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Why are Chinese protesters holding up blank pieces of paper?

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Anti-lockdown protests continue in China, as the nation records its highest day of coronavirus cases

Blank sheets of paper speak a thousand words in China, as protesters seek to evade censorship or arrest.

Hundreds have gathered at top universities across the country in defiance of Beijing’s Covid-zero strategy.

Infections continue to hit record highs, with nearly 40,000 new reported cases on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping maintains a policy of controlling the spread of the coronavirus through strict lockdown measures.

According to Chinese officials, the idea is to keep cases to their lowest possible in the shortest period of time.

Beijing believes the strategy has led to one of the “most successful” Covid-19 responses in the world.

However, Human Rights Watch has described the measures as “draconian”.

The advocacy group believes the measures have “significantly impeded” people’s access to health care, food, and other necessities.

Why are the protests happening now?

The latest round of protests follow an apartment fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region, which left 10 people dead on Thursday.

Hana Young is the Deputy Regional Director at Amnesty International, who said the fire has inspired remarkable bravery.

“It is virtually impossible for people in China to protest peacefully without facing harassment and prosecution.”

“Peaceful protesters are holding blank pieces of paper, chanting slogans, and engaging in many forms of creative dissent.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

People in the region had been locked down for over 100 days. However, there are concerns some residents have been locked into their apartments completely.

How common are protests in China?

Blank sheets of paper have become the norm for Chinese protesters.

According to some chat groups on the Weibo platform, protesters were encouraged to bring blank pieces of paper rather than writing slogans or words, which may be banned in China.

The tactic has been previously used in Moscow as Russian protesters gathered to oppose the war in Ukraine.

Protests are rare in China, as President Xi seeks stamp out any anti-government sentiments.

The Chinese government has tried to manage the flow of information around Covid-19.

President Xi Jinping is at the centre of many protests in China.

Human Rights Watch describes the response as a way of “censor[ing] criticism” of the government’s response.

Sun Jian is a graduate student who was expelled from Ludong University for opposing lockdowns on campus.

“The trouble brought by the virus can’t be compared with the disruption from some of the anti-COVID measures taken by our school,” Sun told Reuters.

International human rights law notes any public health restrictions should be evidence-based and proportional. China has signed but not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“The Chinese government must immediately review its Covid-19 policies to ensure that they are proportionate and time-bound,” said Ms Young at Amnesty International.

“All quarantine measures that pose threats to personal safety and unnecessarily restrict freedom of movement must be suspended.”

HANA YOUNG, AMNESTY INTERNATIOnAL

Protesters commemorated victims of the Urumqi fire and continue to call for the easing for coronavirus restrictions.

Dozens have been also detained and arrested on Urumqi Road in Shanghai after calling for President Xi to step down.

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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Are audiences already fed up with AI?

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One of the standout moments from the recently concluded SXSW in Austin, Texas, was the crowd’s reaction during the film premiere of “The Fall Guy,” featuring Ryan Gosling.

Attendees voiced their displeasure with an AI video sizzle reel, which failed to resonate with the everyday consumer, resulting in boos from the audience.

The incident underscores the growing importance of understanding and catering to the human experience in technology and entertainment.

 

 

 

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A surge of Hollywood actors dive headfirst into Gaming

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Exciting news has emerged from the gaming world as a beloved video game franchise gears up for a television adaptation.

The official Among Us account recently revealed that an animated TV series is in development, featuring stars such as Ashley Johnson, Elijah Wood, Randall Park, and Yvette Nicole Brown, courtesy of CBS Studios.

Meanwhile, Summer Game Fest 2024 has announced its return, promising a showcase of new video game announcements, trailers, and first looks on June 7th, hosted by Geoff Keighley.

Anticipation mounts for potential reveals from industry giants like Rockstar Games, Kojima Productions, Insomniac Games, and Santa Monica Studios.

Getting Pro with Playstation

In other news, rumours surrounding the PlayStation 5 Pro have gained traction following leaks reported by Insider Gaming. According to leaked documentation, the PS5 Pro boasts enhancements including 45% faster rendering, 2-3 times the ray-tracing capability, and a custom machine learning architecture, potentially slated for a holiday 2024 release.

However, Insider Gaming notes that plans may be subject to change based on Sony’s release strategy for first-party titles.

Games out this week

As the gaming community eagerly awaits these developments, this week also sees the release of notable titles such as “Princess Peach Showtime!” on Nintendo Switch, “Rise of the Ronin” on PlayStation 5, and “Dragon’s Dogma II” on Xbox Series, PC, and PS5, promising diverse experiences for players worldwide.

 

 

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United Airlines’ congestion – can the CEO be trusted?

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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has reassured passengers following a series of incidents involving the carrier’s aircraft.

Amid growing safety concerns, CEO Kirby has stated that thorough investigations are underway to determine the root causes of the incidents and to implement necessary changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The questions remains, will the public’s trust in the airline be restored and how effective are United’s safety protocols and training programs? #TICKER TODAY #featured

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