In a 211-148 vote, the no-confidence vote to remove Boris Johnson from office failed. The vote resulted from Johnson violating the British government’s COVID-19 restrictions by hosting parties at his home. His actions drew widespread criticism, even from within his own Conservative party. This was reflected in the no-confidence vote, as 40% of the Conservatives voted against Johnson. Despite surviving the vote, Johnson still has to go through an investigation led by the privileges committee.

Following offensive remarks Indian government officials made in regards to Islam, Muslim-majority countries united in condeming his words. The remarks in question were made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, two members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, and the two made insulting claims regarding Prophet Muhammad and his wife Aisha. In response, Qatar and Kuwait removed their ambassadors from India, and five Arab countries formally protested India. The words of Sharma and Jindal are the latest in Modi’s government’s Islamophobic actions.

The International Skating Union announced that the minimum age for all high-profile competitions will be raised to 17. The new rule will be implemented incrementally—the minimum age for the 2023-2024 season will be 16, and the following season will require participants to be 17 years old. Although the changes were brought upon by Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping scandal during the 2022 Winter Olympics, the minimum age rule will impact multiple types of skating.

Canada To Make More Regulations on Handguns:

On Monday, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government is seeking to enact legislation that will illegalize the selling and importing of handguns. This legislation is planned to be implemented in the fall, and it follows a series of other regulations that banned military-style firearms and will form a mandatory gun buyback program for these weapons by the end of the year. Although this latest plan still has to be passed in by Canada's Parliament, it is projected to succeed because there are enough votes among the Liberals and New Democrats Parties.

More Details Emerge Regarding Uvalde Shooting:

As authorities investigate the mass shooting at Robbs Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, new details are being discovered. The casualties in the shooting have risen to 21, two of whom were adults and the rest children. In addition to the deaths, seventeen people were injured during the attack. In regards to the gunman Salvador Ramos, authorities discovered that he shot his grandmother in the face prior to going to Robbs Elementary, though she is expected to recover. It was also revealed that Ramos purchased the guns he used days after his eighteenth birthday, a fact that highlights the need for stricter gun control in the United States. As the case continues, politicians are pushing for national gun reform, citing that the U.S. has surpassed 200 mass shootings only 22 weeks into the new year.

New Australian PM Includes Historic Number of Women in Cabinet:

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the complete list of cabinet members, and it has gained attention for including ten women, the largest amount ever in Australia’s government. Although these ten positions account for less than half of the cabinet positions, it is still noteworthy that Albanese’s cabinet is more diverse than his predecessors’. While some of the new ministers were sworn in last week, the remaining will be sworn in on Wednesday.

U.S. National Soccer Teams to Receive Equal Pay:

On Wednesday, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced that both the men’s and women’s national teams will receive equal pay. A part of the new deal will require both teams to pool together their World Cup prize money so that it can be evenly split among the teams,making the U.S. Soccer Federation the first organization in the world to require this. The decision follows a settlement reached between the organization and the U.S. National Women’s Team, who have been fighting for equal pay for years now. In this settlement, the federation agreed to equal pay for the two teams and additionally agreed to giving the women’s team $22 million in backpay.

Shireen Abu Aqleh’s Case Sent to ICC:

It was recently revealed that the family of Shireen Abu Aqleh, the Palestinian-American journalist who was killed by Israeli military, approved her case to be submitted to the International Criminal Court. It will be added to a legal complaint filed in April that argues that Israeli forces have been targeting Palestinian journalists. This complaint already focused on four other attacks on Palestinian journalists, two of whom were killed and two permanently injured. Although there are questions regarding if a ruling could be enforced on Israel since the ICC does not have jurisdiction there, this case offers an opportunity for Palestinian journalists to win reparations, as they are unable to do so in Israeli domestic courts.

Petition Filed to Void Results of Presidential Election in Philippines:

Following the controversial election of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a petition was filed for the Philippines’ Supreme Court to prevent him from taking office. The controversy stems from the fact that Marcos Jr. is the son of a brutal dictator who was removed from office in the 80s during a pro-democracy revolt, and he has avoided any discussion pertaining to human rights issues. This petition claims that due to Marcos Jr.’s 1995 conviction on tax evasion, he should have been prevented from ever running for office. Despite this, previous petitions filed to the Philippines Commission on Election have failed, making the Supreme Court the last hope for these leaders to overturn the election results.

Israeli Occupation Forces Kill Palestinian-American Journalist:

On Wednesday, Israeli Occupations Forces shot Shireen Abu Aqleh in the head, killing the Palestinian-American journalist who worked for Al Jazeera. Though she was rushed to the hospital, Abu Aqleh later died; her producer, who was shot in the back by the IOF, is in recovery. Although the Israeli military is blaming Palestinian fighters for her death, witnesses state there were no Palestinians fighters around at the time, and a video of the killing shows Abu Aqleh wearing a press jacket and a helmet. Abu Aqleh was well-known for her coverage of Israel’s occupation and was a strong advocate for Palestinian issues. A state service was held in Ramallah on Thursday.

IOF Attacks Shireen Abu Aqleh’s Funeral:

Israeli Occupation Forces attacked the funeral procession for Shireen Abu Aqleh, a Palestinian-American journalist killed on Wednesday. While her casket was being carried from the hospital where Abu Aqleh died to a church in East Jerusalem. During this procession, members of the IOF attacked the crowd of mourners, beating them with batons and even causing the pallbearers to drop Abu Aqleh’s casket. This was not the first time the IOF interrupted displays of mourning, as they appeared at other mourning events to remove Palestinian flags from the area and arrested mourners for allegedly violating a public order.

