New guidance from the Family Justice Council advises family courts in England and Wales to prioritize allegations of domestic abuse over claims of parental alienation during custody battles. The discredited concept of ‘parental alienation syndrome’ is described as harmful pseudo science, with courts urged to carefully consider the impact of alienating behaviors on a child’s relationship with the other parent. The guidance, welcomed by some lawyers and charities, aims to make it harder to prove alienating behavior and identify cases where allegations are used as a litigation tactic or to silence domestic abuse survivors.
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Separatists Are Still Holding Hundreds of Hostages in Pakistan Train Standoff
Pakistani security forces are in a deadly standoff with militants who seized a passenger train in the southwest, demanding the release of imprisoned members. At least 190 hostages have been rescued, with the militants threatening to kill hostages if their demands are not met. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group, has been targeting security forces and Chinese interests in Baluchistan, using advanced tactics like suicide bombings. Full Article
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