India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling.

The country set a daily world record on new infections.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-did-the-pandemic-in-india-get-out-of-control-381790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India.

How did the pandemic in India get out of control?

We expected a second surge, but not of this magnitude.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-states-delay-vaccination-drive-due-to-vaccine-shortage-381774">Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage</a>

In February, India was reporting less than 10,000 cases in a day as new cases dropped to a nine-month low.

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "India is in the endgame of the pandemic".

Now, for nine days in a row, India has reported more than 300,000 daily new cases.

So did the government of India declare victory too soon? Did experts predict such a surge? No, they did not.

Did we make it worse with mass, super spreader events? Yes, we did.

Could we have been better prepared? Of course, we could and should have been.

Governments, both at the centre and the state level, missed some obvious red flags.

The first one came six months ago, which should have provided enough time to prepare.&nbsp;

<h2>Variant discovery</h2>

India first discovered the double mutant in October 2020, the variant that is said to be driving India's surge.

Earlier this month, the double mutant was found in 61 per cent of the samples in Maharashtra, the state that is the biggest hotspot in India right now.

The double mutant has become a variant of global concern.

It has spread to at least 17 countries with the latest case being witnessed in France.

When a new variant is found, it means the virus is changing shape in order to keep spreading among people.

When India found this new variant, it should've got its guard up.

But, the warnings were ignored.

<h2>Covid committee raised alarm</h2>

A government committee had raised an alarm last month.

The National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee predicts how the virus will behave in the future by extrapolating the available data.

The head of its panel spoke to an Indian newspaper in March, saying that by March 8 and 9, it was clear that India was witnessing a second wave, especially in states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh.

At this point, governments across the board should have acted with urgency.

They should have expanded their capacities, instead, they went in the opposite direction.

<h2>Coronavirus facilities reduced</h2>

Dedicated coronavirus facilities and oxygen supported beds were reduced.

An estimate suggests that these facilities fell by six per cent between December 2020 and April 2021.

Even the proposal to add more oxygen plants was caught in a bureaucratic tangle.

In October last year, the Indian government invited tenders to set up 162 new oxygen plants around the country.

They even sanctioned money for the project, but it moved slowly.

By April, only 33 of these plants had been installed.

The gap has resulted in a crisis with lives being lost due to oxygen shortage.

When the situation spiralled out of control, the system swung into action.

As many as 59 new plants were to be installed by the end of this month and as per the new target, 80 more oxygen plants will be added by May.&nbsp;

<h2>Vaccination drive</h2>

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>drive began in January this year.

It has been four months and the standalone numbers are good.

But if you look at the big picture, India hasn't been able to cover even 10 per cent of its population.

The population is huge and so India's vaccination drive should have been more aggressive.

So far, only two per cent of Indians have been fully vaccinated.

There is enough proof that vaccines bring down the caseload, reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death.

In the southern state of Karnataka, 30 per cent of the people who died due to the Wuhan virus had no co-morbidity.

They didn't suffer from any serious ailments and were healthy individuals.

To sum up, India is as much a victim of lapses as an unpredictable and deadly virus.

Unfortunately, hindsight can only give us lessons for the future: not undo the death and devastation of the past.

India's coronavirus situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling. The country set a daily world record on new infections. Watch One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India.

India's coronavirus situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling. The country set a daily world record on new infections. Watch One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India. How did the pandemic in India get out of control? We expected a second surge, but not of this magnitude. Also read | Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage In February, India was reporting less than 10,000 cases in a day as new cases dropped to a nine-month low. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "India is in the endgame of the pandemic". Now, for nine days in a row, India has reported more than 300,000 daily new cases. So did the government of India declare victory too soon? Did experts predict such a surge? No, they did not. Did we make it worse with mass, super spreader events? Yes, we did. Could we have been better prepared? Of course, we could and should have been. Governments, both at the centre and the state level, missed some obvious red flags. The first one came six months ago, which should have provided enough time to prepare. Variant discovery India first discovered the double mutant in October 2020, the variant that is said to be driving India's surge. Earlier this month, the double mutant was found in 61 per cent of the samples in Maharashtra, the state that is the biggest hotspot in India right now. The double mutant has become a variant of global concern. It has spread to at least 17 countries with the latest case being witnessed in France. When a new variant is found, it means the virus is changing shape in order to keep spreading among people. When India found this new variant, it should've got its guard up. But, the warnings were ignored. Covid committee raised alarm A government committee had raised an alarm last month. The National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee predicts how the virus will behave in the future by extrapolating the available data. The head of its panel spoke to an Indian newspaper in March, saying that by March 8 and 9, it was clear that India was witnessing a second wave, especially in states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh. At this point, governments across the board should have acted with urgency. They should have expanded their capacities, instead, they went in the opposite direction. Coronavirus facilities reduced Dedicated coronavirus facilities and oxygen supported beds were reduced. An estimate suggests that these facilities fell by six per cent between December 2020 and April 2021. Even the proposal to add more oxygen plants was caught in a bureaucratic tangle. In October last year, the Indian government invited tenders to set up 162 new oxygen plants around the country. They even sanctioned money for the project, but it moved slowly. By April, only 33 of these plants had been installed. The gap has resulted in a crisis with lives being lost due to oxygen shortage. When the situation spiralled out of control, the system swung into action. As many as 59 new plants were to be installed by the end of this month and as per the new target, 80 more oxygen plants will be added by May. Vaccination drive India's vaccination drive began in January this year. It has been four months and the standalone numbers are good. But if you look at the big picture, India hasn't been able to cover even 10 per cent of its population. The population is huge and so India's vaccination drive should have been more aggressive. So far, only two per cent of Indians have been fully vaccinated. There is enough proof that vaccines bring down the caseload, reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death. In the southern state of Karnataka, 30 per cent of the people who died due to the Wuhan virus had no co-morbidity. They didn't suffer from any serious ailments and were healthy individuals. To sum up, India is as much a victim of lapses as an unpredictable and deadly virus. Unfortunately, hindsight can only give us lessons for the future: not undo the death and devastation of the past.

