Congolese president pardons 700 political prisoners
Last Wednesday, Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, pardoned 700 political prisoners jailed under the previous political administration. According to the Associated Press, “Mr. Tshisekedi signed the decree Wednesday, fulfilling a promise he made this month to do so during his first 100 days in office… Among those set for release was Firmin Yangambi, who was sentenced in 2009 to 20 years in prison on charges of being a threat to national security. Also being freed is Franck Diongo, an opposition figure who was sentenced to five years imprisonment during the previous administration.” Tshisekedi took office on Dec. 30, marking the first peaceful transfer of power in the Democratic Republic of Congo since becoming independent from Belgium.
U.K. lawmakers reject Brexit again
Once again, the British Parliament has rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan for Britain to withdraw from the European Union. According to the New York Times, “Parliament voted to oppose the prospect of a disorderly ‘no-deal’ exit from the bloc, doing it in a dramatic and unexpected fashion that undercut the already-battered Mrs. May’s dwindling authority and negotiating leverage… And the breakdown of discipline in her Conservative Party renewed speculation that her cabinet could try to force her from power.” May’s plan was rejected with a 432-202 vote.
Crocodile that harassed Philippine town caught
In Balabac, a town in the Philippines, a crocodile has been preying on the townspeople since Nov. 2018. The reptile was found with a human arm in its mouth. Efren Portades, who lives in Balabac told the New York Times, “It was like he was showing off.” After weeks of searching for the crocodile, it was caught by a team from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.
