WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

Photograph: Screenshot/ BLA video A fresh wave of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances has been documented across Balochistan this month, as Baloch rights groups recorded the recovery of several bodies of men who had earlier been forcibly taken, and appealed once more to international institutions that have largely ignored the province. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)…

Bus drivers show solidarity for George Floyd protestors by refusing to transport them to jail

In the wake of growing tensions between police and protestors following the murder of George Floyd, bus drivers in Minneapolis and New York have shown their support for arrested protestors, by refusing to drive them to jail.

Trump ends support for the World Health Organisation

 

US President, Donald Trump, has announced that he will cut funding for the World Health Organisation and redirect these funds into other organisations.

This order follows allegations raised by Trump that the WHO did not act appropriately in responding to the coronavirus. In a statement to the media, Trump claimed that China had “total control of the organisation”. The US is reported to also be taking measures to sanction Hong Kong officials responsible for the erosion of the region’s sovereignty.

Rwanda court sentences former Mayor to life for involvement in 1994 genocide

Former Rwandan mayor and politician, Ladislas Ntaganzwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the killing of over 25,000 people in the 1994 Rwanda genocide, yesterday.

58-year-old Ntaganzwa, who served as the mayor of Nyakizu in southern Rwanda, was today “sentenced to life imprisonment over genocide crimes committed during the genocide against Tutsi in 1994,” according to court spokesman, Harrison Mutabazi.

The ruling was made via a video conference and Ntaganzwa and his lawyers were able to follow it via Skype at Mpanga prison in Southern Rwanda.

In response to the verdict, Alexis Musonera, Ntaganzwa's lawyer, stated he would appeal the ruling;

Refugee International accuses Myanmar of genocide

Myanmar has been accused of genocide against the Rohingya people by the humanitarian organisation Refugees International which has called on UN Security Council to refer Myanmar to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This follows an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for Myanmar to take “all measures within its power” to prevent crimes of genocide against the Rohingya.

Hong Kong cracks down on protests against national security laws

<p>Hong Kong Security forces cracked down on protesters who opposed a new draconian national security law which threatens dissidents and Hong Kong independence activists.</p> <p>During the protests, police fired tear gas and pepper spray on thousands who had taken to the streets, despite the lockdown measures intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Over 180 people were arrested during protests on Sunday.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Responses from state officials</strong></p>

Somaliland president calls for independence recognition

The president of Somaliland has called on the international community to recognise the independence of the region and warned that unless Somalia “accepts the reality of two independent nations,” his government will explore international legal avenues.

Myanmar submits compliance report to International Court of Justice on Rohingya genocide

Myanmar has complied with a deadline set by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and submitted a report on steps the government has taken to prevent acts of genocide against the Rohingya people.

Rwandan genocide suspect dead – UN

The United Nations confirmed that the remains of a former Rwandan defence minister who was wanted over the country’s 1994 genocide, have been identified in a grave in Congo.

Augustin Bizimana, who was indicted on 13 charges, including genocide, murder and rape, is believed to have died in the Republic of the Congo, in 2000. His remains were identified by DNA testing, according to United Nations war crimes prosecutor Serge Brammertz.

Main financer of Rwanda genocide arrested

Félicien Kabuga, one of the main financiers of the Rwanda genocide, has been arrested in France under charges from the International Criminal Tribunal of genocide and crimes against humanity.

The Rwanda genocide claimed the lives of 800,000 Tutsi’s and political opponents in 1994. The US was supportive of this arrest, offering $5 million reward for information leading to Kabuga’s arrest. Kabuga is accused of paying the militant’s who carried out massacres during this genocide.

14 killed during clashes in Yemen

<p>Clashes between pro-government and separatist forces in the Zinjibar and Abyan province in Yemen, have led to the deaths of 14 including 10 pro-government soldiers.</p> <p>The conflict has been described by Al Jazeera as the first major confrontation since separatists declared self-rule on 26 April in southern Yemen. According to Al Jazeera, both sides exchanged missile and artillery shelling on these two fronts.</p> <p>Separatists have claimed that they captured 40 pro-government soldiers as well as their military equipment.</p>