Hundreds of court hearings have been postponed due to a worsening prison crisis. The Government has triggered emergency measures under Operation Early Dawn, causing defendants to remain in police custody instead of being transferred to magistrates' courts for bail hearings. This contingency allows defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds are available, leading to last-minute delays and adjournments. Justice officials have not confirmed the number of affected cases but emphasised the measures aim to limit disruption. Labour criticised the government for 'stalling justice' and leaving victims in limbo. Legal bodies expressed concern about the real-life consequences of these delays. The government blamed prison capacity issues on backlogs from the pandemic and the 2022 barrister’s strike. However, prisons watchdog Charlie Taylor called the situation 'entirely predictable,' and legal representatives described the scenario as 'administrative carnage.' The Magistrates’ Association and other legal experts have urged the government to provide more resources in the justice system to prevent further delays and inefficiencies. The emergency measures are expected to last a week.

A 31-year-old man from Bedfordshire has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after police discovered 'suspicious substances' at his home. Initially arrested on 6 May for causing explosions likely to endanger life and possessing Class A drugs, the man was found with several suspicious items. Bedfordshire Police conducted a small controlled explosion last week and informed the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism officers. The man was bailed while investigations continued but was re-arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing articles for terrorist purposes. The police reported finding numerous items and substances at his address, which are being safely removed by specialist officers. They assured the public that there is no risk to local residents or the wider community. Locals described the man as living with his parents, with his mother stating he collected chemicals. She maintained it was unrelated to terrorism and that police were being over-cautious.

Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable but serious condition after being shot multiple times on Wednesday. Fico, 59, underwent five hours of surgery at a hospital in Banska Bystrica. The hospital director confirmed his condition remains grave. He was attacked in Handlova during a meeting, and a suspect was detained at the scene. The interior minister described the incident as a politically motivated assassination attempt. Fico, a divisive figure known for opposing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, was shot at close range, sustaining injuries to his stomach and arm. The deputy prime minister indicated that Fico’s surgery went well, and he is currently not in a life-threatening condition. The shooting has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy. The suspect, reportedly a 71-year-old writer and political activist, allegedly disagreed with government policies. The incident coincided with parliamentary discussions on abolishing Slovakia's public broadcaster RTVS. The state security council and government are scheduled to meet following the attack.

Vladimir Putin is in China for crucial talks with President Xi Jinping, shortly after Russia launched a fresh incursion into Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Putin was received with full military honours, and Xi emphasised their strong 'friendship’. The two countries have issued a joint statement warning of the increased risks of nuclear war amid heightened tensions between nuclear powers. They emphasised that no one can win a nuclear war, and expressed concern over Australia's involvement in the US nuclear deterrence plans. They warned that the conflict in Ukraine could become uncontrollable and outlined plans to deepen military cooperation, including expanding joint military drills. China supports Russia's efforts to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity, and both nations oppose using space for military confrontation and the seizure of foreign assets. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military reports that it has forced Russian troops to slow their offensive in the northern Kharkiv region. Some commentators believe Russia is aiming to create a buffer zone near the border. The Kremlin dismissed Switzerland's planned peace summit for Ukraine as futile without Russia's involvement, despite over 50 countries planning to attend.

This Pentecost Sunday, International Prayer Connect and partner ministries are inviting millions of Christians worldwide to participate in a 24-hour global prayer event during Pentecost. This day celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, which empowers the Church. The focus of the prayers will be for the peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people, asking the Holy Spirit to bring worldwide blessing and revival, to bridge divides, and to fulfil God's promises. The event aims to exalt Jesus Christ as King throughout the Jewish world and to ask for labourers to reach every unreached people group. Prayer points include 1. Salvation for all Israel and the fullness of Gentile nations. 2. Gentile believers to provoke Israel to jealousy. 3. Sending labourers to proclaim the gospel to Gentiles and unbelieving Jews. 4. Israel's recognition of Jesus Christ. 5. Outpouring of the Spirit and youth awakening. 6. Watchmen for Jerusalem until her righteousness shines. 7. Peace for Jerusalem, ending hostilities and returning hostages. Join the event individually, or in groups - offline at home or online.

