Africa
Suspected fake doctor arrested in South Africa
Matthew Lani, a popular South African TikToker, was arrested in South Africa after allegedly claiming to be a doctor. He is accused of stealing the identity of a medical intern and was arrested at a hospital after he allegedly attempted to enter the building. Lani posted medical content and sold his own brand of pills on TikTok and had previously entered the hospital to make misleading content.
Ethiopia watchdog says abuse occurring in northwest region
Ethiopia’s state-appointed rights watchdog said there have been incidents of extrajudicial killings and sexual violence in the country’s north- western Amhara region. The area has seen local militias continue to fight government troops. In late September, civilians were killed by strikes in three towns, including an 18-month-old child. The watchdog also said at least 200 women and girls have reported being raped since August.
Asia
Explosions target Jehovah Witnesses in India
At least three people were killed and more than 50 others were injured in a series of blasts on Sunday at an event held by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Police arrested a man after he posted a video claiming responsibility for the attacks. The incident took place during a prayer meeting. Police are investigating whether an improvised explosive device placed inside a tiffin box might have caused the blasts.
South Korea court upholds law banning gay relations in military
South Korea’s constitutional court upheld a law banning same-sex relations in its military. South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve for around 20 months in the country’s military. Same-sex relations between civilians is not a crime in South Korea, but many activists have said the court’s recent decision is a setback for LGBTQ rights.
Europe
Report says Spain’s Catholic clergy sexually abused thousands
A recent report from an independent commission found that Spain’s Catholic clergy sexually abused more than 200,000 children. The report is 700 pages and found that 0.6 percent of the country’s adult population, or nearly 39 million people, said they suffered sexual abuse as children by members of the clergy. Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the report a milestone in the country’s democracy.
Russia accused of executing retreating soldiers
The United States accused Russia of executing its own soldiers who try to retreat from the battlefield in eastern Ukraine. Russian and Ukraine troops have been in conflict near the town of Avdiivka since mid-October, and Russia is thought to have had significant losses since. Ukraine said there have been mutinies in some Russia military units. The country also said Russian troops were refusing to attack Ukraine positions near Avdiivka because of heavy losses.
Latin America
Eleven Mexican police officers killed
At least 11 Mexican police officers were killed when a security patrol was ambushed by unidentified gunmen. The attack occurred in Mexico’s southern Guerrero state, and some of the victims were reportedly handcuffed before being shot dead. The Guerrero area is home to various groups who are battling for control of drug routes. Mexican authorities blamed the attack on a criminal gang linked to a drug cartel.
Police search for Liverpool player’s father
Authorities in Colombia are searching for the father of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz. The large-scale search includes more than 120 soldiers and police who are searching for Luis Manuel Diaz. Reports suggest armed men had taken him and his wife. The player’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was found over the weekend. Authorities are offering a cash reward of up to 200 million pesos for information about the situation.
North America
U.S. introduces actions around Artificial Intelligence
President Joe Biden issued an executive order requiring Artificial Intelligence (AI) to share safety results with the United States government. The White House called the move the “most significant” actions ever taken by any government to advance safety around AI. The order includes new safety and security standards for AI, protection of consumer privacy, and more.
Pence withdraws from presidential race
Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. He made the announcement at the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas over the weekend. He said he knew his campaign would be an uphill battle and is the first major Republican candidate to suspend his campaign. Pence struggled to gain the support of Republican voters.
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