Russia
Russia's jury reform draws fire for handing verdicts back to the state
The Supreme Court proposals would allow presiding judges to "clarify" questions during deliberations and reduce jury panels from six or eight members to four, changes lawyers say undermine the independence of a system that acquits at 60 times the national average in non-jury trials.
Turkey
Turkish comedian Deniz Göktaş on trial for insulting Erdoğan in show
Göktaş's arrest was the latest in a widening crackdown on anyone seen as critical of Turkey's conservative government or its values, which has netted hundreds of politicians, artists, musicians, journalists and LGBTQ+ activists.
USA
Maduro asks US court to drop drug charges on grounds of immunity
Maduro who has called himself a “prisoner of war” and his capture a “kidnapping” has requested all charges against him and his wife be dropped on grounds of diplomatic immunity. Their attorneys argued that only Venezuelan courts have the right to prosecute them.
USA
Judge blocks new Trump bid against birthright citizenship
The ruling is the second time Trump’s ambitious plans of abolishing a constitutional right were shot down by federal courts. The US Supreme Court earlier blocked an executive attempt at abolishing the right to children born to parents who do not hold legal residence status.
USA
Robinson pleads not guilty as Utah judge advances Kirk murder to trial
Robinson, seen as the sole suspect in the 2025 assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, entered a not guilty plea after a judge gave the green light for prosecutors to advance towards the death penalty as the case goes to trial.
China
Hong Kong democracy activist Wong pleads guilty to foreign collusion
Wong, already serving prison time for a separate case, pleaded guilty to a second offence under Beijing’s 2020 National Security law, which could see his sentence extended by a minimum of three years and up to life imprisonment.