Racially-Motivated Shooting in Buffalo Supermarket:

On Saturday, an eighteen-year-old white man killed ten people and injured others at a supermarket in Buffalo. Authorities are viewing his actions as a hate crime because that area in Buffalo is predominantly Black, and the gunman has previously posted racist theories online and revealed his inspiration came from other hate crimes, namely the 2019 Christchurch shootings in New Zealand, which targeted Muslims. This shooting follows a series of other shootings, racially-motivated or otherwise, that have occured recently.

Suspected Gunman in California Church Shooting Charged:

David Chou, who recently attacked a Taiwanese church in California, was charged on Tuesday with murder, attempted murder, and other crimes. Chou’s attack was motivated by a hatred for Taiwan and has connections to a Las Vegas- based group that opposes Taiwan’s independence from China, though authorities report that he chose this church at random. Todd Spitzer, the District Attorney for Orange County, said that hate crime charges may follow pending further investigation.

Draft on Roe v. Wade Decision Leaked:

A draft ruling on Roe v. Wade was leaked, revealing that there is currently a majority vote to overturn the landmark decision. The 1973 ruling legalized abortion, but in recent years, there has been mounting pressure from the right to overturn the decision and from the left to codify the ruling into law. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, there are many states ready to sign abortion bans into law. However, there is a chance that the ruling will change before the justices officially vote in late June or early July.

Philippines Elect New President:

In Philippines on Monday, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won the presidential election in a landslide. This came as a shock, as Marcos Jr. is the son of Ferdinand Marcos, a dictator who was removed by the 1986 pro-democracy revolt and is known for violating human rights, among other controversies. Marcos Jr. has stated that he does not want his father’s actions to reflect on him, but he avoided discussion on human rights violations and other pressing issues during the campaign trail.

NYC Subway Shooting Suspect Indicted:

A federal grand jury indicted Frank James for his attack on a subway in Brooklyn in April. For releasing smoke bombs and firing a handgun on the subway, James was charged with “committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system and discharging a firearm during a violent crime,” according to the Associated Press. A date has yet to be set for his trial, and in the meantime, James is being held in jail without bail.

First Round of French Election Ends:

On April 10, the first round of French presidential elections ended with Emmanuel Macron receiving 28% percent of the votes and Marine Le Pen receiving 23%. Macron, who is seeking a second term, has been criticized in recent years for his conservative stance on national security issues and for his efforts, or lack thereof, regarding climate change. Meanwhile, the results for Le Pen, a far-right leader who has portrayed herself as a moderate politician on the campaign trail, has caused concern among many French voters who do not want her and her beliefs to win. The second round of elections is set to take place on April 24.

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Nomination Confirmed:

In a 53-47 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination, securing her place in the Supreme Court as the first Black female justice. A Harvard Law School graduate, Jackson worked as a public defender, federal trial court judge, and had a seat on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. This experience was a point of emphasis for Jackson’s supporters during the nomination and confirmation process. She will take her seat on the court this summer when Justice Stephen Breyer officially retires.

Will Smith Banned from Oscars for 10 Years:

In a viral moment from the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. Following the slap, Smith resigned from the Academy Awards, but the Academy released a statement that they would still hold a hearing for his actions, as they violated their rules of conduct. Now, a new statement reveals that Smith is banned from attending the award ceremony for the next ten years. Despite the ban, Smith can still be nominated and win Oscars for his future work.

Reparations for Slavery Limited in California:

In a 5-4 vote, California’s reparation task force decided to limit reparations for slavery to those who are descendants of free or enslaved Black people. Supporters of this vote argued that by limiting reparations to a plan based on ancestry, there would be less legal obstacles that could hinder the process. However, this stance has been criticized by those who believe reparations should be available for all Black people, given the systemic racism surrounding slavery continues to have impacts on housing, education, and more. Before this decision is signed into law, California’s legislature will review a report in June followed by a reparations proposal that is due by July 2023.

Nationwide Strikes Continue in India:

On the second day of strikes in New Delhi, Indians are protesting recent economic policies made by the government. Protestors are demanding for social security, better wages, and for employers to have less power over workers, particularly in the unorganized sector. The strikes, which are primarily concentrated in the capital, have spread to the West Bengal state, Kerala, and more. Although the nation’s economy has had some recovery during the past two years, there are clearly more improvements to be made.

Gender Neutral Passport Option Soon to be Available in U.S.:

In a press release issued on March 30, the U.S. State Department announced that a gender neutral “X” option would be available on U.S. passports beginning April 11. This change also does not require any medical documentation like some states in the U.S. do, making this option more accessible for people who identify in this manner. The decision follows a lawsuit that was filed against the State Department by an intersex individual who could not obtain a passport that accurately reflected their gender identity. These new passports are one of many changes that will make air travel more gender inclusive, as the TSA also announced plans for a gender neutral screening procedure.

“Don’t Say Gay” Bill Signed into Law:

Floridian Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law. The law, which is officially called “Parental Rights in Education,” bans public schools from teaching or holding conversations on anything regarding gender and sexual identity from kindergarten to third grade. The law also allows parents to sue a district that violates this. It will go into effect on July 1.

After Multiple Attempts, Lynching is Finally a Federal Hate Crime:

President Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law, which makes lynching a federal hate crime. Lawmakers have attempted to make lynching, which has historically been used to target Black Americans, recognized as a hate crime for more than a century but failed more than 200 times. In addition to banning lynching, the law also means that conspiracy to commit lynching could result in a maximum of thirty years in prison.

Eric Zemmour Sued for Denying the Holocaust:

Eric Zemmour, a far-right French presidential candidate, is facing a lawsuit for Holocaust denial. The suit was filed by six LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and the move is a result of Zemmour falsely claiming that the deportation of LGBTQ+ individuals during the Holocaust did not occur in a book he published last year. As NPR reports, this lawsuit is the second he faces for “denying crimes against humanity,” as Zemmour is currently in the middle of another suit because of claims he made that the Vichy government, which colluded with Nazis during WWII, tried to help Jews who were French citizens.

