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Four Arrested After Knife Attack on Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal’s Father in Catalonia

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In a shocking incident, four individuals have been arrested following a knife attack on the father of young Barcelona football star, Lamine Yamal, in the Catalan town of Mataro.

The attack occurred on Wednesday evening at around 1910 GMT in a car park located about 30 kilometers from Barcelona in the Rocafonda neighborhood, an area known to be the hometown of Lamine Yamal, according to a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan regional police force.

Mounir Nasraoui, the father of the promising Spanish footballer, was stabbed multiple times during the altercation. Nasraoui is currently receiving medical care at the Can Ruti hospital in Catalonia.

Reports indicate that he is now in stable condition but remains under observation. Family sources confirmed that Nasraoui is “out of danger” but did not provide any further details regarding his expected release date from the hospital.

The attack has left the local community in shock, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, the assault took place after Nasraoui was approached by a group of men while he was standing in the street. Following a brief exchange, the men allegedly assaulted Nasraoui with a knife, leading to his hospitalization.

Local police arrested three suspects on Wednesday night, and a fourth was taken into custody at around 0900 GMT on Thursday morning. The suspects were being questioned at Mataro police station to uncover the full details of the attack. Authorities are also seeking to interview Nasraoui as soon as possible to gain further insight into the events that led to the stabbing.

The Catalan police have not yet released any further information about the possible motive behind the attack, but investigations are ongoing to ensure the safety of the local community and bring those responsible to justice.

Ogun State Government Protests Seizure of Three Nigerian Presidential Jets by French Court

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The Ogun State Government has confirmed that a French court has recently ordered the seizure of three Nigerian government presidential aircraft. The aircraft were grounded following a contract dispute between the Ogun State Government and Zhongshan, a Chinese company that had previously entered into an agreement with the state government.

The dispute stems from a contract that was initially formed between the two parties but later hit a deadlock. The Ogun State Government eventually revoked the contract in 2016.

Following the revocation, Zhongshan took both the Ogun State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to court, seeking compensation for what it claimed was an unfair termination of the agreement.

As a result of the legal proceedings, a French court took the extraordinary step of grounding three Nigerian presidential jets that were within its jurisdiction, in compliance with the lawsuit brought forward by the Chinese firm.

Earlier, an independent arbitral tribunal had awarded Zhongshan a compensation amount of approximately $74.5 million. However, the Ogun State Government has contested this award, claiming that the compensation amount is unfair and has not yet been honored.

The government’s refusal to comply with the tribunal’s decision has led to heightened legal tensions and resulted in the French court’s involvement.

In response to the court’s ruling, the Ogun State Government issued a statement on Thursday, expressing its strong condemnation of the seizure of the jets.

The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, who argued that the action taken by the French court is merely a new tactic by the Chinese company to pressure the Nigerian government. He added that previous attempts to seize Nigerian assets in other foreign jurisdictions had failed.

The Ogun State Government described the judicial move as unjust and indicated that it plans to contest the ruling. The state government maintains that the aircraft are used for sovereign purposes and, therefore, should be immune from attachment under both international and French law.

They further accused Zhongshan of deliberately withholding crucial information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, and their legal teams during the court proceedings. The government also claimed that Zhongshan misled the Paris court regarding the ownership and use of the seized jets.

Akinmade, in his statement, pointed out that the state will continue to challenge the court order and explore every legal avenue available to reverse the seizure of the presidential aircraft, emphasizing the state’s dedication to protecting its sovereign assets.

Credit: Punchng.com

Massive Protests Led by Women Erupt in West Bengal Following Trainee Doctor’s Brutal Rape and Murder

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KOLKATA, INDIA – Tens of thousands of women took to the streets of West Bengal on Wednesday night in a massive outcry against the shocking rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata.

The protests culminated in the “Redcliff the Night” march, a demonstration that has intensified following nearly a week of public outcry sparked by the tragic events at the RG Kar Medical College last Friday.

The 31-year-old doctor had reportedly been working a grueling 36-hour shift before falling asleep in a seminar room due to the lack of a designated rest area. She was found the next morning by her colleagues, half-naked and badly beaten, suffering from extensive injuries.

Her murder has sent shockwaves through the medical community and the public, leading to widespread protests across the region. Authorities have since arrested a hospital volunteer worker believed to be connected to the crime.

