Pregnant women prisoners are being handcuffed to prison officers – often male – during intimate vaginal examinations and long, agonising births.

Authorities in Cyprus are investigating how a remand prisoner, facing trial for attempted murder in Larnaca, managed to flee the country and return to Romania.

Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman stated at the UN Human Rights Council that Russia has deliberately and brutally executed at least 337 Ukrainian prisoners of war.

As of the end of 2025, Russian forces had executed 337 Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Ukrainian human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets.

Three prisoners in Split, Croatia, remain hospitalized after suffering inhalation injuries from a cell fire at Bilice prison.

Three individuals have been charged with aiding an escaped prisoner, though details of the escape and the prisoner's identity are not provided in the article.

Two former Russian prisoners, who escaped the war in Ukraine, are suspected of brutally murdering a 30-year-old businessman in Thailand, linked to a drug franchise.

A 49-year-old man, convicted of murdering a 36-year-old fellow inmate in Nigrita Prison in July 2019, had his life sentence reduced to 15 years imprisonment on appeal.

Myanmar's military junta has reportedly released more than 10,000 prisoners, though the reasons and conditions of their release are not immediately clear.

There was no sign that former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was ousted in the military takeover in 2021 and has been held virtually incommunicado since then, would be freed, state-run media reported

Maria Kolensnikova, a Belarusian opposition figure and former political prisoner, emphasizes the importance of breaking Belarus's isolation, stating it only benefits Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Modern cinema is stuck as a prisoner of ancient storytelling and is unable to explore a woman's identity, claims director Anna Eriksson.

More than 8,850 individuals imprisoned for involuntary crimes have been released in Iran this year, according to the Tehran Times.

An appeals court is reviewing a government effort to reinstate findings from the 2007 interrogations of a Guantánamo Bay prisoner involved in the 9/11 case.

Police say a prisoner, understood to be Huntley, was assaulted in workshop of HMP Frankland near Durham

NGOs are denouncing failures in Venezuela's newly approved amnesty law, stating it has a limited scope and excludes dozens of political prisoners, including military personnel.

The SC ruled that women prisoners cannot be excluded from open jails on vague security grounds, deeming it gender discrimination and unconstitutional.

A Hungarian public media program on the horrors of war featured videos of Hungarian-speaking Ukrainian prisoners of war praising the Russian army's good treatment.

The Supreme Court has directed all states and Union territories to develop a time-bound protocol for filling existing vacancies in Open Correctional Institutions and open barracks, emphasizing the obligation to treat prisoners with humanity.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has found a violation of rights concerning an incident on August 3, 2020, when a convicted person was physically attacked and beaten by a prison police officer in Idrizovo prison.

An Iranian national, Mahdieh Esfandiari, has been sentenced to a year in prison by a French court for promoting terrorism on social media. Observers suggest she could become a bargaining chip in negotiations with Tehran for the release of French nationals held in Iran.

A former prisoner in Vendée, France, who was incarcerated between 2018 and 2019, has been awarded €3,000 in compensation for indecent detention conditions, including rats and overcrowding.

It says the suspect, who was sent back to Moscow as part of a prisoner swap, cannot be located.

Damascus and Druze fighters have conducted a prisoner exchange.

After Kurdish forces withdrew from the Syrian al-Hol camp, several thousand people escaped from the camp. Syrian authorities found more than 100 damages to the camp wall, and the number of escapees needs to be determined.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez, focusing on the need to free Italian political prisoners held by the regime.

The Icelandic Parliamentary Ombudsman has requested copies of the last ten visit requests from foreign female prisoners at Hólmsheiði prison and information regarding the temporary removal of certain female prisoners from work earlier this month.

Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakva, visited Kyiv and called for the immediate release of two Ghanaian citizens held as war prisoners.

Moldovan Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari stated that former prisoner Nicolae Shepel, pardoned by President Maia Sandu in 2022, must return to prison following the revocation of his pardon.

A 47-year-old prisoner who escaped from Hippokrateio Hospital in Thessaloniki on Clean Monday has been apprehended by police.

A 70-year-old Spanish prisoner remains detained in Venezuela, with the Chavista government refusing his release, while Spain's Foreign Minister Albares advocates for the removal of sanctions against Venezuelan officials.

Venezuela has released 179 prisoners under a new amnesty law, which covers a range of crimes historically used to imprison dissidents.

Following a death in the Oulu prison, the prison director stated that inmates are questioned about self-harm tendencies immediately upon arrival. Prison deaths are considered rare relative to the number and condition of prisoners.

