Iran Carries Out Death Sentence on Man Linked to Anti-Government Protests

Iranian authorities have executed Siavash Jamshidi, a man convicted of several offences including firing a military-grade weapon at police officers during anti-government protests earlier this year.

According to Iran’s judiciary, Jamshidi was sentenced to death on charges including “moharebeh” (waging war against God), conspiracy and collusion against national security. The judiciary said he had fired a weapon at security personnel during demonstrations that peaked on January 8 and 9.

Iran’s Mizan Online judiciary website said Jamshidi was also convicted of fraud, threats, theft, possession and carrying of an illegal military-grade weapon, as well as complicity in kidnapping, intimidation with a weapon and intentionally causing bodily harm.

The protests began in December 2025 over grievances linked to the rising cost of living and grew into large demonstrations across Iran. Iranian authorities have reported more than 3,000 deaths, blaming the unrest on what they described as terrorist activities backed by the United States and Israel. Foreign-based rights organisations, however, have accused Iranian security forces of using live ammunition against protesters.

Executions of people convicted in connection with the unrest have increased since the protests, while arrests have also intensified following the outbreak of the wider Middle East war in February.

Rights groups Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty said Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest annual figure recorded in the country since 1989.

Jobs, Security Top Agenda for Gaza Voters Ahead of Elections

Gaza, Palestine — Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are looking ahead to the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections, with many voters saying they want future leaders to focus on employment, security, housing, healthcare, education and the reconstruction of the devastated territory.

The legislative election, scheduled for November 28, 2026, will be the first Palestinian national legislative vote since 2006. For many young people in Gaza, it will also be their first opportunity to participate in a national election.

Ahmad Mohsen, a 24-year-old nursing graduate from Deir el-Balah, said his main priorities are finding stable employment and restoring security. He had hoped to work in a hospital and pursue further studies before the war disrupted his plans.

Mohsen initially volunteered at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, but later sought other work because he was not being paid. He now works in a shop selling prepaid internet cards.

He said young people need political leaders who understand their struggles and work to improve their living conditions.

Gaza's unemployment rate is estimated at about 80 percent, while the territory's economy and infrastructure have suffered extensive destruction during the war.

For older residents, memories of the 2006 election, which was won by Hamas, remain significant. Ghassan Marwan, 53, said he had hoped that election would bring security, employment and stability. However, he later lost his home and factory during the war.

Marwan said his priorities now are reconstruction, calm and security, adding that years of hardship have reduced people's interest in politics as many struggle simply to meet their daily needs.

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission is preparing to conduct the elections in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. The commission estimates that around 1.24 million Palestinians in Gaza will be eligible to vote.

Officials say the election faces major logistical and security challenges because of widespread destruction and displacement. The commission has also prepared contingency plans to produce election materials locally if supplies cannot enter Gaza.

Political analyst Iyad al-Qarra said Palestinians' expectations of politics have changed following years of displacement and destruction. He said many now want leadership focused on rebuilding Gaza, restoring infrastructure, and repairing the health and education sectors.

For many Gaza residents, the upcoming election is therefore not only about choosing political representatives but also about whether a future government can help restore livelihoods, basic services and a sense of stability.

Two Nigerian Ex-US Airmen Sentenced to 15 Years for Cyber Fraud

Two Nigerians who previously served in the United States Air Force have been sentenced to a combined 15 years and nine months in prison for their involvement in an international cyber fraud scheme.

According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Chijioke Odimegwu, 25, and Harafat Mogaji, 26, both residents of Delaware, were sentenced last Friday.

Court documents revealed that the two men and their accomplices spent nearly two years targeting businesses across the United States, using fraudulent methods to obtain confidential information and divert payments.

The defendants allegedly used stolen credentials and spoofed email addresses that appeared to belong to victims or their business partners. They then redirected business payments into bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.

The scheme diverted more than $1.68 million in a wire transfer sent by a victim in Iowa City to a bank account in Chicago. They also allegedly diverted more than $720,000 sent by an Ohio victim.

Investigators said the pair also fraudulently obtained sensitive financial information, including bank account numbers, identification numbers, and credit and debit card details.

Odimegwu was sentenced to 111 months in prison and ordered to pay $366,617.59 in restitution, while Mogaji received 78 months in prison and was ordered to pay $995,680.45 in restitution.

Both men were taken into custody after sentencing. Upon completing their prison sentences, they will each serve three years of supervised release.

Trauma Returns to Northern Ireland as Orange Order Parade Dispute Reignites Old Tensions

A decades-old dispute over an Orange Order parade in Northern Ireland has revived painful memories of the Troubles, with families in Portadown fearing that renewed tensions could affect a new generation.

