UKFARSI · ENGLISH EDITION
Society
The latest verified English editions from this UKFarsi desk.

Times of Israel
Iran sentences man to death over social media posts, lawyer and rights groups say
According to the Times of Israel, lawyers and human rights groups report that Amirhossein Mousavi has been sentenced to death for his social media activity.

BBC
France gears up for strikes and protests as unions promise national mobilisation
Five major French unions have organised a national day of action, including strikes and widespread protests, to demand higher wages and address the cost of living.

BBC
Joshua Wong, face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, jailed for 10 years
Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for colluding with foreign forces under the national security law. Already imprisoned for previous activism, he will now…
Guardian Sport
Stunning win for Rinky Hijikata against Novak Djokovic at Paris Masters
Australian tennis player Rinky Hijikata ended Novak Djokovic's ATP Finals hopes with a stunning upset victory at the Paris Masters.

UN News - Global perspective Human stories
Syria’s undocumented children ‘pay the price’ of war and a law that shuts out mothers
The UN reports that many children born in Syria since 2011 lack legal identity due to nationality laws that only allow citizenship to be passed through fathers.

Amnesty
Hong Kong: Cruel Joshua Wong sentence a grim reminder of city’s disdain for human rights
Amnesty International condemned the 10-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong for 'colluding with foreign forces', describing it as a tool to punish dissent.

Alhurra
Iran's Political and Security Developments in Alhurra's Weekly Brief
Alhurra's report examines Tehran's reaction to the US midterm elections, the execution of two teenagers, a message from the US Vice President to Mohsen Rezaee, and domestic warnings regarding Iran's international isolation.

Times of Israel
Iranian college students face pressure to stay quiet amid crackdown on dissent
The Times of Israel reports that protesting students in Iran are being hauled before disciplinary panels, pressured to confess, and threatened with suspension or expulsion.

CBS News
Trump touts White House ballroom in first appearance since GOP midterm losses
In his first public appearance following Republican midterm losses, President Trump toured the construction site of the new White House ballroom, praising the project as a symbol of beauty while addressing the current political…

Channel 14 Israel
IRGC shifts strategy and identifies new targets
According to Channel 14 Israel, internal disagreements among IRGC commanders have intensified regarding how to exert pressure on the US and regional countries.

Alhurra
Abdul El-Sayed's Historic Victory in US Senate Election
According to Alhurra, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has made history by winning a US Senate seat representing Michigan, becoming the first Muslim elected to the chamber.

Fox News
Bukele’s warning to Haitian gang leaders that his forces will 'finish' them as he did in El Salvador
Following the disappearance of four military technicians in Haiti, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has deployed 2,000 troops, warning Haitian gang leaders that he will dismantle them just as he did with criminal groups in…

Jerusalem Post
Analysis: Why is the Islamic Republic banning the Lion and Sun emblem amid anti-regime protests?
The Jerusalem Post reports that 47 years after the revolution, Islamic Republic authorities are cracking down on jewelry bearing the Lion and Sun emblem, which has become a symbol of growing opposition to the…

BBC
Zelensky awards Melania Trump Ukraine's highest honour
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the Order of Princess Olga to US First Lady Melania Trump for her role in brokering a ceasefire in Oleshky and her humanitarian contributions.

BBC
Mother of Ghanaian boy killed in US 'wants justice' as she flies for funeral
The mother of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy fatally shot in New York last week, has traveled to the US after receiving an emergency visa following President Trump's intervention.

The National
Israel faces constitutional crisis as Netanyahu challenges election result
Caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing intense criticism from the opposition and the attorney general for challenging recent election results and attempting to use security agencies against Arab politicians.

BBC
Abdul El-Sayed becomes first Muslim senator in US history
Left-wing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has won in the battleground state of Michigan to become the first Muslim senator in US history, defeating Republican Mike Rogers.

Deadline
Trans Rights Protesters Disrupt Harry Potter Oxford Street Store Opening
According to Deadline, a group of trans rights protesters gathered outside the new Harry Potter store on Oxford Street in London, chanting against J.K. Rowling.

Variety
Transgender Rights Protesters Gather at London Harry Potter Store Opening
According to Variety, a group of transgender rights protesters gathered outside the new Harry Potter flagship store in London's Oxford Street to demonstrate against J.K. Rowling's views.
Guardian Sport
Diogo Dalot: Manchester United’s wild win against Roma showed angry fans we care
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes the 3-2 Champions League comeback win against Roma can transform their difficult season and prove to frustrated supporters that the players care about the club's success.

