The case targets members of the progressive People’s Party and its dissolved predecessor Move Forward Party, who in 2021 sought changes to legislation that protects the monarchy from criticism. The court said proceedings would begin on June 30 and confirmed that 10 serving lawmakers among the accused would not be suspended pending trial.

Thailand’s lese-majeste law is among the strictest globally, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics, including members of the opposition, have argued that the law has been used to suppress dissent and political opposition.

The court’s move marks the latest setback for Thailand’s liberal, anti-establishment bloc, which has faced a series of judicial rulings in recent years. In early 2024, a court ruled that efforts by Move Forward to amend the law were unconstitutional and undermined the democratic system.

The party was subsequently dissolved, with its members regrouping under the People’s Party banner.Among those named in the case are party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.

Despite strong polling support, the People’s Party finished second in February’s general election to the Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, after earlier being blocked from forming a government following its 2023 election victory.

The case, being heard at the Seoul Central District Court, is part of a series of legal proceedings against Yoon following his removal from office last year after a brief imposition of martial law that triggered political turmoil in the country.

Prosecutors allege the drone operation heightened military tensions with North Korea and risked exposing sensitive information about South Korea’s military capabilities after one of the drones crashed.

The charges include benefiting the enemy, a provision that can apply even without direct coordination if national security interests are harmed.

Yoon has denied the allegations, with his legal team stating he did not take any action that could provoke a military confrontation with North Korea.

The trial is one of eight cases currently involving Yoon, reflecting the legal fallout from his presidency and the controversial martial law declaration. The court is expected to issue a ruling at a later date.

Swalwell, a seven-term lawmaker and former contender in California’s gubernatorial race, announced his decision after reports by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed accusations from multiple women, including claims of sexual assault involving a former employee. He has denied the assault allegations but acknowledged “mistakes in judgment” in a statement posted on social media.

The House Ethics Committee said it had opened an inquiry into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee working under his supervision.

The panel noted that the existence of the investigation does not indicate that any violation has occurred.“I will fight the serious false allegation made against me,” Swalwell said, adding that he would nonetheless step down to avoid distracting from his duties and responsibilities to constituents.

The allegations prompted swift political fallout, with lawmakers from both parties calling for his resignation. Some members of Congress had also pushed for an expulsion vote, increasing pressure on Swalwell to leave office.

California Senator Adam Schiff, who had previously endorsed Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid before withdrawing support, described the situation as “shocking and deeply upsetting” and said the resignation was appropriate.

CNN reported that, in addition to the assault allegations, three other women accused Swalwell of misconduct, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or images. These claims have not been adjudicated.Swalwell’s departure will trigger a special election in his Northern California district, which he won by more than 30 percentage points in 2024.

Under California law, the governor must call a special election within 14 days of a vacancy.The future of the Ethics Committee’s investigation remains uncertain, as such probes are often discontinued when a lawmaker resigns.

Polling stations opened at 0700 local time (1200 GMT) for roughly 27 million eligible voters, as no candidate appeared close to securing the more than 50% required to win outright. The likely second-round vote on June 7 could extend uncertainty in the world’s third-largest copper producer amid rising crime and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Voters expressed frustration with the political class. “Peru is a mess, and there’s no candidate worth voting for,” said Lima resident Gloria Padilla, reflecting widespread disillusionment after years of turmoil.

Since 2018, Peru has had eight presidents, a rapid turnover driven by impeachments, corruption scandals and fragile governing coalitions that have hindered policymaking.

Analysts say the instability has deepened distrust in Congress and other institutions.“People really despise the current Congress,” said Martin Cassinelli of the Atlantic Council, adding that many voters hold lawmakers responsible for prolonged political chaos.

The fragmented field reflects a broad anti-establishment mood, with candidates ranging from experienced political figures to outsiders. Conservative Keiko Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid after reaching three prior runoffs, has campaigned on restoring order and economic stability, appealing to voters concerned about rising crime.

Her candidacy remains polarizing due to her political legacy and past legal challenges.Ricardo Belmont, a former Lima mayor running on a center-left platform, has surged into contention after a late rise in support, while comedian Carlos Alvarez has gained traction with a tough-on-crime message.

On the right, businessman and former mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga has promoted socially conservative policies, though his support has fluctuated.Public security has dominated the campaign, with increasing homicide and extortion rates linked partly to drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Leading candidates have proposed expanding the military’s role in domestic security.The election also carries broader geopolitical implications. Peru’s economic ties with China, its largest trading partner and a major investor in mining and infrastructure, have drawn attention from the United States, which has increased engagement in the lead-up to the vote.

Whoever advances to the runoff will face a divided Congress and a newly reinstated Senate, complicating legislative efforts and potentially raising the risk of further political confrontation.

Polls are set to close at 5 p.m. local time (2200 GMT), with preliminary results expected shortly afterward.

