Cleared

North Korea has acknowledged deploying troops to Russia’s Kursk region to clear land mines, with leader Kim Jong Un praising an engineering regiment for “mass heroism” during a ceremony in Pyongyang, according to state media. The remarks, carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), mark a rare public admission by Pyongyang about the dangerous frontline duties assigned to its soldiers in Russia as the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year. KCNA said Kim hailed the unit’s return and awarded state honors to fallen soldiers…

IMF approves additional $40 million for Somalia, releases $30 million in immediate budget support MOGADISHU — The International Monetary Fund has approved an additional $40 million for Somalia after completing the fourth review of the country’s Extended Credit Facility, authorizing an immediate $30 million disbursement for budget support. The decision lifts Somalia’s total access under the program to about $140 million and brings cumulative disbursements to roughly $100 million under the arrangement approved in December…

Lisbon funicular crash kills 16, including three Britons; wreckage removed as probe begins LISBON — A historic funicular that climbs a steep, cobbled street in the heart of Lisbon derailed late Friday, killing 16 people and injuring more than 20 in one of Portugal’s deadliest recent transport disasters. Portuguese authorities and international diplomats said the victims included tourists from at least a half-dozen countries, deepening shock in a city whose identity and economy are closely tied to its vintage attractions.…

In the heart of a courtroom where the echoes of past actions linger, a poignant inquiry unfolds, delving into the tragic events surrounding Abdirahman Abdi. The story, a complex tapestry of mental health challenges and law enforcement decisions, is laid bare, painting a picture that compels us to question and understand. Abdi, a Somali Canadian, found himself amid a severe mental health crisis, a state often misunderstood and mishandled. The authorities sprung into action, led by Constable Daniel Montsion, whose decisions…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has opted not to pursue charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa or anyone involved in the Phala Phala affair, which originated from a criminal complaint lodged by former intelligence official Arthur Fraser back in 2022. Known colloquially as "Farmgate," the controversy erupted when Fraser accused Ramaphosa of covering up the theft of $4 million after a burglary at the president's Phala Phala game farm. The president firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the funds taken…

The assistant prosecuting attorney stated they've examined the driver's dashcam recordings and cannot confirm with absolute certainty that Ali assaulted the passenger. This is a surprising development, considering authorities initially asserted having strong evidence pointing to Ali's involvement. Their case was supported by GPS data, and allegations that Ali prematurely completed the ride before driving the woman far from her destination, where her family later discovered her unclothed in Ali's vehicle. The police…

The Japanese court has made a groundbreaking decision, acquitting the world’s longest-serving death row inmate after more than fifty years of conviction. Iwao Hakamada, who was sentenced for murder back in 1968, has now been declared not guilty. In a significant ruling, the Shizuoka District Court affirmed Hakamada’s innocence, acknowledging a retrial that his advocates and he initiated a decade ago. “The court finds the defendant innocent,” proclaimed Judge Koshi Kunii with profound gravity. Unfortunately, due to health…