Africa
Angola police accused of killings and abuse
The Human Rights Watch international rights group accused security forces in Angola of unlawfully killing at least 15 people. Forces are also accused of carrying out other abuses against activists and protesters since the beginning of the year. The rights group interviewed 32 people by phone, including victims of abuses and others.
Fighting intensifies in ethiopia region
Clashes between militias and Ethiopia’s military have intensified and spread in the country’s Amhara region. The violence has caused flights in the area to be suspended, and reports suggest the militias have taken control of some areas of the country. Meanwhile, some activists have accused Ethiopia’s government of targeting and arresting ethnic Amharas.
Asia
Train derails in pakistan, kills dozens
At least 30 people were killed when a train derailed in southern Pakistan while 100 others were injured. Video footage showed some passengers climbing out of the overturned train carriages. Train derailments and other accidents on trains are common in Pakistan. Two years ago, two trains collided in the country and killed at least 40 people.
India launches moon mission
India’s newest moon mission entered the lunar orbit, according to the country’s space agency. The spacecraft took off on July 14 and is aiming to reach the Moon later this month. India could become the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole if the mission is successful. The Moon’s south pole has not been thoroughly explored by other countries.
Europe
Woman freed after being held captive for years in France
Police in France arrested a German man after his wife was discovered in captivity at their home. The woman was found naked with her head shaved. The bedroom she was in was closed off with metal wire. It is believed the woman accessed a phone and called police in Germany to alert them about her situation. Police reportedly found a notebook in which the man kept a record of his actions like when he fed his wife.
Pope visits Portugal, visits sexual abuse victims
Pope Francis spent five days in Portugal and held a private meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse. Earlier this year, it was reported that at least 4,815 children have been abused in Portugal and that the Church “systematically” worked to conceal the issue. Pope Francis said the church must listen to “the anguished cry of the victims.” He was in the country to mark World Youth Day.
Latin America
Jamaica celebrates its independence day
Thousands of people gathered at the two-day Jamaica 0121 Festival to celebrate the country’s 61st independence day from Britain. The event included live music from local and international acts and stalls from local businesses. Organizers said the celebration is great for people in the country to come together to celebrate their culture and share it with other communities.
Mexican student’s death investigated
The body of a 24-year-old Mexican student, who had gone missing in Berlin, was found in a canal. María Fernanda Sánchez was studying for her master’s degree and had been missing since July 22. Police said there were indications that Sánchez was “in a psychologically fragile situation” when she disappeared. Her father said her friends told him she was positive and full of plans for the future. Police said there was “no indication of external influences” in Sánchez’s death and a post-mortem will be carried out.
North America
Officer in George Floyd case sentenced
Tou Thao, a former Minneapolis police officer, was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for his role in the death of George Floyd. Thao was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter, in May. He testified that he acted as a “human traffic cone” by holding back bystanders while Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 minutes. All officers involved in Floyd’s death were convicted on federal civil rights charges.
Breaking Bad actor Mark Margolis passes
Mark Margolis, known for his role of Hector Salamanca in the TV shows “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” has passed at the age of 83. He also has acting credits in films like “Scarface,” and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” Margolis grew up in Philadelphia and described himself as a journeyman actor. He passed away in a New York City hospital after battling a short illness.
