Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by democracy lawmakers
Hong Kong passed a bill on Thursday that would criminalise disrespect of China’s national anthem, a move critics see as the latest sign of Beijing’s tightening grip on the semi-autonomous city.
Poland’s ruling nationalists unexpectedly ask for confidence vote
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki unexpectedly asked parliament on Thursday for a vote of confidence in his government, in a move seen as an attempt to bolster his nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party ahead of a presidential election.
Indonesia capital tentatively eases some coronavirus restrictions
The governor of Indonesia’s capital announced on Thursday the easing of some coronavirus restrictions though he warned that the fight against the outbreak was far from over in Southeast Asia’s biggest city.
Some Israeli settlers hit out at Trump-backed annexation plan
Israel’s intention to annex parts of the occupied West Bank is being challenged by Jewish settlers who might have been expected to cheer the plan promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under a U.S. peace blueprint.
Swiss court blocks extradition of alleged PKK functionary to Germany
A Swiss court blocked the extradition to Germany of an alleged regional leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), ruling that German authorities had not made enough of a case against the man whose group is not banned in Switzerland.
Villagers in Togo mourn homes swallowed by the sea
The Togolese coastal community of Baguida has always had the ocean at its doorstep, but the waves have lapped higher and higher in recent years, destroying homes and locals’ hopes for the future.
Russia gets more U.S. ventilators as coronavirus cases climb
A planeload of 150 ventilators arrived in Russia from the United States on Thursday, Washington’s embassy in Moscow said, to help fight the novel coronavirus in further medical aid collaboration between the two politically-estranged nations.
France’s Bastille Day military parade replaced by ceremony in Paris
France’s Bastille Day military parade marking its national day will be replaced by a ceremony on the Place de la Concorde square in central Paris, President Emmanuel Macron’s office said on Thursday.
Sweden urges protesters to take it online during pandemic
The Swedish government on Thursday urged its citizens to take their fight to the internet after thousands in the capital defied coronavirus restrictions to protest against racism and U.S. police violence.
China says 95 foreign airlines can apply to resume flights
China’s aviation authority said on Thursday that 95 foreign airlines that have suspended services to China can now apply to resume flights, according to the agency’s official newspaper.
