MACAO
Macau yesterday opened behind closed doors the first national security trial against former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San, who is accused of subversion. The authorities expanded national security laws in May 2023, whilst new legislation passed this year allows judges to conduct such trials in private. Au, aged 69, who was arrested in July 2025, was the first to be charged under the new provisions. He is accused of subverting state power and of establishing links with foreign groups and media outlets deemed a threat to China. His lawyer has criticised the secrecy surrounding the proceedings.
GAZA
Work continues to dig through the rubble of the six-storey residential block that suddenly collapsed yesterday in the western part of Gaza City, whilst the residents were still asleep. According to the Palestinian Civil Defence, the building had previously been struck by Israeli forces. More than ten families, around 80 people, including numerous children, lived in the building. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the bodies of at least 21 people, including 12 children, have been recovered, whilst more than 14 people were rescued with injuries.
PHILIPPINES
The former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person for the first time before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he is facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. Duterte, 81, was arrested in Manila 18 months ago and had previously attended hearings via video link, missing some of them. His lawyers argue that his deteriorating health makes him unfit to stand trial, but the Court has ruled that he must remain in custody. The first hearing is scheduled for 30 November.
MYANMAR–UNITED STATES
The military-backed government of Myanmar has deported Adam Castillo, a US businessman and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, after three months in prison. His supporters claim he was charged on trumped-up charges. According to state media, Castillo was flown out of the capital Naypyitaw on Wednesday, “in view of the friendly relations between Myanmar and the United States”. It is unclear whether he was tried or whether the charges were subsequently withdrawn or dropped.
JAPAN
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has carried out a cabinet reshuffle, retaining many key ministers to ensure continuity ahead of the extraordinary parliamentary session in October. Among others, the ministers for Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defence and Economic Policy remain in their posts. Yoshimasa Hayashi, however, is stepping down as Home Secretary and is being replaced by Hisayuki Fujii. Hayashi, a former Foreign and Defence Secretary and a possible candidate for the LDP leadership in 2027, had lost to Takaichi in the previous leadership election. The Japan Innovation Party has brought one of its ministers into the government, with Hiroshi Nakatsuka set to take charge of reforms and child-related policies.
RUSSIA
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to vote in this weekend’s parliamentary elections to demonstrate their support for the war in Ukraine. According to reports in Verstka, electoral commissions in at least six Russian regions and the so-called ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ held early elections ‘on logs’, with voters casting their ballots whilst seated on carts, logs, benches and even on the bonnets of cars. Photographs published by the Krasnoselkupskij administration show a man voting whilst sitting on a log, with his documents resting on a metal structure resembling a chair.
ARMENIA-RUSSIA
The Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II, discussed cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church together with Archbishop Aksjy of Podolsk, administrator of the Yerevan-Armenia Eparchy of the Russian Church. At the Holy See in Echmiadzin, the two discussed the organisation of community life for Russian Orthodox faithful in Armenia and their spiritual and pastoral care, as well as, more generally, the relations and cooperation that have developed between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church.
