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Norway’s King Harald V Dies at 89 After 35 Years on the Throne

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Norway’s King Harald V has died aged 89 after being treated for a rare blood condition. He passed away peacefully at 06:35 local time on Friday at the national hospital in Oslo. The royal flag was lowered to half-mast as the country entered a period of mourning. His son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, has succeeded him as king.

Harald, who became king in 1991, was widely regarded as a popular and modernising monarch. He broke royal tradition by marrying commoner Sonja Haraldsen in 1968 and became known for his emotional, down-to-earth approach. He also played a unifying role following the 2011 Oslo and Utøya attacks and publicly supported diversity, including different religions, ethnicities and sexual orientations.

His final years were marked by declining health and challenges within the royal family, including controversies surrounding his daughter-in-law Mette-Marit and her son Marius Borg Høiby. Despite these difficulties, Harald remained personally popular among Norwegians, with royal observers describing him as the “People’s king.” He is survived by Queen Sonja, their children and six grandchildren.

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Demolition of Tbilisi’s Modernist Arts Complex Sparks Public Outcry

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The planned demolition of Tbilisi’s iconic Rike Tubes arts complex has sparked criticism from residents and the Italian architects who designed the building. The Rike Park Music Theatre and Exhibition Hall was built between 2011 and 2012 under Georgia’s previous pro-Western government but was never fully completed or put into regular use.

The complex, known for its distinctive tubular design, has been a striking feature of Tbilisi’s historic skyline. While Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described the building as unsuitable for the capital, some residents argue that demolition is a waste of public resources and that the site should instead be developed or repurposed. Demolition began in late July and is expected to finish by December 25.

Architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, whose studio designed the structure, expressed disappointment over its destruction, saying they had received thousands of messages supporting the building. As demolition continues, tourists have also been visiting the site to photograph the distinctive structure before it disappears, adding to the debate over Tbilisi’s architectural heritage and future skyline.

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Jolie, Blanchett Urge Stronger Refugee Protections

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Actors Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett, along with Archbishop Sarah Mullally and other public figures, have called on governments to uphold refugee protections as the 1951 UN Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary. The appeal comes as the United Nations warns that growing restrictions on asylum systems are putting vulnerable people at greater risk despite continued public support for offering safe refuge.

The UN refugee agency released a statement titled “The Promise”, signed by celebrities, athletes, business leaders and faith leaders, reaffirming support for the convention. UN High Commissioner Barham Salih, a former Iraqi president and refugee, said the agreement has saved millions of lives and urged nations to honour the commitment made to protect people forced to flee conflict and persecution.

The call comes amid increasing global displacement, tighter border controls in several countries, and financial challenges facing the UN refugee agency after major donor cuts. Rights groups have also expressed concern over stricter asylum policies in parts of Europe and the United States, warning they could weaken long-standing international refugee protections.

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Modelling Scout Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Found Dead in France

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Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old modelling scout linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb of Paris. French prosecutors confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of death, with an autopsy expected to provide further details.

Siad’s name appeared numerous times in documents related to the Epstein case. One of Epstein’s alleged victims previously claimed that Siad introduced her to Epstein, while several women in France had also filed complaints against Siad, including allegations of rape. He consistently denied all accusations and maintained that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.

Lawyers representing several complainants expressed disappointment that Siad died before being questioned by investigators, saying it has deprived victims of an opportunity to seek justice and uncover further information about Epstein’s network. His death comes four years after Epstein associate Jean-Luc Brunel was found dead in a Paris prison while facing similar allegations.

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Suspect in Monaco Parcel Bomb Attack Found Dead in Ukraine

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A Ukrainian woman wanted in connection with a parcel bomb attack in Monaco has been found dead in Ukraine, according to the country’s Security Service (SBU). Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was the subject of an international manhunt after authorities accused her of planting an explosive device at a Monaco apartment building on June 29, injuring three people, including two seriously. Her body was discovered with gunshot wounds to the head.

The SBU said Berezovska returned to Ukraine on July 1, where she contacted family members and two men, including a current officer in Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence intelligence directorate and a former law enforcement officer. Both have been detained on suspicion of her murder, with investigators alleging the intelligence officer confessed to the killing. Authorities also reported finding a basement room resembling a torture chamber during searches linked to the investigation.

Monaco prosecutors believe Berezovska disguised herself as a man while carrying out the attack before fleeing through Italy and Germany. Interpol had issued a Red Notice seeking her arrest on charges including attempted murder and criminal conspiracy. Local media reported that the intended target was businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, a sanctioned Ukrainian-born real estate developer living in Monaco, though authorities have not officially confirmed the victims’ identities. The investigation into the bombing and possible accomplices remains ongoing.

