*Evening News Round-up: Friday 6 June 2025* *Headlines* *Mnangagwa Mourns Zambia’s Former Leader Edgar Lungu* *43% Of Zimbabwean Women Have Sex Before 18 – Survey* *Fast Track: Domboshava Teen Sentenced To Five Years For Break-in At Chiwenga’s Borrowdale Shop* *Woman Fights Off 3 Armed Robbers, Kills One While Hubby Sleeps* *Surge In Communicable Diseases Puts Health System Under Strain* *Jailed Bogus Doctor Swindled Prospective Nurse Trainees US$8,000* *Botswana Diamond Giant Debswana Slashes Output As Demand Falls* *Zambia Says Afreximbank Loan Is Commercial & Will Be Restructured* *Interpol Issues Red Notice For Ghana's 'Fugitive' Ex-minister* *At Least Three Killed In Russian Drone & Missile Attack On Ukraine* *European Union Backs ICC After US Sanctions On Court Judges* *Trump Is Not Interested In Talking To Musk As They Feud Over Tax-cut Bill* *Postecoglou Sacked By Spurs After Europa League Win* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Mnangagwa Mourns Zambia’s Former Leader Edgar Lungu* Former president of Zambia Edgar Lungu and Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden death of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who passed away on June 5, 2025. In a condolence message addressed to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, President Mnangagwa described Lungu as an “illustrious and revered leader” who served the people of Zambia with “distinction, humility, and honour.” Wrote Mnangagwa: On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed, on my own behalf, I extend to you Your Excellency, the great people of Zambia and the bereaved Lungu family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. Mnangagwa praised the late president for his commitment to justice and his enduring advocacy for the underprivileged. He said: His unwavering commitment to fight for justice and dignity, particularly for the underprivileged, shall continue to inspire present and future generations. Mnangagwa also recalled Lungu’s contributions to regional cooperation and noted his efforts in strengthening ties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and between Zimbabwe and Zambia in particular. Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021, was 68 *pindula* *43% Of Zimbabwean Women Have Sex Before 18 – Survey* Harare, Zimbabwe – The majority of Zimbabwean women initiate sexual activity before the age of 20, with nearly seven in ten women aged 25 to 49 reporting they had engaged in sexual intercourse by age 20, according to new data from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). The report seen by Kukurigo noted that the "median age at first intercourse for women age 25-49 in Zimbabwe is 18.5 years." Notably, "six percent of women age 25-49 have had sexual intercourse before age 15 and 43 percent before age 18." By age 20, "69 percent of Zimbabwean women have had sexual intercourse." In comparison, Zimbabwean men tend to begin sexual activity later. "Among men age 25-49, the median age at first intercourse is 19.9 years, compared with 18.5 years among women the same age." The data shows "three percent of men age 25-49 have had sexual intercourse before age 15 and 25 percent before age 18." By age 20, "more than five in ten men have initiated sexual intercourse (51%)." The findings suggest that women in Zimbabwe may face reproductive risks earlier than indicated by the age of marriage. The survey states: "The median age at first intercourse for women age 25-49 in Zimbabwe is about 1 year younger than the median age at first marriage of women the same age (18.5 years versus 19.4 years)." This implies that many women are exposed to pregnancy and begin childbearing before entering formal unions. The trend has remained relatively unchanged over the years. "Since 1999, the median age at first sexual intercourse among women age 25-49 has remained constant at 18.7 years. This median age slightly decreased to 18.5 years in 2023-24." The statistics will likely renew debate around adolescent sexual and reproductive health services and access to comprehensive sexuality education. The findings are contained in the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), which surveyed more than 11,000 households. Conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the survey ran from December 2023 to May 2024. This marks the seventh ZDHS conducted in Zimbabwe, following previous rounds in 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005–06, 2010–11, and 2015. Data collection for the 2023–24 survey was carried out using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology. Kukurigo *Fast Track: Domboshava Teen Sentenced To Five Years For Break-in At Chiwenga’s Borrowdale Shop* An 18-year-old man from Domboshava, Succeed Mukaro, has been convicted of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances after breaking into a shop owned by Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, the wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, at Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale, Harare. Mukaro pleaded guilty to the charge before Harare provincial magistrate Ethel Chichera on Thursday, June 5, and was sentenced on Friday, June 6. