In the heart of Goma, eastern Congo, a sunlit rehabilitation room at Shirika la Umoja orthopedic center becomes a sanctuary for survivors of the region’s relentless conflict. Among them is Jerome Jean Claude Amani, 35, who, after losing his wife and four children in a rebel attack earlier this year, is now learning to walk again with a prosthetic leg. ‘I feel at peace,’ Amani reflects. ‘This leg is not just plastic; it’s a second chance.’ His story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. The center, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross since 2005, has seen a surge in demand for prosthetics due to escalating violence. In the first half of 2025 alone, it provided 326 artificial limbs, a stark increase from 422 in all of 2024. The conflict, involving over 100 armed groups, has displaced 7 million people and deepened one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Despite peace efforts, sporadic clashes continue to claim lives and limbs. For patients like Melisa Amuli, 30, who survived a bombardment but lost her mobility, the center offers hope. With a custom orthotic brace, she dreams of returning to work. Similarly, Violetta Nyirarukundo, 27, a mother of four, faces the dual trauma of losing a leg and being abandoned by her husband. Yet, she remains determined to rebuild her life. Faustin Amani, 20, a former street vendor, grapples with the emotional toll of losing both legs in a tragic accident. ‘I wonder if I’ll ever have a normal life,’ he says. The center’s workshop, where prosthetics are meticulously crafted by hand, symbolizes a collective effort to restore mobility and dignity. Julienne Paypay, a prosthetic technician and amputee herself, embodies this mission: ‘I know what it means to walk again.’ Despite challenges like material shortages and limited technicians, the center persists, offering a lifeline to those who have lost so much. For Amani, the prosthetic leg is not a reminder of weakness but a testament to survival and hope. ‘I will fight for my children,’ he vows. ‘This is my victory.’
分类： society
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Three dead in Australia after Optus glitch disrupts emergency calls
A critical technical failure during a network upgrade at Optus, Australia’s second-largest telecommunications provider, has resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, disrupted emergency call services, leaving hundreds of customers in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory unable to connect with emergency services. During welfare checks, authorities discovered three fatalities in households where attempts to make emergency triple zero (“000”) calls had failed. Optus CEO Stephen Rue expressed profound regret and offered heartfelt condolences to the affected families during a press conference on Friday. Rue emphasized that the company is conducting a thorough investigation into the failure and will publicly disclose the findings once completed. This incident follows a series of setbacks for Optus, including a $12 million fine for a nationwide outage in 2023 and a significant cyberattack in 2022 that compromised the data of nearly 9.5 million Australians. Rue, who assumed leadership in November 2024, vowed to address the systemic issues and restore public trust in the company.
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Police find remains they think are US man accused of killing his daughters
In a grim development in a high-profile case, human remains presumed to be those of Travis Decker, a man accused of murdering his three young daughters, have been discovered in a remote wooded area near Leavenworth, Washington. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Decker, though official identification is still pending. Decker, a 32-year-old former soldier, had been on the run since June 2, when the bodies of his daughters—Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, aged nine, eight, and five—were found in a secluded campground. His truck and phone were also located nearby. Authorities believe Decker, who was wanted on kidnapping and first-degree murder charges, had been hiding in the rugged, forested terrain of Washington state. The girls’ mother reported them missing on May 30 after Decker failed to return them to her home in Wenatchee following a visit. Investigators revealed that the children died from apparent suffocation, with their wrists bound by zip ties. Decker’s military background, including possible mountain survival training, may have aided his evasion efforts. The remains were found on Grindstone Mountain, just miles from the site where his daughters’ bodies were discovered. A $20,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his capture, and the extensive search led to closures of popular hiking areas in national forests. The case has shocked the community and raised questions about public safety and the challenges of tracking fugitives in remote regions.
