Dario Salvi

He hadn't eaten for 213 days to demand a fair trial. The judges ordered his immediate release due to the progressive deterioration of his health. He had been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison. The sentence is suspended until he has recovered.

The authorities have abolished the sponsorship system, which bound employees to employers, as well as introduced a minimum wage of around US$ 275. For critics, the latter is still too low. As part of its Vision 2030 plan, “Qatar is committed to creating a modern and dynamic labour market,” says minister.

The Archbishop of Yangon publishes a 10-point appeal two months ahead of elections. Economic and social justice, integrity of candidates and the fight against the many pandemics are the ideals to be followed. Voting is a sacred duty and a sign of active participation, especially for the weaker classes. There is no peace without justice.

The government approves a law proposed by Defense Minister Benny Gantz. All bodies will now be detained, not just those belonging to extremist factions (Hamas). Human rights activists and NGOs criticize the provision, calling it "problematic" and guided by "motives for revenge".

Fr Paul Karam talks about the difficulties that followed the tragedy and devastation caused by the explosions of 4 August. Families are still mourning, in need of psychological support. From homes to businesses, reconstruction is the priority. Pope Francis expressed his closeness. AsiaNews continues its campaign to "Help devastated Beirut".

In recent months, tens of thousands of girls have been forced to marry, a trend made worse by the desperation of families plunged into extreme poverty by the viral outbreak. For experts, "years of progress" in the fight against the practice are at risk. For the UN, 13 million more children could be married off in the next decade.

By the end of the year, 12,000 people could die every day from lack of food. This is more than the pandemic. Up to 132 million more people than forecast could face hunger. The novel coronavirus has put the spotlight on some of the deepest inequalities.

The deal struck yesterday "removes the prospect of a new clash" and further bombings. It allows people to focus efforts on containing the COVID-19. Among Gazans, there is a sense of “stoic resignation”. The embargo is the main emergency, blocking the entry of food and medicine.

Yesterday an Israeli El Al aircraft, which departed from Tel Aviv, landed in Abu Dhabi after flying over Saudi airspace. Meir Ben-Shabbat: “Here to transform a vision into reality”, unlimited collaboration between the two countries. Criticism from the Palestinian front: a peace made by denying rights. The Emirates first load of aid to Syria since the beginning of the war.

Bishop Pabillo celebrated Mass on National Heroes’ Day. During the service, the prelate expressed the Church’s support for and gratitude to doctors and nurses. More than 221,000 cases have been reported in the Philippines so far, with nearly 3,600 deaths. Restrictive measures are likely to be extended.

On the eve of Greater Lebanon’s centennial, the president calls for change to transcend the existing ethnoreligious balance. Religious and political leaders should find a formula that is acceptable to everyone. Nasrallah says he is ready to discuss a new political pact and division of powers.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in the holy city to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein. The authorities have reduced presences and events due to the coronavirus emergency. Inside, however, some traditional rites could favour the spread of the infection. Ayatollah Khamenei prayed alone in his residence.