In response to the call for justice, women from all walks of life flooded the streets of Kolkata and various other parts of the state in a show of solidarity on Wednesday. Despite the late hour, the women marched resolutely, their placards demanding justice for the slain doctor.

These protests, though largely peaceful, were marred by sporadic clashes with police forces. A small group of unidentified men reportedly barged into the RG Kar Hospital, where the crime took place, ransacking the emergency department in a burst of anger.

The police responded by attempting to control the unruly crowd, leading to altercations in which several police vehicles were damaged. Tear gas was deployed as officers sought to disperse the protesters, but the unrest continued to ripple through the city.

The protests have now spread beyond Kolkata, with major Indian cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune witnessing solidarity marches demanding justice and systemic changes to ensure women’s safety in hospitals and other workplaces.

The anger and frustration were palpable among the crowds, many of whom held mobile phones and torches as symbols of defiance against the widespread violence that plagues women in India.

The streets of Kolkata resonated with chants and slogans, amplified by megaphones. Young and elderly alike joined hands in solidarity, their steps resolute as they moved past universities, hospitals, and busy marketplaces.

In one particularly striking moment, protesters gathered outside the RG Kar Medical College, chanting “Justice for our sister.” Their voices echoed in unison, with the humid night air only amplifying the anger and sadness felt by many. The rally continued into the early hours of the morning as women vowed not to stop until justice was served.

The tragedy has exposed the deep-rooted issues plaguing Indian hospitals, where safety measures for female doctors and staff remain dangerously inadequate. Women’s rights groups have called for immediate reforms, including the implementation of stricter security protocols in hospitals to prevent similar atrocities in the future.

The incident has further fueled the ongoing national conversation on gender violence in India, sparking renewed calls for comprehensive reforms in law enforcement and judicial processes to protect women. The protests are expected to continue as the nation watches closely to see how the authorities respond to the demands for justice and change.

A bbc report

US-Russian Dual Citizen Sentenced to 12 Years for Charity Donation Supporting Ukraine

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MOSCOW – A Russian court has sentenced Karolina Karelinia, a former ballerina and dual citizen of the United States and Russia, to 12 years in prison on charges of treason after making a small donation to a charity supporting Ukraine. Karelinia, who had been living in Los Angeles and became a US citizen in 2021, was arrested during a visit to her family in Yekaterinburg in January.

The court in Yekaterinburg, located approximately 1,600 km (1,000 miles) east of Moscow, handed down the sentence after finding Karelinia guilty of treason. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year prison term, but the court instead sentenced her to 12 years in a general regime penal colony.

According to court documents, Karelinia’s charges stemmed from a $51.03 donation made to a Ukrainian organization that provides humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian military. The transaction reportedly took place on 22 February 2022, the first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian intelligence agency FSB was believed to have uncovered the transaction during an investigation of Karelinia’s communications.

Karelinia’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushelev, said his client admitted to making the donation but argued that she believed the funds would be used for humanitarian purposes, rather than for military support. Mushelev announced that Karelinia would appeal the sentence, stressing that she only intended to assist victims of the conflict.

The charity in question, Razom for Ukraine, is a US-based nonprofit organization that focuses on humanitarian aid and support for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Representatives of the charity emphasized that they have never raised funds for military purposes.

This case comes after several other recent high-profile trials in Russia, including the sentencing of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, on espionage charges. Human rights groups in Russia have raised concerns about the increasing number of treason and espionage cases tied to the Ukraine conflict and US-Russia relations.

The court’s decision has drawn international attention, with the US State Department closely monitoring the case. US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy has condemned the sentence and urged Russian authorities to release Karelinia immediately. Rights organizations are now calling for diplomatic efforts to ensure her release.

Karelinia’s sentencing is expected to increase tensions between the US and Russia, further complicating diplomatic relations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

More Than 40,000 Killed in Gaza, Says Hamas-Run Health Ministry

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More than 40,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli military actions in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry released on Thursday. The death toll—reported to be 40,095—represents roughly 1.7% of the 2.3 million people who live in the densely populated territory.

In addition to the staggering number of fatalities, satellite imagery analysis indicates that approximately 60% of the buildings in Gaza have either been damaged or completely destroyed since the beginning of the conflict.

The southern city of Rafah has been among the hardest hit by airstrikes and ground operations, suffering extensive damage, according to the imagery.

