Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the high-profile disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has been released from a German prison where he was serving a sentence for an unrelated offense. Brückner, 48, was driven out of Sehnde prison near Hanover in a black Audi by his lawyer, accompanied by a police escort, early Wednesday morning. While he was not visible in the vehicle, authorities confirmed his departure. Brückner, who has never been charged in connection with the McCann case, denies any involvement. He was previously convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005 and will now be subject to strict probationary conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor for five years. German prosecutors have pointed to evidence, such as mobile phone data, suggesting Brückner was in the area when Madeleine vanished in 2007, but they lack sufficient evidence to charge him. Despite his release, Brückner remains a suspect in the ongoing investigation. Madeleine McCann, then three years old, disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while her parents dined nearby. Her case remains one of the most prominent unsolved missing person cases globally. Brückner, a convicted sex offender with a history of petty crimes, has faced multiple searches in recent years, including near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, but no breakthroughs have been made. The Metropolitan Police in the UK continue to treat the case as a missing person inquiry, with over £13.2 million spent on the investigation since 2011.
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Discounts for Iranian oil widen in China on record stocks, even as sanctions curb shipments
In a significant development impacting the global oil market, Iranian oil discounts in China have expanded due to record-high stock levels and a shortage of import quotas as the year-end approaches. This situation has been exacerbated by US sanctions targeting Qingdao Port, a key hub for Iranian oil imports. The sanctions, imposed on August 21, specifically target Qingdao Port Haiye Dongjiakou Oil Products, a terminal previously handling 130,000-200,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude. Following the sanctions, the terminal suspended operations, leading to a 65% decline in crude imports at Dongjiakou port this month, according to data analytics firm Kpler. Despite the sanctions, Iranian oil shipments have been diverted to nearby terminals, such as Huangdao, where imports are expected to double in September compared to August. The widening discounts, now over $6 a barrel for Iranian Light crude versus benchmark ICE Brent, reflect both the oversupply in Shandong province and the additional costs borne by customers due to sanctions. China, which has purchased over 90% of Iranian oil exports in recent years, continues to defend its trade with Iran as compliant with international law, dismissing US sanctions as unilateral and illegitimate. The situation underscores the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions, market dynamics, and energy trade.
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Gunmen kill 22 after shooting at baptism ceremony in Niger – reports
In a brutal assault on a village in western Niger, gunmen on motorbikes killed 22 people, most of whom were attending a baptism ceremony. The attack occurred in the Tillabéri region, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, areas plagued by jihadist insurgency. According to a local resident, 15 individuals were killed at the ceremony, while seven others were slain as the assailants moved to another location. Maikoul Zodi, a civil rights activist, described the incident on social media as an act of terror that disrupted a moment of celebration. Niger’s military government, which has been grappling with jihadist violence linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, confirmed the attack but has yet to release official casualty figures. Local media outlet Elmaestro TV reported the incident as a ‘gruesome death toll of 22 innocent people cowardly killed without reason or justification.’ The Tillabéri region has become a hotspot for jihadist activity, with Human Rights Watch recently documenting a surge in attacks since March, resulting in over 127 deaths and widespread destruction of property. The group criticized authorities for failing to respond effectively to warnings and pleas for help from villagers. Just last week, 14 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush in the same region, underscoring the escalating violence. Access restrictions and fear of reprisals often make it challenging to verify casualty numbers independently. Mr. Zodi has called on the government to prioritize civilian safety, urging stronger state presence in vulnerable areas. Niger, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, has been under military rule since coups in recent years. These nations have expelled French and U.S. forces previously involved in counterterrorism efforts and have since formed an alliance, seeking support from Russia and Turkey. Despite these measures, the violence persists, raising questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
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Japan’s exports down in August as automakers grapple with US tariffs
