UK police arrest eight in global sexual abuse investigation; Labor criticises delay to social media reforms; and in the World Cup, Egypt's Mo Salah races to be fit for Socceroos showdown tomorrow.
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TRANSCRIPT
- UK police arrest eight in global sexual abuse investigation
- Labor criticises delay to social media reforms
- Egypt's Mo Salah races to be fit for Socceroos showdown tomorrow
Eight people have been arrested in the UK after a probe into an international network of men who allegedly drug and sexually abuse women they know.
Britain's National Crime Agency, which looks into international crime, says it has also identified over 270 individuals linked to the forum and its offshoots.
The NCA says it uncovered the global network after a 2025 tip-off by German journalists about a platform used to facilitate them.
The alleged offences are reminiscent of the high-profile case of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was drugged and raped by her then-husband and by strangers for nearly a decade.
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The Australian Federal Police are assessing allegations that an Australian citizen committed war crimes in Gaza.
The Guardian newspaper has reported that a 61 page brief has been handed to the AFP by the Australian Centre for International Justice.
They say the brief details alleged war crimes committed across 2023 and 2024, by an IDF battalion in Gaza that the Australian was a member of.
It's understood the allegations include the deliberate targeting of residential buildings.
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The Australian Federal Police are assessing allegations that an Australian citizen committed war crimes in Gaza.
The Guardian newspaper has reported that a 61 page brief has been handed to the AFP by the Australian Centre for International Justice.
They say the brief details alleged war crimes committed across 2023 and 2024, by an IDF battalion in Gaza that the Australian was a member of.
It's understood the allegations include the deliberate targeting of residential buildings.
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A warning: This story contains a reference to suicide.
The federal government has criticised the Coalition for supporting an eight-week Senate inquiry into legislation they say is designed to strengthen Australia's under-16 social media ban.
The proposed changes would double penalties for technology companies and give the eSafety Commissioner stronger investigative powers.
Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume says the Coalition supports stronger protections for children but wants the legislation properly scrutinised before it becomes law.
Labor minister Mark Butler says delaying the bill ignores families affected by online harm, including Melbourne father Wayne Holdsworth, whose teenage son Mac took his own life after being sexually extorted online.
"Go to the father, the grieving father who came to Canberra this week. He's described what Angus Taylor has done as absolutely pathetic. This is a straightforward 500 word bill that they've kicked off to an eight week inquiry. I mean, the only people now who are going to be laughing, frankly, are the big tech companies and their lawyers, who are going to use the time to continue to evade their obligations and prepare their cases against what is a really important set of active investigations."
Listeners seeking crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14; and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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Separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region say they have shot dead an American pilot and set fire to his aircraft after it crash landed in the remote Yahukimo district.
In a video released by the West Papua National Liberation Army, Yahukimo commander Elkius Kobak has claimed responsibility, saying the attack on American pilot Nicholas Gosselin was intended as a message to the Indonesian and US governments.
"Today on Thursday, July 2 2026, my soldiers and I shot down and burned a plane, and shot the pilot. This is all me and my troops. If you want to find us, find us, do not comb through civilians. Police and the military must not go to Safan and Ninia districts."
The battle for independence from Indonesia in the western half of Papua has continued for decades, with violence escalating in recent years as armed groups acquire more sophisticated weapons.
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And to sport, in football, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah remains in contention for tomorrow morning's [[Saturday]] World Cup Round of 32 clash against the Socceroos after returning to training following a hamstring strain.
The 34-year-old was substituted during Egypt's draw with Iran, but images released by the Egyptian Football Association show him back on the training pitch.
Salah has scored one goal and provided two assists during the tournament so far.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says the injury does not appear to be serious.
"Salah is a passionate player. He is very much looking forward to make his own contribution with his teammates tomorrow, but of course, on the other hand, I am not going to run any risk unless I am one hundred percent sure of the fact that he is fit and ready to go for tomorrow. We look forward to him playing tomorrow, not so sure though, whether he is going to be within the starting lineup."
