Thailand approves transfer of 3 Iranians as Australian freed

13 Sept 14:11 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand approved the transfer of three Iranians, convicted in a 2012 Bangkok bomb plot, back to Tehran under an existing agreement.
Concurrently, Iran released Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who had been imprisoned for over two years on espionage charges she vehemently denied.
Iranian state TV explicitly linked Moore-Gilbert's release to a prisoner swap for three Iranians held abroad, though Australian and Thai officials avoided confirming a direct swap.
Moore-Gilbert's detention, which she claimed was an attempt to "extort" the Australian government, had significantly strained relations between Iran and the West.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.