activists

Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been awarded the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. Sotoudeh, known for defending women's rights activists and political prisoners in Iran and for serving prison time for her work, is one of the country's most prominent rights defenders. The award honours individuals committed to defending human rights in Europe and beyond, and news of the honour is being reported across international media.

D+C, the Development and Cooperation publication, has published a piece examining how governments overseas pursue legal action against human rights activists. The report looks at the methods used to prosecute or otherwise silence defenders of civil liberties abroad. Beyond the headline, no further details on the countries, cases or individuals involved were available in the source material.

Protesters linked to Palestine Action confronted the UK foreign secretary over the government's stance on Gaza and the decision to ban the group. The activists challenged the minister publicly, voicing anger at Britain's policy toward the war and at the proscription of Palestine Action, which made membership a criminal offence. The clash underscores ongoing tension between the government and pro-Palestinian campaigners, with critics arguing the ban curbs free speech while ministers defend it as a security measure.

The opposition group Viet Tan accuses Vietnam of abducting an Australian and a Norwegian activist, claiming they were forcibly taken while abroad. The rights group is calling for their release and for international pressure on Hanoi. If confirmed, the case would fit a pattern of alleged transnational repression by Vietnamese authorities against overseas critics.

Azerbaijani activist Mehman Huseynov spoke at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. He is a well-known government critic who has previously been jailed and detained in Azerbaijan. His appearance before the Council is drawing significant attention among Azerbaijani-speaking audiences, where clips of his remarks are circulating widely and attracting substantial engagement.

Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has received the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, per Deutsche Welle. Sotoudeh, long imprisoned for defending women's rights activists and opponents of Iran's compulsory veiling laws, is one of the country's most prominent rights defenders. The award honors individuals who defend human rights at great personal risk, and news of the honor is being reported across international outlets.

Demonstrators camping in a central Madrid square have pledged to continue their protest against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over Spain's housing crisis. The movement centres on an 87-year-old woman facing eviction, who urged the campers to hold on. Spain's rising rents and lack of affordable housing have fuelled sustained street protests, with activists promising to maintain pressure until the government acts.

The Vietnamese government is facing accusations that it abducted a Melbourne-based human rights activist. The claim, reported by The Guardian, alleges the activist was taken against their will in an operation attributed to Vietnamese authorities. Details about the activist's identity, whereabouts and the circumstances of the alleged abduction have not yet been confirmed, and Vietnam has not publicly responded to the allegations.

An anti-fur march took place in Milan during Fashion Week, drawing attention to the continued use of fur on the runways. Demonstrators marched through the city to protest designers still showing fur collections, creating disruption during the event. The protest has reignited debate within the fashion industry over ethical sourcing and animal welfare, with activists pressing brands to commit to fur-free policies.

A rally in support of residents of Oleshky, a Ukrainian town in Kherson region under Russian occupation, is taking place in Brussels. It began at 10:00 near the Schuman roundabout, as EU officials meet. Organisers are drawing attention to a humanitarian crisis in the town, where people have limited access to food, water and electricity.

Adam Mubarak, a Tunisian student, is being held in jail for his support of the Gaza flotilla, according to The New Arab. The case has drawn attention to the treatment of activists involved in pro-Palestinian flotilla efforts, with reports highlighting his detention and calls reportedly growing for his release. Details of the charges against him remain limited in available reporting.

Erika Hilton has been reelected and became the most-voted federal deputy in Brazil's history. The result marks a historic milestone for the São Paulo congresswoman and human rights activist, drawing broad attention to her record vote count in the election.

Hundreds of animal rights protesters staged a rally against the use of fur during Milan Fashion Week, calling on designers and luxury houses to abandon fur collections. The demonstration took place as international fashion press and buyers gathered in the Italian city for the shows, drawing coverage from fashion and news outlets worldwide.

Protesters and activists have assembled in Mumbai, with calls for participants to remain in the city until a resignation is received. The demand is being amplified by civil society voices in India, who are urging supporters to hold their position and keep pressure on the official concerned. The occupation of the city signals a sustained campaign rather than a one-day demonstration.

Six people, including veteran Singaporean actors Lim Kay Siu and Neo Swee Lin, are to be charged for taking part in public assemblies without a permit, including gatherings outside Changi Prison and the State Courts. Several of those charged are described as repeat offenders who ignored prior convictions and warnings. Activist journalist Kirsten Han is also being discussed in connection with the case.

François Hollande told militants in Corrèze that he is the figure able to face down Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, according to La Montagne. The former French president's pitch to local activists has drawn attention, with supporters in his home département backing him as a response to global strongmen.

The BDS movement is stepping up actions against companies it accuses of profiting from Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, including Judea and Samaria. L'Humanité reports on how activists argue firms 'cannot profit with impunity from oppression', detailing boycott and legal strategies aimed at businesses operating in settlements and those supplying the Israeli military.

The Mayor of Woollahra, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, is facing criticism after reportedly searching the property price of a speaker associated with the pro-development YIMBY movement. The Daily Telegraph labelled the move 'bizarre', and the story has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between councils and housing advocates pushing for greater density in affluent areas.

A crew is spending the week preparing for upcoming sailing missions, with training covering safety drills, emergency procedures, first aid, rescue techniques and communication. The team is being taught to work together and stay calm under pressure, ready for the many situations that can arise at sea.