Executions in Iran have surged for a second year running to 834, campaign groups say. The Iranian authorities were weaponising the death penalty to “instil societal fear”, they said. Most were undocumented hangings, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France’s Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) said. Official sources noted 125 executions. It follows nationwide protests led by women and girls.
Historian Julian Jackson wins the Duff Cooper prize for non-fiction
The elite Duff Cooper Prize for non-fiction was held at The Travellers Club on Pall Mall, which was filled with the finest writers and historians in Britain. There were writers Robert Harris and Jung Chang, historian Sir Antony Beevor, and Nicky Haslam, sipping copious amounts of Pol Roger champagne.
The £5,000 prize wentto Julian Jackson for his book France on Trial.
A former senior government minister in South Africa has left the governing African National Congress (ANC), with a blistering attack on the party.
Nathi Nhleko claimed the ANC was bringing in austerity measures and dismantling state-owned businesses, calling it “painful” to watch the party become something he no longer recognized. Mr. Nhleko had was close to the disgraced former president Jacob Zuma.
Jonny Bairstow expects a “emotional week” as he becomes the 16th man to play 100 Tests for England.
Yorkshire batter Bairstow will reach the landmark in the fifth Test against India in Dharamsala, 12 years after making his debut against West Indies. It’s an amazing week, an amazing place and an amazing occasion,” Bairstow told BBC Sport.
Russian Black Sea fleet ship damaged in drone attack, Kyiv says
BBC is reporting that a Russian patrol ship has been damaged after being attacked by sea drones in the Black Sea, according to Ukrainian intelligence. The Sergei Kotov, which was launched in 2021, was allegedly hit in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Russell Wilson to be released.
According to CBS the Denver Bronc os have officially made a decision on quarterback Russell Wilson, as the franchise informed the veteran signal-caller that he will be released after the league year begins on March 13. Wilson signed a $245 million multi-year extension that was supposed to carry him through 2028 before even playing a snap for Denver, a decision which came back to bite the Broncos.
The Broncos will eat $39 million, according to NFL Media, but they avoid the $37 million guaranteed that would trigger for 2025. Per Front Office Sports, the Broncos will take on an NFL-record $85 million in dead cap. It’s likely this move will be designated as a post-June 1 transaction. According to Pro Football Talk, Denver will have a cap charge of $35.4 million in 2024, and another cap charge of $53.6 million for 2025.
The Broncos announced their decision with a joint statement from general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton.
“We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year. On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career.
Japan will impose economic sanctions on eight people in relation to Hamas.
The individuals who were added to the sanctions list are five senior members of Hamas in charge of collecting funds, and three money changers who facilitate fund transfers for the group. Their assets will be frozen.
The government has strongly condemned the deadly attack and abductions of people in Israel conducted by Hamas and others in October as an act of terrorism.
A total of 22 individuals and five organizations related to Hamas are now facing Japanese sanctions
American golfer Austin Eckroat wins first title at delayed Cognizant Classic .
The 25-year-old American made three birdies, a bogey and seven pars on March 4 to complete a four-under final round of 67 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Zimbabwe: US imposes new sanctions on President Mnangagwa and other leaders. .
The US has sanctiOther senior leaders in the country are also affected by the order, which prohibits them from unofficial travel to the United States and freezes their assets there.oned Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights violations
Sheffield United’s new low –
Among the worst performances by club ever witnessed .Sheffield United’s new low – The first half of Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Arsenal was as one-sided as any.
United have struggled at regular points in the Premier League this season, losing 8-0 at home to Newcastle in September – but for some observers, this match was a low point.