• Dhaka Sun, 26 JANUARY 2025,
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5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taiwan
Clashes as S. Korean Investigators Attempt to Arrest President Yoon
South Korean investigators tried to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday over his failed martial law  bid, using ladders to enter his residence compound after clashes broke out when his guards blocked the main gate. Yoon has resisted arrest since a short-lived December 3 power grab plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades, after he directed soldiers to storm parliament in an unsuccessful attempt to stop lawmakers from voting down his move. The former star prosecutor, who has already been suspended from duty by lawmakers, would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be arrested if the court-ordered warrant is carried out. "The execution of the presidential arrest warrant has begun," acting President Choi Sang-mok said in a statement. "This situation is a crucial moment for maintaining order and the rule of law in South Korea." In a morning of high drama, a joint team of investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) and police officers tried to enter the residence's compound but were blocked by unidentified personnel at the entrance gate, AFP  journalists saw. Investigators were then involved in a "physical clash" as they tried to forcibly enter the residence, Yonhap reported, without specifying who with. Punches were thrown as the rival sides pushed each other in the clashes between investigators and those defending the residence, an AFP journalist saw. TV footage then showed around 20 personnel believed to be investigators climbing ladders into Yoon's residential compound. AFP photos showed scores of officers with "police" AND "CIO" marked on their backs inside Yoon's compound. Once inside, the officers passed a "second barricade" by going around buses parked to block the way, Yonhap reported. At least one person was injured during the standoff. They were transported away by fire authorities. Yoon's lawyers were seen in front of the residence protesting the arrest warrant's execution, and later a white police van tried to enter the compound without success. Choi, standing in for the suspended Yoon, said those who caused any unrest at the site would be punished. "If there are serious violations leading to unfortunate incidents, I will hold them strictly accountable," he said. A first attempt to arrest Yoon on January 3 failed after a tense hours-long standoff with his Presidential Security Service (PSS), who refused to budge when investigators tried to execute their warrant. Supporters removed Investigators were also attempting to enter the residence via an alternative mountain hiking trail, according to Yonhap News TV. The main road in front of Yoon's residence was completely blocked off with police bus barricades early Wednesday, while thousands of his die-hard supporters massed outside. His supporters were heard chanting "illegal warrant!" while waving glow sticks and South Korean and American flags. Police and CIO officers began forcibly removing them from the entrance to the residence while around 30 lawmakers from Yoon's ruling People Power Party were blocking investigators, Yonhap News TV reported. Since the first failed bid, authorities have threatened to detain anyone who obstructs the sitting leader's arrest in the fresh attempt. Police said they would execute an arrest warrant against the acting head of Yoon's presidential guards, Yonhap News TV reported Wednesday. Parallel trial Yoon's guards have been seen in recent days installing barbed wire and barricades at the residence, turning it into what the opposition called a "fortress". Due to the tense situation, police decided not to carry firearms but only to wear bulletproof vests for the new attempt Wednesday, in case they were met by armed guards, local media reported. If arrested, Yoon can be held for up to 48 hours on the existing warrant. Investigators would need to apply for another arrest warrant to keep him in custody. Yoon's legal team -- who say he remains inside the residence -- has decried the warrant as illegal. In a parallel probe, Yoon's impeachment trial began on Tuesday with a brief hearing after he declined to attend. Although his failure to attend -- which his team has blamed on purported safety concerns -- forced a procedural adjournment, the hearings will continue without Yoon, with the next set for Thursday. (Source: BSS)
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Iranian Singer Arrested for Performing without Hijab
A female singer has been arrested by authorities in Iran for not wearing a hijab while performing in a virtual concert on YouTube, a lawyer said. The singer, Parastoo Ahmady, has been detained for defying the Islamic Republic's strict dress code for women.  A case was filed against the 27-year-old singer on Thursday over her concert performance wherein she performed wearing a long black sleeveless dress without a hijab. While posting the video on YouTube, Ahmady said: "I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately." Her concert has garnered over 1.4 million views online while she has been praised by people online for her courage. Where is Parastoo Ahmady now? Her lawyer, Milad Panahipour, said on Saturday that she was arrested in the north of the country, while two musicians from her band were arrested at their music studio in Tehran. "Unfortunately, we do not know the charges against Ms. Ahmady, who arrested her, or her place of detention, but we will follow up on the matter through legal authorities," Panahipour told the news agency The Associated Press. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, women's rights have been a contentious issue in the country. In 2022, Iran saw a wave of mass protests following the custodial death of a Kurdish Iranian woman, Jina Mahsa Amini. The government brutally clamped down on the demonstrations and targeted leading activists. Many Iranian women say they are against the strict dress code, particularly the mandatory headscarf.
