8 things that happened around the world last week you should know about

Each week, we bring you a roundup of some of the biggest stories making headlines around the world.

More women in Zika-stricken countries are seeking abortions https://t.co/2i1wlyB1uu

— TIME.com (@TIME) June 23, 2016

Demand for abortions is on the rise in Latin American countries where Zika virus is rampant. The New England Journal of Medicine analyzed statistics from Women on Web (WOW), a non-profit that helps women access abortion services in countries where it is illegal. Zika virus is linked to birth defects such as microcephaly in newborns. According to the findings, women seeking assistance from WOW increased by nearly 72% in Zika-stricken countries where abortions are illegal.

• Read more on TIME and BBC

4. Jaguar shot dead after escaping during Olympic torch relay

A jaguar was killed on Monday, June 21 after it escaped from its handlers and attacked an officer during an Olympic torch lighting ceremony in Brazil. Juma the jaguar ran out of her confine and officials tried to capture her. She was shot with a tranquilizer but jumped at a soldier, prompting the animal to be killed with a pistol. The Rio Olympic committee admitted a mistake was made in killing the animal.

“We made a mistake when we allowed the Olympic torch, a symbol of peace and union of different people, to be exhibited next to a chained wild animal. This scene contradicts our beliefs and values. We are very saddened by what happened after the torch relay and guarantee we will not witness any other situation like this one during the Rio 2016 Games,” they said in a statement. 

• Read more on CNN and Reuters

5. Organizers cancel Istanbul’s gay pride parade

Please act now + tell Turkey to let @IstanbulPride goahead safely on Sunday! #Pride2016 https://t.co/gN5Y6QfNIa pic.twitter.com/yVdZtYxbWf

— Amnesty UK (@AmnestyUK) June 24, 2016

Sunday’s gay pride parade in Istanbul, Turkey, was canceled after the governor banned the event last week. “The organization of a meeting and demonstration march on the mentioned dates will not be allowed by our governorate for the safety of our citizens, first and foremost the participants’, and for public order,” said a statement from the governor’s office. Istanbul’s annual gay pride parade began in 2003 and is one of the only pride events in the region. 

• Read more on The Wall Street Journal and Reuters

6. 5,000 people rescued in 24 hours while attempting to cross the Mediterranean

Nearly 5,000 people were rescued in 24 hours while trying to cross the Mediterranean sea. The migrants were headed to Europe from North Africa. The rescue operation involved 40 boats. Warmer weather and calmer seas have prompted an increase of asylum seekers to make the journey across the Mediterranean.

• Read more on The Guardian and The Washington Post

7. Italian composer gives historic performance in the Arctic

Italian composer and piano player Ludovico Einaudi played a historic piano performance against the backdrop of a giant glacier to showcase the beauty of the Arctic. Einaudi played an original piece titled “Elegy for the Arctic” on a floating platform. The performance was all captured on video and Einaudi hopes it will make people pay attention to the effects of global warming on our planet. “Of course the planet and our environment is the place where we all live, and I care about where I live,” he said.

• Read more on CBC and Greenpeace

8.  Hotel shooting leaves at least 14 dead in Somali capital

Car bomb attack on hotel in Somalia https://t.co/J2wqyxwd1X

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) June 26, 2016

Gunmen stormed a hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing at least 14 people. The attackers also took an unknown number of  guests hostage. Islamic militant group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Before entering the hotel, the militants detonated a bomb at the front gates. The gunmen proceeded to force themselves into the hotel and shoot random guests.

• Read more on CBC and BBC