French lawmakers vote to target online hate speech in draft bill
Social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would be required to remove any hateful content within 24 hours under a draft bill approved by France’s National Assembly on Friday.
Troglodyte ‘eco’ villa carved out of Monaco rock face
Armed with a vision and a large saw, architects Jean-Pierre Lott and Patrick Raymond have crafted a luxury ‘eco’ villa out of a rock face in Monaco, using cork insulation, water recycling and solar panels to optimize energy and costs.
China denies U.S. accusations of South China Sea missile tests
China’s Defense Ministry on Friday denied U.S. accusations that the Chinese military had recently carried out missile tests in the disputed South China Sea, saying instead that they had held routine drills that involved the firing of live ammunition.
Gibraltar obtains order extending detention of Iranian tanker by 14 days
Gibraltar said on Friday it had obtained an order extending the detention of the Iranian Grace I supertanker by 14 days because there were grounds to believe it was breaking sanctions by taking oil to Syria.
Poland, Germany contradict Macron on EU Balkan enlargement
Poland and Germany on Friday called for continued progress on European Union membership talks for western Balkan states hoping to join the bloc, rejecting France’s position that it shouldn’t accept more members until it handles its own issues.
German rescue captain to sue Italy’s Salvini over migrant comments
The German captain of a migrant rescue ship will sue Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for defamation, her lawyer said on Friday, intensifying the battle of wills between the charity worker and the far-right leader.
South Africa’s graft watchdog tells Ramaphosa to discipline minister Gordhan
South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog said on Friday that President Cyril Ramaphosa should discipline Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan for establishing an “intelligence unit” while serving as tax commissioner and for misleading parliament.
German police investigate after far-right supporters praise politician’s murder
German police said on Friday they had opened a criminal investigation after a broadcaster published video of far-right protesters speaking approvingly of the murder of a politician.
Turkish court acquits journalist Mehmet Altan: Anadolu
Turkey’s high court ruled to acquit journalist Mehmet Altan of alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who Ankara accuses of orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt, Anadolu news agency reported on Friday.
Hong Kong mothers march in support of anti-extradition students
Thousands of mothers marched in Hong Kong on Friday in support of students who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest against an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial.
