Africa
Uganda launches new anti-gay law – Uganda President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law. Now, anyone convicted of homosexual acts will face life in prison. Lawmakers also approved the death penalty for “aggravated cases” like having gay sex with someone below the age of 18 or where someone is infected with a life long illness like HIV. Various health campaign groups said they were deeply concerned about the new law, including the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, and the Global Fund.
Drone strikes kill two in Libya – At least two people were killed while several others were injured from drone strikes in Libya. Politicians accused the Tripoli-based national unity government of targeting the home of a local member of parliament. The group denied targeting the politician, and instead said they were targeting drug smugglers and people traffickers.
Asia
China offers new passenger jet – The Commercial Aviation Corporation of China recently released its C919 passenger jet into the sky. The jet holds 164 seats and is aimed at competing with jets from Europe’s Airbus and the US airplane maker Boeing. However, the aircraft still includes Western components like its engines and avionics. China President Xi Jinping described the jet as one of China’s most innovative achievements.
Dozens of crocodiles kill Cambodia man – Luan Nam, a 72 year old crocodile farmer in Cambodia, was killed by around 40 crocodiles after he fell into their enclosure. Nam was reportedly trying to move one of the animals out of its cage when it grabbed his stick in it its mouth and pulled him into the enclosure. His body was covered with bite marks and one of his arms was missing. Nam was the president of the local crocodile farmers’ association.
Europe
Climate protesters arrested in Netherlands – More than 1,500 climate protesters were arrested by police in Netherlands. The protesters, organized by Extinction Rebellion, blocked a major motorway as they demanded an end to fossil fuel subsidies. Police used a water cannon to try to break up the group. Around 40 of those who were arrested will be prosecuted. The demonstration included Dutch celebrities like actress Carice van Houten, who played Melisandre in the TV show Game of Thrones.
Turkey president remains in power – Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan celebrated another election win as he secured another five years in power. During his victory speech, he targeted a jailed Kurdish leader and the LGBT community. Turkey’s opposition leader and Erdogan’s opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, said the election was the most unfair one to take place in Turkey in recent years. International observers said media bias and limits to freedom of expression contributed an advantage for Erdogan.
Latin America
Search for missing children continues in Colombia – Officials are still searching for four children who have been missing since May 1 after their plane crashed in a Colombian jungle. Authorities recently discovered belongings of siblings in two different locations in the rainforest. The children’s mother and other adults on board the plane died during the crash. Small footprints were also discovered last week, suggesting that the children survived the crash. The children are from the Huitoto indigenous group, and the group is hopeful the children’s jungle survival skills will keep them alive.
Brazil declares animal health emergency over bird flu – Several cases of avian flu have been found in wild birds in Brazil, prompting the country to declare a six-month animal health emergency. In total, seven cases have been reported in the Espirito Santo state and in Rio de Janeiro state. Brazil is the world’s largest chicken meat exporter. The cases were discovered far from Brazil’s main areas of chicken production, authorities said.
North America
“Witches” exonerated in Connecticut – Connecticut is prepared to exonerate 12 people after they were convicted of witchcraft more than 370 years ago. The majority of those who were convicted were hanged after trials that lawmakers said were a “miscarriage of justice.” The resolution was pushed by the CT Witch Trial Exoneration Project, a group founded by descendants of those who were accused of witchcraft. The purpose of exonerating the bodies is to clear the names of those wrongfully accused of being witches.
Oath Keepers founder sentenced – Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right militia Oath Keepers, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in the US Capitol riot. He was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes. The sentencing is the longest one yet given to a Capitol rioter. Rhodes coordinated the riot with Kelly Meggs, a leader of the militia’s Florida chapter, and others who stormed the building. Meggs was jailed for 12 years.
