The head of the group, active from 2019 to 2023, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Poachers are thought to have killed 26 animals, a very high number according to local animal rights activists. Some people believe that rhino horn has aphrodisiac properties.
The detailed schedule of the trip the pontiff will make from 2 to 13 September in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore has been released. The pope will deliver 16 speeches and homilies in the longest journey of his pontificate. In addition to four capitals, he will visit the mission in Vanimo. In Dili the Mass will be held on an esplanade in front of the ocean.
In a sudden and surprise vote, the Ethics Committee voted to end the term of office of Hasyim Asy'ari accused of molesting an (Indonesian) woman operative in The Hague. A number of serious ethical issues were raised against him. In a controversial decision, he had authorised the outgoing president's son to run in the last election by forcing the age limit.
It will be led by Rev. Maksimus Regus, of the Ruteng clergy, until now rector of the local Catholic University of St. Paul. The territory is among the few in the archipelago where the Catholic presence is predominant (215 thousand out of a population of 276 thousand). The decision is linked to a "better pastoral service" for the community of the faithful.
Thailand and Malaysia are the latest two nations to express interest in the China-sponsored global forum. According to Premier Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, the decision to join has already been made. More cautious are the Philippines and Vietnam, which fear a further strengthening of Beijing's political hegemony also in maritime disputes.
Advocates are pushing for legislation following a recent spate of violence against domestic workers. A draft bill was first tabled 20 years ago but never approved. Advocacy groups want the legislation passed because the more liberal President Joko Widodo will be replaced later this year by the more conservative, Retired General Prabowo Subianto.
