Author: Gulf News Week
AFP via Getty ImagesCriticising the government, whether on the street or on social media, can result in a prison sentence in Russia (file pic)Russian security services were waiting when the flight landed in Moscow in December. On board were Russians the US had deported, including activists denied political asylum.”It was unbelievably frightening. My knees were shaking with fear,” says Katya, one of the deportees. We have changed her name to protect her identity, as she remains in Russia.Katya had left Russia and claimed asylum in the US two years earlier.When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many…
ReutersZelensky arrived at a summit in Brussels with European Council President António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der LeyenUS President Donald Trump has renewed his sharp criticism of Volodymyr Zelensky, saying the Ukrainian leader is “more difficult to deal with than [Russian President Vladimir] Putin”.Speaking to US media on Thursday evening, Trump also called Ukraine’s fresh wave of strikes on Russian oil refineries a “disgrace”.Zelensky, who is in Brussels for a summit with EU leaders, had paused the attacks for three days at Trump’s request for a ceasefire on energy targets, but said on Thursday the…
Watch: Will disenchanted Iowa Republicans reject Trump in the midterms?The BBC’s Sarah Smith travelled across the state ahead of the midterms, as the president faces political headwinds.4 hrs agoUS & Canada
Watch: Australian band breaks world record for most gigs in 12 hoursThe dream rock band called Fathom travelled roughly 700km across Australia by car, helicopter and plane to play nine shows in 12 hours.13 hrs agoAustralia
BBCThe number of ships that have reported being attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz has hit a record high, BBC Verify analysis of data from a UK maritime agency shows.Twelve vessels were attacked between 5 and 11 October – the largest number of weekly strikes reported to the UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency since the US-Israeli war with Iran began. The previous week saw 10 ships reporting attacks.Six of the vessels were struck last Sunday, according to the UKMTO – a one-day high. So far this week, there have been four reported attacks.As the number of strikes…
BBC/Studio LambertThe death marchers terrified Leigh-Anne Pinnock, who felt like she was in a horror filmSpoiler warning: This article reveals details from the fifth episode of The Celebrity Traitors, series two.Things are hotting up a bit in the castle, not least for Ross Kemp, who doesn’t seem to be enjoying it very much. “I’m quite angry,” he said, his brow furrowing even more than usual. “I’ve suffered at the hands of the traitors and now they’ve put heat on me, so I’m quite angry about that,” he said. Clearly they aren’t hitching rides on him at the seaside – that…
ReutersThe prime minister is in Alberta for the next two days to make the case for unity ahead of Monday’s separation referendum. Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Albertans to vote to remain in Canada ahead of an independence referendum on Monday, warning that the “stakes are high”.Speaking at a pro-unity rally on Thursday in Calgary, Carney said the referendum is taking place “at the worst possible time” and called on voters to deliver a “decisive result” against separation.More than 450,000 Albertans have already voted early or by mail on a question asking if they wish the province to remain…
PhotothekOnline pornography depicting strangulation or incestuous relationships will be banned from early November, the government has announced.From 6 November, it will be illegal to possess or publish porn which shows strangulation or suffocation, depicts sexual activity between people who are related or shows adults role-playing as children under 16.The new rules follow a review into porn regulation in 2025 which found depictions of choking were “rife” on popular porn sites and had helped normalise the act among young people.Conservative peer Baroness Gabby Bertin, who headed the review, said the news came “not a moment too soon”.Her independent review, commissioned by…
‘It’s really hard to believe’ – How Oregon primary school shooting unfoldedThree children aged 5, 8 and 11 and a teacher were killed after a 16-year-old suspect opened fire in the city of Bend, local police say.6 mins agoUS & Canada
Getty ImagesSeveral protesters were detained during last week’s protestsThousands of ‘cockroach’ protesters are set to return to the streets of Delhi on Friday, days after police prevented their last mass demonstration and two of their leaders were jailed.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement seeking electoral reforms, has called on supporters to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place, a busy commercial district.The call follows the jailing of two CJP leaders for five days after they entered Jantar Mantar, a protest site recently declared off-limits by police.What began as a campaign against alleged electoral fraud has since become a…