Afghanistan to free 900 Taliban, urges ceasefire extension
The Afghan government urged the Taliban to extend a three-day ceasefire set to end on Tuesday night, while announcing it would free 900 members of the insurgent group in the biggest such release yet.
Spain wants common EU rules on cross-border movement as pandemic lockdowns ease
Spain on Tuesday urged its European Union partners to set up common rules, including potential health checks for passengers, to open up borders and reestablish freedom of travel as national coronavirus lockdowns are phased out.
New hotline helps families survive abuse in Congo
Four days after the Congolese government shut down Kinshasa’s pulsating nightlife, her husband knocked out some of her teeth and went to live with his mistress, leaving her bleeding and naked on the floor. Their three children saw it all.
Brazil police search Rio de Janeiro governor’s residence in corruption probe
Brazil police on Tuesday carried out search and seizure warrants at residences of Rio de Janeiro Governor Wilson Witzel as part of a corruption probe, according to two sources and a statement.
Even as Canada reopens, children in foster care endure long separations
Children in Canada’s foster care homes have gone weeks without being able to see their parents in person and plans for safe reunions are still uncertain, according to child protection lawyers, even as stores, hair salons and some day care centers begi…
Italy Senate panel votes down Salvini probe over stranded migrants
An Italian Senate committee on Tuesday rejected a request by magistrates to investigate Matteo Salvini, head of the rightwing League party, for refusing a migrant rescue boat permission to land last year when he was interior minister.
Child labour, marriages on rise in Yemen as COVID spreads: U.N. agency
The U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday its work in Yemen was near a “potential breaking point” as coronavirus spreads in the war-damaged country, with rising numbers of families resorting to begging, child labour and marrying of children.
China’s Hong Kong law set to bar foreign judges from national security cases: sources
Beijing’s planned national security legislation for Hong Kong is set to block its foreign judges from handling national security trials, people familiar with the matter said, which would exacerbate concerns about the city’s judicial independence.
Hong Kong leader says security law will not hurt freedom amid global alarm
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday Beijing’s proposed national security law for the city, which has raised alarm in the global financial centre and abroad, would not trample on its cherished rights and freedoms.
Thailand extends virus emergency powers amid opposition suspicion
Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday extended an emergency decree to fight the coronavirus to June 30, with a spokeswoman denying opposition suggestions that the prime minister, a onetime junta leader, was seeking a return to unchecked powers.
