Boy stabbed to death, two suspects arrested
26 Sep 2024
Fifteen-year-old Daejaun Campbell was stabbed to death in an incident in Woolwich. Police who were called to a disturbance found him with severe stab injuries. Despite efforts to save him, he died shortly afterward. A witness described the heartbreaking scene, recalling how Daejaun, bleeding heavily, pleaded, 'I'm 15, don't let me die.' The witness tried to stem the flow of blood until paramedics arrived. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody. Daejaun’s family is receiving support from specialist officers during this incredibly difficult time. The tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community, where the victim was known as a polite and kind boy.
The Bank of England is expected to lower its base interest rate to 3.5% in the coming months, a relief for home buyers and businesses as the UK economy shows signs of improvement. Experts predict the economy will grow at double the previously expected rate. One leading firm has highlighted the need for increased public investment to sustain this growth trajectory. While interest rates have surged due to inflation concerns, prompting households to save rather than spend, the easing of rates is expected to boost consumer confidence. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also upgraded the UK’s growth forecast, positioning the UK just behind the US in expected economic performance within the G-7 nations. Despite lingering uncertainties, these optimistic projections suggest a stronger economic outlook for the UK in the near future.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, addressing world leaders at the International Meeting for Peace in Paris, emphasised the critical role of prayer in achieving peace. Speaking in French, he said that peace efforts in today’s world cannot succeed without prayer, which leads to reconciliation and hope. Referring to the 56 active global conflicts, including Ukraine, he lamented the ongoing death of innocents and the rise in fear and hatred. He also described climate change as an undeclared war against creation, contributing to other conflicts. He believes that prayer aligns us with God's will for peace, justice, and the common good, inspiring imagination to address crises like political breakdown and community hostility. He stressed that reconciliation is a long-term process requiring truth-telling, healing, and mutual acceptance. Other speakers included France's chief rabbi, Haïm Korsia, and Afghan refugee Lina Hassani. The Archbishop urged continued global prayer for reconciliation and lasting peace.
Austria: far-right politician is the man to beat
26 Sep 2024
Herbert Kickl, the far-right leader of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO), is the man to beat in the parliamentary election on 29 September despite being one of the country’s least popular politicians. Known for his abrasive and provocative style, Kickl has positioned the election as a referendum on his leadership, with polls showing a close race between his party and chancellor Karl Nehammer’s conservative People’s Party (OVP). The FPO, which advocates tougher immigration laws and criticises the current OVP-Greens government, has capitalised on Austria’s struggling economy and high inflation. However, Kickl’s controversial views, including opposition to sanctions on Russia and promotion of conspiracy theories, have alienated other party leaders, who have vowed not to work under him. His aggressive personality and connections to far-right ideology make coalition-building difficult, and his future as Austria’s leader remains uncertain.
Serbian judo champion Nemanja Majdov has been suspended for five months by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for making the sign of the cross during the Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old did this before his round of 16 match, violating the IJF's code of ethics, which prohibits religious gestures on the field of play. Majdov had previously been warned in 2018 and 2022, making this his third violation. Responding on social media, he expressed no regret for his actions. Rather, he affirmed his faith, stating that God is central to both his personal life and career, and vowed to return to competition next year with renewed determination. Despite his suspension, Majdov remains proud of his accomplishments, including winning the 2023 European Championship and three world medals. The IJF stated that the rules aim to ensure respect and equality for all cultures, religions, and orientations within the sport. Religious expressions are allowed outside the field of play but not during competitions.
Israel / Hezbollah: conflict continues
26 Sep 2024
Following extensive air strikes targeting Hezbollah, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Israel's military chief, has indicated that a ground invasion into Hezbollah-controlled territory in Lebanon might be imminent. The air strikes, which hit Hezbollah’s intelligence directorate and weapons stores, killed over fifty people, according to Lebanon's health minister. Hezbollah escalated the conflict by firing a missile toward Tel Aviv, the first such strike by the group on the city, which Israel intercepted. Cross-border fighting has continued, with Hezbollah launching more rockets and Israel responding with over 280 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. Since Monday, more than six hundred people have been killed in Lebanon, and 90,000 have been displaced. There is no end in sight to the fighting, which is linked to Hezbollah’s support for Hamas in Gaza. Breaking news: Benjamin Netanyahu has flown to New York to address the UN General Assembly on 27 September. He has resolutely turned down the call by a number of countries for an immediate 21-day ceasefire. See
Pakistan: death sentence for Christian woman
26 Sep 2024
A court in Islamabad has sentenced Shagufta Kiran, a Christian mother of four, to death for sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media. Convicted under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, she also faces a seven-year prison sentence and a huge fine. Kiran was arrested in 2021 after forwarding a WhatsApp message which her husband claims she did not understand. Since then, the family has been threatened, forcing them to move repeatedly. Kiran's lawyer plans to appeal, while international concerns grow over the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, particularly against religious minorities. Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, highlighted the urgent need for reform, stating that these laws are being used to persecute minorities and cause widespread injustice. He urged the international community to pressure Pakistan for legal reforms to safeguard religious freedom and protect innocent individuals from wrongful persecution.
Anti-government protesters have clashed with supporters of President Luis Arce in Bolivia’s capital La Paz, amid an economic crisis and political power struggle. Former president Evo Morales, once a close ally of Arce, has led a week-long, 220-km ‘March to save Bolivia’, demanding cabinet changes and threatening further protests. He has accused the government of corruption, economic mismanagement, and protecting drug trafficking. Arce and Morales are now vying to lead Bolivia’s long-dominant party Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), ahead of the 2025 presidential election. Their division has sparked street violence, leaving 34 people injured. Morales, seeking a political comeback after his 2019 ousting, has widespread support among poor and indigenous Bolivians, who represent almost half the country’s population. The country’s economy has been hit by dwindling natural gas revenues and lack of investment. It is unclear what will happen next.