Indigenous Canadians and Residential School Survivors Meet with the Pope:

On Monday, Metis and Inuit Canadians and survivors of the country’s residential schools met with Pope Francis, hoping for an apology and a commitment from the Catholic church to make amends for the harm they caused. As reported by NPR, the meeting is “part of the Canadian church and government's efforts to respond to Indigenous demands for justice, reconciliation and reparations,” which has gained more attention recently due to discoveries of hundreds of unmarked graves. On Thursday, a delegation from the First Nations will have an opportunity to meet with Pope Francis, and then all of the delegations will gather on Friday for a more formal meeting.

Abortions More Affordable Under New Californian Law:

A new law in California will pave the way for cheaper abortions in the state, provided that people are using a private insurance plan. This is the latest stage in Governor Gavin Newsom’s preparation for the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade. The debate over Roe v. Wade has gained renewed fervor in recent months, due to news that the Supreme Court, which currently has a conservative majority, is weighing whether the original ruling should be overturned. If it is overturned, then each state will decide their own laws regarding abortion.

Zelensky Asks U.S. Congress for More Aid:

Volodomyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, addressed the U.S. Congress over video. In his video, Zelensky pleaded for more aid, including a no-fly zone, more sanctions, and more weapons. Although Biden’s administration has repeatedly refused to declare a no-fly zone, they did commit to sending another $800 million in aid.

Climate Disclosure Could be Mandatory for U.S. Companies:

On Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will announce a new policy for U.S. companies to disclose how they contribute to the climate crisis, as well as how it may impact their business. Although there are some companies, such as Apple, that already disclose this information, existing policies do not have clear standards as to what should be reported. Although there is a likelihood of backlash from some companies and Republican lawmakers, the new policy will help leaders better tackle climate change.

Navalny Found Guilty on Fraud Charges:

Alexei Navalny, one of Vladmir Putin’s most prominent critics, was found guilty on fraud charges and was sentenced to nine years in a high-security prison. The charges stemmed from allegations that Navalny embezzled money from his foundation to fund illegal activity. He was initially arrested last year upon returning to Russia after recovering from a poisoning he blamed on Putin. Both the attack and the trial have been reported as attempts to silence Navalny, and with this latest news, his supporters are worried for Navalny’s life.

Maternity Hospital Struck in Latest Russian Attacks:

A maternity hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine was struck in the latest attacks by Russia. The port city was already under attack, but the reports and videos of the aftermath displayed the extent of terror Ukrainians are facing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy and world leaders condemned the attack, though Russia claims it did not intend to target civilians. Nevertheless, this attack also violated a ceasefire that was supposed to prevent attacks for twelve hours, in order for citizens of Mariupol to evacuate the city.

Talks Between Russia and Ukraine End:

Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers met in Antalya, Turkey to discuss an end to the war. This was the fourth attempt to negotiate a ceasefire agreement, but just like the previous discussions, it ended with no breakthrough. Afterwards, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that he wanted a 24-hour ceasefire and evacuation routes out of the city of Mariupol; Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would define Ukraine’s fate.

WHO Africa First Female Chief Leads COVID Fight:

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the first female chief of the World Health Organization’s Africa office, is at the forefront of the continent’s fight against COVID. She became WHO Africa’s chief in 2015 and has previously helped Africa fight the Ebola outbreak. Dr. Moeti has also been a voice for African women who face disproportionate from the pandemic because of increased gender violence, pregnancy, lower vaccination rates, and more. She continues to advocate for Africa and plans for more access to COVID vaccines and testing.

New President Elected in South Korea:

Yoon Suk-yeol was elected as South Korea’s new president, defeating opponent Lee Jae-myung. Suk-yeol, who is a member of the conservative People Power Party, won with less than 1% of the vote, making this election the closest that the country has ever had. Although Yoon Suk-yeol has no political experience, he has promised to lower real estate taxes and to be more aggressive towards North Korea to force their neighbor to denuclearize. However, he also faces challenges in South Korea due to his promise to dismantle the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and due to the Democratic Party comprising the majority of parliament.

Russia Bombs Holocaust Memorial and TV Tower in Ukraine:

In the latest news of Russia’s war on Ukraine, a television broadcasting tower in Kyiv was bombed, followed by a second strike on the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial. After the bombing of the tower, reports emerged that five people were killed, and the control room was also impacted by the attack, prompting officials to urge residents to use regional radio and television channels only. Later, the Babyn Yar Memorial Center, which is in remembrance of 34,000 Jews who were killed by Nazia over the course of 36 hours in September 1941, released a statement in condemnation of Russia’s attack on the city’s Holocaust memorial, calling it a crime against humanity. Ukrainian officials have since tweeted in support of the victims and are calling for more international aid.

Death Sentence Reinstated for Tsarnaev:

In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the brothers involved in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber. During his initial trial, Tsarnaev was sentenced to death on six out of thirty terrorism charges; however, this was appealed when Tsarnaev’s attorneys claimed the trial judge did not allow in evidence that would show he was influenced by his older brother. Justice Clarence Thomas, who wrote the decision, stated that such evidence would be unreliable and impossible to verify, which led to the reinstatement of the death sentence.

American Delegation Shows Support in Taiwan:

Former U.S. officials, led by former Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, arrived in Taiwan to show support for the country. The visit is a demonstration of the United States’ support for Taiwan in the case of aggression from China. The visit has also sparked conversations on any similarities between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s claim of Taiwan.

