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Association of Jurists Demands Release of Luisa González in Ecuador

26 October 2026 at 19:28

The American Association of Jurists (AAJ) has demanded the immediate release of former Ecuadorian presidential candidate Luisa González, who remains in pretrial detention as part of the Labyrinth case—an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the financing of the 2023 presidential campaign of the Citizen Revolution (RC) movement.

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In a statement released on October 26, the organization described the opposition leader’s detention as arbitrary and questioned the precautionary measure, which was imposed just over a month before Ecuador’s local elections, scheduled for November 29.

The AAJ maintained that pretrial detention must be justified by specific procedural risks, such as the risk of flight or the potential to obstruct an investigation. According to the association, González had remained available to the judicial authorities since a raid conducted in January 2026; she had kept them informed of her international travel, returned to the country, and was subsequently arrested at her home.

“In the absence of a procedural risk, this measure functions as a preemptive sentence,” the organization stated, citing both the Ecuadorian Constitution and Inter-American jurisprudence to argue that the deprivation of liberty prior to a conviction should be an exceptional measure.

The AAJ also denounced the use of ongoing investigations—in which no verdict has been reached—as tools for electoral exclusion, noting that González’s detention occurs within a broader context of decisions that, in the organization’s view, restrict democratic competition.

⭕️ #ATENCIÓN | La Asociación Americana de Juristas condenó la detención de @LuisaGonzalezEc y exigió su libertad inmediata. La organización denunció el uso de la prisión preventiva y de investigaciones sin sentencia como mecanismos de exclusión electoral y alertó sobre la… pic.twitter.com/KaV7c1Tb36

— Radio Pichincha (@radio_pichincha) October 25, 2026

The text reads, “The American Association of Jurists condemned the detention of @LuisaGonzalezEc and demanded her immediate release. The organization denounced the use of pretrial detention and investigations without a sentence as mechanisms of electoral exclusion and warned about the proscription of the opposition in Ecuador. The AAJ will bring the case before the IACHR and UN organizations.”

In its statement, the association linked González’s case to a series of actions taken against opposition organizations and figures. These include the temporary suspension of the Citizen Revolution, the deregistration of other political parties, the suspension of the AMIGO movement, and the rejection of González’s candidacy.

The organization also pointed to the raid on the Quito municipal government offices and the decision to move up the date of the elections. According to the AAJ, these actions constitute a pattern of suppressing the political opposition in Ecuador. The organization argued that the American Convention on Human Rights limits the restriction of political rights and prohibits the suspension—even during states of emergency—of the judicial guarantees essential for their protection.

Furthermore, the legal organization announced that it will bring the case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Additionally, it called on electoral observation missions to assess the conditions for fair competition in the elections scheduled for November 29. The statement was signed by Claudia V. Rocca, president of the AAJ Continental, and Vanessa Ramos, the organization’s secretary-general.

#Ecuador | Former President Rafael Correa denounced the arrest of Luisa Gonzalez, a former presidential candidate and a leading figure in the Citizen Revolution movement.https://t.co/X40VSCtbKF

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 23, 2026

Guardia Civil and National Police Point to Morocco Regarding the Mass Entry of Migrants

26 October 2026 at 17:31

On Monday, two high-ranking officers from the Spanish security forces testified before the judge investigating the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta, stating that Moroccan agents stood idly by during the events of July 30 and 31, and that some actively facilitated the passage of people into the Spanish city. According to legal sources cited by EFE, more than 72,000 people entered from Morocco over those two days.

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A lieutenant colonel of the Guardia Civil—who serves as head of operations for the Ceuta Command—and a chief inspector of the National Police in the autonomous city provided testimony to the magistrate overseeing the case regarding the migration crisis. Both linked the actions of the Moroccan authorities to the mass influx of migrants.

The National Police chief inspector asserted that Moroccan agents facilitated the crossing into Ceuta. He described uniformed personnel—dressed in gray and khaki—as well as individuals in plainclothes, gesturing for the migrants to move forward. He also claimed to have seen people directing a very long line from Morocco toward Spain.

For his part, the Guardia Civil lieutenant colonel maintained that Moroccan military personnel stood by with their arms at their sides during the influx. He noted that while they took an active stance toward sub-Saharan migrants attempting to cross, they remained passive when it came to their own compatriots.

