Author: Gulf News Week
Washington calls prosecutions a “sham,” while UN chief says detentions breach international law, amid reports of mistreatment and secret trials. The United States and United Nations have jointly condemned the detention and prosecution of local embassy and aid workers by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, calling the moves unlawful and politically motivated. In a statement Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott denounced the Houthis’ “sham proceedings” against current and former local staff of the U.S. embassy in Yemen, accusing the group of using fear and repression to maintain control. The criticism aligns with a separate appeal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres,…
As Utah judge hears arguments on limiting press coverage, national media groups and the victim’s widow advocate for public access in the politically charged case. SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge heard arguments Thursday over whether to restrict media coverage in the capital murder trial of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk—a case that has ignited debate over transparency, fair trial rights, and political influence. Robinson, 22, faces aggravated murder charges in the September shooting at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. His defense attorneys, alongside the Utah County Sheriff’s…
Mothers and children granted refuge recount the trauma of domestic detention policies that are pulling apart households long after dangerous journeys end. MIAMI — After surviving treacherous migrations to the United States, several migrant families are experiencing a second, quieter crisis: separation through arrests and detention inside the country, long after crossing the border. Unlike the high-profile border separations of the past, this emerging pattern involves immigration authorities detaining parents who are already living in U.S. communities, leaving spouses and children in precarious limbo. In interviews with The Associated Press, three women shared how their search for safety has been…
Latest data shows strong annual expansion across key sectors, supporting upbeat World Bank and IMF forecasts for the Kingdom’s economy. RIYADH — Industrial activity in Saudi Arabia expanded sharply in October, rising 8.9% compared to the same month last year, driven by higher oil output and growth across manufacturing and utility sectors. Figures released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) also showed a 0.3% monthly increase, underscoring sustained momentum in the Kingdom’s industrial sector. The mining and quarrying sector — which includes oil production — grew 11.5% year-on-year, supported by a rise in crude output to 10 million barrels…
Freed from a US prison sentence, Juan Orlando Hernández breaks his silence, applauds Trump’s role in Honduran politics, and confronts a reactivated domestic arrest warrant. WASHINGTON — Recently pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández has publicly thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump, crediting him with shifting the political landscape in Honduras. Hernández, convicted on drug charges and later granted clemency by Trump, made the remarks in a Wednesday interview with the conservative network One America News (OAN). He asserted that Trump’s backing of right-wing presidential hopeful Nasry Asfura helped open “a lot of people’s eyes” in Honduras, framing the…
Palestinians in Gaza celebrated after Israeli-backed militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab was killed.When Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab was killed last week, few Palestinians mourned his death. After Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza began in 2023, Abu Shabab and his Israel-backed Popular Forces group attempted to present themselves as an alternative to Hamas, but Palestinians instead viewed him as a traitor. What did his rise reveal about Israel’s strategy for Gaza?In this episode:Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2The Take: US-Venezuela military buildup tests Puerto Rico’s painful pastlist 2 of 2The Take: Is New Delhi’s toxic smog…
Families face flooded tents, sewage, extreme overcrowding, and deepening hardship amid ongoing displacement.Deir el-Balah, Gaza – After a night of relentless rain, Arafat al-Ghandour and his wife, Nour, finally exhaled in relief as the morning sun emerged, if only briefly, over the soaked displacement camp.The couple, parents of five, live in a worn tent riddled with holes. They spent the night battling water pouring in from every direction.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4US federal judge halts Trump’s National Guard operations in Californialist 2 of 4Olympics decision on gender eligibility to come in early 2026list 3 of 4Anger…
The US has rolled back a series of restrictive economic sanctions put in place during the rule of Bashar al-Assad.The United States House of Representatives has voted forward a bill that would end the restrictive Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, originally imposed during the rule of former leader Bashar al-Assad.The bid to repeal the sanctions was passed on Wednesday as part of a larger defence spending package, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘I belong in my own country’: Syrians celebrate a year after al-Assadlist 2 of 3One year since…
US military’s Central Command chief says there have been ‘multiple instances of collaboration’ with Syria against ISIL.The head of the US military’s Middle East-based Central Command, Brad Cooper, has said that the United States is working with Syrian forces to carry out operations against ISIL (ISIS), highlighting the collaboration between Washington and Damascus.Speaking virtually at a Middle East Institute event on Wednesday, Cooper said the US military is working to “foster cooperation” with Syrian authorities.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘They broke his neck’: Families of Syria’s disappeared still seek closurelist 2 of 3Bulgarian court rejects Lebanon’s extradition…
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said the shortfall has already forced the loss of 300 jobs.The United Nations’ top human rights official says his office is struggling to operate after major funding cuts from donor governments, even as rights abuses escalate across the globe.Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said on Wednesday that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has $90m less than it needs this year. He told reporters the shortfall has already forced the loss of 300 jobs and reduced the organisation’s ability to monitor violations around the world.Recommended Stories…