A Christian entrepreneur was forced to close her online business due to threats and offensive comments. A story shared by many others in the country, it goes beyond verbal abuse. According to the CSWC, 76 per cent of victims of online violence are women. Among the most vulnerable groups are female students, with the spread of deepfake images aimed at humiliating them.
The Special Autonomous Region halted cultural initiatives following a diplomatic row between China and Japan. Chief Executive John Lee reiterated the need to support the central government's position. Although Hong Kongers have not scrapped trips to Japan, US President and Xi Jinping were caught up by the tensions today.
The youth unemployment rate is estimated to be around 30 per cent. Those left without assistance are excluded from a system that primarily rewards inheritance. Debt has become a "structural condition" for access to education, employment, and housing. When banks close their doors, many end up in the hands of loan sharks. The result is a growing human cost in terms of suicides and malaise.
Indian authorities have blocked the “Tales of Kamasutra & Christmas Celebration” event after a wave of criticism from the Catholic Church and women's rights groups. The initiative, accused of offending religious sentiments, was removed by order of the police, who have opened an investigation against the organisers. Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao condemned the incident, calling for the protection of interreligious respect and shared community values.
An Israeli air raid struck an apartment on the southern outskirts of Beirut. The target was Haytham Ali Tabataba'i, chief of staff of the pro-Iranian party. Washington and Tel Aviv are against the Lebanese leadership, which has not yet managed to disarm Hezbollah. The Pope's imminent visit rules out any immediate escalation, but fears for the future remain.
Today's headlines: India and France to collaborate on missile production; Trump called the Japanese Prime Minister and Chinese President Xi Jinping but made no reference to Taiwan on social media; The United States wants to remove temporary protection for Burmese nationals, arguing that the country is now safe again following the elections.