The Guardia Civil officer recounted that other agents allegedly directed people from the beach toward the breakwater that separates Ceuta from Morocco. He indicated that the Moroccan military steered migrants into the water, forcing Spanish security personnel to pull individuals from the sea to save their lives.

MASS MIGRATION: Insane footage shows thousands of migrants entering Spain from Morocco pic.twitter.com/WHDbDEmPML

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) July 30, 2026

Furthermore, he claimed to have seen Moroccan vessels picking up people during the influx and subsequently dropping them off on the beach. He explained that these were small craft, as larger vessels could not approach the coast.

On the night before the mass entry, the lieutenant colonel stated that he had spotted six Moroccan vessels: two patrol boats, two interceptors, and two smaller craft. The officer noted that it was striking that, on a day with fog, there were six Moroccan Navy vessels in the area.

He also stated that he had received no warning regarding a mass entry planned for July 30. He pointed out that prior coordination meetings were not held for that purpose, and that it was never communicated to him that there was a planned influx for Throne Day—a national holiday in Morocco.

A National Police inspector explained that, overall, the arrival of migrants had increased three- to fourfold compared to previous years. However, he noted that in the days leading up to the events, the increase had been exponential.

The investigation seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the mass entry of migrants into Ceuta—one of the most significant border crises between Spain and Morocco in recent years.

Biochemists in Paraguay Join National Strike

26 October 2026 at 16:23

On Monday, public-sector biochemists in Paraguay joined a three-day national strike affecting approximately 177 laboratories across the country. They are demanding salary increases, better working conditions, and the provision of medical supplies and reagents in hospitals.

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The action was organized by the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP) and includes the suspension of outpatient laboratory tests. However, the union has guaranteed that care for emergency cases, hospitalized patients, and those in intensive care—among other priority services—will continue.

The biochemists are demanding a salary increase of 2 million guaraníes, equivalent to approximately 347 US dollars at the current exchange rate. According to biochemist Laila Peña, a professional employed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare earns 4.3 million guaraníes (746 US dollars), while a temporary contract worker receives between 3.2 and 3.6 million guaraníes (between 555 and 625 US dollars).

Peña stated that salaries in the sector have been frozen for 14 years, noting that 70% of diseases are diagnosed in laboratories. In addition to a pay adjustment, the union is requesting a larger supply of materials and reagents, as well as the formal appointment of temporary contract staff to permanent positions.

HUELGA NACIONAL |👩‍🔬🧑‍🔬📢

🗣️La Dra. Nathalia Zarza, vocera de la Unión de Bioquímicas del Paraguay (UBP), informó sobre el inicio de la medida de fuerza que se extenderá por 3 días.#1000Noticias #1000am📻🎙️

➕INFO en:👇https://t.co/TiPDktj73g pic.twitter.com/zV3Sm9xDv4

— Radio 1000 AM (@1000_am) October 26, 2026

The text reads, “NATIONAL STRIKE. Dr. Nathalia Zarza, spokesperson for the Union of Biochemists of Paraguay (UBP), announced the start of a strike action that will last for 3 days.”

In the Amambay Department, biochemists from the 13th Health Region joined the strike outside the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero. Carmen Barreto, a biochemist, told radio station Urundey 103.3 FM that participation is nearly universal nationwide, while critical services will remain operational. “Emergency, inpatient, and intensive care services will remain covered,” noted Barreto, specifying that in the emergency department, only tests related to emergency cases will be performed.

The representative explained that patients with scheduled appointments will not lose their slots, as their tests will be rescheduled—with the exception of oncology and emergency cases. She further detailed that permanent staff earn approximately five million guaraníes, while contract-based staff receive between 3.2 and 3.9 million guaraníes.

The strike comes months after public-sector doctors held protests between August and September. Following those demonstrations, President Santiago Peña’s administration authorized salary increases of approximately 2 million guaraníes ($347 USD) for more than 20,000 professionals, to take effect starting next year.

The industrial action by the biochemists aims to compel the State to address their salary demands and ensure adequate conditions for the operation of public laboratories, which are considered vital for diagnosis and healthcare across the country.

🇵🇾 Severe flooding forces thousands to evacuate in Paraguay.

Around 4,200 families have been evacuated as heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Paraná River trigger widespread flooding, threatening communities and homes.