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on May 31, 2025. Mukaro smashed the front glass of the upscale store and made off with electronic gadgets worth US$15,915. Among the stolen items were iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Huawei phones, tablets, Apple AirPods, and a Kalobee smartwatch. Investigations led detectives from CID Homicide Harare to Ximex Mall, where several of the stolen devices were found being sold. Two suspects were arrested and implicated Mukaro as the source of the goods. He was later apprehended at Joina City Mall, still in possession of some of the stolen items. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered more stolen gadgets and clothing. His fingerprints also matched those collected at the crime scene. Succeed’s brother, Sydney Mukaro, was found in possession of one of the stolen phones. Of the stolen property, items valued at US$6,295 remain unrecovered. Mukaro was sentenced to five years in prison. However, two years were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, while one year was suspended on the condition that he pays restitution of US$6,295. *Woman Fights Off 3 Armed Robbers, Kills One While Hubby Sleeps* In a display of extraordinary courage, a woman from a Hunyani farm in Mhangura fought off three armed robbers who had invaded her home in the early hours of 1 June. The incident, which took place at approximately 1:00 AM, resulted in the death of one of the suspects and the subsequent arrest of the remaining two. The events unfolded at the residence of the Marimo family, located in Village 2 on the Hunyani Farm. According to Mashonaland West police spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera, the deceased, Tafadzwa Jenami, aged 27, from Mafuta Farm in Raffingora, arrived at the homestead with two accomplices: Tapiwa Bepura, 33, from Chininga Farm in Raffingora, and Tanyaradzwa Alufande, 45, from Yomba Farm, also in Raffingora. Inspector Kohwera detailed the sequence of events. “These men, including the deceased, went to Misheck Marimo’s house in Village 2 on Hunyani Farm in Mhangura, arriving at around 0100 hours. They found Misheck Marimo and his 32-year-old wife asleep in their bedroom. The three forcibly broke down the door of the family’s home, armed with a Stylox S12Ga.3 chamber rifle. As they entered the house, Marimo’s wife was awakened by the noise of them breaking down the door.” Awakened by the intruders, Mrs. Marimo acted swiftly and with remarkable resolve. Instead of succumbing to fear, she confronted the armed men head-on. Inspector Kohwera explained that the woman bravely jumped out of bed and lunged at Jenami, who was wielding the Stylox rifle, in a desperate attempt to protect both herself and her husband from the imminent danger. What followed was a fierce struggle between the woman and the lead assailant, Jenami. “The woman continued to fight with Jenami, strangling him in an attempt to disarm him,” Inspector Kohwera stated. The commotion roused Misheck Marimo from his sleep, only to find his wife already engaged in a life-or-death struggle with the intruders. In a valiant attempt to assist his wife, Mr. Marimo intervened, but was met with brutal force. Inspector Mahoko reported that he was struck in the head with the butt of the rifle, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness. Despite the setback of her husband’s injury, Mrs. Marimo refused to yield. Showing incredible resilience, she continued her fight against the robbers. Inspector Mahoko further explained that the woman did not back down, continuing to fight the robbers and eventually overpowering Tafadzwa Jenami by continuously strangling him, causing him to collapse and also lose consciousness. The sounds of the struggle alerted neighbours, who rushed to the Marimo’s aid. Their arrival prompted the remaining two robbers to flee the scene, leaving their unconscious accomplice behind. Upon arriving at the scene, the neighbours assisted both Tafadzwa Jenami and Misheck Marimo in regaining consciousness. Inspector Kohwera stated that “Some of the people who had arrived helped Tafadzwa Jenami and Misheck Marimo regain consciousness. The majority of the villagers then tied Tafadzwa Jenami’s hands and feet, and he then revealed the names of his accomplices who had come with him to rob the house.” However, the story took a grim turn. “At around 0500 hours, Tafadzwa Jenami requested water to drink, which was given to him. He drank it and died shortly afterwards,” Inspector Kohwera confirmed. The exact cause of Jenami’s death is yet to be officially determined, pending the results of a post-mortem examination. The Mhangura police were promptly notified of the incident and launched an immediate investigation. Their efforts led to the swift apprehension of the two fleeing suspects, Tapiwa Bepura and Tanyaradzwa Alufande. Inspector Kohwera confirmed that “Tafadzwa Jenami’s body was taken to the Chinhoyi Hospital mortuary, where it awaited a post-mortem examination. Misheck Marimo was also taken to Chinhoyi Hospital, where he was treated. The two robbers are expected to appear in court soon on charges of armed robbery. The firearm they were using is also being examined to determine its origin and whether it is properly registered.” While praising Mrs. Marimo’s extraordinary bravery, Inspector Kohwera