The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, commenced on Tuesday in Nara, Japan. The proceedings began as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Japan for discussions with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative ally and protégé of Abe. During their meeting, Takaichi emphasized the strong relationship between Abe and Trump, with the latter praising Abe as a ‘great friend.’ Yamagami, 45, allegedly targeted Abe during a 2022 election speech, using a homemade firearm. His motive stemmed from a deep-seated resentment toward the Unification Church, which he believed had close ties to Abe and other Japanese politicians. Yamagami has claimed that his family’s financial ruin was caused by his mother’s substantial donations to the church, a South Korea-based organization founded in 1954. The trial, expected to conclude by mid-December, has drawn significant attention, particularly given Abe’s legacy as Japan’s longest-serving post-war prime minister. The Unification Church, known for its global political influence, has faced numerous lawsuits in Japan from families alleging financial exploitation. Despite these controversies, the church has historically maintained strong connections with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
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Australia denies visa to Dutch Olympian convicted of child rape
The Australian government has denied a visa to Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, preventing him from competing in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited van de Velde’s criminal record as the primary reason for the decision. Van de Velde, 31, was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain and served 13 months of a four-year prison sentence. Despite his return to professional sports in 2018, his participation in international events has remained controversial. Van de Velde acknowledged the likelihood of visa rejection, stating that he and his team had anticipated the outcome. His ban also sidelines his teammate Alexander Brouwer, as the pair cannot compete without him. The decision aligns with Australia’s stringent visa policies, which include a “character test” to bar individuals deemed a risk to public safety. This move follows recent high-profile visa denials, including those of U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West). Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee emphasized the focus on delivering a successful event, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams. Van de Velde’s case has reignited debates about the eligibility of athletes with criminal records in international sports.
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WHO decries deadly attack on only functioning hospital in Sudan’s El-Fasher
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stern condemnation following a deadly assault on the only partially functional hospital in El-Fasher, Sudan. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed on Monday that the Saudi Maternity Hospital was targeted in the attack, resulting in the tragic death of one nurse and injuries to three other healthcare workers. Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the inability to gather further details due to a communication blackout in the region, which has severely hampered verification efforts. He urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel. The attack underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, where ongoing conflict continues to devastate critical infrastructure and endanger lives. The WHO has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting medical facilities during conflicts, as they are vital for providing life-saving care to vulnerable populations. This incident highlights the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating crisis in Sudan and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and civilians alike.
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Watch: Storm chasers fly inside the eye of Hurricane Melissa
In a breathtaking display of nature’s fury, the US Air Force Reserve’s elite ‘Hurricane Hunters’ have captured unprecedented footage from within the eye of Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm currently ravaging the Caribbean. The video, shared widely across media platforms, reveals the storm’s intensifying power as it churns through the region. The Hurricane Hunters, a specialized crew tasked with flying directly into hurricanes to gather critical data, provide invaluable insights into the storm’s structure and behavior. This daring mission not only aids meteorologists in predicting the hurricane’s path but also underscores the immense risks faced by those who confront such extreme weather phenomena head-on. As Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen, the footage serves as a stark reminder of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to such catastrophic events.
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Meta launches ‘ghost posts’ that disappear after 24 hours on Threads
Meta has unveiled a new feature called ‘ghost posts’ on its Threads app, designed to automatically archive posts 24 hours after they are published. This innovation mirrors the popular ‘stories’ feature found on Instagram and Facebook, aiming to increase user engagement and provide more flexible sharing options. The feature allows users to share spontaneous, unfiltered thoughts without the concern of long-term visibility, fostering a more casual and immediate form of communication. To create a ghost post, users simply toggle the ghost icon in the post creation menu, and these posts are distinguished in the feed by a grayed-out dotted chat bubble. Replies to ghost posts are sent directly to users’ messaging inboxes, maintaining privacy by not displaying likes or replies publicly. Launched in 2023 as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X, Threads has rapidly grown to 400 million active users as of August. Meta’s introduction of ghost posts is a strategic move to further solidify its position in the competitive social media landscape.
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Brother of journalist killed in occupied West Bank says new report reveals cover-up
Three years after the tragic killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli army, new allegations have surfaced suggesting a US cover-up. Tony Abu Akleh, the brother of the slain Al Jazeera correspondent, claims that a retired US military officer, Colonel Steve Gabavics, has revealed that his superiors and the Biden administration softened findings to protect US-Israel relations. Colonel Gabavics, who investigated the incident, concluded in 2022 that Ms. Abu Akleh was intentionally shot, despite wearing a press vest clearly identifying her as a journalist. The Israeli army initially blamed Palestinian gunmen for her death but later admitted she was likely killed by its soldiers by mistake. The Biden administration supported this narrative, stating it found no evidence of intentional targeting. However, Colonel Gabavics now asserts that the evidence pointed to a deliberate act, and the findings were altered for political reasons. Tony Abu Akleh criticized the US government for downplaying the truth, accusing it of prioritizing political interests over justice. He called for accountability and a thorough investigation into his sister’s death. The BBC has reached out to the US Department of State and the Israeli embassy in Washington for comment. The case has reignited debates about US-Israel relations and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.