Several signs were ignored as India battered by fresh wave of coronavirus

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said.

Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah's lawyer Helen Duffy said the complaint will be filed with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention against the United States and six other countries, asking for intervention in his case.

The 50-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian, whose real name is Zayn&nbsp;al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, was detained in Pakistan in March 2002 on suspicions he was a senior member of Al-Qaeda who helped plan the 9/11 attacks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/10-years-after-death-al-qaeda-chief-osama-bin-laden-still-mobilises-jihadists-380730">10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists</a>

According to his lawyer, he was handed over to the CIA, which moved him through a series of secret&nbsp;units in several countries where he was brutally interrogated.

He was the first of a series of detainees to go through waterboarding and other now-banned techniques as US intelligence sought to force information from him about others in the jihadist group.

In 2003 he was transferred to Guantanamo, where he has stayed ever since. US officials have since admitted he was never a member of Al-Qaeda or an important figure among Islamic extremists.

Moreover, one of his interrogators, an FBI agent, has said that he cooperated easily before he was tortured so that he had nothing to add once he was subjected to the CIA's extreme interrogation methods, which included 83 instances of waterboarding.

Like most others among the last 40 detainees in Guantanamo,&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah&nbsp;has never been charged and faces indefinite imprisonment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shuts-secret-guantanamo-prison-unit-moves-prisoners-to-another-nearby-camp-375521">US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp</a>

"His detention has no lawful basis in international law (and) offends all principles of due process," Duffy said in a statement.

The petition will ask the UN agency to find that the United States is obliged to release him.&nbsp;

It also demands that six other countries involved in his disappearance and rendition;&nbsp;Britain, Thailand, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland and Morocco, use their powers to secure his release and relocation.&nbsp;

"After 19 years of arbitrary detention, the only appropriate legal remedy for&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah&nbsp;is release and rehabilitation," Duffy said.

She added that how the administration of US President Joe Biden responds to the complaint "will be a test of its newly stated commitment to international rule of law&nbsp;and human rights."

In a separate legal case, the US Supreme Court on Monday said it would review&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah's petition to subpoena two CIA consultants who oversaw post-9/11 torture operations.

That petition is related to an investigation in Poland into torture conducted by the CIA at a black site in that country, including on&nbsp;Abu&nbsp;Zubaydah.

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said.

A Guantanamo Bay inmate alleges he was tortured by his American captors after the September 11 attacks and will file a complaint with the UN Friday over his unending 19-year detention, his lawyer said. Abu Zubaydah's lawyer Helen Duffy said the complaint will be filed with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention against the United States and six other countries, asking for intervention in his case. The 50-year-old Saudi-born Palestinian, whose real name is Zayn al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, was detained in Pakistan in March 2002 on suspicions he was a senior member of Al-Qaeda who helped plan the 9/11 attacks. Also read | 10 years after death, al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden still mobilises jihadists According to his lawyer, he was handed over to the CIA, which moved him through a series of secret units in several countries where he was brutally interrogated. He was the first of a series of detainees to go through waterboarding and other now-banned techniques as US intelligence sought to force information from him about others in the jihadist group. In 2003 he was transferred to Guantanamo, where he has stayed ever since. US officials have since admitted he was never a member of Al-Qaeda or an important figure among Islamic extremists. Moreover, one of his interrogators, an FBI agent, has said that he cooperated easily before he was tortured so that he had nothing to add once he was subjected to the CIA's extreme interrogation methods, which included 83 instances of waterboarding. Like most others among the last 40 detainees in Guantanamo, Abu Zubaydah has never been charged and faces indefinite imprisonment. Also read | US shuts secret Guantanamo prison unit, moves prisoners to another nearby camp "His detention has no lawful basis in international law (and) offends all principles of due process," Duffy said in a statement. The petition will ask the UN agency to find that the United States is obliged to release him. It also demands that six other countries involved in his disappearance and rendition; Britain, Thailand, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland and Morocco, use their powers to secure his release and relocation. "After 19 years of arbitrary detention, the only appropriate legal remedy for Abu Zubaydah is release and rehabilitation," Duffy said. She added that how the administration of US President Joe Biden responds to the complaint "will be a test of its newly stated commitment to international rule of law and human rights." In a separate legal case, the US Supreme Court on Monday said it would review Abu Zubaydah's petition to subpoena two CIA consultants who oversaw post-9/11 torture operations. That petition is related to an investigation in Poland into torture conducted by the CIA at a black site in that country, including on Abu Zubaydah.

Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah to file complaint with UN agency

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Bide</a>n is set to mark 100 days in office and it is a big deal in American politics.

This is because the first 100 days are the honeymoon period and you are still carrying the momentum from the campaign trail.

It is the best time to get things done.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-biden-addresses-congress-ahead-of-100-days-in-office-381520/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden marked the day with an address to Congress.

The usual pomp and theatre were missing, as normally around 1,600 people would have packed into the hall, but this time there were only 200 people.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-bidens-speech-china-warns-us-against-imposing-democratic-ideals-381376">After Biden's speech, China warns US against imposing 'democratic ideals'</a>

Biden's address shattered a centuries-old glass ceiling in the US, as flanking the president&nbsp;were Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, two of the most powerful women in America and second and third in the line of succession.

It was a first in the US Congress and Biden noted it right at the start.

"Thank you all. Madam speaker, madam vice president. No president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words, and it's about time," Biden said.&nbsp;

But, beyond the symbolism, what was the substance of Biden's speech?

It can be best described as ambitious.

He said America was on the move again, ready for take off.

But most of Biden's proposals lack Republican support, including a new one he unveiled during the speech which is called the American Families Plan.

It is a two trillion dollar project to expand America's social safety nets.

He spent most of this speech talking about it.

But Republicans are not game, in fact, a few of them didn't even try to hide their lack of interest.

Senator Ted Cruz dozed off right in the middle of Biden's speech.

Couple of hours later he wrote social media: "Boring, but radical".

Biden's speech was mostly along expected lines.

He talked up his vaccination drive, pitched higher taxes for the rich and also sent a message to America's rivals: China and Russia.

"In my discussions with President Xi [Jinping], I told him, we welcome the competition. We're not looking for conflict. But I made absolutely clear that we will defend America's interests across the board," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"I also told president Xi that we'll maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific just as we do for NATO in Rurope. Not to start a conflict, but to prevent one."

On Russia, he said: "I know it concerned, some of you, but I made very clear to [Vladimir] Putin that we're not going to seek....Excuse me, escalation. But their actions will have consequences if they turn out to be true and they turned out to be true."

<h2>Biggest challenge</h2>

But Biden's biggest challenge is at home: systemic racism and gun violence.

The latest case is from California where 26-year-old Mario Gonzales was pinned to the ground by cops for 5 minutes.

He eventually became unresponsive and died in a hospital later that day.

His crime was that he appeared to be disoriented or drunk.

White supremacy continues to dominate American thinking and we see it when cops shoot black Americans, or when Asian-Americans are targeted.

Some prosecutors want the International Criminal Court to step in, saying the police killings are crimes against humanity.

The US president is backing a police reform bill named after George Floyd to address the issue.&nbsp;

It has already cleared the House, but the Senate battle promises to be tough.

So, Biden used his address to pitch bipartisanship and unity.

"My fellow Americans, we have to come together to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. To root out systemic racism in our criminal justice system and to enact police reform in George Gloyd's name that passed the House already. I know the Republicans have their own ideas and are engaged in productive discussions with Democrats in Senate. We need to work together to find a consensus but let's get it done next month, by the first anniversary of George Floyd's death," Biden said.&nbsp;

The other issue is guns, and Biden has called America's record on gun violence an "embarrassment".&nbsp;

But is he willing to stake his political capital to implement reforms?

Gun sales are soaring in America and in March alone, 4.7 million Americans initiated background checks to buy guns.

While campaigning, Biden made three promises on gun control, background checks, ban on assault weapons and ending online sale of guns.

None of these have been achieved and it's time for the US president to look inward.

The pandemic is under control in the US, but the epidemic of racism and gun violence is festering.

Unfortunately, there are no vaccine targets to meet here.

Biden will need all his political experience to navigate this crisis.

It's not something that can be done in a presidential term or even two.

Beating racism in America will be a generational battle and the way things are going, there is no guarantee of success.

US President Joe Biden is set to mark 100 days in office and it is a big deal in American politics. This is because the first 100 days are the honeymoon period and you are still carrying the momentum from the campaign trail.

