Tag Archives: release

UN calls for release of Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai following 20-year sentence

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High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk deplored the sentence imposed on Mr. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, following his conviction on charges brought under security-related laws in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.

On 15 December 2025, the High Court found Mr. Lai guilty of conspiracy to publish seditious material under the Crimes Ordinance, as well as two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the National Security Law (NSL).  

Mr. Lai has denied all charges. The court’s decisions are subject to appeal.

Criminalising fundamental freedoms

Mr. Türk’s office, OHCHR, said it had reviewed the verdict and was concerned that it criminalised the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, media freedom and association.

It noted that the ruling relied extensively on conduct that occurred before the NSL came into force, reiterating concerns it had previously raised about the broad scope of the offence of “collusion with external forces” under the NSL.

“Jimmy Lai is a publisher sentenced to 20 years in prison for exercising rights protected under international law,” Mr. Türk said.

“This outcome highlights how the vague and overly broad provisions of Hong Kong’s national security legislation can lead to being interpreted and enforced in violation of Hong Kong’s international human rights obligations. This verdict needs to be promptly quashed as incompatible with international law.”

Release on humanitarian grounds

High Commissioner Türk also appealed for Mr. Lai’s immediate release on humanitarian grounds, citing his age, health and the impact of the more than four years he has already spent in detention.

OHCHR expressed further concern that the judgment treated engagement by others with the United Nations and UN human rights mechanisms as relevant context in reaching its conclusion of guilt.

Worsening press freedom

Since the introduction of the NSL in 2020 and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in 2024, press freedom in Hong Kong has sharply deteriorated, with numerous independent media outlets closed down by the State, dozens of journalists arrested, and foreign reporters facing tighter visa policies and accreditation requirements.

“This is part of a broader repressive trend in Hong Kong, where hundreds have been arrested and prosecuted under these laws,” Mr. Türk said.

Alongside Mr. Lai, six former Apple Daily staff members, an activist and a paralegal were also sentenced on Monday to prison terms ranging from six to 10 years.

From 2020 to 2026, at least 385 individuals have been arrested and 175 convicted under national security-related offences, according to media reports citing official sources.

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World News in Brief: Casualties in Ukraine, Burkina Faso aid helicopter blast, Uganda urged to release opposition leaders

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The monthly total also marked a three-year high, topping June’s figure, with HRMMU verifying civilian deaths and injuries in 18 of Ukraine’s 24 regions.  

“For the second month in a row, the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine hits a new three-year high,” said Danielle Bell, Head of HRMMU.

“Only the first three months after the Russian Federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw more killed and injured than in this past month,” she added.  

Rising toll 

Numbers for the first seven months of 2025 were 48 per cent higher than in the same period last year.

Long-range weapons, including missiles and suicide drones, accounted for nearly 40 per cent of casualties. On 31 July, Kyiv saw its deadliest attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 31 people killed, including five children, when a missile struck a residential building.

Short-range drones alone caused 24 per cent of casualties, reflecting a sharp rise since mid-2024, as documented in a bulletin published by HRMMU in June 2025.  

The steepest monthly increase came from aerial bombs, which killed 67 and injured 209 in July, compared with 114 casualties in June. Strikes hit a penal colony in Zaporizhzhia and an apartment building in Donetsk, killing at least 21 people in total.

“Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, at home or at work, close to or far away from the frontline, if you are in Ukraine today, you are at risk of getting killed or injured by the war,” Ms. Bell said. 

Burkina Faso: Blast hits near UN aid helicopter in Solle

A UN chartered helicopter delivering food aid to the town of Solle in northwest Burkina Faso was caught in an explosion shortly after landing on Tuesday, injuring two people.

The aircraft, chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP), had just unloaded humanitarian supplies when the blast occurred nearby. One crew member and a Government partner were hurt and are now receiving medical treatment.

The helicopter sustained only minor damage and was moved to safety, WFP said. Flights to Solle have been temporarily halted while authorities investigate the incident.

Critical operation

In conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso, WFP’s humanitarian air operations are critical for delivering life-saving assistance to hard-to-reach communities most in need.  

WFP aims to assist 315,000 of the most vulnerable people during the lean season from June to August, when families have exhausted their food stocks.

In a statement, WFP reaffirmed the agency’s “unwavering commitment to support populations in need and to reach the most remote communities with humanitarian assistance.”

Rights office urges Uganda to release opposition leaders on bail

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Wednesday expressed serious concern at repeated denials of bail in Uganda for opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Lutale.