The latest confrontation centres on Garvaghy Road, a predominantly Catholic area of Portadown where the Protestant Orange Order has long sought permission to march. A recent High Court ruling allowed a limited parade, prompting Catholic residents to block the road.

The dispute is deeply connected to the violence of the 1990s. During the Troubles, Garvaghy Road became one of the most contentious flashpoints between nationalist residents, loyalists and security forces.

Chris Nelson, whose mother Rosemary Nelson was a lawyer representing Catholic residents during the dispute, recalled how his family lived with fear during the marching season. Rosemary was assaulted by police during a 1997 confrontation and was later killed in a car bomb attack in March 1999.

The Troubles, which began in the late 1960s, claimed more than 3,500 lives before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement established a framework for peace and power-sharing.

The Orange Order parade was banned from Garvaghy Road from 1998, although members continued to seek permission to use the route. In September 2026, authorities permitted 35 marchers to proceed without music, but protesters blocked the road, preventing the parade from passing.

Nationalists have criticised the decision allowing the march, while unionists have accused police of failing to enforce it. The Orange Order says it wants to return along what it considers a traditional route.

Residents say the renewed dispute has brought back memories of barricades, security forces and violence from the 1990s. However, there has so far been no violence in Portadown itself.

Chris Nelson, now nearly 40, said children should not grow up thinking in terms of Catholic and Protestant divisions. He warned that children absorb what they see around them and expressed concern that the current standoff could leave another generation carrying the consequences of the conflict.

The renewed dispute has therefore become more than a disagreement over a parade route, with families on both sides confronting memories of a troubled past while trying to preserve the peace established nearly three decades ago.

Fresh Petition Threatens Dangote’s $16bn Kenya Refinery Project

Dangote’s proposed $16 billion oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya, has faced a fresh legal challenge after a Kenyan consumer rights group petitioned a government panel over the approval process and the proposed state investment in the project.

The Secretary-General of the Consumers Federation of Kenya, Stephen Mutoro, disclosed on Friday that the organisation had filed a petition before the Public Private Partnerships Petition Committee under Section 75 of Kenya’s Public Private Partnerships Act, 2021.

The federation is seeking details of the contracting authority, procurement process and approvals for the refinery, as well as records relating to its appraisal, due diligence and legal clearance.

It is also requesting clarification on a reported KSh21.5 billion seed allocation and Kenya’s proposed 10 per cent stake in the project, reportedly valued at about $500 million.

The group wants the Kenyan government to clarify whether the funds have been budgeted, committed or disbursed, as well as the vehicle through which the government would acquire its stake, the class of shares involved and the proposed payment terms.

The petition also raises questions about possible government commitments involving petroleum-product offtake, market protection and electricity supply, including potential financial liabilities for taxpayers and consumers.

Mutoro said the federation had requested the relevant records within seven days and asked the committee to set aside any approval found to be non-compliant with the law and refer the project for fresh appraisal, due diligence and conflict checks.

The latest petition comes days after 133 residents of Lamu approached a Kenyan court over land earmarked for the refinery. A status quo order was reportedly issued on September 25.

The land case is separate from the consumer group’s petition, according to Mutoro.

The development followed the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigerian businessman and Chairman of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote.

The proposed refinery is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is scheduled for completion in 2030. It would also include a 1,000-megawatt power plant.

Dangote previously dismissed protests over the land and accused local marketers and international players of opposing the project. He said the refinery would proceed despite the protests.

The project is expected to become Kenya’s largest infrastructure project since independence and Dangote’s biggest proposed investment outside Nigeria.

US, Australia Shut Diplomatic Missions in Brazil Ahead of Election

The United States has suspended consular services in Brazil, prompting Australia to temporarily close its embassy in the capital, Brasília, just two days before Brazil’s presidential election.

The US Embassy said consular services were suspended from Friday due to security concerns and advised American citizens seeking assistance not to visit US diplomatic facilities. The embassy did not provide details about the nature of the threat or indicate whether it was directly connected to the election.

The US State Department said it was working with Brazilian authorities to address the security concerns.

Australia’s ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies, also announced that the Australian embassy would close on Friday, citing the US security alert. She advised Australian citizens to avoid US diplomatic facilities.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s federal police conducted preventive search-and-seizure operations in São Paulo and the Federal District as part of an investigation into suspected plans targeting US diplomatic facilities.

Police said the operation followed cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies but added that investigators had found no evidence confirming the reported threat and had not identified any suspects linked to criminal organisations. Communications equipment was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The diplomatic closures come as Brazil prepares for Sunday’s presidential election, which pits incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

If neither candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election is scheduled for October 25.

Lula’s Workers’ Party president, Edinho Silva, described the US decision as unprecedented and accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to influence Brazilian public opinion.

Lula’s allies have also accused Washington of interfering in Brazil’s election, citing US tariffs and efforts by American officials to discuss electoral integrity with Brazilian authorities.

Trump has publicly praised Flávio Bolsonaro, although he has not formally endorsed him, saying he is closely following the Brazilian election.

WHO Warns of ‘Devastating Consequences’ as Aid Delays Persist in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that continued delays in the delivery of essential medicines, prosthetics and other humanitarian supplies into Gaza could have “devastating consequences” for Palestinians in urgent need of medical care.

Reinhilde Van De Weerdt, the WHO representative in Palestine, urged Israeli authorities to ease restrictions on medical supplies and ensure their timely entry into the Gaza Strip.

She said approved humanitarian aid can currently enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, while the Rafah crossing is open only for limited movement of people, including patients seeking medical treatment abroad.

Van De Weerdt said a shipment containing prosthetics and assistive devices had been rejected four times over the past six months, delaying rehabilitation for people who had lost limbs.

She also said medicines were generally being approved more easily, with nearly 87 percent of shipments approved and just over 1 percent rejected.

“Our ask is simple and has not changed: we need the unimpeded and predictable entry of humanitarian and health supplies into Gaza at scale,” she said, calling for multiple crossings to be opened so that aid does not depend on a limited number of entry points.

The WHO official also warned of growing health risks as winter approaches. Nearly two million people are in need of adequate shelter, increasing their exposure to cold, flooding and other safety risks.

She said the lack of clean water and safe shelter, combined with the presence of rats capable of transmitting infections, could increase the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. The destruction of public health laboratories has also made disease monitoring more difficult.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has separately warned of serious public health risks caused by the accumulation of solid waste in Gaza City, where sanitation services remain affected by shortages of heavy machinery, fuel, spare parts and other essential resources.

According to OCHA, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remains overwhelming nearly 12 months into a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which has continued to be marked by Israeli air attacks and other military activity.

Vietnam’s Economy Records Fastest Quarterly Growth in Four Years

Vietnam’s economy grew by 9.95 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, recording its fastest quarterly growth in four years, according to government data released on Saturday.

The July–September growth accelerated from a revised 8.81 per cent recorded in the second quarter and was driven largely by strong exports, increased infrastructure investment and continued expansion in industrial production.

Despite the strong performance, the figure remains below Vietnam’s full-year economic growth target of more than 10 per cent.

Vietnam’s exports rose by 39.1 per cent year-on-year in September to $59.48 billion, while imports increased by 45.8 per cent to $58.21 billion, resulting in a monthly trade surplus of $1.27 billion.

However, for the first nine months of the year, the country recorded a record trade deficit of $19.42 billion. Exports increased by 24.5 per cent to $434.30 billion, while imports rose by 36.7 per cent to $453.72 billion.

Higher energy import costs contributed to the widening deficit. Although crude oil imports fell by 13.5 per cent in volume, their value increased by 14.4 per cent. Imports of refined fuels also rose 11.5 per cent in volume and 79.3 per cent in value.

Consumer prices increased by 5.08 per cent in September compared with the same month last year, up from 4.89 per cent in August. Industrial production also expanded by 16.7 per cent year-on-year.

Total investment during the first nine months rose 16.7 per cent, reflecting increased government spending on infrastructure. Foreign investment inflows also increased by 12.1 per cent to $21.1 billion.

The Asian Development Bank recently raised its forecast for Vietnam’s economic growth in 2026 from 7.2 per cent to 7.8 per cent, citing continued manufacturing growth, strong domestic consumption and sustained foreign direct investment.

However, the bank warned that weaker global demand, higher energy prices and tighter global financial conditions could create inflation and currency pressures.

Analysts have also raised concerns about rising inflation and possible electricity shortages, which could pose challenges to Vietnam’s economic growth in the coming months.

26 US States Sue Trump Administration Over Fuel Efficiency Rollback

Twenty-six US states, including California and New York, have sued the administration of President Donald Trump over its decision to roll back fuel-efficiency standards for petrol-powered vehicles.

The lawsuit, filed on Friday, challenges the US Department of Transportation’s decision to reduce the required fleet average fuel economy to 34.9 miles per gallon (56km per gallon) by the 2031 model year.

Under former President Joe Biden, the target had been set at 50.4 miles per gallon (81km per gallon) by 2031.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the lawsuit, accused the administration of improperly changing the way federal regulators calculate fuel-economy standards.

According to the lawsuit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) changed its methodology by excluding existing electric vehicles from the baseline used to determine how much petrol-powered vehicles could improve their fuel efficiency.