US President Joe Biden is set to mark 100 days in office and it is a big deal in American politics. This is because the first 100 days are the honeymoon period and you are still carrying the momentum from the campaign trail. It is the best time to get things done. Watch | Biden marked the day with an address to Congress. The usual pomp and theatre were missing, as normally around 1,600 people would have packed into the hall, but this time there were only 200 people. Also read | After Biden's speech, China warns US against imposing 'democratic ideals' Biden's address shattered a centuries-old glass ceiling in the US, as flanking the president were Kamala Harris and Nancy Pelosi, two of the most powerful women in America and second and third in the line of succession. It was a first in the US Congress and Biden noted it right at the start. "Thank you all. Madam speaker, madam vice president. No president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words, and it's about time," Biden said. But, beyond the symbolism, what was the substance of Biden's speech? It can be best described as ambitious. He said America was on the move again, ready for take off. But most of Biden's proposals lack Republican support, including a new one he unveiled during the speech which is called the American Families Plan. It is a two trillion dollar project to expand America's social safety nets. He spent most of this speech talking about it. But Republicans are not game, in fact, a few of them didn't even try to hide their lack of interest. Senator Ted Cruz dozed off right in the middle of Biden's speech. Couple of hours later he wrote social media: "Boring, but radical". Biden's speech was mostly along expected lines. He talked up his vaccination drive, pitched higher taxes for the rich and also sent a message to America's rivals: China and Russia. "In my discussions with President Xi [Jinping], I told him, we welcome the competition. We're not looking for conflict. But I made absolutely clear that we will defend America's interests across the board," he said. "I also told president Xi that we'll maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific just as we do for NATO in Rurope. Not to start a conflict, but to prevent one." On Russia, he said: "I know it concerned, some of you, but I made very clear to [Vladimir] Putin that we're not going to seek....Excuse me, escalation. But their actions will have consequences if they turn out to be true and they turned out to be true." Biggest challenge But Biden's biggest challenge is at home: systemic racism and gun violence. The latest case is from California where 26-year-old Mario Gonzales was pinned to the ground by cops for 5 minutes. He eventually became unresponsive and died in a hospital later that day. His crime was that he appeared to be disoriented or drunk. White supremacy continues to dominate American thinking and we see it when cops shoot black Americans, or when Asian-Americans are targeted. Some prosecutors want the International Criminal Court to step in, saying the police killings are crimes against humanity. The US president is backing a police reform bill named after George Floyd to address the issue. It has already cleared the House, but the Senate battle promises to be tough. So, Biden used his address to pitch bipartisanship and unity. "My fellow Americans, we have to come together to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. To root out systemic racism in our criminal justice system and to enact police reform in George Gloyd's name that passed the House already. I know the Republicans have their own ideas and are engaged in productive discussions with Democrats in Senate. We need to work together to find a consensus but let's get it done next month, by the first anniversary of George Floyd's death," Biden said. The other issue is guns, and Biden has called America's record on gun violence an "embarrassment". But is he willing to stake his political capital to implement reforms? Gun sales are soaring in America and in March alone, 4.7 million Americans initiated background checks to buy guns. While campaigning, Biden made three promises on gun control, background checks, ban on assault weapons and ending online sale of guns. None of these have been achieved and it's time for the US president to look inward. The pandemic is under control in the US, but the epidemic of racism and gun violence is festering. Unfortunately, there are no vaccine targets to meet here. Biden will need all his political experience to navigate this crisis. It's not something that can be done in a presidential term or even two. Beating racism in America will be a generational battle and the way things are going, there is no guarantee of success.

As Biden administration set to complete 100 days, a look at key challenges

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations.&nbsp;

"As deputy president, you really work under the leadership of the president who leads the executive. Your role, as much as it would appear like it is expansive, it is a role that is constricted," Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by EWN during the hearing at the state capture commission.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa also said that the African National Congress did not probe corruption accusations against the brothers as the party did not hold the capacity to do the same.&nbsp;

However, he agreed with the commission that Parliament had the powers to investigate the allegations and the party should have agreed to it.&nbsp;

To the unversed, Rajesh Gupta (also known as Tony), and his brothers Ajay and Atul have been accused of looting state organisations of billions of rands because of their proximity to former president Zuma.&nbsp;

Former South African mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane is accused of helping the brothers acquire mines in South Africa.&nbsp;

Reports at the time suggested that the Guptas then used the mine to bid for contracts at an exaggerated cost.

 
&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations. "As deputy president, you really work under the leadership of the president who leads the executive. Your role, as much as it would appear like it is expansive, it is a role that is constricted," Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by EWN during the hearing at the state capture commission. Ramaphosa also said that the African National Congress did not probe corruption accusations against the brothers as the party did not hold the capacity to do the same. However, he agreed with the commission that Parliament had the powers to investigate the allegations and the party should have agreed to it. To the unversed, Rajesh Gupta (also known as Tony), and his brothers Ajay and Atul have been accused of looting state organisations of billions of rands because of their proximity to former president Zuma. Former South African mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane is accused of helping the brothers acquire mines in South Africa. Reports at the time suggested that the Guptas then used the mine to bid for contracts at an exaggerated cost.

South Africa president testifies on corruption accusations involving Gupta brothers

A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup.

Clips of the video created by Josh Paler Lin and Leia Se and posted two weeks ago show the two duping supermarket guards with a painted surgical mask after they were refused entry because Se was unmasked.

"Did you notice like no one's actually looking at you" Lin exclaimed. "I can't believe it worked,"&nbsp;he said in the video that appears to have been taken down from his social media accounts but has since been reposted elsewhere.

Lin is a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specializes in prank videos and is followed by 3.4 million fans. Se has over 25,000 Instagram followers.

Although first-time violators of Bali's mask-wearing rule face fines of 1 million rupiahs (USD 70) for foreigners and deportation after a second offence, the police wanted them removed from the island immediately.

"It's only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation,"&nbsp;said Bali's civil service police unit head Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi. "They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines."

The pair had shown remorse and apologised through Lin's Instagram video.

