EU-Taliban Backlash: Human rights groups are blasting the EU for hosting Taliban officials in Brussels while planning deportations, warning the one-day visas and talks effectively grant legitimacy to a regime accused of rolling back women’s rights and repressing dissent. Pakistan Rights Under Fire: Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch (BYC) and fellow leader Sibghatullah Shahji were sentenced to life in prison over a 2024 rally killing, prompting calls for a Balochistan shutdown and fresh protests. Nigeria Civic Space: Opposition leader Peter Obi condemned the remand of activist Omoyele Sowore, calling it a dangerous regression that risks weaponizing courts and shrinking room for civic engagement. State Police Push: Nigeria’s President Tinubu sent a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate to enable state police forces, advancing a long-running civil society and governor-backed decentralization debate. UK Deforestation Rules: The UK says it will introduce anti-illegal-deforestation supply-chain checks for key commodities ahead of the EU’s EUDR deadline, with consultation promised for civil society and business. US Courts vs Tech Liability: The Supreme Court rejected a lawsuit seeking to hold Cisco liable in US courts over alleged persecution of Falun Gong in China. Local Governance & Public Safety: Oxfordshire’s court fight over “Raise the Colours” lamppost flags ended with an agreement to stop further flag-raising near highways.