News compact: Trump sues newspaper over Epstein report

US President Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over a report linking him to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. In his lawsuit against the newspaper and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Trump is seeking at least $10 billion in damages. The authors "fabricated this story to damage President Trump's reputation and integrity and portray him in a false light," according to the lawsuit, which was obtained by the AFP news agency.

The newspaper's publisher, Dow Jones & Company, stated that it would "vigorously defend itself." The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday about a letter Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003. According to the paper, the letter also included a sketch of a nude woman's body. Trump denies authorship of the letter.

Israel and Syria agree on ceasefire

Following the Israeli attacks in Syria in recent days , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire, according to US envoy Tom Barrack. Netanyahu and al-Sharaa "agreed to a ceasefire with the support of US Secretary of State Rubio ," Barrack said on Friday on the online service X.

Israeli airstrike on Syrian army general staff building — Israeli airstrike on the Syrian Army General Staff building (July 16, 2025) Image: Nour Ziadeh/Anadolu/IMAGO

Israel had previously intervened in the conflict between various ethnic groups in Suwayda in southern Syria, attacking a "military target" in the area surrounding the presidential palace in Damascus and the Syrian army headquarters on Wednesday. According to local media, Israeli airstrikes also took place in the Suwayda region. Israel sees itself as the protector of the Druze religious minority, which has a strong presence in Suwayda.

Prisoner exchange between the USA, Venezuela and El Salvador

As part of a prisoner exchange, dozens of Venezuelans deported from the United States were brought from a maximum-security prison in El Salvador to Venezuela on Friday evening. Two planes carrying the men landed in the capital, Caracas. It initially remained unclear exactly how many migrants were on board the two planes.

Numerous people on the tarmac with happy expressions — Relatives and politicians welcome the released prisoners at the airport in Venezuela. Photo: Ariana Cubillos/AP/picture alliance

In March, the United States deported 252 Venezuelans to El Salvador. According to the US, they are believed to belong to the notorious criminal organization "Tren de Aragua." They were detained without trial in the CECOT maximum-security prison, citing a law dating back to 1798. Previously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of ten US citizens imprisoned in Venezuela.

Suspected war criminal from Libya arrested

At Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, federal police arrested a Libyan man wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The court announced that the man is suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape.

Front view of the International Criminal Court building in The Hague — The International Criminal Court in The Hague Image: Peter Dejong/AP/dpa/picture alliance

He is alleged to be a member of the Rada militia and was part of the management of Mitiga prison in the Libyan capital Tripoli. According to a United Nations report, thousands of prisoners are held there indefinitely, many of them without access to the outside world. Former inmates have reported arbitrary arrest, severe abuse, and sexual humiliation.

Brazil's former President Bolsonaro is under close surveillance

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro must now wear an electronic ankle bracelet by order of the Supreme Court. He is also subject to nightly house arrest and is prohibited from using social media. The judge in charge stated that the measures were ordered due to obstruction of justice, coercion, and a risk of flight.

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro in a crowd in front of microphones — Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to journalists after being ordered to wear an ankle bracelet . Photo: Eraldo Peres/AP/picture alliance

Bolsonaro is facing trial for an alleged coup attempt following his election defeat almost three years ago. In January 2023, Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the Supreme Court and the presidential palace in Brasilia. The verdict against the right-wing politician is expected in early September. He faces long prison terms.

Injured after fireworks at the Rheinkirmes

Nineteen people, including at least one child, were injured in an accident involving a firework at the Rheinkirmes fair in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Friday evening. Four people suffered serious injuries, a police spokesperson announced overnight.

Injured after fireworks accident at the Rheinkirmes — First responders and police officers carry an injured person to paramedics on a bridge at the Rheinkirmes in Düsseldorf. Photo: David Young/dpa/picture alliance

According to current information, a firework detonated at too low a height during the large fireworks display for reasons that are still unknown. Police believe it was an accident. In response to the accident, the festival was ended early on Friday at around 10:45 p.m. The organizer expressed their deep regret at the incident, saying in a statement that they deeply regret the incident. Whether the traditional funfair fireworks display can take place as planned next year is now being examined.

pgr/se/jj/ack (dpa, afp, rtr)

This news overview was created at 9:00 a.m. (CEST) and will not be updated further.