After its recent conflict with Israel, Iran has launched a wave of arrests and executions targeting alleged Israeli spies, claiming to fight unprecedented infiltration of its security services. Authorities say leaked information enabled high-profile assassinations of IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. Six people accused of spying for Israel have been executed in recent weeks, and hundreds more have been arrested. Human rights groups warn of … Continue reading Iran carries out wave of arrests and executions in wake of Israel conflict

A black bear on the runway forced Japan’s Yamagata Airport to cancel 12 flights and close to passengers on Thursday. First spotted in the morning, the bear reappeared at noon, prompting further closures as staff and police failed to capture it. The incident comes amid a rise in bear encounters in Japan, linked to climate change and rural depopulation, CBS News has reported. Authorities have … Continue reading Bear on runway forces airport in Japan to cancel flights

Spain’s Constitutional Court has upheld key parts of an amnesty law pardoning over 300 Catalan separatists involved in the failed 2017 independence bid. The ruling, by a 6–4 vote, rejects most of a conservative challenge claiming the law was unconstitutional. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the decision, saying it promotes national unity and coexistence. The amnesty deal was crucial to securing separatist party support for … Continue reading Top court backs amnesty for Catalan separatists

Vietnam has abolished the death penalty for eight crimes, including embezzlement and bribery, under legal reforms passed Wednesday. The changes may spare real estate tycoon Truong My Lan, sentenced to death for a $12.5 billion fraud case, making her eligible for life imprisonment instead. Anyone sentenced to death for the removed crimes but not yet executed by July 1 will have their sentence commuted to life in … Continue reading Vietnam ends death penalty for 8 crimes, may spare real estate tycoon

Congolese negotiators have dropped their demand for an immediate Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, clearing the way for a U.S.-brokered peace deal expected to be signed in Washington on Friday. Rwanda has at least 7,000 troops in eastern Congo backing M23 rebels, though it denies direct involvement and says it’s acting in self-defense against Congo-based groups like the FDLR. The revised … Continue reading Congo drops demand for immediate Rwandan troop pullout

At least 29 students died in a stampede during baccalaureate exams at a high school in Bangui, Central African Republic, after an electrical transformer exploded and caused panic. Sixteen of the victims were girls. Over 260 others were injured. President Faustin Archange Touadera declared three days of national mourning and promised support for victims’ families, the DW has reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, and … Continue reading Dozens killed in Central African Republic school stampede

A large wildfire near Athens swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, destroying at least 20 homes and forcing over 1,000 evacuations as Greece faced its first summer heatwave with temperatures reaching 40 °C. Strong winds spread flames quickly from low vegetation into residential areas. Firefighters, residents, and aircraft battled the blaze, while coast guard teams rescued trapped beachgoers, the BBC has reported. … Continue reading Homes burn in Greece as wildfire sweeps through coastal towns

North Korea is opening its long-delayed Wonsan Kalma beach resort to domestic tourists on 1 July, hoping to boost tourism despite sanctions and economic struggles. Built on the east coast, the resort can reportedly host 20,000 visitors along a 4 km beach, though its features remain unverified. Leader Kim Jong Un, who grew up in Wonsan, wants to transform the area. Foreign tourism remains limited, mainly … Continue reading North Korea to open beach resort as Kim bets on tourism

At least 16 people have died in Kenya after nationwide protests on Wednesday against police brutality and poor governance, according to the human rights commission. Demonstrations spread to 23 of 47 counties, with protesters calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. Property was destroyed, police stations were burned, and shops in Nairobi were looted. The unrest was fueled by anger over the death of a blogger … Continue reading Death toll from Kenya’s anti-government protests rises to 16

Japan has executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the “Twitter killer,” for murdering and dismembering nine people, mostly women, after luring them via social media by promising to help them die. The 34-year-old was hanged in Tokyo in the country’s first execution since 2022. Arrested in 2017, Shiraishi pleaded guilty in 2020, admitting he killed to satisfy sexual desires. His crimes shocked Japan and raised concerns … Continue reading Japan executes ‘Twitter killer’ who murdered and dismembered nine people