Bonta argued that the change makes it easier for the government to justify weaker fuel-economy requirements and alleged that the new rule violates NHTSA’s congressional mandate to establish standards at the “maximum feasible” level.

The US Transportation Department, however, said the rollback could save American taxpayers $138bn over the next five years.

The decision has received support from some major automakers. Stellantis North America said the revised Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations were more achievable and better aligned with market conditions.

Second Lawsuit Filed

A separate lawsuit was also filed on Friday by environmental and progressive groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and Public Citizen.

The groups argue that the rollback could increase air pollution and fuel consumption. The case was filed in a federal court in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, shares of several major automakers declined. Ford, General Motors and Toyota each fell by about 1 percent, while Stellantis dropped more than 6 percent amid reports of weaker sales.

EFCC Secures 1,370 Convictions, Recovers Over ₦1.23 Trillion in First Half of 2026

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured 1,370 convictions out of 1,889 cases filed in court during the first half of 2026, its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed.

Olukoyede made the disclosure on Thursday during the commissioning of the EFCC Awka Zonal Directorate Complex, which will oversee operations in Anambra and Imo states.

According to him, the commission recovered ₦1.233 trillion, alongside $684.48 million, £373,905.78 and €9.34 million, during the period.

Giving a broader account of the EFCC’s activities between October 2023 and July 2026, Olukoyede said the commission received 49,673 petitions, investigated 39,615 cases, filed 14,476 cases in court, and secured 10,872 convictions.

He said the figures represented a 75.1 per cent conviction-to-filing ratio.

Olukoyede said the commission had introduced reforms to improve its processes and procedures, contributing to increased performance across its law-enforcement activities.

He explained that the EFCC’s mandate goes beyond arrest and prosecution, stressing the importance of preventing economic and financial crimes before they occur.

According to him, identifying vulnerabilities, preventing fraudulent transactions, strengthening procurement systems and disrupting criminal financial flows could save the country significant economic and social costs.

The EFCC chairman said the new Awka directorate would focus on corruption prevention and engagement with government institutions, businesses, financial institutions, professional bodies, schools, markets, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and communities.

He urged Nigerians to provide credible information about suspected financial crimes but warned against using whistleblowing to settle personal disputes.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said the commissioning demonstrated the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption agencies.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo pledged the state government’s cooperation with the EFCC, while Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma commended the commission for bringing its services closer to residents and called for a dedicated EFCC office in Imo State.

Car Crashes Into Rugby Fans in Australia, Injuring 10

Ten people, including three children, have been injured after a car crashed into a crowd of rugby league supporters in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Police said two of the injured—a five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man—are in critical condition, while the other eight are in stable condition in hospital.

The 18-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested following the incident. Police said the crash is not believed to be terrorism-related and that investigations are ongoing.

The crowd had gathered in Newcastle to farewell the local rugby league team, the Newcastle Knights, ahead of their grand final against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said the driver was a rugby league fan who appeared to have lost control of the vehicle.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy for those injured, saying the incident occurred during what was supposed to be a weekend of excitement and celebration for Newcastle rugby supporters.

Iraq Approves 40 Daily Iranian Flights to Najaf After US Waiver

Iraq has agreed to allow Iranian airlines, excluding Mahan Air, to operate up to 40 flights daily to and from Najaf International Airport after the United States granted Baghdad an exemption from sanctions.

The agreement was announced on Friday by the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, a day after Iran urged Iraq to lift restrictions that had affected pilgrims, patients, students and business travellers.

Al-Zaidi welcomed the US decision, describing the exemption as a positive response to Iraq’s efforts. He said air travel was not only a means of transportation but also an important link between people.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein also welcomed the resumption of flights, saying it supported Iraq-US cooperation and facilitated access to religious sites.

The flights were suspended after the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 36 entities linked to Iran’s aviation sector on September 8. Foreign ground-handling companies subsequently stopped servicing Iranian aircraft because of concerns over violating US sanctions, leading to the suspension of Iranian flights at four Iraqi airports.

Before the restrictions, Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad said there were approximately 25 daily flights from Iran to Najaf and 15 to Baghdad, with about 12,000 to 13,000 people travelling between Iran and Iraq each day on Iranian airlines.

Flights between Iran and Najaf resumed late on Monday. However, services involving Baghdad, Erbil and Sulaimaniyah remain suspended, forcing some passengers to make land journeys of at least 12 hours.

Najaf is a major destination for Iranian travellers, particularly pilgrims visiting religious sites in Iraq and Iraqi Shia Muslims travelling to holy cities in Iran.

Al Jazeera said it had not independently verified the reported US exemption with officials in Washington.