issued a cautionary statement. “However, we urge the public not to put their lives at risk when confronted by robbers. As the police in Mashonaland West province, we are concerned about the increase in cases of robbery by armed robbers using firearms and other weapons,” he said. The incident has once again raised concerns about the prevalence of armed robberies in the Mashonaland West province and the need for increased vigilance and community involvement in crime prevention. The police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat crime. *Surge In Communicable Diseases Puts Health System Under Strain* Zimbabwe's public health system is under renewed pressure as the country records a fresh spike in several communicable diseases, with malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections dominating the week's top health concerns, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. In the latest Weekly Disease Surveillance Report covering the week ending May 25, authorities logged 6,768 malaria infections nationwide. Mashonaland Central province contributed nearly half the total with 3,003 cases, while Mashonaland West followed with 1,107 cases. Alarmingly, young children under five years of age accounted for 13 percent (847) of all infections, highlighting the vulnerability of this age group. The mosquito-borne disease claimed 18 lives during the week, with fatalities reported from Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare (4 deaths), Buhera in Mashonaland East (1), and Mwenezi in Masvingo Province (2). These latest figures push the cumulative malaria toll for 2025 to a sobering 89,708 infections and 293 deaths. At the same time, diarrhoeal diseases continued to affect thousands, with 4,356 new cases and two deaths reported. Children under five again bore the brunt, accounting for nearly 40 percent (1,703) of cases. The deaths were reported at Sally Mugabe Hospital and in Mwenezi, already grappling with malaria-related deaths. High case numbers were noted in Mashonaland West (766) and Manicaland (710) provinces. To date, Zimbabwe has recorded 142,814 diarrhoea cases and 64 deaths this year. While influenza-like illnesses did not result in any fatalities, the country still registered 5,861 new suspected cases, underscoring a persistent trend. The worst-hit provinces were Mashonaland West, with 2,048 cases, and Manicaland, which recorded 1,758. The running total of suspected influenza cases in 2025 has now surpassed 96,000. Animal-related injuries also remained a pressing concern. Dog bite incidents reached 492 cases in the week under review. Though no deaths were recorded, health officials expressed concern over the vaccination status of the dogs involved: 23 percent were confirmed unvaccinated, and 60 percent had unknown immunisation histories. The provinces of Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands each registered more than 75 cases, contributing to a year-to-date total of 13,040 dog bite cases. Meanwhile, measles and anthrax continued to simmer at lower levels. There were 16 suspected measles cases spread across eight provinces, with no related fatalities, while two new anthrax infections emerged in Gokwe North and South, bringing the annual total to 63 confirmed cases—none fatal so far. The Ministry has reiterated the importance of early detection, robust community education, and preventive healthcare to curtail the spread of these diseases. *New Ziana* *Jailed Bogus Doctor Swindled Prospective Nurse Trainees US$8,000* A BULAWAYO man, who posed as a qualified medical doctor, has been convicted of multiple fraud and sentenced to an effective 42 months’ imprisonment. The accused person, 29-year-old Prosper Taurai Vanhuvaone, appeared at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court on charges involving false representation as a registered medical doctor and agent facilitating certificates of sponsorship (CoS). Court heard that between February and September 2024, Vanhuvaone orchestrated a calculated scheme to exploit vulnerable individuals at Mpilo Central Hospital and in Bulawayo’s central business district. Masquerading as a medical practitioner, the offender misled several ‘clients’ into paying him money on the promise that he would secure places for nurse training at Mpilo Central Hospital. He also lied that he could process CoS for qualified nurses intending to secure employment in the United Kingdom (UK). Following his conviction, the presiding magistrate sentenced Vanhuvaone to 84 months in jail, suspending 18 months for five years on condition of good behaviour. A further 24 months were set aside on condition that he restitutes the complainants US$8,165 by July 30, 2025. He will, therefore, serve an effective 42 months’ imprisonment. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said this case sends a strong message to would-be conmen on the dire consequences of fraud, especially when public trust is manipulated for personal gain. *NewZW* *Botswana Diamond Giant Debswana Slashes Output As Demand Falls* Botswana's main diamond company has paused production at some of its mines, citing a prolonged downturn in global demand. Debswana, a joint venture between the government and global mining giant De Beers, saw its sales revenue drop by almost 50% last year. Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds by value. The industry accounts for a quarter of the country's total annual income (GDP), according to the International Monetary Fund. On Friday, Debswana said production this year is being scaled back to 15 million carats - approximately a 40% decrease from its output in 2023. The company, which accounts for around 90% of Botswana's diamond sales expects this reduced output will lead to "significant cost savings" across areas like fuel and electricity. In a statement, Debswana said it continued to "prudently navigate the challenging market conditions" citing low demand and "emerging pressures such as US-imposed tariffs". The global market for mined diamonds has been experiencing a decline since 2023, partly due to the availability of lab-grown alternatives. In response to this downturn, Debswana paused production at its flagship Jwaneng mine, as well as its Orapa mines, last month. Each mine will be closed for three months in total. The southern African country has for decades been trying to shift its economy away from being dependent on diamond sales, to varying degrees of success. Although successive governments have boosted sectors such as tourism, finance and the mining of minerals such as copper, diamond sales still make up three-quarters of Botswana's foreign exchange earnings. This income is likely to be hit by Debswana's decision to temporarily close its mines. The company has stressed that no involuntary job cuts are planned, although it continues to offer voluntary redundancy. As a result of the sustained downturn in the global diamond industry, Botswana will cut its 2025 economic growth forecast to almost zero, a senior finance official was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency. *BBC* *Zambia Says Afreximbank Loan Is Commercial & Will Be Restructured* Zambia's Afreximbank loan is commercial and will be restructured, the country's treasury secretary said on Friday. "We are still negotiating with them. The debt will be restructured," Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa told Reuters in Lusaka in response to a question on the status of Zambia's loan with Afreximbank. "It's not a concessional loan, it's a commercial loan." The African development lender has argued that as a multilateral institution like the International Monetary Fund or World Bank, which lends on concessional terms, below market rates, it is exempt from taking losses when countries default. However, some of Afreximbank's lending is at commercial rates, which is generally in scope for restructuring. Sources told Reuters in April that the Paris Club group of official lenders has made it clear that Zambia must restructure their debts to Afreximbank. Zambia owes Afreximbank $45 million, according to think tank ODI. Fitch downgraded Afreximbank's credit rating to one notch above junk earlier this week, with a negative outlook, citing high credit risks and weak risk-management policies. *Reuters* *Interpol Issues Red Notice For Ghana's 'Fugitive' Ex-minister* Ghana's former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been placed on Interpol's red notice list for allegedly using public office for personal gain. This comes after Ghanaian prosecutors declared him a wanted person as well as a fugitive from justice, as he was outside the country, over his alleged involvement in several corruption cases when he was in government. A red notice is not an arrest warrant but a request to police worldwide to detain someone pending extradition. Ofori-Atta, who is said to be out of the country for medical reasons, has not commented on the allegations, but he has said he has been unlawfully treated. The AFP news agency is quoting Frank Davies, on Ofori-Atta's legal team, criticising the prosecutor's approach. "We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them," Mr Davies told AFP. "The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment." The 65-year-old has been accused of causing financial losses to the state. The allegations include questions over procurement procedures in the building of a controversial national cathedral, which remains a hole in the ground despite the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money. Ofori-Atta's lawyers had offered to represent him but the state prosecutor said they could not respond to criminal charges on behalf of their client. Reporter who sued MP and won $18m hopeful he will pocket the money In February, Ofori-Atta appealed to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to remove his name from the wanted list and provided a definite return date in May. State prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng accepted Ofori-Atta's assurance and subsequently took his name off the wanted list. But in March Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit, claiming unlawful treatment and requesting removal of related content from the OSP's social media platforms. Early this month, Ofori-Atta was re-declared a wanted person and a fugitive from justice after failing to appear before an investigative panel. Agyebeng subsequently formally initiated the Red Notice request, seeking international help in tracking down the former official, local media