Veteran human rights advocate freed in swap says Russia is sliding back toward Stalinist times

BERLIN: A human rights activist in the 1980s, Oleg Orlov believed that Russia had turned a corner when the Soviet Union collapsed and a democratically elected president became the leader. But then Vladimir Putin came to power, crushing dissent and launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Eventually, 71-year-old Orlov was thrown into prison himself for … Read more

Australia spy chief accuses friendly nations of foreign interference

SYDNEY: Australia's spy chief on Sunday accused some friendly nations of conducting foreign interference operations in the country, saying their identities would surprise people if revealed. Last year, Canberra named Iran as engaging in foreign interference, adding that Australian intelligence had disrupted “individuals” conducting a surveillance operation on the home of an Iranian-Australian.

After Olympic dream, a rude political awakening for Macron?

Veteran human rights lawyer freed in exchange says Russia is sliding back to Stalinist times BERLIN: A human rights activist in the 1980s, Oleg Orlov believed that Russia had turned a corner when the Soviet Union collapsed and a democratically elected president became the leader.But then Vladimir Putin came to power, crushing dissent and launching … Read more

Iran condemns ‘barbaric’ Israeli strike on Gaza school

TEHRAN, Iran: Iran condemned a “barbaric” Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school housing displaced Palestinians that left dozens dead on Saturday, calling it a “war crime”. The attack showed once again that Israel “does not respect any of the rules and regulations of international law and moral and humane principles,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani … Read more

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