Home Blog Page 41

PM Modi to Visit 5 Countries in July, Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

Ahsan Ansari
-
0
PM Modi to Visit 5 Countries in July, Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

New Delhi, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour in July 2025, aimed at strengthening India’s global partnerships and expanding its diplomatic footprint. The tour will include official visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, culminating in his participation at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The tour begins with a two-day visit to Ghana on July 2-3, marking PM Modi’s first bilateral visit to the West African nation and the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana in over three decades. During his stay, he will hold high-level talks with Ghanaian President to enhance cooperation in key sectors including economy, energy, defence, and development. The visit also reflects India’s strategic interest in deepening ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.

RELATED NEWS : India Refuses UN Observer in Air India Crash Probe Amid Scrutiny Over Investigation Transparency

From Ghana, the Prime Minister will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3-4, at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. This marks the first PM-level bilateral visit to the Caribbean nation since 1999. PM Modi will meet with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and address a Joint Session of the Parliament, with the agenda focused on boosting historical and cultural ties, economic cooperation, and diaspora engagement.

The next stop is Argentina (July 4-5), where PM Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with President Javier Milei. The talks will center on defence collaboration, trade, agriculture, renewable energy, mining, and people-to-people exchanges, reinforcing the growing Strategic Partnership between India and Argentina.

PM Modi will then head to Brazil (July 5-8) to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a State Visit to Brasilia. This will be his fourth visit to Brazil. At the summit, leaders are expected to deliberate on pressing global issues such as reforms in global governance, peace and security, climate action, AI governance, global health, and multilateral financial cooperation. On the sidelines, PM Modi is also expected to hold key bilateral meetings, including talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to further bolster the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership across multiple sectors.

Concluding his tour, the Prime Minister will visit Namibia on July 9, marking his first official trip to the country and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India. Hosted by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings and pay tribute to Namibia’s Founding Father, the late Dr. Sam Nujoma. He is also slated to address the Namibian Parliament, reaffirming India’s strong and historic ties with the African nation.

This multi-nation tour underlines India’s commitment to global cooperation and showcases New Delhi’s growing influence on the world stage.

SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Breaking: Flash Floods Kill 18 Family Members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Diplomat Times
-
0
Breaking: Flash Floods Kill 18 Family Members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Peshawar, Pakistan — In a heartbreaking incident, at least 18 members of a family drowned after being swept away by sudden flash floods in the Swat River on Friday. The victims were part of a tourist group visiting the Swat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, rescue officials confirmed.

RELATED NEWS : 5 Dead, Over a Dozen Missing as Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in North India

Rescue operations, led by Swat Rescue 1122, are ongoing. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, with dozens of others still missing or stranded as floodwaters surged near the GE Qurban Hotel on the Swat Bypass, a popular tourist spot.

Massive Rescue Operation Underway

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that more than 120 rescue personnel have been deployed across eight different locations. According to official figures, the floods have resulted in at least 11 confirmed deaths across Swat (10) and Malakand (1), with 56 houses damaged in Swat alone.

At least 120 people were initially reported trapped, with 107 rescued by emergency teams. Operations are continuing around the clock.

“All departments, including Rescue 1122, remain fully engaged in field operations to ensure maximum safety and relief,” said a PDMA spokesperson.

Additional bodies were recovered from Ingaroderai and Ghalegy, where seven people remain stranded. Other high-risk areas include Imam Dhirai, where 22 individuals were rescued, and Manyar, where Rescue Stations 44 and 55 are jointly working to assist those still caught in floodwaters.

Administrative Action and Accountability

Following the incident, KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah suspended three officials — Swat Additional Deputy Commissioner Ihsan-ul-Haq, Babuzai Assistant Commissioner Nida Iqbal, and Khwazakhela AC Muhammad Amir Khan — citing mishandling of emergency protocols.

The official notification, issued under Rule-6 of the KP Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2011, described the tragedy as an “untoward incident” that could have been mitigated with better preparedness.

Flood Alert Issued Across Region

As water levels rise, Charsadda Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan issued a flood alert, warning that the discharge at Khwazakela in the Swat River had reached 77,782 cusecs, officially categorized as a “very high flood.” Rescue teams have been deployed along the banks of both the Swat and Kabul Rivers.