More than 540 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela since January 8, according to the legal rights NGO Foro Penal.

The Karnataka High Court has ordered prison officials to submit a report regarding undertrial prisoners, following a case where a man languished in jail for four years without being produced in court.

Under pressure from Washington, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has announced an amnesty for political prisoners and reforms to open the oil sector to private investment.

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez vowed on Monday to welcome Venezuelans living abroad back home following a new amnesty law, as authorities released dozens of political prisoners and moved to signal a thaw in relations with the West.

A former Ukrainian prisoner of war, Oleksijs Anuļa, alleges that Russian special services attempted to abduct him in Geneva, highlighting the ongoing issues of torture and psychological pressure faced by Ukrainian POWs in Russian custody.

Venezuela's National Assembly approved a limited amnesty law for some prisoners and proposed lifting sanctions against Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.

More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners were on hunger strike Sunday to demand their release under a new amnesty law that excludes many of them. The inmates at the Rodeo I prison, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of capital Caracas, shouted to their loved ones as part of the protest.

The Deputy Ombudsman has expressed concerns regarding mental health services for prisoners in Turku, Finland, following an inspection that revealed significant challenges in operational fluidity and service availability.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding their release under a new amnesty law that many of them do not qualify for.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela's Rodeo I prison have launched a hunger strike, demanding a broader amnesty law as they are not covered by the recently approved, criticized amnesty bill.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike to protest their exclusion from a new amnesty law following the ouster of President Maduro.

On Sunday, more than 200 prisoners declared a hunger strike, most believing they were excluded from this law.

More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners began a hunger strike on Sunday, demanding inclusion in a new amnesty law they say excludes many detainees, particularly those facing military-related charges. The law, approved by Congress last week, forms part of reforms backed by Washington after former president Nicolas Maduro’s January ouster.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have reportedly launched a hunger strike.

More than 200 political prisoners, including two of the six Spanish-Venezuelans still detained, have declared a hunger strike in El Rodeo 1, a Venezuelan prison known as 'hell'.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Philippines are set to launch a new web-based tool called 'Laya Calculator' to accurately compute prisoner release dates nationwide.

Sheldon Coore, an IPP prisoner who has lived in Britain since childhood, is facing deportation to Jamaica after serving 21 years for stealing £20. He has been moved to an immigration removal centre ahead of his deportation.

Jorge Rodríguez argued that the Coexistence and Peace Program, created in January by Delcy Rodríguez, could analyze cases and recommend measures “for people not covered” by the amnesty.

A police raid on Domokos prison in Greece led to the discovery of a knife and a mobile phone, resulting in the arrest of two inmates. The raid follows a recent murder of a prisoner in the facility.

On Thursday, the Venezuelan parliament unanimously approved the amnesty law, which is expected to allow the release of hundreds of prisoners The post Venezuela: Amnesty granted to 379 political prisoners appeared first on ProtoThema English.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that another exchange of prisoners of war with Russia is possible in the coming days, and the next round of peace talks is to take place within 10 days in Gene...

Greece intervened to stop the online auction of photos depicting political prisoners just before their execution by Nazis in 1944.

Protesters were outside hotel in Washington demanding the release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan Bodyguards traveling with the Azerbaijani president, who was visiting Washington for the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, punched, kicked and chased protesters outside a Washington hotel on Thursday, video footage shows. Demonstrators calling for the release of political prisoners were driven from the street near the motorcade of Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani leader. Continue reading...

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez signed an amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners.

An RFE/RL investigation revealed messages showing a Russian general, promoted by Putin, sent his wife a photo of severed ears taken from Ukrainian prisoners of war, which she reportedly likened to beer snacks.

Australian authorities are aware of citizens among 5,704 detainees transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraqi custody, raising concerns about potential death penalty sentences for suspected IS fighters.

Families in Venezuela have reunited with 17 released prisoners, while others continue to await an Amnesty Law.

Palestinian prisoners express alarm over reports of preparations in Israeli jails to carry out executions, following the deaths of dozens in Israeli custody.

