The past week has witnessed its share of top stories across the globe.
From Germany where sativa cannabis is now legal and famous soccer maestro Dani Alves has been found guilty of rape in a nightclub.
Below are some of the top international stories that made headlines last week.
Germany legalizes cannabis, but makes it harder to buy
The German parliament has backed a new law allowing the recreational use of cannabis.
Under the law, over-18s in Germany will be allowed to possess significant amounts of cannabis, but strict rules will make it harder to buy the drug.
Smoking cannabis in many public places will become legal from April 1.
In public places you are allowed to possess up to 25g, which is equivalent to dozens of strong joints. In private homes, the legal limit will be 50g.
Africa’s ‘flying presidents’ under fire
Since Kenya’s William Ruto and Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu became president, they have faced similar criticism for their frequent trips abroad.
The two men have been the subject of unflattering characterizations – the costs associated with their alleged penchant for air travel often contrasted with the difficult economic conditions at home.
However, some have pointed out that former Tanzanian President John Magufuli never traveled outside of Africa in his six years in office.
Ex-Barcelona defender Dani Alves guilty of nightclub rape
A court in Spain has found former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub.
He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
The 40-year-old, who is one of the most decorated footballers in history, had denied sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of December 31, 2022.
His lawyer had asked for his acquittal and said he would appeal the verdict.
Senegal releases hundreds of political prisoners
Senegal’s Justice Minister Aissata Tal Sal announced the release of nearly 400 protesters from prison.
They were arrested and imprisoned during the political demonstrations of March 2021 and June 2023.
Ms Sall did not say whether opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and presidential candidate Bakiru Diomaye Faye would be released.
The minister said that the release of the political prisoners is aimed at easing the tension in the country.
Australian bishop Christopher Saunders is accused of rape
Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been accused of rape and a string of historic sex offenses – some against children.
The 74-year-old was arrested in Broome on Wednesday following parallel investigations ordered by Western Australian police and the Pope.
Saunders, who has denied the charges in the past, was refused bail and will face court on 19 charges on Thursday.
He is one of the most senior Catholics to face accusations of this nature.
UN sanctions six DR Congo rebel leaders
The UN has imposed an arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze on six rebel leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid violence in the country’s east.
Those sanctioned include the military representative of the M23 rebel group, a general of the Forces Democratic for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and two senior leaders of the Ugandan armed group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The others are the leader of the National People’s Coalition for Congolese Sovereignty (CNPSC), a Mai-Mai group, and commander of the Twirwaneho armed group.
The announcement followed a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the dire security situation in DR Congo.
The title of the former oldest dog in the world has been removed
Bobi the dog has been posthumously stripped of the title of world’s oldest dog due to a dispute over his actual age.
Guinness World Records (GWR) said they had no evidence that the elderly dog, who died last year, was as old as claimed.
The organization said the microchip it claimed proved Bobby’s age was insufficient evidence to award him the title he was awarded in February last year.
GWR said it has yet to determine which dog is the new record holder.
Bobi was a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Conqueiros, Portugal.
The breed usually lives for about 12-14 years. But when the award was given to Bobby, it was claimed that he was 30 years old.