The Gaza Health Ministry’s report does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally of the deceased. However, Israeli officials told the BBC that over 15,000 terrorists affiliated with Hamas have been killed during the ongoing war.

The figures provided by both sides, particularly by the Gaza Health Ministry, have historically been widely reported during periods of conflict and are frequently referenced by international bodies such as the United Nations.

The breakdown of the Gaza Health Ministry’s data reveals that a significant proportion of the dead are women, children, and elderly civilians, though no specific figures have been released to distinguish among these groups.

Journalistic access to Gaza has been severely restricted. Israel has barred international journalists, including those from the BBC and other major outlets, from entering the region, meaning they are unable to independently verify claims from either side.

Furthermore, data from Gaza is often difficult to cross-check due to the destruction of infrastructure, including damage to hospitals and severe limitations on internet access and communications.

In recent weeks, the Gaza Health Ministry’s ability to function has been further compromised by ongoing airstrikes and blockades, preventing it from properly operating in areas like mortuary services and medical data gathering.

Reports indicate that the Ministry has resorted to using ad-hoc systems in hospitals for counting and identifying the dead, as communication systems and internet services have been largely incapacitated.

The Gaza Ministry of Health’s Central Media Office (CMO) has begun publishing numbers and casualty figures online as conditions allow, though these figures are increasingly relying on “reliable media” sources due to the collapse of traditional reporting methods. These numbers may also include those who remain unaccounted for and presumed dead under the rubble of bombed-out buildings.

As of this month, figures are believed to be incomplete, as many bodies remain unidentified due to infrastructure failures across Gaza, including a lack of mortuary facilities and limited access to forensic services.

This has led to a growing number of missing persons being included in the total death count. The full extent of the devastation is unlikely to be known for some time due to the sheer scale of destruction and the ongoing military operations throughout the region.

Botswana, US Address Challenges Facing Women in Military

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U.S. and Botswanan military personnel recently participated in a three-day workshop aimed at improving the integration of women into Botswana’s army. The event, part of the larger Southern Accord 2024 program concluding on Thursday, addressed key issues such as sexual harassment and the need for tailored equipment for female personnel.

Major Teisha Barnes, military operations officer of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), highlighted the challenges women face in military service. “One of the big challenges is not letting women broaden their horizons and putting them in a box,” Barnes stated, emphasizing that limited opportunities often prevent women from rising to higher ranks.

Barnes detailed recent changes in the U.S. military to accommodate women, including modifications to uniforms and equipment. “We have made several changes in the U.S. over the last 10 to 15 years to accommodate women based on body type and changes to uniform just to help women feel more comfortable within the military,” she explained. Specific issues addressed included ill-fitting protective vests that could cause injuries and boots that were difficult for some women to break in due to weight differences.

Botswana Defense Forces Major P. Sergio acknowledged ongoing challenges for women in Botswana’s military, citing cultural beliefs as a significant barrier. “In our culture, men believe that women cannot join the army because it is tough and we are soft, we are not masculine,” Sergio said, adding that changing such perceptions will take time.

U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken stressed the importance of equal opportunities for women in the military. “It is [a] kind of approach to problem solving that incorporates everyone’s strength and enables us to bring everyone into the equation on an equal basis,” he stated, emphasizing the need for diverse contributions in addressing 21st-century security challenges.

The workshop is part of Southern Accord 2024, a broader initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral military capabilities. Brigadier General John LeBlanc, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general, reported that this year’s exercise, involving 700 military personnel, has been successful.

This collaborative effort between the U.S. and Botswana militaries represents a significant step towards addressing gender equality and integration issues in armed forces.

By sharing experiences and best practices, both nations aim to create more inclusive and effective military environments that fully utilize the talents of all personnel, regardless of gender.

Namibia Relocates 7 Elephants to Angola’s Cuatir Nature Reserve

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Seven elephants from Namibia have been successfully relocated to the Cuatir Nature Reserve in southeastern Angola. The move, completed between August 5-7, 2024, aims to provide the elephants with a new habitat and help repopulate an area that lost its elephant population during Angola’s 27-year civil war.

The elephants were transported from the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge in Namibia, where a persistent seven-year drought has reduced forage and grazing land for a herd of 50 elephants. The relocation involved a 700-kilometer (435-mile) journey that took 38 hours by road.

