Italy witnessed widespread protests on Monday as thousands of citizens rallied in solidarity with Palestinians, coordinated by trade unions across the country. The demonstrations, marked by clashes with police, were particularly intense in Milan and Rome, with around 60 officers reported injured near Milan’s central station. Protesters called for a ceasefire in Gaza and burned a U.S. flag, while fringe groups engaged in violent confrontations, throwing stones and smoke bombs at law enforcement. The unrest disrupted public transport, shut down key metro lines, and blocked major ports in Livorno and Genoa. University students in Turin and Bologna also joined the protests, barricading lecture halls. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala condemned the vandalism, stating it undermined the cause of Gaza. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has faced criticism for her stance on Gaza, labeled the violence as shameful and counterproductive. Meanwhile, France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, describing it as a necessity for peace. This move, following similar decisions by the UK, Canada, and Australia, was met with backlash from Israel, which denounced it as a reward for Hamas. Macron’s decision, supported by Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg, was hailed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot as a diplomatic victory. However, Italy and Germany, key European powers, have not followed suit. The protests and diplomatic shifts highlight the deepening divide over the Israel-Gaza conflict in Europe.
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Emil the Elk caught after long summer on the loose in Central Europe
A remarkable elk, affectionately named Emil, who captivated Central Europe with his extensive travels this summer, has been safely captured and released by Austrian wildlife officials. The young male elk was tranquilized on Monday near the village of Sattledt in Upper Austria after venturing perilously close to a motorway. Following the intervention, Emil was equipped with a GPS tracking device and released near the Czech-Austrian border, close to the Sumava forest in South Bohemia. It remains uncertain whether Czech authorities were involved in the operation. The Sumava forest, home to an estimated 10-20 elk, is now Emil’s new habitat, where it is hoped he will settle rather than continue his wanderings. Emil’s journey began on June 2 near Ludgerovice in the Czech Republic, where he was first sighted after crossing from Poland. Over the summer, he traversed approximately 500 kilometers across four countries—Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria—visiting 60 towns and villages. His adventures included crossing roads, railways, and even swimming across the River Danube. Emil became a social media sensation, with numerous photos and videos shared online and at least three Facebook groups dedicated to him, amassing nearly 50,000 members. Elk were once native to Czech forests but were hunted to extinction in the Middle Ages. Reintroduction efforts have been ongoing since the 1970s, with the current Czech elk population estimated at around 50, significantly fewer than Poland’s tens of thousands.
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Guard and 13 inmates killed in Ecuador prison fight
A violent confrontation between rival gangs at a prison in Machala, Ecuador, has resulted in the deaths of 13 inmates and one prison guard, with 14 others injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, also saw an unknown number of prisoners escape, though 13 have since been recaptured. Residents nearby reported hearing explosions and gunfire, highlighting the intensity of the clash. Police Chief William Calle attributed the violence to members of the criminal gang Los Lobos Box, who allegedly stormed a wing housing their rivals and launched a brutal attack. Preliminary reports indicate that security personnel responded to an alarm but were taken hostage upon arrival, leading to the death of one guard. Some inmates managed to flee through a hole in the perimeter wall caused by an explosive device, raising questions about how such materials were smuggled into the facility. Among the injured are two police officers. Authorities have since regained control of the prison after deploying 200 police and soldiers. The incident has reignited calls from Machala residents to relocate the prison, which is situated in the city center. Ecuador has been grappling with escalating gang violence, transforming it from one of Latin America’s safest nations to one of its deadliest. Prison gangs, including Los Lobos Box, have been instrumental in running criminal enterprises from behind bars and forging alliances with Mexican drug cartels to control cocaine trafficking routes. Earlier this month, the United States designated Los Lobos and another gang, Los Choneros, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, citing their role in terrorizing the Ecuadorian population to dominate drug trafficking.