Civilian fatalities attributed to security forces in Burkina Faso and Mali have exceeded those caused by jihadist groups, according to recent data and rights assessments, raising concerns about the conduct of counterinsurgency operations and their broader implications for regional stability.

Analysts and rights groups say the pattern reflects a troubling escalation in abuses by state forces and allied militias, particularly in areas where governments are battling insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The findings come at a time when military-led governments in both countries are seeking to consolidate control following coups and recalibrate their international alliances.

Human Rights Watch researcher Ilaria Allegrozzi said Burkina Faso’s security forces and affiliated militias “appear to be more brutal and violent” than militant groups such as Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked coalition active across the Sahel. Her assessment underscores a shift in the dynamics of violence, where counterinsurgency measures themselves are increasingly contributing to civilian harm.

The data highlights a regional pattern in which government responses to insurgency are marked by alleged extrajudicial killings, collective punishment, and insufficient accountability mechanisms. Allegrozzi said such trends point to broader issues of military indiscipline that risk undermining the effectiveness of security operations.

Widespread civilian casualties linked to state forces could have significant strategic consequences, analysts said. Beyond the immediate human cost, such incidents may erode public trust in governments and create conditions that enable militant groups to strengthen their narratives and expand recruitment.

Insurgent organisations operating in the Sahel have long sought to portray themselves as alternatives to state authority, particularly in rural and marginalised regions. Reports of abuses by national armies may reinforce these narratives, complicating efforts to restore state legitimacy and control.

The situation also carries implications for international engagement in the region. The United States has signalled interest in improving relations with Sahelian governments, even as Burkina Faso and Mali have distanced themselves from traditional Western partners, including France, following their respective coups.

However, allegations of human rights violations could complicate diplomatic and security cooperation.Both Burkina Faso and Mali have undergone significant political transitions in recent years, with military juntas assuming power amid rising insecurity. These governments have prioritised aggressive counterinsurgency campaigns, often relying on local militias and volunteer forces to supplement national armies.

Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the conduct of these auxiliary forces, which are frequently accused of targeting civilians suspected of supporting or collaborating with jihadist groups. Such accusations are difficult to verify independently in many cases due to restricted access to conflict zones and limited transparency from authorities.

Spokespeople for the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Similarly, neither the Burkinabe government nor the Sharia Committee of JNIM in Burkina Faso responded to inquiries from Human Rights Watch regarding the allegations.

The reported pattern of violence reflects the complexity of the conflict environment in the Sahel, where distinguishing between combatants and civilians is often challenging. Armed groups operate in remote areas with limited state presence, and local populations are frequently caught between competing forces.

Despite these challenges, analysts stress that adherence to international humanitarian law remains essential for maintaining credibility and effectiveness in counterinsurgency operations. Failure to do so, they say, risks perpetuating cycles of violence that ultimately benefit insurgent groups.

The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that military-led approaches alone may be insufficient to address the root causes of instability in the region. Issues such as governance deficits, economic marginalisation, and intercommunal tensions continue to fuel conflict dynamics across the Sahel.

As Burkina Faso and Mali navigate their security challenges, the conduct of their armed forces is likely to remain under scrutiny from international observers and rights organisations.

The balance between combating insurgency and protecting civilian populations is expected to be a key factor shaping both domestic legitimacy and external partnerships.

The 69-year-old secured the presidency following a parliamentary vote broadcast live from Naypyitaw, where lawmakers aligned with the army-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party and constitutionally mandated military appointees ensured a decisive outcome.

His elevation follows elections held in December and January that delivered a sweeping victory to the military-backed party, polls widely criticized by Western governments and opposition groups as lacking credibility and designed to entrench military rule under a civilian façade.

Min Aung Hlaing, who has led Myanmar’s armed forces since 2011, recently oversaw a leadership reshuffle within the military, appointing loyalist Ye Win Oo as commander-in-chief after being nominated for the presidency earlier this week. Analysts view the transition as a calculated move to retain influence over both civilian and military institutions while seeking greater international legitimacy.

The general seized power in the February 2021 coup, detaining Suu Kyi and other senior leaders, an event that triggered mass protests and evolved into an entrenched civil war involving pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups.

Despite the formal political transition, fighting continues across multiple regions. This week, anti-junta factions, including elements linked to Suu Kyi’s political movement and ethnic militias, announced the formation of a broader alliance aimed at dismantling military rule and establishing a federal democratic system.

Analysts say the consolidation of power under Min Aung Hlaing could lead to intensified military operations against resistance forces, while also prompting regional actors to reassess diplomatic engagement with Myanmar’s leadership amid ongoing instability and economic strain.

The official said the prosecutor will examine the file, issue a legal opinion and return it to Bitar, who will then draft an indictment outlining charges and individual responsibilities for approximately 70 defendants, including politicians, security personnel and civil servants.

