Torsten Müller – Has the EU Minimum Wage Directive had an Impact

Torsten Müller is Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute ‘Most Member State governments voted in support of this Directive, but now, when push comes to shove, we’re seeing a lack of ambition.’ ‘[The Directive’s reference values] have influenced statutory minimum wage-setting in various countries. […] Five years ago, nobody was even talking about these thresholds.’ ‘Only eight countries currently have this
| Economics, EU politics, EU-Institutions

Gaza Genocide: The Ultimate Zionist Weapon to Silence Journalists is Murder

“A cantankerous press, an obstinate press, a ubiquitous press must be suffered by those in authority in order to preserve the even greater values of freedom of expression and the right of the people to know.” — Judge Murray Gurfein, Pentagon Papers case, June 19, 1971 In an incredibly fast-paced news cycle, it is inevitable that today’s “breaking news” fades away into
| Articles, Commentary, gaza genocide

Hong Kong justice minister says he won’t ‘waver’ when asked about possible sanctions under second Trump term

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam meets the press at the Rule of Law for the Future, the finale of Hong Kong Legal Week 2023 on November 10, 2023. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Jimmy Lai. Photo: HKFP. US president-elect Donald Trump. File photo: GOP, via Facebook. Hong Kong protesters wave US flags during a demonstration in November 2019. Photo: Benjamin Yuen, Cezzna, Chau Ho
| Hong Kong, Law & Crime, Politics & Protest

8 arrested over attack on Hong Kong prison officer as corrections chief condemns ‘lawless acts’

Pik Uk Correctional Institution. File photo: Wikimedia Commons. Superintendent Lai Kai-chor meets the press on Nov 1, 2024. Photo: Hong Kong Police Facebook screenshot. A correctional services vehicle arrives at West Kowloon Magistrates Court in Hong Kong, on September 19, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. LATEST FROM HKFP Young Chinese are taking over their family’s factories, but not their traditional ways of
| Hong Kong, Law & Crime, Correctional Services Department

As the Soldiers Ran Away – Resistance Roundup – Day 392

Palestinian Resistance referred to it as a ‘complex operation’. For the Israeli military, however, it was another chaotic scene, which resulted in yet more dead and wounded among Israeli soldiers. This, however, was not the only operation reported by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza. Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas) Al-Quds Brigades (Islamic Jihad) Hezbollah
| News, Videos, gaza

China says ties between Moscow, Pyongyang ‘their own matter’ as North Korean troops prepare to fight in Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un witnesses a test-fire of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, on October 31, 2024. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP. LATEST FROM HKFP 4 Hong Kong men sentenced up to 3 years in jail over rioting in July 2019 6 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists fined for unauthorised fundraising, as
| China, Defence & Foreign Policy, Hong Kong

3 Chinese astronauts blast off for Tiangong space station as Beijing seeks to send crewed mission to moon by 2030

A long March-2F carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft and crew of three astronauts lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in the Gobi desert, northwest China, on October 30, 2024. Photo: Adek Berry/AFP. Wang Haoze at a press conference on October 29, 2024. Photo: China News Service/Wikicommons. ‘Honour of my mission’ ‘Space dream’ A mock-up of the Tiangong space station at
| China, Defence & Foreign Policy, Politics & Protest

China’s only female spaceflight engineer Wang Haoze to join crew to Tiangong space station

Astronaut Wang Haoze gestures during a press conference a day before the Shenzhou-19 mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi desert in northwest China on October 29, 2024. Photo: Adek Berry/AFP. A mock-up of the Tiangong space station at an exhibition hall in Hong Kong in December 2022. Photo: AKAMGO yalms/Wikicommosn. LATEST FROM HKFP Over HK$520 million given
| China, Science & Technology, AFP

Hong Kong 47: Sentencing for 45 democrats tentatively scheduled for November 19

Heavy police presence seen at West Kowloon Law Courts Building on July 5, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. The verdicts of 16 Hong Kong democrats who have pleaded not guilty in landmark national security case over unofficial primaries. Sentencing scheduled West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts in Hong Kong, on September 19, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
| Hong Kong, Law & Crime, Politics & Protest

What do South Korea expect from Japan’s new prime minister?

