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‘Grave incident’ leads to North Korea quarantine breach

Published

5 years ago

June 30, 2021

North Korea has experienced a COVID-19 quarantine breach.

According to state-run media, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un says a “grave incident” took place. The incident reportedly led to failed organisational and scientific measures to contain the virus. But no further details have emerged about the quarantine breach.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) news agency says Jong Un noted the “ignorance, incompetence and irresponsibility of the cadre”. Top North Korean officials have allegedly lost their jobs over the incident.

North Korea has not reported any COVID-19 cases to the World Health Organisation (WHO). But the United States and Japan contest these claims.

The nation has also not received any vaccine doses through the global COVAX initiative. North Korea is supported through the initiative as a “low income” economy.

The initiative seeks to “ensure that people in all corners of the world get access to COVID-19 vaccines… regardless of their wealth”.

Earlier this month, South Korea pledged US$ 200 million to support lower-income economies through the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment.

“An early expansion of vaccine supply is the most necessary short-term prescription to ensure equitable access to vaccines.”
MOON JAE-in, south korea’s president

South Korea’s President, Moon Jae-in says US$ 100 million will be allocated this year, and a further US$ 100 million will be available next year.

An isolated nation

North Korea currently ranks low on political freedom. But the nation has taken further steps to isolate itself during the pandemic.

North Korea has closed the border with China, its biggest trading partner. North Korea also currently has a small delegation of health officials that report to the WHO.

In 2018, the WHO reported that North Korea has a “triple burden of disease”. This means the nation has a backlog of common infections; undernutrition and maternal mortality; and the emerging challenges of non-communicable diseases.

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Costa Haritos

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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News

Sheriff Nanos dismisses evidence claims in Nancy Guthrie case update

Sheriff Nanos addresses evidence claims and FBI collaboration in Nancy Guthrie case amidst ongoing investigation controversies

Published

55 minutes ago

February 14, 2026

Ahron Young

Sheriff Nanos addresses evidence claims and FBI collaboration in Nancy Guthrie case amidst ongoing investigation controversies

In Short:
– Sheriff Nanos confirmed no glove was found at Nancy’s residence and maintains evidence analysis through a trusted lab.
– He believes Nancy’s case involves kidnapping, but all new evidence and possibilities are still under investigation.

In a new interview with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, he answers various topics concerning the ongoing investigation of Nancy’s case.Nanos stated that his office did not locate a glove at Nancy’s residence. He affirmed, “We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property.”

The sheriff explained that his office has utilised the same contracted lab for decades, long before his tenure. Evidence was initially submitted to this lab, which holds the Guthrie family DNA and other swabs. He stated it was logical to continue sending evidence there for immediate analysis alongside existing samples.

He noted the FBI’s agreement, expressing confidence in their crime lab but opting for the private lab due to initial arrangements.

Nanos asserted cooperation with the FBI, disputing claims of reluctance in seeking assistance. He contacted the FBI promptly after Nancy’s disappearance and allowed them to lead on ransom notes due to their expertise.

Investigation Details

On the possibility of kidnapping, he stated, “we believe it’s a kidnapping” while maintaining other possibilities should be considered. Different gloves were found miles away, but the importance of each remains under review.

No individuals have been definitively ruled out as suspects. Nanos described a man briefly detained nearby, stating he was satisfied with his alibi. He refrained from confirming any forced entry at Nancy’s home but did mention that blood and DNA were found at the scene.

He addressed criticism regarding the timing of releasing the crime scene, asserting that his office acted appropriately. Allegations about family involvement were dismissed, emphasising the family’s full cooperation.

Nanos confirmed communication with Savanah Guthrie but indicated she has her support system.

He dismissed past reports of a strained relationship with the FBI, asserting mutual respect and collaboration remain intact.

News

Russia bans WhatsApp and promotes state-backed messaging app

Kremlin blocks WhatsApp, urging citizens to use state-backed MAX; critics warn of surveillance, prompting protests in Moscow.

Published

20 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Kremlin blocks WhatsApp, urging citizens to use state-backed MAX; critics warn of surveillance, prompting protests in Moscow.

The Kremlin has officially blocked WhatsApp, urging Russians to switch to MAX, a state-backed messaging app. This move comes after Meta refused to comply with local regulations, sparking debates over digital freedom in the country.

Critics warn that MAX could be used for government surveillance, though authorities deny these claims. The ban highlights Russia’s growing control over foreign tech platforms and its push for locally regulated alternatives.

Activists in Moscow have staged protests calling for an open and unregulated internet, while the public reacts with a mix of concern and resignation.

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News

U.S. secretly sent 6,000 Starlink terminals to Iran after protests

US covertly sent 6,000 Starlink terminals to Iran amid protests, aiding internet access despite government shutdowns and crackdown violence.

Published

20 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US covertly sent 6,000 Starlink terminals to Iran amid protests, aiding internet access despite government shutdowns and crackdown violence.

U.S. officials report that the Trump administration covertly sent around 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following widespread protests. The move was designed to bypass strict internet blackouts imposed by authorities in Tehran.

The terminals reportedly enabled activists and dissidents to reconnect with the outside world during periods of severe digital restriction, raising fresh questions about foreign involvement and cyber strategy.

As geopolitical tensions simmer, the revelation underscores how connectivity has become a powerful tool in modern conflict.

#Iran #Starlink #DonaldTrump #MiddleEast #GlobalPolitics #TechNews #InternetFreedom #BreakingNews

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