Authorities used mosque loudspeakers to warn residents and urged people to relocate to safer areas immediately.

“We are closely monitoring the flow at Munda headworks. Until 3 pm, the flow remained normal,” DC Khan told Dawn.com.

Climate Change or Natural Disaster?

The tragedy has reignited debate around climate resilience and government preparedness. Senator Sherry Rehman, former Climate Change Minister, criticised the term “natural disaster,” emphasizing the climate crisis driving such extreme weather events.

“The tragic drowning of several people in the River Swat is NOT the result of a random ‘natural disaster’,” she posted on X.
“It’s the deadly impact of super heavy monsoons triggered by climate stress. We must stop calling these random acts of nature — they are tied to human actions and poor early-warning compliance.”

Rehman urged the public and government alike to take climate change seriously and invest in disaster preparedness and public awareness, especially in high-risk regions like Swat.

Ongoing Crisis

With more rain expected and rivers swollen beyond safe levels, rescue and relief efforts continue, but the scale of the tragedy has left local communities and officials in shock.

As search teams work tirelessly to recover the remaining victims and support displaced families, Pakistan is once again grappling with the devastating consequences of climate-induced flooding, a growing threat in the country’s vulnerable northern regions.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Brazil’s First Lady Sparks Controversy as Lula Faces Rising Disapproval Ahead of 2026 Election

Diplomat Times
-
0
Brazil’s First Lady Sparks Controversy as Lula Faces Rising Disapproval Ahead of 2026 Election

Brasília, Brazil — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is facing growing discontent from the Brazilian public and within his own administration, as both his leadership and the increasingly prominent role of First Lady Rosângela “Janja” da Silva come under intense scrutiny. With reelection on the horizon in 2026, political analysts say Janja’s outspoken style may be complicating the president’s path forward.

A recent Datafolha poll released on June 12 revealed that 36% of Brazilians believe the first lady’s actions are damaging Lula’s government, while only 14% think she is helping. The poll, which marked the first time Janja’s approval was directly measured, also showed Lula’s disapproval rating rising to 40%, up eight percentage points since October 2024.

FILE : Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and first lady Rosangela da Silva attend a ceremony at the Itaipu hydroelectric dam on the shared border with Paraguay, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, March 16, 2023. Photo : AP/Jorge Saenz

Janja, a 58-year-old sociologist and long-time activist, has carved out a highly visible and vocal role that departs from Brazil’s traditionally ceremonial expectations for presidential spouses. Critics — including government insiders and political commentators — argue that her increasing influence and public presence oversteps democratic boundaries.

“She acts as if she has an official mandate, which she doesn’t,” said Beatriz Rey, a political science research fellow at the University of Lisbon. “It’s not about gender. It’s about institutional overreach.”

Outspoken and Unapologetic

The first lady has made headlines on multiple occasions. She was criticized for publicly insulting tech billionaire Elon Musk, and for allegedly advising Lula on the military response to the January 8, 2023, riots in Brasília — a moment viewed by many as crossing into political territory.

More recently, during a diplomatic dinner in Beijing, Janja reportedly addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping unprompted, warning him that TikTok’s algorithm was harming leftist voices. The off-the-cuff remarks — leaked to Brazilian media — sparked backlash from Lula’s allies, who feared diplomatic embarrassment.

Despite the criticism, Janja remains firm. “I won’t stay silent when something concerns the public interest,” she has said. Lula, for his part, has defended his wife, calling her a powerful voice for democracy and social justice.

A statement from the presidency emphasized that Janja “acts as a citizen,” leveraging her platform to support important social causes. But detractors argue that her public interventions often blur the line between advocacy and executive influence.

A Divided Administration

Privately, senior ministers and left-wing lawmakers are expressing concern that Janja may be doing more harm than good, with some warning that her polarizing style could hurt Lula’s reelection prospects. The frustration has been particularly pronounced since the Beijing incident.

“There’s a feeling that Brazil is being governed by a couple, not a president,” said Rey.

Even supporters admit Janja’s presence is complicated. A senior government staffer told the AP:

“Janja rejuvenates Lula. She’s a political asset. But her visibility brings her own controversies, and that rejection spills over onto the president.”

