China’s ethnic unity law denounced as ‘forced assimilation’ by rights groups

Law comes into effect that critics fear will further erode rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans, as well as allow Beijing to pursue dissidents abroad

A new ethnic unity law has come into effect in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.

The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic groups, for example by strengthening the status of Mandarin as the official language. But overseas campaigners have argued it will further degrade the rights of ethnic minorities, such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, that Beijing is accused of persecuting.

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Melbourne stabbing: teenagers arrested after boy left outside Craigieburn hospital dies

Fifteen-year-old unable to be saved after being left outside Craigieburn Community hospital

Two teenagers have been arrested after a 15-year-old boy was left for dead with suspected stab wounds outside a hospital in Melbourne.

The boy was found critically injured outside Craigieburn Community hospital on Lygon Drive, in Melbourne’s north, about 7.50pm on Wednesday.

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Khamenei body in cold storage as feared Basij mobilizes ahead of historic Iran funeral – Fox News

  1. Khamenei body in cold storage as feared Basij mobilizes ahead of historic Iran funeral  Fox News
  2. Iran warns US, Israel against attacks ahead of funeral processions for Khamenei  Reuters
  3. China Sends First Senior Official to Iran Since War for Funeral  Bloomberg.com
  4. Senior Chinese Lawmaker to Attend Khamenei's Funeral  U.S. News & World Report
  5. Mass Mournings, 6 Days and 2 Countries: Iran Prepares to Bury Supreme Leader  The New York Times
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Two people arrested in apparent marriage proposal atop Empire State Building

Pair also unfurled a large black banner displaying a message of peace on top of New York City landmark

Two people were arrested following an apparent marriage proposal atop the Empire State Building’s spire on Wednesday, after they climbed to the very pinnacle of the New York City landmark – well above the level open to the public.

The two people were identified as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, two Russian “rooftoppers” who have conducted similar stunts in other cities including Tianjin, China, and Los Angeles. They were both wearing black clothing and appeared to be masked as they unfurled a large, black banner at the top of the skyscraper with the words: “When the power of love beats the love of power the ‌world knows peace.”

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Criminal Cases Review Commission told to urgently improve after Malkinson failings

Watchdog criticises ‘lack of proactive, effective casework quality assurance’ but says CCRC ultimately fit for purpose

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) must urgently improve its investigations to avoid a repeat of failings such as those in the Andrew Malkinson scandal, a watchdog has found.

Anthony Rogers, the chief inspector of the Crown Prosecution Service, delivered the warning after carrying out an independent inspection of casework by the body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice.

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