Stephen Van Wyk, owner of the Cuatir Nature Reserve, explained the historical context: “Elephants were taken out completely due to their value for meat to feed people and also the value of their tusks to pay for the war expenses.” The reserve, which spans 40,000 hectares, is now working to reintroduce elephants to the area.

Annette and Alex Oelefse, owners of the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge, plan to relocate an additional 14 to 16 elephants in the coming weeks. Annette Oelefse reported that the relocated group, which includes a mother and her young, is adapting well to their new environment. “She is the stability of a herd and also her young and so that forms a beautiful herd. She has gone with her family, her teenage calves and her little calf, so the structure is a very stable family,” Oelefse stated.

Wildlife veterinarian Ulf Tubbesing, who assisted in the relocation, described the new habitat as “paradise” compared to the drought-stricken conditions in Namibia. The elephants will be kept in an electrically fenced area within the Cuatir reserve.

Experts note that while elephant relocation is an expensive undertaking, it remains the best option to repopulate areas where these animals once roamed freely and to alleviate pressure in overpopulated areas. This relocation effort represents a significant step in wildlife conservation, addressing both the challenges of drought-affected regions and the restoration of elephant populations in previously inhabited areas.

A VOA story

Nigeria Inflation Falls for First Time in Over a Year, Offering Some Relief Amid Economic Challenges

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ABUJA, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped in July for the first time in over a year, offering some relief to the country’s population amid ongoing economic challenges. The inflation rate fell to 33.40% in July on an annual basis, down from 34.19% in June, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Thursday.

Analysts have suggested that June’s inflation reading could mark the peak of the inflationary cycle in Nigeria as the effects of the naira’s devaluation begin to stabilize. The slowdown in inflation is expected to provide some respite to Nigerians, many of whom have been grappling with high prices and economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This is a positive signal that the worst of the inflationary surge may be behind us,” said an economic analyst from Lagos. “However, challenges remain, and the road to recovery will be long.”

The drop in inflation is seen as a reflection of Nigeria’s attempts to manage the economic turmoil triggered by recent policy changes. President Tinubu’s administration has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and shoring up public finances. These reforms include removal of decades-old fuel subsidies, the devaluation of the naira, and hikes in electricity tariffs. However, these efforts have also exacerbated inflationary pressures, placing a strain on household incomes across Africa’s most populous nation.

“Many Nigerians are feeling the pinch from these reforms. While the economy may benefit in the long run, the immediate impact on people’s daily lives has been difficult,” said a local market trader in Abuja. “Food prices are still high, and power bills have skyrocketed.”

The last time Nigeria saw annual inflation fall was in December 2022, making July’s decline a significant development for policymakers. Despite this, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest inflation rates in Africa.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised interest rates four times in 2023 in an effort to rein in inflation, but the decision to ease in July has been welcomed by many as a sign that the worst may be over. However, some analysts remain cautious, warning that the impact of global factors and domestic challenges could still pose risks to Nigeria’s economic outlook.

“We’ve seen progress, but inflation is still at unsustainably high levels,” said a financial analyst in Lagos. “Further structural reforms will be necessary to maintain momentum and drive growth.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s next rate-setting meeting is scheduled for late September, where policymakers are expected to evaluate the success of recent reforms and decide on the next steps for managing inflation and promoting growth.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also reported that food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to be the biggest contributors to inflation in July. Food inflation eased slightly to 39.53% from 40.87% in June, but it remains a significant burden for most Nigerian households.

“Food prices have come down a bit, but they are still too high for many families to afford,” said a mother of three in Lagos. “We’re hoping that prices will fall even further in the coming months.”

Reuters

Death Toll from Uganda Garbage Landslide Rises to 26, with 39 Still Missing

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KAMPALA, UGANDA – The death toll from last week’s catastrophic garbage landslide at a vast landfill site on the outskirts of Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has increased to 26 as of Wednesday, according to local authorities. The search continues for 39 people still missing, as rescuers work tirelessly to recover those feared buried beneath the tons of garbage.

The disaster occurred late Friday night when a “mountain of garbage” collapsed at the landfill in the Kiteezi area, burying dozens of people as they slept. The collapse followed several days of torrential rainfall, which has plagued the region in recent weeks, triggering widespread flooding and damage across East Africa.

“We have now confirmed 26 dead, and unfortunately, the number could rise as we continue our recovery efforts,” said a police spokesperson at a press briefing. “We are still working to locate and retrieve the bodies of those who remain missing.”