reported. "We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations," Agyebeng said. In the Red Notice released on late Thursday, Interpol said Ofori-Atta is wanted on charges of "using public office for profit". He was finance minister from January 2017 to February 2024, when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was in power. The NPP lost last December's elections to the National Democratic Congress. President John Mahama, who was inaugurated in January, went on to establish an investigative committee known as Operation Recover All Loot. The committee has received over 200 complaints of corruption, amounting to more than $20bn in recoverable funds. Mahama has directed the attorney general and minister of justice to launch investigations into these allegations, stating that Ghana will no longer be a safe haven for corruption. However, some Ghanaians have criticised him for discontinuing cases against his former allies on trial. *BBC* *At Least Three Killed In Russian Drone & Missile Attack On Ukraine* At least three people have been killed in Russian missile and drone attacks overnight on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, local officials said, as powerful explosions reverberated across the country. The attacks followed a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveyed via United States President Donald Trump, that the Kremlin would hit back after Ukrainian drones destroyed several strategic bomber aircraft in attacks deep inside Russia. Kyiv’s military administration said three people were killed in the attacks on the Ukrainian capital after the mayor initially put the death toll at four. The three were first responders who had rushed to the scene of one of the strikes, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv, where falling debris sparked fires across several districts as air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming targets, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Administration. "Our air defence crews are doing everything possible. But we must protect one another – stay safe," Tkachenko wrote on Telegram. Ukraine’s human rights chief, Dmytro Lubinets, called for a strong international response to the overnight attack, saying the assault violated basic human rights. "Russia is acting like a terrorist, systematically targeting civilian infrastructure," Lubinets wrote on Telegram. "The world must respond clearly and take concrete steps, including condemning the aggressor’s actions." Moscow denies targeting civilians since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Friday that its forces had carried out a huge strike on military and military-related targets in Ukraine overnight, in response to what it called Ukrainian "terrorist acts" against Russia. Reporting from Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Charles Stratford said it was a "very frightening night". "We heard some of the drones go over this area in central Kyiv, giant explosions ringing out across the city, some so loud that they were shaking the glass here of our hotel. We’ve seen pictures of people who took shelter in the metro stations underground and underground car parks," he said. Authorities reported damage in several districts, and rescue workers were responding at multiple locations. They urged residents to seek shelter. *Widescale assault* The Russian attack hit at least six regions across Ukraine, leaving a trail of civilian injuries, damaged infrastructure and disrupted utilities. Ukrainian authorities said Russian forces launched 407 drones and 45 missiles, including cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine said it succeeded in destroying about 200 drones and 30 missiles. The number of people injured in a Russian attack on the western city of Ternopil early Friday rose to 10, including five emergency workers, regional governor Viacheslav Nehoda said. The strike damaged industrial and infrastructure facilities, left parts of the city without electricity, and disrupted water supplies. Three people were injured in Ukraine’s central Poltava region following a Russian attack that damaged administrative buildings, warehouses and a cafe, regional head Volodymyr Kohut said. Fires caused by the strike have been extinguished, and debris fell on a private home. Russian forces also struck the Khmelnytskyi region overnight, damaging a private residential building, outbuildings, a fence, and several vehicles, regional governor Serhii Tiuryn said. Meanwhile, air defence forces shot down three Russian missiles over the western Lviv region overnight, the regional head Maksym Kozytskyi said. In the northern Chernihiv region, a Shahed drone exploded near an apartment building, shattering windows and doors, according to regional military administration chief Dmytro Bryzhynskyi. He said explosions from ballistic missiles were also recorded on the outskirts of the city. "Overnight, Russia ‘responded’ to its destroyed aircraft… by attacking civilians in Ukraine…. Multistorey buildings hit. Energy infrastructure damaged," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X. The assault comes as hopes for a truce between Russia and Ukraine seemed to be faltering, despite two rounds of direct talks in Istanbul. *Al Jazeera* *European Union