Freedom House calls for oversight on China’s efforts to influence media abroad
U.S. democracy watchdog group Freedom House urged governments on Wednesday to impose penalties on Chinese officials and tighten broadcast regulations amid a “dramatic expansion” in Chinese efforts to influence media overseas.
‘All in God’s hands’: Volcano evacuees hunker down in Philippines
The fine ash drifting into the school gym on gusts of wind is a constant reminder for evacuees in the Philippines of the volcano that threatens to bury their homes forever.
Iran social media posts call for fifth day of protests
Iranian social media postings urged citizens to take to the streets for a fifth day on Wednesday, after the admission by the authorities that they had accidentally brought down a passenger plane after days of denials stoked public outrage.
Turkey issues detailed ruling on Wikipedia rights violation
The Turkish Constitutional Court on Wednesday issued a detailed version of last month’s ruling that a more than two-year block on access to online encyclopedia Wikipedia in Turkey was a violation of freedom of expression.
Exclusive: Mexican reform would allow calls as evidence, speed extraditions – draft
A major reform of Mexico’s criminal justice system would allow private communications to be used as evidence and limit legal challenges to avoid extradition delays for criminal suspects, according to a reform draft reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday.
Cambodia begins treason trial of opposition leader as criticism mounts
A Cambodian court convened on Wednesday to begin the trial of opposition party leader Kem Sokha on charges of treason in a case that has drawn condemnation from rights groups as a move by longtime leader Hun Sen to crush political rivals.
Sudan reopens airspace after revolt quelled
Sudan has reopened its airspace after putting down an armed revolt by former security agents linked to toppled ruler Omar al-Bashir, the head of the sovereign council that runs the country said on Wednesday.
Taiwan president urges China to review policy after election win
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged China on Wednesday to review its policy towards the island, days after she won a landslide re-election victory, in a rebuke that could fuel further tensions with China.
Haiti opposition condemns country’s slide into rule by decree
Haitian opposition politicians on Tuesday condemned the country’s slide into rule by decree under President Jovenel Moise after the failure to renew parliament, creating a political vacuum.
Hong Kong police defuse pipe bomb, arrest four for manufacturing explosives
Hong Kong police said they defused a pipe bomb and arrested four men for manufacturing explosives after raiding an apartment where they found protest-related items such as Guy Fawkes masks and protective gear.