Cameroon’s military has rescued over 300 civilians, mostly women and children, from Boko Haram captivity along the borders with Nigeria and Chad. The operation, called Alpha, took place over the past week and involved around 200 government troops. Oumar Fatime, a vegetable farmer from Ngouboua, Chad, described her abduction by Boko Haram fighters on 17 April and the subsequent threat to kill her and others if ransoms were not paid. Cameroon state TV aired footage of the rescued civilians arriving at a military camp in Dabanga. The operation, which also involved seizing weapons, explosives, motorcycles, and bicycles, was supported by troops from Chad and Nigeria. Many Boko Haram militants were killed or wounded. Boko Haram violence has resulted in over 36,000 deaths and displaced three million people since 2009 across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Zhang Zhan, a journalist imprisoned for reporting the truth about the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan, has gone missing after her scheduled release from Shanghai women’s prison. She served a four-year sentence but her current whereabouts are unknown. Her family’s reluctance to provide information suggests they are under pressure from the authorities. Zhang risked her life to travel from Shanghai to Wuhan on 1 February 2020, documenting the severe conditions in hospitals and crematoriums through livestream videos. Her reporting, which contradicted the official narrative, led to her detention in May 2020. She was charged with 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble’, a common tactic used to silence journalists and dissidents in China. Zhang’s real 'crime' was exposing truths that the Chinese regime wanted to hide, particularly about its handling of the pandemic. There are widespread demands for the government to disclose her whereabouts and prove she is safe; one campaigner says that this case highlights the regime's paranoia and censorship and that Zhang should never have been imprisoned for her reporting.

Inflation in Argentina has slowed for the fourth consecutive month, despite an annual rate nearing 300%. The monthly inflation rate rose by 8.8% in April, down from 11% in March. This is seen as a victory for Javier Milei; when he became president in December, monthly inflation was over 25%. His administration has implemented strict austerity measures to stabilise the economy, including slashing public spending, cutting 50,000 public jobs, suspending new public works contracts, and removing fuel and transport subsidies. These measures have been praised by investors and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which announced an $800 million loan for Argentina. However, some experts argue that the falling inflation is due to a significant decline in private spending, as the poor and working classes are severely impacted. Poverty levels are nearing 50%, with a drop in economic activity and consumption. Critics say Milei's policies have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. Despite decreasing inflation, Argentina's GDP is expected to shrink by 2.8% this year, indicating a painful recession.

Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law, aiming to provide universal health coverage and address the country's two-tier health system. The law seeks to balance a publicly funded sector, which serves 84% of the population and is overburdened, with private insurance access enjoyed by a minority. He hailed the law as a major step towards equality, rejecting the continuation of privileges for a few. The act will gradually reduce the role of private insurance, establish a public fund for free healthcare access, and regulate fees and prices for NHI-funded benefits. Critics argue the law will strain public finances, reduce patient choice, lower care quality, and drive doctors out of the country. Opponents, including the Democratic Alliance and civil society group AfriForum, plan to challenge it in court, claiming it is a vote-seeking ploy before the highly contested May 29 elections. The Health Funders Association noted the law’s gradual implementation, assuring no immediate changes to medical scheme benefits, contributions, or taxes. Supporters, like the NEHAWU labour union, urge full political support to ensure proper funding for the NHI.

At least 41 people have died in Sumatra due to flash floods and 'cold lava' from Mount Marapi, the island's most active volcano. Heavy rains on Saturday caused torrents of ash and rocks to flow down the volcano, inundating two districts and damaging over 100 homes and public facilities. Seventeen people remain missing. Survivors described fleeing from the 'cold lava' – a mix of volcanic material and pebbles. Rina Devina used her cellphone as a torch to escape, recounting how her neighbour's house was flattened, and four neighbours died. 'Cold lava' or 'lahar' typically has temperatures below 50°C and moves like a slurry, incorporating debris in its path. Rescuers found 19 bodies in Canduang village and nine in Tanah Datar district. Experts blame recurring natural disasters on excessive exploitation of natural resources and poor development practices. Recent events around Mount Marapi include a deadly eruption last December, flash floods in February, and eruptions in April which disrupted flights, closed roads, and forced over 11,000 evacuations.