Nobel peace laureate Narges Mohammadi arrested in Iran, supporters say

Belarus has pardoned 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, as part of a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move marks a potential thaw in relations between Belarus and the U.S.

US forces stormed a cargo ship traveling from China to Iran in November, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration's aggressive maritime tactics aimed at exerting pressure on nations like Iran. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in international maritime operations.

In a remarkable nighttime maritime operation, U.S. veterans successfully facilitated the escape of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from her home country, allowing her to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. This operation underscores the risks she faced under Nicolás Maduro's regime, where she had been in hiding for nearly a year due to safety concerns.

A U.S. special operations team conducted a raid on a ship in the Indian Ocean last month, seizing military-related cargo destined for Iran from China. This operation reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from enhancing its military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia exited a US courthouse without being arrested by immigration authorities following a recent court hearing. This outcome comes after a federal judge ruled that the government did not have the legal authority to detain him, marking a significant moment in his ongoing legal battle against immigration enforcement.

Sectarianism continues to significantly impact daily life in Lebanon, undermining national unity and exacerbating tensions among the country's diverse religious communities. This persistent issue has historical roots and remains a critical challenge for the nation as it seeks stability and cohesion.

Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights advocate and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was arrested by Iranian security forces during a memorial event in Mashhad for human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi. Reports indicate that her detention was violent, raising concerns about the treatment of activists in Iran.

Swiss singer Nemo, the first non-binary winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, has returned their trophy in protest against Israel's participation in the upcoming 2026 contest, following a decision by the European Broadcasting Union to allow Israel to compete despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This protest aligns with a broader backlash against Israel's inclusion in the event.