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UAE’s AI market set to soar to Dh170 billion by 2030
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to become a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, with its AI market projected to soar to Dh170 billion ($46.33 billion) by 2030, according to a comprehensive study by Grand View Research (GVR). This growth is part of a broader regional boom, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) AI market expected to expand nearly fifteen-fold from $11.92 billion (Dh43.7 billion) in 2023 to $166.33 billion (Dh610 billion) by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 44.8%. The UAE’s strategic investments and policies, including its Strategic Plan 2031, are driving this transformation, positioning the country as a pioneer in AI adoption and development. Nearly 75% of UAE companies have maintained or increased their AI investments in the past year, with machine learning and deep learning technologies leading the charge in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and financial services. The AI healthcare market in the MENA region, valued at $193.1 million (Dh709 million) in 2023, is projected to reach $1.47 billion (Dh5.39 billion) by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.6%. Similarly, the legal AI sector, currently at $43.3 million (Dh159 million), is expected to nearly triple to $121.5 million (Dh446 million) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18%. The UAE’s leadership in AI integration is further bolstered by government-led digital transformation agendas, rapid urbanisation, and the deployment of AI-enabling technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As Swayam Dash, Managing Director at GVR, noted, the UAE is not just adopting global AI technologies but shaping its own playbook, setting benchmarks for governance and growth in the digital age.
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Crescent Enterprises and Majarra partnership expands knowledge access for thousands of Arab youth
Crescent Enterprises, a prominent multinational business based in the UAE, has joined forces with Majarra, the leading Arabic digital knowledge platform, to expand their Renaissance Partners Program. This initiative aims to break down barriers to knowledge by providing free subscriptions to Majarra’s premium content for over 10,000 young individuals across the Arab world. The program offers access to renowned publications such as Harvard Business Review, MIT Technology Review, and Popular Science, all available in Arabic. A notable achievement of the partnership is the increased participation of women, now representing over one-third of beneficiaries, up from one-fifth a year ago, thanks to targeted campaigns promoting gender equity. Ola Al Haj Hussin, Corporate Citizenship Manager at Crescent Enterprises, emphasized the transformative power of knowledge in fostering innovation and progress. Dia Haykal, Director of Brand and Partnerships at Majarra, highlighted the platform’s mission to make global knowledge accessible in Arabic and inspire the next generation of knowledge creators. Mo’men Abou Yousef, a beneficiary from Palestine, shared how the program enriched his educational journey with practical insights delivered through diverse formats. Majarra’s extensive library of over 70,000 content pieces, including articles, videos, and podcasts, solidifies its position as the premier Arabic content provider. The Renaissance Partners Program continues to accept applications, offering free access to resources that support learning, professional growth, and community empowerment.
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Dutch volleyball player and convicted child rapist denied visa to compete in Australia
Steven van de Velde, a Dutch Olympic volleyball player convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl in 2014, has been denied a visa to compete in Australia. The 31-year-old athlete was scheduled to participate in the Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide next month. However, South Australia’s Attorney-General Kyam Maher urged the federal government to reject his visa, describing his crimes as ‘utterly abhorrent’ and emphasizing that foreign child sex offenders should not be allowed entry into the country. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke affirmed the government’s commitment to using all available tools to ensure community safety. Van de Velde, who pleaded guilty to three counts of rape in 2016, served 12 months of a four-year sentence before resuming his professional career in 2018. Despite representing the Netherlands at the Paris Olympics last year, he faced public backlash, including boos from the crowd and an online petition with 90,000 signatures demanding his exclusion from the event. The BBC has reached out to the event organizers and the Dutch volleyball association for comments.
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The 92-year-old president who never loses
In a widely anticipated yet contentious outcome, Cameroon’s Constitutional Council has declared 92-year-old President Paul Biya the winner of the recent presidential election, marking his eighth consecutive term in office. Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, secured 53.7% of the vote, while his primary challenger, former government minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.2%. The announcement, made on Monday, has sparked a mix of shock and disillusionment among Cameroonians, many of whom had hoped for a change in leadership. Biya’s decision to seek another seven-year term, after already ruling for 43 years, has been met with criticism, particularly regarding his governance style and frequent absences from the country. His extended stays in Geneva and other undisclosed locations have fueled speculation about his actual involvement in governing Cameroon, with many suggesting that key decisions are made by Prime Minister Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh and other senior officials. Biya’s inscrutable leadership, characterized by a lack of public engagement and formal cabinet meetings, has left many questioning the direction of his administration. Despite these concerns, Biya has maintained his grip on power, balancing Cameroon’s complex social, regional, and linguistic divides. His regime has sporadically cracked down on dissent, detaining vocal critics and suppressing protests. However, his ability to navigate the country’s internal tensions and maintain financial stability has also contributed to his longevity. The recent election, however, has highlighted growing discontent, particularly in the English-speaking regions, where a bloody crisis has exposed the limits of Biya’s cautious approach. Opposition supporters have accused Biya of rigging the election, and tensions have escalated, with reports of security forces shooting protesters in Douala and Garoua. As Biya embarks on another term, the question remains whether Cameroonians will continue to tolerate his semi-authoritarian rule or demand a more decisive change in leadership.