The investigation had faced repeated disruptions since 2023, when Hezbollah and its allies mounted a campaign to remove Bitar, accompanied by a series of legal challenges that effectively paralysed proceedings.

The inquiry resumed last year following shifts in Lebanon’s political landscape after the 2023–2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which weakened the Iran-backed group’s influence, according to the judicial official.

Bitar is expected to decide on the legal status of about 20 individuals who appeared before him for questioning since early 2025, including whether to detain, release or conditionally free them.

Decisions regarding the remaining roughly 50 suspects among them senior officials and judges who declined to appear have already been made, the official said.No suspects are currently in custody in connection with the case.

Lebanese authorities have attributed the August 4, 2020 explosion, which killed more than 220 people and devastated large parts of the capital, to a fire that ignited a stockpile of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely for years at the port despite repeated warnings to senior officials.

The case has become a focal point of demands for accountability in Lebanon, where critics have long accused political elites of obstructing judicial processes in high-profile cases involving state institutions.

Oli, 74, who resigned after the unrest, was taken into custody along with former home minister Ramesh Lekhak following a recommendation by an official panel that they be prosecuted over their handling of the violence.

Police spokesman Om Adhikari said both men were being held at the Kathmandu Police Office and would be produced before a court on Sunday.The arrests come a day after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as prime minister, marking a shift in Nepal’s political leadership after elections influenced by public anger over the deaths.

Authorities said the detentions were made in line with the findings of a commission that examined the September protests, during which 76 people were killed over two days of unrest.

The panel held Oli responsible for failing to act to halt prolonged firing that killed at least 19 Gen Z protesters on the first day.“We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission,” Adhikari said.

Oli was later transferred to a hospital from police custody, witnesses said, citing his health condition. He has undergone two kidney transplants in the past.

Oli’s lawyer, Tikaram Bhattarai, said the arrest lacked legal basis, arguing there was no risk of his client fleeing or evading questioning.“They have said it is for investigation. It is illegal and improper,” Bhattarai told Reuters.

Lekhak and his legal representatives were not immediately available for comment.political falloutThe deaths during the protests became a central issue in Nepal’s recent elections, helping propel Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party to a landslide victory.

The demonstrations, largely driven by younger voters, were fuelled by allegations of corruption and demands for accountability.Oli’s arrest underscores the new administration’s apparent willingness to act on the findings of the investigative panel and pursue legal accountability for the violence.

Shah, 35, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of seats in the 275-member House of Representatives in the March 5 polls, giving him a strong parliamentary mandate.

A political outsider popularly known as Balen, Shah faces the immediate challenge of addressing widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political parties, which voters have blamed for entrenched corruption and prolonged instability.

He rose to prominence during the September unrest that brought down the government, aligning himself publicly with largely youth-led protests that reflected growing generational discontent, although he did not directly participate in demonstrations.

The oath-taking ceremony in Katmandu incorporated Hindu and Buddhist rituals, reflecting Nepal’s religious traditions. The ceremony included “shankhnaad,” or the blowing of conch shells, alongside chanting by priests and lamas, as Shah took office with members of his newly appointed cabinet.

Religion and astrology continue to influence public life in Nepal, where auspicious timing is often observed for major events, including political ceremonies.

Trained as a structural engineer, Shah first gained national attention as a rap artist before entering politics and winning the mayoral election in Katmandu.

His rise from cultural figure to national leader has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, particularly among younger voters.

The findings come two days before rapper-turned politician Balendra Shah is set to be sworn in as prime minister after securing a landslide victory in parliamentary elections triggered by the unrest.

The 970-page report held Oli, 74, responsible for not intervening during hours of firing on the first day of youth-led demonstrations, in which at least 19 Gen Z protesters were killed. Overall, 76 people died and 2,522 were injured during two days of violence, the panel said, broadly aligning with earlier government estimates.

“As the executive head Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad,” the report stated.The panel also recommended prosecution of former home minister Ramesh Lekhak and then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, citing their roles in the handling of the crackdown.

None of the individuals named could be immediately reached for comment.Legal experts said the panel’s findings do not constitute formal charges and must be followed by a criminal investigation before any case is brought to court.“It is not a charge sheet and they cannot be jailed on the basis of this report,” said senior lawyer Dinesh Tripathi.

“There has to be a criminal investigation by police … The government can file the case in the court only after that.”If prosecuted and convicted, those named could face prison terms of up to 10 years, according to the report.

Analysts say the decision on whether to act on the recommendations now rests with Shah, 35, and his Rastriya Swatantra Party, which rose to power on the back of anti-corruption sentiment following the protests.

The panel also called for action against dozens of other officials and security personnel involved in the crackdown. Families of victims have continued to demand accountability for the deaths and injuries during the demonstrations.