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Human rights

Human rights
Latest news, features and analysis on human rights, with a focus on civil liberties in Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia.
Alleged Venezuelan gang members deported by the US sit on the floor before they are imprisoned in the Terrorism Confinement Centre in Tecoluca, El Salvador, in footage obtained in March. Photo: Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia via Reuters
United States

US deports man with legal status to El Salvador prison because of ‘error’

Government lawyers argue that despite the mistake, US courts don’t have jurisdiction to secure Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s release.

US-China relations

‘Jimmy Lai Way’: US call to honour jailed tycoon by renaming Washington street

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Japan

Nakai sexually assaulted Japan’s Fuji TV staff amid harassment culture: report

Israel-Gaza war

Bodies of 15 rescuers recovered from grave in Gaza, UN officials say

UN demands answers for deaths of first responders after bodies and mangled vehicles were found buried in sand.

Palestinians mourn Red Crescent staff who came under Israeli fire while on a rescue mission, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza on Monday. Photo: Reuters
China’s Communist Party

Hu Dehua, son of former liberal Chinese leader Hu Yaobang, dies at 76

The younger Hu is remembered as an outspoken proponent of political reform and press freedom – rare among China’s princelings.

Earthquakes

Myanmar diaspora rallies for quake victims with 1 rule: do not help the junta

Those living overseas have urged international donors not to send aid via the junta, saying the military will weaponise relief efforts to increase exploitation.

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The Philippines

Duterte’s lawyer says ICC case ‘a kidnapping’, has grounds to throw out case

Duterte’s lawyer called for the ICC case to be dismissed, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal, and labelled Duterte’s detention a “political hit job”.

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gesturing as he delivers his state of the nation address at Congress in Manila. Photo: AFP
Middle East

Turkey opposition ramps up rallies as Swedish journalist jailed

The arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu sparked the most significant anti-government protests in Turkey in over a decade.

Myanmar

Myanmar rebels accuse junta of air strikes in quake aftermath

The military has turned to air strikes to gain the upper hand against an array of anti-coup fighters and armed groups in the civil war.

Africa

12 dead in Nigeria clashes between military and Shiite protesters

Amnesty International said soldiers fired live rounds at protesters as a form of crowd control – events the military disputed.

Nigerian soldiers during a patrol at the Banki IDP camp in Borno, Nigeria, April 26, 2017. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

What Duterte’s downfall means for Sara, Marcos and the Philippines

Ex-president Duterte is behind bars in The Hague and his daughter is fighting for political survival. But don’t discount a comeback in 2028.

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Rodrigo Duterte pictured at an Asean summit in 2019 while still president of the Philippines. Photo: Reuters
Mainland China

Editorial | Kirsty Coventry must rise to Olympic challenge after stunning win

The first woman to head the Games’ top international body has sensitive issues to tackle before the next events in Italy and the US.

Indonesia

Indonesian fishermen sue Bumble Bee Seafoods in landmark forced labour case

The human-trafficking case highlights the exploitation within the seafood industry, emphasising the need for corporate accountability and systemic reform.

United States

Opinion | How Trump’s assault on US universities is reshaping rivalry with China

In purging individuals and ideas from US universities, Donald Trump’s new ‘red scare’ will only diminish America’s ability to attract top tech talent.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Indonesia

Indonesia military law protests signal fears of democratic erosion under Prabowo

The amended bill brought back bad memories of Suharto-era militarism, when lines between civilian and military spheres were blurred, critics said.

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Anti-riot police put up their shields as students throw stones during a protest against a revision to the armed forces law in Surabaya on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
United States

US homeland security chief warns migrants in visit to El Salvador mega-jail

Kristi Noem’s trip to CECOT comes as the Trump administration seeks to show it is deporting the ‘worst of the worst’.

Africa

Sudan army chief declares capital ‘free’ from inside presidential palace

Sudan’s de facto leader says capital has been retaken, signalling a pivotal moment in the conflict.

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European Union

Austria to be first EU nation to stop refugee family reunification

From May, Austria will pause family reunifications for those with asylum status.

Activists protest outside the European Parliament Belgium in 2024. Several EU countries are mulling stopping or tightening the right for people, who cannot safely return to their home countries, to bring their families, but so far no bloc member has a complete halt in place. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Brewing justice: Philippines cafe offers healing and hope after Duterte’s ICC arrest

The coffee shop, dedicated to victims of the former president’s drug war, described his arrest as ‘the first step’ towards justice.

Indonesia

Delivery of dead rats to Indonesian reporters sparks fears over freedom curbs

The incident allegedly targeting Tempo happened three days after a severed pig’s head was sent to a reporter from the magazine.

The Philippines

Opinion | In handing Duterte to ICC, Marcos stirs up Philippine hornets’ nest

Too many questions surround the abrupt U-turn on cooperation with the International Criminal Court, from sovereignty to political persecution.

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Police block protesters as they try to march towards Malacanang palace in Manila, Philippines, on March 17 to call on the government to rejoin the ICC after the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: AP
Middle East

Israel releases Oscar-winning Palestinian director attacked by settlers

Hamdan Ballal’s wife said three men beat her husband with the butts of their rifles and another person reportedly filmed the violence.

Director Hamdan Ballal was released from a police station in the West Bank on Tuesday. Photo: AP
Diplomacy

Opinion | As US-led globalisation falters, China-Europe relations can flourish

Western leaders committed to the rules-based order must promote dialogue with Beijing while quietly upholding values now rejected by Washington.

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The Philippines

Supporters of Philippine’s Duterte call on God, Trump to bring him home

Experts say there is little chance of the 80-year-old gaining early release due to a lack of legal avenues to challenge his ICC detention.

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Indonesia

Indonesia set to allow domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia after 10-year ban

Jakarta is expected to send 600,000 domestic helpers and skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia, but rights groups are concerned about the move.

Indonesian migrant workers who were set to be sent to Saudi Arabia being inspected by the police at a shelter in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Photo: EPA
Pakistan

Pakistan charges human rights, Baloch activist with ‘terrorism’

Mahrang Baloch, one of Pakistan’s most prominent human rights advocates, has long campaigned for the Baloch ethnic group.

Activists from the Baloch Students Council taking part in a protest demanding the release of Mahrang Baloch, in Lahore on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuela to resume US deportation flights after citizens sent to El Salvador

Caracas is seeking the return of its ‘kidnapped’ citizens, who were moved to a Salvadorean high-security facility by Trump’s administration.

Pakistan

Leading human rights, Baloch advocate detained in Pakistan

Mahrang Baloch has long campaigned for the Baloch ethnic group, which alleges extrajudicial harassment, arrests and killings by Islamabad.

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