World News in Brief

Compiled By: Andrew Koch

Political unrest in Ukraine

Approximately 80 people were killed after days of protests in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych met with opposition leaders on Feb. 21, agreeing to transfer presidential power to the Ukrainian parliament and to hold special early elections in December. The Ukranian government later issued an arrest warrant for Yanukovych, who fled the country and could face charges for crimes against humanity related to the protests.

Mexico arrests high-level drug lord

Mexican law enforcement arrested Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, considered to be one of the world’s most powerful drug lords, on Feb. 22. Guzman, who escaped prison in 2001, is head of the Sinaloa Cartel, which operates in more than 50 countries.

Uganda passes new anti-gay law

Ugandan President Yoweri Musevani signed a bill into law on Feb. 24 that punishes people who engage in sexual intercourse with someone of the same sex with up to life in prison. Some Europeans have threatened to cut financial aid to the country, and President Barack Obama said the law would “complicate” the United States’ relationship with Uganda. Nigeria’s president recently signed a similar bill last month.