Both individuals have been denied bail three times since they were abducted in neighbouring Kenya and returned to Uganda last November. 

In dismissing their latest request, the High Court found them ineligible for mandatory bail merely because they had been detained in civil prison for less than the 180 days required to qualify for release, a duration that did not account for their prior deprivation of liberty following their abduction and forced return.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision and grant them bail, and to ensure that any legal proceedings against them are fully in line with international human rights law,” said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell.

Human rights concerns  

The UN human rights office in Uganda closed its operations there in 2023 after the Government decided to end cooperation with OHCHR.  

At the time, High Commission Volker Türk expressed concern about the run-up to the 2026 elections, amid an increasingly hostile environment impacting human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists.

Other UN human rights mechanisms also condemned laws criminalizing same sex relations and the call for the use of the death penalty for convicted offenders. 

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SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: US vetoes new resolution calling for immediate Gaza ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages

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The United States has vetoed a new draft resolution on Gaza, standing as the lone vote against the text which called for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and others and the immediate lifting of all aid restrictions. Follow live coverage from our Meetings Coverage Section and UN News app users can follow here.

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UN calls for ‘immediate and unconditional’ release of aid workers arbitrarily detained in Yemen

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In a statement on Monday, António Guterres strongly condemned the death in detention of a World Food Programme (WFP) staff member earlier this year.

The Houthis have yet to provide “an explanation for this deplorable tragedy,” António Guterres said, renewing his call for “an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and accountability.”

Profound injustice

“The UN and its humanitarian partners should never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their mandates for the benefit of the people they serve,” said the UN chief.

These detentions have further constrained the UN’s ability to operate effectively in Yemen and have “undermined mediation efforts to secure a path toward peace,” he added.

These detentions have further constrained the UN’s ability to operate effectively in Yemen and have “undermined mediation efforts to secure a path toward peace,” he added.

Safe and immediate release

Making the occasion of Eid Al-Adha this Friday, “a time to show compassion,” the Secretary-General urged the Houthis to “immediately release those arbitrarily detained” and “end the ordeal of families who face celebrating yet another holiday without their loved ones.”

“I renew my call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently this January,” Mr. Guterres said.

“You are not forgotten,” he added, addressing the detained aid workers, assuring them that the UN will continue to work through all possible channels to secure their safe and immediate release.

He also welcomed the support of international partners, NGOs and all those working to support the people of Yemen, urging Member States to express solidarity with those detained and “intensify advocacy towards their release.” 

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Gaza: Guterres hails hostage release, renews ceasefire call

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Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli national and soldier with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), had been held by Hamas since the brutal 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and another 250 taken hostage.

He is believed to be the last living American held by militants in Gaza, according to media reports.

Free all remaining hostages

The Secretary-General “is profoundly relieved that Mr. Alexander has been freed and is now returning to his family and loved ones after this harrowing ordeal,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a statement.

The UN chief renewed his urgent call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, he added, stressing that hostages must be treated humanely and with dignity.

“He calls on all parties to immediately ensure rapid, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief, including the delivery of critical services, for all civilians in need. Aid is not negotiable,” Mr. Dujarric said.

End the hostilities

The Secretary-General also commended the sustained mediation efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to bring an end to the fighting.  

He urged “all parties to build on today’s release to reach a comprehensive agreement that will ensure the release of all hostages, an end to the hostilities, the provision of humanitarian aid and the long-overdue alleviation of the human suffering in Gaza,” the statement concluded.

Food security experts warned on Monday that Gaza’s entire population, more than two million people, remains “at critical risk of famine” due to the war and Israel’s blockade on aid entry, effective since 2 March. 

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Yo Yo Honey Singh makes comeback, releases new album ‘Honey 3.0’

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Rapper and musician Yo Yo Honey Singh has announced his comeback with a new video album titled ‘Honey 3.0’.

Yo Yo took to Instagram, where he shared a video. The clip features made-up newspaper clippings with his picture and headlines such as “Where is Yo Yo Honey Singh?” and “Will he be able to make music?”.

In the backdrop, he is heard saying in Hindi: ‘They thought I will not return. Wont be able to make music. But your love made me make a comeback… ‘Honey 3.0’, a new album and a new version just for you. Are you ready?”

He captioned the clip, which currently has over 1.8 million views on the photo-sharing platform: “HONEY 3.0 Album coming soon !!”.

