Rwanda-backed rebels reach the center of east Congo’s 2nd major city in an unprecedented expansion

The husband of Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, Sergei Tikhanovsky, has been unexpectedly released from prison and reunited with her in Lithuania, among at least ten political prisoners freed. Tikhanovskaya expressed her joy and gratitude for international support but emphasized that 1,150 political prisoners still remain incarcerated in Belarus. Need More Context? 🔎

Destiny Church ProtestBrian Tamaki, leader of Destiny Church, led a march in Auckland, where he and his followers protested against non-Christian religions by tearing up their flags, labeling them as "satanic." Acting Prime Minister David Seymour criticized Tamaki's stance, emphasizing New Zealand's values of tolerance and inclusivity for all beliefs. Need More Context? 🔎

The Free State High Court has ordered the dissolution of the Ngwathe Local Municipality due to significant failures in meeting its constitutional and regulatory obligations to residents in towns like Parys, Heilbron, Koppies, and Vredefort. This decision underscores the municipality's inability to effectively govern and provide necessary services to its communities. Need More Context? 🔎

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, asserted Ukraine and Russia are "one nation," threatening "catastrophic" consequences if Ukraine uses a dirty bomb. Amid stalled peace talks over territorial disputes, he touted Russia's economic resilience while acknowledging recession risks, emphasizing military modernization and technological advancements from the conflict. Need More Context? 🔎

Belarus has released 14 political prisoners, including opposition leader Syarhei Tsikhanouski, following a visit by US envoy Keith Kellogg. Tsikhanouski, sentenced to 18 years in 2021, is now in Vilnius with his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who continues to advocate for the release of an additional 1,150 prisoners amid ongoing tensions related to the 2020 presidential election. Need More Context? 🔎

Iranian authorities arrested nine individuals in Bushehr for suspected ties to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and involvement in activities meant to incite public disorder. This follows escalating tensions after Israel's airstrikes on June 13, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iran reporting 430 deaths and hundreds injured from the attacks. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Some people in Iran were arrested because they were thought to be helping another...