Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.
A visitor poses next to a stuffed elephant at a taxidermy stand during the annual Hunt Ex expo in Johannesburg, South Africa, 25 April 2025. HuntEx is an international consumer exhibition that includes hunting, sports, tactical and defensive firearms, ammunition, gear, accessories, shooting, and reloading equipment. Also on display are taxidermy companies and wildlife-related tour operators. The expo runs for three days. Picture: EPA-EFE/KIM LUDBROOK
Members of movements, organizations of the unemployed, and student movements gathered to celebrate Liberation Day marking 80th anniversary of Italy’s Liberation during World War II in Piazza Garibaldi in Naples, Italy, 25 April 2025. People gathered to celebrate Liberation Day and also to say no to the security decree, the arms race and the genocide in Palestine. Picture: EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATEA retro BMW is on display at the booth of German carmaker BMW during the first public day of the Shanghai Auto show, in Shanghai, China, 25 April 2025. The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition will be held from 23 April to 02 May. Shanghai Auto will feature over 70 automakers and 100 new models. Picture: EPA-EFE/ALEX PLAVEVSKIAn aerial view of the St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, taken from an Italian Carabinieri helicopter patrolling above Rome, Italy, 25 April 2025. The funeral of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April 2025, aged 88, is scheduled to take place in the plaza in front of the basilica on 26 April. Picture: EPA-EFE/GIUSEPPE LAMIFire fighters work to contain the Jones Road Wildfire in Waretown, New Jersey, USA, 24 April 2025. A man has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson in the wildfire which began on 22 April and spread to at least 15,000 acres, according to New Jersey officials. Picture: EPA-EFE/MIGUEL MARTINEZCollege students hold placards as they sit on boats at Dal lake during a protest demonstration to show solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Srinagar, India on April 24, 2025. According to the news reports, 26 tourists were killed by unknown gunmen in a terror attack in Pehalgam, in Kashmir valley on April 22. Indian government has taken steps following the attack which include downgrading ties with Pakistan, suspension of Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closure of Attari-Wagah border and imposing visa restrictions. India has suspended all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and directed them to leave the country by April 27. Picture: Matrix Images/Danish IsmailFrench-Armenian protesters light flares as they march after a ceremony to mark the 110th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, in Paris, France, 24 April 2025. The anniversary is marked every 24 April to remember the beginning of events that led to the systematic extermination of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians during World War I. Picture: EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSONDucati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia of Italy participates in the MotoGP Free Practice session for the Motorcycling Grand Prix of Spain, in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, 25 April 2025. The Motorcycling Grand Prix of Spain is held at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto racing track on 27 April 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/Jose Manuel VidalA model presents a creation by Wona Concept and Eva Lendel during the Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, in Barcelona, Spain, 24 April 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/MARTA PEREZA spectator hold a photograph of a veteran family member during the Anzac Day March in Sydney, Australia, 25 April 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/BIANCA DE MARCHIAn aerial view of rural patchouli farming areas at Umong Seuribee village, Lhoong, Aceh Jaya District, Aceh, Indonesia, 08 April 2025 (issued 25 April 2025). Patchouli, locally known as nilam, is an aromatic plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae) and a key commodity in Aceh Jaya, where fertile land supports its cultivation. The oil is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine, and is valued for its fixative properties. It is also used to treat fungal infections, rheumatism, and digestive issues, and serves as a natural moth repellent. Aceh has a long history of patchouli cultivation. The name nilam is believed to come from the Dutch colonial-era company Netherlands Indische Land Acheh Maatschappij, which once managed patchouli trade and exports. Although production declined in the past due to price fluctuations and unstable demand, government and institutional efforts have helped revive the sector in recent years. According to the Aceh Agriculture and Plantation Service, annual production averages 225 tons. Seventeen districts in the province are suitable for patchouli cultivation, with six hosting Small and Medium Industry Centers (SIKM). In Aceh Jaya alone, 158 hectares of land produce 28 tons of patchouli oil annually, involving 383 farmers. With support from universities, the region is now exploring value-added products like perfumes to move beyond raw material exports. Picture: EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK
