International

The Parliament of Venezuela approves a law that provides for the regulation of NGOs by judicial means

The National Assembly (AN, Parliament) of Venezuela, controlled by Chavismo, unanimously approved on Tuesday, the Law of Supervision, Regularization, Action and Financing of NGOs and Social Organizations that provides for the judicial dissolution of these groups that violate the provisions established in the regulations.

During the session, the Legislature agreed to include in the text, at the request of the Chavista deputy Diosdado Cabello, that NGOs be prohibited from receiving contributions for the financing of “terrorism” because, he assured, there are organizations that receive funds and then sponsor “guarimbas” (violent protests).

“These NGOs receive funds and we see them financing guarimbas, financing acts of terrorism in the national territory and this would serve to put a stop to that possibility,” the legislator explained.

NGOs, according to the new law, are prohibited from receiving economic contributions destined for political organizations or making economic contributions to such formations, as well as promoting “fascism, intolerance or hatred.”

Likewise, it establishes as grounds for the dissolution of these associations the non-compliance with these prohibitions, declared by judicial decision, as well as the non-payment of any fine imposed “in accordance with this law, once the available judicial remedies have been exhausted.”

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The text indicates that the courts of first instance in civil matters will be competent to agree on the “dissolution of a non-profit social organization,” to which “the right to defense and due process must be guaranteed.”

NGOs must, by law, notify “the financing or donations” they receive, in order to “ensure the legality of the funds,” in addition to declaring the “donations received with full identification of the donors, indicating whether they are national or foreign, accidental or permanent.”

On the other hand, according to the text, the Executive is responsible for “following and controlling compliance” with the “duties and prohibitions” established in the new legislation, for which, among other measures, it will implement and evaluate mechanisms that serve these purposes.

The NA resumed the discussion of this law three months after its last debate on it, last May, despite the warnings of numerous NGOs, which warn of a “suppression of civic space and the right of association.”

On Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, asked the Government of Venezuela to reject this legislative text, as well as that of a bill to regulate social networks, due to the negative impact they would have on human rights and democracy in general.

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International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.

International

Iran rejects negotiations as tensions escalate with United States

Iran has no intention of entering negotiations and will continue to resist, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday night, dismissing recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about possible talks.

Speaking to state television, Araghchi argued that Washington’s call for negotiations reflects a position of weakness. He added that the Islamic Republic seeks to end the war on its own terms, ensuring that such a conflict does not recur in the future.

Meanwhile, the White House issued a stark warning, stating that Trump would “unleash hell” on Iran if it refuses to accept a deal to end the conflict. Despite Tehran’s rejection, U.S. officials maintained that discussions remain ongoing.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s position, warning that failure to acknowledge what she described as Iran’s military defeat would result in even stronger action from Washington.

The increasingly aggressive rhetoric from both sides has diminished hopes for a near-term de-escalation in the conflict, which began following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.

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As tensions continue to rise, the prospect of a diplomatic resolution remains uncertain amid conflicting narratives and escalating threats from both governments.