The international landscape is marked by significant developments as the UK government denies a deportation request for a convicted Nigerian politician, a volcano erupts in Ethiopia for the first time in 12,000 years, and Australian households face escalating mortgage costs. These events reflect ongoing challenges in justice, environmental concerns, and economic pressures worldwide.

UK Rejects Deportation of Convicted Politician
The UK government has declined Nigeria's request to deport Ike Ekweremadu, a former deputy president of the Nigerian senate, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence for organ trafficking. Ekweremadu, along with his wife and a co-conspirator, was convicted in 2023 for attempting to exploit a young man for his kidney to benefit their daughter. The UK Ministry of Justice cited concerns that Nigeria could not guarantee the continuation of Ekweremadu's sentence if he were deported. The case has drawn attention to vulnerabilities in the UK health system regarding organ trafficking.

Ethiopian Volcano Erupts After Millennia
In a rare geological event, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Afar region erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending ash clouds across the Red Sea. Local officials reported no casualties, but the eruption poses risks to the livelihoods of nearby livestock herders due to ash covering grazing lands. The volcano, which rises about 500 meters, is located in a seismically active area where tectonic plates converge. Residents described the eruption as a powerful shock wave, likening it to a bomb explosion.

Trump's Legal Challenges and Political Tensions
A federal judge has dismissed criminal charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James, ruling that the prosecutor who brought the cases was unlawfully appointed. The judge's decision highlights ongoing legal battles surrounding political figures in the U.S. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has hinted at supporting conspiracy theories regarding Venezuela's alleged interference in the 2020 election, further polarizing political discourse. Trump's remarks coincide with increased military pressure on Venezuela, raising concerns about potential conflict.

Australia Faces Mortgage Affordability Crisis
A report from property research firm Cotality reveals that Australian households are now spending nearly twice as much of their income on mortgages compared to five years ago. The average household dedicates 45% of its pre-tax income to mortgage payments, with Sydney residents facing even higher percentages. The report attributes this surge to rising home values, which have climbed approximately 50% since the pandemic began, outpacing income growth. As housing affordability becomes a pressing issue for voters, calls for government action to increase housing supply intensify.

Wrap-up
These global events underscore the interconnectedness of justice, environmental phenomena, and economic conditions. As nations grapple with these challenges, the implications for communities and governance remain significant.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team