Seoul, for the first time since the Covid-19 emergency schools all open in attendance

In today's headlines:  Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai holds video call with the IOC president saying she is safe; in India, a 45-year-old man survives night in a mortuary freezer; Jerusalem, a march of support for the Hamas bomber who killed an Israeli and wounded three others; in Uzbekistan, 26,000 people suspended from work because they were not vaccinated. 

SOUTH KOREA

For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with South Korea the first nation besides China involved, all schools in the country resumed in-person classes today. Widespread testing, tracking and monitoring apps have allowed Seoul to limit the spread of the virus without resorting to strict lockdowns. 78.8 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. 

CHINA

In a 30-minute video call with IOC President Thomas Bach, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai said she was fine and safe. The sportswoman was has participated in three Olympics, had not given official news for three weeks after accusing former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual harassment. Champions of different disciplines and international NGOs have mobilized for her. 

INDIA

Srikesh Kumar, a 45-year-old Indian citizen who was pronounced dead after a car accident, was found alive by relatives after spending the night in the mortuary freezer. Doctors at a private facility had ascertained the death and ordered the transfer to a government hospital for post-mortem. He is now in a state of coma and undergoing treatment.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

The inhabitants of the suburb of Shuafat, in Jerusalem, have promoted "a march of support" in favor of Fadi Abu Shkhaydam. Yesterday morning the man, a militant of the Palestinian extremist group Hamas, disguised as an Orthodox Jew opened fire near the Arab market along the Wailing Wall, killing an Israeli and wounding three others before being "neutralized" by police. 

AFGHANISTAN

In its first directive on media and TV, the Taliban Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice published a new "religious guideline" urging broadcasters not to show movies and soaps with actresses. The text also requires female journalists to wear the hijab while conducting the news. Films and programs deemed contrary to Islamic and Afghan values cancelled.

SOUTH-EAST ASIA - CHINA

On the 30th anniversary of relations with Asean, Xi Jinping today announced the signing of a "comprehensive strategic partnership." A milestone in the relationship between Beijing and the association that brings together 10 Southeast Asian nations. The bloc began work, excluding Myanmar, an unprecedented decision for a reality that preaches non-interference in internal affairs.

RUSSIA

In Moscow police stopped participants in a demonstration of "individual pickets", now also forbidden, against the closure of the humanitarian association "Memorial". Among those arrested were journalist Viktoria Ivleva and human rights activist Jurij Samodurov.

UZBEKISTAN

In Uzbekistan over 26 thousand people have been suspended from work for refusing vaccination in the last three months. From the controls are over 50 thousand workers who have not been vaccinated, in 2225 cases employers have had to pay heavy fines, and nearly 200 businesses have been closed.