Brazil arrests first suspect of gang rape

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• The Italian coastguard has rescued some four thousand refugees from dangerous boats in the Mediterranean Sea since Friday. At least a hundred people are also believed to have drowned this week after their vessels capsized at sea. Dangerous sea voyage to Europe has increased due to improving weather conditions.
   
• A video has emerged showing a French officer brutally attacking a woman during Tuesday's anti-labor law protests in the city of Toulouse. France has witnessed such rallies since March when the government proposed the measures to reduce unemployment. The protesters argue the law will pave the way for mass layoffs.
   
• Brazilian police have arrested the first of more than 30 people believed to be involved in the gang-rape of a teenage girl in Rio De Janeiro. Police have pledged to arrest and bring to justice the remaining suspects. The sexual assault which has sparked public outrage, took place on May 21.
   
• Americans have rallied in New York City to protest the acquittal of a US police officer of killing an unarmed African American. Two protesters have reportedly been arrested. Former NYPD officer Peter Liang shot and killed Akai Gurley in September 2014.
   
• At least four people have died after days of flooding inundated cities in the US state of Texas. Severe thunderstorms caused flooding and at least one tornado, which destroyed homes and blocked roads. Torrential rains have stopped, but weather forecasts predict more downpours for Monday.
   
• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reaffirmed that Palestinians will never recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Speaking at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Egypt, Abbas also called for the release of all Palestinians held in Israeli jails. He demanded the return of all Palestinian refugees.
   
• Iraqi government forces have purged Daesh terrorists from two villages near the city of Fallujah during the operation aimed at the liberation of the ISIL-held city. Iraqi army has killed at least 110 terrorists since Friday. Thousands of civilians trapped in Fallujah have escaped the city with the help of Iraqi forces.
   
• Niger's security forces say they've have killed around a dozen Boko Haram militants in the southeast. Three soldiers were also wounded during the clashes in Bosso region near the border with Nigeria. Boko Haram is based in Nigeria’s northeast but the group has been conducting attacks in neighboring countries as well.

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