Nepal Bypasses Delhi, Signs BRI Agreement with China
Nepal has signed a framework agreement with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), paving the way for China's growing influence in the country. Although a preliminary agreement was signed seven years ago, the lack of progress had stalled implementation. This new deal aims to facilitate project execution. Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the agreement on Wednesday, December 4, according to Reuters. Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, currently on a four-day visit to Beijing, has prioritized strengthening ties with China over traditional first visits to New Delhi. This is his first foreign trip since taking office in July. A preliminary BRI agreement between Nepal and China was signed in 2017 as part of China's global infrastructure and trade connectivity initiative. However, the absence of a structured framework and political consensus in Nepal prevented any project implementation over the past seven years. Under the new agreement, both countries will plan and implement projects like road development and transport corridors while deciding on financing mechanisms. However, concerns over debt have sparked debates within Oli's coalition government, with the Nepali Congress opposing any loan-dependent projects. Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on X (formerly Twitter), "Nepal and China have signed a framework for Belt and Road Cooperation today." Further details have not been disclosed. China has already provided a $216 million loan to Nepal for constructing an international airport in Pokhara, located 125 km from Kathmandu, which became operational last year. While China hails it as a BRI success, the airport faces challenges due to the lack of international flights, as Indian airspace access remains restricted. India's influence in South Asia appears to be waning, with mounting concerns over ties with Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. Nepal's growing proximity to China and the new BRI agreement further intensify Delhi's unease.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Declares Martial Law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced "emergency martial law" in a televised address late on Tuesday. He accused the country's opposition of ruling the parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government with anti-state actions. Yoon said his decision was critical for defending the country's constitutional order. "To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea's communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements... I hereby declare emergency martial law," Yoon said in the televised address. The move came into effect at 11 p.m. local time (1400 GMT/UTC). Police were at the scene outside the National Assembly parliament in Seoul soon after Yoon's address, and helicopters could be seen landing on the building's roof.  Opposition condemns move Han Dong-hoon, who serves in the administration of Yoon, called the decision "wrong" and vowed to "stop it with the people." Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said the implementation of martial law was both "illegal and unconstitutional." What the martial law decree states The document declaring martial law said it was doing so "in order to protect liberal democracy" and to "protect the safety of the people." It made six core points, and said violators of them were subject to search, arrest and detention without a warrant. All political activities, from parliament to local councils to public demonstrations, were prohibited.  Any acts "that deny or attempt to overthrow the liberal democratic system are prohibited, and fake news, public opinion manipulation, and false propaganda are prohibited." All media and publications were subject to control of martial law command. Strikes, work stoppages and "rallies that incite social chaos" were prohibited. Any and all medical personnel on strike or who have left the medical field duty should return to work. Finally the document stated that "innocent ordinary citizens, excluding state forces and other subversive forces, will be subject to measures to minimize inconvenience in their daily lives." Budget stuck as opposition hold parliamentary majority The opposition Democratic Party has a majority in parliament and is therefore able to thwart Yoon's plans for next year's budget in South Korea.The opposition Democratic Party has a majority in parliament Opposition lawmakers last week gave the go ahead to a downsized budget plan through a parliamentary committee. "Our National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship that seeks to paralyze the judicial and administrative systems and overturn our liberal democratic order," Yoon said. The president accused opposition lawmakers of cutting "all key budgets essential to the nation's core functions, such as combating drug crimes and maintaining public security... turning the country into a drug haven and a state of public safety chaos." Yoon: Opposition is 'anti-state' and wants to 'overthrow regime' Yoon went on to label the opposition, which holds a parliamentary majority, as "anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime" and described his decision to impose martial law as "inevitable." Meanwhile, the president has also been dismissing calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, attracting stinging rebukes from his political rivals. Tuesday's decision from Yoon, who took office in 2022 but has seen his approval rating dip in recent months, has sent shockwaves through the country, which had a series of authoritarian leaders early in its history but has been considered democratic since the 1980s. The news saw the Korean won drop sharply against the US dollar.
45 Activists Jailed in Hong Kong National Security Case
Hong Kong's High Court on Tuesday sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to jail terms of up to 10 years in a landmark national security trial that has drawn international condemnation. Legal scholar Benny Tai. considered the mastermind behind the plan, was given the longest sentence. This was Hong Kong’s biggest national security case under a sweeping law imposed by Beijingthat crushed a once-thriving pro-democracy movement. The activists were prosecuted in 2021 for their roles in an unofficial primary election under the 2020 national security law.  They were accused of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government and force the city’s leader to resign. They either pleaded guilty or found guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion by three government-approved judges. Australia "gravely concerned" Australia said it was "gravely concerned" by the sentencing of the pro-democracy activists under the restrictive national security law, including Australian citizen Gordon Ng. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia has "strong objections" regarding the "continuing broad application of national security legislation."