On October 1, former Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Shigeru Ishiba was appointed as the 102nd Prime Minister of Japan. In South Korea, this development has been followed with great interest, especially since 2025 will mark 60 years since the normalization of relations between the two countries. Who is Shigeru Ishiba? […]
| Asia, Columns, Eastern Asia

Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te says defence of island’s sovereignty ‘will not change’

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te speaks in the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 24, 2024. Photo: Wang Yu Ching/Taiwan’s Office of the President. Taiwan celebrated National Day — also known as “Double Ten Day” — on October 10, 2024 with an annual military flypast. Photo: I Chen Lin/Office of the President.
| Defence & Foreign Policy, Politics & Protest, Taiwan

Benefit of AU data policy relies on harmonised legal frameworks

Can the AU Data Policy Framework (DPF) support Digital Trade in SACU? Approach: The DPF’s overemphasis on legal frameworks such as FRAND, and regulatory sandboxes as only positive aspects needs to be recalibrated with a more balanced approach to better support digital trade in Africa. CBDF should be prioritized alongside data sovereignty and mutual recognition agreements – greater flexibility and policy space
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New BBC ‘fight for truth’ self-promotion video breaks irony meters

State broadcaster’s record on disinformation is a mockery covered for the Tory government’s failure to achieve its covid testing promises during the pandemic and kept repeating the Tories’ claims about covid deaths among NHS workers even after they were shown to be false replaced footage of a dishevelled Boris Johnson at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday with footage of an earlier
| Analysis, Breaking, abuse

Streeting advertises for £45kpa campaign manager 5 years before next GE – frit much?

Starmer mini-me held seat by only 528 votes in July against British Palestinian Leanne Mohamad To develop and be responsible for delivering a constituency campaign plan making sure we have the infrastructure to run successful election campaigns. To recruit, develop and train teams of volunteers to deliver effective year round campaigning and organising using all available campaign methods. To organise regular campaigning sessions
| Analysis, abuse, appalling

US ghostly hopes for the Middle East

Looking at current events, it is safe to say that the Biden administration is at a crossroads. On the one hand, there is massive military support for Israel; on the other, there are attempts to promote its own interests in the Middle East. Why do attempts by professional negotiators fail? We all know the famous […]
| Americas, Columns, Locations

The Graveyard Of Normalcy – New Report Uncovers Egregious Human Rights Violations In Indian-occupied Kashmir

A Facade of Peace Religious Suppression How can India claim normalcy when religious rights, a fundamental human freedom, are denied to millions? The people of Kashmir, who have long used their religious spaces for solace, protest, and spiritual renewal, now face barriers at every turn. The message from the Indian state is clear: your faith is a threat. Kashmir, which often
| #Current Affairs, Anti-Muslim Bigotry, Civil Rights

’Israel’ On Brink of Economic Crisis as Inflation Surges

Islam Times - "Israel" is approaching one year into its costly war with Gaza. With no end in sight, "Tel Aviv" is also concerned about a possible escalation in the northern region amid "Israeli" Prime Minister Benyajmin Netanyhu's constant threats against Lebanon. The economy has contracted, the fiscal deficit has expanded significantly, and Moody’s has downgraded the country's credit rating.
| Palestine

India’s milk industry struggles as the climate changes

Rajkumar Rajput, also a dairy farmer in Punawali Kalan, says his herd’s milk production plummets during heatwaves (Image: Sneha Richhariya) The direct and indirect threats of climate change Yunus is a dairy farmer in the Bulandshahar district of Uttar Pradesh, north India. Extreme rainfall and heat cause him to face both higher fodder prices and lower milk outputs (Image: Sneha Richhariya) This machine
| Climate, Food, Climate impacts

Hong Kong customs officer dies after car plunges off Shenzhen Bay Bridge while on way to work