BBC
Rwanda's army team removed from Africa league after US sanctions, NBA says
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has removed the Rwandan army-funded club (APR) from the Basketball Africa League due to US sanctions imposed over Rwanda's role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Channel 14 Israel
Yaakov Asher's sharp criticism of the Israeli judiciary following the Election Committee's decision
Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, criticized the Israeli Attorney General, accusing her of applying double standards in handling election corruption cases versus her treatment of the Haredi community.

Amnesty
Amnesty International urges Thailand to halt imminent forcible return of two Uyghur men to China
Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard urged Thai authorities to immediately halt plans to forcibly return two Uyghur men to China, warning they face a real risk of torture, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearance.

Amnesty
Amnesty International: Closing the investigation into forced sterilisations in Peru perpetuates impunity
Amnesty International condemns the decision by Peru's Public Prosecutor's Office to close the investigation into the forced sterilisation of thousands of women during the 1990s.

BBC
US urges Venezuela to release remaining political prisoners
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, has called for the release of the 322 remaining political prisoners and discussed laying the groundwork for free and fair elections.

Times of Israel
Iranian police officer slain in attack; Iran hangs two men over January cop killings
The Times of Israel reports that security forces are searching for assailants after an officer was killed in southeastern Iran, while two men were executed for the deaths of four officers during anti-government protests.
Guardian Culture
Lords of Serendipity by Randy Boyagoda review – a campus satire for this moment of crisis
The Guardian reviews Randy Boyagoda's new novel Lords of Serendipity, highlighting its satirical take on the corruption and corporatisation of higher education across Sri Lanka, the US, and Italy.

BBC
Trump to remove Rwanda and South Africa from US trade deal
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) preferential trade programme, effective 1 January 2027.

Channel 14 Israel
Emergency talks between Tehran and Moscow: The request for assistance sent to Russia
According to Israel's Channel 14, Tehran has turned to Russia for military, intelligence, financial, and political support after failing to secure mediation through regional countries.

Maariv
Detention of suspect in election bribery case extended in Israel
The Beersheba District Court has extended the detention of Ibrahim Al-Gharibi for two days in connection with an election bribery investigation.

Amnesty
A year after the military coup: authoritarian practices dash Gen Z aspirations for a new Madagascar
Amnesty International reports that one year after Colonel Michael Randrianirina’s military coup in Madagascar, the country has moved away from promised reforms, marked by military consolidation and authoritarian practices that leave Gen Z aspirations…

BBC
Five arrested after South African farmer shot and tortured
South African police have arrested five people in connection with the brutal attack and torture of 50-year-old farmer Donovan Marx in the country's North West province.

Amnesty
COP31 explained: Why the Türkiye climate summit matters
Ahead of the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Amnesty International emphasizes the urgent need for a just transition away from fossil fuels, calling on governments to end support for polluting industries and place human…

BBC
Russian strikes cut power to thousands in Ukraine as Kherson ceasefire ends
According to BBC reporting, a limited humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine's Kherson region allowing civilians to evacuate Oleshky has ended. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on energy infrastructure across four regions left hundreds of thousands of homes…

BBC
Ryanair may freeze workers' pay as fuel prices spike
Ryanair is considering a temporary wage freeze for staff to pay for a sharp rise in its fuel costs which have surged following the US-Israel war with Iran, according to the BBC.

Amnesty
Ukraine: Russia’s increased attacks on energy and heating infrastructure ‘creating a deadly situation for civilians’
Amnesty International warned that Russia’s increased targeted attacks on energy and heating infrastructure in Ukraine are creating a humanitarian catastrophe for civilians ahead of winter.

The National
Veteran French extremist Thomas Barnouin tells Iraqi court he regrets joining ISIS
Thomas Barnouin, a veteran French extremist who joined ISIS in 2014, expressed regret before an Iraqi court in Baghdad, claiming he did not participate in criminal operations.
Guardian Sport
One person killed and eight injured in shooting outside Magic City Classic football game in Alabama
Police in Birmingham, Alabama, reported that one person was killed and eight others were wounded in a mass shooting outside Legion Field following the annual Magic City Classic football game.

Amnesty
Amnesty International: Outrageous organized crime bill in Sri Lanka must be withdrawn
Amnesty International has criticized the new 'Prevention of Organised Crimes' bill in Sri Lanka, warning that it grants sweeping, unchecked powers to authorities, violates human rights, and paves the way for torture and arbitrary…

The National
Lebanon seizes 40kg of cocaine in Beirut airport's largest ever drug bust
Lebanese authorities have seized 40kg of cocaine from a Syrian passenger at Beirut airport, marking what the Finance Ministry described as the largest drug bust in the airport's history.

