Tensions show no signs of abating 10 days after fighting resumed over the disputed border. For Cambodia, displaced people are the most serious emergency since the Khmer Rouge era. While Thailand calls on Cambodia to act "sincerely" to mine clearance, the latter accuses Thailand’s air force of dropping cluster bombs. Thailand's Tourism Ministry reports no cancellations by travellers going to Phuket.
Accused of "opposing the state", the journalist spoke to AsiaNews in Thoibao’s office in Germany. Under police protection due to repeated threats, he is a symbol of resistance to Vietnam’s ebbing press freedom. At least 70 journalists have been imprisoned since 2016. The website has seen an uptake in visits after funding shut down Radio Free Asia. Today it uses AI-generated reporters to circumvent repression.
The Anti-Terrorism Law was used against Anis Alamgir for remarks he made in the ongoing election campaign leading up to next February’s vote. In his defence in court, he said: "I question power, I have been doing it for two decades." Catholic journalists and human rights groups are concerned: “This looks like an attempt to suppress the voice of independent journalism.”
Faced with growing hostility promoted by nationalist groups through anti-conversion laws and their intimidation against Christmas celebrations, former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has issued an invitation to all non-Christians in India: ‘The only correct policy is one that keeps us united. Let us pay tribute on this feast day to the contribution of Christians to our country.’
The floods meet all the criteria to be considered a catastrophe: millions of people affected, significant damage to property and infrastructure, and insufficient local capacity. But the central government is suspending its decision. The declaration is not just a formality, but responds to pre-established criteria. The provincial government of Aceh is evaluating a request for aid from the UN.
Today'sheadlines: Bondi Beach, the Philippines emerges as a possible link to ISIS: the attackers were in the archipelago in November; India has charged two militant groups based in Pakistan with the attack on tourists in Kashmir in April; The last two pandas in Japan will return to China in January; Israel is stepping up demolitions in the West Bank.
