The European rights body has said it will launch disciplinary action over Turkey's repeated refusal to comply with a 2019 ruling to release jailed activist Osman Kavala by the European Court of Human Rights.

Activists who helped migrants reach Greece in 2018 are on trial on the island of Lesbos. The accusations against them include spying and human trafficking. DW caught up with some of those facing the most serious charges.

Blaming South Africa for the new COVID-19 variant is wrong. A global crisis needs a global response, says DW's Sertan Sanderson. Instead of finger-pointing and isolation, there should be more solidarity.

Human Rights Watch says that more than 100 former Afghan security personnel have disappeared or been killed by the Taliban since they came to power in August. The actual number could be much higher than that.

"Dago Nivel Intelecto" was active in the movement to contest the regime of José Eduardo dos Santos in Angola. Now, he dedicates his time to community projects and the street library he set up in one of the busiest areas of Luanda.

Germany's new top diplomat emphasizes a "values-guided" foreign policy. But what inspired those values, and can the Green co-leader back them up in one of the most high-profile offices?

They're nicknamed the gorillas – or bodyguards – of the French Republic. The police officers of the force's Protection Unit are in charge of the security of French and foreign dignitaries but also candidates for France's presidential elections, as well as other figures who require special protection. We take a rare look at the strenuous selection process policemen and women have to go through before taking on the job. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's James Vasina.

Concerns are rising across Europe as a number of countries bring in additional measures to combat a surge in infections.

A former police officer has pleaded guilty to federal charges in the killing of George Floyd. The incident sparked nationwide protests over police brutality and led to the officer's conviction on state murder charges.

Global health body said the new variant has a "substantial growth advantage over delta". More data is still needed to determine the severity of the strain.

Across the continent, European governments are introducing restrictions such as limiting opening times for restaurants, pubs and venues.

The EU strives to promote press freedom around the world, but how free are journalists to report inside the bloc? DW reports from Hungary, Poland and Slovenia.