Former Suriname dictator vanishes after being sentenced to jail

Former Suriname dictator Desi Bouterse, sentenced to 20 years for the 1982 killings of political opponents, has evaded authorities amid claims of a politically motivated conviction.

International

2024 01 12T141019Z 1284230148 RC2DG5A3CTRR RTRMADP 3 SURINAME POLITICS Scaled — FILE PHOTO: Former Suriname president Desi Bouterse speaks during a news conference after the Court Martial of Suriname confirmed a 20-year jail sentence for his involvement in the murder of 15 people while he ruled in 1982 during his military government, in Paramaribo. REUTERS/Ranu Abhelakh/File Photo

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Paolo Natale

Front of mind

Marie Agbah-Hughes, a Ghanaian weightlifter takes her turn on The Qonversation where she highlighted the benefits of technology on women sports.

Why technology is key to closing the gender gap in sports - Marie Agbah-Hughes explains

Ghanaian weightlifter explains how data and innovation are shaping performance and opportunities for female athletes.

Marie Agbah-Hughes believes technology is reshaping the future of women’s sports. The Ghanaian Olympic weightlifter describes her journey as one of growth and resilience. “It’s been up and down, but overall, I am actually blessed to be involved in sports in my life.” Her involvement in sport began early and transitioned into professional competition in 2017. Alongside competing, she has coached women globally and contributed to building stronger networks within the industry.

Authenticity vs AI: Alberto Laínez on the future of music

Amid the rise of AI-generated music, Honduran artist Alberto Laínez, known as El Aullador, reflects on the struggle to preserve human emotion, culture, and identity in the age of algorithms.

In a time when AI is rapidly generating music at scale, the Honduran singer-songwriter Alberto Laínez, better known by his artistic project name El Aullador, finds himself wrestling with a paradox. He embraces technology as a tool, yet fears it may eclipse the emotional core of his art, even usurping the very voice he pours his heart into. Laínez grew up singing in Honduras, and El Aullador blends his work as an environmental engineer with his love for music. He composes songs inspired by forests, wetlands, and protected areas, often working side by side with local communities. He asserts that his musical mission is ecological, to awaken in listeners a deeper respect for nature. His creed is simple: the songs do not belong solely to him but to the people who live the stories behind them.