Approved today by the National People's Congress, the legislation turns the president's views on the "sinicisation" of the 56 officially recognised groups into law. Han identity is defined as the "trunk”, while other cultures are compared to "branches and leaves." Putonghua, standard Chinese, will be taught starting in preschool. Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians fear that their identity will be further repressed.
Presented as a "tax measure”, the requirement further tightens digital surveillance in a country torn by civil war for more than five years following a military coup. By tracking devices, the regime is not only repressing dissent, but also undermining people’s daily survival thanks to high-tech tools made available by Chinese firms.
The measure was made official on 9 March, a few days after a delegation met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The memorandum was also presented to opposition leader VD Satheesan. Now they will be able to enjoy benefits and concessions in line with those of other Christian groups. Local Catholic source of AsiaNews: a positive move, even if there are still some critical issues in these communities.
According to investigators' statements in court, there is evidence to support the charges against Suresh Salley in the documentary broadcast by Channel 4. Links have been identified with Islamist circles that could have been part of a plan to destabilise the country with the aim of influencing the political balance. The defence rejects the charges, pointing out that when the bombs exploded, the former general was in Malaysia.
After removing his closest aide and head of security services, Tašiev, from office, President Žaparov is continuing with dismissals and arrests against a network of senior officials, ministers, MPs and even mayors suspected of plotting yet another coup in Bishkek. A great waltz to ensure ‘stability’.
Today's headlines: Jakarta and Canberra want to extend the security cooperation agreement signed last month to Japan. UNHCR inaugurates the largest carpet weaving centre in Afghanistan, which will employ 400 returning migrants, mostly women; UNESCO “deeply concerned” about the fate of world heritage sites in Iran and the Gulf; South Korean president orders “tough disciplinary measures” against those responsible for the Jeju plane crash.