Voting Begins in Snap Parliamentary Election in Sri Lanka
Voting began in Sri Lanka's snap parliamentary election on Thursday, where voters will decide whether newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will win  enough seats to push his anti-poverty and economic recovery policies. More than 17 million eligible voters will elect lawmakers to parliament for a five-year term. There are 8,821 candidates vying for the 196 seats. "All arrangements are in place, and we appeal to the public to work with us to ensure a free and fair election," Election Commission Chairman RML Rathnayake said on Tuesday. Election results are expected on Friday. Economy woes and change of government The leftist Dissanayake was elected in September after the island nation's economic woes caused a political crisis that forced then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign in 2022 and then drove the previous Ranil Wickremesinghe government out of power. Sri Lanka is currently in the middle of a bailout program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The president has announced his goals to reduce taxes and boost welfare. Dissanayake's National People's Power (NPP) coalition had only three of 225 seats in parliament, prompting Dissanayake to dissolve the legislature almost a year early, to seek a stronger mandate for his policies. He aims to advance anti-poverty initiatives, expand welfare programs, and tackle corruption. His main opponents are Sajith Premadasa's Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the New Democratic Front, backed by Wickremesinghe. "In past elections, people did not have confidence in us, but in September people gave us victory and proved that we are a winning party, and we can form a government," Dissanayake said on Sunday. "The next task is to unite people from the four corners of this country and build a powerful people's movement." 'Opposition appears dead' In 2022, an economic crisis forced Colombo to declare bankruptcy after defaulting on its external debt. This caused the economy to shrink by 7.3% in 2022 and 2.3% last year. The economy is tentatively recovering, fueled by a $2.9 billion (€2.75 billion) International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program. But many voters, especially the poor, are reeling under the high cost of living. Meanwhile, with over 60 senior politicians from the previous administration staying out of the polls, political analyst Kusal Perera told AFP news agency that the opposition appears "dead." "The result of the election is a foregone conclusion," he said.
Bali Volcanic Ash Disrupts International Flights
International airlines have had to cancel dozens of flights to and from Indonesia's island of Bali, after a nearby volcano sent a large ash column into the sky.  Bali is Indonesia's top tourist hotspot and is a popular destination for Australian visitors. Airlines say its not safe to fly Activity at the volcano has disrupted flights at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai international airport since eruptions began. "Due to volcanic ash caused by Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia, it is currently not safe to operate to and from Bali," Australian airline Jetstar said on Wednesday. "Volcanic ash poses a significant threat to safe operations of the aircraft in the vicinity of volcanic clouds," said AirAsia several cancellations were announced. On Tuesday, authorities expanded the danger zone to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) as volcanic material, including smoldering rocks, lava, and hot fragments of gravel and ash were thrown up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater on Friday. Lewotabi volcano active since late 2023 The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, situated on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province — just 500 kilometers (360 miles) from Bali — has been active since late 2023. Multiple eruptions from the 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) volcano in recent weeks have killed nine people and injured dozens more while forcing the evacuation of more than 11,000 people. Indonesia — which has close to 130 active volcanoes — is situated on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the most geologically active zone on Earth.
Japan's PM Ishiba Chosen for New Term, Despite Lost Majority
Japan's parliament on Monday narrowly voted for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to stay on as leader, after his coalition lost its parliamentary majority in a lower house election last month.  Ishiba had called the snap poll immediately after taking office on October 1, following the resignation of his predecessor Fumio Kishida in a party financing scandal.  Runoff vote decisive, putting Ishiba atop a minority government The ruling coalition led by Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) — the dominant force in Japanese politics for almost all of the last 70 years — lost its parliamentary majority in the vote, but the LDP and its Komeito ally combined still won the largest bloc of seats.  This was reflected in Monday's parliamentary vote requiring a second round runoff for the first time in 30 years, with no outright majority for any prime ministerial candidate in the first round of voting.  Ishiba ultimately claimed 221 votes second time around, in a 465-seat chamber, when merely winning more votes than his rival was sufficient to proceed. Former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who leads the largest opposition faction, the Constitutional Democratic Party, finished a fairly distant second with 160 votes.  Ishiba reappointed most of his core Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, but had to replace three who lost seats or were affected by the election results.  Seeking new allies, or opposition support for legislation Ishiba had refused to step down and said he would instead seek additional coalition partners to try to re-establish a majority government.  He had made overtures to a smaller, up-and-coming conservative opposition party, the Democratic Party for the People, which now holds 28 seats in the lower house. But so far, that party has indicated it is not willing to join a formal coalition, but intimated that it might be prepared to support some proposals from the minority government from opposition.  That party's leader, Yuichiro Tamaki, had been trying to build on the momentum already established, but he faced unrelated pressure on Monday as he admitted that a magazine article exposing an extramarital affair was accurate. Prime Minister Ishiba's immediate domestic challenge is compiling a supplementary budget for the fiscal year through March, and getting it through parliament. There are also elections to Japan's less influential upper house, the House of Councillors, scheduled next year. The prime minister has a busy schedule of foreign travel, with a trip to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru likely this week, and then the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18 and 19.  Ishiba has said he is also hoping to arrange a stopover in the US around the time of the G20 summit, for talks with returning US President-elect Donald Trump after his election win.
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