IT has been a worrying week for the PTI as the news about Imran Khan’s health became public and dominated news headlines and private conversations. From the sketchy information that came out initially, it appeared that he had some problem with his eye and has lost up to 85 per cent of his vision in that eye. This was reported by lawyer Salman Safdar, after his court-appointed visit to Khan at Adiala jail, though there had been news reports about the matter earlier. According to Safdar, the percentage was communicated to Khan by the doctors who examined him. The government’s earlier reaction appeared a bit inexplicable. It took the government days to confirm the problem, after it had been reported in the media. And then it did nothing while the Supreme Court woke up to take notice, sending Safdar to the jail. Over the weekend, there were reports that a team of doctors had been sent to the jail to examine him, while his family and personal doctors continued to wait for access. As the family and party refused to accept the government’s decision of giving access to only certain individuals (rather than the family being allowed to choose the person) the examination was carried out at the jail by doctors without any relative present. The party is trying to build up pressure through protests and sit-ins, which seems to cause no sleepless nights to the government. This is so despite reports that KP is cut off from the rest of the country. The PTI is getting criticised for this though it is hard to understand why the federal government is ignoring it. To return to Adiala, this is a good time for a reminder that health issues, especially of imprisoned political prisoners, should not be downplayed or treated lightly. For this reason, the government should provide all help possible to Khan; this includes allowing his family and personal doctors access to him, so they can take decisions on his health, instead of the government making the call on which experts should conduct the examination and which family members can be present. This reeks of callousness. The reports of Khan’s ill health have added fuel to the talk of a probable deal. However, there is a political angle to this entire crisis. The reports of Khan’s ill health have added fuel to the talk of a probable deal or ‘dheel’, as it seems to share some parallels with the platelets issue which allowed Nawaz Sharif to be freed and flown to London. In fact, the question being asked again and again in Islamabad is if this is Platelets 2, implying that some backroom deal is being worked out. It is important to point out that the rumours did not just emerge as a result of health worries but also because of the events of the past couple of weeks where the cooperation between the federal and provincial governments improved. Once this happened, the allegations of drugs and other criminal activities directed at Chief Minister Sohail Afridi gave way to praise for his cooperation with Islamabad. So once the reports of the illness emerged, it simply lent credence to rumours that something was cooking. At the moment, it is hard for those of us who live away from Constitution Avenue to comment on these rumours with any authority. And beca­u­­se I would like to feel better about my ignorance, perhaps some of those living on Constitution Avenue may also be as ill-informed as the rest of us mortals. Despite this, there is much support for the idea of a deal. For many within the PTI think it would provide respite to Khan and others and allow them to bide their time for a return to power (as in the case of other politicians in the past). On the government side, it is seen as a way to bring some stability to the situation, allowing the focus to remain on the economy. But all of this ignores a larger issue, beyond the comfort of those in power and in the opposition. In other words, beyond the level of high politics, where the players tend to be the establishment, the parties and individuals, what will this deal bring to dissatisfied people who have been feeding into the popularity and stature of Khan? Indeed, it is this anger which has resurrected Khan and the PTI each time a fatal blow has been struck in the direction of the party in what is ‘high politics’. Be it the forcible exits from the PTI of the more well-known faces or the decision to deprive the party of its symbol — popular support for it has ensured that none of these steps proved sufficient. So it is perhaps worth asking what the impact of such a ‘deal’ would be. Suppose the deal does disillusion the supporters of Khan and undermines his popularity in a way similar to Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N. (The economy and its poor performance landed the second blow on N’s popularity.) And then what options will be left for the people to still stay engaged in electoral politics. Will they opt for other, smaller political parties? Or will they look around for more radical options? The point here is that the establishment needs to realise that it not going to be enough to win over politicians to its side; this is not what will make the system more stable. For the system to be more stable, it is not enough to quieten politicians such as Sharif or Khan and then revel in the decline of their popularity. For real stability, the anger of the people will have to be understood and then addressed through a more equitable economic system and by giving them a voice. Instead of focusing on high politics, it might help if for once attention were paid to the level at which people operate and exist. After all, electoral politics in Balochistan was tamed some time ago, but stability continues to be elusive. The writer is a journalist. Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026

An NGO is advocating for the release of hundreds of political prisoners still held in Venezuela, despite ongoing pressure from the United States.

Senator Marco Rubio stated that the United States is pleased with the overall direction of events in Syria following a deal involving the YPG.

Political prisoners in Venezuela have begun to be released, with many reflecting on the profound meaning of freedom after their incarceration.

Srđan Mlađan, considered Croatia's most dangerous prisoner, appeared before a court in Varaždin for a new trial, currently serving a 27-year sentence.

Saba Shawl becomes the first woman superintendent of Srinagar Central Jail, overseeing over 900 prisoners in the historic facility.