The customs officer is being rescued after the traffic incident at the night of September 2, 2024. Photo: Screenshot of Cable TV. Bridge from Hong Kong to Shenzhen Bay control point. Photo: GovHK. Policemen investigates on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge at the night of September 2, 2024 after traffic incident takes place. Photo: Screenshot of CableTV.
| Community & Education, Hong Kong, Travel & Transport

Hong Kong seeks to recruit hospital nurses from Malaysia to ease ‘severe’ staffing shortage

A nurse walks through a ward of a Hong Kong hospital. Photo: Kyle Lam/ HKFP. Hospital Authority hosts recruitment briefing session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 19 and 20, 2024. Photo: GovHK. A Hong Kong public hospital. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Non-locally trained medics Doctors working at a Hong Kong public hospital. File photo: The Hospital Authority.
| Community & Education, Environment & Health, Hong Kong

Reconnecting in a digital world: How Chinese youth navigate the decline of local communities

Reconnecting in a digital world: How Chinese youth navigate the decline of local communities Linda_Heyer Wed, 08/21/2024 - 13:28 picture alliance / CFOTO Comment Aug 30, 2024 9 min read Reconnecting in a digital world: How Chinese youth navigate the decline of local communities The search of Chinese netizens for lively shared experiences and human interactions speaks to a growing trend: as
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Hong Kong logs hottest day of 2024 following ‘exceptionally hot’ July

Cleaners share handmade lemon tea while working in the New Territories. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. People carry umbrellas to protect against the rain in Hong Kong, on May 21, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. 2024 forecast to be among hottest years Meow, 49, has been working as a food delivery courier since the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Nine-day weather forecast for Hong Kong on
| Environment & Health, Hong Kong, CarbonCare InnoLab

Where Will Hamas Head Post-Haniyeh?

Islam Times - Though assassination of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh represented a big loss for this resistance movement, the fact is that he was not the first martyred leader of Hamas and since the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yassin in 2004, the movement lost a number of influential figures in Israeli terrorist assassinations. But these assassinations,
| Palestine

Hong Kong secondary students may soon be schooled in ‘Xi Jinping Thought’

A man reads a book compiling speeches and writings of Chinese president Xi Jinping on the first day of the annual book fair in Hong Kong on July 17, 2024. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Secondary school students in Hong Kong. File photo: Kyle Lam/ HKFP. Hong Kong Book Fair 2022. Photo: Peter Lee/HKFP. ‘Core values,’ including democracy, dropped A carnival featuring booths about
| Community & Education, Hong Kong, Politics & Protest

Israel prepares for possible Iranian and Iranian-proxy retaliation after killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders

The Israel Defense Forces targeted a building in Beirut and eliminated senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr on July 30. In the early hours of July 31, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Israel did not take credit for the latter killing, but Iran and its proxies have blamed Israel and vowed to respond, and Israel is preparing for
| Long War Journal, Hamas, hezbollah

Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong wins gold on first day of Paris 2024 Olympics

Hong Kong fencer Vivian Kong poses with her gold medal after triumphing in the women’s individual épée event at the Paris 2024 Olympics in France, on July 27, 2024. Photo” SF&OC. Hong Kong’s Vivian Kong (right) and Auriane Mallo-Breton of France in the Olympic final of the women’s individual épée at the Grand Palais, in Paris, France, on July 27,
| Hong Kong, Sport, Auriane Mallo-Breton

Chris Mokhiber – ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on the illegality of Israel’s occupation and its finding of racial segregation and apartheid

Listen HERE On July 19, the International Court of Justice, or ICJ, ruled that Israel’s occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is illegal and must end immediately. Palestinians, of course, have been saying this for years. The court stated that Israel must halt all new settlement construction, evacuate settlers, and pay reparations to Palestinians, calling some of Israel’s
| Geopolitics, Craig Mokhiber, Mondoweiss

Hong Kong Book Fair exhibitors told to remove certain titles after ‘complaints’

Bookworms in Hong Kong visit the annual book fair on July 17, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Hong Kong independent bookstore and publisher Boundary holds a booth in the annual book fair for the second consecutive year. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. A man reads a book compiling speeches and writings of Chinese president Xi Jinping on the first day of the annual book fair
| Hong Kong, Law & Crime, Politics & Protest

