Who let the villains out? Philippines crime-busting president red-faced
The early release of hundreds of convicted rapists, murderers and drug criminals has acutely embarrassed Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, with his justice minister saying they were ineligible to be freed because of the severity of their crimes.
Ukraine parliament passes bill to criminalize illegal enrichment at first reading
Ukraine’s parliament on Wednesday approved a bill that criminalizes state officials illegally enriching themselves.
China boosts soft power in Pakistan via film and social media
In a small office at the Pakistani Television Corporation (PTV) headquarters in Islamabad, producers are preparing to air a video interview of a Pakistani man and his Chinese bride.
Germany’s Merkel urges China to uphold human rights in Hong Kong
China’s economic rise brings an increased responsibility for Beijing on the world stage, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told lawmakers on Wednesday, adding that she had told Chinese leaders last week that upholding human rights was indispensable.
Iran says Bolton’s departure will not push Tehran to talks with U.S.
Iran said on Wednesday the firing of John Bolton as U.S. national security adviser will not push Tehran to reconsider talks with the United States.
Merkel: We’ll keep trying to find solutions with Iran to avoid escalation
Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that Europe had decided to uphold the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and would keep trying to find solutions that averted escalation.
Mugabe’s body expected in Zimbabwe, burial place still a mystery
The body of Zimbabwe’s founder Robert Mugabe was expected to arrive at the country’s main airport later on Wednesday, but his final resting place remained a source of mystery amid a dispute between some family members and the government.
Hong Kong protesters hit pause button to mark Sept. 11
Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and denounced a Chinese state newspaper report that they were planning “massive terror” in the Chinese-ruled city.
Japan regulator to re-investigate Fukushima nuclear disaster
Japan’s nuclear regulator plans to reinvestigate the Fukushima disaster, in which three reactors at an atomic power plant run by Tokyo Electric Power melted down after an earthquake and tsunami eight years ago, it said on Wednesday.
UK business minister says focus is to get Brexit deal at Oct. 17 EU summit
British business minister Andrea Leadsom said on Wednesday her government’s focus was getting a divorce deal with the European Union at a summit next month that did not require an Irish backstop policy.
