Von der Leyen begins tour to assess Western Balkan progress

The Russian captain of the container ship Solong, Vladimir Motin, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with a US oil tanker in the North Sea that resulted in the death of a Filipino sailor and another crew member missing. Thirty-six people were rescued from both vessels. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the charges, emphasizing the defendant's right to a fair trial. Full Article

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran's final report alleged ongoing serious rights violations by Iranian authorities following protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, with violations including crimes against humanity and targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, women, and children. The State increased prosecutions against women defying the mandatory hijab, using online surveillance and State-sponsored vigilantism, resulting in executions and unfair trials. The report will be presented to the Human...

Westminster council has proposed a plan to introduce alcohol-free "quiet nights" at Soho pubs in London to increase women's safety and accommodate neurodiverse individuals with sensory-friendly environments. The initiative aims to make central London more peaceful from 6pm to the early morning by balancing nightlife with residents' wellbeing, including installing new CCTV cameras and improving street lighting. The "Westminster After Dark Plan" also suggests extended retail hours and later museum openings to move away from...

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was found to have acted unlawfully by housing asylum seekers at a former RAF base without assessing the impact on vulnerable individuals, breaching the Equality Act. The High Court ruled that the government's failure to fulfill duties to migrants with special needs at RAF Wethersfield was in violation of the law, prompting calls for the closure of the site by refugee charity Care4Calais due to the mental distress inflicted on residents....

Investment banker Sunna Firdaus is suing a London clinic for almost £50,000 after suffering permanent scarring from a botched laser hair removal procedure in September 2020. Firdaus claims excessive heat caused burns and scarring to her chin, leading to ongoing physical and psychological effects. The clinic, Skintology Ltd, disputes the claim, stating Firdaus was aware of the risks involved in the treatment. Full Article

EU leaders will gather in Brussels for a summit focusing on competitiveness, defence, and Ukraine, with President Zelenskyy expected to address the conflict. President Costa emphasizes the need for a more competitive EU, highlighting areas such as simplification, energy, and the Savings and Investments Union. The agenda also includes discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework, migration, and global issues with UN Secretary-General Guterres, ECB President Lagarde, and Eurogroup President Donohoe participating in economic talks. Full...