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Australia, New Zealand joins US in boycotting Beijing Olympics

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Australia and New Zealand have joined the United States in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in China

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the decision was in response to “human rights abuses” in China’s Xinjiang province and “many other issues that Australia has consistently raised”.

Athletes would still attend, he added.

Australia’s announcement comes as New Zealand declares it will not be sending diplomatic representatives either.

NZ’s Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said no representatives at a ministerial level will be sent to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, citing COVID-19 as the reason.

Scott Morrison confirms Australian boycott of Beijing games. / Image: File

China has condemned the US announcement and threatened to retaliate against the move but didn’t provide further details

On Monday, the US said it would not send diplomats to the Games in Beijing over concerns about China’s human rights record.

Australia’s PM said it was “no surprise” that Australia had joined the boycott, given relations with China had deteriorated in recent years, at a rapid pace.

“I’m doing it because it’s in Australia’s national interest,” he said on Wednesday.

Beijing 2022 / Image: File

“It’s the right thing to do.”

He accused China of rejecting opportunities to improve relations, insisting Australia remained open to bilateral talks.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused the US of violating “political neutrality in sport” and said the proposed boycott was “based on lies and rumours”.

The United States has accused China of genocide in its repression of the predominantly Muslim Uyghur minority in the western region of Xinjiang – an allegation China has strongly denied.

Relations are also strained over China’s suppression of political freedoms in Hong Kong, and because of concerns for the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who was not seen for weeks after she accused a top government official of assault.

China to stop building coal energy plants abroad
Tensions with China continue to escalate / Image: File

Canberra has increasingly come to view China as a security threat amid allegations that Beijing has interfered in Australian politics and society

It has also raised concerns over two Australian citizens who remain imprisoned in China.

According to the BBC, Pro-democracy writer Yang Hengjun has denied charges of espionage and allegedly faced torture since his arrest in January 2019. Journalist Cheng Lei has been held without charge since August last year.

Other countries, including Canada and Japan are also said to be considering diplomatic boycotts of the Games.

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Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

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Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.


Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.

State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.

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Iran protests escalate as economy crumbles

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

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Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.


Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.

What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.

These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.

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PM initiates royal commission on anti-Semitism and unity

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

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PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.
Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.

The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.

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He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.

The prime minister has been asked if he’s still worried a royal commission would fuel antisemitism.  Anthony Albanese insists he doesn’t want the inquiry to weaken social cohesion.

“The royal commissioner will bear in mind how hearings are conducted in the processes of their conduct,” Albanese says.

“We have been working on this for weeks. I have been engaged with the community.”

The prime minister was questioned about whether it was a mistake to reject calls for a royal commission into antisemitism.  Following the Bondi terror attack, the federal government faced pressure to establish such a commission. 

Anthony Albanese stated that the government has implemented various measures within the 25 days following the attack.

“We have increased funding for security agencies. We have had daily briefings of the National Security Committee,” Albanese says.

“The Commonwealth have particular resources and one of the groups and individuals I’ve spoken to as well have been people outside of New South Wales,” he says.

Highly-respected former High Court judge Justice Virginia Margaret Bell is the PM’s pick to lead the royal commission.

Sustained advocacy

This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.

Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.

Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.

Broad Support

A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.


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