Variety
Television Academy Foundation Partners with Best Buy to Launch Production Assistant Training for LA Students
The Television Academy Foundation is launching a free 10-week training program for Los Angeles high school students in partnership with Best Buy to prepare them for entry-level television production roles.

Fox News
Colombia's 'El Tigre' takes fight to cartels as Trump alliance takes shape
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, known as 'El Tigre', has abandoned his predecessor's 'total peace' policy, claiming over 32,000 arrests in ten weeks as he aligns Colombia with Donald Trump's anti-cartel coalition.

Channel 14 Israel
Israeli citizens go to great lengths to vote: From postponing honeymoons to flying back from abroad
Channel 14 Israel reports that ahead of the elections, many citizens have gone to great lengths to vote, including postponing honeymoons or returning from studies abroad.

CBS News
Video shows immigration agent detaining man in North Hollywood, pointing gun at bystander
A video showing the detention of a Venezuelan national by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in North Hollywood has sparked widespread reaction. In the footage, an agent is seen pointing a firearm…

BBC
India's opposition set to hold mega rally seeking election chief's resignation
India's opposition alliance, led by Rahul Gandhi, is holding a major rally in Delhi to demand the resignation of the chief election commissioner over the removal of 130 million voters from electoral rolls.

BBC
Shops looted as German cost of living protests turn violent
Police in Frankfurt say violent riots took place in the city centre, with unrest also reported in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne as cost of living protests turned violent.

CBS News
Rioters smash, loot storefronts amid cost of living protests in Germany
According to CBS News, protests over the rising cost of living in German cities including Frankfurt turned violent, with masked individuals smashing windows, looting stores, and clashing with police.

Alhurra
Uncertainty Over Extending Judicial Prosecution in Dahr al-Baydar Explosives Shipment Case to Hezbollah Leadership
According to Alhurra, judicial allegations against 13 Hezbollah members in the Dahr al-Baydar explosives shipment case in eastern Lebanon have pushed the file into a new phase, amid ongoing government disputes over referring it…

Deadline
Investigation Discovery Orders Four-Part Docuseries on Andrew Tate
Investigation Discovery has announced a four-part documentary series titled 'Andrew Tate: Toxic Empire', exploring the life and controversies surrounding the controversial figure.

BBC Sport
Celtic & Rangers Scottish Cup stadium closure upheld
According to BBC Sport, the appeals by Celtic and Rangers against the sanction of playing their next Scottish Cup home ties behind closed doors have been dismissed.

UN News - Global perspective Human stories
UN rights chief demands probe into staffer’s death in Houthi custody
The UN human rights chief has demanded an independent investigation into the death of a Yemeni colleague who was held by the Houthis for over two years, noting that his family was only informed…
Axios
Unions split over AI as data centers take off
Axios reports that labor unions in the United States are divided over the rapid expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence technology.

Alhurra
Tunisia's Unfinished Revolution: Fifteen Years After the Arab Spring, Discontent Persists
Alhurra reports that fifteen years after the start of the Arab Spring, Tunisia is witnessing renewed mass protests against living conditions and the consolidation of power by President Kais Saied, as core demands for…

The National
Isolated clashes in France after nationwide protests on Halloween
According to The National, nationwide demonstrations in France against the cost of living and public services were marked by isolated clashes between protesters and police in Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse on Halloween.

BBC
Clashes erupt between police and protesters in Paris
Clashes erupted between police and protesters on the outskirts of Paris during a third weekend of nationwide demonstrations against the rising cost of living and poor public services.

Channel 14 Israel
Crime family enters the picture: 'We must get rid of Ben-Gvir'
Channel 14 Israel reports that members of the Jarushi crime family are transporting voters to polling stations in Ramla and Lod, campaigning against National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Channel 14 Israel
Concerns in Israeli Religious Parties Over Low Voter Turnout
Channel 14 Israel reports that while turnout in the Arab sector is high, religious parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are facing lower participation from their base due to dissatisfaction with MK performance and…

BBC
Venezuela opposition leader María Machado calls for elections upon return
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for elections to be held in 2027 following her return from exile, describing the country's transition to democracy as irreversible.

Variety
Patrick Stewart, Renowned Actor of Stage and Screen, Dies at 86
Variety reports that Patrick Stewart, the renowned actor known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 'Star Trek' and Professor Charles Xavier in 'X-Men', has passed away at the age of 86.
Guardian Sport
Packers’ Josh Jacobs faces fresh abuse allegations from three women in police records
According to newly released police records, three women have come forward with fresh allegations of physical abuse against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs following his arrest in May.