Delegates Meet in Hawaii to Discuss N. Korea Missile Tests:

Delegates from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea gathered in Hawaii to discuss recent missile tests occurring in North Korea. The meeting was led by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong. The three countries condemned the actions of North Korea and issued a joint statement that demanded for the government to end its weapons testing. Chung proposed that South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. should hasten their formation of a diplomatic solution.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Advances in Florida:

An anti-LGBTQ+, dubbed as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was approved by Florida’s Senate this past week. The bill, initially proposed by Republican lawmakers, would limit discussions of sexuality and gender in schools. It also allows parents to sue schools that appear to violate any part of the bill. Such an allowance is used by supporters to claim that the bill enables parents to be involved in their children’s education, but critics state that it will stigmatize the LGBTQ+ community and loosen protections on LGBTQ+ youth.

Biden Directs Afghan Funds Towards 9/11 Victims:

After Afghanistan’s $7 billion in assets in the U.S. were frozen following the Taliban’s takeover, Biden signed an order that would split the money between humanitarian aid and a relief fund for 9/11 victims. The decision received waves of criticism because Afghanistan is nearing a humanitarian disaster, and all of its assets in the U.S. should go toward helping its citizens. However, as reported by the Associated Press, Biden defended the move by stating that the money for 9/11 victims would help them pay for their lawsuits, which would allow “9/11 claimants under the U.S. legal system [to] have a right to their day in court.”

UCLA Settles Lawsuit Involving Former Gynecologist:

Content Warning: Article include details of sexual abuse/misconduct.

After hundreds of women filed a lawsuit alleging that former UCLA gynecologist James Heaps sexually abused them, the university settled the suit, agreeing to pay at least $100 million to the victims. During his time at UCLA from 1983 to 2018, Heaps allegedly abused his patients, yet the university never took any action, despite numerous complaints. The lawsuit even stated that UCLA went as far as hiding the abuse. According to NPR, UCLA did not “acknowledge wrongdoing…but did agree to change its procedures for preventing, identifying, investigating and dealing with sexual misconduct.” Other major universities recently faced similar lawsuits for doctors abusing their patients.

Czech Rep. and Poland Reach Agreement on Lignite Mine Border:

After months of discussion, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala reached an agreement concerning the border of a lignite mine that has long been the center of dispute between the two countries. The dispute arose after environmental concerns were raised in Czech Republic that the mine, which Poland uses to operate a power plant in the area, was causing water drainage in nearby villages and produced excessive noise. Last year, the Czech government finally sought a legal solution through the European Court of Justice. Although the case has yet to be withdrawn, Fiala stated that he would do so after Poland gave monetary compensation, as decided by the courts.

Islamic State Leader Killed in U.S. Raid:

After detonating a suicide bomb during a raid led by American special operations forces, it was announced on Thursday that Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, leader of the Islamic State group, was killed. His death was later confirmed using fingerprints and DNA. Prior to the bomb exploding, U.S. forces and Islamic State members engaged in a series of “gunfires and explosions,” according to the Associated Press. Although 10 people were evacuated during the raid, there were also 13 civilian deaths as a result, which includes women and children. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby released a statement that an investigation is underway to determine what role American forces had in the civilian casualties.

Amnesty International Officially Recognizes Israel as Apartheid State:

After years of human rights abuses against Palestine, Amnesty International released a report officially declaring Israel an apartheid state. According to NPR, the human rights group reached this conclusion because “all territories controlled by Israel continue to be administered with the purpose of benefiting Jewish Israelis to the detriment of Palestinians, while Palestinian refugees continue to be excluded.” The report continues to cite instances of ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses dating to the formation of Israel. The Israeli government has denounced the findings by claiming it is based on antisemitism.

U.S. Gov. to Pay Victims of 2017 Church Massacre:

A judge ruled that the U.S. government must pay the victims and their families of the 2017 church massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The damages will cost the government upwards of $230 million. The gunman, who killed 26 people and injured 22 other members, was supposed to be banned from purchasing firearms, due to his conviction on domestic assault charges during his time in the Air Force. Since the U.S. Air Force did not enter him into the correct database, the gunman was able to purchase an AR-556 rifle and other guns he used during the attack.

Taiwan Reverses Decision to Attend Opening Ceremony at Olympics:

After initially declining to attend the Olympics’ opening ceremony, Taiwan announced that their athletes will be doing so. In the statement released by Taiwanese Olympic officials, the decision comes after they received pressure from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to abide by the organization’s charter. During the Games, Taiwan will be competing as Chinese Taipei and are not allowed to use their flag. These rules were made under an agreement made prior to the Cold War.

Latest N. Korean Missile Test Reignites Concern:

On January 31, North Korean officials confirmed that the country successfully tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile that could reach Guam. The launch comes as North Korea tries to gain sanction relief or recognition as a nuclear state from the Biden administration. The government has also made recent threats to dissolve a 4-year moratorium that prevented any weapons testing for something as serious as a nuclear explosion or ICBM launch. American, Japanese, and South Korean officials have all condemned the missile testing; the Biden administration stated they are trying to convince North Korea to return to talks to dismantle the nuclear program, while the latter two governments announced that the launch was in direct violation of the U.N. Security Council’s ban for North Korea to test any ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons.

Northern Ireland Remembers Bloody Sunday:

Fifty years after the events of Bloody Sunday, those in Northern Ireland observed the anniversary by marching in the streets. Bloody Sunday took place on January 30, 1972 during a peaceful civil rights rally organized by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association. British soldiers fired into the crowd, killing a total of 14 people. The day escalated tensions between “Catholic nationalists who wanted Northern Ireland to become a part of a unified Ireland and the Protestant unionists loyal to the United Kingdom,” as reported by NPR. Even now, many are still fighting for justice for what happened on Bloody Sunday.

Coast Guard Ends Search for Migrants Lost at Sea:

After an overturned boat was found off the coast of Florida, the Coast Guard was sent to recover any bodies. Though some have been found, they announced that the search has been called off. However, Homeland Security Investigation officials will investigate the situation after it was discovered that the boat was filled with migrants. The Miami office released a statement that they believe the migrants were victims of a human smuggling operation, and they are currently searching for any person or organization that “‘organized, facilitated or profited from this doomed venture,’” according to NPR. If a smuggler is found and convicted, then they will be eligible for the death penalty.