The Russian Defence Ministry published a video last week purporting to show a dual Hungarian-Ukrainian citizen captured as a prisoner of war, alleging he had been forced to enlist in the Ukrainian…

Political scientist Rudolf Metz analyzes the film 'I Feel at Home Here,' exploring how individuals become prisoners in their own country and the nature of tyranny.

They carried out dozens of ‘drops’, delivering drugs, weapons and phones to inmates

Finland's National Coalition Party and Left Alliance are advocating for a proposal to double the daily allowance for conscripts, noting that it is currently lower than that of prisoners in certain situations.

The use of Ukrainian, including Hungarian, prisoners of war for Russian propaganda messages, and their subsequent broadcast by Hungarian state television, is considered a violation of the Geneva Convention.

More than 10,000 prisoners released in Myanmar amnesty  Myanmar Now

Myanmar's military junta has granted amnesty to over 7,000 prisoners, previously convicted of financing or sheltering 'terrorist groups', a term used to describe pro-democracy factions.

A solidarity action took place in Warsaw to support Ukrainian military prisoners and those missing due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

This article commemorates František Lízna, a Czech Catholic priest, former dissident, and political prisoner, on the fifth anniversary of his death.

An employee was taken hostage and injured by a prisoner in the penitentiary institution (PI) in Heerhugowaard, Netherlands, following a stabbing incident.

Goaded by Tottenham and lampooned by Wolves, Mikel Arteta’s side face Chelsea this weekend with rivals hoping to prey on their sensitivities Arsenal had to expect the jibes from Tottenham and they…

Former Ukrainian prisoners of war testified in the Saxon state parliament in Germany, detailing systematic torture by Russian forces, including the use of cold and hunger as weapons.

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office has dismissed a criminal complaint regarding the alleged rape of a transgender prisoner in Kragujevac prison.

A life prisoner known as 'the Hairdresser' is attempting to overturn his double murder conviction in Cyprus, claiming the key witness who testified against him admitted to lying under oath.

Junts has replaced the yellow ribbons on the seats of Puigdemont and Puig in the Catalan Parliament, symbolizing support for political prisoners.

A prisoner exchange between Syrian forces and Druze factions has taken place, facilitated by the brother of Al Shara.

A French court has sentenced an Iranian woman, Mahdieh Esfandiari, to one year in prison on charges of promoting terrorism.

The Congress party has highlighted the deaths of 66 prisoners in Chhattisgarh jails between January 2025 and January 2026, raising concerns about overcrowding during a tense legislative assembly session.

Yekaterina Duntsova, who attempted to run against Vladimir Putin in the 2024 presidential election, was detained by Tver police at a political prisoner event for questioning.

A French court has sentenced Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari for justifying terrorism, in a case potentially linked to a prisoner swap for two French citizens held in Iran.

Iraqi officials have announced that Russian nationals are among the ISIS prisoners in Iraq who will be repatriated, following the transfer of thousands of ISIS members from Syria.

A Lithuanian man, while incarcerated, allegedly led a drug smuggling ring that produced and distributed psychotropic substances by impregnating them into cotton-based paper sheets, which were then smuggled into the United States.

The High Court has affirmed that every prisoner has a fundamental right to receive periodical medical check-ups.

Amanda Joy Cooper, who has been incarcerated since 2001, recently underwent gender surgery and is seeking transfer to a women's prison

Alexandros Clerides argues that remand prisoners in Cyprus, detained while awaiting trial, are effectively exposed to a violation of their right to a fair trial.

The Venezuelan parliament has passed a groundbreaking amnesty law, leading to the release of nearly two hundred political prisoners and signaling an end to decades of state repression under Maduro and Chávez.

Rwandan peacekeepers are providing free medical services to prisoners in the Central African Republic (CAR), as documented by The New Times.

Venezuelan courts, particularly those in Caracas specializing in terrorism, are experiencing 'total collapse' due to the high volume of cases related to political prisoners under the new Amnesty Law, according to an NGO.

Reports indicate that the Syrian government and Druze have renewed participation in new US-backed talks, with a potential prisoner deal in Sweida paving the way for a broader resolution.

The head of the Parliamentary Commission overseeing the application of the amnesty, added that around 3,000 others, who were out on parole, had also been cleared of all charges.

Sources report that over 20 Iranian nationals are among the ISIS prisoners who have been transferred to Iraq, indicating international cooperation in managing captured militants.

