Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Women in South Africa take up guns and martial arts for protection against gender violence

    Women in South Africa take up guns and martial arts for protection against gender violence

    In the agricultural town of Bronkhorstspruit, just outside Pretoria, a diverse group of South African women ranging from teenagers to senior citizens are learning firearm proficiency under female instruction. These training sessions at the Lone Operator shooting range represent a growing national movement as women seek protection against gender-based violence that reached such epidemic proportions that the government declared it a national disaster last November.

    Participants as young as 13 and as old as 65 practice with 9mm pistols, receiving guidance on proper grip and sight alignment from lead instructor Claire van der Westhuizen. The curriculum extends beyond basic marksmanship to include realistic scenarios such as firing from defensive positions on their stomachs and backs.

    This trend emerges against a harrowing statistical backdrop: United Nations data reveals South Africa’s femicide rates rank among the world’s highest, exceeding global averages by five to six times. A 2022 national study found over 35% of women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence, predominantly from intimate partners. According to women’s rights organization Sonke Gender Justice, approximately 15 women are killed daily in gender-based attacks.

    The crisis has prompted varied responses across the nation. In Johannesburg, women are turning to martial arts like jiujitsu, learning practical techniques to escape chokeholds and break free from wall pinning. Many participants keep their training secret from partners, sometimes claiming shopping trips as cover.

    While President Cyril Ramaphosa’s disaster declaration enables redirected funding, activists point to a persistent implementation gap despite progressive policies. They cite socioeconomic inequality, patriarchal attitudes, and underresourced law enforcement as contributing factors, with rape conviction rates languishing at just 8% in 2021.

    For survivors like Sunette du Toit, a 51-year-old grandmother who endured a home invasion by five assailants, firearms training represents reclaimed agency. ‘I had to do this for myself to gain my confidence back,’ she explained, describing the community as ‘a family of support.’

    Yet women’s rights advocates caution that placing the burden of protection on potential victims rather than addressing perpetrators remains problematic. While self-defense training builds confidence, instructors acknowledge its limitations, emphasizing heightened awareness rather than guaranteed safety.

  • Footage shows US citizen shot by ICE agent in Texas traffic stop

    Footage shows US citizen shot by ICE agent in Texas traffic stop

    Newly disclosed body camera footage has revealed critical discrepancies in the official narrative surrounding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old U.S. citizen Ruben Ray Martinez by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in South Padre Island, Texas, on March 15, 2025. The footage, released by the Texas Department of Public Safety after months of official reluctance, captures the chaotic nighttime encounter where Martinez was killed while driving past a routine traffic accident scene.

    The visual evidence shows Martinez rolling down his window to engage with officers before slowly proceeding through an intersection. Contrary to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that Martinez “intentionally ran over” an agent, prompting “defensive shots,” the footage suggests his vehicle was barely moving when an ICE agent fired three rounds through the driver’s side window at point-blank range. The footage does not clearly show any officers positioned on the hood or directly in front of the vehicle immediately before the shooting.

    Posthumous toxicology reports indicated the presence of alcohol and marijuana in Martinez’s system, while a passenger in the vehicle, Joshua Orta (who later died in an unrelated accident), previously disputed the official account, stating that Martinez never struck an officer with the vehicle. Attorneys for Martinez’s family assert the new evidence fundamentally undermines ICE’s version of events, noting that Martinez was braking rather than accelerating when shot.

    This incident represents the first of three controversial fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents during President Trump’s second term, though unlike the other cases involving protesters, Martinez was simply driving through an accident scene. Despite the new evidence, a Texas grand jury recently declined to indict the involved agent, while Martinez’s mother continues to seek accountability and systemic reform within immigration enforcement agencies.

  • US presidents gather to honour Jesse Jackson at memorial service

    US presidents gather to honour Jesse Jackson at memorial service

    Chicago witnessed a historic convergence of political power and cultural influence as the nation bid farewell to Reverend Jesse Jackson, the tenacious civil rights leader who passed away last month. The memorial service transformed into both a celebration of Jackson’s monumental legacy and an implicit commentary on contemporary political tensions.

    Three former U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton—joined Vice President Kamala Harris in delivering heartfelt tributes that underscored Jackson’s enduring impact on American democracy. Obama’s eulogy took on particular significance as he addressed current challenges to democratic institutions without directly naming former President Donald Trump, stating, ‘Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions.’

    Harris received a standing ovation for her remarks, which similarly contained pointed observations about the current political landscape. ‘I predicted a lot of what is happening right now,’ she noted, adding that navigating these times without Jackson’s guidance presented particular challenges.