Backs ICC After US Sanctions On Court Judges* The European Union "deeply regrets" the United States sanctions placed on four judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced sanctions on four judges whom the US accuses of taking "illegitimate and baseless actions" against the US and its allies. Responding to the announcement on Friday, von der Leyen said the Hague-based court had the "full support" of the EU. "The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account & gives victims a voice," von der Leyen said on X on Friday. "It must be free to act without pressure." United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said he was "profoundly disturbed" by the US decision. "Attacks against judges for performance of their judicial functions, at national or international levels, run directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law – values for which the US has long stood," Turk said. "Such attacks are deeply corrosive of good governance and the due administration of justice," he added, calling for the sanctions to be withdrawn. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, which represents national governments of the 27 EU member states, also called the court "a cornerstone of international justice" and said its independence and integrity must be protected. The Commission fully supports the @IntlCrimCourt & its officials. The ICC holds perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes to account & gives victims a voice. It must be free to act without pressure. We will always stand for global justice & the respect of international law. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 6, 2025 The US State Department said the sanctions were issued after the court made decisions to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a separate decision in 2020 to open an investigation into alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan. The four sanctioned judges include Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru, Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin and Beti Hohler of Slovenia. EU member Slovenia said it "rejects pressure on judicial institutions" and urged the EU to use its blocking statute. "Due to the inclusion of a citizen of an EU member state on the sanctions list, Slovenia will propose the immediate activation of the blocking act," Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X. The mechanism lets the EU ban European companies from complying with US sanctions that Brussels deems unlawful. The power has been used in the past to prevent Washington from banning European trade with Cuba and Iran. Slovenia regrets the announced sanctions by the US🇺🇸 government against 4 judges of the @IntlCrimCourt , including a judge from #slovenia. SI🇸🇮 rejects pressure on judicial institutions and influence on judicial operations, and courts must act in the interests of law and justice.… pic.twitter.com/xhwBj8XeMz — MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) June 5, 2025 The US sanctions mean the judges are added to a list of specially designated sanctioned individuals. Any US assets they have will be blocked and they are put on an automated screening service used not only by US banks but by many banks worldwide, making it very difficult for sanctioned people to hold or open bank accounts or transfer money. This is not the first time the US has issued restrictions against an ICC official since Trump returned to office for a second term on January 20. Shortly after taking office, Trump issued a broad executive order threatening anyone who participates in ICC investigations with sanctions. Critics warned that such sweeping language could pervert the course of justice, for example, by dissuading witnesses from coming forward with evidence. But Trump argued that the 2024 arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant necessitated such measures. He also claimed that the US and Israel were "thriving democracies" that "strictly adhere to the laws of war" and that the ICC’s investigations threatened military members with "harassment, abuse and possible arrest". *Al Jazeera* *Trump Is Not Interested In Talking To Musk As They Feud Over Tax-cut Bill* U.S. President Donald Trump is not interested in talking with Elon Musk, a White House official said on Friday, signaling the president and his former ally might not resolve their feud over a sweeping tax-cut bill any time soon. The White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no phone call between Trump and the Tesla CEO is planned for the day. Earlier, a different White House official had said the two were going to talk. In interviews with several U.S. media outlets, Trump said he was focused on other matters. "I'm not even thinking about Elon. He's got a problem, the poor guy's got a problem," he told CNN. Trump may get rid of the red Tesla Model S that he bought in March after showcasing Musk's electric cars on the White House lawn, the official said. The White House statements came one day after the two men battled openly in an extraordinary display of hostilities that marked a stark end to a close alliance. During the exchange, Trump suggested he would terminate government contracts with Musk's businesses, which include rocket company SpaceX