Rorisang Modiba brings you daily updates.
Nigeria – A Nigerian court has freed 119 people, including children, after the government dropped charges against them for protesting in August against the rising cost of living. Some protesters had faced treason charges, which could have led to the death penalty. President Bola Tinubu ordered that minors arrested during the protests should be released, prompting the attorney general to fast-track their cases. Deji Adeyanju, the lawyer for the released protesters, is now calling on state governments to provide support and compensation for them.
China – Chinese state media used the recent US election to highlight problems in American society, describing it as divided and unstable. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China often criticises the US system, contrasting it with China’s one-party government. Outlets like the Global Times and CCTV focused on boarded-up shops and increased police presence in Washington, DC, while downplaying the peaceful voting process. They suggested that, regardless of the result, US-China relations are unlikely to improve soon.
US – Democrat Sarah McBride has become the first openly transgender person elected to the US Congress, winning a seat in Delaware. McBride, a well-known LGBTQ+ activist, defeated Republican John Whalen III and raised more than $3-million for her campaign. She previously made history in 2020 as the first transgender person elected to a state senate and was the first to intern at the White House in 2012. In her victory speech, McBride said Delaware voters care more about candidates’ ideas than their identities.
Florida – A bid to overturn Florida’s six-week abortion ban did not pass, even though it won a majority of votes, as it missed the 60% threshold needed. This means Florida’s current law will continue to ban abortion before most people even know they are pregnant.
Pictured above: Some of the protestors in court.
Source: X
