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Tunisia opponents to be tried on state security charges amid crackdown

A highly anticipated trial of several prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security is set to start Tuesday, with critics and rights groups denouncing it as unfair and politically motivated.The case has named around 40 high-profile defendants -- including former diplomats, politicians, lawyers and media figures -- some of whom have been outspoken critics of President Kais Saied.Many were detained following a flurry of arrests in February 2023, after Saied dubbed them "terrorists".
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tunisia opponents to be tried on state security charges amid crackdown

Iran lawmakers sack minister over economic woes

Iran's parliament sacked the country's finance minister on Sunday after impeaching him over soaring inflation and a plunging currency, state television reported.Economy and finance minister Abdolnaser Hemmati lost a vote of confidence, with 182 of 273 parliamentarians present backing his removal.On the black market on Sunday, the Iranian rial was trading at more than 920,000 to the US dollar, compared with less than 600,000 in mid-2024.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran lawmakers sack minister over economic woes

Israel suspends aid, strikes Gaza as Hamas sees 'coup' against truce

Israel said Sunday it was suspending the entry of aid into Gaza, where both Israel and Palestinian sources reported Israeli military strikes as Hamas alleged a "coup" against a six-week old truce.The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported at least four killed and six wounded in Israeli attacks. As the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire drew to a close with negotiations inconclusive, Israel early Sunday approved a truce extension it said US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff proposed.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel suspends aid, strikes Gaza as Hamas sees 'coup' against truce