Sindh: Chinese worker accused of blasphemy, police save from lynching

Today's headlines: at least 133,000 people in earthquake-hit areas in Turkey will vote out of province, 600,000 have changed polling station; Vietnamese blogger who disappeared in Thailand is in the hands of Hanoi police; Taiwan ready to buy 400 missiles from the USA in an anti-Chinese bid; In India, murders and suicides in the army are on the rise; Highs and lows in the estimates of the Russian economy at the time of war (and sanctions).

CHINA - PAKISTAN
A Chinese migrant worker was accused of blasphemy (insulting Mohammed) in northern Pakistan and his office stormed by colleagues. Not finding him, hundreds headed for the local police station, but the officers had transferred him by helicopter to a safe location. The scene of the incident was the mega-plant in Dasu, Kohistan district, Sindh. 

TURKEY
At least 133,000 people affected by the devastating earthquake on 6 February will vote outside their home province in the 14 May elections. Another 600,000, the Electoral Commission announced, have changed their polling stations. The vote represents a crucial step for Erdogan and for charting Turkey's future, while support is growing for opposition leader Kilicdaroglu. 

VIETNAM
A Vietnamese blogger who disappeared while in Thailand (suspected kidnapping by secret agents) is in the hands of the police. Duong Van Thai, known as Thai Van Duong, fled abroad in 2018 fearing persecution for his posts and videos critical of the Hanoi government and communist leaders. He was in Bangkok and had applied for refugee status. 

ISRAEL - PALESTINE
A gunman, wanted by the police, opened fire in the disputed neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah, in East Jerusalem, already the scene of violence and clashes with Palestinians in the past. Two people were injured in the attack and it is only the latest episode in a long series of attacks that have characterised Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, which ends on 21 April.

TAIWAN - UNITED STATES
Taiwan intends to purchase up to 400 US-made Harpoon missiles in response to the Chinese threat. On 7 April, the Pentagon announced a contract worth over 1.1 billion without specifying the buyer, adding that production is scheduled to be completed by March 2029. And it confirmed support for Taipei to 'maintain sufficient self-defence capability'. 

INDIA
The murder of four soldiers at the hands of a fellow soldier has brought to light the phenomenon of killings - and suicides - that is becoming increasingly frequent in the Indian army. At the root of the gestures would be a situation of growing stress, tension and depression within the military. The latest incident took place yesterday at the base in Bathinda, Punjab. There have been more than 800 suicides since 2017. 

RUSSIA
According to estimates by the Russian Ministry of the Economy, Russia's gas exports in 2023 will fall by 6.7%, but it is hoped for an overall growth in the next three years of 2.9%, as the lower traffic to the West will be compensated by deliveries 'to friendly and neutral countries'. GDP drops by 3% in the current year, to recover by 2% in 2024.

ARMENIA - AZERBAIJAN
At the European Heavy Athletics Championships in Yerevan an incident occurred during the opening ceremony at the 'Karen Demirčayan' sports hall. At the moment of raising the flag of Azerbaijan, one of those present snatched it from the girl holding it and set her on fire. In response to the gesture, the Azerbaijani athletes immediately abandoned the competition.

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