Africa
Uganda authorities call to crimi- nalize LGBTQ groups – Authorities in Uganda are calling for an amendment of the country’s laws to criminalize LGBTQ activities. Gay relationships in Uganda are illegal, and residents can be punished by up to life in prison for committing “unnatural offenses.” Uganda’s National Bureau for Non-Government organizations called for more resources to identify and “weed out” those involved in LGBTQ activities.
Rebels on trial over Chad president’s death – More than 450 rebels are on trial in connection to the death of former Chad President Idriss Déby. The rebels are all believed to be members of the group Front for Change and Consensus in Chad and have been charged with terrorism and threatening the security of the state. Déby was killed in 2021 while fighting a rebel attack launched from Libya.
Asia
Cyclone wipes out power in New Zealand – About 46,000 homes in New Zealand are without power because of a powerful cyclone. The country declared a state of emergency in nine regions that are home to a third of New Zealand’s 5.1 million people. New Zealand is considering declaring a national state of emergency for the third time in its history. The country said it could take days to restore the power grid.
Drug gang boss arrested in Thailand – Richard Wakeling, a 55-year-old who has been on the run since 2018, was arrested in Thailand. He was convicted while on the run of trying to import amphetamines and had been on England’s National Crime Agency’s most wanted list. Thai police arrested Wakeling at a garage as he went to get his car after repairs. Wakeling had strong family links to Thailand and was found in possession of a passport with a different identity.
Europe
Czech Republic soccer player comes out – Jakub Jankto, a soccer player for the Czech Republic’s national men’s soccer team, became the first current international men’s soccer player to publicly come out as gay. He said he no longer wanted to hide who he is in an announcement he made on Twitter. Jankto has scored four goals for the Czech Republic since debuting for the team in 2017.
Russian soldier death rate high– Recently released Ukrainian data shows Russian soldiers are dying in greater numbers in Ukraine in February than at any time since Russia invaded Ukraine. At least 824 Russian soldiers are dying per day, accord- ing to Ukraine data. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials recently said Russia has launched a “big offensive” attack in the country. About 137,780 Russian soldiers have died since the invasion began, Ukraine says.
Latin America
Haiti gangs target church, kidnap three people – Three people attending a Sunday mass were kidnapped by gang members in Haiti as they left a church. Kidnappings for ransom have become a trend in Haiti in recent years. The kidnappers are demanding a high amount of money as ransom, according to Haiti media. Recently, a priest was also kidnapped as he was leaving for a missionary community.
Thousands of pregnant Russian women head to Argentina – Over 5,000 pregnant Russian women have entered Argentina in recent months, according to the country’s National Migration Agency. Authorities believe the women want to ensure their babies are born in Argentina to obtain Argentine citizenship. Argentine local media suggests the increase in pregnant Russian women traveling to the country may be because of the war in Ukraine.
North America
Toronto mayor resigns – Former Toronto Mayor John Tory resigned unexpectedly from his position after admitting to having an affair with a former staff member. He called the relationship a serious error in judgement and apologized in a statement. Tory had been in office since 2014 and was re-elected to a third term in office in 2018. His successor will be determined in a by-election.
Additional classified document found at Pence’s home – The FBI said it found an additional classified document while searching former Vice-President Mike Pence’s home. Recently, Pence’s attorneys said they found a “small number” of classified files in Pence’s home last month. Other officials like former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden were also recently found with possession of classified documents. Those documents are meant to go to the National Archives once a President/ administration leaves office.