As floodwaters continue to affect the region,… pic.twitter.com/wPJq0nxJgr

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 23, 2026

Strengthening Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities of Southern Cuba

26 October 2026 at 15:38

On Monday, scientific institutions and environmental authorities announced that Cuba is advancing scientific and community-based projects to strengthen the climate resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in the southern part of the country. These initiatives involve the study of mangroves, environmental remote sensing, and the integration of human mobility considerations into territorial planning.

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The Center for Environmental Studies (CEAC) presented an analysis of coastline changes between 2016 and 2024, as well as the spatiotemporal variability of the mangroves within the Punta la Iguana ecotone. This area is located at the mouth of the Caunao River, in the Bay of Jagua, in south-central Cuba—approximately 250 kilometers from Havana.

Dr. Minerva Sánchez Llull, a specialist at the CEAC, explained that the team utilized optical remote sensing—incorporating Sentinel-2 imagery and QGIS software—for their analysis. Water quality assessments were based on data from monitoring stations within the bay’s hydrological monitoring program that influence the ecotone.

🌿 Hoy se desarrolló el Taller Final del Proyecto Territorial (PT) Ecotono de Manglar, un espacio de intercambio y socialización de resultados que evidenció el trabajo, la dedicación y los aportes del proyecto al conocimiento y conservación de estos valiosos ecosistemas. pic.twitter.com/EJqVlBeC5V

— Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos (@botanico_cfg) October 20, 2026

The text reads, “Today, the final workshop for the “Mangrove Ecotone” Territorial Project (PT) took place—a forum for exchange and the sharing of results that highlighted the work, dedication, and contributions of the project toward the understanding and conservation of these valuable ecosystems.”

Sánchez Llull noted that the results indicate a relatively stable coastline over the study period, a slight expansion of mangrove cover around the ecotone, and oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) water conditions at the monitored sites—all of which served as indicators for assessing climate risk in the coastal zone. The study further identified a high level of risk across both sectors of the ecotone, driven by exposure to coastal dynamics and ecological vulnerability, alongside a moderate adaptive capacity. Conservation and Environmental Education

The Cienfuegos Botanical Garden (JBC), the project’s primary implementing entity, presented its achievements. Its director, Niurka Medina Bárzaga, reported on the identification of endemic and threatened species, the propagation and reintroduction of several of these species, and the implementation of environmental education initiatives for children in the Junco Viejo community.

The “Mangrove Ecotone” Territorial Project brought together the JBC, the CEAC (Center for Environmental Studies of Cienfuegos), and the Provincial Meteorological Center to study the relationship between the coastline, mangroves, and climate change in the Bay of Cienfuegos. According to the source, these ecosystems support biodiversity and coastal resilience, making their conservation essential for the region’s environmental management.

Another aspect examined by scientists during the meeting was human mobility and adaptation. In this regard, the Minister of Science, Technology, and the Environment, Armando Rodríguez Batista, emphasized the importance of integrating human mobility into climate change adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities in southern Cuba.

Planned initiatives include a project currently in the validation phase, spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Agency for Social and Humanistic Sciences (AXIS) and the Environment Agency (AMA)—both affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment (CITMA)—with support from the IOM Development Fund.

Interesante esto, algo que nuestras autoridades debieran tomar en cuenta y proteger mejor nuestros manglares pic.twitter.com/MDCsy8rBjp

— Cesar 🇵🇦 🖤 (@CesarWi98065754) October 26, 2026

The text reads,”This is interesting—something our authorities should take into account in order to better protect our mangroves.”

The initiative is set to begin in 2027 in Playa Cajío (Artemisa) and Surgidero de Batabanó (Mayabeque), in western Cuba. It aims to strengthen the governance of human mobility within the context of the climate and environmental crisis through socioeconomic studies, participatory assessments, and technical recommendations designed to incorporate these issues into territorial planning and risk management. Both locations are prioritized under the State Plan for Addressing Climate Change—known as “Tarea Vida” (Task Life)—due to their high exposure to coastal erosion, flooding, and sea-level rise.

The project will foster collaboration among scientific institutions, local governments, and communities to develop sustainable responses and strengthen the resilience of these areas. Specialists from AXIS, AMA, and the IOM conducted exploratory visits to both locations, where they engaged with authorities, community leaders, and institutional representatives to discuss the impacts of climate change and opportunities for future action.

Dr. Beatriz Martínez Daranas, a specialist from CITMA, emphasized the importance of conserving marine-coastal ecosystems—even amidst the country’s current economic circumstances and the urgent need to develop the economy through the implementation of the 176 measures approved by the National Assembly of People’s Power.

