The BBC has exposed evidence of widespread abuse and torture by TB Joshua, the founder of one of the world's largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations. The two-year investigation revealed multiple eyewitness accounts of physical violence, torture, child abuse, and individuals being whipped and chained by him. Many women reported sexual assault, with some claiming repeated rape over the years within the compound. Forced abortions allegedly followed the rapes, with one woman claiming five terminations. Additionally, there were accounts of Joshua staging fake ‘miracle healings’ in broadcasts to millions worldwide. One British victim, Rae, shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted, enduring solitary confinement for two years, and attempting suicide multiple times. The church did not respond to these allegations but has previously denied similar claims. Joshua died in 2021: his church, now led by his wife, still attracts pilgrims from around the world.
South Africa complains of Israeli ‘genocide’
11 Jan 2024
South Africa has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to force Israel to ‘immediately suspend’ its military operations in Gaza. While acknowledging the ‘particular weight of responsibility’ of accusing Israel of genocide, Pretoria has also ‘unequivocally’ condemned the Hamas attacks in October which touched off the war. President Isaac Herzog has called this complaint ‘atrocious and preposterous’: Israel will present its case to the court on 12 January. As it is an urgent procedure, the ICJ could rule in a matter of weeks: although its rulings cannot be appealed, its decisions are not binding. However, a ruling against Israel would certainly increase political pressure on the country and might serve as a pretext for sanctions. Meanwhile, the UN has passed a resolution demanding ‘immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip’: see
On 9 January, the US and UK navies intercepted 21 drones and missiles fired in the southern Red Sea by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels - their 26th attack on global maritime trade routes within the past seven weeks. The navies claim to have successfully shot down 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. The UN security council has voted to demand an immediate halt to the attacks, calling them a threat to regional peace and security. The resolution also called for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo ship with ties to an Israeli company which was seized by the Houthis in November. Because of the attacks, 20% of the world's container ships are now avoiding the Red Sea and using the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa instead.There are hints that the USA and UK are considering military action against the Houthis: see
Violence erupted in PNG's capital, Port Moresby, on 10 January, after police went on strike due to pay issues. The governor, as looting and fires engulfed the city, called the situation unprecedented in the country's history. The police commissioner mentioned plans to deploy additional officers from regional areas and relocate defence forces to support the city’s overwhelmed police presence. Firefighters faced threats while trying to control the blazes, and the parliament's guard house was reportedly set on fire by protesters. The police strike began when officers discovered reductions in their pay. The government has promised to rectify any administrative errors causing these pay discrepancies. PNG has been grappling with rising violent crime rates in recent years. The prime minister has said that increasing security would help to attract foreign investment in PNG’s growing gold and copper resources sector.
'Local hero' saves mother and child from flood
04 Jan 2024
Birmingham man Liam Stych emerged as a hero by rescuing a mother and her three-year-old daughter from a car submerged in floodwaters near Hall Green's bridge. The incident, highlighted by West Midlands police on social media, involved Stych tying the vehicle to the bridge to stop it from drifting away. He described to ITV News how he had to break the car's back window to save the child and then secure the car with ratchet straps from his van. Stych's pregnant partner, Tia Draper, assisted in keeping the child warm after the rescue. Stych, reflecting on his brave act, stated that he had no choice but to act in the moment and would do it again if needed. The police praised his actions, calling him a 'local hero'. The dramatic rescue underscores the quick thinking and bravery required in life-threatening situations.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in antibiotic research with Zosurabalpin, a new drug effective against drug-resistant bacteria like Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab). This discovery, significant in the fight against antibiotic resistance, has shown promising results in mouse models for pneumonia and sepsis and is now progressing to human trials. Crab, a critical pathogen identified by the World Health Organization, is notorious for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Zosurabalpin, developed by Roche Pharma, is notable as the first new antibiotic for Gram-negative bacteria, known for their protective outer shells, in over fifty years. Research demonstrates that Zosurabalpin disrupts the bacterium's outer membrane, effectively killing it. This breakthrough offers new avenues for antibiotic development against similar bacteria. However, experts like Dr Andrew Edwards and Dr Michael Lobritz emphasise that this is not a complete solution to antimicrobial resistance. The UK's science committee suggests exploring bacteriophages as an alternative treatment, recommending a production facility at the Rosalind Franklin laboratory to facilitate clinical trials.
Junior doctors in England are currently engaged in the longest strike in NHS history, demanding a 35% pay increase from their current hourly rate of £15-£17 to around £20. Despite five weeks of unsuccessful talks last year with the British Medical Association, the Government remains firm in its refusal to negotiate during the strike. The doctors, who claim strong public support, argue that their six-day strike is the only way to get the government's attention regarding their pay and working conditions. Health secretary Victoria Atkins is accused of pushing medics out of the negotiation room. Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chair of the BMA’s junior doctors committee, stressed the necessity of the strike, citing a workforce crisis and the government's alleged unresponsiveness to other forms of dialogue. Public opinions are mixed, with some expressing sympathy for the doctors’ plight, acknowledging their critical role and the current economic pressures. Others, however, suggest gratitude for employment during difficult times. The strike has sparked concerns about junior doctors moving abroad for better pay and conditions; Dr Georgia Blackwell notes a growing trend of doctors relocating to countries like Australia for improved work-life balance and higher earnings.
Shifting focus from his usual target, the Tories, Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, has coined the term 'Starmergeddon ' to describe the potential consequences of a Labour election victory. Despite ongoing speculation, he remained noncommittal about Nigel Farage's role in Reform's campaign. Labour, preparing for a possible spring election, faces Tice's accusations of betraying working-class voters, particularly on immigration. Tice outlined Reform's policies, including raising the income tax threshold and reducing fuel duty, while advocating for stricter immigration controls. In a strategic shift from 2019, when the party, then known as the Brexit Party, stood down in several Tory seats, Tice said it would contest every seat in England, Scotland, and Wales. He dismissed the concern that Reform would split the conservative vote, focusing instead on challenging the current political landscape. Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson expressed concern over Reform's potential impact, suggesting Farage's leadership could be crucial for their success. Tice, however, remains unfazed.