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France transfixed by murder trial without a body
The trial of Cédric Jubillar, a 38-year-old painter-decorator accused of murdering his wife Delphine nearly five years ago, has gripped France as it opened on Monday. The case, shrouded in mystery due to the absence of the victim’s body, has become a social media sensation, with self-proclaimed investigators forming countless chat groups to exchange theories and testimonies. This has frustrated both the police and the families involved. Psychoanalyst Patrick Avrane likened these groups to a ‘bistro counter – but with more people,’ where everyone constructs their own theory. The Jubillar mystery began during the height of the Covid lockdown in December 2020 when Cédric reported his wife missing. Delphine, a 33-year-old night nurse, was in a troubled marriage with Cédric, who was a habitual cannabis user and barely held down a job. The couple, who had two young children, were discussing divorce, and Delphine was in a relationship with another man. Despite extensive searches in the surrounding countryside, Delphine’s body was never found. However, a case was gradually built against Cédric, leading to his detention in mid-2021. The prosecution argues that Cédric had a clear motive due to their impending split, while the defense will question the credibility of key witnesses, including a former cellmate and a former girlfriend who claim Cédric confessed to the murder. The trial, expected to last four weeks, will hear from 65 witnesses and 11 experts, with over 16,000 pages of evidence compiled. Writer Thibault de Montaigu compared the case to a ‘novel by Georges Simenon,’ highlighting the central question: how could a man described as a ‘red-eyed, fuzzy-brained guy who smoked ten joints a day’ have carried out the perfect crime? The court will ultimately decide whether Cédric is a ‘genius bluffer, lucky fool, or poor innocent.’
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Trump’s immigration war pivots to Asian talent
The Trump administration has recently intensified its stance on immigration, targeting both illegal and legal pathways, including the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for the U.S. tech industry and academia. On September 19, President Trump issued an executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on employers hiring H-1B workers, a move that could effectively dismantle the program. This decision sparked immediate backlash, with critics arguing it would severely disrupt the tech sector and universities that rely on skilled foreign workers. The administration quickly backtracked, clarifying the fee would be a one-time charge and exempting existing visa holders. However, the order remains a significant blow to skilled immigration. Additionally, a recent ICE raid on a Hyundai battery factory in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 475 South Korean workers, has further strained U.S.-South Korea relations and threatened foreign investment. These actions highlight the administration’s broader anti-immigration agenda, which experts warn could harm America’s economic competitiveness and global standing.
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Kenya toasts success of golden girls in Tokyo
Kenya has emerged as a powerhouse in global athletics, with its female runners leading the charge at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The East African nation secured second place in the medal table, trailing only the United States, thanks to an extraordinary performance by its women athletes. Out of Kenya’s seven gold medals, six were won by female runners, dominating events ranging from the 800m to the marathon. The championships witnessed historic moments, including Lilian Odira’s stunning victory in the 800m, where she shattered a 42-year-old championship record and her personal best by nearly two seconds. Odira, alongside 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon and marathon winner Peres Jepchirchir, all mothers, showcased that motherhood is no barrier to athletic excellence. Former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei highlighted the cultural shift in Kenyan athletics, emphasizing that these athletes are role models for young African girls, proving that they can excel even after starting families. Beatrice Chebet, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, achieved the rare 5,000m-10,000m double, becoming only the third woman in history to do so at a World Championships. Faith Kipyegon, who won her fourth world 1500m title, matched the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj’s record, further cementing her legacy. While Kenya’s women athletes soared, Emmanuel Wanyonyi was the sole male gold medalist, adding the world 800m crown to his Olympic title. The championships also saw Botswana and Tanzania making history with their first-ever gold medals in the men’s 4x400m relay and marathon, respectively. Kenya’s success at the championships underscores a golden era for its female athletes, inspiring a new generation and challenging cultural norms.
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Colombian jailed for £42m cocaine smuggling plot
A Colombian national, Didier Reyes, has been sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison for his pivotal role in one of the UK’s most significant drug seizures. The National Crime Agency (NCA) intercepted over half a tonne of cocaine, valued at more than £42 million, in May 2024. The drugs were smuggled into the UK via a boat landing in Easington, East Yorkshire. Reyes, 40, pleaded guilty to importing cocaine at Hull Crown Court, acknowledging his involvement in the operation. The court revealed that Reyes traveled from Colombia to the UK under the guise of seeking employment in London, using a false identity to book a hotel in Hull. The drug gang utilized vans and an inflatable boat to retrieve waterproofed bales of cocaine dropped by a larger ship in the North Sea. Upon landing near Easington, the gang was apprehended by NCA officers as they checked into a local pub. Judge Mark Bury emphasized Reyes’ significant role in the operation, citing text messages on his phone that indicated direct communication with higher-ranking cartel members in Mexico. Reyes was described as a key intermediary ensuring the safe transport of the cocaine. The judge commended the NCA for their efforts, stating that the seizure had significantly disrupted the UK’s cocaine supply chain. Earlier, two Scottish men, Mark Moran and Daniel Livingstone, were sentenced to 15 years and seven years and nine months, respectively, for their involvement in the plot. NCA Senior Investigating Officer Alan French highlighted Reyes’ crucial role in facilitating the smuggling attempt, noting that without his coordination, the cocaine would not have reached Moran and Livingstone.