Japan’s export sector faced another challenging month in August 2025, marking the fourth consecutive decline, as elevated U.S. tariffs continued to weigh heavily on key industries such as automotive and manufacturing. According to government data released on September 17, total exports by value fell by 0.1% year-on-year, a smaller drop than the 1.9% decrease forecasted by economists. However, exports to the United States plummeted by 13.8%, the steepest decline since February 2021, driven by significant drops in automobile and chipmaking equipment shipments. The volume of U.S.-bound exports also decreased by 12.0%, exacerbating the trade surplus reduction with the U.S. to 324 billion yen ($2.21 billion), the smallest since January 2023. While exports to China dipped slightly by 0.5%, shipments to Asia and the European Union saw modest gains, partially offsetting the U.S. downturn. On the import side, total imports fell by 5.2% year-on-year, largely due to lower oil prices, resulting in a trade deficit of 242.5 billion yen ($1.66 billion), significantly less than the forecasted 513.6 billion yen. Despite some relief from a reduced baseline tariff rate of 15% on Japanese imports, down from the initial 27.5%, the impact remains severe for Japanese automakers and auto parts suppliers, who previously enjoyed a 2.5% rate. Economists predict a contraction in Japan’s economy by an annualized 1.1% in the current quarter, reflecting weak overseas demand. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has pledged to proceed cautiously with rate hikes, given the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. tariff impact. Meanwhile, corporate spending on plant and equipment surged by 7.6% in the April-June quarter, with the automotive sector leading the charge with a 43.4% increase, driven by investments in electric vehicle production, despite a 30.7% plunge in operating profits.
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Timor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests
Timor-Leste has reversed its controversial decision to provide lawmakers with free cars following widespread public outcry and protests. The plan, which sparked outrage among citizens, led to demonstrations in the capital, Dili, where protesters burned tires and set a government vehicle ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, but the government ultimately succumbed to public pressure and canceled the initiative on Tuesday. Despite this, protests persisted on Wednesday, with an estimated 2,000 demonstrators demanding further reforms, including the abolition of lifetime pensions for retired lawmakers. The unrest reflects broader discontent with perceived government excesses and inequality in the region. Lawmakers in Timor-Leste earn an annual salary of $36,000, over ten times the country’s average income of $3,000, exacerbating public frustration. Protest leader Cezario Cesar highlighted the disparity, stating, ‘People don’t have access to good education, water, and sanitation… we have a lack of facilities, but they’re still creating laws to benefit themselves.’ The protests have expanded beyond the car issue, with demonstrators calling for systemic changes to address corruption and inequality. Similar anti-government movements have recently emerged across Asia, including in Nepal and Indonesia, driven by anger at political elites and economic hardships. Timor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia’s youngest and poorest nations, remains a symbol of democratic resilience, with protests seen as a normal part of its political landscape.
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Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits over social activism row
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped down from the company after nearly 50 years, intensifying a conflict with its parent company, Unilever. In a heartfelt letter shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen on social media, Greenfield expressed his dismay over the brand’s loss of independence, citing Unilever’s restrictions on its long-standing social activism as the primary reason for his departure. This move marks the latest development in a dispute that began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would cease sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, a decision that sparked significant controversy. A spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a Unilever spin-off, acknowledged Greenfield’s contributions but disagreed with his stance, emphasizing efforts to engage both founders in constructive dialogue. Ben & Jerry’s, established in 1978, has been renowned for its advocacy on social and political issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and climate change. Greenfield described his decision to leave as one of the most difficult of his life, stating he could no longer align with a company he felt had been ‘silenced’ by Unilever. Cohen, in an interview with Radio 4, expressed his commitment to preserving the brand’s independence and social mission, accusing Unilever of undermining the authority of the company’s independent board. The Magnum spokesperson reiterated their dedication to strengthening Ben & Jerry’s values-based position globally. Industry experts, including Anna Macdonald of Aubrey Investments, noted that Unilever may have sought to curtail the brand’s activism, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza. Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of attempting to silence its criticism of former US President Donald Trump. Greenfield’s exit follows the removal of CEO David Stever by Unilever in March, which was part of a legal case alleging Unilever violated the terms of their merger agreement. In May, Cohen was arrested during a protest in the US Senate over military aid to Israel and humanitarian conditions in Gaza, further highlighting the founders’ unwavering commitment to their principles.
