Italy: Indian ‘fixer’ faces indictment for exploiting hundreds
An Indian ‘fixer’, Tara Chand Tanwar, is likely to face indictment for a long history of criminal activity. One example concerns Sandeep, from Rajasthan, who was working in Italy but lost his job in 2015. He paid €5,000 to Tanwar for a new job in logistics. However, the job exposed him to exploitative conditions, including twelve-hour workdays, lack of a contract, and overcrowded living arrangements. Sandeep’s fear of losing his residency kept him compliant. From 2012 to 2022, Tanwar used weaknesses in Italy’s migration and procurement laws to implement a system of bribery, blackmail, and mafia-like tactics. His operation funnelled millions through bank accounts linked to forced labour. Tanwar’s influence in Rajasthan, a region with high unemployment, had made him a pivotal figure in arranging jobs for hundreds of hopeful migrants, though he lacked the required licences. Workers were unaware of his illegal status and became trapped in debt.
Gaza: USA files charges against Hamas leaders
The USA has filed criminal charges against Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, and five other individuals for orchestrating the deadly attack on 7 October which killed 1,200 people, including forty Americans. The charges include conspiracy to support a terrorist organisation, conspiracy to murder US nationals, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. The complaint alleges support from Iran and Hezbollah. Three of the defendants are believed to be dead, while Sinwar remains in hiding. These charges are part of a broader effort to dismantle Hamas’s operations, but the White House also says it is actively working with Egypt and Qatar on a new ceasefire and hostage deal. In other developments, in Israel there have been three days of huge protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, and the UK government has decided to suspend sale of certain types of arms sales to Israel because they might be used in violation of international humanitarian law.
East Asia: the Pope’s longest-ever trip
Pope Francis, despite health challenges, has embarked on his longest trip as pope, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. In this significant visit, which will cover over 32,000 km, he will aim to strengthen ties with Asian countries where Catholicism is often a minority faith but plays a crucial role in education and charity. The trip also highlights the shift in the Catholic Church’s focus toward Asia and away from a Eurocentric model. In Indonesia, the Pope will meet with Muslim leaders and sign an interfaith declaration, emphasising harmony between religions. Francis will again urge world leaders to take stronger action against climate change, particularly when he is in Papua New Guinea, and in the background there are ongoing efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties with China. This trip demonstrates the Pope’s continued energy - even at the age of 87 - and commitment to global outreach.
Venezuela: arrest warrant for opposition leader draws international condemnation
Venezuela’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has sparked international condemnation. Canada, the USA, and Brazil have all criticised Nicolás Maduro for his crackdown on opposition members following a contested presidential election in July. He was declared the winner with 52% of the vote but failed to release vote tallies. The opposition have presented records to back up their claims that Gonzalez won. When he refused to testify in an investigation, a warrant was issued for his arrest. Brazil, once supportive of Venezuela, expressed concerns and warned that his detention would be seen as politically motivated. The USA, long critical of Maduro, accused him of extreme measures to retain power. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has accused armed groups of killing 23 protesters after Maduro’s victory: see.
