Slovakia marks ‘dark day’ as LGBTQ+ rights rolled back in parliament

In a significant ruling, a military court in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia for war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity. This verdict not only highlights the serious allegations against Kabila but also raises concerns about the ongoing political tensions in the country. As Kabila has been a prominent figure in Congolese politics, this decision could have far-reaching implications for stability and governance in the region.

A comedy festival in Saudi Arabia is stirring controversy as prominent comedians face backlash for performing there. Critics argue that accepting lucrative deals to perform in a country with a troubled human rights record sends the wrong message, especially since Saudi Arabia was largely inaccessible until 2019. This situation highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of entertainment in regions with questionable human rights practices, raising questions about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of their choices.

UN experts have raised alarm over the alarming rise in executions in Iran, with over 1,000 recorded in just the first nine months of 2025, already exceeding last year's total. This surge highlights a troubling trend in human rights violations within the country, drawing international attention and condemnation. The situation underscores the urgent need for global advocacy and intervention to address these human rights abuses.

Former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro has been arrested at a Warsaw airport amid a scandal involving the purchase of Israeli spyware. This incident raises serious concerns about government accountability and the ethical implications of using such technology. The arrest not only highlights potential misuse of power but also reflects broader issues regarding privacy and surveillance in Poland, making it a significant event in the political landscape.

Moldova's president Maia Sandu celebrated the recent election results, where her ruling party maintained its parliamentary majority, reflecting a strong mandate for EU accession. This outcome is significant as it demonstrates the voters' commitment to pro-European values and their rejection of Russian influence, highlighting a pivotal moment in Moldova's political landscape.

The recent parliamentary elections in Moldova have resulted in a significant victory for President Maia Sandu's pro-EU party, which garnered over 50% of the votes. However, this election has been marred by allegations of cheating, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. This outcome is crucial as it reflects the public's support for EU integration amidst ongoing political tensions in the region.

Australia kicks off their title defense in the Women's Cricket World Cup against New Zealand in Indore. The match, held at Holkar Stadium, is set to start at 3 PM local time. This game is significant as it marks the beginning of the tournament for Australia, who are looking to maintain their championship status. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts on the match.

The US government has officially shut down for the first time since 2018 after competing funding bills were rejected in the Senate. This shutdown is particularly concerning as it is expected to have a more severe impact on federal workers and services. The ongoing partisan conflict between Republicans and Democrats has led to this impasse, highlighting the challenges in reaching bipartisan agreements. This situation matters because it affects millions of Americans who rely on government services and the stability of the federal workforce.

PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Mone, has been ordered by the court to repay £122 million in damages related to a PPE contract. This ruling highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding government contracts during the pandemic, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public spending.

The ringleader of a grooming gang in Rochdale has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in the repeated rapes and assaults of two girls starting from the age of 13. This case highlights the ongoing issues of child exploitation and the importance of justice for victims, as it sheds light on the dark realities faced by vulnerable youth in communities.

Roy Schwartz critiques Trump's recent peace plan, which he argues is more of a fantasy than a feasible solution for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While the plan promises a return to normalcy that many Israelis desire, it overlooks the complexities of the situation and the future of Gaza. This matters because it highlights the gap between political promises and the realities on the ground, raising questions about the effectiveness of such proposals in achieving lasting peace.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed grave concerns about Europe's current geopolitical landscape, describing it as the most challenging since World War II. She supports the European Commission's initiative to provide a reparation loan for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets. Additionally, Latvian Prime Minister Siliņa emphasizes the urgency of advancing the EU's drone capabilities, countering criticism about the timeline for development. This situation highlights the pressing need for European unity and swift action in response to ongoing conflicts.