#Cuba | Cuba is reforming its state-owned enterprises to expand financial autonomy, boost domestic production, and strengthen cooperation with the private sector amid US sanctions.
The government says public ownership will remain central to its economic model.#EconomicReforms… pic.twitter.com/GJMG0FJz6d

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 16, 2026

Paula Badosa Advances to the Round of 16 at the WTA 250 Tournament in Guangzhou

26 October 2026 at 14:15

On Monday, tennis player Paula Badosa defeated American Carol Youngsuh Lee 6-1, 6-4 in the round of 32 at the WTA 250 tournament in Guangzhou. With this win, she has qualified for the round of 16, where she will face Austrian Sinja Kraus on Wednesday.

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Badosa, 28, currently ranked 61st in the world, handled the match with authority, though she faced some challenging moments—particularly in the Guangzhou. Her 24-year-old opponent, ranked 156th globally, put up a fight after the first set, which had been clearly dominated by the Spaniard.

The match began with some difficulty for Badosa, who had to save a break point on her opening service game. After holding serve, the Spaniard broke Lee’s serve in the following game, taking control of the set.

With that advantage, the Catalan player took command of the opening set, closing it out 6-1 by dictating the pace on her returns and remaining solid on her own serve.

Guangzhou (Nansha) F: C. Wong's point to *5-4 30-15, 3rd set. pic.twitter.com/EovLbzvPmW

— eretzsportmed3 🎥 (@eretzsportmed3) October 25, 2026

In the second set, the American raised her level of play. Although Badosa initially pulled ahead 3-1, Lee responded, eventually turning the score in her favor at 4-3.

The Spaniard then regained her effectiveness on the return, breaking Lee’s serve for the second time to take a 5-4 lead. She ultimately closed out the match 6-4, securing her spot in the next round.

In the round of 16, Badosa will face 24-year-old Austrian Sinja Kraus, ranked 77th in the world, on Wednesday. Kraus reached this stage after defeating Hungary’s Panna Udvardy 6-4, 6-2. The two tennis players have faced each other only once—in March of this year in Austin (United States)—with Badosa winning 7-5, 6-1.

📌Table tennis player Dakota Ferrer won another gold medal for #Venezuela at the 4th South American Youth Games in #Panama … We tell you the details, Thread.. pic.twitter.com/C5egRjvm7B

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 15, 2026

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel Returns to Barcelona

26 October 2026 at 13:42

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel will return to the Auditori de Barcelona on November 3 with the National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, as part of a tour marking the 50th anniversary of Venezuela’s National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs ( in spanish El Sistema).

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The performance was rescheduled twice—first due to air travel restrictions in Venezuela, and subsequently because of earthquakes that affected the country.

The concert, organized by the Barcelona-based series BCN Clàssics, will be dedicated entirely to Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, “Leningrad,” composed during the Second World War amidst the Nazi siege of that Russian city. The work is regarded as a symbol of resistance and hope in the face of the devastation caused by the conflict.

The concert is part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of “El Sistema,” a social and cultural initiative of the Venezuelan state founded in 1975 by José Antonio Abreu. The National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela is described by the organizers as one of the flagship ensembles of this pedagogical model and a benchmark for artistic excellence.

Radetzky March, Op. 228 by the renowned composer Johann Strauss I.

This is a majestic and energetic march. A special feature of this work is the interaction between the conductor, orchestra, and audience: conductor Gustavo Dudamel simultaneously conducts the orchestra and turns… pic.twitter.com/pigpM3bMrU

— Life is beautiful (@GTran78613) October 19, 2026

Dudamel—who himself received his training through “El Sistema”—returns to the Catalan capital following his appearance three weeks ago to open the 2026–2027 season of BCN Clàssics, where he conducted the New York Philharmonic on its first international tour, alongside the Orfeó Català.

The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. in the Sala Pau Casals at the Auditori de Barcelona. The program will consist exclusively of Symphony No. 7 in C major, Op. 60—one of the most expansive and powerful works in the 20th-century symphonic repertoire.

#Venezuela | Thousands marched through Caracas to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, calling for early detection, accessible treatment, and greater support for patients and survivors.#BreastCancerAwareness #WomensHealth #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/W0xsmhZOKW

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) October 22, 2026
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