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Five Pennsylvania cops shot, three fatally, were ambushed by accused stalker
A tragic shooting incident in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania, has left three police officers dead and two others critically injured. The ambush occurred on September 17, 2025, when officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Matthew Ruth, a 24-year-old suspected stalker. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle, Ruth opened fire on the officers as they entered a farmhouse belonging to his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The confrontation resulted in a deadly gunfight that claimed the lives of three detectives and the suspect. The incident has drawn national attention, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressing the issue of gun violence in the wake of the tragedy. This marks the second fatal shooting involving law enforcement in York County within seven months, following a hostage siege at a local hospital earlier this year.
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Borussia Dortmund sorry for TikTok ‘mocking’ woman’s stammer
German football powerhouse Borussia Dortmund and triathlon organizer Ironman have issued public apologies after facing backlash for posting TikTok videos that appeared to mock Jessie Yendle, a Welsh influencer with a stammer. The controversial clips, which featured Jessie struggling to pronounce a sound before transitioning into a popular TikTok dance track, were widely criticized for their insensitivity. Both organizations have since removed the videos and expressed remorse for their actions. Borussia Dortmund has extended an invitation to Jessie to attend a UEFA Champions League match as a gesture of goodwill, while Ironman acknowledged their oversight and pledged to improve their content vetting process. Jessie, known online as Mimidarlingbeauty to her 3.5 million TikTok followers, has been a vocal advocate for raising awareness about speech impediments. Her spokesperson stated that the videos were deeply hurtful and highlighted the ongoing need for a more inclusive society. Jessie has also campaigned for the introduction of a universal symbol to assist the estimated 450,000 people in the UK with speech impediments.
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Doctor penalised for calling mushroom murderer ‘disturbed sociopath’
A prominent Australian doctor, Chris Webster, who played a pivotal role in the trial of Erin Patterson—a woman convicted of murdering three relatives with a toxic mushroom meal—has faced disciplinary action from the Medical Board of Australia. Dr. Webster, a key witness in the trial, made disparaging remarks about Patterson in media interviews, calling her a ‘heinous individual’ and a ‘disturbed sociopathic nut-bag.’ The board deemed his comments unprofessional and ordered him to undergo ethics, privacy, and social media training. Additionally, he must receive mentorship from another doctor for one year. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) launched an investigation following numerous complaints about Dr. Webster’s explicit language and media conduct. Despite the sanctions, Dr. Webster stands by his comments, asserting that they were based on publicly discussed trial details and did not breach patient confidentiality. He acknowledged the board’s decision but expressed disappointment, stating that the community might suffer due to his reduced availability. Patterson, 50, was sentenced to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years for the 2023 murders of her in-laws and the attempted murder of another relative. Dr. Webster, who treated the victims before their transfer to a major hospital, remains a practicing GP in Leongatha, Victoria, with strong local support.
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Taliban ban books written by women from Afghan universities
In a significant move, the Taliban government has mandated the removal of books authored by women from university curricula across Afghanistan. This decision is part of a broader ban that also prohibits the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment. A total of 680 books, including 140 written by women, have been flagged as ‘problematic’ due to their perceived opposition to Sharia law and Taliban policies. Additionally, universities have been instructed to cease teaching 18 specific subjects, which the Taliban claims conflict with Islamic principles and their governance policies. Among the banned subjects are Gender and Development, The Role of Women in Communication, and Women’s Sociology. This decree is the latest in a series of restrictive measures implemented by the Taliban since their return to power four years ago. Women and girls have been disproportionately affected, with access to education beyond the sixth grade already barred. The recent closure of midwifery courses in late 2024 further limited their educational opportunities. The Taliban asserts that their policies align with Afghan culture and Islamic law, but critics argue these measures are deeply misogynistic. Zakia Adeli, a former deputy minister of justice and one of the authors whose books were banned, expressed little surprise, stating that the Taliban’s actions over the past four years made such decisions predictable. The new guidelines, issued in late August, were reportedly formulated by a panel of religious scholars and experts. The ban also targets books by Iranian authors and publishers, with officials citing concerns over the ‘infiltration of Iranian content’ into Afghan education. A professor at Kabul University revealed that faculty members are now forced to create their own textbook chapters, raising questions about the quality and global standards of these materials. The BBC has reached out to the Taliban’s Ministry of Education for further comment.