In response to the criticism, the ruling Workers’ Party (PT) launched a “I am with Janja” campaign on social media in May, aiming to counter negative perceptions. However, the initiative garnered limited traction, drawing fewer than 100,000 views and only modest engagement.

A Personal and Political Partnership

Janja and Lula, who married in 2022, met in 2017 and grew close during his imprisonment in Curitiba from 2018 to 2019. The bond they forged during Lula’s legal battles has translated into a strong personal partnership, now playing out on Brazil’s national stage.

As Lula, 79, eyes a potential fourth presidential run, analysts say the administration must strike a careful balance between empowering Janja’s activism and respecting the constitutional limits of unelected influence.

With public trust faltering and criticism mounting from both opponents and allies, Lula’s political future may hinge not just on economic performance or policy — but on the evolving role of Brazil’s most unconventional first lady.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

AAP’s Punjab MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal Passes Away After Battle with Cancer at 66

Roshan Bilung
-
0
AAP’s Punjab MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal Passes Away After Battle with Cancer at 66

Tarn Taran, Punjab – Kashmir Singh Sohal, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Tarn Taran, passed away in the early hours of Friday at Escorts Hospital in Amritsar, following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.

Sohal, a respected figure both in politics and the medical fraternity, is survived by his wife Navjot Kaur Hundal, and two children — a son and a daughter — both of whom have pursued careers in medicine.

A dedicated public servant, Sohal transitioned into active politics after retiring from over three decades of service as a medical officer in Punjab’s Health Department. Known for his commitment to healthcare, he was the founder state president of the PCMS Specialists Doctors Association, a position he held for more than a decade. He also remained deeply involved in organisational work with the PCMS Association during his medical career.

Though he initially sought a ticket from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the 2017 elections, it was in the subsequent electoral contest that he emerged victorious from Tarn Taran, defeating Harmit Singh Sandhu of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Dr Dharamveer Agnihotri of the Congress.

On Thursday night, his health deteriorated, and he was admitted to Escorts Hospital in Amritsar. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to cancer-related complications around 12:30 am on Friday.

Condolences Pour In

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the AAP leader, describing him as a “hardworking and struggling” member of the party.

“Very sad to hear. Dr Saheb was a hardworking and struggling leader of the party. Heartfelt sympathies to his family in this sad time. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give patience and courage to the family and loved ones in this difficult time,” Mann posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Sohal’s passing marks a significant loss for both the political and medical communities in Punjab. His contributions to public health, coupled with his commitment to grassroots politics, have left an enduring legacy in the Tarn Taran region and beyond.

SOURCE : AAP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

5 Dead, Over a Dozen Missing as Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in North India

Diplomat Times
-
0
5 Dead, Over a Dozen Missing as Torrential Rains Trigger Flash Floods in North India

Himachal Pradesh, India – At least five people have lost their lives and over a dozen are feared missing after torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods in the hilly northern state, officials reported on Friday.

The tragedy unfolded late Wednesday near a hydroelectric power project in Kangra district, about 18 kilometres from the popular tourist town of Dharamshala. According to Sudhir Sharma, a local legislator, 15 to 20 workers resting in a temporary shed were swept away when water from a nearby reservoir rose abruptly due to intense rainfall.

RELATED NEWS : Myanmar earthquake death toll exceeds 1,600 as Thailand rushes to rescue workers

Dinesh Sharma, a spokesperson for the local administration, confirmed that a massive search and rescue operation has been launched to locate the missing. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (HP-SDRF) is leading efforts, which include evacuating around 50 stranded tourists to safer areas.

The state government’s status report, issued Thursday, confirmed eight people are missing in Kangra and another three in the neighbouring Kullu district. The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh from Jammu & Kashmir, Aditya Thakur from Chamba, Sanjay from Nurpur, and Pardeep Verma and Chandan from Uttar Pradesh. One survivor was rescued alive.

In the last 24 hours, Himachal has witnessed three cloudbursts, nine flash floods, and three landslides, according to the HP-SDRF. More than 150 people have been rescued as operations continue under challenging weather conditions.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened a virtual emergency review meeting and urged officials to remain on high alert. He stressed the importance of public safety, emergency preparedness, and immediate accessibility of disaster response teams, especially as the region continues to experience adverse monsoon conditions.

