Africa
Rwanda doctor found guilty of genocide
Sosthene Munyemana, a former doctor in Rwanda, was jailed by a French court for 24 years. He was found guilty of crimes like genocide and crimes against humanity in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Munyemana is accused of organizing torture and killings in the genocide. It took 28 years to bring his case to trial.
Longtime woman politician dies in Somalia
Khadijo Mohamed Diriye, the longest-serving woman in Somali politics, passed after a brief illness. Her most recent title was Minister for Women and Human Rights Development. Diriye had been in politics for nearly 30 years. Somalia’s politicians are typically male, and several government officials posted messages of condolence on their social media platforms.
Asia
China earthquake leaves dozens dead
At least 131 people were killed in northwest China when an earthquake struck the area. The 6.2 magnitude quake also injured 1,000 others. Buildings in the area were hit by mudslides triggered by the earthquake, and roads were damaged. It is the deadliest earthquake to occur in China since 2014 when more than 600 people were killed by a quake in the Yunnan Province.
South Korea students sue over exam
Some South Korean students are suing the country’s government because their college admission test ended 90 seconds earlier than planned. The group of students is seeking $15,400 each, which is the cost of a year’s studying to retake the exam. Lawyers for the group allege that the timing error impacted the rest of the students’ exams.
Europe
France passes new immigration policy
France’s parliament passed a new policy that will toughen the country’s immigration laws. The bill was backed by President Emmanuel Macron and will make it more difficult for migrants to bring family members to France. The new immigration laws also bans detaining minors in detention centers. Human rights groups denounced the new laws.
Ukraine hoping for more soldiers
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s military wants to add an extra 500,000 people to its military. The country is running out of ammunition and hoping for financial aid from countries, including the United States. It has nearly been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia President Vladimir Putin recently said Russia will continue its invasion.
Latin America
Thousands of turtles saved from trafficking
Officials in Peru seized more than 4,000 live turtles at an airport. The animals were going to be trafficked to Indonesia. Eggs and meat of freshwater turtles are considered valuable in some parts of the world. The turtles will now be taken to an authorized breeding center in Lima and will be cared for until their next home is determined. None of the animals died.
Ally of Venezuelan president released
Alex Saab, a close aide of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was freed by the United States as part of a prisoner swap. Saab was accused of laundering money on behalf of Venezuela’s government and was extradited to the United States in 2021. Venezuela has called for Saab’s release for a long time and has described him as an “envoy.”
North America
Judge orders for Epstein’s associates’ names to be released
A U.S. judge ruled to release the names of more than 170 associates of convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein. The names must be released by Jan. 1, the judge ruled. Epstein was a millionaire financier and died by suicide in jail in 2019. Among those whose names are expected to be released include Prince Andrew.
Minnesota introduces new state flag
Officials in Minnesota unveiled a new flag to replace a design many Native Americans said was offensive. The proposed new flag features a white eight-pointed star and a dark blue background shaped like the state. The current flag dates back to 1957 and features a horse-mounted Native American riding away from a farmer who has a rifle.
