In a landmark case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutors on Tuesday delivered closing arguments against Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, an alleged commander of the Seleka rebel group from the Central African Republic (CAR). Said faces multiple charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including torture, persecution, and enforced disappearances during the 2013 conflict in Bangui, the nation’s capital. The violence erupted between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels, who had overthrown then-President Francois Bozize, and the Christian anti-Balaka militia. Deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang detailed the atrocities, stating that women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals were subjected to horrific abuse, including rape and torture. Said has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team arguing that the evidence is unreliable and insufficient to link him to the crimes. The defense will present its closing arguments later this week. If convicted, Said could face life imprisonment. This trial marks the conclusion of the last active case at the ICC, which has faced significant challenges, including sanctions from the Trump administration and internal investigations into its leadership. The court has previously convicted two senior anti-Balaka leaders in July for similar crimes, highlighting its ongoing efforts to address impunity in CAR.
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German ‘hammer gang’ trial for seven accused of extreme-left violence
In a high-profile trial in Dresden, eastern Germany, seven individuals are facing charges related to their alleged involvement in the militant left-wing extremist group Antifa Ost, also known as the “hammer gang.” The group, which the United States recently designated as a terrorist organization, is accused of orchestrating violent attacks against individuals associated with right-wing ideologies. The defendants, identified only as Henry A, Tobias E, Johann G, Thomas J, Melissa K, Paul M, and Julian W due to German privacy laws, are charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage. German prosecutors claim that the group, founded in late 2017 or early 2018, meticulously planned and executed attacks in Germany and Budapest, Hungary, often using hammers and batons to inflict severe injuries. Johann G, one of the accused, is alleged to have played a leadership role, planning attacks and recruiting members, while Paul M reportedly organized combat training for the group. Notable incidents include a 2019 attack at Dessau-Rosslau train station and a series of assaults in Budapest in 2023 during a right-wing gathering. The U.S. designation of Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization has led to calls from Germany’s far-right AfD party for similar action domestically. The German government has acknowledged the U.S. decision but has yet to announce any corresponding measures.
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Venezuela demands international airlines resume flights – or else
Venezuela has issued a stern ultimatum to international airlines, demanding they resume flights to the country within 48 hours or face the revocation of their operational permits. This directive comes in the wake of a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory warning of increased military activity in the region, prompting several airlines to suspend their services to Venezuela. Among the affected carriers are Spain’s Iberia, Air Europa, and Plus Ultra, Brazil’s Gol, Chile’s Latam, Colombia’s Avianca, Portugal’s TAP, and Turkish Airlines. The FAA’s advisory specifically highlighted the deteriorating security situation around Maiquetía, the site of Venezuela’s primary international airport serving Caracas. While some airlines like Panama’s Copa and Venezuela’s state-owned Conviasa continue operations, the suspensions have significantly reduced international flight traffic. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has urged Venezuela’s aviation authority, Inac, to reconsider the deadline, emphasizing that such measures would further isolate the country, already one of the least connected in the region. Iata also noted that its member airlines remain committed to resuming operations once conditions permit. The escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela are rooted in the US’s increased military presence in the southern Caribbean, ostensibly aimed at combating drug trafficking. Since September, the US Navy has conducted at least 21 strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, primarily in the Caribbean but also in the Pacific. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has vehemently criticized these actions, accusing the US of attempting to overthrow his government. In a defiant statement during his TV show, Maduro asserted that the US would not succeed in defeating Venezuela. The US, however, regards Maduro as an illegitimate leader, citing his widely disputed 2024 re-election. Despite these tensions, US President Donald Trump has not ruled out direct dialogue with Maduro, hinting at potential future discussions.
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Global tiger trafficking crisis worsens with nine big cats seized monthly
A recent report by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, has revealed a alarming surge in tiger trafficking, with an average of nine tigers seized each month over the past five years. This crisis poses a significant threat to the survival of one of the planet’s most iconic species. The global wild tiger population, which stood at around 100,000 a century ago, has now dwindled to an estimated 3,700-5,500. Despite decades of international protection, the illegal trade in tigers is accelerating, with a notable shift towards trafficking whole animals, whether living or dead. Experts suggest this trend may be linked to captive-breeding operations, increased exotic pet ownership, and demand for taxidermy. Between 2000 and mid-2025, law enforcement agencies globally recorded 2,551 seizures involving at least 3,808 tigers. The worst years for seizures were 2019 and 2023, with 141 and 139 incidents respectively. Most seizures occurred in countries with wild tiger populations, such as India, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, but significant incidents were also reported in Mexico, the U.S., and the United Kingdom. The report highlights a dramatic shift in trafficking patterns, with whole animal carcasses and live tigers now accounting for a larger proportion of seizures compared to tiger parts. The report identifies several hotspots for intervention, including India and Bangladesh’s tiger reserves, Indonesia’s Aceh region, and the Vietnam-Laos border. It also notes a growing convergence of species in trafficking incidents, with nearly one in five involving other threatened wildlife such as leopards, bears, and pangolins. The report emphasizes the need for strong international cooperation and intelligence-led, multi-agency enforcement to disrupt organized crime networks. Leigh Henry, director of wildlife conservation at WWF, warned that illegal trade remains the greatest immediate threat to wild tigers and called for urgent investments to combat trafficking at all points along the trade chain.