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Thousands protest in Brazil against bill that could grant Bolsonaro amnesty
Tens of thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in major cities on Sunday, voicing their opposition to a controversial bill that could grant amnesty to former President Jair Bolsonaro and his co-defendants. Bolsonaro, who was recently convicted of orchestrating a coup attempt and sentenced to 27 years in prison, remains under house arrest pending appeals. However, his allies in the Chamber of Deputies have expedited legislation that could spare him and his associates from incarceration. Protesters, brandishing placards with messages like ‘shameless Congress’ and ‘the people are sovereign,’ also condemned a constitutional amendment that would complicate criminal proceedings against lawmakers. The amendment, dubbed the ‘Banditry Bill’ by critics, requires secret congressional approval before any legislator can be charged or arrested. Supporters argue it protects lawmakers from ‘judicial overreach,’ while opponents view it as a shield for impunity. The demonstrations, backed by trade unions, social groups, and left-wing parties, drew significant crowds, with over 40,000 attendees in Rio de Janeiro alone. Renowned musicians Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso performed at the Rio event, energizing the protesters. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the demonstrators on social media, vowing to veto the amnesty bill if it passes the Senate. The protests highlight the deep polarization in Brazil, with Bolsonaro’s supporters staging counter-demonstrations two weeks prior. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Bolsonaro’s coup attempt, which culminated in the January 2023 storming of government buildings, remains a contentious issue. While 50% of respondents in a recent poll believe Bolsonaro should serve prison time, 43% oppose his incarceration, reflecting the nation’s divided stance on justice and democracy.
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‘I’m Kenyan, don’t shoot’ – the athlete who says he was duped into the Russian army
In a heart-wrenching video released by a Ukrainian army brigade, Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old Kenyan athlete and prisoner of war, tearfully pleaded not to be sent back to Russia, fearing for his life. The aspiring long-distance runner, dressed in a red sports top with the brigade’s flag behind him, claimed he was deceived into joining the Russian army and is desperate to return home to his 16-year-old daughter. The 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, which shared the video on Facebook, stated that Kibet had fought on the enemy’s side, leaving the credibility of his emotional appeal to viewers’ discretion. The brigade confirmed the interview was conducted with Kibet’s consent, though the BBC has not independently verified this. Kibet’s case highlights the plight of foreign recruits in the Russian army, many of whom are reportedly from poorer countries and end up in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. Petro Yatsenko, Ukraine’s spokesperson on POW treatment, revealed that citizens from Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, and Sri Lanka are among those currently held. Kibet’s family in Kenya is in shock, with his cousin Edith Chesoi expressing deep trauma and sleepless nights. Known as a humble and dedicated athlete, Kibet had built his life around running, competing in lesser-known races across Europe and Asia. Friends say he had been struggling financially, which may have led him to accept an offer from a sports agent to travel to Russia for races. Kibet insists he went as a visitor, not for military purposes, but was coerced into signing Russian-language documents that bound him to the army. After a week of basic training, he escaped during his first mission and surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers. Kibet’s family is urging Kenyan authorities to intervene, and a senior foreign ministry official assured that the government is actively pursuing the matter. Ukraine has expressed openness to repatriation negotiations if Kenya shows interest. For Kibet’s loved ones, his safety is the only priority. ‘If he made a mistake, let them forgive him. We only want him back,’ his brother said.
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South Africa recall De Kock as he ends retirement
In a surprising turn of events, South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has reversed his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and has been recalled to the national squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. The 32-year-old, who retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup in India, will now feature in both the ODI and T20I series starting next month. This decision comes ahead of two major global tournaments: the T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 50-over World Cup in 2027, which South Africa will co-host. De Kock, who last played for the Proteas in the T20 World Cup final in June 2024, has been a dominant force in white-ball cricket, amassing 21 ODI centuries since his debut in 2013, trailing only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in this period. His return is seen as a significant boost for South Africa, especially after the recent retirement of Heinrich Klaasen, one of the world’s leading T20 batters. South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed his enthusiasm about De Kock’s return, stating, ‘Quinton’s return to the white-ball space is a major boost for us. His quality and experience will undoubtedly benefit the team.’ De Kock has been active in various T20 leagues this year, including the SA20, Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket, and the Caribbean Premier League. South Africa’s tour of Pakistan will include two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s, starting on October 12. Captain Temba Bavuma will miss the Tests due to injury, with Aiden Markram stepping in as the leader. Donovan Ferreira will captain the team in a one-off T20 against Namibia following the Pakistan tour.