Africa
Sentences handed for cyber crimes in Zambia
Officials in Zambia sentenced 22 Chinese citizens and a Cameroonian man for cyber-related crimes in the country. Among those who were sentenced include the group’s leader, Li Xianlin, who received up to 11 years in prison. Zambian officials said victims in Peru, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates fell for the group’s online scams.
DR Congo rebels kill dozens
Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 45 civilians this past week. Fighting between armed groups over gold and mineral deposits has forced millions of people in the area to leave their homes. Local reports read that the attackers targeted several villages, torching some homes and stealing motorbikes.
Asia
South Korea bringing back speaker broadcasts near border
Officials in South Korea plan to resume propaganda broadcasts against North Korea. This past weekend, North Korea sent over 300 balloons to the South carrying scrap paper and plastic sheets. The country considers the loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts an act of war and has threatened to blow them up in the past. South Korea hasn’t played the broadcasts in six years.
Hindu pilgrims killed in bus attack
Police in the Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir said nine people were killed on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims. Suspected militants fired gunshots on the bus, and 33 others were injured. The bus was traveling to the famous Hindu shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi when the militants opened fire. Among the victims included two children, ages 2 and 14.
Europe
Danish Prime Minister attacked
Last week, Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was attacked when a man walked up to her and struck her. She said she was left shaken from the attack, but said she is “fine.” The suspect, who has not been named, was arrested and charged with violence against a person in public service. Police noted that the attack did not seem to be politically motivated.
Russia detains French citizen over spy accusations
Officials in Russia say they detained a French citizen who is accused of gathering information about Russia’s military activities. Footage showed Laurent Vinatier in a Moscow café being arrested. French leaders denied that the man was working for France, and Russian officials said Vinatier will be charged in the near future.
Latin America
Man in Mexico dies from bird flu
Authorities say a 59-year-old man in Mexico died from the bird flu. None of the man’s close contacts caught the virus, and officials said there is no risk to the wider public. While it is unknown how the man got the virus, there have been cases in some poultry farms in Mexico. The victim had underlying health issues and was bedridden for weeks before he passed.
Wildfires in Brazil threaten wildlife
Firefighters in Brazil are working to contain wildfires in the country’s Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. The area is home to various wildlife like jaguars, anteaters and river otters. Around 123 square miles of the wetland has burned, and windy conditions has hampered efforts to contain the fire. Climate experts said the wildfires are occurring earlier than normal and are more intense than previous years.
North America
Shark attack leaves three injured in Florida
One woman and two teenage girls were attacked by sharks in two separate incidents at the Gulf Coast of Florida. The woman was bitten last Friday and had to have part of her arm amputated. Two hours after, two teenage girls were attacked at a beach four miles further east. One of the girls injured her leg and hand while the other had minor injuries on one of her feet. There are typically around 70 to 100 shark attacks every year worldwide, according to the University of Florida.
Police locate thousands of stolen Lego sets
Authorities in California arrested two people as part of a suspected Lego theft ring. The arrests occurred after police found more than 2,900 stolen Lego sets. The sets range in price from $20 to over $1,000. The suspects are facing a charge of organized retail theft while another is facing a charge of grand theft. Lego sets are a popular target for thieves.
