U.N. urges Iran to free political prisoners temporarily amid coronavirus
The U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran said on Tuesday he had asked Iran to free all political prisoners temporarily from its overcrowded and disease-ridden jails to help stem the spread of coronavirus.
Portugal suspends flights to, from Italy due to coronavirus
Portugal’s government on Tuesday suspended all passenger flights to and from Italy for 14 days starting on Wednesday as a preventative measure to stem the spread of coronavirus, it said in a statement.
Putin approves changes allowing him to stay in power until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday opened the door to constitutional changes that would allow him to remain in power until 2036, but said he favored term limits once the country became politically “mature”.
Budget airline easyJet cancels all Italian flights
European budget airline easyJet said on Tuesday it will cancel all its scheduled flights to and from Italy between March 10 and April 3 after the entire country was placed under lockdown until next month to tackle coronavirus.
Venezuelan riot police block opposition march on congress
Venezuelan security forces used teargas on Tuesday to prevent protesters led by opposition leader Juan Guaido from marching on the national legislature, which pro-government lawmakers seized control of in January.
Slovenia to close border with Italy over coronavirus: PM
Slovenia plans to close its border with Italy for non-commercial traffic to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Marjan Sarec said in a tweet on Tuesday.
Tanzanian opposition lawmakers found guilty of making seditious statements
A court in Tanzania convicted nine opposition leaders and legislators on Tuesday of making seditious statements and imposed five-month jail terms or a fine, which could heighten activists’ fears that democratic dissent is being stifled.
Ireland’s Fianna Fail, Fine Gael to open government talks
Ireland’s Fianna Fail and Fine Gael parties decided on Tuesday to open formal coalition negotiations after an inconclusive Feb. 8 election, saying they were acutely aware of the enormous challenges brought by the coronavirus outbreak.
Colombian police used excessive force during protests: HRW report
Some members of Colombia’s police used excessive force against protesters participating in marches late last year, including beatings and detentions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report on Tuesday, as unions and student groups prepared for furthe…
Algeria faces ‘unprecedented’ multi-dimensional crisis: PM
Algeria’s prime minister said on Tuesday the country faced an unprecedented “multi-dimensional crisis” and urged people to make fewer demands of the government and reduce their street presence.
