International

Only 55 released of the more than 1,400 detainees and protests over elections in Venezuela

The NGO of Venezuela Foro Penal assured on Thursday that of the more than 1,400 detainees that it has been able to confirm, after the protests recorded against the official result of the presidential elections by which the electoral authorities proclaimed the victory of Nicolás Maduro, only 55 people have been released.

“Few people have been liberated. We have only added, of the more than 1,400 people arrested, 55 people who have been released,” explained the president of the Criminal Forum, Alfredo Romero, after an activity of advising relatives of these detainees, together with the NGO Provea.

Romero did not detail the ages of those released so far because, he said, the NGO has counted a total of 118 adolescents, between 13 and 17 years of age, among those arrested after the protests.

He also recalled that among those apprehended there are people with disabilities, as well as a citizen who is within the autism spectrum.

“There is a deaf person detained, there are people with, in addition to disabilities, with diseases of some kind, chronic,” he added.

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The activist indicated that most of the arrests took place in the context of the demonstrations against the official result of the presidential elections but – he explained – they are verifying complaints of “selective” arrests, in which security officials take people who are inside their homes.

Meanwhile, Leticia Torrealba, mother of a 16-year-old man arrested, explained in the activity that her son was arrested on July 29 when he was walking with other friends on the street and were approached by officials of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB, Militarized Police).

“He is 16 years old and this is really distressing, I do not wish this to anyone that one has a minor and that they have him in that situation, it is difficult for one, because it is very difficult for one to smile and see other people well (…) really one feels very breakable,” he said.

According to the Venezuelan Executive, more than 2,400 people were arrested in the context of the protests unleashed after the elections of July 28, in which, according to the Prosecutor’s Office, 25 deaths were recorded.

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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.