UN committee urges China to dismantle forced labour systems
Geneva, Switzerland Reuters A UN committee said on Monday it was concerned about China’s treatment of its Muslim minority, including the use of forced labour against Uyghurs, in a sweeping report that adds pressure on Beijing to improve its human rights record. The findings by the group of UN-appointed independent experts follow a series of […]
In the US, California appeals court rejects COVID-19 fines for church
San Jose, California, USAP A California church that defied safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic by holding large religious services won’t have to pay about $US200,000 in fines, a state appeals court ruled. Calvary Chapel San Jose and its pastors were held in contempt of court and fined in 2020 and 2021 for violating state […]
Japan poised to widen COVID-19 controls as Omicron drives record infections
Tokyo, JapanReuters Japan was poised on Wednesday to widen COVID-19 controls to cover half its population as the Omicron variant drives new infections to record levels. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to officially approve the plan after it was cleared by an expert panel. Passersby wearing protective face masks walk on the street, amid […]
Court dismisses Louisiana pastor’s virus restrictions suit
New Orleans, USAP A Louisiana pastor’s lawsuit over Governor John Bel Edwards’ past COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings was rejected for a second time Wednesday by a federal judge. US District Judge Brian Jackson in Baton Rouge said the lawsuit by Tony Spell seeking an order blocking the restrictions is moot because the restrictions expired long ago. […]
Postcards: Morocco’s tough COVID restrictions hammer tourism sector
AHMED ELJECHTIMI, of Reuters, reports from northern Africa on how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting tourist operators…
Biden calls on Americans to vaccinate to fight Omicron as Europe braces for “storm”
London, UKReuters Countries across Europe considered new curbs on movement on Tuesday while US President Joe Biden called on military medics to support hospitals and fight the Omicron variant sweeping the world days before the second Christmas of the pandemic. Omicron infections are multiplying across Europe, the United States and Asia, including in Japan, where […]
In US, Louisiana court to hear pastor’s case against virus charges
New Orleans, USAP Louisiana’s Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it will hear arguments in a pastor’s fight against criminal charges he faces for violations of pandemic gathering limits that were in effect last year. Tony Spell got national attention when he began to flout the state’s public health order in March 2020 at a time […]
Two in hospital after police fire on Dutch COVID-19 protesters
The Hague, The NetherlandsReuters Two people were being treated in hospital in Rotterdam on Saturday after they were seriously injured when Dutch police fired shots during a violent protest against COVID-19 measures, authorities said. Crowds of several hundred rioters torched cars, set off fireworks and threw rocks at police during the protests on Friday evening. […]
Melbourne reopens as world’s most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions
Melbourne, AustraliaReuters Melbourne residents flocked to the city’s pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world’s most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Australia’s second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during […]
California, LA County both to pay $US400,000 settlement to John MacArthur’s church
RNS The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to authorise a $US400,000 payment to settle a legal battle with Grace Community Church over lead pastor John MacArthur’s defiance of COVID-19 restrictions in the early months of the pandemic. Under the agreement, which the board unanimously approved without discussion, the state of California […]