SYRIA: An al-Qaida-linked group that dominates much of rebel-held north-western Syria freed one of its founders today after he spent months in jail on suspicion of having links with forces outside the country.

The release of Maysara al-Jubouri, better known as Abu Maria al-Qahtani, appears to be a bid by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s top leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani to appease the public as many peope have protested over the past week, demanding his departure and the freeing of detainees.

Hundreds marched today in a show of defiance to Mr Golani. 

UKRAINE: Former military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been appointed the country's new ambassador to Britain, a month after he was sacked as head of the armed forces by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Zelensky announced today that he has approved Mr Zaluzhnyi’s appointment to one of Ukraine's most important diplomatic positions, Britain being one of the main suppliers of weapons and money to Ukraine’s war effort.

GREECE: Protesters hurled petrol bombs and fireworks at police outside the parliament building today after thousands of people turned out for a demonstration against government plans to introduce privately run universities.

Police charged those engaging in violence and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Several people were hurt and received first aid from volunteer medics.

FRANCE: The right to abortion was inscribed in the constitution today, sending a powerful message of support for women’s rights on International Women’s Day.

At a special public ceremony, Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti used a 19th-century printing press to seal the amendment in the French constitution.