A UN-backed court in the Central African Republic has begun the trial in absentia of ex-president Francois Bozize for crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. Bozize, who seized power in 2003 and was overthrown in 2013, lives in exile. The Special Criminal Court found serious evidence against him.
Syria's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of Raft Anwar Al-Amoudi in Daraa, accused of involvement in forced disappearances. Meanwhile, Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam urged Hezbollah to support negotiations with Israel for withdrawal from South Lebanon, a move that reportedly angered Tehran.
Syrian authorities announced credible findings confirming the death of dentist Rania Al-Abbasi's six children, who disappeared in 2013. The investigation points to Amjad Youssef, accused in the "Tadamon massacre," as a primary suspect. The announcement has sparked widespread reaction and calls for justice.
A UN human rights expert urged continued international pressure on North Korea to resolve the issue of abductees, stating that true reconciliation is impossible without addressing forced disappearances. North Korea has not cooperated adequately with requests for information on missing persons.
