CHINA
Chinese blogger Zhang Zhan, one of the first to talk about the Covid-19 pandemic in Wuhan, is finally free, after having served the terms of her sentence. After a week without news from her, activists and human rights groups have recently announced the confirmation of her release from prison. She is with her family, even though her authorities have still imposed restrictions on her freedom.
ISRAEL - PALESTINE
Over 1,400 Israeli academics and intellectuals have signed a petition calling on the government to end the war in Gaza "without delay" and at the same time guarantee the "immediate return of the hostages". The signatories underline the country's right to "defense", but this has "exhausted" and continuing the escalation of war will only lead to "enormous damage to civilians" in the Strip.
NEPAL
A Nepalese Sherpa climbed Mount Everest today, reaching the summit for the 30th time, an absolute record, making the second ascent in just 10 days. It usually takes several days to reach the summit and climbers are likely to make multiple ascents in a short time. Kami Rita, 54, first climbed the 8,849 meters in 1994, her 29th ascent on May 12.
VIETNAM
Hanoi police arrested Vu Minh Tien, a prominent trade unionist, last seen at a workshop on March 21 in Ho Chi Minh City. This was reported by the group The 88 Project, according to which the leader of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor and director of the Institute for Workers and Trade Unions is detained under the art. 337 of the Criminal Code which punishes the revelation of "secrets".
CHINA
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian for "serious violations" related to the position. This is the latest in a series of investigations - and dismissals - of leading Communist Party officials. He ended up in the sights of the Central Committee which has extensive investigative powers and can order him to be detained in a secret place for months.
RUSSIA - AFGHANISTAN
In Moscow they are very worried about the recent terrorist attack in Afghanistan, where three Spanish tourists lost their lives during a shootout in the Bamiyan market and four were seriously injured. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued an "insistent" appeal to its citizens to avoid traveling to Kabul, for tourism or work.
INDIA - UKRAINE
Of all the countries of the “Global South”, only India has communicated its intention to participate in the conference on Ukraine in Switzerland in June, not even excluding the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, depending on the period and logistics . Delhi declared that “India intends to participate in all summits important for global security and development”.
