Africa
Former Gambian minister on trial
Ousman Sonko, a former Gambian Interior Minister, is on trial in Switzerland over allegations of crimes against humanity. He fled to the country in 2016 after Gambian President Yahya Jammeh lost power. Sonko was arrested after non-governmental agencies showed evidence of his involvement in killings, rape and torture. His lawyer said he was not responsible for what happened.
Zimbabwe miners rescued
Officials in Zimbabwe rescued 15 miners who were trapped in a gold mine for four days. The workers are reportedly healthy and conscious, officials said. The Zimbabwe mine, located in an area home to many undocu- mented workers, caved in after the shaft collapsed. It is believed that an earth tremor may have caused the accident.
Asia
Group’s plan to export native lizards in Australia halted
Police in Australia arrested three men and a woman who were planning to illegally export hundreds of native lizards. The group was planning to send the reptiles to Hong Kong. Around 257 lizards and three snakes were seized and were reportedly kept in poor conditions. The animals were treated and returned to the wild.
Tesla recalls 1.6 million vehicles in China
China’s regulator said Tesla is recalling more than 1.6 million vehicles in China. The company made the move due to issues with steering software and door-locking systems. Tesla plans to fix the issues by carrying out remote updates to software. Less than a month ago, Tesla also recalled two million vehicles in the United States because of autopilot software issues.
Europe
Farmers protest in Germany
Farmers in Germany used more than 500 tractors and trucks to block roads in protest against subsidy cuts. The cuts were created to fix a budget crisis in Germany, but there are fears now that the financial decision could benefit the far right’s popularity. The farmer association in Germany called on the government to stop plans for cutting farmer’s subsidies.
Russia missile strike kills 11
An official in Ukraine confirmed that a Russian missile strike killed 11 people in the country, including five children. The missile struck the town of Pokrovsk, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had targeted residential areas. Recently, Ukraine launched more than 70 drones into Russia, leading to evacuations in the Russian city of Belgorod.
Latin America
Ecuador gang leader escapes prison
Police in Ecuador are searching for convicted gang leader Adolfo Marcias Villamar, who escaped from his prison cell. Known as “Fito,” he is the leader of Los Choneros, a gang believed to have been behind recent deadly prison riots. Fito is suspected of playing a role in the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio last year.
Kidnapped migrants freed
Mexican police freed dozens of migrants who were abducted by gunpoint from a bus. Most of the migrants are from Venezuela. Often times, gangs target migrants and hold them until a ransom is paid by their families. Reports in Mexico suggest the Venezuelans were on their way to the border for a sched- uled asylum hearing with United States officials.
North America
Police investigate alleged Lauren Boebert incident
Police in the town of Silt, Colorado are investigating an alleged altercation between Republican congress- woman Lauren Boebert and her ex-husband at a Colorado restaurant. It is unknown what happened but Boebert said she didn’t punch her husband and nobody was arrested. Recently, Boebert announced she will run in 2024 in a different Colorado district.
Supreme Court to hear Trump presidential case
The United States Supreme Court will take up former President Donald Trump’s appeal against decision by a Colorado court to remove him from the 2024 ballot in the state. The case will be heard in February, and the ruling will apply nationwide. Several lawmakers in numerous states want to disqualify Trump from running for president, saying he engaged in insurrection during the January 6 capitol riot.
