World News

Star wars: Russians turn to astrologers amid Ukraine conflict

Will there be nuclear war?. Ukrainians want to know "if nuclear war will happen, if they should leave their country, if their loved ones are in danger", astrologer Olena Umanets told AFP. "Russia will explode in March 2023," predicted the 38-year-old former musician, who fled Ukraine for Switzerland. 

In Canada's Quebec, a new way to prosecute domestic and sexual assault

Five years after the #MeToo movement sent shockwaves around the world with tales of unreported sexual harassment and assault, Canada's Quebec province is moving to ensure victims are heard in court.. The US defamation case that pitted actor Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard -- which aired sordid accusations of abuse from both sides -- has highlighted the issue once again, as Heard faced rampant online harassment over her claims.

Algeria marks 60 years of independence from France

Algeria marks 60 years of independence from France on Tuesday with a huge military parade, but memories of violence during the colonial period continue to overshadow ties between the two.. On July 5 of the same year, days after 99.72 percent voted for independence in a referendum, Algeria finally broke free from colonial rule -- but memories of the 132-year occupation continue to mar its ties with France.

Police arrest suspect after gunman kills six at US July 4 parade

Police arrested a suspect Monday after a mass shooting left six dead at a US Independence Day parade in a wealthy Chicago suburb, casting a dark shadow over the country's most patriotic holiday. . And it cast a pall over America's Independence Day, in which towns and cities across the country hold similar parades and people -- many dressed in variations on the US flag -- hold barbecues, attend sports events and gather for firework displays.

'Terrified' Griner asks for freedom in letter to Biden

American basketball star Brittney Griner asked US President Joe Biden to free her from a Russian prison in a handwritten letter Monday, portions of which were made public by her family.. "As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I'm terrified I might be here forever," Griner wrote.

Markets react badly to new Argentina economy minister appointment

Argentina's peso fell sharply against the US dollar in the informal market on Monday following the appointment of new Economy Minister Silvina Batakis.. Argentina operates an official exchange rate, which stood at 132 pesos against the US dollar, depreciating by just over one percent on Monday.

Indigenous protests cost Ecuador $1 bn, central bank says

Eighteen days of protests over the cost of living by Indigenous Ecuadorans who blocked roads and oil wells cost the country at least $1 billion, the central bank said Monday as the movement's leader went on trial.. He was arrested on the second day of protests, and held for 24 hours before being freed pending trial for the illegal road closures.

In the east of Ukraine, 'the best thing is to leave'

Andriy Gerasimenko was on Monday clearing the debris at the central market of Sloviansk, a city in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine ravaged by Russian strikes the day before.. Residents of another city in the Donetsk region, Kramatorsk, were also collecting debris on Monday.

Saudi welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began.. The following year, when the pandemic took hold, foreigners were barred and worshippers were restricted to just 10,000 to stop the hajj from turning into a global super-spreader.

Sudan's Burhan says army stepping back for civilian govt

Sudan's coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Monday the army would make way for a civilian government and would "not participate" in national talks facilitated by the UN and regional blocs.. The United Nations, the African Union and regional bloc IGAD facilitated the dialogue.