Flash floods and cloudbursts are recurrent threats in Himachal Pradesh during the rainy season, with environmentalists repeatedly warning about the ecological impact of rapid development and unchecked infrastructure expansion in these fragile mountain zones.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

China confirms agreement on terms of trade pact reached in London with US

Diplomat Times
-
0
China confirms agreement on terms of trade pact reached in London with US

Shanghai, China – China and the United States have agreed on the terms of the trade agreement in their last round of negotiations, held in London, and Beijing will review and approve applications for the export of restricted goods, such as rare earths, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reported Friday.

Following negotiations in London, teams from China and the US maintained close communication, and recently, both parties confirmed the details of the agreement, a spokesperson for the institution said in a statement on its official website.

The document states that China will review and approve applications for export of controlled goods that meet the conditions under the law, in an apparent reference to rare earths, key minerals for sectors such as defense or automotive and whose production the Asian country controls, which imposed restrictions on its export in early April.

In return, the ministry said that the US would cancel a series of restrictive measures it took against China, but did not give further details.

It further hoped that the US and China would find a middle ground and meet the important consensus and requirements reached by the heads of state on Jun. 5, referring to the call between the US and Chinese presidents, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, which led to the trade representatives of both nations to meet in London.

The confirmation from China came a day after Trump said that the US had signed an agreement with China without offering details about it.

However, in mid-June, after two days of negotiations in the British capital, the Republican leader pointed out that the agreement includes a US tariff of 55 percent on Chinese products and another 10 percent on the goods of the North American country by Beijing.

The London agreement set up a framework to implement the “consensus” reached by Xi and Trump in the call, although a final approval was pending for it to be signed.

The negotiations sought to reduce tensions between the two powers after they accused each other of breaching the agreement reached in Geneva, Switzerland, in May, and started a 90-day trade truce whereby China would cut its tariffs on US products from 125 percent to 10 percent while the US would do the same from 145 percent to 30 percent on Chinese goods.

Following his return to the White House, Trump intensified the trade war he had initiated in 2018 by beginning a tariff escalation against China that descended into a sort of trade embargo between the world’s two largest economic powers.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement, Citing Pro-Pakistan Bias Over Terror Attack Omission

Shasi Kumar
-
0
India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement, Citing Pro-Pakistan Bias Over Terror Attack Omission

New Delhi, India — Tensions erupted at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on Thursday as India declined to endorse a joint statement, alleging the document showed bias in favor of Pakistan by omitting a reference to a deadly terrorist attack on Indian tourists in April.

According to a senior official familiar with the matter, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly objected to the proposed statement, arguing it failed to reflect India’s core concerns on terrorism and regional security. The statement, backed by China, did not mention the April 22 attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Hindu tourists, an incident India has blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

RELATED NEWS : India-Pakistan Diplomatic Crisis Deepens After Kashmir Attack: Visas Canceled, Diplomats Expelled, Borders Closed

In contrast, the document made mention of militant activity in Balochistan, aligning with Pakistan’s narrative, the source said. Pakistan has long accused India of supporting separatists in Balochistan — claims New Delhi has consistently denied.

India Calls Out Cross-Border Terrorism

Speaking at the summit without naming Pakistan, Singh called on SCO members to stand firm against countries that use “cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy” and “provide shelter to terrorists.”

“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups,” Singh stated, as per a defence ministry release. “Dealing with these challenges requires decisive action.”

India’s refusal to sign the document marks a significant moment of diplomatic friction within the China-led SCO, a regional bloc comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. The group was established to counterbalance Western influence, especially that of the United States, in the region.

April 22 Attack Deepens Tensions

The attack in April, one of the deadliest in recent years, brought India and Pakistan — both nuclear-armed rivals — dangerously close to full-scale conflict, with cross-border shelling reported for several days before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached.

India has maintained that Pakistan continues to harbor and support terror groups operating across the border. Pakistan has denied involvement in the April attack.

China’s Influence Under Scrutiny

India’s rejection of the joint statement is also seen as a blow to China’s ambitions to strengthen the SCO’s political unity. While Russia, embroiled in its war in Ukraine, has taken a backseat, China has increasingly dominated the SCO, leading military exercises and steering its strategic direction.