A recent report by the Deputy Ombudsman in Finland indicates that not all prisoners have received adequate health services as required by law, pointing to a purely economic solution for the problem.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez has announced a new amnesty law, promising to welcome back exiles and slowly releasing prisoners.

Thirty political prisoners have been released in Venezuela following an amnesty law, though human rights advocates deem the law insufficient as it excludes military-related cases.

Approximately 200 prisoners in Venezuela have initiated a hunger strike, protesting conditions and demanding improvements within the correctional system.

Venezuela's National Assembly approved a limited amnesty law for certain prisoners, while also calling for the release of President Maduro at the UN, as the EU considers lifting sanctions against Rodríguez.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding their release and protesting their exclusion from a recently passed amnesty law.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have reportedly launched a hunger strike to protest their detention conditions.

The Netherlands' caretaker government has confirmed the presence of ISIS fighters with a 'Dutch link' among prisoners in Iraqi prisons.

Another 23 political prisoners were released yesterday Sunday in Venezuela, under the amnesty law adopted under pressure from the US, announced the non-governmental organization Foro Penal. Among them

More than 200 'political' prisoners in Venezuela have declared a hunger strike, including both Venezuelans and foreigners, following the release of 80 other individuals under an amnesty law.

The dynamic Kano State Government under the able leadership of Alhaji  Abba Kabir Yusuf  on February 18, 2026, the first day of the Ramaddan fast, captured a dozen Nigerians. These prisoners of religious war were apprehended  for three types of assault against religious observance. Eight were captured by the Hisbah Religious Police in places like  Kantin Kwari, […] The post Shall it be renewed hope without end? By Owei Lakemfa appeared first on Vanguard News.

Prisoners in Venezuela have launched a mass hunger strike, following a proposed amnesty law drafted under US pressure by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez after a US special forces attack on January 3.

The documentary 'White Mountains' by Al. Papathanasiou explores the life and legacy of Lefteris Iliakis, a prominent figure in the Greek National Resistance and a political prisoner.

An undertrial prisoner in Bengaluru Central Prison allegedly attacked six inmates with a nail, with an investigation revealing it was a 'hit job' ordered by another inmate.

The announcement by the head of Venezuela's National Assembly comes amid US pressure following the capture of ex-President Nicolás Maduro.

More than 1,500 individuals imprisoned in Venezuela for political reasons have applied for release under the country's new provisions.

Venezuela has received over 1,550 requests under a new amnesty law, leading to the release of hundreds of prisoners. This move signals a potential shift in policy by the successor to President Maduro.

Venezuela's parliament has passed a bill to grant amnesty to individuals detained under previous regimes, though human rights groups are calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, citing the bill's limited scope.

Venezuela's new government has released hundreds of political detainees, prompting questions about the true extent of their freedom.

Eight Turkish human rights groups have urged the immediate release of a 70-year-old critically ill Kurdish prisoner, warning that Turkey's refusal to suspend his sentence despite severe health problems puts his life at risk.

Charles Bronson, now legally Charles Salvador, has spent over 50 years in prison, much in solitary confinement, for violent offenses including hostage-taking. At 73, he faces his ninth parole review, with the board weighing his risk against decades of notoriety, personal transformation through art, and public fascination, famously dramatized by Tom Hardy in the 2008 film Bronson.

A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, a US-based NGO, lists accounts of media professionals held by Israel since October 7, 2023. Israel has repeatedly denied reports of mistreatment of prisoners.

The one opinion that has been consistently stacked against Carson Hocevar ever since his days in the Craftsman Truck Series is that he is too aggressive on the race track. He has gained and lost a lot due to this attribute over the past couple of years in the NASCAR Cup Series.

A secret prison document reveals that the government's action plan to address the IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) scandal is projected to fail, leaving at least 500 prisoners in limbo.

Venezuela is in a new political phase after President Nicolas Maduro's removal. Delcy Rodriguez now leads an interim administration. Diplomatic ties with Washington are restoring. The oil sector is opening to private operators. Hundreds of detainees have been released. However, the security apparatus remains. Elections are not yet announced. Key figures of the old establishment continue in power.

A prisoner serving a life sentence was fatally shot at Domokos prison in Greece, prompting an investigation into the incident.

A series of incidents highlight the ongoing unrest and human rights issues in Iran, including a public assault on unveiled women, global protests against the regime, and reports of persecution and abuse of political prisoners. The country's appointment to a UN body also sparked international uproar.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone to discuss the situation of ethnic Hungarian prisoners of war.

