Oct 29, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC

Stand-off and heightened security persist in Portadown after thousands of counter-protesters blocked Garvaghy Road, preventing an Orange Order parade from proceeding.

The Belfast High Court had ruled early Sunday to uphold a Parades Commission determination allowing 35 members of the Protestant organization to conduct a limited, silent march along the route. It was set to be the first permitted procession along the historic flashpoint since the late 1990s.

However, mass demonstrations on the predominantly nationalist road forced law enforcement officers to halt the marchers near Drumcree Church to prevent potential disorder. Key political figures, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, joined the crowds opposing the march. The Orange Order subsequently entered discussions regarding the situation as demonstrators remained stationed along the route.

Sources: BBC Northern Ireland, France24, STV News, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

Authorities in Spain and Turkey are investigating a series of fatal transport accidents that have resulted in dozens of casualties.

In Spain, a high-speed train collision near Los Yebenes in Toledo province left 64 people dead. The impact caused two carriages to derail and tumble down a slope along the line connecting Madrid and Sevilla.

Meanwhile, a series of traffic collisions occurred in Turkey. A head-on crash between two vehicles in Ankara's Polatlı district killed three people and injured four others. In Isparta's Keçiborlu district, a midibus carrying seasonal farm workers struck a heavy truck from behind, injuring 17 passengers. Additionally, a separate collision involving two trucks left one person dead and three injured.

Local law enforcement and emergency services responded to each incident, with formal investigations underway to establish the causes.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Cumhuriyet, Bianet, TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation)

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after it gained administrative control of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district council.

Speaking at a rally in Üsküdar and during a television interview on Koza TV, Özel called the council vote anti-democratic and directly challenged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, asking, "Is this your democracy?" He described the developments as "the darkest, most contaminated" episode in Turkey's electoral history, arguing that local voters had chosen the CHP.

Özel also addressed Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş's recent meeting with Erdoğan. He explained that the talks were routine administrative consultations intended to resolve bureaucratic hurdles delaying municipal services in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced efforts to attract two major investors to the city of Kraljevo over the coming year. Speaking during a visit to the region, Vučić stated that bringing in large operations is crucial for the local economy, with the planned developments expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its daily legislative session on Monday evening. Parliamentary deputies wrapped up scheduled discussions and are set to resume proceedings on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to address remaining agenda items.

Sources: Tanjug

The US Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to temporarily continue deporting migrants to third countries while judges review the policy's legality. The decision comes alongside an international investigation led by Forbidden Stories, which revealed that at least 25,447 individuals were transferred to 28 non-native nations under undisclosed agreements.

Internal State Department records indicate around 20,000 migrants were transported by bus to Mexico, while over 5,000 were flown to unfamiliar countries. Several deportees had previously been granted legal recognition that returning home would endanger their lives.

Following the revelations, more than a dozen United Nations human rights experts urged Washington to halt the practice, citing severe risks of torture and persecution. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether migrants must receive an opportunity to challenge their removal before being sent to foreign jurisdictions.

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti