Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva disclosed an alleged assassination attempt against him and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin just before assuming office in 2022. Lula expressed gratitude for surviving the attempt at a presidential event. Meanwhile, former President Jair Bolsonaro faces charges in a coup plot investigation, including plans to use poison and explosives. Federal police have arrested five suspects linked to the conspiracy, which sought to disrupt Lula’s inauguration. Bolsonaro and key allies, including former ministers, deny the allegations, as political tensions remain high following the January 8 riots.
NETANYAHU LABELS ICC WARRANT ‘ANTISEMITIC’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against him and ex-Defence Secretary Yoav Gallant “antisemitic,” likening it to the historic Dreyfus trial. The warrant accuses them of war crimes in Gaza, including forceful starvation and restricting humanitarian aid. Netanyahu dismissed these claims, highlighting Israeli efforts to minimize civilian harm and aid Gaza, while condemning Hamas for using civilians as human shields. He warned the ICC and its supporters of “severe consequences” and framed the accusations as undermining Israel’s fight against terrorism.
IRAN ACTIVATES ADVANCED CENTRIFUGES
Iran announced plans to activate advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment, citing national interests and peaceful purposes, after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticized its lack of cooperation. The move comes after an IAEA resolution demanding improved transparency and investigation of undeclared nuclear material. Iran dismissed the resolution as politically motivated, blaming U.S. and European pressure. However, IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile could yield multiple nuclear bombs. This marks a significant escalation in Iran’s nuclear ambitions since scaling back commitments post-2018 U.S. withdrawal.
UK ON HIGH ALERT AFTER MULTIPLE SECURITY INCIDENTS
A controlled explosion happened near the US Embassy in London on Friday following the discovery of a suspicious package, later deemed a hoax. While normal operations resumed, public appointments were cancelled for the day. Metropolitan Police later informed that the “‘loud bang’ reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers.” Separately, Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal was evacuated due to a suspected prohibited item in luggage, prompting bomb squad deployment. The terminal and railway station have since reopened after authorities cleared the security threat, but delays persist.
BANGLADESH TO SEEK SHEIKH HASINA’S EXTRADITION
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced plans to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial. Accused of ordering the suppression of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, which caused over 700 deaths, Hasina fled to India following her Awami League government’s ousting in August 2024. Efforts to issue an Interpol Red Notice are underway. Yunus emphasized justice for victims of the July-August protests, which ended Hasina’s 15-year rule and sparked allegations of genocide.
