Burial numbers in Jakarta indicate coronavirus toll is higher than officially reported
Burials in Jakarta remained close to record highs in April, official data showed on Friday, indicating there may have been many more deaths from COVID-19 in the city than have been officially recorded.
Myanmar dismisses fresh war crimes allegations by U.N. rights envoy as ‘biased’
A Myanmar government spokesman on Friday dismissed allegations by the departing United Nations rights envoy that the military was committing fresh war crimes in Rakhine state as “biased”, blaming rebels for violations.
Putin’s critics try to tap discontent over coronavirus lockdown pain
Emboldened by a dip in President Vladimir Putin’s ratings, the Kremlin’s critics are campaigning for the government to step up economic support for individuals hit by the coronavirus lockdown as they try to tap signs of discontent.
Tabloid wins initial battle in privacy action by UK’s Duchess Meghan
London’s High Court on Friday threw out part of a claim brought by Meghan, Britain’s Duchess of Sussex, against a tabloid newspaper for breaching her privacy, ruling that it had not acted dishonestly.
Life won’t be normal after May 11, Macron tells French
President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday that the end of the national lockdown on May 11 would only be a first step as France looks to pull out of the crisis created by the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Bolivian Parliament approves law calling for elections in 90 days, defying interim government
Bolivia’s opposition-controlled parliament approved a law Thursday night that calls for presidential elections within 90 days, prompting outcry from the country’s interim president who has put the country under mandatory lockdown due to coronavirus.
Iran condemns Germany’s ban on Hezbollah activity
Iran has condemned Berlin’s ban of Hezbollah activity in Germany and its designation of the Iranian-backed Lebanese group as a terrorist organisation, saying the move serves U.S. and Israeli interests, Iranian state media reported on Friday.
Japan PM Abe leaning towards extending state of emergency, to decide May 4
Japanese Prime |(Minister Shinzo Abe said on Friday he was leaning towards extending the country’s state of emergency for about a month as experts said coronavirus restrictions should remain in place until the number of cases falls further.
Malta announces gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
Malta has announced a gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions as the number of new cases dwindles, with many shops allowed to reopen from Monday.
Syria says casualties in Homs blast, war monitor says Israel behind it
The Syrian army said on Friday a series of blasts at an ammunition depot east of Homs city led to casualties but was not caused by an attack as earlier announced, but a war monitor said it was the result of an Israeli strike.