"I made this video to entertain people because I'm a content creator and it's my job to entertain people,"&nbsp;Lin said, "However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comments,"&nbsp;he said, advising people to always wear masks and invite everyone to help Bali regain its tourism.

Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said that Lin and Se to be deported as soon as possible after they are tested for COVID-19.

"Foreigners who don't respect the laws and regulations in Indonesia are facing deportation sanctions,"&nbsp;Manihuruk said. He said Lin and Se will be placed in a detention cell at the immigration office while waiting for their flight.

In January, authorities in Bali deported Sergei Kosenko, a Russian social media celebrity, after he posted a video of himself driving a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back off a pier and into the sea. The stunt was condemned by many Indonesians as reckless and potentially hazardous to the environment.

A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup.

A US-based YouTuber and a Russian influencer were ordered off Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Friday after recording themselves defying mandatory mask-wearing with some imaginative makeup. Clips of the video created by Josh Paler Lin and Leia Se and posted two weeks ago show the two duping supermarket guards with a painted surgical mask after they were refused entry because Se was unmasked. "Did you notice like no one's actually looking at you" Lin exclaimed. "I can't believe it worked," he said in the video that appears to have been taken down from his social media accounts but has since been reposted elsewhere. Lin is a Taiwanese passport holder whose YouTube channel specializes in prank videos and is followed by 3.4 million fans. Se has over 25,000 Instagram followers. Although first-time violators of Bali's mask-wearing rule face fines of 1 million rupiahs (USD 70) for foreigners and deportation after a second offence, the police wanted them removed from the island immediately. "It's only proper to sanction them more severely, not just with a fine but also deportation," said Bali's civil service police unit head Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi. "They are not only violating, but deliberately provoking in public to defy health guidelines." The pair had shown remorse and apologised through Lin's Instagram video. "I made this video to entertain people because I'm a content creator and it's my job to entertain people," Lin said, "However, I did not realise that what I did could actually bring a lot of negative comments," he said, advising people to always wear masks and invite everyone to help Bali regain its tourism. Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry, said that Lin and Se to be deported as soon as possible after they are tested for COVID-19. "Foreigners who don't respect the laws and regulations in Indonesia are facing deportation sanctions," Manihuruk said. He said Lin and Se will be placed in a detention cell at the immigration office while waiting for their flight. In January, authorities in Bali deported Sergei Kosenko, a Russian social media celebrity, after he posted a video of himself driving a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back off a pier and into the sea. The stunt was condemned by many Indonesians as reckless and potentially hazardous to the environment.

Two influencers ordered off Bali after fake mask video prank

A group of scientists, in an open letter, have asked The World Health Organization to order another investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 or c<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">oronavirus</a>. According to them, a new investigation should look for the origins in sources other than those of the animal origin.

It was the third open letter from this group of more than 20 signatories. They propose specific steps on what a new probe should take into account. Ensuring that a team is free of “unnecessary presence” of government officials while undertaking the study, A mandate for broad access to records, samples and data, and removing veto powers from the member selection process are among the suggestions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/unless-true-origin-of-coronavirus-is-identified-another-chinese-pandemic-is-in-the-offing-320236">Unless true origin of coronavirus is identified, another Chinese pandemic is in the offing</a>

Previously a joint mission that included Chinese scientists and WHO had conducted a study whose aim was defined as probing the zoonotic source of the virus. According to them, a laboratory incident was the least likely hypothesis. They conjectured that the coronavirus had probably spread from bats to humans via other animals. Because the aim was limited, “other theories didn’t receive the same attention and the team didn’t fully investigate labs”, Peter Ben Embarek, co-leader of the trip, said after a report was published in March.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-us-now-australia-to-investigate-coronavirus-origin-298717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Afterwards, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said that the probe failed to adequately analyse the possibility of a lab accident before reaching the conclusion that most likely, the spread of the pathogen was from bats to humans via another animal. He also said that he is ready to deploy additional missions that involve experts. But, that this will require China’s cooperation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-postpones-coronavirus-origin-report-likely-to-be-out-next-week-370924">WHO postpones coronavirus origin report, likely to be out next week</a>

&nbsp;

The first Covid-19 outbreak site was identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which, is home to a high-security virus lab, and this proximity had triggered former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and others speculation on the possibility of a leak from the said lab. Denying connection, China floated an alternative theory that the virus may have gained entry into the country via frozen-food imports.

A group of scientists, in an open letter, have asked The World Health Organization to order another investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 or coronavirus.