Russia Labels Opposition Leader as Terrorist:

On Tuesday, Russia formally declared opposition leader Alexei Navalny and some of his allies as terrorists. As a result, they were added to the country’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service, which will cause their bank accounts to be frozen. This decision is the latest in the government’s attempt to silence any critics. Recently, other opposition groups were shut down or labeled as foreign agents and will therefore receive more surveillance from the government. Despite these events, Navalny’s organization promised that they would not be silenced.

Trial Begins for Doctor Accused of Torture:

In Germany, a doctor is on trial for torturing inmates in military hospitals and government-run prisons in Syria. In accordance with German privacy rules, the doctor is only identified as Alaa M. He first entered the country in 2015 where he was able to continue practicing medicine after his Syrian medical license was recertified. However, Alaa M. was later reported to German authorities by Syrians who recognized him. This start of this trial follows a high-profile case from last week that ended in the conviction of a former Syrian secret police member who was also accused of crimes against humanity (See Week of 1/11-1/18 for more details).

Pressure Increases for British PM Resignation:

During one of the U.K.’s lockdowns last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted “bring your own booze” parties. Although Johnson initially called such parties work events, he drew more criticism for saying that he was unaware the gatherings violated lockdown protocol, even though his political party was involved in creating those restrictions. Dominic Cummings, a former advisor for Johnson, revealed that he warned the prime minister about the violation, but such a conversation has been denied by Johnson. Now, the pressure to resign comes from both opposing political parties and Johnson’s own Conservative Party, as they denounced the prime minister’s failure to take responsibility for his actions. Although the interparty conflict has yet to prompt serious concern, it is clear that tensions are worsening over this scandal.

Military Junta in Effect in Burkina Faso:

After detaining President Roch Marc Christian Kabore during a military coup, Captain Sidsore Kaber Ouedraogo announced that Burkina Faso will be led by the country’s military. This military was formed under the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration, and their goal was to remove Kabore from power over his failure to handle crisis situations and maintain the country’s security. Ouedraogo stated that a new calendar is being formed so that elections may be held soon. In the meantime, Burkina Faso’s constitution has been suspended and the National Assembly was dissolved. As for the people, they hope that these new leaders will provide security from extremist attacks.

U.S. Troops May Deploy to Eastern Europe:

Due to fears that Russia may soon invade Ukraine, American troops have been placed on high alert that they may be soon deployed to Eastern Europe. Whether or not they will actually be deployed has yet to be determined, as John Kirby, the Pentagon’s spokesperson, stated on Monday. Kirby went on to announce that the decision will be based on the request of NATO, which is a military alliance between the U.S. and numerous European countries. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that Spain, France, Denmark, and the Netherlands are also determining if their troops will be sent. In the meantime, the American, British, and Australian governments have all ordered for embassy officials and citizens to leave Ukraine.

Prince Andrew Loses Royal Honors:

Following a series of sexual abuse allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew has officially been stripped of all his royal honors. A statement from Buckingham Palace detailed that this means he lost his military titles, he is no longer a representative for any charity organizations, and he can no longer be officially addressed as “His Royal Highness.” The announcement came one day after a judge denied his attempts to dismiss an abuse case, which he must now defend as a public citizen.

Supreme Court Blocks Workplace Vaccine Mandate:

A vote by the Supreme Court on Thursday has blocked President Biden’s attempt to require large businesses to implement a mandate for vaccination, regular testing, and mask-wearing. This rule was first proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and targeted businesses that employed at least 100 people. The final vote was along party lines; conservative justices stated that the OSHA and Biden administration was overstepping with such a requirement, while more liberal justices claimed that it was the court who was overstepping for ignoring the expertise of health officials. Despite this ruling, the Supreme Court has allowed for a vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and may make another ruling regarding vaccine mandates for federal contractors in the upcoming weeks.

Landmark Trial for Syria Proceeds in Germany:

In Germany, a verdict in the trial of Anwar Raslan is expected to be delivered on Thursday, which has the potential to deliver justice for numerous Syrians. This is because Raslan is facing charges for crimes against humanity, as a result of countless cases of torture he committed for the Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government. Even though the outcome of this trial will not result in legal precedent, it is the first of its kind and the evidence used in Raslan’s trial can be brought up in other cases. As one Syrian named Wassim Mukdad explained to the Associated Press, the trial additionally shows Syrians that their “sufferings are not in vain.” To learn more about this trial, including the events leading up to it and its ramifications, click here.

Fashion Icon Andre Leon Talley Passes Away:

Andre Leon Talley, a legend in the fashion industry who also broke numerous racial barriers, sadly passed away at the age of 73. Prior to working in fashion, Talley studied French and French literature at North Carolina Central University and Brown University. After his studies, he began working for Interview Magazine and worked at other magazines and newspapers before joining the Vogue team. During his time there, Talley became the first Black man to be Vogue’s creative director and editor-at-large. Throughout his illustrious career, he advocated for more diversity in the industry and always supported new designers. In recent years, Talley was the subject of the documentary The Gospel According to Andre and published his memoir, titled The Chiffon Trenches, in 2020. To read more about what he meant, read this op-ed by Zach Stafford.

Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Detained in Australia:

After arriving in Australia to play for the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic was detained by the Australian Border Force because his visa was canceled. However, the visa cancellation, which was due to his failure to meet the country’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements, was supposed to be permissible due to permissible exemption from the requirement. Despite the exemption, the border officials refused to accept it because Djokovic did not have a valid medical reason for it. While Djokovic is being detained in a hotel in Melbourne that immigration enforcement control, an action is being launched against the Federal Court for canceling his visa.