Trump accepts Republican nomination as Biden teeters

Donald Trump promised Thursday to bring an end to raging international crises and restore American prestige on the world stage and predicted an "incredible victory" in accepting the Republican presidential nomination from a party euphoric over his escape from assassination and buoyed by the apparent implosion of Joe Biden's reelection campaign.
| World

Alabama executes Keith Gavin despite serious constitutional questions in his case

Gavin had argued that his attorneys were ineffective during his trial and that the prosecution lacked forensic or DNA evidence against him. Defense counsel failed to present mitigating evidence that might have led jurors to vote for a life sentence without the possibility of parole instead of a death sentence.
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Keir Starmer, “Israel’s” Closest British PM

Islam Times - The British Labor Party scored over the past week a major victory over the Conservative Party. It gained two-thirds of the British House of Commons while the number of seats of the Conservative Party declined to less than 120, which is below a quarter of the House members. This victory was led by Keir Starmer, a British
| UK

GAZA LIVE BLOG: Resistance Recruits Thousands | Netanyahu’s New Conditions | Haaretz: Hannibal Directive – Day 275

A Likud official said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not proceed with ceasefire talks if they lead to early elections. This statement confirms the results of yesterday’s poll in Israel where the majority of Israelis believe that Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza are motivated by personal concerns. Meanwhile, Israel continued to bomb Palestinians throughout the Strip, including schools, refugee encampments
| Blog, News, Slider

Gov’t team behind new security law among 502 named in Hong Kong’s 2024 honours list

Hong Kong lawmakers gather for a group photo after the passing of Article 23, the city’s new security law, on March 19, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Government officials are in a break during meetings of the Bills Committee on Safeguarding National Security Bill at the LegCo on March 8, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Grand Bauhinia Medal Andy Lau. Photo: Wikimedia. Article 23
| Hong Kong, Politics & Protest, Andy Lau

Covid-19 left a deadly legacy, but poverty plays a prime role in growing disease burden – including in Hong Kong

People wearing face masks in Central. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Children at a Covid-19 vaccination centre. Photo: GovHK. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau receiving a winter flu vaccine on September 22, 2022, after getting a Covid-19 jab on his other arm. Photo: Almond Li/HKFP. A restaurant in Hong Kong under the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: GovHK. Children playing at a kindergarten. Photo: Kyle
| Environment & Health, Opinion, Covid-19

Guiltless Night – A Poem (Dedicated to Majed Abu Marahel)

Long-distance runner Majed Abu Marahel, the first Palestinian to compete at the Olympics in 1996, died in Gaza on Tuesday due to Israel’s inhumane blockade on medication and the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system. — The Palestine Chronicle, June 16, 2024 Bombs from the sky, one way to kill— a pilot and crew return knowing the slaughter. Bullets flock from an automatic weapon— a gunner
| Articles, Features, gaza

On this day: 28 years on, Hong Kong artists and researchers bring a moment in 1996 back to life

In the centre of Hong Kong’s Asia Art Archive, newspaper clippings from 1996, posters and leaflets are displayed on a wall, in June 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Newspaper clippings from 1996, with reports on with a mainland Chinese artist who covered a statue of Queen Victoria in red oil and Tung Chee-hwa confirming his bid to become Hong Kong’s first
| Arts, Lifestyle & Events, HKFP Features, HKFP Reports

European Commission urged to probe Greek Coastguard actions causing alleged migrant deaths

A group of 33 European lawmakers have urged the European Commission (EC) to investigate Greek Coastguard actions that led to alleged migrant deaths in the Aegean Sea, Anadolu Agency reports. A documentary aired on Monday by the British public broadcaster, BBC, brought to light that violations by the coastguard may have been responsible for at least 43 migrant deaths in
| EU, Europe & Russia, Greece

Libya postpones opening of Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia

