Mass arrests spark human rights concerns in El Salvador

Published

4 years ago

April 22, 2022

Human rights activists have raised concerns, as the government of El Salvador arrests more than 14,000 people in three weeks

The arrests come in response to a spike in gang violence across the nation.

In March this year, 87 people were murdered in a single weekend, which led President Nayib Bukele to tighten state powers and suspend civil liberties.

El Salvador has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, but human rights groups claim the President is using the violence as an excuse to consolidate power.

“The number of detentions is incomparable to anything El Salvador has seen in past government crackdowns on gang violence.” Says Abraham Abrego of the Salvadoran human rights organisation Cristosal.

Human Rights Watch researcher Juan Pappier says the new restrictions “are not simply harsh laws against gang members.”

“They are laws that put all Salvadorans at risk”
Juan Pappier, human rights watch researcher

On April 5 the government passed a law stopping the media from sharing gang, or any messages that could create panic in the population.

The maximum penalty for the law is 15 years in prison, because of this four journalists have already left the country.

In response, the government has denied any wrongdoing.

On Twitter Bukele accused NGO’s, the media, political parties and other governments of defending gang members.

OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

1 hour ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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News

Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

1 hour ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

1 hour ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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