With so much happening in our lives, it is hard to keep track of the events going on in the world around us. Therefore, to ensure that you are updated with the latest stories occurring in our world, here are three things you should know.
1. The hundreds of airstrikes on a city in Syria named Aleppo have taken a great toll on the citizens. In merely one weekend, at least 85 people have died, and 300 others were injured. The US ambassador to the UN described the attacks on Aleppo by the Syrian regime as “barbaric”.
Amidst the horrors of the Aleppo airstrikes, a photo of the corpses of a father and son covered in rubble and dust has emerged. The picture depicts the last moments of their lives where the father embraces his son before an airstrike hit their home as the pressure of the rubble held their final postures in place. This is a brutal reminder to billions of people across the world of the numerous daily tragedies due to the Syrian war.
2. Ethiopian marathon runner, Feyisa Lilesa, crossed his wrists above his head just before crossing the finish line as a sign of defiance during the Rio Olympics. This gesture symbolizes the handcuffs of political prisoners in Ethiopia who have been arrested while protesting the taking and selling of the Oromo people’s land by the government.
Although the Ethiopian government has assured him of a warm welcome when he returns, Lilesa has his doubts about the credibility of the government. He is now facing political exile and residing in the United States, fearing what would happen if he were to return home.
3. Why couldn’t you just keep your knees together?” Canadian Judge Robin Camp asked the victim back in 2014 during a sexual assault case. The case surrounded a 19 year-old woman who was raped during a house party. According to records, Camp also stated, “Sex and pain sometimes go together…that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
These were only two among multiple offensive statements made during court. After facing public scrutiny due to his comments, Camp has since apologized, attended sensitivity training, and has appeared before the Canadian Judicial Council earlier this month to possibly be removed from bench.
Nikki Ling