Libya announced, Wednesday, that the re-opening of the Ras Ajdir border crossing with Tunisia, which has been closed for three months and was scheduled to open Thursday, has been postponed to 24 June, Anadolu Agency reports. The Interior Ministry made the announcement and said it has been delayed because necessary procedures have not yet been completed. The crossing remains open
| Africa, Libya, News

China’s intelligence agency says trial of Hong Kong 47 a ‘major test’ of national security, rule of law

A Correctional Services Department vehicle pulls into the West Kowloon Law Courts Building on May 30, 2024, where three judges will deliver their verdict to 16 defendants involved in the city’s largest national security case. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. The verdicts of 16 Hong Kong democrats who have pleaded not guilty in landmark national security case over unofficial primaries. Graphic: Shan
| Hong Kong, Law & Crime, Politics & Protest

Dengue fever: a future constant in South America?

Climate, dengue and health systems Recommended People sit in front of a cabin destroyed by floods in Estrela, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, in September 2023. Increased rainfall caused by El Niño may contribute to the survival of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the spread of dengue fever (Image: Alamy) Mixed responses A woman placing a mosquito net over a window in Girardot,
| Climate, Global heating, Health

Turkiye’s 1st indigenous communications satellite set to launch to space

Turkiye’s first indigenous communications satellite is set to launch into space in July, Anadolu Agency reports. Turksat 6A was delivered Wednesday to the Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida, following a more than 19-hour flight from Murted Airspace Command in Ankara. The satellite, which was then taken to the SpaceX hangar after four hours of preparations, is set to be
| Europe & Russia, News, Turkey

To stand up to US pressure, Europe needs better intelligence on China’s innovation system

To stand up to US pressure, Europe needs better intelligence on China’s innovation system  H.Seidl Wed, 06/05/2024 - 16:04 picture alliance / CFOTO Comment Jun 06, 2024 5 min read To stand up to US pressure, Europe needs better intelligence on China’s innovation system  EU export controls are narrower than those in the US Pooling resources and information will be essential  Author(s) Rebecca
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'Every reason' to think Netanyahu is extending Gaza war for self-preservation: Biden

US President, Joe Biden, has suggested that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, could be extending the war for self-preservation, according to an interview released on Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reports. During an interview with Time magazine, Biden was asked if he believes that some of Israel’s suggestions that Netanyahu is prolonging the war for his own political self-preservation are valid. “I’m
| Asia & Americas, Israel, Middle East

French People Urge Macron to Recognize A Palestinian State

Islam Times - The ongoing “Israeli” genocidal aggression in Gaza has prompted several hundred prominent figures in France, including politicians, trade unionists, athletes, artists, and researchers, to call for the official recognition of the State of Palestine. They argued that such a move would serve as a strong diplomatic symbol and honor the French Republic.
| France

UN Security Council extends mission in Iraq for last time

The UN Security Council (UNSC), on Friday, unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for the last time, Anadolu Agency reports. The resolution, penned by the US, called for renewing the mandate for a 19-month period until 31 December, 2025. It garnered overwhelming support in the Council, with all 15 member states
| International Organisations, Iraq, Middle East

After US, EU criticise first arrests under new security law and verdict in Hong Kong 47 trial, gov’t hits back

US’s CECC. Photo: CECC report. Diplomats in line outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building ahead of the verdict hearing of 16 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures involved in the city’s largest national security case, on May 30, 2024. Photo: Kelly Ho/HKFP. Lee Yue-shun, one of the defendants among 47, walks out the West Kowloon Law Courts Building after a panel
| Defence & Foreign Policy, Hong Kong, Law & Crime

Israel’s Covert War on the ICC

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz speak during a news conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, File) ‘The generals had a big personal interest in the operation’ ‘The army dealt with things that were completely non-military’ Official Opening of the Permanent
| Courts & Law, Middle East, Military

US boycotts UN tribute to late Iran President

The United States boycotted a United Nations tribute to Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, on Thursday because it said he was “involved in numerous, horrific human rights abuses” and that the world body should, instead, stand with the people of Iran, Reuters reports. Raisi, who had been seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed when his helicopter
| Asia & Americas, International Organisations, Iran