    The service highlighted Jackson’s multifaceted legacy: his work alongside Martin Luther King Jr., his groundbreaking presidential campaigns that broke barriers for Black politicians, and his founding of the Rainbow PUSH coalition that continues advocacy work for social justice. Bill Clinton shared personal recollections of Jackson’s support during his impeachment proceedings, illustrating the reverend’s commitment to standing by allies during difficult times.

    Cultural tributes featured performances by Jennifer Hudson and Opal Staples, while prominent figures from entertainment (filmmaker Tyler Perry) and sports (NBA legend Isiah Thomas) joined thousands of Chicago residents in honoring the activist. Reverend Al Sharpton, Jackson’s longtime colleague in the civil rights movement, also delivered remarks celebrating his friend’s uncompromising commitment to justice.

    The celebration emphasized Jackson’s characteristic impatience with injustice—a quality Harris highlighted when noting that Jackson ‘did not waste time waiting, even when the doors in front of him were barred and bolted.’ This public memorial precedes a private family service scheduled for the weekend, marking the final chapter in commemorating a figure who shaped decades of American civil rights advancement.

  • Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi strengthens Yellow River basin governance

    Shanxi Province has announced ambitious new measures to intensify ecological governance throughout the Yellow River basin, balancing environmental security with sustainable economic development. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, where provincial leadership outlined their comprehensive vision for regional transformation.

    Tang Dengjie, NPC Deputy and Provincial Party Secretary, emphasized the critical importance of basin-wide ecological conservation, advocating for continued carbon reduction initiatives and a sweeping green transition across industrial sectors. Governor Lu Dongliang concurrently highlighted energy transition as a cornerstone of the province’s five-year development strategy, stressing the dual objectives of maintaining energy security while advancing environmental protection.

    The province’s environmental record during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) demonstrates significant progress, with ecological indicators reaching historic highs. Official data reveals a remarkable 28% reduction in the comprehensive air quality index, while days with good air quality reached 81.4% – unprecedented levels since monitoring began.

    Linfen City, situated entirely within the Yellow River basin, exemplifies this transformation. Municipal Party Secretary Li Yunfeng characterized Linfen as a microcosm of provincial environmental efforts, detailing the city’s journey from severe pollution to emerging ecological leadership. “Previously, residents routinely wore masks during autumn and winter and avoided light-colored clothing outdoors due to pollution,” Li recalled, noting how environmental degradation once negatively impacted both public health and economic performance.

    The city’s turnaround strategy involved shuttering high-energy-consuming enterprises, including the phase-out of 9.15 million tons of coking capacity and 220,000 tons of crude steel production over five years. These measures eliminated heavy pollution enterprises within the city and surrounding areas. Additionally, Linfen has initiated 95 Yellow River purification projects – the highest number in the province – including water conservancy hubs and pumped storage power stations.

    Looking toward the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Shanxi plans to intensify its green development model. Linfen specifically aims to transform into a demonstration city for ecological conservation through accelerated energy transition, economic diversification, and advanced digital upgrades for traditional industries. The city has already completed intelligent transformations for most steel, coking, and foundry enterprises, with over 86% of bulk goods in traditional industries now transported via clean methods. Concurrently, the province is developing modern agriculture and cultural tourism projects along the Yellow River to create sustainable economic alternatives.

  • Shenzhen park adjusts lighting for migratory birds

    Shenzhen park adjusts lighting for migratory birds

    In an exemplary display of urban ecological stewardship, Shenzhen Bay Park has implemented strategic lighting reductions despite public complaints about insufficient illumination. This deliberate dimming forms part of a carefully considered conservation initiative to protect migratory bird populations along one of the world’s major avian flight corridors.

    The coastal park, situated in China’s southern Guangdong province, serves as a critical resting habitat for numerous bird species that depend on its mangrove ecosystems. Annual lighting adjustments create essential darkness required for undisturbed roosting and navigation during migration seasons. While some residents have expressed concerns regarding reduced visibility, municipal authorities maintain these measures are scientifically justified and environmentally necessary.

    This policy exemplifies Shenzhen’s dual commitment to technological advancement and ecological responsibility. As a rapidly developing metropolis, the city demonstrates that modern urban planning can successfully integrate vibrant public spaces with wildlife conservation priorities. The lighting strategy represents a conscious choice to preserve natural rhythms amid urban development, acknowledging that true progress encompasses both human needs and environmental stewardship.

    Urban ecologists praise the approach as a model for other coastal cities worldwide. The measured response to public feedback while maintaining conservation commitments highlights sophisticated environmental governance. Shenzhen’s actions reinforce that contemporary cities must occasionally embrace darkness to protect the natural systems that sustain regional biodiversity, creating a harmonious balance between urban infrastructure and ecological preservation.

