Afghanistan, Peru, Kenya
Today's three stories you should know
Afghanistan
Police in Afghanistan opened fire on a crowd protesting the arrest and detention of more than a dozen women over dress code violations, eyewitnesses said. Onlookers told AP that about 100 to 150 people took part in the demonstration in the western city of Herat, and that at least three people were wounded by the gunfire. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban government has imposed harsh restrictions on women’s clothing, employment, education and freedom to travel. A human rights monitor told AP that at least 16 women had been arrested and held in Herat since Friday over alleged violations of dress codes.
More from AP here.
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Peru
With Peru’s presidential election on a knife-edge, the head of the country’s election authority has told AFP that the result might not be known for two weeks despite 96 percent of votes already being counted. Official figures show leftist Roberto Sanchez with a lead of about 20,000 votes over the conservative Keiko Fujimori. Spiralling crime rates and widespread corruption were reported to be the biggest concerns for voters. Many Peruvians are hoping the election can draw a line under years of political chaos that has seen presidents arrested, deposed and impeached, leading to a staggering eight presidents in just 10 years.
More from AFP via France 24 here.
Kenya
A demonstrator has been shot dead by police in Kenya as protests continue over a plan to build an Ebola quarantine facility for U.S. citizens. Two Reuters reporters saw a body lying motionless with a large wound to the head. The incident comes after two protesters were shot dead last week near the proposed center at Laikipia Air Base in the town of Nanyuki. The facility is intended for Americans who may be exposed to the virus by an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Kenya has reported no cases. Protesters say it is an unnecessary risk to public health, but President William Ruto has vowed to press ahead.
More from Reuters here.