Indonesian president frees hundreds of prisoners as part of unity plan
Indonesia has released 1,178 inmates under President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency program aimed at national reconciliation. The amnesty, approved by parliament, prioritizes political prisoners, the elderly, juveniles, and those with health issues, according to Al Jazeera.
Among those freed were opposition figure Hasto Kristiyanto and ex-Trade Minister Tom Lembong, both previously jailed under former President Joko Widodo. Six Papuan activists convicted of treason were also released.
Law Minister Supratman Agtas said more releases are planned, with a second list of 1,668 names to be submitted soon, Al Jazeera reported.
Ukrainians mourn 31 killed in Russian strike on Kyiv
At least 31 people, including five children, were killed in Russia’s worst airstrike on Kyiv this year, Ukrainian officials confirmed. The attack, involving over 300 drones and missiles, caused severe damage, including a collapsed apartment block in the Sviatoshyn district, according to Reuters.
President Zelensky said rescue efforts had ended and promised support for victims. In Kharkiv, a separate drone strike injured 10, including three children.
US President Trump condemned Russia’s actions as “disgusting” and warned of economic pressure if Putin doesn’t make a deal by August 8, Reuters reported.
US appeals court keeps bar on Los Angeles federal immigration arrests
A federal appeals court has upheld a temporary ban on immigration-related arrests in Los Angeles without probable cause, rejecting the Trump administration’s challenge.
The ruling backs claims by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several Southern California cities that federal agents used racial profiling and targeted people based on language, appearance, or location, according to Reuters.
Mayor Karen Bass called the decision a victory for the city, while the ACLU said it reaffirms that such enforcement tactics are unconstitutional and harmful.
Trump fires BLS Chief over jobs data dispute
US President Trump has fired Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, accusing her of manipulating job numbers to favor Kamala Harris’s election chances.
The move followed a disappointing July jobs report and came without evidence. McEntarfer, appointed by former President Biden and confirmed with bipartisan support, was criticized by Trump as a political appointee, according to Xinhua.
Economist Gary Hufbauer called the firing politically driven and warned it could raise concerns about the independence of economic data.
