News
South African president criticises global travel bans as Omicron spreads
The president of South Africa has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron
The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he was “deeply disappointed” by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.
The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.
Omicron, a new strain of COVID-19, has been classed as a “variant of concern”. Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.
The heavily mutated variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month and formally reported to the World Health Organization last Wednesday.
The variant is responsible for most of the infections found in South Africa’s most populated province of Gauteng, over the last two weeks, and is now present in all other provinces in the country.
The World Health Organization has warned against countries hastily imposing travel restrictions, stating that they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”. However, numerous bans have been introduced in recent days amid concerns over the variant.
WHO’s Africa director Matshidiso Moeti said on Sunday: “With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity.”
“No need to panic”
Speaking to ticker NEWS, Former WHO epidemiologist, Professor Adrian Esterman says while much is still unclear about the new variant – there is no need to panic.
“I would imagine vaccines would still offer some kind of protection against new strains as they arise”
The professor told ticker news.
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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News
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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News
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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