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Hundreds March in Johannesburg to Celebrate 35 Years of Pride and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights

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A vibrant and colorful march took place in the Sandton district of Johannesburg on Saturday, as hundreds of people gathered to mark the 35th anniversary of Pride Johannesburg, an annual event that has played a crucial role in advocating for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa.

While the march was a joyous celebration, it also served as a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to raise awareness about the ongoing discrimination and challenges they face, despite South Africa’s progressive approach to equality issues.

Alice Mpholo, a Johannesburg resident who supported the march, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Pride is really kind of reminiscent of just the rights and the opportunities that this community has fought so hard for. And it’s not just in South Africa. It’s across the continent.”

Mpholo highlighted the stark contrast between South Africa and many other African countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized, and individuals face persecution and even death for simply being who they are. “So a day like this is a day for celebration, but it is a day to appreciate the privilege of being able to be myself and be with people that are just like me,” she added.

Another participant, Bruce Conway, underscored the importance of Pride Johannesburg in providing a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves freely. “I’m here today to celebrate myself and other people who embrace their identity in radical ways and ways that we don’t normally appreciate on a day to day way. And I’m here to experience love in multiple capacities,” he said.

To accommodate the march, traffic around the central district of Sandton was diverted, allowing the participants to take to the streets and celebrate their identities without disruption.

The 35th anniversary of Pride Johannesburg serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in South Africa, while also highlighting the need for continued advocacy and support to combat discrimination and ensure equal rights for all members of the community.

As the march drew to a close, participants expressed their hope that events like Pride Johannesburg will continue to inspire change and promote acceptance, not only in South Africa but across the African continent, where many LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant challenges and discrimination.

The success of Pride Johannesburg over the past 35 years is a testament to the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa, and their ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

AP

Georgia’s Ruling Party Secures Victory in General Election Over Pro-EU Opposition

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Georgia’s Ruling Party Secures Victory in General Election Over Pro-EU Opposition

Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has emerged victorious in the country’s general election, defeating pro-EU and pro-Western opposition parties in a campaign that was largely dominated by foreign policy concerns.

With more than 99% of precincts counted, the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced that Georgian Dream, which has been in power for 12 years, had secured 54% of the vote. The election was widely seen as a make-or-break referendum on whether Georgia should pursue membership in the European Union or strengthen its ties with its regionally-dominant neighbour, Russia.

Georgian Dream founder and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia, accused opposition parties of being agents of foreign countries, suggesting that the West wants Georgia to go to war with Russia. He also pledged to ban all pro-Western opposition groups if the party won a constitutional majority.

Ivanishvili claimed victory almost immediately after polls closed, stating that it was “rare in the world for the same party to achieve such success in such a difficult situation.” However, pro-Western Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who has frequently criticized Georgian Dream, was among the opposition leaders who also claimed victory based on competing exit polls, some of which put the opposition ahead.

Zourabichvili, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that her bloc, European Georgia, had taken 52% of the vote, despite what she called “attempts to rig elections.” Images of opposition leaders celebrating, confirming their early confidence, were also shared on social media.

Reports of voting irregularities emerged, with a video shared on social media showing a man stuffing ballots into a box at a polling station in Marneuli. Georgia’s Interior Ministry announced an investigation into the incident, and the CEC confirmed that a criminal case had been opened and that all results from the polling station would be declared invalid.

Sky News’ international correspondent John Sparks, reporting from Tbilisi, described the outcome as a “stunning result,” predicting that many Georgians would find it “unbelievable,” as a change of government had been widely anticipated after Georgian Dream’s 12 years in power.

The election result has significant implications for Georgia’s future foreign policy direction, as the country navigates its relationship with the European Union and Russia. The victory of Georgian Dream, with its ties to Russia, may raise concerns among pro-Western Georgians who aspire to closer integration with the EU.

news.sky.com

UK Deports Record Number of Nigerian and Ghanaian Asylum Seekers Amid Immigration Crackdown

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UK Deports Record Number of Nigerian and Ghanaian Asylum Seekers Amid Immigration Crackdown

The United Kingdom has deported an unprecedented number of Nigerian and Ghanaian asylum seekers to their home countries, as part of what the UK Home Office has described as a “major surge” in immigration enforcement and returns.