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Ex-Arsenal star Thomas Partey denies rape charges
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has entered a plea of not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court. The Ghanaian footballer, now playing for Spanish club Villareal, faces five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving three women. The alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his tenure with the Premier League club. Partey, 32, was charged just four days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June. The court granted him bail pending his trial, which is scheduled to commence on November 2, 2024. During the hearing, Partey confirmed his identity and denied all charges. His bail conditions permit him to continue his football career but require him to notify authorities of any international travel 24 hours in advance and prohibit contact with the complainants. Partey’s appearance in court coincided with his presence in England for a Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur, where he came on as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat for Villareal. The case has drawn significant attention due to Partey’s high-profile career and the serious nature of the allegations.
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Status, opulence, Diana – Trump’s 70-year affection for UK royals
As Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation captivated global audiences on June 2, 1953, a six-year-old Donald Trump watched intently on a black-and-white television in New York City. His Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, was enthralled by the grandeur of the British monarchy, an influence that would shape Trump’s lifelong fascination with royalty. Decades later, as a real estate mogul and U.S. president, Trump’s admiration for the British royal family has become a defining aspect of his public persona. His second state visit to the UK, following an invitation from King Charles III, underscores this enduring connection. The invitation, personally delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office, highlights the strategic diplomatic efforts to secure trade concessions while appealing to Trump’s love of pageantry. Trump’s 2019 state visit and his 2018 meeting with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle were pivotal moments in his career, symbolizing his ascent to global prominence. His mother’s reverence for the royals, as recounted in his book *The Art of the Deal*, instilled in him a sense of showmanship that he continues to embrace. Trump’s interactions with the royal family, from his attempts to associate Princess Diana with his Mar-a-Lago club to his admiration for the late Queen, reveal a deep-seated desire for legitimacy and acceptance within elite circles. Observers note that Trump’s fascination with the British monarchy stems from its global status and the allure of high society. Despite past controversies, including critical remarks about members of the royal family, Trump’s state visit is expected to be marked by ceremonial grandeur and mutual respect. As he shares the spotlight with King Charles, Trump’s journey from a young boy watching a coronation to a world leader engaging with royalty comes full circle.
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China’s $19 trillion stock market, once called uninvestable, lures foreigners again
Foreign investors are increasingly turning their attention back to China’s stock markets, marking a significant shift from their previous stance of labeling them as uninvestable. This renewed interest is driven by the burgeoning opportunities in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and innovative pharmaceuticals. The U.S.-China tariff truce and a domestic monetary easing environment have further bolstered investor sentiment, leading to notable market rallies. Last week, the Shanghai Composite index reached a decade high, while Hong Kong stocks hit a four-year high.
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TikTok lives: US, China in deal for app to keep operating in US
In a landmark agreement, TikTok will continue its operations in the United States under U.S.-controlled ownership, resolving a prolonged dispute between the U.S. and China. The deal, announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, mandates the transfer of TikTok’s American assets from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to a consortium of U.S. investors. ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake, just below the 20% threshold, while the remaining 80% will be held by a group including existing shareholders like Susquehanna International Group, General Atlantic, and KKR, alongside new investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Oracle. The U.S. entity will feature an American-dominated board, with one member designated by the U.S. government, ensuring national security safeguards. The deal, expected to close within 30 to 45 days, marks a significant step in easing tensions between the two economic giants. The White House extended the divestiture deadline to December 16, allowing ByteDance additional time to finalize the complex transaction. The agreement reflects a compromise that addresses both U.S. national security concerns and Chinese interests, potentially paving the way for smoother bilateral relations.