European court rules against France in Israel boycott activist case
The European Human Rights Court (EHCR) ruled on Thursday that a French criminal conviction against activists involved in a campaign to boycott products imported from Israel had no sufficient grounds and violated their freedom of expression.
Pandemic accelerating in Africa, test kits needed, WHO says
The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating in Africa, spreading to rural areas after international travellers brought it to capital cities, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.
Only Hong Kong can solve unrest, says British foreign minister
Any solution to the unrest in Hong Kong must come from the former British colony and not from China, Britain has said, adding there was still time for Beijing to reconsider a new security law that has sparked protests.
Australia won’t be intimidated in row with China: PM Morrison
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday he would not be intimidated by “coercion” after China restricted some Australian exports and urged Chinese tourists and students to avoid Australia.
Russia rolls out first approved COVID-19 drug as infections pass 500,000
Russia on Thursday rolled out a drug approved to treat patients suffering from the novel coronavirus, its state financial backer said, as the number of infections there surpassed half a million.
Norway mosque shooter jailed for 21 years for murder, anti-terrorism offence
A far-right Norwegian man was jailed for 21 years on Thursday for the racially motivated murder of his Chinese-born stepsister and attempting to kill worshippers in a mosque shooting spree.
Malaysia reports 31 new coronavirus cases; no new deaths
Malaysian health authorities on Thursday reported 31 new coronavirus cases, raising the cumulative total to 8,369 cases.
Philippines reports nine novel coronavirus deaths, 443 more infections
The Philippines’ health ministry on Thursday confirmed nine more new coronavirus deaths and 443 additional infections.
Indonesia coronavirus-related deaths reach 2,000, official says
Indonesia reported 979 new coronavirus infections and 41 new deaths on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 35,295 and fatalities to 2,000, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.
Turkey passes neighbourhood guards’ bill, alarms opposition
Turkey granted wider powers on Thursday to a night-time neighbourhood guard force which dates back to the Ottoman era, drawing opposition warnings of potential rights violations as personnel with limited training join the security forces.
