Pope Leo XIV appoints Michael Pham as bishop of San Diego

The government of Niger formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), alleging that the court applies “selective justice.” The decision activates the process of exit from the Rome Statute, the court’s founding treaty.

“The ICC has been misused and exploited,” the Niger government said in the letter presented to the UN. Although the court generated expectations of international justice in its beginnings, the country considers that its application is unequal.

Niger’s withdrawal follows previous announcements by Mali and Burkina Faso, which also expressed their intention to leave the ICC. These decisions occur in a context of profound political changes in the Sahel region, after coups d’état and the arrival of military junta to power.

Since the 2023 coup that overthrew the elected government, the new Nigerien administration has reduced ties with traditional Western allies and strengthened relations with partners such as Russia. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin faces an arrest warrant issued by the ICC.

The judicial process

A Thai woman, identified as Pavinee Supasirivisan, appeared in court in Myanmar on Tuesday. She faces a charge of violating immigration laws, linked to the death of her ex-husband, a US diplomat found dead in Yangon in May.

During the hearing, three prosecution witnesses testified, including immigration officials. So far it has not been reported whether the accused pleaded guilty or not guilty.

Immigration crime has a penalty of six months to five years in prison. In addition, the woman is also being investigated for homicide, which could carry from 10 years in prison to the death penalty, according to local legislation.

The diplomat was found dead on May 11 at the Sakura Residence & Hotel in Yangon, with stab wounds to his head and neck. The US State Department confirmed the death, but has not revealed his identity. The Thai government has provided consular assistance to the accused.

The case is being handled secrecy. Myanmar authorities have restricted access to information, and journalists are prohibited from attending hearings, a common practice since the 2021 military coup. The lack of transparency raises concerns about due process.

The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, landed in Islamabad this Tuesday to meet with Pakistani authorities. Pakistan is acting as a mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington, aimed at a permanent agreement to end the war in the Middle East.

The visit follows high-level negotiations in Switzerland, led by US Vice President JD Vance and the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Although Washington claimed that an agreement was reached to allow IAEA inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran denied that there is a defined date for those visits.

Tension in Lebanon and repercussions

In parallel, violence returned to southern Lebanon. Two people lost their lives in Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa after Israeli soldiers opened fire, according to local media. The incident occurred after two days of relative calm following a ceasefire, but threatens to complicate negotiations. Iran has demanded that a truce in Lebanon be part of any comprehensive deal.

Pezeshkian was received by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Iranian president pointed out that the progress of the talks will depend on the actual fulfillment of the agreements. He warned that statements outside the negotiated framework could affect the diplomatic process.

Key points on the table

The negotiations address sanctions relief, nuclear issues, reconstruction and surveillance mechanisms. They also include agreements to keep open the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transportation. Differences persist over the use of possible unfrozen Iranian funds and Israel’s role in the conflict with Hezbollah. The mediators seek to avoid a new regional escalation.