According to a report by the UK Guardian, 44 West African nationals were placed on a flight last Friday, marking a significant increase in deportations to these countries. The Home Office noted that there have only been four recorded deportations to Nigeria and Ghana since 2020.

The Guardian spoke to four Nigerians who were being held at the Brook House immigration removal centre, near Gatwick Airport, prior to their deportation. One individual expressed that he was “very traumatised” by the experience, while another revealed that he had been in the UK for 15 years as an asylum seeker with no criminal record, but had his claim refused by the Home Office.

The deportations have sparked concerns among human rights advocates and refugee support groups, who argue that many of these individuals may face persecution or danger upon their return to their home countries. Critics have also questioned the fairness and transparency of the UK’s asylum process, citing the high rate of refusals and the lack of adequate legal support for asylum seekers.

In response to the incident, a Home Office spokesperson stated, “We have already begun delivering a major surge in immigration enforcement and returns activity to remove people with no right to be in the UK and ensure the rules are respected and enforced, with over 3,600 returned in the first two months of the new government.”

The spokesperson’s statement highlights the UK government’s increasingly hardline stance on immigration, which has been a contentious issue in recent years. The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has pledged to reduce net migration and tighten border controls, a position that has drawn both support and criticism from various sectors of British society.

Real Madrid Launch Probe into Alleged Racist Abuse Targeting Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal During El Clasico

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Real Madrid Launch Probe into Alleged Racist Abuse Targeting Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal During El Clasico

Real Madrid have initiated an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal during Saturday’s El Clasico at the Bernabeu, the club announced in a statement.

Social media videos have surfaced appearing to show the 17-year-old Spanish forward being subjected to taunts by a group of home supporters as he celebrated his 77th-minute goal by pointing to his name on the back of his shirt. Yamal’s goal was part of a comprehensive 4-0 victory for the Catalan side, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice and Raphinha completing the scoring.

The result sees Barcelona extend their lead at the top of La Liga to six points over their arch-rivals. However, the alleged racist incident has overshadowed the on-field action, prompting swift condemnation from Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behaviour involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport, and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium,” the club’s statement read.

“Real Madrid has opened an investigation in order to locate and identify the perpetrators of these deplorable and despicable insults so that the appropriate disciplinary and judicial measures can be taken.”

The incident comes amidst a broader effort by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga to combat a rise in racist abuse at football matches. Measures have included partial stadium closures and increased penalties for offending clubs and individuals.

Last week, four people were arrested in connection with an online campaign of hate and racism targeting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The campaign allegedly encouraged supporters to racially abuse the 24-year-old Brazilian, instructing them to wear black face masks to avoid identification, according to police.

In June, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racially abusing Vinicius Jr. during a match in May 2023, highlighting the severity with which Spanish authorities are treating such incidents.

The alleged abuse directed at Lamine Yamal, one of Barcelona’s most promising young talents, has once again brought the issue of racism in Spanish football to the forefront. The teenager, who became the youngest player to score in El Clasico at the age of 17 years and 106 days, has been a revelation since breaking into the first team this season.

Arsenal Face Stern Test Against In-Form Liverpool Amid Injury Woes

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Arsenal Face Stern Test Against In-Form Liverpool Amid Injury Woes

As Arsenal prepare to host Liverpool in a high-stakes Premier League encounter on Sunday, the Gunners find themselves in a potentially vulnerable position due to key player absences and the Reds’ impressive form.