An article offers a philosophical or critical perspective on the nature of war, describing it as a cycle where 'psychopathic mass murderers are prisoners of psychopathic mass murderers'.

Ukraine's human rights commissioner stated that Russian forces executed 337 Ukrainian prisoners of war by the end of 2025.

A young British individual who left home to fight in Putin's war in Ukraine faces an uncertain and potentially harsh reception upon returning to the UK.

No Amnesty for Myanmar’s Top Political Prisoner as Junta Orchestrates Power Transition  The Irrawaddy

Zimbabwe on Monday began releasing nearly 4,000 prisoners who were granted presidential amnesty in an effort to ease prison overcrowding.

French prisons are facing a record high in inmate population, with over 86,000 prisoners housed in facilities designed for 63,000, leading to severe overcrowding and thousands sleeping on floors.

French prisons reached a new record with over 86,000 detainees as of February 1st, leading to 6,596 prisoners sleeping on floor mattresses and a correctional density rate of 136.9%.

Myanmar's military junta has announced a pardon for 7,000 prisoners, a move that comes amidst ongoing international pressure and internal conflict.

The situation for prisoners in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran has become critical, human rights organizations warn.

Venezuela's government has released political prisoners following an amnesty law, though an NGO reports about 500 detainees remain.

A general mobilization and protest took place in Sardinia against the transfer of prisoners under the 41 bis regime to the island's prisons, with regional president participation.

Thousands of Ukrainian prisoners of war remain in Russian prisons, with Moscow not releasing lists of detainees, leaving many families, like those of Ljudmyla Parmočenková and Inna Studenecová, in uncertainty about their loved ones' fate.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has ruled against North Macedonia, with the government admitting a prisoner was unjustly beaten by a guard, leading to state compensation.

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has secured rare access to two Ghanaian citizens held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, describing it as a major diplomatic breakthrough in efforts to secure their release.

According to the latest CSO figures, a quarter of all offenders on probation reoffend within a year, with half offending within three years.

Twenty-three prisoners, most with violent records, broke out of the facility during last Sunday's unrest in the state of Jalisco and beyond. Only four had been captured as of Thursday morning. The post Authorities capture 4 escapees after Puerto Vallarta jailbreak; 19 remain at large appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Kaduna residents and Southern Kaduna youth leaders have protested and demanded a full probe into former governor Nasir El-Rufai's tenure over alleged mismanagement, insecurity, and a N432bn discrepancy, while an ADC chieftain claims his detention is political persecution.

A French court on Thursday (February 26) sentenced Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari to prison for justifying terrorism in a case linked to a possible prisoner swap with two French citizens held in…

During his visit to Ukraine, Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met with two Ghanaian citizens who had been fighting alongside Russian invading forces and were captured by Ukrainian troops.

Yekaterina Duntsova, a former presidential hopeful, was briefly detained by police in Tver, Russia, while attending an event for political prisoners.

Syrian government forces and Druze fighters have conducted a prisoner exchange, resolving a lingering issue from clashes that occurred last summer.

Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on a rare visit to Ukraine on Wednesday (February 25) urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured fighting for Russia.

A sociological study by 'Lingva Lexa' indicates that nearly 70% of Russian prisoners of war believe Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine is at least partially justified and necessary.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that he held discussions with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine over the release of two Ghanaians being held as prisoners of war.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on a rare visit to Ukraine on Wednesday urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured fighting for Russia.

Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made a rare visit to Ukraine to urge President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured while fighting on the Russian side.

The Antigone prisoner-rights association reports a more than 50% increase in young people held in IPM detention centers for minors since Italy's 2023 'Caivano decree' cracking down on juvenile crime.

A survey indicates that almost 70% of Russian prisoners of war believe the war against Ukraine is justified, with over 40% dehumanizing Ukrainians.

A major report submitted to the United Nations warns that prisoners on indefinite jail terms (IPP) in the UK are subjected to 'inhuman treatment' under a 'dystopian' system.

A delegation of Cypriot parliamentarians met wih former Ukrainian prisoners of war in Nicosia on Tuesday, to reaffirm the republic’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. House foreign affairs committee

The prisoners escaped from a jail in Puerto Vallarta after armed men rammed one of the gates.

Nine individuals, including personnel who prevented a bomb attack on a prisoner, were honored by the Chennai Police Commissioner for their bravery.

Dubai-based Indian businessman Firoz Merchant, known for helping release insolvent inmates, is now extending his philanthropic efforts to provide direct financial support for cancer patients struggling with medical costs.

