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US slams China for imprisoning Canadian man linked to Huawei case
The US has joined the global chorus of voices demanding for China to release a Canadian man who the has been detained on spying charges
The US is among countries calling for China to immediately release a Canadian businessman from prison. Chinese officials have sentenced Michael Spavor for up to 11 years for “spying on China’s national secrets”.
Has ‘hostage diplomacy’ implicated Spavor’s case?
Chinese authorities detained both Spavor and a former Canadian diplomat, Michael Kovrig. This came shortly after Canada arrested top Huawei executive Meng Wangzhou at Vancouver airport for violating sanctions against Iran.
Federal prosecutors have accused Kovrig of “using an ordinary passport and business visa to enter China to steal sensitive information and intelligence through contacts in China”.
Canada claims that Spavor’s arrest is a case of ‘hostage diplomacy’. The day prior, China upheld a death sentence for another Canadian Robert Schellenberg on drug smuggling charges.
The arrest of Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou
However, Chinese officials reject this claim. They’ve demanded for Canada to release Meng, who they claim is being held hostage at the at the behest of the US.
Chinese authorities had initially sentenced Schellenberg to 15 years in prison. However, federal prosecutors changed the verdict to a death sentence shortly after Canadian officials arrested Meng.
Meng’s extradition hearings are in their last few weeks. Canada’s Justice Minister will make a decision in the next few months as to whether to extradite Meng.
International backlash
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that Spavor’s conviction and sentencing was “absolutely unacceptable and unjust”.
“The verdict for Mr. Spavor comes after more than two and a half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,” he said.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also slammed the proceedings against both Spavor and Kovrig.
“We join our partners in condemning Beijing’s sentencing of Canadian citizen Michael Spavor,” he said in a statement. “People are not bargaining chips.”
News
Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting
Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.
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.
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
PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders
– 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.
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.
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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