The younger sister of Stephen Hubbard, the American who was freed after spending more than four years in a Russian prison, says he was in disbelief about his release. Patricia Hubbard Fox told The Associated Press that she spoke to her brother Wednesday and that he thought he was going to die in prison after he was taken captive in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She added that he suffered beatings and starvation while he was incarcerated. The U.S. government has disputed Russia's allegation that Hubbard was involved in military activity.

Paris has returned to calm after a weekend of intense rioting across France. Authorities imposed curfews in several cities to prevent further unrest. At least 2,400 people were arrested after protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions turned violent. On Monday night, a curfew in Paris ran from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the curfews helped maintain order. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported 149 people jailed nationwide as of Tuesday. The National Assembly is launching an inquiry into the violence and policing strategy, with findings expected by the end of the year.

Two of Israel’s leading human rights groups are sounding the alarm about a surge of mostly Palestinian inmates being shot by guards with rubber bullets at close range. The groups have documented 22 cases, mostly involving Palestinians, since last fall. They sent a letter to the Israel Prison Service in August, urging an end to what they described as "widespread" and "unlawful" behavior. The prison service says it uses rubber bullets in "measured" ways. Some prisoners and detainees report not receiving medical care after being shot, and some injuries have been severe.

A Mexican judge has closed the case against Francisco Garduño, former head of the country’s immigration agency, related to the 2023 fire at a Ciudad Juárez detention center. The fire killed 40 migrants and injured 30 others. The judge ruled Wednesday that measures to repair the damage had been fulfilled, a decision rejected by victims who plan to appeal. The Foundation for Justice criticized the decision, calling it a de facto exoneration. The fire occurred on March 27, 2023, when migrants set fire to mattresses in protest. Security footage showed guards leaving without helping.