Venezuela frees political detainees amid US pressure
Venezuela has begun releasing detainees described by human rights groups as political prisoners, including prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel and members of her family. Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed that five Spanish nationals were among those freed.
United States President Donald Trump welcomed the move, calling it a “very important and smart gesture”, and framing the releases as a response to long-standing US demands. The development comes amid signs of tactical engagement between Washington and Caracas following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, raising questions about whether prisoner releases are being used as diplomatic currency rather than signalling structural political reform.
Swiss prosecutors detain bar co-owner after deadly New Year’s fire
Swiss authorities have detained Jacques Moretti, a French national and co-owner of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where a New Year’s Eve fire killed 40 people and injured 116 others, many of them under 20.
Prosecutors said Moretti was considered a flight risk. He and his wife, Jessica Moretti, are suspected of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Investigators believe the blaze was triggered by sparklers in champagne bottles held too close to the ceiling, intensifying scrutiny of safety standards at celebratory venues across Europe.
Read also: Nigeria faces revenue risk as Trump signals Venezuela crude revival.
US seizes more oil tankers as Venezuela energy talks resume
The United States has seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean, according to a source, following the seizure of two Venezuela-linked vessels earlier in the week. The move coincides with renewed diplomatic and commercial manoeuvring, as Donald Trump prepares to meet US oil executives to encourage major energy firms to re-enter the Venezuelan market.
The seizures highlight the contradictory nature of Washington’s approach: tightening enforcement against Venezuelan oil shipments while simultaneously exploring pathways for US companies to return under a reconfigured political landscape.
Read also: UK moves to return over $9.5m in corruption proceeds to Nigeria
Iran cuts internet as protests escalate nationwide
Iranian authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout as anti-government protests spread across several cities, with videos showing buildings ablaze and security forces confronting demonstrators.
Human rights groups say dozens of protesters have been killed in nearly two weeks of unrest. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused demonstrators of acting on behalf of foreign-based opposition groups and the United States, while a public prosecutor threatened death sentences for those involved. The shutdown underscores Tehran’s reliance on digital isolation as a tool of domestic control during periods of instability.
Macron urges french business return to Africa
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a renewed push by French companies and financiers into African markets, arguing that excessive regulation and corporate risk aversion have allowed competitors to displace France from regions it once dominated economically.
The remarks reflect growing anxiety in Paris over France’s declining influence in Africa, as rivals including China, Turkey, and Gulf states expand their economic and political footprint, often with fewer governance conditions attached.
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