Author: Rasmita Jena

The trial of a powerful Sudanese militia leader, Ali Kushayb, is ending this week at the International Criminal Court (ICC). He faces serious charges for crimes committed in Darfur during Sudan’s civil war, including rape, murder, and torture. Prosecutors say he was a key figure in the Janjaweed militia, responsible for attacking villages and harming many innocent people.

During the war from 2003 to 2004, it’s reported that civilians were hurt, homes were destroyed, and thousands were forced to flee. The ICC prosecutor explained that Kushayb led group attacks where people were captured and killed without mercy. He has denied all wrongdoing and claims he is not guilty.

This case is important because it is the first one brought up after the UN Security Council sent it to the ICC. Sudan is still facing violence today between two fighting groups, which has resulted in many more deaths and displacements. Just recently, an airstrike in North Darfur killed over 100 people during a market attack.

The ICC is also looking into the current situation in Sudan, and the prosecutor hopes to hold more people accountable for their actions soon.

Two of South Korea’s top police officers have been arrested as part of an investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent martial law declaration. This news comes just before the main opposition party, the Democratic Party, plans to vote on a new impeachment motion against Yoon.

Last week, Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, was also arrested. He is accused of leading the effort to enforce martial law and misusing power. Kim is the first person arrested related to the martial law situation from December 3.

The police chiefs, Cho Ji Ho and Kim Bong-sik, are being held at a police station in Seoul. They are under investigation for sending police to block members of parliament from entering to vote against the martial law decree. Armed troops were also sent to the parliament but were unable to stop lawmakers from rejecting the martial law quickly.

During a hearing, Army Special Warfare Command chief Kwak Jong-keun said that he received direct orders from Kim Yong Hyun to stop lawmakers from entering Parliament. Yoon reportedly also called Kwak and asked to remove lawmakers forcefully. Although they discussed the orders, taking physical action against lawmakers was ruled out.

An officer from the military’s intelligence unit shared that his superior asked if there was a place to detain political figures after martial law was declared. Meanwhile, the opposition argues that the martial law was illegal, as it can only be declared in times of war or severe emergencies. In Yoon’s announcement, he called for a need to fight against his political rivals.

Many believe this unfolding situation could lead to Yoon being impeached. If that happens, his powers would be paused until a court decides his fate. If removed, a new election would be held.

North Korea’s state news agency took notice of the protests happening in South Korea, using harsh words against Yoon, labeling him a “traitor.” This indicates that North Korea is aware of the unrest, which could inspire its own people who lack access to outside news.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, is in intensive care after emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain due to a fall. Lula, at 79 years old, is a symbol of someone who overcame many obstacles to lead one of the biggest economies in the world. He has faced tough times, including poverty, health issues, and even jail time for a corruption case that was later thrown out because the judge was unfair. Despite his struggles, Lula has always fought for people’s rights, worked to end hunger, and protected the Amazon rainforest.

Recently, Lula had surgery after a fall that caused bleeding in his brain. He is currently serving his third term as president after defeating Jair Bolsonaro in a tough election in 2022 that split the country. Lula’s journey is incredible: he grew up poor as the son of farmers, became a shoeshine boy and a metalworker, and eventually led major workers’ strikes against Brazil’s military government in the 1970s.

He started the Workers’ Party and ran for president three times before finally winning in 2002. Lula was once called “the most popular politician on Earth” by Barack Obama. Though he hopes to live to 120 years old, he has had many health problems, including high blood pressure and cancer treatment. Lula’s latest challenge came after he fell in a bathroom, suffering a concussion and other injuries that required surgery.

In his personal life, Lula has lost two wives and married again in 2022. He has five children from his relationships. Lula’s story is one of resilience, fighting against the odds, and standing up for the less fortunate.

In New Delhi, the European Union (EU) has raised concerns with India about some Indian companies that might be sending important goods to Russia, which could be used for military purposes. This would go against the bans set by Western countries on Russia. David O’Sullivan, the EU Sanctions Envoy, visited India in October and talked with Indian officials about ways to stop the illegal sending of these important goods to Russia.

O’Sullivan mentioned that he shared information with Indian authorities about the companies involved. Recently, the U.S. has imposed penalties on 19 Indian companies for allegedly helping Russia by providing technologies that could be used for military operations. Some sources from the EU indicated that two Indian companies are under specific restrictions for their exports.

O’Sullivan said that many other countries he visited have set up special systems to handle this issue. He emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a significant concern for the EU, and they will keep working to disrupt Russia’s access to important technologies.

He pointed out that Russia is paying much more for some items because of the sanctions. The EU is also working on its latest set of sanctions against Russia, which will target ships and companies supplying military goods.

The EU represents many nations and continues to monitor companies that might break the sanctions.