With 21 points from eight games, Liverpool sit second in the table, four points ahead of Arsenal. A victory for Arne Slot’s side at the Emirates Stadium would see them overtake current leaders Manchester City and leave Mikel Arteta’s men seven points adrift.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes Arsenal enter this fixture as underdogs, a role that could suit them well. “The fact they will face a test against Liverpool, and weirdly at home they will feel possibly a bit like an underdog – I think that suits who they want to be at this moment,” Onuoha said on the Planet Premier League podcast.

Liverpool have lost just once this season, a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, and have won every other game. Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter attributes their success to the stability Slot has brought to the team, saying, “The playing style has changed bit by bit – they build up and press a bit more patiently now.”

While Arsenal have made a habit of scoring early against Liverpool in recent meetings, they have not been as quick out of the blocks this season, failing to find the net in the first 15 minutes of any of their eight Premier League games.

Liverpool’s defensive solidity under Slot could make it even harder for the Gunners to get off to a fast start. The Reds have conceded just three goals and kept five clean sheets in eight games, half as many as they managed in the entirety of last season. On average, they are conceding 0.38 goals per game this campaign, compared to 1.08 goals last term.

Arsenal’s injury concerns have added to their challenges, with captain Martin Odegaard, winger Bukayo Saka, and defender Riccardo Calafiori all sidelined. The absence of William Saliba, who was sent off against Bournemouth, could also be significant, as the Gunners have a 74% win rate with him in the side, compared to 45.5% without.

On a positive note for Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli, who has more goal contributions against Liverpool than any other team since joining the club in 2019, is expected to be fit for the clash.

Liverpool will once again look to the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah to make the difference. The 32-year-old has contributed to 10 goals this season, with five goals and five assists, and has an impressive record against the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, with 61 combined goals and assists in 72 appearances.

As the two teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for a fascinating encounter that could have significant implications for the title race, even at this early stage of the season. With Liverpool’s defensive prowess and Salah’s form, Arsenal will need to be at their best to overcome their injury setbacks and secure a positive result.

Multiple Casualties Reported as Truck Rams into Bus Stop Near Israeli Military Base

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Multiple Casualties Reported as Truck Rams into Bus Stop Near Israeli Military Base

A truck has collided with a bus stop near an Israeli military base in Glilot, just north of Tel Aviv, leaving dozens of people injured in what is believed to be a deliberate attack.

According to initial reports, at least six people are in serious condition, while others remain trapped under the wreckage at the scene. Emergency services are working to free those still caught in the debris and provide medical treatment to the injured.

Police have cordoned off the area as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, local reports suggest that armed civilians in the vicinity shot and “neutralized” the driver of the truck after he allegedly intentionally rammed into the crowd.

Footage from Israeli television channels shows a chaotic scene, with emergency personnel tending to the wounded and a helicopter hovering overhead. The incident has sparked concern and outrage among the public, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the attack.

Israel’s emergency services, Magen David Adom (MDA), released a statement confirming the incident: “At 10:08 AM, a report was received in MDA’s 101 Emergency Call Center in the Yarkon Region of a truck hitting a bus stop on Aharon Yariv Boulevard in Ramat Hasharon. MDA EMTs and Paramedics are currently providing medical treatment on site to dozens of casualties.”

A spokesman for Israel’s ambulance service, quoted by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, revealed that many of the injured were elderly citizens who had just disembarked from a bus before a planned visit to the nearby Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base in Glilot.

The attack has raised questions about security measures in the area, particularly given the proximity to a military installation. Authorities have not yet released any information about the identity of the driver or their potential motives.

As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on providing urgent medical care to the injured and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity. The incident is likely to heighten tensions in the region and prompt a thorough review of security protocols around sensitive locations.

Texas Mother Arrested for Allegedly Dropping 17-Month-Old Daughter from Hotel Balcony

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Texas Mother Arrested for Allegedly Dropping 17-Month-Old Daughter from Hotel Balcony

A Texas mother, identified as Channel Yonko, 30, has been arrested and charged with capital murder after allegedly dropping her 17-month-old daughter, Hannah Yonko, from a third-story hotel balcony in Galveston, resulting in the toddler’s death.

