International
Hasina receives a third accusation in Bangladesh after resigning as prime minister
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign and flee the Asian country, and eight of her collaborators, were denounced this Wednesday before a Bangladeshi court for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide during the repression of the recent protests, official sources told EFE.
The case registered in the International Criminal Court of Bangladesh is the first on charges of “genocide” and the third that is opened against the former president related to the violent anti-government protests in which more than 400 people died, according to EFE.
The mobilizations – initially peaceful – began on July 1, led by groups of university students opposed to a controversial system of quotas for public employment that favored the descendants of ex-combatants of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
The protests intensified quickly and were brutally repressed by the authorities of the Asian country until on August 5 the situation became unsustainable for the former president and leader of the Awami League, who was forced to resign from her position as prime minister – a role she had occupied uninterruptedly since 2009 – and to flee Dhaca.
A lawyer of the Supreme Court of the Asian country filed the complaint on Wednesday against Hasina and other figures of their governments, including former ministers Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, according to the Bangladeshi media.
The complaint was filed a few hours after the Justice Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Asif Nazrul, assured at a press conference that those responsible for the violence during the protests could be tried for crimes against humanity in Bangladesh.
The provisional Executive who leads the Nobel Peace Prize Muhammad Yunus made this decision after the pressure of the social sectors that led to the mobilizations against Hasina and her party, the Awami League, in power uninterruptedly since 2009.
“Student organizations, human rights organizations and different sectors have asked if there is a possibility of judging these facts as a crime against humanity (…) Under the International Criminal Court Act of 1973, we will hold trials for the mass murders of July and the first days of August,” Nazrul said.
The adviser stressed that the interim government is trying to keep the investigation under the supervision of the United Nations.
“The UN has given us guarantees on repeated occasions (…) To guarantee our transparency and neutrality, our research team will work with the UN,” he concluded.
Sheikh Hasina, in New Delhi since August 5, broke his silence yesterday for the first time after leaving Bangladesh through a statement published by his son, Sajeeb Wazed, on social network X.
The former prime minister asked for the investigators to be responsible for the violence that led to her resignation and subsequent escape from Bangladesh.
International
Colombia to Send High-Level Delegation to Ecuador to Ease Trade Tensions
Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Friday that, at the instruction of President Gustavo Petro, a high-level delegation will travel to Ecuador in an effort to normalize bilateral relations, which have deteriorated following the imposition of reciprocal tariffs.
“In line with Colombia’s policy of good neighborliness and the spirit of cooperation and integration that guides its foreign policy,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that the delegation will be led by Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio and Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez.
“Following instructions from the Presidency of the Republic, and as has been publicly reiterated, the Colombian delegation expects to reaffirm Colombia’s offer of support to the Republic of Ecuador to strengthen control over phenomena stemming from transnational organized crime,” the statement said.
The Foreign Ministry noted that the delegation will attend the meeting with a full willingness to engage in dialogue and to seek concrete solutions to the unilateral measures that have affected the longstanding relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Trade tensions between Ecuador and Colombia escalated on January 21, when Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboaimposed a 30% tariff on Colombian products, citing a lack of cooperation in anti-drug efforts. Colombia responded with similar measures and the suspension of energy exports, while Ecuador increased transportation costs for Colombian crude oil.
Business associations in both countries have warned that the dispute is harming both economies and have called on the governments to resolve their differences through dialogue.
International
Super Bowl Halftime Show Puts Bad Bunny—and Immigration Politics—Back in the Spotlight
The long-standing argument that sports and politics should not mix may be put to the test on Sunday during the Super Bowl halftime show, which will be headlined by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, a choice that has sparked backlash from segments of the U.S. right wing.
Just one week after his headline-making appearance at the Grammy Awards—where he sharply criticized the United States’ anti-immigration policies—Bad Bunny will once again take center stage on the global spotlight with his performance at the NFL final in Santa Clara, California.
Beyond the expectations surrounding the show itself, speculation has grown over whether the artist could again use the platform to protest policies associated with the administration of former President Donald Trump, in front of an audience expected to exceed 120 million viewers in the United States alone.
In fact, one of the most popular Super Bowl prop bets this year revolves around whether the Puerto Rican singer will deliver a direct message against ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement), similar to the one he delivered at the Grammys last Sunday.
While few expect Bad Bunny to repeat such a pointed statement, the mere speculation highlights the delicate balance the NFL must manage during the most-watched broadcast of the year.
The world’s most powerful sports league has drawn criticism from the MAGA movement since announcing in September that Bad Bunny would headline a halftime show largely performed in Spanish.
Trump himself declined to attend the matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, despite having made history last year as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. He described the musical lineup—which also includes outspoken critics such as Green Day—as “a terrible choice” that would “sow hatred.” In response, his supporters have organized an alternative event dubbed the “All-American Halftime Show,” featuring like-minded artists such as Kid Rock.
International
Venezuela Debates Broad Amnesty Law Covering 27 Years of Chavismo
Venezuela’s Parliament began debating on Thursday a sweeping amnesty bill that would cover the 27 years of Chavismo in power, while explicitly excluding serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity.
The proposed legislation, titled the “Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence,” was introduced by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power following the capture of Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation.
The legislative session was convened for Thursday afternoon, with lawmakers holding an initial discussion focused on the general principles of the bill. This phase precedes a consultation process with civil society, after which the proposal will move to a final debate examining each article individually.
According to a draft of the bill obtained by AFP, the amnesty would apply to individuals accused of crimes such as “treason,” “terrorism,” and “incitement to hatred,” charges that were frequently brought against political prisoners over the past decades. The scope also includes offenses ranging from acts of rebellion to punishments imposed for social media posts or messages sent through private messaging services.
The bill’s explanatory text emphasizes reconciliation, stating that it seeks to move away from “vengeance, retaliation, and hatred” in favor of “opening a path toward reconciliation.”
However, the proposal explicitly excludes from its benefits crimes such as “serious human rights violations, crimes against humanity, war crimes, intentional homicide, corruption, and drug trafficking.”
These exclusions, the text notes, are based on strict compliance with the Venezuelan Constitution, which already prohibits granting amnesties or pardons for such offenses.
Shakira ignites El Salvador with near sold-out residency at Mágico González Stadium
Salvadoran fans plan birthday surprise for Shakira at historic show
Colombia to Send High-Level Delegation to Ecuador to Ease Trade Tensions
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International4 days agoDelcy Rodríguez Takes Control of Chavismo as Venezuela Enters a U.S.-Supervised Transition
-
Central America3 days agoPanama Will Not Be Threatened, President Says Amid Rising Tensions With China
-
International4 days agoHRW Warns Trump’s Influence Has Weakened Human Rights in Latin America
-
International3 days agoDíaz-Canel Calls for Talks With Washington Without Pressure as U.S. Tightens Oil Sanctions
-
International3 days agoVenezuela Debates Broad Amnesty Law Covering 27 Years of Chavismo
-
International2 days agoColombia to Send High-Level Delegation to Ecuador to Ease Trade Tensions
-
Central America3 days agoBukele’s Approval Rating Climbs to 91.9% in El Salvador, Survey Shows
-
Central America21 hours agoSalvadoran fans plan birthday surprise for Shakira at historic show
-
Sports18 hours agoShakira ignites El Salvador with near sold-out residency at Mágico González Stadium
-
International2 days agoSuper Bowl Halftime Show Puts Bad Bunny—and Immigration Politics—Back in the Spotlight