分类： politics

In a landmark ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison for orchestrating a coup conspiracy following his defeat in the 2022 general elections. The decision, announced on September 11, found Bolsonaro guilty of multiple charges, including organized crime, coup d’etat, and the abolition of democratic rule. Only one of the five justices dissented in the First Chamber’s verdict. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain, had been under house arrest since August 4 for violating precautionary measures and was subsequently transferred to the Federal Police headquarters in the Federal District. His legal team has appealed the decision, arguing that the conviction was based on insufficient evidence and contradictions in the ruling. They also maintain that Bolsonaro had no direct involvement in the alleged crimes. Despite the appeal, the former president’s defense has not yet exhausted all legal avenues to challenge or reduce the sentence. The ruling specifically targets Bolsonaro and does not affect others convicted in connection with the violent post-election plot.

A leftist organization has issued a stark warning, declaring that a third intifada (uprising) is closer than ever, fueled by escalating violence and systemic oppression in the West Bank. The group pointed to the recent killings of two Palestinian youths, aged 16 and 18, in Kafr Aqab, a town north of occupied East Jerusalem, as emblematic of the ongoing atrocities. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) condemned Israel’s alleged disregard for Palestinian lives and denounced the systematic aggression by Jewish settlers. The PFLP asserted that such actions would ignite widespread unrest, describing the situation as a ‘spark that will burn away the illusions of calm.’ They warned that the accumulated anger of Palestinians would erupt ‘like lava in the face of the occupation.’ The group characterized Israel as a ‘monstrous entity’ led by a ‘criminal system’ that combines megalomania with a ‘sadistic enjoyment of blood.’ They further accused the Israeli regime of embodying a ‘deeply rooted racist and fascist ideology,’ manifested through acts of burning, destruction, and attacks against civilians. The PFLP vowed that Palestinians would neither remain passive nor submit to what they termed ‘organized terrorism’ by Israel, emphasizing their resolve to resist oppression.

The African Union (AU) Summit, themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,’ is currently underway at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg. This high-profile event underscores the AU’s dedication to advancing multilateral cooperation and influencing global discussions, as highlighted in an official press release. The summit’s theme resonates deeply with the objectives outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation. Key topics on the agenda include inclusive and sustainable economic growth, development financing, and the pressing issue of external debt. The gathering has drawn participation from 42 nations, comprising the 19 remaining G20 members—excluding the United States—16 invited countries, and six representatives from regional economic communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia. Notably, South Africa’s G20 presidency will conclude on November 30, with the United States set to assume the role in 2026. The anticipated centerpiece of the summit is the Leaders’ Declaration, currently under negotiation among G20 member states, which is expected to outline actionable commitments and collaborative strategies.

From November 18 to 20, Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim embarked on a significant diplomatic mission in Ethiopia’s capital, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. The visit centered around the inaugural high-level business forum between the two nations, designed to enhance trade partnerships and identify new avenues for collaboration. Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie, addressing the forum, underscored the necessity of deepening strategic ties in light of the rapidly changing global economic and political landscape. Despite diplomatic relations being established in 1965, Selassie emphasized that the current era demands a more robust and multifaceted partnership. Key areas of focus include trade and investment, agriculture, livestock, and mining, all of which are critical to Ethiopia’s development agenda. Selassie described the forum as a historic milestone that not only reaffirms the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Malaysia but also sets the stage for a future defined by enhanced economic cooperation, mutual understanding, and shared prosperity. Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the longstanding diplomatic alliance and shared global perspectives between the two nations. He lauded Ethiopia’s remarkable progress in reform and development, attributing it to the country’s untapped potential and visionary leadership. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering deeper economic and diplomatic collaboration, signaling a promising trajectory for Ethiopia-Malaysia relations.

During the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. This significant development was formalized through a Joint Declaration, which underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration across various sectors. The Vietnamese government’s official online publication highlighted the partnership’s goal to serve as a model of cooperation among Global South countries, with a particular focus on enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties. To operationalize this vision, both leaders advocated for the swift creation of an Action Plan and the immediate formation of a working group to streamline market access for goods and products from both nations. The partnership aims to boost bilateral trade volume to between four and five billion dollars within the next two to three years, marking a new chapter in Vietnam-South Africa relations.

During a significant diplomatic engagement, To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), warmly welcomed Woo Won Shik, the President of the South Korean National Assembly, who concluded a three-day official visit to Vietnam. Lam emphasized the profound importance of this visit, highlighting its potential to foster enhanced cooperation between the legislative bodies of both nations. He underscored the visit’s role in establishing a robust legal framework aimed at ensuring stable, comprehensive, and sustainable collaboration across various sectors. Lam expressed his satisfaction with the productive discussions between Tran Thanh Man, the Speaker of Vietnam’s National Assembly, and Woo Won Shik. He expressed optimism that the parliaments of both countries would continue to play a pivotal role in advancing economic cooperation. Additionally, Lam encouraged South Korea to bolster the capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises, enabling them to integrate more effectively into the global supply chains of South Korean businesses. This meeting marks a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between Vietnam and South Korea, with a focus on mutual growth and development.