Protests in Kazakhstan Turn Deadly:

Following a 100% increase in gas prices, protests erupted in Kazakhstan during the beginning of the week. Police statements released on Thursday now reveal that the aftermath of these protests include 12 police officers, 353 injuries, and at least 2,000 arrests. Protests spread throughout Republic Square and various government buildings were stormed. Although the government issued a moratorium for increasing utility prices and promised a cap on rising gas prices, President Kassym–Jomart Tokayev has taken measures to pacify protestors but also warned of harsh consequences. Currently, there are fears as to what potential crackdowns may look like due to airport closings and interrupted internet connections during the week, in addition to Tokayev requesting aid from a military alliance led by Russia.

Turkmenistan Pres. Calls to Extinguish Decades-Long Burning Crater:

Just 160 miles from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the “Gates of Hell” crater has been burning since the 1970s, when geologists ignited the fire to prevent gas from spreading after a drilling collapse. What was expected to last a few weeks turned into a well-known site in the country; however, new research showing the negative ecological and health impacts of the crater has prompted President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to call on experts to find a way to finally extinguish the flames.

Trailblazing Actor Sidney Poitier Passes Away:

Actor Sidney Poitier, who changed the presentation of Black characters in media and who was the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Actor, passed away on Thursday at the age of 94. Poitier notably portrayed characters who did not fit into the stereotypes commonly used during the 1950s and 1960s, and he often acted in movies that focused on personal, rather than political, themes. Throughout his decades-long career, Poitier earned a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he was given by then-President Barack Obama in 2009. To learn more about Poitier’s groundbreaking career, read here.

Gabriel Boric Elected as Chile’s New President:

After a historically large turnout during Chile’s latest presidential election, Gabriel Boric was elected as the country’s newest leader. He was running against conservative Jose Antonio Kast, who conceded shortly before voting polls closed due to Boric’s significant lead. Boric, who is much more liberal than his opponent, promises to provide more government support for various social issues, fight climate change, and make Chilean society more equal.

Pakistan Leads in Rallying Support for Afghanistan:

Pakistan continues to rally Muslim countries in supporting Afghanistan with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This body consists of 57-members who will meet to discuss ways they can provide aid for Afghanistan, which is threatened by both economic and humanitarian disasters. Although the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, who was chosen by the Taliban, will be attending the OIC meeting, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi states that the organization does not recognize the Taliban and that the conference will be centered around supporting the Afghani people.

Pfizer’s Clinical Trials for Third COVID Vaccine Dose Expands:

The Pfizer-BioNTech Company announced they would expand their clinical trials for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to include infants at a minimum of six months old. This news comes as a statement was released that revealed “two doses did not produce a robust immune response in kids 2 to 5 years old,” according to NPR. The change to the trials extends the timeline for data collection regarding this demographic, which means that Pfizer cannot file for the FDA to approve the vaccine for this age group until the beginning of 2022.

Walmart Sued for Illegal Waste Dumping:

Walmart is being sued by California for supposedly dumping hazardous waste at landfills across the state. Although the hazardous waste is prevalent throughout the lawsuit because it violates numerous environmental laws, prosecutors also state that private customer information has been dumped at these sites too. Walmart was previously sued in 2010 for the same reasons, though that case was eventually settled. However, state investigators found evidence of the dumping of hazardous waste and personal information in 58 inspections starting from 2015.

Canada Bans Conversion Therapy:

On Wednesday, the Canadian Government passed a bill that bans conversion therapy in the country, a practice that encompasses any type of treatment or behavior meant to repress LBTQ+ (LGBTQ2 in Canda) individuals’ sexual or gender orientation/expression. According to NPR, conversion therapy impacts “one in 10 gay, bi, trans and queer men and Two-Spirit and nonbinary people in Canada…Among them, 72% started before the age of 20.” Although this was the third attempt to ban the practice, the bill that was passed is currently one of the most comprehensive bans in the world.

Jussie Smollett Convicted of Disorderly Conduct Charges:

In January of 2019, actor Jussie Smollett made headlines for being a victim of a racist and homophibic attack, during which he claimed two assailants put a noose around his neck while yelling slurs and slogans associated with Donald Trump. However, an investigation into the attack revealed that Smollet staged the incident by hiring his assailants for $3,500 and telling them what to say, although he has continued to maintain that the attack was real and that the checks the assailants received were for meal and workout plans. Regardless, the actor was subsequently charged with six counts of disorderly conduct for lying to the police, and a jury on Friday convicted him on five of the charges. Although the charges are a class 4 felony, experts claim that Smollett will most likely receive probation and community service as opposed to a prison sentence.

New Caledonia to Vote on Independence from France:

A vote on a referendum this weekend will determine if New Caledonia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, remains a territory of France. The vote is part of the 1998 Noumea Accords between France and the indigenous Kanaks, which stated that during the two decades following the agreement, three votes must be held to decide on New Caledonia independence, and the French Government will have to allow increasingly more political control to the Kanaks. Although voting trends show an increase in the amount of people who want independence for the territory, pro-independence activists have criticized France for insisting that the vote be held now to avoid conflict with the country's April presidential election; the majority of independence seekers are Kanaks who currently are in observance of a traditional year-long mourning rite because of the pandemic. The Noumea Accords allows for the vote to be postponed for October 2022, which experts say would be beneficial for the independence movement. To learn more about the issue, read this article from NPR.

Catholic Women’s Groups Push for the Pope to Sign European Rights Convention:

Various Catholic women’s groups petition for the Holy See to ratify the European Rights Convention. The Holy See, the Vatican’s jurisdictive body that is led by the pope, is internationally recognized as a sovereign state. As such, the petitioners state that it is the Holy See’s duty to sign the European Convention, which is “regarded as the gold standard for rights protections around the world,” according to the Associated Press. Since Pope Francis has presented himself and the Vatican as advocates for human rights, the women’s groups additionally assert that ratifying the European Rights Convention will further the cause.