A group of scientists, in an open letter, have asked The World Health Organization to order another investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 or coronavirus. According to them, a new investigation should look for the origins in sources other than those of the animal origin. It was the third open letter from this group of more than 20 signatories. They propose specific steps on what a new probe should take into account. Ensuring that a team is free of “unnecessary presence” of government officials while undertaking the study, A mandate for broad access to records, samples and data, and removing veto powers from the member selection process are among the suggestions. Also read | Unless true origin of coronavirus is identified, another Chinese pandemic is in the offing Previously a joint mission that included Chinese scientists and WHO had conducted a study whose aim was defined as probing the zoonotic source of the virus. According to them, a laboratory incident was the least likely hypothesis. They conjectured that the coronavirus had probably spread from bats to humans via other animals. Because the aim was limited, “other theories didn’t receive the same attention and the team didn’t fully investigate labs”, Peter Ben Embarek, co-leader of the trip, said after a report was published in March. Afterwards, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said that the probe failed to adequately analyse the possibility of a lab accident before reaching the conclusion that most likely, the spread of the pathogen was from bats to humans via another animal. He also said that he is ready to deploy additional missions that involve experts. But, that this will require China’s cooperation. Also read | WHO postpones coronavirus origin report, likely to be out next week The first Covid-19 outbreak site was identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which, is home to a high-security virus lab, and this proximity had triggered former US President Donald Trump and others speculation on the possibility of a leak from the said lab. Denying connection, China floated an alternative theory that the virus may have gained entry into the country via frozen-food imports.

Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes.&nbsp;

Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/technology/britains-secret-intelligence-service-mi6-looking-for-new-q-spy-tech-master-381555">Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master</a>

"We're looking for people who can see something that's out of place in a bigger picture, who have good visual awareness and can spot anomalies," Jo Cavan, the director of strategy, policy and engagement at GCHQ, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"If they're sifting through large amounts of data from a large number of sources to prevent a terrorist attack or a serious organised criminal, skills such as pattern recognition are key. A lot of dyslexic colleagues have those strengths."

In its existence of 100 years, the agency has given importance to neurodiversity and the best-known example is codebreaker Alan Turing, Cavan said.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/turing-challenge-do-you-want-to-solve-most-difficult-puzzle-373121">'Turing challenge': Do you want to solve 'most difficult' puzzle?</a>

Turing was a famous codebreaker who is known for his works in the Second World War.

Charlotte, a data analyst at GCHQ, said her dyslexic thinking had assisted her professionally, though she had also been benefited by working in a supportive environment that recognises her challenges.&nbsp;

"I'm often looking through a lot of data and I find that my dyslexia helps me to see the bigger picture and spot patterns that aren't always obvious to everyone else around me. I also find that my approach to finding solutions is very different. I often think quite fast and outside of the box," Charlotte said. 
&nbsp;

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes. Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency.

A British intelligence agency has said that its apprentices are four times more likely to have dyslexia as compared to other organisations' programmes. Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) said dyslexics possess important skills like spotting patterns, which is very important for a spy agency. Also read | Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master "We're looking for people who can see something that's out of place in a bigger picture, who have good visual awareness and can spot anomalies," Jo Cavan, the director of strategy, policy and engagement at GCHQ, was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "If they're sifting through large amounts of data from a large number of sources to prevent a terrorist attack or a serious organised criminal, skills such as pattern recognition are key. A lot of dyslexic colleagues have those strengths." In its existence of 100 years, the agency has given importance to neurodiversity and the best-known example is codebreaker Alan Turing, Cavan said. Also read | 'Turing challenge': Do you want to solve 'most difficult' puzzle? Turing was a famous codebreaker who is known for his works in the Second World War. Charlotte, a data analyst at GCHQ, said her dyslexic thinking had assisted her professionally, though she had also been benefited by working in a supportive environment that recognises her challenges. "I'm often looking through a lot of data and I find that my dyslexia helps me to see the bigger picture and spot patterns that aren't always obvious to everyone else around me. I also find that my approach to finding solutions is very different. I often think quite fast and outside of the box," Charlotte said.

British intelligence agency says dyslexics possess skills that it requires

Amid growing pressure by the US administration on reclassifying ride-hail and food delivery workers as employees, gig economy companies are pushing to keep their drivers' independent contractor status.&nbsp;

These companies that include Uber, Instacart argue that surveys suggest that most of their workers do not want to be employees.

They also said that these workers want to remain flexible with the amount and type of work.&nbsp;

Gig companies also hope that US President Joe Biden will able to understand their point and drop the idea of reclassification, reports Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

However, US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh on Thursday in an interview said that "a lot of gig workers should be classified as employees", reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

There was a fall of as much as 12 per cent on shares of Uber Technologies Inc, Lyft Inc and DoorDash after Walsh's remarks.&nbsp;

Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates came together to form the App-Based Work Alliance less than two weeks after Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election 2020.&nbsp;

After Walsh's comments, the group on Thursday said it looked forward to working with the secretary to have "much-needed discussions about advancing modern policies that protect worker independence and flexibility while strengthening benefits and protections."

 
&nbsp;

Amid growing pressure by the US administration on reclassifying ride-hail and food delivery workers as employees, gig economy companies are pushing to keep their drivers' independent contractor status.

Amid growing pressure by the US administration on reclassifying ride-hail and food delivery workers as employees, gig economy companies are pushing to keep their drivers' independent contractor status. These companies that include Uber, Instacart argue that surveys suggest that most of their workers do not want to be employees. They also said that these workers want to remain flexible with the amount and type of work. Gig companies also hope that US President Joe Biden will able to understand their point and drop the idea of reclassification, reports Al Jazeera. However, US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh on Thursday in an interview said that "a lot of gig workers should be classified as employees", reports news agency Reuters. There was a fall of as much as 12 per cent on shares of Uber Technologies Inc, Lyft Inc and DoorDash after Walsh's remarks. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates came together to form the App-Based Work Alliance less than two weeks after Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election 2020. After Walsh's comments, the group on Thursday said it looked forward to working with the secretary to have "much-needed discussions about advancing modern policies that protect worker independence and flexibility while strengthening benefits and protections."

