China: new Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai

Today's headlines: Thailand legalises cannabis; the Burmese military kills 11 civilians; India's government raises security levels due to risk of al-Qaeda attacks; Tensions between Atomic Energy Agency and Iran; Russia no longer recognises the European Court of Human Rights.

CHINA

Shanghai authorities impose new localised lockdowns to combat Covid-19. Two million inhabitants of the populous Minhang district will have to stay in their homes for two days; mass testing is also planned. The measure affects two other city districts. The populous city has experienced two months of harsh shutdown, with popular protests and damage to the economy.

THAILAND

Bangkok legalises the production and sale of cannabis: the first country in South East Asia - where strict anti-drugs rules apply - to make such a decision. However, recreational use of marijuana will not be allowed. 

MYANMAR

The military junta in government killed 11 civilians in the Sagaing region, one of the most affected by clashes between the army and opponents of the coup. Two of the victims had taken refuge in a Buddhist temple, later set on fire by soldiers.

INDIA

The Indian government yesterday raised the national security level after a letter circulated in which Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda threatened suicide attacks in the country. The missive comes after tension over offensive comments against the Prophet Mohammed by two members of the ruling BJP party.

IRAN

In a resolution passed with the votes of Western countries, and rejected by China and Russia, the International Atomic Energy Agency censured the Iranians for failing to respond to requests for clarification on the discovery of traces of uranium at three undeclared sites. The international community has long been negotiating with the Islamic Republic to reinstate the 2015 nuclear agreement.

RUSSIA

The State Duma approved bills authorising the country not to comply with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, as of 15 March last year, when Russia announced its decision to leave the European Council of Human Rights. Compensation due for decisions prior to that date will be paid in roubles.

GEORGIA

In Tbilisi there are protest actions against the entry into the European Union by representatives of the extreme right. About ten of them were arrested for attempting to burn an EU flag in the square and assaulting two representatives of the pro-Western opposition, the leaders of the Republican Party Khatuna Samnidze and David Berdzenišvili.

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