British woman who reported rape in Hong Kong may face prison

A 25-year-old British woman who reported being raped in Hong Kong now faces the possibility of prison.

Isabel Rose, from Hackney, east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had encountered during her travels in Asia. The man was arrested, but Rose was subsequently charged with blackmail and later with perverting the course of justice. He denies all allegations and faces no charges.

Her trial, heard by a judge last year, is expected to reach a verdict on 3 March. If convicted, Rose could serve several years behind bars. Prosecutors alleged she initially requested £5,000 and later demanded £100,000, claims she denies, stating she was seeking compensation for the alleged assault.

Rose has remained on bail throughout, unable to work or leave Hong Kong. The UK consulate said it cannot comment on individual cases but provides consular support to nationals.

Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintaining its own legal system despite being part of China since the 1997 handover.

US-Iran talks end after ‘significant progress’, mediator says

High-stakes nuclear discussions between the US and Iran wrapped up in Geneva, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi reporting “significant progress,” though the likelihood of a deal to prevent war remains uncertain. Technical talks are slated for next week in Vienna, with no immediate remarks from US or Iranian officials.

President Donald Trump has threatened action against Iran if a deal isn’t reached, amid the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iran has promised a forceful response to any attack. While Trump favors diplomacy, he’s hinted at a limited strike to pressure Iran into agreement, though details of his demands remain vague, eight months after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites amid tensions with Israel.

Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment but may offer concessions on its nuclear program. Negotiations are led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the US represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Recently, the US deployed thousands of troops, including two aircraft carriers, warships, fighter jets, and refueling planes.

Trump initially threatened Iran last month following deadly crackdowns on protests. Now, the focus is Iran’s nuclear ambitions, long a point of contention with the West. The US and Israel have accused Iran of covert weapon development, while Tehran maintains its program is peaceful, despite enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels.

In his State of the Union, Trump vaguely cited Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions, labeling the nation the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Last June, the US targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, claiming they were “obliterated.” Iran asserts enrichment paused post-strikes, though inspectors have not accessed the damaged facilities.

Trump claims Iran wants a deal but has not explicitly renounced nuclear weapons. Iran counters, promising never to develop them and highlighting a chance for “an unprecedented agreement addressing mutual concerns.” The Iranian foreign ministry called US claims about its nuclear program and protests “big lies.”

Negotiations may include regional uranium consortiums, handling Iran’s ~400kg stockpile of enriched uranium, and verification measures. Iran seeks sanctions relief, while Trump’s acceptable terms remain unclear. Tehran refuses to limit ballistic missiles or curb regional alliances like the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis.

Reports suggest Trump may consider strikes on Revolutionary Guards or nuclear sites to pressure Iran, potentially escalating to efforts to remove Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Military leaders warn of prolonged conflict risks, but Trump believes victory would be “easy.” Iran has vowed retaliation against US assets, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu opposes deals excluding Iran’s missiles and proxies and may support moves to topple Tehran. The US holds the second-largest nuclear arsenal, with Israel believed to possess nuclear weapons. Ahead of the State of the Union, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed key congressional leaders, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Moore dies aged 25

Warning: This report contains details that some readers may find upsetting.

The Minnesota Vikings have honoured wide receiver Rondale Moore following the 25-year-old’s death at his home in Indiana.

Authorities in New Albany confirmed officers responded to a residence on Saturday evening, where Moore was discovered in a garage. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the cause.

In an official statement, the Vikings expressed profound sorrow over Moore’s passing, noting they had reached out to his family to extend condolences and offer full organisational support. The team also said counselling and emotional assistance would be made available to players, coaches and staff during this difficult time.

Moore began his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals after being selected in the second round of the 2021 Draft. Over three seasons in Arizona, he recorded 135 receptions for 1,201 yards.

He later signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, though a knee injury sidelined him for the entire season. In 2025, he joined the Vikings, where he had recently begun a new chapter.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell described Moore as humble, respectful and deeply proud of his Indiana roots, adding that the team is devastated he will not be able to continue pursuing his NFL aspirations.

The National Football League also released a statement expressing sadness over what it called a tragic loss.

The Cardinals said they were heartbroken by the news, sending condolences to Moore’s family, friends and teammates. Former teammate JJ Watt shared an emotional tribute, saying the loss felt impossible to process and that Moore had so much more to give.

Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association reminded players that support services remain available, encouraging members to look after their mental wellbeing and check in on one another during such challenging moments.

Trump curious why Iran has not ‘capitulated’, US envoy Witkoff says

Australian IS families in Syria camp turned back after leaving for home

Two major legal and security developments have unfolded involving Australians both at home and abroad, drawing significant public attention.

In Sydney, the man accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach has appeared in court for the first time. The suspect faced a magistrate during an initial procedural hearing, marking the formal beginning of what is expected to be a complex and closely watched criminal case. During the brief session, the court addressed preliminary matters, including confirmation of multiple serious charges. No plea was entered at this stage, as prosecutors continue preparing their case and compiling evidence. The matter was adjourned to allow further legal preparations, with the case set to return to court at a later date.

Authorities allege the Bondi Beach attack resulted in multiple casualties, sending shockwaves across Australia and prompting a wide-ranging police investigation. Emergency services responded swiftly at the time of the incident, and investigators have since been gathering forensic material, witness statements and other evidence as part of an ongoing probe. The case has sparked national conversations about public safety and security, while legal proceedings move forward through the judicial system.

Meanwhile, in northeast Syria, a separate development involving Australian nationals has also made headlines. A group of Australian women and children with alleged links to the extremist group known as Islamic State briefly departed the Roj camp, where they have been held for years following the collapse of IS territory. The families appeared to be beginning a long-anticipated journey back to Australia, travelling under escort toward Damascus.

However, shortly after leaving the camp, Syrian authorities reportedly intervened, citing procedural or documentation issues. The convoy was subsequently instructed to turn around and return to Roj camp. The setback highlights the diplomatic and legal complexities surrounding the repatriation of foreign nationals from detention camps in Syria.

The Roj facility, administered by Kurdish authorities linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces, houses thousands of women and children from dozens of countries. Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about living conditions inside the camps, particularly for minors who were either taken to Syria as children or born there.

Both developments underscore the continuing legal and security challenges facing Australian authorities — domestically through high-profile criminal proceedings, and internationally through the complicated process of handling citizens detained in conflict zones.

More updates are expected as court hearings resume and diplomatic discussions continue.

Bondi Beach shooting accused faces court for the first time

Norway’s monarchy finds itself under intense public scrutiny as a high-profile sexual assault trial unfolds

A high-profile court case has shaken Norway, thrusting the country’s royal family into worldwide attention as a dramatic criminal trial begins. At the center of the controversy is Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is facing several grave allegations, including rape and other violent acts.

Høiby, who was born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon and holds no royal title or position in the line of succession, was formally charged after an extensive police investigation. Authorities have filed at least 38 counts against him, ranging from the alleged rape of four women to assault, threats, drug offences and other crimes. A conviction on the most serious charges could result in a prison sentence exceeding ten years.

Proceedings kicked off this week at the Oslo District Court and are expected to continue into March, turning the case into one of Norway’s most closely followed trials in recent times. Media interest has surged not only because of the gravity of the accusations but also due to Høiby’s close ties to the royal household and the potential impact on the monarchy’s public image.

Amid growing attention, the palace has clarified that Høiby is not an official member of the Royal House and carries no public responsibilities, stressing that he is being handled by the justice system like any ordinary citizen.

Ahead of the hearings, Crown Prince Haakon released an uncommon public message, confirming that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit would be present in court. He said the family has confidence in Norway’s legal process and that royal duties will continue as usual during the trial. While describing Høiby as a cherished family member, the Crown Prince emphasized that he remains a private individual subject to the same laws as everyone else.

Høiby’s defence team has rejected the most serious claims, although his lawyer has indicated he may admit to lesser offences. The defence insists on his right to be presumed innocent, while prosecutors argue that witness accounts, timelines and other evidence support the heavy charges brought against him.

Analysts say the case has reopened national conversations about justice, responsibility, privacy and media influence when scandals involve prominent families. Surveys also suggest the controversy has affected public perception of the monarchy, sparking wider debate about its role in modern Norwegian society.

As the hearings continue in the weeks ahead, attention remains fixed on Oslo, with audiences at home and abroad watching closely to see how this sensitive and far-reaching case will ultimately be resolved.