Prison Outbreaks Fuel Thailand Virus Surge
Thailand reported its largest ever spike in coronavirus infections Thursday, with more than half coming from two Bangkok prisons where prominent democracy activists have been detained.
Category: GOV
Rampant Fishing Industry Abuses Dull Taiwan’s Rights Record
Taiwan’s lucrative fishing industry has come under fire for subjecting its migrant workforce to forced labor and other abuses, contrasting with the government’s promotion of the democratic island as a regional human rights beacon.
Nauru Vaccinates All Its Adults in ‘World Record’ Effort
The tiny Pacific nation of Nauru has congratulated itself on a “world record” Covid-19 vaccination drive which resulted in all its adult population receiving their first shot.
US Business Group Warns 42 Percent of Members Plan Hong Kong Exit
More than 40 percent of a top US business group’s members in Hong Kong said they plan to leave the city in a survey released Wednesday, highlighting growing concerns over Beijing’s sweeping national security law.
Myanmar Beauty Queen Takes Up Arms against Junta
A former Myanmar beauty queen has joined ethnic rebels to take up arms against the country’s military junta, posting photos of herself with an assault rifle.
Singapore Arrests Couple in Taiwan Baby-Dumping Case
A Singaporean couple have been arrested over the death of a newborn baby found dumped in the trash in Taiwan two years ago, police in the city-state said.
In China’s ‘Red Holy Land’, Tourists Mark Communist Party Centenary
Tourists pose for photos on Chairman Mao’s bed as the Chinese Communist Party — much-criticized overseas — marks its centenary year at home with a PR push including office history outings, big-budget movies and carefully constructed media tours.
Maldives Arrests Third Suspect in Nasheed Assassination Attempt
The Maldivian police Sunday arrested a third suspect in the attempted assassination of former president Mohamed Nasheed, officials said as a manhunt continued for others who may have been involved.
Washington Weighs Risk of Defending Taiwan Against China
US President Joe Biden is expected to announce his strategy toward China soon, and calls are growing for him to make a clear public commitment to defend Taiwan militarily in the event of Chinese aggression.
Taiwan-Macau Gay Couple Win Legal Battle for Marriage Recognition
A Taiwan court ruled in favour of a Taiwanese-Macanese gay couple on Thursday in a legal test case greeted by activists as a first step towards getting full recognition of same-sex unions with foreigners.
Taiwan Court Rules against Indigenous Hunting Rights Overhaul
Taiwan’s top court on Friday said some hunting restrictions placed on the island’s Indigenous inhabitants were unconstitutional, but stopped short of supporting the complete overhaul of regulations that campaigners had pushed for.
Convicted Hong Kong Journalist Wins Award for Investigation
A Hong Kong journalist who was prosecuted over investigating an attack on democracy supporters by government loyalists won a prestigious press prize on Thursday, even after her employer backed out of the awards.
Former Maldives President Injured in ‘Assassination Attempt’
A bomb blast injured former Maldives president and current parliament speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday, officials and residents said.
Hong Kong’s Joshua Wong Handed Extra Jail Time for Tiananmen Vigil
Jailed Hong Kong dissident Joshua Wong was handed an additional 10-month sentence on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to taking part in an “unlawful” protest last year over the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Pandemic Drove 230 Million Indians into Poverty
Around 230 million Indians fell into poverty due to the pandemic last year with young people and women the hardest hit, and the current second wave threatens to make matters even worse, a new study has said.
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‘Don’t Watch’ – Fans Warned Off Tokyo Olympics Marathon Test
Spectators were urged to stay away as a subdued Tokyo Olympics marathon rehearsal took place under strict anti-coronavirus conditions in Sapporo on Wednesday, as officials grapple with a rise in infections and public antipathy to the Games.
