Tensions in Barcelona as thousands protest for and against Catalan independence
Thousands of people demonstrating both for and against Catalan independence shut down parts of central Barcelona on Saturday, two days before the anniversary of a vote on secession last year that polarised the wealthy Spanish region.
Four ministers from Thailand’s military government launch new party ahead of polls
Four ministers from Thailand’s military government launched a new political party on Saturday, amid speculation they will back Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to remain in power beyond a general election promised by May.
Iran MP criticizes security personnel over military parade attack
A senior Iranian parliamentarian on Saturday criticized security personnel for failing to act decisively to stop a shooting attack that killed 25 people at a military parade last weekend, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.
Women across Brazil to march against right-wing presidential candidate
Tens of thousands of Brazilian women are expected to take to the streets on Saturday, protesting what they see as the misogynist ways of one of Brazil’s most divisive presidential candidates in years: right-wing Congressman Jair Bolsonaro.
Maldives election body endorses opposition leader Solih’s victory amid threats
The Elections Commission of Maldives on Saturday officially declared opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih winner of the country’s national election, defeating president Abdulla Yameen who had sought a delay in publication of the final results.
Syria says to reopen important Nassib crossing with Jordan on October 10
Syrian state media said on Saturday the major Nassib border crossing with Jordan would reopen on October 10, three years after the trade route was captured by rebels and closed.
At conference, British PM May faces party divided by Brexit
British Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party began gathering for its annual conference on Saturday, bitterly divided over her plans to leave the European Union which threatens to derail any deal and put her own job in doubt.
Jordan denies reopening of Nassib border crossing with Syria
Jordan denied on Saturday an announcement by Syria that the Nassib border crossing between the two countries had reopened, a government spokeswoman said in a statement.
Nigerian women’s minister becomes second cabinet member to resign this month
Nigeria’s women’s affairs minister submitted her resignation in a letter to the president on Saturday, becoming the second cabinet member to step down this month and adding that she would leave the ruling party.
China eyes anti-terror force to protect overseas interests
China is working to develop a first-class, crack anti-terror force that can operate at home and abroad and protect the country’s overseas interests, a senior Chinese officer said in comments carried by state media on Saturday.
