, critics question their … Continue reading IDF Killing Hamas Leaders in Quick Succession

Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on a U.S. aircraft carrier and Ben Gurion Airport, aiming to counter American airstrikes on Yemen. The U.S. campaign, now in its 10th day, targets Houthi leadership and military infrastructure in response to the group’s threats to maritime trade and Israel. The Houthis, who have attacked over 100 merchant vessels since late 2023, claim their strikes were meant … Continue reading Houthi rebels launch missiles at US aircraft carrier in blitz

Indonesia’s parliament has passed controversial reforms expanding the military’s role in government, allowing active-duty officers to hold civilian positions without retiring. Critics warn this could revive authoritarianism reminiscent of Suharto’s dictatorship. Backed by President Prabowo Subianto, a former general, the changes raise military retirement ages and increase the number of civilian institutions they can join. Thousands protested, fearing democracy is eroding, the BBC has reported. … Continue reading Anger as Indonesia law allows military bigger role in government

M23 rebels have seized Walikale, a key mining hub in eastern DRC, despite calls for a ceasefire from the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC. The town, rich in tin and gold, also controls a vital road linking four provinces. M23’s rapid advance since January has displaced hundreds of thousands and killed over 7,000 people in the worst escalation in a decade. Backed by Rwanda, … Continue reading M23 rebels capture strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern DRC