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SA close to first series win in India since 2000
South Africa is on the verge of securing its first Test series win in India in 25 years after dominating the fourth day of the second Test in Guwahati. The Proteas set a formidable target of 549 runs for India, who stumbled to 27-2 by the close of play. India, dismissed for a mere 201 in their first innings, now face the daunting task of batting through the final day to avoid a series whitewash. This would mark their second home series defeat in three attempts, following a 3-0 loss to New Zealand last October. South Africa’s strong position was bolstered by Tristan Stubbs, who top-scored with 94 runs, forming crucial partnerships with Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder to extend their lead beyond 500. Despite falling short of a century, Stubbs’ performance was pivotal in South Africa’s declaration. India’s reply faltered early as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul fell cheaply, leaving Kuldeep Yadav and Sai Sudharsan to resume the chase on the final day. South Africa’s dominance in this series, including their 30-run victory in the first Test in Kolkata, underscores their resurgence in Test cricket.
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Macron to present new French national service plan
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil a new voluntary military service initiative later this week, aimed at bolstering the nation’s armed forces. While specific details remain undisclosed, French media reports suggest the program will span 10 months, offer remuneration, and be entirely voluntary. Macron emphasized that the initiative is not intended to deploy young people to conflict zones like Ukraine but rather to address the growing ‘desire for service’ among the youth and counter the ‘hybrid confrontation’ posed by Russia. ‘If we French want to protect ourselves, we must demonstrate resilience against the powers that threaten us most,’ Macron stated. He further stressed the importance of public understanding of the armed forces’ role and operations. The proposal is expected to be elaborated during Macron’s visit to an army base on Thursday. The revamped service, as reported by La Tribune Dimanche, will offer volunteers a monthly stipend ranging from €900 to €1000. This move comes amid broader European efforts to strengthen military readiness, with countries like Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and Lithuania reintroducing various forms of military service. Macron’s announcement follows his earlier warnings about a ‘turning point in history’ and the need for France and Europe to prepare for potential shifts in global alliances, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
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EU’s top court tells Poland to recognize same-sex marriages registered elsewhere in Europe
In a landmark decision, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Poland must recognize same-sex marriages legally conducted in other EU member states, despite Polish law not permitting such unions. The ruling emerged from a case involving a Polish couple who married in Berlin in 2018 and later sought to return to Poland, only to have their marriage certificate rejected by Polish authorities. The CJEU emphasized that EU countries are obligated to acknowledge marriages between same-sex EU citizens lawfully concluded in another member state, citing violations of the ‘freedom to move and reside’ and the ‘fundamental right to respect for private and family life.’ However, the court clarified that the ruling does not compel Poland to legalize same-sex marriage domestically. Hubert Sobecki of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Love Does Not Exclude noted that the Polish government must comply with the ruling, as non-compliance could result in fines or political pressure from the EU. The decision comes amid ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights in Poland, where same-sex marriage and civil partnerships remain illegal. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government has faced resistance from conservative factions and President Karol Nawrocki over proposals to grant limited rights to same-sex couples, such as access to medical records and joint tax statements. The ruling marks a significant step toward marriage equality in Poland, though its full implementation remains uncertain.
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Exhibition brings China’s porcelain heritage to US
A captivating exhibition showcasing the timeless artistry of China’s Dehua white porcelain recently graced San Gabriel, California, drawing admiration from art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Titled *The Aesthetics of Harmony: Blanc de Chine, Porcelain from Dehua*, the event featured over 100 meticulously crafted porcelain pieces, each embodying centuries of tradition and innovation. Organized by Dehua county in Fujian province, the exhibition aimed to introduce American audiences to one of China’s most revered craft traditions, rooted in the ancient Maritime Silk Road.
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Ethiopian volcano erupts after 12,000-year dormancy; what we know so far
A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia’s northeastern Afar region, Hayli Gubbi, has erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, according to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC). The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, sent thick plumes of smoke soaring up to 14 kilometers (nine miles) into the sky. Located approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) northeast of Addis Ababa near the Eritrean border, the volcano lies within the geologically active Rift Valley, where two tectonic plates converge. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program confirmed that Hayli Gubbi had no recorded eruptions during the Holocene epoch, which began around 12,000 years ago. Volcanologist Simon Carn of Michigan Technological University also corroborated this on Bluesky, stating that the volcano has no history of Holocene activity. The eruption produced a significant ash cloud that drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Environment authorities in Oman and Saudi Arabia have been monitoring the situation but assured the public of no direct impact. The VAAC’s latest update indicates that the eruption has ceased, and the ash cloud is now moving towards China.
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China launches Shenzhou XXII spacecraft
China has marked another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of the Shenzhou XXII spacecraft. The unmanned spacecraft was carried into orbit by a rocket that lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, 2025, at 12:11 pm. This event underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing its space program. The Shenzhou XXII mission is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in space, which includes plans for lunar exploration, Mars missions, and the development of a space station. The launch was closely monitored by space agencies and enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting China’s increasing influence in the global space community. The successful deployment of Shenzhou XXII is expected to pave the way for future manned missions and further scientific research in space.