Far-Right French Politician Announces Presidential Candidacy:

Eric Zemmour declared his candidacy for the presidential election in France. Zemmour’s announcement draws scrutiny, due to his far-right stance and previous convictions on hate speech, which include anti-immigrant and anti-Islam views. The video Zemmour released to announce his candidacy also has many alarmed for its imagery and messages, most notably displaying predominantly white men in various jobs but showing people of color in unkept parts of the city waiting for food handouts. Furthermore, Zemmour’s platform is being questioned because although he expressed his plans to create more jobs and reduce the country’s debts, Zemmour did not say how these would be accomplished, nor did he address France’s COVID-19 resurgence.

Deadly Shooting at MI High School:

Fifteen-year-old Ethan Crumbley killed four students and injured eight others on Tuesday, November 30 after he opened fire at Oxford High School in Michigan. Although authorities stated a motive has yet to be determined, many from the area turned to social media to allege that there were shooting threats against the school prior to the attack. Threats against the school were previously investigated following a case of vandalism wherein the head of a deer was thrown into the school’s courtyard and various parts of the building were painted in red. However, officials say the shooter is not connected to the vandalism.

MI Shooter’s Parents Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter:

After being discovered hiding in a warehouse in Detroit, James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the sophomore who opened fire on his high school, were each charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter. The couple was arrested on Saturday, after authorities initiated a manhunt following their failure to turn themselves in on Friday. Officials revealed that $4,000 were withdrawn from an ATM prior to their arrest. The Crumbley’s have entered not guilty pleas and are each currently being held on $500,000 bail.

Aung San Suu Kyi Found Guilty on Two Charges, as Trial Continues:

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s civilian leader until a de facto coup by the military earlier this year, was found guilty on two of the many charges she faces. Although the sentencing for these charges was reduced from four to two years, if she is convicted on all of her charges, Suu Kyi potentially faces more than 100 years in prison. The global community, including Amnesty International and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, have criticized the trial as an attempt to ruin Suu Kyi’s reputation and prevent her and the National League for Democracy party from re-election. Although Suu Kyi received criticism in the past for her handling of human rights violations, such as the genocide targeting Rohingya Muslims, she has been praised for promoting the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.

Gov. Charlie Baker Signs Bill Requiring Genocide Education:

After a Duxbury football coach was fired for using anti-semitic language for the team’s plays, Massachusetts lawmakers renewed efforts to pass a bill that would mandate genocide and human rights education for students. On December 4, Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill into law, which will require the subject matter to be taught to middle and high schoolers. The bill establishes a Genocide Education Trust Fund to provide for educators’ materials and training, in addition to requiring districts to file lesson plans with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has a record of “17 states requir[ing] Holocaust education as part of their secondary school curriculums.”

McMichael Duo and William Bryan Found Guilty of Killing Ahmaud Arbery:

On Wednesday, Greg Michael, his son Travis McMichael, and their neighbor William Bryan were found guilty of murdering Ahmaud Arbery last February in Georgia. The three men will receive a sentence of life in prison but may have the possibility of parole, a decision the judge has yet to make. The verdict has been commending by countless people across the country for delivering justice, as the case was yet another example of racially motivated murder. Due to the role that race had in the murder, the men are additionally charged with committing a hate crime. That trial is scheduled to begin in February 2022.

CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart Pharmacies Found Liable for Fueling Opioid Crisis:

In Ohio, a federal jury found the pharmacies of CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart—three of the biggest pharmaceutical chains in the U.S.—liable for fueling the opioid crisis. The decision came after evidence was provided that proved a large portion of the medications sold at these pharmacies in Ohio counties were later sold on the black market. The attorneys on the case hope that this verdict will aid in thousands of similar lawsuits across the country. A separate proceeding that will decide how much money these companies will have to pay, which many expect to be in the billions, has yet to be scheduled.

Organizers of Charlottesville Unite the Right Rally Found Liable for Consequent Violence:

In August of 2017, the Unite the Right rally was held in Charlottesville, Virginia where approximately 300 Neo-Nazis marched while carrying tiki torches. The rally garnered national attention, not only for the hateful ideology that motivated the rally, but also for the violence that erupted afterwards, especially in the killing of one counter protestor who was mowed down by a car. This past week, a jury in Virginia found the Unite the Right organizers and activists to be liable for the violence that occurred. The plaintiffs sought $3-5 million for emotional damages, and those injured by the car attack sought $7-10 million for physical damages. The plaintiffs were supported by a nonprofit organization called Integrity First for America. Despite this resolution, the jury were unable to decide whether the organizers violated the KKK Act, a federal civil statute that determines if they “conspired to commit racially motivated violence or whether they had knowledge of it and failed to prevent it,” according to NPR.

Death Toll in Christmas Parade Attack Rises, as Perpetrator is Charged:

During a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Darrell Brooks drove an SUV into the crowd. The death toll has risen, as a child died from injuries sustained during the attack, according to a statement made by the prosecutors. This announcement came as they stated Brooks will be facing five counts of first-degree intentional homicide. However, that number may change to six because of the child’s death. A clear motive for the attack has yet to be found, but if Brooks is found guilty on all the charges, he may receive five consecutive life sentences.

Outrage Erupts Over French Dictionary’s Inclusion of Non-Binary Pronoun:

Le Petit Robert, one of the most authoritative French dictionaries, made headlines for officially including the non-binary pronoun “iel,” which is formed from the masculine pronoun “il” and feminine pronoun “elle.” Although the pronoun has been used by French non-binary individuals, this move paves the way for more gender neutral terms in a language that is strictly gendered. However, politicians like François Jolivet and Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer denounce the decision, claiming it is ruining French culture and a signal of the acceptance of “‘woke’ ideology,” according to the Associated Press. In response to these reactions, Charles Bimbenet, the general director of Le Robert, defended the decision by saying it’s the dictionary’s duty to “‘report on the evolution of a changing and diverse French language.’”