and its satellite unit Starlink. Tesla shares rose on Friday, managing to claw back some steep losses from the previous session when it dropped 14% and lost $150 billion in value, the largest single-day decline in the company's history. Musk's high-profile allies have largely stayed silent during the feud. But one, investor James Fishback, called on Musk to apologize. "President Trump has shown grace and patience at a time when Elon’s behavior is disappointing and frankly downright disturbing," Fishback said in a statement. Musk, the world's richest man, bankrolled a large part of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Trump named Musk to head up a controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending. The falling-out began brewing Tuesday. Musk, who left his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency a week ago, denounced Trump's tax-cut and spending bill, which contains most of Trump's domestic priorities. His opposition is complicating efforts to pass the bill in Congress where Republicans hold a slim majority. Musk denounced the package as a "disgusting abomination" that would add too much to the nation's $36.2 trillion in debt. Just last week, Trump feted him at the White House after he left his post at DOGE. Musk cut only about half of 1% of total spending, far short of his brash plans to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. Trump's "big, beautiful bill" narrowly passed the House of Representatives last month and is now before the Senate, where Republicans say they will make further changes. Nonpartisan analysts say the measure would add $2.4 trillion in debt over 10 years. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he has been texting with Musk and hopes the dispute is resolved quickly. "I don't argue with him about how to build rockets and I wish he wouldn't argue with me about how to craft legislation and pass it," Johnson said on CNBC. *'VERY DISAPPOINTED'* Trump had initially stayed quiet while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, but broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters he was "very disappointed" in Musk. "Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don't know if we will anymore," he said. The pair then traded barbs on their social media platforms: Trump's Truth Social and Musk's X. "Without me, Trump would have lost the election," wrote Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republicans in last year's election. Musk also asserted that Trump's signature import tariffs would push the U.S. into a recession and responded "Yes" to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. That would be highly unlikely given Trump's Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress. Musk's SpaceX plays a critical role in the U.S. government's space program. When Trump posted that he might cancel Musk's contracts, the billionaire responded he would begin decommissioning SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, the only U.S. spacecraft capable of sending astronauts to the International Space Station. Later, Musk backed off that threat. In a sign of a possible detente, Musk subsequently wrote: "You're not wrong" in response to billionaire investor Bill Ackman saying Trump and Musk should make peace. A prolonged feud could make it harder for Republicans to keep control of Congress in next year's midterm elections if Musk withholds financial support or other major Silicon Valley business leaders distance themselves from Trump. Musk had already said he planned to curtail his political spending, and on Tuesday he called for "all politicians who betrayed the American people" to be fired next year. His involvement with the Trump administration has provoked widespread protests at Tesla sites, driving down sales while investors fretted that Musk's attention was too divided. *reuters* *Postecoglou Sacked By Spurs After Europa League Win* Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final. A 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao brought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years. However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches. The Australian had told fans "season three is better than season two" as they gathered at a victory parade to mark European success in his second campaign. Despite that, the 59-year-old's time in north London ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been tipped as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Fulham's Marco Silva, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino - now managing the United States - are among the other candidates to have been considered. Spurs said Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering "one of the club's greatest moments" in becoming only the third manager in their history to win a European trophy. But they added they could not base their decision on "emotions aligned to this triumph" and felt a change was necessary after a "review of performances". Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou's first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime," he said in a statement. "That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. "There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible." *BBC*