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Germany Arrests Rwanda Genocide Suspect Accused of Ordering Killings

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German prosecutors have arrested a German-Rwandan national accused of assisting in the 1994 Rwanda genocide by ordering the killings of Tutsis. The suspect, identified only as Innocent S under German privacy laws, was detained in the central state of Hesse. He faces charges of complicity in genocide and 25 counts of murder for allegedly directing attacks while serving as an assistant to the mayor of Kayove in northwestern Rwanda.

According to prosecutors, the suspect is accused of ordering the deaths of 25 Tutsi victims across five separate incidents. In one case, he allegedly took part directly in the killing by stabbing a victim in the chest. Investigators also claim he used his official position to incite violence against the Tutsi population and helped prepare death lists during the genocide.

Germany has pursued several Rwanda genocide suspects under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows courts to prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed. The 1994 Rwanda genocide, carried out by Hutu extremists over approximately 100 days, claimed the lives of more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus, making it one of the deadliest atrocities of the 20th century.

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Pope Leo Urges Leaders to Fight Hunger Instead of Fueling Wars

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Pope Leo criticized world leaders for prioritizing military conflicts over humanitarian needs, saying governments are “feeding” wars while millions continue to face hunger. Speaking at the headquarters of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, the pope warned that global political and moral priorities have become dangerously unbalanced.

The pontiff urged nations to increase spending on food security and humanitarian aid rather than limiting assistance due to geopolitical interests. He stressed that access to food is a fundamental human right and argued that tackling hunger should be a central international priority. Leo also cautioned that many humanitarian crises are being pushed aside as countries focus more on national security and economic concerns.

Highlighting the link between hunger and global stability, Pope Leo said food security is essential for lasting peace and international security. His remarks come as the WFP warns that acute food insecurity is expected to worsen across multiple countries due to conflict, funding shortages, and climate-related challenges. The agency is seeking $13 billion in donations for 2026 to support its worldwide operations.

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Ukrainian Drone Strike on Moscow Refinery Highlights War’s Growing Impact Inside Russia

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A major Ukrainian drone attack on the Moscow region has brought the realities of the war closer to Russia’s capital, striking an oil refinery and causing visible disruption across parts of the city. Thick black smoke rose over the skyline following the attack, while reports indicated that residential buildings and commercial properties were also affected. Local authorities said an eight-year-old girl was killed in a fire linked to the strikes.

The attack is being described as one of the largest aerial assaults on the Moscow region since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While many residents have grown accustomed to periodic drone attacks and security incidents, the strike underscored the increasing reach of the conflict into Russian territory. Some residents expressed shock at the scale of the attack, while others viewed it as part of a new normal created by the prolonged war.

Russian officials and state media sought to downplay the impact, emphasizing that Russia’s military operations in Ukraine remain more extensive and effective. However, repeated attacks on energy infrastructure, including oil facilities, have raised concerns about economic pressure, fuel shortages, and rising costs. Despite the growing frequency of such incidents, the Kremlin has signalled no change in its military strategy and remains committed to continuing the conflict.

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Kremlin Says No Putin-Trump Call Planned as Ukraine Mediation Remains on Hold

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The Kremlin said there are currently no plans for a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while direct mediation efforts on the Ukraine conflict remain paused, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner continue to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv.

According to Peskov, discussions between Russia and American negotiators are ongoing through existing channels, although no dates have been set for a possible visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Russia. Their earlier mediation efforts had stalled in February amid broader geopolitical tensions linked to military action against Iran.

The comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a recent conversation with Witkoff and Kushner as positive and expressed optimism about renewed peace efforts. Peskov also dismissed the prospect of European mediation, arguing that European leaders are more focused on supporting the continuation of the conflict rather than advancing peace negotiations.

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ICC Suspends Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Ongoing Misconduct Probe

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, with immediate effect as an investigation into misconduct allegations continues. The decision was taken by a committee within the court’s oversight body and has been referred to the ICC’s 125 member states, which will vote on Khan’s future during a special session. Khan has denied all allegations, while his legal team has called the suspension unfair and unsupported by evidence.

The allegations, first reported in 2024, involve claims of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority. An initial internal investigation was closed after the complainant chose not to participate, but a second inquiry led by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services examined thousands of pages of evidence and testimony between late 2024 and 2025. The findings are now being reviewed to determine whether Khan committed serious misconduct.

The case comes at a sensitive time for the ICC, which has faced political pressure following its actions related to the Gaza conflict. While some staff members have expressed concerns about Khan’s potential return, supporters argue that the allegations remain unproven. If member states decide to remove him from office, Khan could challenge the decision through international employment tribunals, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle.

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