asia
Hong Kong lawmakers challenge mask ban as protests persist
Hong Kong, Oct 6 (AP/UNB) — A group of pro-democracy Hong Kong legislators filed a legal challenge against the government's use of a colonial-era emergency law to criminalize the wearing of masks at rallies to quell anti-government demonstrations, which diminished in intensity but didn't stop.
Security forces kill at least 8 in new protests in Iraq
Baghdad, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — Security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at demonstrators on the fifth day of anti-government protests in the Iraqi capital Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding 17, health and security officials said.
Iraq faces political crisis after days of deadly protests
Baghdad, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — Iraq faced the prospect of a deepening political crisis Saturday, after four days of unrest left at least 64 people dead, and authorities lifted a round-the-clock curfew in the capital meant to quell the anti-government demonstrations.
5 dead, 4 injured in wagon-Truck collision in the Philippines
Manila, Oct. 5 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Five people were killed and four others injured in a collision between a wagon and a cargo truck along a highway in Gumaca town in Quezon province before dawn on Saturday, police said.
50 militants killed over past 3 days in northern Afghanistan
Taluqan, Oct. 5 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Up to 50 militants have been killed and more than three dozen others sustained injuries over the past three days as government forces from the ground and air pounded Taliban positions in Baharak district of Afghanistan's northern Takhar province, provincial government spokesman Mohammad Jawad Hajari said Saturday.
2 killed by bear attack in northern Mongolia
Ulan Bator, Oct. 5 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Two people were killed in northern Mongolia after a bear attacked a Mongolian ger, the country's largest traditional round-shaped dwelling, the National Police Agency said on Saturday.
Hong Kong suspends trains, again rallies after 'dark day'
Hong Kong, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — All subway and train services were suspended, lines formed at the cash machines of shuttered banks, and shops were closed as Hong Kong dusted itself off and then started marching again Saturday after another night of rampaging violence decried as "a very dark day" by the territory's embattled leader.
Thai judge attempts suicide in protest over interference
Bangkok, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — A suicide attempt by a judge in Thailand who accused his superiors of interfering with his verdicts has highlighted questions about judicial independence and fairness.
Lam decries 'very dark day' for Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — Hong Kong's embattled leader has described overnight rioting "as a very dark day" for the semi-autonomous territory and says "everyone is worried and scared."
Myanmar is not safe for Rohingyas to return: UN investigator
United Nations, Oct 5 (AP/UNB) — The U.N.'s independent investigator on Myanmar says it's not safe for hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh to return because Myanmar has failed to dismantle its "system of persecution" of Rohingyas.