The SCO defence ministers’ meeting, which included a ceremonial signing of joint declarations, became a flashpoint over differing views on terrorism and geopolitical alignment. India’s stance highlighted ongoing mistrust between regional powers and the challenges the SCO faces in presenting a unified front.

India’s Independent Line

India’s refusal to fall in line with China and Pakistan’s positions at the SCO reflects its increasingly assertive foreign policy, as it balances relations between the East and West. While a member of the SCO, India has also strengthened ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad, seeking to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Asia.

As geopolitical rivalries sharpen, this incident may mark a turning point for India’s engagement in China-led regional forums — signaling that New Delhi will not compromise on national security concerns, even in multilateral settings.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Slovenia Becomes Latest EU Country to Launch Digital Nomad Visa

Shasi Kumar
-
0
Slovenia Becomes Latest EU Country to Launch Digital Nomad Visa

Ljubljana, Slovenia — Slovenia is set to become the latest European country to embrace the remote work revolution by launching a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign professionals to live and work from its scenic cities and Alpine countryside for up to one year. The new visa program will officially open for applications on November 21, 2025, according to Slovenian authorities.

RELATED NEWS : Slovenian President and Moroccan FM Discuss Economic Cooperation, Global Crises, and Western Sahara

This marks the first time Slovenia has created a formal pathway for remote workers, as it looks to attract global talent and boost long-term tourism. Known for its stunning natural beauty, safety, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to neighboring countries like Austria and Italy, Slovenia is positioning itself as an emerging hub for the digital nomad community.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Work exclusively for clients or employers based outside Slovenia
  • Be either employed by a foreign company or self-employed/freelancers with only international clients
  • Provide proof of sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents throughout their stay

Acceptable documentation includes recent payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or freelance agreements. While the minimum income threshold has yet to be announced, authorities say it will be in line with similar programs across Europe.

Visa Conditions

  • The visa is valid for 12 months
  • It is non-renewable
  • Applicants must leave Slovenia for at least six months before reapplying
  • Family members are allowed to accompany the main visa holder but are not permitted to work for Slovenian employers

Authorities have emphasized that violating the terms—such as working for a Slovenian company—could lead to visa revocation and restrictions on future entry.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online or through a Slovenian consulate or embassy abroad. The process and documentation requirements will be officially outlined in the coming months, with the government aiming for a streamlined and accessible application system.

A New Destination for the Digital Workforce

Slovenia’s decision to launch the digital nomad visa reflects a broader trend among European nations adapting to the changing nature of global work. With fast internet, excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life, the country is expected to appeal to digital professionals seeking a peaceful yet connected base in Europe.

“This visa program not only invites innovation and diversity,” said an official from Slovenia’s Ministry of Interior, “but also offers a unique opportunity for remote workers to experience our culture, landscapes, and hospitality.”

As the global remote work movement grows, Slovenia joins the ranks of countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia in offering welcoming legal frameworks for the world’s digital wanderers.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

3 Australians Face Death Penalty for Alleged Premeditated Murder in Bali

Diplomat Times
-
0
3 Australians Face Death Penalty for Alleged Premeditated Murder in Bali

Bali Murder Case: Three Australians Charged with Premeditated Murder, Face Death Penalty

Bali, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities have formally charged three Australian men with premeditated murder following a deadly shooting that left one Australian national dead and another critically injured in Bali on June 14. If convicted, the men could face the death penalty under Indonesian law.

The suspects — Tupou Pasa Midolmore (37), Coskun Mevlut (23), and Darcy Francesco Jenson (37) — were presented to the media Thursday evening in Badung, wearing orange prison uniforms, handcuffed, and masked with black balaclavas.

Australian national Coskun Mevlut, center, is presented at the Badung District Police in Bali as a murder suspect, Thursday, June 26, 2025. Photo : Antara/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo

“This was a carefully planned, organized attack — not a spontaneous act,” said Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya at the press briefing. “The three suspects carried out the assault professionally and with clear intent.”

The Attack

The shooting took place at Villa Casa Santisya in the Badung region. According to police, the suspects arrived on two motorbikes, posed as ride-hailing service drivers to avoid suspicion, and later fled the scene in two separate cars.

Their escape spanned multiple provinces, including East Java and Jakarta. While one suspect was captured in the Indonesian capital, the other two were arrested in Singapore in coordination with local law enforcement.

