By: Antonio Dey | HGP Regional News |
Haiti: Gang Leader Sentenced to Life in U.S. Court
A Haitian gang leader accused of masterminding the kidnapping of 17 missionaries—including five children—has been sentenced to life in prison in the United States.
Jolly Germain, alleged founder and leader of a notorious Haitian gang, appeared before U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Germain declined to address the court before sentencing, a decision the judge noted as further evidence of his lack of remorse.
“No remorse has been shown. No acceptance of responsibility,” Judge Bates stated.
Several kidnapping victims delivered emotional statements in court, telling Germain they forgave him despite the trauma inflicted on their families during the ordeal in Haiti.
Latin America: Colombian Family Files First Human Rights Challenge to U.S. Drug-Strike Policy
The family of Colombian fisherman Alejandro Caranza has filed the first formal human rights challenge to U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean Sea.
Caranza was killed on September 15 when U.S. forces bombed his boat off Colombia’s Caribbean coast. His family argues the strike amounted to an extrajudicial killing, violating multiple human rights conventions.
The petition—submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)—seeks recognition of wrongdoing and compensation. Caranza was the primary breadwinner for his four children and spouse.
Although the U.S. government says it supports the commission’s work, Washington does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court associated with the commission, meaning any recommendations would not be legally binding.
Ukraine: Tens of Thousands Without Power After Intensified Russian Attacks
Tens of thousands of residents in southern Ukraine have been left without power or heat following a series of overnight Russian strikes targeting frontline regions and critical energy infrastructure.
Local authorities confirmed major outages across Kherson and the port city of Odesa, where energy company DTEK reported that more than 51,800 households were affected after attacks on a key facility.
As winter approaches, Russia has sharply escalated its campaign against Ukrainian utilities—regularly striking electricity grids, heating systems, and essential infrastructure, plunging communities into darkness and worsening humanitarian conditions.