‘Honey 3.0’ marks his big album after ‘International Villager’ and ‘Desi Kalakaar’. Yo Yo is known for songs such as ‘Brown Rang’, ‘Blue Eyes’, ‘Angreji Beat’, ‘Dope Shope’ and ‘Manali Trance’ among many others.

Nandamuri Kalyan Ram-Tamannah’s ‘Naa Nuvve’ gets ready

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Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and Tamannah are playing the lead roles in the romantic thriller “”Naa Nuvve”, that has been directed by ad film maker Jayendra. The movie’s post production work has been completed and it is gearing up for a release in the last week of May. 

The promo of the first song from the film, titled “Chiniki Chiniki”, was released on Wednesday, 18th April. This song is expected to be a special highlight of the film, according to the makers. 

 “Naa Nuvve is a very fresh, sensible and lovable film. We are very excited about the “Chiniki Chiniki” song in the movie. It has top notch cinematography from P.C.Sreeram, soul touching music from Sharreth and terrific choreography from Brundha master. This song will be a visual delight. The combination of Kalyan Ram and Tamannah promises to be a special highlight “, said Kiran Muppavarapu, who is one of the producers.

“Naa Nuvve” is being produced by Kiran Muppavarapu and Vijay Vattikuti on Cool Breeze Cinemas banner while Mahesh S Koneru is presenting the film on East Coast Productions banner. 

“Kalyan Ram has undergone a complete transformation for this movie. We are going with a top notch technical team and the film will offer a unique experience for movie lovers. “Chiniki Chiniki” is a song which we all love and we are very excited about it “, said Mahesh S Koneru, who is presenting the movie.  

Kalyan Ram, Tamannah, Tanikella Bharani, Posani Krishna Murali, Vennela Kishore, Praveen, Bitthiri Satti, Priya and Surekha Vani are some of the important actors in the film. 

Music : Sharreth

Cinematography : P.C. Sreeram

Editing : T.S. Suresh

Lyrics : Ramajogayya Sastry, Anantha Sriram

Choreography : Brinda

Fights : Real Sateesh

Art : Selva Kumar

Presented by : Mahesh S Koneru 

Producers : Kiran Muvvavarapu and Vijay Vattikuti

Dialogues : Jayendra and Meeraq

Story – Screenplay –   Jayendra and Subha

Direction – Jayendra

Sridevi’s failed wish

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Sridevi has long dreamed about seeing her daughter Jahnvi Kapoor’s upcoming film “Dhadak”, starring Shahid Kapoor’s brother Ishaan Khatter and produced by Karan Johar, but will not be there when the film hits screens on July 20.

Sridevi, who was media-shy by nature, kept her daughters away from the glare of media and paparazzi until her elder daughter Jahnvi turned 14 years. Soon, she took it upon herself to give a big push to her daughter’s arangetram in Bollywood and left no stone unturned.

After almost a decade of silence, Sridevi made a come-back when she announced in 2011 her film with Gauri Shinde’s “English Vinglish” and the aptly styled film to her age has made her pave the way for her daughters’ entry into the film field that is getting crowded and competitive.

On family front too, Sridevi remained a solid guide, friend and philosopher to her two daughters and never missed even one occasion to seek blessings for them.

On the sidelines of acting for Tamil film ‘Puli’, she took time off to visit Kalahasti, a temple town for Shiva and known for performing Naga Sarpadosha puja. Accompanied by her daughter Jhanvi, she performed puja three years ago seeking blessings for her daughter’s foray into the filmfield.

Herself a daughter of an erstwhile Telugu actress Rajeswari, who had acted in Telugu and Tamil films, Sridevi knew how her career was shaped by her mother from her childhood at the age of four. Her devotion to her mother remained her tied to Switzerland for long when her mother breathed her last and that was the time, she was helped by friend Boney Kapoor whom she married later.

Like many Bollywood mothers, Sridevi concentrated on her children and never left them stranded in strained relations like many teenagers undergo. It was also because of her children’s future that Sridevi returned to camera and made an impactful “English Vinglish”, followed by “Mom”, truly reflecting the role of motherhood in both films.

Keen on her daughter Jhanvi’s debut film “Dhadak”, Sridevi remained the master-planner for her daughter’s foray into the Bollywood and never let any weak plot or budget constraints come in the way. She had reportedly told her daughter to keep an eye only on acting and never go beyond into relationships with co-star Ishaan.

But fate has different path for the legend Bollywood actress and the mother. Now Jhanvi and Sridevi’s second daughter Kushi have to muster courage to face the challenges without their mother, though their father may be there to help them. Mother is mother and Sridevi has taken care of her mother and her children but not her own health.

