Local residents and environmentalists blocked the road to a forest area in the Cerattepeli region of Turkey's Black Sea province of Artvin to block preparation of a mining project.
At least 500 people have been arrested and the majority sentenced to flogging in Shiraz, Iran, for failing to observe the daytime fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Mexico's drug cartels appear to have declared open season on any candidate for public office who will not toe their line in the run-up to June's midterm elections.
Maya indigenous peasants in Mexico's southern Chiapas state marched cross-country to oppose violence by narco gangs and the corruption of local authorities that protect them.
Burundi authorities arrested several military generals after an unsuccessful coup attempt and said the suspects will face a military court for mutiny charges.
Mali's government is boasting a deal with Tuareg leaders granting autonomy to the northern homeland of Azawad—but the biggest rebel factions are holding out for more power.
Authorities in Colombia are carrying out a manhunt Dario Antonio Usuga AKA "Otoniel"—the biggest since the campaign that brought down the legendary Pablo Escobar in 1993.
Colombians made history as tens of thousands took to the streets in cities and towns nationwide to show their support for peace talks between the government and FARC guerillas.
A detachment of some 20 special anti-narcotics agents of the National Police were detained by indigenous peasants at the hamlet of Alto Naya, in Colombia's Cauca region.
Victim representatives at peace talks with the FARC rebels held a press conference in Bogotá to demand action from the Colombian government over mounting death threats.
A UN report warns that Colombia's humanitarian situation remains severe in spite of ongoing peace talks with the FARC, stressing continued paramilitary activity.
Hundreds of indigenous and Afro-Colombian protesters in Colombia's Cauca region marched cross-country against illegal gold mining—despite paramilitary threats.