According to a press release and affidavit from the Galveston Police Department, officers responded to reports of an “abandoned child” and “unresponsive child bleeding” on Wednesday morning. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered the toddler, later identified as Hannah, wrapped in a blanket on the pavement, with a “small pool of blood on the street.” Emergency responders rushed Hannah to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.

The affidavit states that detectives learned at the hospital that three puncture wounds were found on Hannah’s body. After releasing a description of Hannah’s mother, police located Channel, who was reportedly “crying” and asking the officer “for help.” According to the affidavit, Channel made comments about her daughter possibly being sick and requested a lawyer during questioning.

Investigators interviewed Channel’s sister, Mercedes Yonko, who was staying with Channel and Hannah in room 217 at the Beachfront Palms Hotel. Mercedes told officers that she had left the hotel on Wednesday morning to talk to her fiancé at The Victorian, and later encountered Channel pushing a stroller, but did not see Hannah inside. When Mercedes planned to return to the hotel, Channel allegedly advised her not to, repeating the warning several times, which Mercedes found odd.

Police discovered a trash bag in a garbage bin in the parking garage near where Hannah’s body was found. The bag contained a key card for room 217, a “skinning” knife, plastic beach toys, unopened kids snacks, and diapers.

Surveillance video obtained by police allegedly showed Channel pushing Hannah in a stroller and captured the toddler’s fatal fall from what appeared to be the third floor, landing on the grass before rolling onto the concrete sidewalk where she was found.

The affidavit notes that while Hannah had three puncture wounds on her back, they were not found on her clothes or the blankets she was wrapped in. Police believe that Channel “intentionally and knowingly” killed her daughter by “intentionally dropping” her from the balcony.

Galveston Police Department Chief Doug Balli stated, “This is a horrible crime. All children deserve to feel safe when around loved ones, especially with their own mother. The Galveston Police Department is committed to bringing justice for Hannah and ensuring the safety of all children in our community.”

Channel Yonko is being held without bail at the Galveston County Jail as the investigation continues. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences and demanding justice for the young victim.

toofab.com

RSF Attack Kills at Least 50 in Sudan’s al-Jazira State Amid Escalating Violence

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RSF Attack Kills at Least 50 in Sudan’s al-Jazira State Amid Escalating Violence

At least 50 people have been killed in a single attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on villages in Sudan’s al-Jazira state, according to activists.

The RSF, which has been at war with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023, has recently intensified its violence against civilians in al-Jazira, south of the capital Khartoum, following the defection of their commander in the state to the army.

The resistance committee in Hasaheisa, one of hundreds of volunteer groups coordinating aid in Sudan, reported that the villages of al-Sariha and Azraq have been under attack since Friday morning. In al-Sariha alone, the attack killed 50 and wounded more than 200, with a total “inability to evacuate the wounded from the village due to the shelling and snipers” from the RSF.

The nearby village of Azraq has been placed under a “total siege, suffering the same violations as al-Sariha,” although a death toll could not be provided due to the near-total communications blackout in the region.

The Sudanese doctors’ union has called on the United Nations to press for safe humanitarian corridors into villages that “are facing genocide at the hands of the Rapid Support militia.” The union added that rescue operations had become impossible and that “the army is incapable of protecting civilians.”

Medical sources in several villages report that nearly all health facilities capable of receiving emergency cases have been forced to shut down.

The war in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with some estimates suggesting 150,000 deaths. It has also caused the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than seven million people uprooted. In June, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield described Sudan as the planet’s “largest humanitarian crisis.”

Famine was declared in July in the Zamzam camp for displaced people near the town of El-Fasher, in Sudan’s western Darfur region bordering Chad.

Last Sunday, the army announced that the RSF’s al-Jazira commander Abu Aqla Kaykal had defected, bringing “a large number of his forces” with him. Activists reported at least 20 people killed in subsequent RSF attacks in eastern al-Jazira and an air strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces on a mosque in the state capital, Wad Madani, which killed 31 people.