Kyle Rittenhouse Acquitted of Charges for Kenosha Killings:

This past summer, Kyle Rittenhouse killed two men and injured another with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle in Kenosha, Wisconsin during Black Lives Matter protests. As a result, Rittenhouse was charged with homicide, attempted homicide, and reckless endangerment, but a jury verdict on Friday declared him not guilty on all counts. While Rittenhouse’s victims—a word that was banned by the judge during trial—were white, civil rights activists point out how his own race influenced the racial double standard of the trial.

Concern Grows Over Missing Chinese Tennis Star:

Peng Shuai is a tennis start in China who has been missing from the public eye for three weeks. Shuai’s disappearance is especially concerning because it coincides with her sexual assault accusation against senior official, Zhang Gaoli. Although the International Olympic Committee has stated Shuai is simply seeking privacy, many doubt the statement and fellow athletes and fans have trended #WhereIsPengShuai on social media. The Women’s Tennis Association has even threatened to cancel events planned to take place in China.

Mayor of Reggio Emilia Calls for Stricter Laws to Protect Women:

Mayor Luca Vecchi attended a sit-in with the people of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and later he gave a statement, insisting on stronger laws to combat femicide. The sit-in was to honor Juana Cecilia Hazana Loayza, who was found dead at the park where the demonstration was held. She was killed by Mirko Genco, a former partner who had recently received a plea deal that suspended his sentence for stalking Loayza. The deal also prevented a restraining order from being enforceable. The plea deal and consequent murder is just one instance of the harmful patriarchal society in Italy, which countless people are trying to eliminate.

Brit Awards Change Award Categories:

The Brit Awards announced they will no longer separate award categories by sex. Instead of the male and female prizes, those categories will simply be called U.K. artist and international artist of the year. The announcement follows a recent change in 2017 that expanded the academy to include more diverse industry members.

“Great Green Wall” Project Changes Plan to Prevent Desertification:

Countries across the Sahel region of Africa, which stretches from Senegal to Djibouti, began working in 2007 under the Great Green Wall project to plant trees as a method to hold back the Sahara Desert. Although this endeavor hoped to limit the repercussions of climate change moving sand south, increasing temperatures and drought forced the project to create a new solution. In Senegal, project organizers turned to community-based efforts, such as reforestation and circular gardens to protect the towns in the region, in hopes of preventing desertification, which is when fertile soil changes into desert sand. Great Green Wall hopes that community-based projects will encourage more people to get involved in their endeavors.

Thousands Protest in Thailand Over Monarchy Reforms:

Young Thais led protests on Sunday, calling for reforms to the monarchy, with many protesting the idea of an absolute monarchy. These protests resulted from the Constitutional Court ruling that advocacy for reform is unconstitutional and aimed at dismantling the institution. However, as one protestor declared, the monarchy has recently resembled an absolute monarchy, and the current system no longer implements equal treatment of all. Due to the taboo of protesting in Thailand and a constitutional provision that requires the monarchy to be revered, advocates for reform risk a maximum sentence 15 years in prison.

U.S. Exposed for Hiding Civilian Deathtoll of 2019 Syrian Airstrike:

A New York Times investigation revealed that the Baghuz airstrike from March 18, 2019 killed about 80 civilians, primarily women and children. According to the New York Times, although a legal officer marked the strike “as a possible war crime that required an investigation,” the military hid the results and issued reports that minimized the consequences. The airstrike was approved by a Special Operations task force but not by top officials. Even though the military has rules to prevent civilian casualties, this task force often avoids them by claiming imminent danger and face no repercussions for any civilian deaths. Gene Tate, who currently works at the inspector general’s office after years in the Navy and the Defense Intelligence Agency, submitted a report to the Senate Armed Services Committee about the coverup but has yet to receive any notification that the case is actively being investigated.

Pfizer Vaccine Approved for Children Ages 5-11 in the U.S.:

Even though the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the United States will finally administer the shot after the Center for Disease Control officially cleared it. The announcement will hopefully assuage parents’ anxieties regarding the risk their children are at; government data reveals that among the 8,300 COVID-19 hospitalizations for this age group, at least one-third required intensive care, and the death toll is at least 94. Pfizer is currently studying the vaccine in babies and preschoolers.

U.N. Report Reveals World is Behind in Handling Climate Change:

As world leaders met in Glasgow for the COP26 Summit, the United Nations released a report that the world is not doing enough to combat climate change, even as some of the effects have become irreversible. The news comes following a year of severe displays of climate change--record heat waves, damaging floods, and blazing forest fires. Although developing countries are usually most impacted, climate disasters appeared to be more universal than ever. The report urges nations, especially the wealthiest ones which produced about 80% of greenhouse gases, to allocate more resources towards developing extensive plans to fight the climate crisis.

New Report Declares Uyghur Genocide Worsening in China:

The U.S. Holocaust Museum released a report containing evidence proving that the genocide against Uyghurs in China is worsening. Although China’s government does not validate any charges of crimes against humanity, the compiled evidence proves how the Uyghurs have been subjected to forced sterilization, torture, enslavement, among other horrors.The report calls for nations to take more definitive action against China.

Concern Over Israeli Label of Palestinian Organization as Terrorist Groups:

Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and Albania released a joint statement expressing concern over Israel’s decision to label six Palestinian civil society organizations as terrorist groups. The concern stems from the political, legal, and financial ramifications such a designation will have for those groups, who protect human rights and democratic values. These five nations, who will join the U.N. Security Council in January, pledged to investigate Israel’s reasoning for this action, especially since the dossier used to inform the designation lacks concrete evidence.