The attack claimed the life of Zivan Radmanovic (32), an Australian national. Another man, Sanar Ghanim (34), was seriously injured and remains hospitalized. Both were reportedly targeted inside the villa.

A Premeditated Crime

Investigators believe Darcy Jenson acted as the mastermind, arranging accommodations, transport, and logistics for the attack. He allegedly purchased a hammer used to force entry into the villa and prepared the suspects’ getaway — including ferry, bus, and flight tickets — in an effort to flee the country.

Midolmore and Mevlut are believed to have carried out the physical assault. Bullet residue was found on their bodies, gloves, balaclavas, and inside a white van used during the operation.

One of the weapons used in the attack was later recovered near a rice field, about 700 meters from the crime scene. Police are still investigating the source of the firearms, which are tightly regulated in Indonesia.

Ongoing Investigation

While police have gathered substantial forensic and circumstantial evidence, the motive behind the killing remains under investigation.

The surviving victim and several female witnesses have been relocated to a secure location for their protection, officials confirmed.

As the case unfolds, Indonesian authorities are working closely with international partners and are expected to release further updates in the coming days.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Death Count Hits 16 in Violent Clashes During Kenya Protests

Diplomat Times
-
0
Death Count Hits 16 in Violent Clashes During Kenya Protests

Nairobi, Kenya — At least sisteen people were killed and over 80 others hospitalized, many with gunshot wounds, during violent anti-government protests that swept across Kenya on Wednesday, according to human rights groups and medical officials. The protests, which spanned 23 of the country’s 47 counties, were marked by widespread unrest, injuries, and growing calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a state-funded body, reported monitoring large-scale demonstrations that left over 400 people injured and more than 60 arrested. Many victims sustained injuries from police batons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.

The protests coincided with the one-year anniversary of 2023’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations, during which 60 people were killed and 20 others remain missing. This year’s demonstrations quickly escalated beyond tax grievances to encompass broader demands for police accountability and the president’s resignation over worsening governance and economic hardship.

In Nairobi, the capital, Parliament and the president’s office were barricaded with razor wire as police sealed off access roads. Thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police, who responded with tear gas, live fire, and batons, leaving many wounded. Similar scenes unfolded in major cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyahururu.

“They Foiled a Coup”: Government Defends Police

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the police response, denying any misconduct.
“There is no police officer who committed any excess yesterday; they foiled a coup and they deserve our defense,” Murkomen declared Thursday. “Police don’t carry guns as toys — they acted to protect the nation.”

His remarks drew sharp criticism from rights advocates, who accuse the government of using excessive force and suppressing constitutional rights to protest.

Grief, Loss, and Destruction

As the nation mourns the dead, heartbreaking stories emerged. In a chilling reminder of last year’s bloodshed, a woman searching for her missing son said she only found him at the city mortuary:

“I came across his photo in a group online and I started searching for him at the hospitals hoping he had survived,” she told reporters through tears.

In downtown Nairobi, businesses bore the brunt of the chaos. Shops were looted and set ablaze, leaving many business owners devastated. One phone vendor said she lost stock worth 800,000 Kenyan shillings ($6,000) in the overnight violence.

“We watched helplessly as looters broke in and carried everything. I have nothing left,” she said as smoke rose from nearby ruins.

Mounting Tensions, Uncertain Path Ahead

The scale and intensity of this year’s protests have heightened concerns over Kenya’s political stability and human rights trajectory. Critics argue that government crackdowns, rising inflation, and poor service delivery have left ordinary citizens disillusioned and desperate.

Calls for an independent investigation into police actions are growing, with both domestic and international rights groups urging accountability and restraint.

As Kenya braces for potential renewed unrest, civil society leaders continue to demand transparency, justice for the victims, and meaningful reforms to address the country’s deepening crisis.

Source : AP |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

1...404142...205Page 41 of 205

Explore

Countries

Crime & War

More

Others

Follow us

© DT Broadcasting Pvt Ltd formerly known as Diplomat Times Pvt Ltd Registered No: U60200DL2024PTC426518 , Diplomat Times International Co. LTD. (Thailand) Registered No: 0105566195031 | PT Diplomat Times International Broadcasting (Indonesia) 4023120636101176 | Trade Mark 4791109 | All Rights Reserved