  • Turkish man in London Quran burning case was apparently convicted of wife’s killing

    Turkish man in London Quran burning case was apparently convicted of wife’s killing

    Newly surfaced court documents reveal a complex background for Hamit Coskun, the 51-year-old man recently celebrated as a free speech advocate in Britain. According to Turkish court records obtained by Middle East Eye, Coskun was convicted in 2007 for the aggravated homicide of his wife Vesia Coskun, receiving a 16-year prison sentence for the 2002 killing.

    The revelation comes months after Coskun’s high-profile legal victory in the UK, where he successfully appealed against a conviction for burning a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London. His acquittal in October was hailed by free speech organizations and prominent Conservative politicians as a victory for expression rights.

    Coskun, who identifies as half-Kurdish and half-Armenian, vehemently denies the murder conviction, claiming the documents must be forged or misattributed. Through his legal representatives, he maintains his wife died of natural causes from asthma and that he was never investigated for her death.

    His lawyers assert that Coskun’s imprisonment in Turkey stemmed instead from his anti-government political activities. ‘He spent many years in prison on charges arising from his anti-regime politics,’ they stated, characterizing him as ‘a target of state and religious authorities.’

    Independent verification by MEE confirms that the documents from Istanbul’s Bakirkoy criminal court match official archives, with Coskun’s date of birth aligning with UK records. Contemporary Turkish newspaper reports from September 2002 further corroborate the timeline of events.

    The case presents a striking contrast between Coskun’s portrayal as a political prisoner and the judicial record of a murder conviction. While Turkey has documented issues with politically motivated prosecutions, the murder case underwent multiple judicial reviews, including a retrial and ultimate confirmation by Turkey’s Court of Cassation in 2011.

    Notably, none of Coskun’s high-profile British supporters, including former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick and several advocacy groups, appear to have been aware of the murder conviction when celebrating his free speech victory. The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it will not pursue further appeals regarding the Quran burning case.

  • Fatbikes are wreaking havoc in Sydney’s wealthy beach suburbs

    Fatbikes are wreaking havoc in Sydney’s wealthy beach suburbs

    Across Sydney’s affluent coastal suburbs, from Manly to Bondi and Cronulla, a growing phenomenon of teenagers riding illegally modified electric fatbikes has escalated into a full-blown public safety crisis. These thick-tired vehicles, originally designed for off-road terrain, have been systematically jailbroken to exceed legal speed limits by 300%, transforming them into high-velocity machines that weave through traffic, dominate footpaths, and even invade golf courses.

    The situation has reached critical levels as hospitals report alarming spikes in e-bike-related injuries. Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital trauma specialist Dr. Brian Burns reveals that e-bike injuries are becoming ‘business as usual’ in trauma centers, with doctors regularly treating significant brain injuries and friction burns. St Vincent’s Hospital reported a 350% increase in serious e-bike injuries since 2023, highlighting the devastating human cost of this unchecked trend.

    Multiple factors converge to create this perfect storm: favorable riding weather, affluent parents who can afford the AUD$3,000+ bikes, inadequate public transportation, and critical regulatory gaps. The crisis intensified after 2021 when federal import restrictions loosened, allowing bikes without proven safety standards to flood the market. Subsequently, New South Wales doubled the permitted power wattage to 500w in 2023, while retailers exploited loopholes by providing PIN codes to unlock higher speeds.

    Pedestrians, motorists, and even responsible e-bike users express growing frustration. Northern Beaches resident Andre reports teens overtaking his Vespa at 50-60km/h on footpaths, while Debbie recounts multiple incidents where she and her dog were ‘taken out’ by young riders. The problem is compounded by enforcement challenges, as police hesitate to pursue teens for fear of causing accidents.

    In response, the NSW government has proposed sweeping reforms including minimum age requirements, European safety standards mandating 250w maximum power, anti-tampering protections, and police authorization to crush illegal bikes. However, critics argue the response is either excessive or insufficient, with e-bike shop owner Scott Jeffery calling for education before enforcement, while pedestrian safety advocate Harold Scruby insists the measures don’t address insurance gaps or footpath riding permissions.

    The tragic death of an 8-year-old in Queensland after a collision with a teenager on an illegal e-bike underscores the potentially fatal consequences, with the older teen now facing charges including dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. As Sydney struggles to balance its cycling ambitions with public safety, the city embodies a global challenge where technological advancement has dramatically outpaced regulatory frameworks.

