Saudi sisters trapped in Hong Kong fear death penalty if deported

Pair say they have fled family abuse and will either be killed or made to marry if forcibly returned

Two Saudi sisters trapped in Hong Kong say chronic physical abuse by male family members prompted them to flee the kingdom, where they fear they will be forcibly returned.

The two are the latest example of Saudi women trying to escape from the ultra-conservative kingdom who find themselves dodging officials and angry family.

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City of stairs: the interconnecting walkways of Hong Kong

Hans Leo Maes captures the bridges and stairways that link up the hilly, population-dense city

Hong Kong is known for its flashing lights, neon signs and high-rise skylines. But the architect and photographer Hans Leo Maes documents an alternative side – the city’s interconnecting staircases and bridges.

“The extreme population density in Hong Kong means [structures] are stacked and linked by stairs, often external and very visible,” Maes says.

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Sweden investigates its Beijing ambassador over ‘strange’ meetings

Daughter of Swedish bookseller jailed in China says Anna Lindstedt set up meetings in Stockholm

Sweden is investigating its ambassador to China after she was accused of orchestrating a bizarre series of meetings between the daughter of a Swedish bookseller jailed in China and businessmen who said they could help secure his release.

The story is detailed in a blogpost by Angela Gui, the daughter of Gui Minhai, a Chinese-born Swedish bookseller who has disappeared twice and is currently held in Chinese custody.

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Record numbers from China and Hong Kong applying to study in UK

Chinese and Hongkonger university applicants now outnumber those from Wales

Record numbers of students from China and Hong Kong are applying for places at British universities, overtaking the number of applicants from Wales, according to official figures.

Data from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) shows a spike in demand for undergraduate places from mainland China and a small rise in applications from the EU, despite fears over Brexit.

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Hong Kong: bill seeks to make insulting Chinese anthem a crime

Those breaking the rule could be jailed for up to three years and fined under proposed legislation

Hong Kong is set to introduce a controversial bill on Wednesday that would make disrespecting the Chinese national anthem a crime punishable by up to three years in prison, raising fresh fears about freedom of expression in the city.

Chinese authorities have sought to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong advocating independence from China.

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Cathay Pacific sells $16,000 tickets at economy prices – again

Hong Kong-based carrier says it will honour tickets after second error in a fortnight

Cathay Pacific has accidentally given passengers first-class airline tickets at economy prices – for the second time in a fortnight.

The Hong Kong-based carrier sold first-class tickets from Portugal to Hong Kong, which normally cost about £12,500, for only £1,175 because of an error on its website.

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Hong Kong doll maker toys with Trump

In this photograph taken on February 3, 2017, a prototype figurine replica of US President Donald Trump, made by toymaker Dragon in Dream , is seen in Hong Kong toy shop Seven. AFP / Anthony WALLACE Hong Kong: A Hong Kong doll maker with a history of creating figurines of controversial world leaders has launched a replica of US President Donald Trump complete with replaceable heads and hands.

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Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a Nobel peace laureate known as the "saint of the gutters" during her lifetime, is proclaimed a saint of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis. , expect by 1030/6.30 A.M., by Isla Binnie, 600 words) HONG KONG - Hong Kong votes in its first major election since pro-democracy protests in 2014 and one of its most contentious ever, with a push for independence among disaffected youth emerging as a major theme stoking tension with China's government.

U.S. downgrades Myanmar, raises Thailand in human trafficking report

The United States has placed Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Sudan and Haiti on its list of worst human trafficking offenders, drawing guarded praise from some human rights groups following criticism that last year's State Department report was politicized. While more than two dozen countries were downgraded in the closely watched Trafficking in Persons report announced on Thursday, Thailand was removed from the bottom rung despite what the State Department described as "widespread forced labour" in the country's vital seafood industry.