Israel intensifies strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen under Operation Black Flag
Israel’s Minister of Defense announced the launch of Operation Black Flag, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carrying out strikes on multiple mi...
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the arrest of American academic Paul Chambers in Thailand, where he faces charges of insulting the monarchy under the country’s strict lese-majeste law.
Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in northern Thailand, turned himself in after police issued an arrest warrant last week. He is accused of violating Section 112 of the Thai penal code, which criminalises defamation or insult against the king, queen, heir, or regent — carrying a penalty of three to 15 years in prison.
He was also charged under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act, though details were not immediately released.
“This case reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lese majeste laws in Thailand,” the U.S. State Department said, adding it would monitor the case closely and advocate for Chambers’ fair treatment. “We continue to urge Thai authorities to respect freedom of expression and ensure laws are not used to stifle permitted expression.”
A lawyer for Chambers denied all charges and said the case stemmed from promotional material for an academic seminar held last year, where Chambers was listed as a speaker. The blurb, published by an overseas research institute, allegedly triggered a complaint from the Thai army.
Prosecutions under the lese-majeste law have surged in recent years, with critics warning the statute is used to suppress dissent and academic freedom. Royalists defend it as vital to national unity.
Thailand, a U.S. treaty ally, has drawn international criticism for its application of the law, particularly in cases involving political expression or academic discourse.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
Italy plans to grant approximately 500,000 work visas to non-EU nationals between 2026 and 2028, as announced in a cabinet statement. The initiative aims to address labor shortages by expanding legal immigration pathways
Following a deadly glacier collapse in Blatten, near the Swiss Alpine village of Kandersteg, the town is on high alert as melting permafrost and shifting rock threaten another potential disaster after it was buried a month ago.
China’s northern and western provinces are on high alert for flash floods and landslides as intense monsoon rains continue to overwhelm defences, killing at least seven and displacing communities across the country.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged Elon Musk to steer clear of politics and prioritise his companies, after the Tesla CEO announced the formation of a new political party in defiance of President Donald Trump.
TikTok is building a new version of its app for U.S. users ahead of a planned sale to American investors, The Information reported, as President Donald Trump prepares fresh talks with China over the platform’s future.
BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro have condemned attacks on Iran, Gaza and Kashmir, while presenting the expanded bloc as a rising force for multilateralism in a world dominated by U.S.-led policies.
Israel’s Minister of Defense announced the launch of Operation Black Flag, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carrying out strikes on multiple military targets belonging to the Houthi movement in Yemen.
UN teams have deployed to Syria’s coastal Latakia province, where wildfires have been burning for four days, forcing hundreds of families to flee and destroying large areas of farmland and infrastructure.
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