Tunisian police arrest prominent lawyer critical of president
Tunisian police arrested lawyer Sonia Dahmani, known for criticizing President Kais Saied, along with two journalists.
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AG should stay out of Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s investigation, family decries
Fact: Lawyer Leto Cariolou called for an independent investigative team to explore the “coverup” behind Thanasis Nicolaou’s death and stated that any further involvement of the attorney general’s office in the case is unacceptable and unethical.
‘Back to the dark ages’: forced sterilisation still exists
Forced sterilisation of people with disabilities is legal or not explicitly banned in Cyprus and 11 other EU countries. This practice is considered a violation of human rights and can be a form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Despite being a criminal offense in Cyprus, mental health laws allow the procedure with guardian consent. Fear, lack of education about sex, and concerns about parenting responsibilities are cited as reasons for forced sterilisation, although less invasive alternatives like the coil are available. The European Disability Forum has campaigned to ban forced sterilisation, but efforts have not been successful in some cases.
Why German politicians are facing growing violence
Fact: Verbal and physical attacks on politicians in Germany have more than doubled since 2019, with the Greens party reporting the highest number of incidents last year.
Afghanistan floods devastate villages, killing 315
Flash floods in northern Afghanistan have killed 315 people and injured over 1,600, causing widespread devastation in villages. Thousands of homes were damaged, livestock wiped out, and health care facilities and infrastructure were affected. The Taliban’s economy minister called for support from the UN and aid agencies. Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters and is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
Island, ’s oldest police station poised for facelift
Fact: Nicosia’s Paphos Gate police station has been empty for nearly a decade and is set to undergo a significant renovation project.
Body camera video captures first reactions to Baltimore bridge collapse
Body camera video captured the shocked reactions of first responders in the aftermath of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which killed six men. The recordings show officers from the Maryland Natural Resources Police expressing disbelief as they approached the collapsed bridge site. The collapse was caused by a massive container ship crashing into one of the bridge’s support pylons, leading to a criminal probe by the FBI. The responders were unsure of how many people needed rescuing and were assessing injuries, with one responder noting the catastrophic nature of the incident.
Apple’s Maryland store workers vote to authorize strike
Apple workers at the Towson, Maryland store have voted in favor of authorizing a strike due to concerns over work-life balance, scheduling practices, and wages. Apple workers in Maryland joined the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union in June 2022. Meanwhile, workers at the Short Hills, New Jersey store voted against unionizing, with the Communications Workers of America blaming Apple’s behavior for the defeat. Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the vote against unionization in New Jersey.
Trump again attacks New York prosecutor, floats economic plans at New Jersey rally
Donald Trump attacked the Manhattan judge and prosecutor in his New York criminal trial at a rally in New Jersey. He accused them of working for President Joe Biden and portrayed the charges as politically motivated. Trump also hinted at possible economic policies, including a 200% tariff on some imported cars and a new tax cut if he returns to office. He also suggested that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum could play a major role in his administration.
Catalans vote in an election that offers a new chance to exiled separatist leader
Catalans are voting in a regional election between an exiled separatist politician, Carles Puigdemont, and the Socialist Party led by Salvador Illa. Puigdemont, who fled Spain after a failed independence bid in 2017, is vowing to resurrect the bid if elected. Opinion polls predict a lead for the Socialists, with the possibility of forming a coalition government due to the likelihood of no party reaching a majority. If no agreement is reached by August, a repeat election would take place in October.