On Thursday, neighboring Chad denied helping to arm the RSF after the governor of Sudan’s Darfur region, Minni Minnawi, accused them of doing so. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated, “Chad has no interest in amplifying the war in Sudan,” noting that Chad was “one of the rare countries upon which this war has had major repercussions.”

Manhunt Underway in Russia After Six Inmates Escape Prison Through Secret Tunnel

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Manhunt Underway in Russia After Six Inmates Escape Prison Through Secret Tunnel

Russian authorities have initiated a manhunt after six convicts escaped from a correctional facility in the western Lipetsk region through a secret underground tunnel.

The prisoners’ disappearance was discovered during a routine inspection by prison guards, who found the concealed tunnel on the premises.

“In general regime penal colony No. 2, an underground tunnel was discovered during a patrol of the premises,” the regional prison service stated. “Immediately a count of convicts got underway, which revealed the absence of six inmates.”

Police officers detain a demonstrator in Pushkinskaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, June 4, 2023. Imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny has voiced hope for a better future in Russia as his supporters held demonstrations to mark his birthday. Risking their own prison terms, some Navalny supporters in Russia marked his birthday by holding individual pickets, and other painted graffiti. Police quickly detained many for questioning. (AP Photo)

While authorities did not disclose the identities of the escaped prisoners, they confirmed in a statement that the individuals were “from Central Asia.”

In response to the jailbreak, temporary search posts have been established, and local law enforcement agencies have been notified and are actively searching for the fugitives.

“Measures are currently being taken to track down the escaped persons. The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” prison authorities assured.

The incident has raised concerns about security measures and oversight at the correctional facility, as well as the potential risk to public safety posed by the escaped convicts.

Russian law enforcement agencies are known for their extensive resources and capabilities, and it is expected that a significant effort will be made to apprehend the fugitives as quickly as possible.

The manhunt is likely to involve a combination of ground searches, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, with authorities working closely with local communities to gather information and leads.

As the search continues, residents in the Lipetsk region and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escaped prisoners to the authorities.

Florida Woman Convicted of Second-Degree Murder for Zipping Boyfriend in Suitcase

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Florida Woman Convicted of Second-Degree Murder for Zipping Boyfriend in Suitcase

A Florida woman, Sarah Boone, 47, was found guilty of second-degree murder on Friday for zipping her boyfriend, Jorge Torres Jr., 42, in a suitcase and leaving him to die in 2020.

According to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Boone told authorities that Torres got trapped in the suitcase and died during a game of hide-and-seek after the couple had been drinking chardonnay and doing puzzles in their Winter Park apartment. They thought “it would be funny” for Torres to hop in the suitcase as part of the game.

When Boone zipped Torres into the blue suitcase, two of his fingers stuck out, leading her to assume he could open it. She went to bed, expecting him to get himself out and join her, only to wake up and find him still in the suitcase, not breathing.

During the 10-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that included videos found on Boone’s phone, in which Torres could be heard frantically pleading to be released while Boone laughed and taunted him. “In the videos she recorded, the victim could be heard telling the defendant he could not breathe and asking to be let out of the suitcase,” a release from State Attorney Andrew Bain’s office said. “Boone responded with, ‘That’s what you get,’ ‘That’s what I feel like when you cheat on me’ and other taunts.”

Boone’s defense argued that she was suffering from “Battered Spouse Syndrome” and was in fear for her life, according to CNN affiliate WFTV. Boone also testified that she thought Torres could get out of the suitcase on his own.

After the verdict, Boone’s attorney, James Owens, expressed disappointment, stating, “Just shock. She’s shocked, you know. She felt like, you know, she had a defense, as you know.” The family of Torres was emotional and declined to speak with the media, CNN affiliate WESH reported.

Boone is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2 at 1:30 p.m., according to the release from the state attorney’s office. The case has garnered significant attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding Torres’ death and the disturbing evidence presented during the trial.

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