South Africa, Mexico, India
Today's three stories you should know
South Africa
Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa. A wave of anti-immigrant demonstrations in recent months has often turned violent and there has been a spate of attacks on foreigners, leading to African countries, including Ghana, evacuating citizens. Several people from African nations have been killed in the violence, while others have been beaten or burned out of their homes and businesses. The petition, seen by Reuters, alleges a "pattern of widespread and systematic attacks" and accuses the government of failing to stop the violence. In response to Reuters, a spokesperson for South Africa's foreign ministry called the petition opportunistic.
More from Reuters here.
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Mexico
Mexican journalist Francisco Leyva has been shot dead in the state of Oaxaca, the state's Attorney General's Office said, making him the fourth journalist to be murdered in the country since June. Leyva, 60, was known for scathing columns in which he criticised Oaxacan authorities, and for reporting on government corruption and violence linked to organized crime. “He was a journalist critical of our government, like many other journalists who exercise their right every day to question, point out issues, and freely express their opinions,” Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara wrote on social media. Mexico is considered the most dangerous country in the world for journalists outside of active war zones.
More from El Pais here.
India
Thousands of young demonstrators have begun a sit-in on the streets of India’s capital New Delhi as their “Cockroach” movement continues to present the biggest challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term. What began as a satirical online campaign has grown into a genuine force, with young people angry over alleged leaks in some of the country’s famously competitive exams for medical colleges and government jobs. The leaks are a powerful symbol of overarching frustration for the country’s youth and the movement appears to be expanding beyond exam grievances. Under pressure, Modi today announced fast-track courts to handle examination paper leak cases. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” he wrote on X.
More from AP here.