As of Sunday, the death toll stood at 21. By midweek, rescuers had recovered more bodies from the site and were working with survivors to estimate the number of people still unaccounted for. Those missing include 35 residents from the local community who lived near the landfill and four workers who were at the dump site collecting garbage at the time of the collapse.

“The site is extremely dangerous, and we are using all available resources to excavate the area carefully. We are hoping to recover more of the missing, but the situation remains dire,” the police spokesperson added.

The collapse has drawn attention to the ongoing environmental and safety concerns surrounding Kampala’s landfill, which has long been criticized for poor management and hazardous conditions. Residents living near the landfill have frequently voiced complaints about the site, citing severe health risks and the buildup of hazardous waste.

“For years, this landfill has posed a significant threat to the surrounding community. The garbage has been piling up, and with the rains, it was a disaster waiting to happen,” said a local environmental activist.

The landfill has served as Kampala’s primary waste disposal site for decades and has become a focal point of the city’s ongoing waste management crisis. In addition to the recent flooding, authorities have been grappling with the environmental consequences of the sprawling landfill, which is overwhelmed by the waste produced by the city’s growing population.

The landslide in Kampala is reminiscent of previous disasters across Africa, where poorly managed garbage dumps and waste disposal sites have resulted in deadly incidents. In 2017, a garbage landslide in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claimed the lives of at least 115 people after a similar collapse occurred at the Koshe landfill.

In Kampala, the tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure and better environmental safeguards. Local authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the landslide and take measures to prevent future disasters.

“This incident is a wake-up call. We must address the issue of waste management in Kampala and ensure that something like this never happens again,” said a government official during a visit to the site.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but authorities have warned that hopes of finding more survivors are dwindling as the search enters its seventh day. As the community mourns the loss of life, families of the missing continue to wait for news, praying that their loved ones will be recovered from the debris.

A Reuters story

WHO Declares Mpox a Global Public Health Emergency for the Second Time in Two Years Amid Worsening Outbreak in Central Africa

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GENEVA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following an escalating outbreak of the viral infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The disease has already spread to several neighboring countries, prompting urgent international action.

An emergency committee convened on Wednesday to advise WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on whether the outbreak met the criteria for a “public health emergency of international concern,” or PHEIC. This designation is WHO’s highest level of alert, aimed at accelerating research efforts, funding, and global cooperation to contain the disease.

“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Tedros said in a press conference after the committee’s deliberations. He stressed the importance of global collaboration to prevent the spread of Mpox, noting that while the disease is usually mild, it can be fatal in rare cases.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, typically spreads through close contact. The current outbreak, which began in the DRC with the emergence of a new variant known as Clade Ib, appears to be more transmissible than previous strains, raising concerns among global health officials.

“This variant seems to spread more easily through routine close contact, including social interactions,” Tedros added.

The outbreak has already crossed borders into neighboring countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, triggering the WHO’s decision to elevate the crisis to an international emergency.

“The detection and rapid spread of this new variant in eastern DRC, as well as its introduction to countries that have not previously reported Mpox, is deeply worrying,” Tedros emphasized.

Since the beginning of 2024, the DRC has reported more than 13,700 cases of Mpox, with at least 450 deaths linked to the virus. The most affected regions are those already grappling with limited healthcare infrastructure due to ongoing conflict, further complicating containment efforts.

“The potential for this outbreak to spread widely across Africa and beyond is very concerning,” said Tedros.

In response to the growing crisis, the WHO has allocated $1.5 million in emergency contingency funds and plans to release more resources in the coming days. The organization’s response plan aims to mobilize donor support and assist affected countries in their efforts to curb the outbreak. WHO has also announced plans to distribute vaccines and antiviral treatments to the affected regions.

Earlier in the day, Africa’s top public health body, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), declared a “public health emergency of continental security.” The organization warned that the outbreak was spreading rapidly, with more than 500 cases reported in neighboring countries in recent weeks.

As the WHO and African health authorities work to contain the outbreak, the global community is being urged to step up support for emergency response efforts. Tedros underscored the need for countries worldwide to prepare for possible Mpox cases and increase their vigilance for the disease.

“This is a critical moment. The world must act swiftly and decisively to bring this outbreak under control before it spreads further and causes more loss of life,” he said.

Reuters

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