International
Former venezuelan governor Henrique Capriles criticizes 11-year delay in Inter-American Court Ruling
Former Venezuelan governor Henrique Capriles expressed regret on Monday over the 11-year delay in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ (IACHR) ruling on a lawsuit he filed regarding the 2013 presidential elections. The court determined that the Venezuelan government violated the political rights of the opposition leader.
“Eleven years later (justice must not only uphold the truth but also be timely), we have received a ruling regarding the lawsuit we filed with the IACHR about the 2013 presidential election,” the two-time presidential candidate wrote on social media platform X.
Capriles stated that he has consistently sought constitutional means to “restore democracy and institutional order” in Venezuela.
“I hope the day comes when Venezuelans can peacefully exercise their sacred right to decide their future,” he added.
On Monday, the IACHR ruled that Venezuela violated Capriles’ political rights during the 2013 electoral process, including denying a vote audit and the “abusive use of state machinery” in favor of then “interim president” Nicolás Maduro.
Nancy Hernández, President of the IACHR, stated during the notification of the ruling that the Venezuelan government is responsible for violations of political rights, judicial guarantees, judicial protection, freedom of expression, and the right to defense.
In the 2013 presidential elections, Capriles garnered 49.12% of the vote, while Maduro received 50.61%, according to results announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE). The election followed the death of then-President Hugo Chávez on March 5, 2013, after which Maduro, the executive vice president, served as “interim president.”
“The Court found that the electoral process occurred amid a progressive deterioration of the separation of powers in Venezuela, as well as the independence of the National Electoral Council and the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ),” Judge Hernández affirmed.
The IACHR also determined that a fine imposed on Capriles after filing appeals for vote review constituted a violation of his rights to freedom of expression and thought.
The international court ordered the Venezuelan government to nullify the fine against Capriles and implement measures to ensure the integrity of electoral processes, including provisions to verify election results.
Additionally, the court instructed the government to “facilitate free and equitable access for candidates to public and mainstream media” and to take steps to guarantee the independence of the CNE and TSJ.
International
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
The Chinese government emphasized on Monday the importance of “creating the conditions to return to the proper path of dialogue” between Iran and Israel, which have exchanged attacks in recent days resulting in more than 20 Israeli and over 220 Iranian deaths.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed deep concern at a press conference over the Israeli attacks on Iran and the “sudden escalation” of the military conflict.
Guo called on all parties to “take immediate measures to ease tensions and prevent the region from descending into further turmoil,” stating that “force cannot bring lasting peace.”
“If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify or even expand, the countries of the Middle East will be the first to suffer the consequences,” he added, while noting that China “will continue to maintain communication with the relevant parties, promoting peace and dialogue.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke last Saturday with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts to condemn the Israeli airstrike on Iranian territory, which he described as a “violation of international law” with the potential to trigger “disastrous” consequences.
In both calls, Wang reiterated China’s rejection of the use of force, defended diplomacy as the only solution to the Iranian nuclear dispute, and offered China’s mediation to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.
International
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Sunday the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the main suspect in the killing of Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband in a Brooklyn Park suburb on Friday night.
Boelter, who also reportedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday morning, was apprehended in Sibley County following an intensive manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers.
In a public statement, Governor Walz condemned Boelter’s “unthinkable actions,” which resulted in the death of a woman who “shaped the core of who we are as a state.”
“We cannot become numb to this. We are a deeply divided nation,” Walz said in a statement posted on his X account.
“We move forward not with hatred or violence, but with humility, grace, and civility,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, Walz said the entire state of Minnesota is in mourning. He also thanked law enforcement for their bravery and professionalism: “They have saved lives,” he emphasized.
“As we heal, we will not let fear win,” Walz concluded. “We must honor Melissa by moving forward with understanding, service, and above all, humanity.”
Throughout Sunday, police and sheriff units searched a rural area in Minnesota for Vance Luther Boelter, a security company director and preacher who, according to Governor Walz, acted out of politically motivated violence.
International
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
Approximately 40,000 tourists are stranded in Israel following the closure of the country’s airspace amid escalating hostilities with Iran, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism reported on Monday.
The ministry has set up a virtual office to provide information via email (virtual@goisrael.gov.il) and phone (+972-53-583-5808), as well as a Facebook page called Israel Virtual Tourist Office.
Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz is in contact with hotels and accommodations across the country to offer support to tourists in need, the ministry added.
Many stranded travelers are considering crossing overland into Jordan or Egypt to seek flights from those countries. The Israel Airports Authority reminded the public that land border crossings remain open.
Three German tourists stranded in Jerusalem told EFE today that they have not received any assistance from their country’s embassy in Israel, and their primary option currently is to cross into Jordan to catch a flight from there.
Since early Friday morning, Israel launched operations against Iran, targeting military personnel and infrastructure, including energy and nuclear facilities, as well as numerous residential areas in Tehran.
In response, Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which have struck various locations across the country, leaving at least 24 dead so far, according to Israeli authorities.
Iranian health officials report at least 224 deaths, mostly civilians, including at least 17 senior military officials—nine from the Revolutionary Guard—and more than a dozen nuclear scientists.
The Israeli military has warned that many more “targets” remain, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declared on Monday that it will continue missile attacks against Israel until its “destruction.”
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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