Fernández Wins Costa Rican Presidency, Steering Latin America Further Right
Laura Fernández, a right-wing populist, won Costa Rica's presidential election in a landslide victory on Sunday, according to The Guardian. Fernández secured the presidency after campaigning on a platform of cracking down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade. Her nearest rival, center-right economist Álvaro Ramos, conceded defeat as results confirmed Fernández's victory.
In other news, a report by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights concluded that international law, designed to limit the effects of war, is at a breaking point. The study, covering 23 armed conflicts over the last 18 months, revealed that more than 100,000 civilians have been killed, with torture and rape committed with near impunity, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, in Wales, First Minister Eluned Morgan suggested a novel approach to supporting struggling businesses. Speaking in Wales' parliament, the Senedd, Morgan stated that the public needs to "stop watching Netflix, 'get out of their homes' and go to the pub for a drink to save struggling businesses," according to BBC Business. Her comments came after the Welsh government announced a one-year business rate discount of 15% for pubs, restaurants, cafes, and live music venues. Morgan defended her government's actions, stating that the state could not be expected "to step in and do the work that the public should be doing."
In Iran, several former leaders, including those imprisoned or under house arrest, released damning statements regarding the killing of thousands during nationwide protests, according to Al Jazeera. These statements drew threats from hardliners within the government. The Iranian government claims that 3,117 people were killed during the anti-establishment protests. Former Iranian Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, under house arrest since 2009, told Iranian authorities that the killings during protests in January were a "catastrophe" that would be remembered for decades, if not centuries, according to Al Jazeera.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres renewed his call for Israel to immediately allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, according to Al Jazeera. Israeli authorities continue to block dozens of Palestinians from exiting the war-ravaged enclave to seek medical treatment. Guterres made the appeal on Tuesday, as more than 100 sick and injured Palestinians congregated at the newly reopened Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, hoping to cross.
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