conditional release for 1,584 detainees, including anti-government protesters

Today's news: Record gold seizure at Hong Kong customs worth more than $10 million. For the Thai prime minister, it is time to engage in talks with Myanmar's coup junta, which is beginning to “lose strength.” Beijing blocked a popular Tibetan language blog. Meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and China, Putin's visit to Xi Jinping on the agenda.

BARAIN

Bahrain yesterday granted the conditional freedom to 1,584 prisoners, including some serving life sentences and others convicted for participating in protests during the Arab Spring. The release occurred under a 2017 law that grants “alternative sentences” to those who have already served half of their sentences. About 65% of those affected by the measure were in prison for riots, many related to the 2011 Shiite demonstrations.

HONG KONG

The authorities of Hong Kong – one of the main gold centers in the world – announce a record seizure gold, the largest in history: airport customs intercepted more than 146 kg of smuggled precious metal, melted and molded into air compressor parts, including engine parts, screws and gears. The operation dates back to last month (but was made official yesterday), the merchandise was destined for Japan and had an estimated value of 10.7 million dollars.

THAILAND – MYANMAR

For Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, it is time to start conversations with the Myanmar junta that staged the 2021 military coup, because “it is beginning to lose strength.” In the former Burma, riots and insurgencies have broken out on several fronts, promoted by rebel groups or ethnic militias supported by the democratic government in exile. Perhaps,” said the prime minister, author of multiple initiatives aimed at Naypyidaw, “the time has come to reach out and reach an agreement.”

CHINA – TIBET

Beijing closed a popular blog in Tibetan, unleashing the anger of the local population and Tibetans in exile for whom it is an essential channel for disseminating news. The head of Luktsang Palyon (Sheep of Tibet in English) stated that the WeChat website and blog were blocked for alleged copyright infringement. A measure that is part of the campaign launched in recent years by China to restrict the use of the Tibetan language, also on the Internet.

PAKISTAN – SAUDI ARABIA

Islamabad and Riyadh intend to “accelerate” the start of the first phase of the investments Saudis in the country, worth 5 billion dollars. This was reiterated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a visit to the Saudi capital and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Among the objectives is the “strengthening” of relations and a solution to the issue of Cashmere with India.

RUSSIA – CHINA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Beijing to discuss with his counterpart Wang Yi the issues of the war in Ukraine, bilateral relations in relation to the UN and the G-20, and the situation in the Asian region. of the Pacific Ocean. Also on the agenda was the preparation of Vladimir Putin's visit to Xi Jinping, scheduled for next May.

Türkiye – TAJIKISTAN

After the Krokus attack in Moscow, Turkey reestablished the visa regime for citizens of Tajikistan, without clarifying whether it will be possible to obtain the document at the border or it will be necessary to request it at consular offices. Dushanbe's foreign ministry said it would take similar measures, recommending Tajiks avoid Türkiye.