Iran’s Supreme Court has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi, a 53-year-old human rights activist. According to reports, Mohammadi’s lawyer stated that the court has convicted her of plotting crimes and collaborating with foreign entities. The lawyer added that a two-year travel ban has also been imposed on Mohammadi, and she can appeal the sentence in court. Mohammadi has been imprisoned in Iran for several years on various charges, including advocating for women’s rights and challenging the country’s strict laws. In recent years, she has been a vocal critic of Iran’s human rights record and has spoken out against the country’s treatment of women.
In a separate development, a Bangladeshi Hindu leader, Krishna Nandy, has given a personal testimony in support of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, a political party that has been accused of war crimes and human rights abuses. The party is facing trial for its role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. In other news, Pakistan has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice against India for violating the Indus Waters Treaty. The treaty, signed in 1960, governs the sharing of water resources between the two countries.
Meanwhile, in India, a 22-year-old woman has taken her own life reportedly due to domestic violence and exploitation. In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cancelled his annual meeting with the country’s air force commanders, a move seen as a significant departure from the norm. The meeting, which is held on February 8 every year, is a reminder of the air force’s loyalty to the Islamic Republic.
In Ukraine, a Russian general was killed in a targeted attack, which the country’s security services said was sanctioned by the government. The general was reportedly involved in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. In other news, the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, has been accused of being a sex offender, with his name appearing on a list of individuals linked to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In the world of sports, Pakistan and India are set to play a scheduled T20 World Cup match in 2026, according to sources. The match is expected to be played in Sri Lanka, with the Pakistani cricket team set to face the Indian team. In a related development, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow the Pakistani cricket team to play in Sri Lanka.
In other news, a court in Bangladesh has ordered the release of five suspects on bail, ruling that they should be granted bail on the basis of a peace agreement. The suspects were arrested in connection with a recent wave of violence that swept through the country. In India, social media influencer Shivani Gopal has accused Bollywood actor Raghav Chadha of harassment, with the actress’s wife reportedly confirming the allegations.