  • ‘It tried to attack me!’ – Loose turkey gives police runaround

    ‘It tried to attack me!’ – Loose turkey gives police runaround

    Law enforcement officers in Georgia found themselves in an unexpected wildlife encounter this week, engaging in a protracted pursuit of a belligerent wild turkey that had taken up residence on a busy roadway. Body camera footage released by local authorities captures the peculiar standoff, showing officers making multiple attempts to corral the agitated bird while managing traffic safety concerns.

    The incident unfolded when police responded to calls about a large turkey obstructing traffic and demonstrating aggressive behavior toward motorists. The footage reveals the substantial bird, with feathers flared and wings spread, charging at officers who attempted to guide it to safety. “It tried to attack me!” one officer can be heard exclaiming as the turkey advanced toward him with clear hostile intent.

    Traffic came to a temporary standstill as officers employed creative tactics to resolve the situation without harming the animal. The encounter lasted approximately twenty minutes before the turkey eventually retreated into nearby woodland. Wildlife experts note that wild turkeys can become particularly aggressive during mating season or when they feel threatened in urban environments.

    Local police departments have increasingly faced similar wildlife interventions as urban expansion continues to encroach upon natural habitats. This incident highlights the unusual challenges law enforcement officers encounter beyond traditional crime prevention, requiring adaptability in handling non-human disturbances to public order.

  • World’s highest bridge boosts Guizhou tourism beyond expectations

    World’s highest bridge boosts Guizhou tourism beyond expectations

    The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, officially recognized as the world’s highest bridge, has triggered an extraordinary tourism boom that has surpassed all initial projections. Standing at a staggering 625 meters above water level with a total length of 2,890 meters, this engineering marvel has become an unexpected catalyst for regional economic development since its inauguration in September last year.

    During the recent Spring Festival holiday in February, the infrastructure phenomenon recorded approximately 300,000 visitor arrivals and over 70,000 vehicle transits, establishing unprecedented traffic records according to data from Guizhou Communications Investment Group (GCIG). The bridge’s revolutionary impact has reduced travel duration between Anshun and Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from two hours to merely two minutes, effectively creating a transformative ‘one-hour golden tourism circle’ that interconnects multiple scenic attractions including Huangguoshu Waterfall and Shuangru Mountain.

    Yin Hengbin, NPC deputy and Mayor of Anshun, emphasized that the bridge represents both China’s remarkable developmental achievements and a distinctive new emblem for Guizhou’s tourism sector. Concurrently, Huang Xingwen, governor of Qianxinan and fellow NPC deputy, revealed strategic plans to leverage the bridge as an integrative force connecting additional scenic spots such as Malinghe Canyon and Wanfenglin scenic area, thereby fostering synergistic development between cultural, tourism, and sports initiatives.

    Zhang Shenglin, GCIG manager and NPC deputy, highlighted the unique convergence of Guizhou’s karst topography with the bridge’s architectural grandeur, creating spectacular visual experiences that have enabled innovative tourism offerings. These include sightseeing elevators, vertigo-inducing glass walkways, cable tower cafes, and extreme activities like waterfall bungee jumping—amenities that transcend conventional bridge functionality.

    The structure additionally serves as an educational resource, with its advanced materials and construction methodologies providing valuable learning opportunities for basic education students through organized science excursions. Zhang noted that this multifaceted bridge-tourism integration, facilitated by unique geographical conditions and specialized design features, has yielded outcomes that exceeded conventional expectations, pointing toward exceptionally promising development prospects for integrated infrastructure tourism.

  • UK police question three women in Al-Fayed probe

    UK police question three women in Al-Fayed probe

    London’s Metropolitan Police have interrogated three women as potential suspects in a major investigation into sexual offenses allegedly committed by the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed. The women, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, were questioned under caution on suspicions of “aiding and abetting rape” and “human trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

    The probe, launched in 2024 following a BBC documentary revealing multiple allegations, has expanded significantly with 154 individuals coming forward with accusations against Fayed. The allegations encompass large-scale rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking operations spanning Fayed’s business empire, including Harrods department store, Fulham Football Club, and the Ritz Hotel in Paris.

    Commander Angela Craggs characterized the questioning as “an important step in a complex and far reaching investigation,” emphasizing that although Fayed died in 2023 at age 94 and cannot face prosecution, authorities remain determined to pursue anyone potentially complicit in his alleged offenses.

    According to victim accounts, Fayed’s operations allegedly involved a systematic selection process where women underwent invasive gynecological examinations, the results of which were reportedly shared with Fayed. Those who attempted to report abuse faced threats from senior security staff, demotions, and false allegations until they felt compelled to leave their positions.

    The Justice for Harrods Survivors group reported receiving over 400 inquiries related primarily to Harrods but also extending to Fayed’s other business ventures. The investigation continues with victims remaining central to the process as police work to comprehensively document the alleged pattern of criminal behavior.