Major developments are defining the week, from the civil revolt in Iran and a high-profile criminal case involving Australian author Craig Silvey, to rising concerns over migrant deaths in the United States. South Africa’s automotive sector is booming and upcoming diplomatic talks are scheduled between the US, Denmark, and Greenland.
2 000 deaths and an execution as Iran’s protests continue
Iran’s anti-government protests have reports of up to 2 000 deaths and an execution of protester Erfan Soltani. Despite claims of calm protest, unrest continue amid a nationwide internet blackout that experts say reflects Iran’s advanced “kill switch.” The US has implemented trade tariffs and is considering intervention options as communication from inside the country remains severely restricted.
Australian author charged with child exploitation
Prise-winning Australian author Craig Silvey, known for Jasper Jones, has been charged with possessing and distributing child exploitation material, after a police raid at his home in Perth. Authorities allege he was actively engaging with offenders online at the time of his arrest. Silvey appeared in court without entering a plea and was granted bail. He is expected back in court on 10 February.
4 died in the first 10 days of the year while in US immigration custody
Four died in US immigration custody in the first 10 days of 2026, with a record 30 deaths last year under Trump’s administration. The deceased included two Hondurans, one Cuban, and one Cambodian, with causes ranging from heart issues to drug withdrawal. The administration has expanded detention capacity to 69 000 and reduced humanitarian releases. Officials maintain the death rate aligns with historic norms, despite protests over increased enforcement and a recent fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota.
South African car sales grew with 20% in 2025
The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) reports that South African car sales grew with 20% in 2025, driven by growing demand for affordable brands. Auto exports reached a record high of over 400 000 units, with truck and bus exports climbing more than 68% due to increased mining activity. Naamsa Chief Economist, Paulina Mamogobo, expects imports from Chinese and Indian car brands to rise in 2026.
Vance will join the meeting with Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers
US Vice-President, JD Vance, will join a high-level meeting with Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, at the White House, Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, confirmed. The talks were requested by Denmark and Greenland to address growing US ambitions over Greenland. Danish Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, will also meet NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, to discuss Arctic security, alongside Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt.
[ Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CraigSilvey.png]