Gig companies seek to convince US govt over worker status reclassification

Kenya&nbsp;said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will&nbsp;shut&nbsp;by&nbsp;June&nbsp;2022&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps&nbsp;holding over 430,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency.

The interior ministry made the announcement on Twitter about five weeks after ordering the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;and giving the United Nations&nbsp;two&nbsp;weeks to present a plan to carry this out.

Kenya's President Uhuru&nbsp;Kenyatta and&nbsp;U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi met on Thursday in Nairobi and a joint team will be formed to finalize and implement a road map toward the closure of the&nbsp;camps, the&nbsp;UN and&nbsp;Kenyan government said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Kenya&nbsp;and the UNHCR "agree that refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;are not a long-term solution to forced displacement" and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions in line with the Global Compact on&nbsp;Refugees, the statement read.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-high-court-blocks-closure-of-refugee-camps-housing-400000-people-376248">Kenya high court blocks closure of refugee camps housing 400,000 people</a>

One of the&nbsp;two&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;in northern&nbsp;Kenya, Dadaab, close to the sensitive border with war-wracked Somalia, was set up in 1991. In 2011, amid famine and chaos in Somalia, it was the world's largest camp.

Thursday's announcement appeared to be the decisive step by&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;after years of discussion about closing Dadaab.

"Among the precursory activities in (the government's) roadmap is repatriation of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;to countries of origin and socio-economic integration of some of them through Work/Residence Permits (in&nbsp;Kenya)," the tweet read.

Legal challenges could follow. Earlier this month, a&nbsp;Kenyan court ruled against the closure of the&nbsp;camps.

Authorities in Nairobi first announced their intention to&nbsp;shut&nbsp;the Dadaab camp back in 2016, citing national security concerns over infiltration by militants from the Somalia-based Islamist group al Shabaab.

Relations between&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;and Somalia have deteriorated badly in the past year since Mogadishu cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs.

Kenya&nbsp;contributes troops to the African Union peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia to curb the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab that seeks to topple the government. In a sign of the tense relationship, Somalia said in January it had lost confidence in&nbsp;Kenyan troops serving in the peacekeeping mission.

Kenya said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will shut by June 2022 two camps holding over 430,000 refugees who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency.

Kenya said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will shut by June 2022 two camps holding over 430,000 refugees who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency. The interior ministry made the announcement on Twitter about five weeks after ordering the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and giving the United Nations two weeks to present a plan to carry this out. Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi met on Thursday in Nairobi and a joint team will be formed to finalize and implement a road map toward the closure of the camps, the UN and Kenyan government said in a joint statement on Thursday. Kenya and the UNHCR "agree that refugee camps are not a long-term solution to forced displacement" and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions in line with the Global Compact on Refugees, the statement read. Also read | Kenya high court blocks closure of refugee camps housing 400,000 people One of the two refugee camps in northern Kenya, Dadaab, close to the sensitive border with war-wracked Somalia, was set up in 1991. In 2011, amid famine and chaos in Somalia, it was the world's largest camp. Thursday's announcement appeared to be the decisive step by Kenya after years of discussion about closing Dadaab. "Among the precursory activities in (the government's) roadmap is repatriation of refugees to countries of origin and socio-economic integration of some of them through Work/Residence Permits (in Kenya)," the tweet read. Legal challenges could follow. Earlier this month, a Kenyan court ruled against the closure of the camps. Authorities in Nairobi first announced their intention to shut the Dadaab camp back in 2016, citing national security concerns over infiltration by militants from the Somalia-based Islamist group al Shabaab. Relations between Kenya and Somalia have deteriorated badly in the past year since Mogadishu cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs. Kenya contributes troops to the African Union peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia to curb the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab that seeks to topple the government. In a sign of the tense relationship, Somalia said in January it had lost confidence in Kenyan troops serving in the peacekeeping mission.

Kenya tells UN it will shut two camps with 410,000 refugees by June 2022

The White House began the probe of "unexplained health incidents" after a report said that two US officials suddenly experienced symptoms similar to "Havana syndrome".&nbsp;

One of the cases happened in November near the Ellipse, a huge oval lawn on the south side of the White House, in which a national security council official suddenly became ill.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-report-havana-syndrome-likely-caused-by-directed-microwaves-348005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The other incident occurred in 2019 when a White House official was walking her dog in an Arlington suburb of Washington.&nbsp;

It happened when the official went past a van and a man walked past her, as reported by GQ magazine. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Her dog started seizing up. Then she felt it too: a high-pitched ringing in her ears, an intense headache, and a tingling on the side of her face," the report said.&nbsp;

A White House spokesperson said that the Biden administration gives "paramount priority" to the health of its public servants. &nbsp;

"The White House is working closely with departments and agencies to address unexplained health incidents and ensure the safety and security of Americans serving around the world. Given that we are still evaluating reported incidents and that we need to protect the privacy of individuals reporting incidents, we cannot provide or confirm specific details at this time," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The White House began the probe of "unexplained health incidents" after a report said that two US officials suddenly experienced symptoms similar to "Havana syndrome".

