World | Deutsche Welle

Migrants from Africa face many perils at Canary Islands The crossing between Western Africa and the Canary Islands is considered the most deadly sea migration route to the EU. People who attempt to cross face rough seas in overcrowded boats, and, in some cases, violence. Spain: Rail strike begins as drivers protest safety failures Two deadly accidents, including one of the worst in Europe, have drawn attention to maintenance issues in the Spanish railway system. Iran: Reformists arrested as crackdown on dissent widens Several reformist figures were arrested in Iran, while Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi received seven more years in prison. Venezuela: Opposition leader Guanipa kidnapped after release The close ally of Maria Corina Machado had been detained for over eight months. Guanipa is one of numerous prominent opposition figures who were released on Sunday, before being taken again by "heavily armed men." Hong Kong: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years Jimmy Lai is one of the most prominent figures to be sentenced under a China-imposed National Security Law that has silenced dissent in Hong Kong. Portugal: Socialist Seguro wins big in presidential election Veteran center-left politician Antonio Jose Seguro has won 66% of the vote, seeing off a challenge from the far-right. Albania's judicial reform 10 years on: Hope without justice In 2016, Albania launched a reform program aimed at strengthening its judiciary and making it a pillar in the fight against corruption. The murder of a judge last October has reignited the debate about this reform. Memorial for Swiss bar blaze victims catches fire A makeshift memorial for the 41 people killed on News Years Eve at the resort inferno in Crans-Montana caught fire. The memorial site was a place for mourners to place candles, messages and plush toys. Iranian Nobel laureate sentenced to over 7 more years Narges Mohammadi, awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize while in prison, has received additional prison sentences for "gathering and collusion" among other charges. UK PM aide quits over pick of Epstein-linked US envoy Keir Starmer's top aide Morgan McSweeney has quit amid fallout over the appointment of Britain's former US ambassador. Criticism has mounted as new details emerged of the appointee's links to Jeffrey Epstein. Germany's Aicher wins Olympic ski silver as Vonn crashes Germany has earned its first medal of the Winter Games as Emma Aicher finished second in a tight downhill ski race. The event was disrupted after US skier Lindsey Vonn was airlifted away following a severe fall. Could Hungary win its case against the EU's Russian gas ban? The EU has banned the import of all Russian gas by the end of 2027. Hungary is taking the matter to the European Court of Justice — and some legal experts think it might have a chance.