According to human rights organizations, the law passed by Parliament excludes hundreds of cases of people unjustly convicted for defending their social rights or for criticizing those in power. Prisoners are also protesting against their detention conditions.

An investigation has been launched after a 19-year-old prisoner died in his cell at Fresnes prison, France, following an epileptic seizure.

Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Staff to the President of Ukraine, stated that the next prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine could take place later this week.

Despite some political prisoners being released in Transnistria as part of negotiations with Chisinau, former official Gennady Kuzmichev remains imprisoned despite his severe health condition.

A Russian soldier has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a Kyiv court for committing a war crime by executing two Ukrainian prisoners of war.

At least 23 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela, including seven members of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela party.

Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have started a hunger strike, dissatisfied with a new amnesty law that excludes many of them. Several prisoners have since been released.

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela launch hunger strike  The Daily Star

More than fifty political prisoners have been released without restrictions in Venezuela, thanks to a new Amnesty Law, as the government reopens its prisons.

Inmates in a prison in Caracas are protesting that they are not covered by a new amnesty law in Venezuela.

Syrian authorities have announced the closure of the notorious al-Hol detention camp, which held ISIS prisoners, after evacuating its occupants.

Carlos, a political prisoner released from a Venezuelan torture prison, has broken a gag order from the regime to share his experiences from years behind bars.

Russian troops struck Mykolaiv while a rally in support of prisoners of war was taking place in the city.

Sheldon Coore, an IPP prisoner who has lived in Britain since childhood and was jailed for stealing £20, has been moved to an immigration removal center and faces deportation to Jamaica within days.

A British woman imprisoned in Iran described the difficulty of remaining optimistic in jail, hours before she and her husband were sentenced to 10 years for espionage.

More than 1,500 Venezuelan political prisoners have applied for amnesty, an announcement made by the head of Venezuela's National Assembly amidst ongoing US pressure following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.

Greece has reached an agreement with a Belgian collector to acquire photographs depicting the execution of 200 Greek prisoners during World War II.

A Russian general is facing accusations of boasting about torturing and executing Ukrainian prisoners of war, allegedly sending photos of severed ears to his wife.

Venezuela has granted amnesty to 379 political prisoners, a move that could potentially ease political tensions within the country.

Venezuela has granted amnesty to 379 political prisoners, a move that could potentially ease political tensions within the country.

Google's AI boss Demis Hassabis said the memory market came down to "a few suppliers of a few key components." PONTUS LUNDAHL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said that the "whole supply chain" for memory chips is constrained. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas," Hassabis told CNBC. Google produces its own TPUs, but Hassabis said that there were still "key components" that were supply-constrained. The memory shortage takes no prisoners. Even Google isn't immune. AI companies are duking it out for greater and greater quantities of memory chips. The problem? The industry is heavily supply-constrained. Costs have skyrocketed, products have been tied up, and some companies — especially those in consumer electronics — are increasing prices. On the AI front, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC that physical challenges were "constraining a lot of deployment." Google sees "so much more demand" for Gemini and its other models than it could serve, he said. "Also, it does constrain a little bit the research," Hassabis said. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas at a big enough scale that you can actually see if they're going to work." Researchers want chips, whether they work at Google, Meta, OpenAI, or other Big Tech companies, and memory is a key component. Mark Zuckerberg said that AI researchers demanded two things beyond money: the fewest number of people reporting to them, and the most chips possible. Hassabis said that wherever there was a capacity constraint, there was a "choke point." "The whole supply chain is kind of strained," Hassabis said. "We're lucky, because we have our own TPUs, so we have our own chip designs." Google has long built TPUs — Tensor Processing Units — for internal use. The company also leases them to external customers through its cloud, which has also put Nvidia on edge. But even access to their own TPUs won't save Google from having to navigate the highly competitive memory market. "It still, in the end, actually comes down to a few suppliers of a few key components," Hassabis said. Three suppliers dominate memory chip production: Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. These companies are struggling to meet demand for chips from AI hyperscalers without dropping their longtime electronics customers. It doesn't help that AI companies mainly want a different type of memory chip than PC manufacturers do. Large language model producers want HBM (high-bandwidth memory) chips. Don't expect Google's spending on AI infrastructure and chips to go down anytime soon. On its fourth-quarter earnings call, the company projected capital expenditures of $175 billion to $185 billion for 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

Eight Turkish human rights groups have called for the immediate release of a critically ill 70-year-old prisoner, warning that Turkey's refusal to suspend his sentence despite severe health problems puts his life at risk.