The White House began the probe of "unexplained health incidents" after a report said that two US officials suddenly experienced symptoms similar to "Havana syndrome". One of the cases happened in November near the Ellipse, a huge oval lawn on the south side of the White House, in which a national security council official suddenly became ill. Watch | The other incident occurred in 2019 when a White House official was walking her dog in an Arlington suburb of Washington. It happened when the official went past a van and a man walked past her, as reported by GQ magazine. "Her dog started seizing up. Then she felt it too: a high-pitched ringing in her ears, an intense headache, and a tingling on the side of her face," the report said. A White House spokesperson said that the Biden administration gives "paramount priority" to the health of its public servants. "The White House is working closely with departments and agencies to address unexplained health incidents and ensure the safety and security of Americans serving around the world. Given that we are still evaluating reported incidents and that we need to protect the privacy of individuals reporting incidents, we cannot provide or confirm specific details at this time," the spokesperson said.

White House begins probe on cases similar to Havana syndrome symptoms

The Indo-US ties in the first 100 days of the administration of US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>has intensified, the state department said.&nbsp;

"There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days. President Biden, of course, did make mention of India in his (State of the Union) address last night, and I think you can look at that deep partnership and commitment to partnership through any number of lenses," State Department spokesperson Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-shipment-of-covid-19-aid-from-us-arrives-in-india-381556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The engagement between both the nations during these 1000 days reflects a global comprehensive partnership, he added.&nbsp;

He also underscored various engagements of officials from both the countries, including Biden's talks with Indian PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>and engagement between Secretary of State Tony Blinken and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-stands-with-india-first-of-100-million-covid-aid-from-us-arrives-in-india-381605">US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India&nbsp;</a>

Special Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's also visited India, Price said, referring to the importance the US places on ties with India.&nbsp;

"I have mentioned our climate cooperation, but also our health cooperation, and this was something that predates the pandemic but has intensified with the onset of the pandemic and even further with the uptick in cases that we have seen in India in recent days," he said.

"So, I think it is this engagement that reflects our global comprehensive partnership."&nbsp;

The Indo-US ties in the first 100 days of the administration of US President Joe Biden has intensified, the state department said. "There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days.

The Indo-US ties in the first 100 days of the administration of US President Joe Biden has intensified, the state department said. "There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days. President Biden, of course, did make mention of India in his (State of the Union) address last night, and I think you can look at that deep partnership and commitment to partnership through any number of lenses," State Department spokesperson Ned Price was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Watch | The engagement between both the nations during these 1000 days reflects a global comprehensive partnership, he added. He also underscored various engagements of officials from both the countries, including Biden's talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi and engagement between Secretary of State Tony Blinken and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar. Also read | US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India Special Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's also visited India, Price said, referring to the importance the US places on ties with India. "I have mentioned our climate cooperation, but also our health cooperation, and this was something that predates the pandemic but has intensified with the onset of the pandemic and even further with the uptick in cases that we have seen in India in recent days," he said. "So, I think it is this engagement that reflects our global comprehensive partnership."

Indo-US ties intensified in Biden administration's first 100 days: State Department

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh.

"Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement.

"They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added.

The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan.

"The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said.

He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights.

"We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further.

Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous"&nbsp;text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.

In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life.

Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.&nbsp;

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. The Christian couple Shagufta Kausar and her husband Shafqat Emmanuel, whose lower body is paralysed for the past many years, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy by sending a blasphemous SMS to a Muslim person in 2013 in district Toba Tek Singh. "Pakistan's blasphemy laws carry very harsh sentences, including the death penalty, which the European Union strongly opposes, under any circumstances," said Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. "They are often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities, with severe negative effects on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk," he added. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus, the GSP+, granted to Pakistan requires to demonstrate progress on the implementation of the 27 international core conventions. And it constitutes strong leverage for the European Union in terms of monitoring any direct advocacy with Pakistan. "The tragic cases of individuals on death row because of blasphemy accusations also point to the structural weaknesses of the Pakistani judicial system and the unequal access to justice," the commissioner said. He said that the European Union is strongly engaged in promoting and protecting human rights. "We are providing support to Pakistan to strengthen the rule of law and access to justice and to legal representation... The European Union will continue our regular dialogue on human rights with the government of Pakistan and that the particular issues of blasphemy laws and the death penalty remain important points on our agenda," the commissoner said further. Recently, a board member of ACAT (the Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Belgium-based organisation working for the betterment of Christians worldwide, wrote a letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan drawing attention to the case of Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, a Christian couple convicted of "blasphemy" and sentenced to death in 2014 for allegedly sending "blasphemous" text messages to the Imam of a mosque, reported Pentapostagma. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty. In December 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. These blasphemy laws violate Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that states that the automatic and mandatory death penalty constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of life. Therefore, these laws do not comply with human rights law and standards, nor do they contain basic safeguards to limit the risk of further human rights violations and abuses, and are emblematic of the dangers faced by religious minorities in the country, wrote Pentapostagma.

EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan

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