Author: News Desk

Senior Sri Lankan monk Pallegama Hemarathana has been suspended amid allegations of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl in 2022. His arrest on 9 May followed a police investigation at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple. Hemarathana, aged 71, has been granted bail, pending legal proceedings.

Campaigners are raising concerns that lenient sentencing for teenage boys convicted of sexual offences is normalising such behaviour. Recent cases, including three boys spared jail for raping two girls in Fordingbridge, have prompted widespread outrage and calls for a review of sentencing guidelines by officials, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Tom Barrack will step down as the Special Envoy for Syria following the expiration of his formal mandate. Barrack will continue to influence US policy in Syria and Iraq, maintaining his role without a designated successor amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Travel to Heathrow Airport is disrupted due to a burst water main flooding the signalling system, suspending all rail and Tube services. Passengers currently rely on buses, with major disruption expected until at least 11am. Heathrow urges travellers to allow extra time for journeys.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a congressional map favouring Republicans, removing one majority-Black district following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the previous map an illegal racial gerrymander. The new boundaries aim to increase Republican representation in the state’s congressional delegation. Legislative approval was secured with a 28-to-10 Senate vote.

Yurii Muzyka, 34, has been sentenced to at least 30 years for murdering his ex-girlfriend Halyna Hoisan in Greenwich. He stabbed her six times in front of their young daughter while violating a non-molestation order. The attack followed a history of stalking and harassment.

An Australian court has scheduled an appeal hearing for Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering three family members with toxic mushrooms, to take place on 19-20 August. Patterson’s lawyers claim a “substantial miscarriage of justice” occurred during her trial. Prosecutors are also appealing her life sentence, citing its inadequacy.

The English Riviera Airshow is set for May 29 and 30 in Torbay, followed by the Midlands Air Festival on the same dates. June events include the Isle of Man TT Races on June 4 and HM The King’s Official Birthday Flypast in London on June 13.

Mexico’s lower house has passed a constitutional amendment enabling the nullification of election results on grounds of foreign interference, with a vote tally of 307 in favour and 128 against. Critics warn the measure could undermine electoral integrity, while proponents view it as a safeguard for democracy. The amendment requires Senate approval and defines foreign interference broadly, including illicit financing and propaganda.

The United States plans to designate the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho as “terrorist” organisations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this decision aims to disrupt drug trafficking and enhance US national security. The designation takes effect on June 5, blocking access to US assets.