Asia
Conviction in landmark case over Syrian government torture
A former member of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s secret police was convicted Wednesday by a German court of facilitating the torture of prisoners in a landmark ruling that human rights activists hope will set a precedent for other cases in the decade-long conflict.
‘Don’t worry, come forward’: Asian nations get 1st shots
Many nations in the Asia-Pacific region are rolling out the first shots for COVID-19 this week.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shows 95 pct efficacy, eligible for youths: panel
A South Korean panel of experts said Tuesday that vaccines for the novel coronavirus by U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. showed a more than 95 percent efficacy rate, and the use of the vaccine is not problematic for young people.
Japan eyes lifting virus emergency early in 6 prefectures
Japan is considering lifting the state of emergency declared in six prefectures over the coronavirus pandemic ahead of its scheduled end date on March 7, government sources said Tuesday.
Imran Khan visits Sri Lanka as Muslims demand burial rights
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday as Muslims protested near the president’s office demanding that the government allow people who die of COVID-19 to be buried instead of cremated.
Afghan peace talks resume, but path is anything but certain
With violence spiking, Afghanistan’s warring sides have returned to the negotiation table, ending more than a month of delays amid hopes that the two sides can agree on a reduction of violence - and eventually, an outright ceasefire.
A year on, India's riot victims say justice still unserved
The shooter shouted “Victory to Lord Ram,” the Hindu god, before pulling the trigger that sent a bullet into Muhammad Nasir Khan’s left eye.
UN says Afghan civilian casualties down by 15% last year
The number of civilians killed and wounded in violence across war-weary Afghanistan fell by 15% last year compared to 2019, according to a United Nations report released Tuesday.
Malaysian court halts deportation of 1,200 Myanmar migrants
A Malaysian court Tuesday ordered a halt to the planned deportation of 1,200 Myanmar migrants to hear an appeal by two human rights groups, which say refugees, asylum seekers and minors were among those being sent back.
Protests swell after Myanmar junta raises specter of force
Protesters gathered in Myanmar’s biggest city on Monday despite the ruling junta’s threat to use lethal force against people who join a general strike against the military’s takeover three weeks ago.