Perhaps a good break for her daughter Jhanvi with the release of “Dhadak” in July will make her dream come true.

Kamal Haasan to launch App Ahead of New Party

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit Chennai on Monday, actor Kamal Haasan has decided to launch his mobile software app a day after on Tuesday, November 7 – his 63rd birthday just to be in touch with his fans.

At a function to mark the 39th anniversary of his fan/welfare club on Sunday November 5, he confirmed the launch of his new political party but the app comes first. He has appealed his fans to contribute funds for the political party and the mobile app will help in maintaining proper accounts, he said.

Instead of cutting a cake, he said his birthday would be celebrated to cut canals in view of the flooding in Chennai. The actor said wryly that the natural disasters do not differentiate between rich and poor and all should join hands to take preventive measures.

Accusing major parties of suppressing the common man, he said people should not feel threatened but react and do something. Even if there is beating, it could be one or twice but not always like “mridangam” which gets hit again and again.

Otherwise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Chennai on Monday to participate in the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Daily Thanthi newspaper.

NASA Kepler Team Releases Catalogue of Exoplanets, 10 Similar to Earth

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NASA has released catalogue of 4,034 planets of which 2,335 are exoplanets and ten planets found similar to earth in size and habitability. These 10 planets orbit with their star’s habitable zone, which is the range of distance from a star where liquid water could pool on the surface of a rocky planet.

Available on the NASA Exoplanet Archive, the catalogue has 4,034 planets of which, 2,335 have been verified as exoplanets, with 50 near-Earth size habitable zone candidates detected by Kepler, of whom more than 30 have been verified and 10 of them have been found earth-like. The findings were presented at a news conference on Monday at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.

“The Kepler data set is unique, as it is the only one containing a population of these near Earth-analogs – planets with roughly the same size and orbit as Earth,” said Mario Perez, Kepler program scientist in the Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. “Understanding their frequency in the galaxy will help inform the design of future NASA missions to directly image another Earth.”

This is the eighth release of the Kepler candidate catalog, that will enable scientists to determine what planetary populations – from rocky bodies the size of Earth, to gas giants the size of Jupiter – make up the galaxy’s planetary demographics.

It seems that nature commonly makes rocky planets up to about 75 percent bigger than Earth. For reasons scientists don’t yet understand, about half of those planets take on a small amount of hydrogen and helium that dramatically swells their size, allowing them to “jump the gap” and join the population closer to Neptune’s size.

The Kepler spacecraft continues to make observations in new patches of sky in its extended mission, searching for planets and studying a variety of interesting astronomical objects, from distant star clusters to objects such as the TRAPPIST-1 system of seven Earth-size planets, closer to home.

Launched in 2009, Kepler has identified more than 5,000 planet candidates. Of these, more than 2,500 have been verified as bona-fide planets, including a dozen that are less than twice the size of Earth and reside in the habitable zone of their host star. The habitable zone is the range of distance from a star where liquid water could pool on the surface of a rocky planet.

 

Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan Handed Over to India

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Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan, who crossed over to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir from Jammau and Kashmir Krishna Ghati sector on 29 September, 2016 was finally handed over to Indian army on Saturday.

India has taken up his release with Pakistani Military authorities through the existing Hotline and scheduled DGMO level talks. His presence was acknowledged by Pakistan on Oct.7, 2016.

“The matter has been continuously raised in scheduled DGMO level talks since then and the issue was also taken up diplomatically through our High Commission in Pakistan and Ministry of External Affairs, said a statement by the Indian army.

On Saturday, (21 Jan 17) at 1 PM, “we finally got confirmation by Pakistan Military Authorities that Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan would be handed over to Indian Authorities at Wagah border at 3 PM Indian time,” said Indian Army PRO Col. Rohan Anand.

Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan was finally handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah Crossing Point at 3:45 PM on Saturday, said the Indian army confirming the handover.

The border crossing has been a major issue in bilateral ties with Pakistan and Indian Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting about the details of Madhukar Gupta Committee report on the issue of gaps and vulnerability in border fencing along Indo-Pakistan border, in New Delhi on September 22, 2016.

The National Security Advisor (NSA), Shri Ajit Doval, the Home Secretary,  Rajiv Mehrishi, the Deputy NSA, Dr. Arvind Gupta, the Secretary (Border Management),Susheel Kumar, the Home Secretary (Retd.), Madhukar Gupta and other senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence have been working on the committee recommendations to stem the border crossing issue by civilians and army personnel.