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Security rules eased for Dublin Airport passengers
Dublin Airport has ushered in a new era of air travel convenience by implementing state-of-the-art C3 scanning technology, effective as of Friday. This groundbreaking upgrade eliminates the need for passengers to remove liquids, gels, or electronics from their hand luggage during security checks. Additionally, the previously restrictive 100ml limit on liquids and gels has been abolished, allowing travelers to carry containers of up to two liters without the requirement of clear plastic bags. This significant shift is attributed to a multi-million euro investment in advanced scanning systems, which utilize CT scanner-like technology to generate detailed 3D images of baggage, enhancing both security and efficiency. The airport has successfully completed its transition to full C3 operations ahead of its October 2025 target, marking a milestone in its commitment to improving the passenger experience. Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport, hailed the development as a ‘positive and welcome change’ for both travelers and staff. While Dublin leads the way, other airports in the UK and Europe are still in the process of adopting similar technology, prompting officials to advise passengers to verify liquid rules at their departure airports. The move comes as part of a broader trend in the aviation industry to modernize security protocols, with Belfast International Airport also undergoing significant upgrades. The 100ml liquid rule, introduced in 2006 in response to heightened security concerns following the 9/11 attacks, is gradually being phased out as airports worldwide embrace advanced scanning solutions. However, challenges such as equipment weight and limited manufacturing capacity have slowed the rollout in some regions. Dublin Airport’s successful implementation positions it as a pioneer in European airport security innovation.
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Barcelona’s epic Sagrada Familia could be finished in 10 years
Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, is inching closer to its long-awaited completion. Project leaders announced on September 18, 2025, that the modernist basilica could be finalized within the next decade, marking over a century since Gaudi’s death in 1926. Esteve Camps, the project’s chairman, expressed cautious optimism during a press conference, acknowledging delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted visitor revenues and pushed the completion timeline beyond the initial 2026 target. Camps emphasized that under normal circumstances, the project could be finished in approximately 10 years, though uncertainties remain. Next year, to commemorate the centenary of Gaudi’s death, the team aims to complete the external aspects of the basilica’s main 172.5-meter tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, which will become Barcelona’s tallest structure. The completed Sagrada Familia will feature three facades and 18 towers. Pope Leo has been invited to lead a commemorative mass and opening ceremony for the tower in June 2026, with a response from the Vatican expected soon. Meanwhile, local authorities are yet to approve plans for a large staircase outside the basilica’s main gate, a proposal that has sparked protests due to potential residential demolitions. Despite challenges, Camps remains confident in the project’s progress, though he acknowledged that negotiations and legal disputes may arise. The basilica, a major tourist attraction, welcomed a record 4.9 million visitors last year, highlighting its enduring global appeal. However, officials note that even after completion, the site’s maximum capacity will remain unchanged.
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Maldives journalists to seek repeal of new media law
Journalists in the Maldives are gearing up to challenge a controversial new media law in the country’s Supreme Court, claiming it threatens press freedom and imposes harsh penalties on violators. The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday, establishes a seven-member Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission with extensive authority over media and social media platforms. The commission has the power to suspend media registrations, block websites, halt broadcasts, and impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 ($325) to MVR 100,000 ($6,500) on journalists and outlets. Critics argue that the commission, with three members and its chair appointed by the president, is effectively government-controlled, undermining its independence. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has condemned the law, asserting that media should be self-regulated and free from state interference. MJA President Naaif Ahmed vowed to challenge the legislation in court, stating, ‘We will not obey this law. We will go to the Supreme Court and ask it to dismantle this law.’ Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel defended the law on social media, claiming it unifies oversight, ensures transparency, and modernizes media standards. The Maldives, a nation of 530,000 people, has faced political tensions and geopolitical competition between India and China in recent years. Despite having 200-300 registered media outlets, fewer than 100 are active, and the country ranks 104th on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting ongoing challenges to press freedom.