South Africa faces backlash over the treatment of Palestinian passengers, while human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah is barred from leaving Egypt. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro warns against U.S. military intervention, and a London judge holds BHP Group accountable for a catastrophic dam collapse in Brazil.

South Africa's Treatment of Palestinian Passengers
Over 150 Palestinians were held for approximately 12 hours on a plane at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport due to issues with their travel documents. The passengers, including a nine-month pregnant woman and children, were subjected to extreme heat while waiting for clearance to enter the country. South African border authorities cited missing exit stamps and insufficient documentation as reasons for their detention. Eventually, the home affairs ministry intervened, allowing the passengers to disembark. Local NGO Gift of the Givers arranged accommodations for those seeking asylum, with many expressing intentions to apply for refugee status.

Alaa Abd el-Fattah's Travel Restrictions
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a prominent British-Egyptian human rights activist recently released from prison, was stopped from boarding a flight to the UK at Cairo International Airport. Although he was pardoned after over a decade of incarceration, his travel rights remain ambiguous. Abd el-Fattah was set to attend significant human rights conferences in London. His sister, Sanaa Seif, confirmed that he was prevented from leaving the country, prompting concerns about his ability to reunite with his son in the UK.

Maduro's Call for Peace Amid U.S. Military Buildup
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid an "Afghanistan-style" military conflict, as tensions rise with the U.S. military's increased presence in the region. Maduro's remarks followed the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. He emphasized the need for peace rather than further military interventions. In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating drug trafficking, although many observers view it as a political maneuver to challenge Maduro's regime rather than a genuine effort to address drug-related issues.

BHP Group Found Liable for Environmental Disaster
In a landmark ruling, a London judge declared BHP Group liable for the 2015 Samarco dam collapse in Brazil, which resulted in widespread environmental devastation and the loss of 19 lives. The court determined that BHP, despite not owning the dam at the time, holds responsibility due to its 50% ownership of Samarco. The disaster released millions of cubic meters of toxic waste into the Doce River, causing extensive ecological damage and affecting local communities. Approximately 600,000 Brazilians are pursuing £36 billion in compensation, although the ruling only addresses liability, with a subsequent phase of the trial to determine damages.

Wrap-up
These incidents highlight ongoing global concerns regarding human rights, military interventions, and environmental accountability. As nations grapple with these challenges, the international community remains vigilant in advocating for justice and humanitarian support.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team