As China fast-tracks biosecurity law, some experts urge whistleblower protection
China is fast-tracking a new law to help prevent infectious diseases and other “biological threats”, but some experts said a provision aimed at deterring false information could discourage potential whistleblowers and put the public at risk.
Russia says U.S. withdrawal from Open Skies treaty undermines international security
The U.S. withdrawal from the Open Skies treaty undermines international security, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Friday.
Serbian soldiers guard migrant camp near Croatia border
Armed Serbian soldiers are now guarding a migrant camp on the border with Croatia in an attempt to prevent the migrants from trying to cross into the European Union.
Afghans throng markets ahead of Muslim holiday despite virus fears
Kabul’s markets were teeming on Friday in the countdown to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr as Afghans disregarded government safety guidelines to contain rising coronavirus infections across the country.
Spain partly lifts lockdown in Madrid, allows terraces reopening
Spanish authorities will lift part of the lockdown restrictions in Madrid on Monday after the pace of the coronavirus contagion in the region slowed down, the Madrid regional health department said on Friday.
Saudi Arabia, UAE mosques to stay closed for Eid prayers
Mosques will remain closed for prayers on the Eid Al-Fitr festival, Saudi and United Arab Emirates officials said on Friday, calling on the population to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Isolating Indonesia palm workers to spend Eid holiday on plantation
Thousands of Indonesian palm oil workers who are in lockdown on plantations due to the coronavirus outbreak will have to stay put for Eid celebrations this weekend, rather than go home to celebrate the end of Ramadan with their families.
Uzbekistan to liberalise electoral, media law
Uzbekistan plans to liberalise its electoral and media laws, the government said on Friday, in a move that could make its tightly controlled political system more open and reduce Western criticism of its record on democracy and human rights.
Trapped migrant workers suffer from Lebanon’s dollar crisis, lockdown
Temitope can’t find work in Lebanon since the Nigerian domestic worker escaped her employer’s house last month.
UK government took decision to stop mass testing and tracing in March: advisers
Britain decided to end mass testing and contact tracing of those with or suspected of having COVID-19 in March because a surge in new cases at that time would have been beyond the system’s capacity, government advisers said on Friday.