Venezuela's National Assembly is set to resume a tense debate on a sweeping amnesty bill, a legislative move with significant implications for the country's political prisoners and exiles.

London's Metropolitan Police are searching for Daniel Boakye, a prisoner who escaped custody for the second time in a week while receiving hospital treatment.

Relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike in a Caracas prison, protesting unfulfilled promises of their release made by Jorge Rodríguez 10 days prior.

An NGO reports that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela, with growing international pressure, including from the US, for their release.

"You Ought To Be In Jail": Senator Unloads On Minnesota AG Ellison Over Fraud Scandal During a Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing this week, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) confronted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The Missouri Republican exposed Ellison's ties to the Feeding Our Future scandal, where fraudsters stole $250 million in federal child nutrition funds.  Hawley didn't hold back, charging the Democrat with protecting fraudsters who funneled cash to terrorists and traffickers, as well as Ellison’s own campaign coffers, and telling him he “ought to be in jail.” THERE IT IS 🚨 Official Hearing where Senator Josh Hawley confronts Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about meeting with and taking campaign donations from Somali fraudsters stealing billions He personally called and BLOCKED THE INVESTIGATIONS Josh Hawley “Are you… pic.twitter.com/i40Ow5V9Zz February 12, 2026 Hawley opened the confrontation by spotlighting $10,000 in campaign donations Ellison pocketed from players in the Feeding Our Future mess, which the New York Post broke last year, detailing how the money flowed in right after a December 11, 2021, meeting at Ellison's office. Ellison repeatedly denied it, calling it a false statement. But Hawley read directly from the meeting transcript, where money was discussed repeatedly.   An audio recording of that meeting revealed that Ellison met with members of the Somali community who were later convicted in the scandal. In the recording, the individuals ask Ellison for help securing funding before discussing campaign donations.  “The only way that we can protect what we have is by inserting ourselves into the political arena,” a man is heard saying on the audio. “Putting our votes where it needs to be. But most importantly, putting our dollars in the right place. And supporting candidates that will fight to protect our interests.” “That's right,” Ellison replied. Ellison accepted $10,000 in campaign contributions from the fraudsters mere days later, as did his son, Minneapolis councilman Jeremiah Ellison. Hawley proceeded to read from that recording, quoting Ellison's own words back to him. "Send me the names of all these folks who are investigating them," Ellison said. He promised to call the Education Department and ask what was going on. "I already have my team working on this," he told them, according to the transcript. "What day should we get together to discuss it again?" Ellison pledged repeatedly to help them fight the investigators. "You have my attention. I'm concerned about this," he said. "Let's go fight these people." "Why'd you do it? Was it worth it?" Hawley asked. "This is what accountability looks like, of which you've had none," Hawley countered. "You helped fraudsters defraud your state and this government of $9 billion, and you got a fat campaign contribution out of it. You ought to be indicted. That's the truth." Ellison shot back hard. He denied the donations flat-out: "a lie" and "No donations came." He insisted, "You're completely wrong. … I did not see anybody." Hawley countered with video proof of their nearly hour-long sit-down—easy to find online. Ellison dismissed Hawley's quotes as "cherry-picked." As the exchange got heated, Ellison repeatedly talked over Hawley, which the senator didn’t appreciate. “It's my hearing, pal,” he snapped. "Don't call me 'pal,’” Ellison shot back. "Well, I should call you a prisoner because you ought to be in jail."  He demanded resignation. Ellison flipped it: "I was thinking the same thing about you." Hawley didn't stop there. He brought up testimony from the previous day showing where the fraudulent money went: to terrorist groups, transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking, and child trafficking. "You took $10,000 and helped them do it," he said. Ellison kept denying everything, but Hawley had receipts.  He cited a Minnesota Star Tribune report that Partners in Nutrition raised concerns with the attorney general’s office in 2018 and 2019, but Ellison did nothing. The New York Post reported that Ellison accepted campaign donations from individuals linked to the fraud after meeting with them. "You've been right at the center of this fraud thing from the beginning, and you've enabled it," Hawley said. "You should resign." Ellison shot back, "And, sir, you should resign. I was thinking the same thing about you."  Tyler Durden Sun, 02/15/2026 - 20:25

Families of political prisoners in Venezuela have launched a hunger strike, demanding the swift liberation of dissidents held by the government.