In a striking revelation, Pakistan’s Supreme Court Justice Qazi Feez Isa has claimed the country is being destroyed in a systematic manner. The judge has lashed out at the government over the state of democracy, media freedom and governance while hearing on a matter related to local government election in the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Isa said Punjab province's government had 'killed' democracy by dissolving the local government before the expiry of its term, Geo News reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/twitterati-in-pakistan-slam-poet-iqbals-statue-in-lahore-park-361218" hreflang="en">Twitterati in Pakistan slam poet Iqbal's statue in Lahore park</a>

In 2019, the Punjab province government dissolved the local bodies system. While inquiring about the reason for the move, Isa said, "Local governments were dissolved in the martial law era, but it is unheard of in a democracy." &nbsp;

Justice asked if Punjab was in the mood to abolish the system of local governments altogether. To this, the Punjab additional advocate-general said a new law had been made for local governments in the province.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-receiving-chinese-vaccine-as-gift-pakistan-says-drug-not-effective-for-elderly-361536" hreflang="en">After receiving Chinese vaccine as gift, Pakistan says drug not effective for elderly</a>

Confirming the clear violation of the Constitution in the dissolution of the local government by the Punjab province government, Justice Isa added, like this, Punjab can continue dissolving local governments till a government of its choice comes along. If the democracy is lost, half the country will be gone, he warned. &nbsp;

"Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) says there will be huge cost of Rs 18 billion on local bodies elections," Justice Isa remarked. "Yet huge development funds are being released for politicians." The senior judge also made strong statements over the state of media freedom in Pakistan.&nbsp;

He said he won't shy away from saying the media is not free and it is being controlled, with real journalists being thrown out of the country. Pakistan, he said, is being destroyed in a systematic manner. He said when media is destroyed, a country is destroyed. "Tell me. Is media free in Pakistan?", Justice Isa asked attorney-general Khalid Javed Khan.&nbsp;

In a striking revelation, Pakistan’s Supreme Court Justice Qazi Feez Isa has claimed the country is being destroyed in a systematic manner. The judge has lashed out at the government over the state of democracy, media freedom and governance while hearing on a matter related to local government election in the Supreme Court.

In a striking revelation, Pakistan’s Supreme Court Justice Qazi Feez Isa has claimed the country is being destroyed in a systematic manner. The judge has lashed out at the government over the state of democracy, media freedom and governance while hearing on a matter related to local government election in the Supreme Court. Isa said Punjab province's government had 'killed' democracy by dissolving the local government before the expiry of its term, Geo News reported. Also read | Twitterati in Pakistan slam poet Iqbal's statue in Lahore park In 2019, the Punjab province government dissolved the local bodies system. While inquiring about the reason for the move, Isa said, "Local governments were dissolved in the martial law era, but it is unheard of in a democracy." Justice asked if Punjab was in the mood to abolish the system of local governments altogether. To this, the Punjab additional advocate-general said a new law had been made for local governments in the province. Also read | After receiving Chinese vaccine as gift, Pakistan says drug not effective for elderly Confirming the clear violation of the Constitution in the dissolution of the local government by the Punjab province government, Justice Isa added, like this, Punjab can continue dissolving local governments till a government of its choice comes along. If the democracy is lost, half the country will be gone, he warned. "Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) says there will be huge cost of Rs 18 billion on local bodies elections," Justice Isa remarked. "Yet huge development funds are being released for politicians." The senior judge also made strong statements over the state of media freedom in Pakistan. He said he won't shy away from saying the media is not free and it is being controlled, with real journalists being thrown out of the country. Pakistan, he said, is being destroyed in a systematic manner. He said when media is destroyed, a country is destroyed. "Tell me. Is media free in Pakistan?", Justice Isa asked attorney-general Khalid Javed Khan.

'Pakistan being destroyed': Supreme Court Justice rues over sorry state of democracy

Social media is abuzz with posting of several selfies of people wearing red colour clothes to show support for jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny's wife. Now, these selfies have become a symbol of support.

Social media is abuzz with posting of several selfies of people wearing red colour clothes to show support for jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny's wife. Now, these selfies have become a symbol of support. The support in this unique way began pouring after Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, donned a red jumper in Moscow court when her husband was handed the verdict earlier this week. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katya Fedorova (@katyfedorova) × When the sentence of Alexei Navalny was being read, Navalny made a heart sign with his hands and smiled at Yulia, 44, from behind the glass panel of his holding cell in the court. Navalny asked Yulia, who was crying during the verdict, to don’t be sad as everything will be fine. Katya Fedorova, a fashion journalist and brand consultant, started the hashtag in an Instagram post by wearing a red top, which gained over 19,200 likes. On the post, Fedorova asked others to use Navalny's words to his wife in a hashtag and share to show support. Fedorova said, “I invite all those who care to post selfies wearing red, so Yulia and everyone else can follow the hashtag and see that we are many and we are not indifferent.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by полина владимировна маяк📻 (@pwmayak) × It has resulted into a movement of sorts as the posts with hashtag #do not be sad all will be well are trending on social media. Underneath Fedorova’s post, Yulia responded by commenting in Russian: 'Thank you!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anya Shogren (@anyashogren) × The development is unfolding as Navalny, in a note from jail, urged Russians to 'free' the country from a 'bunch of thieves'. Meanwhile, Kremlin has said the arrests of thousands of protesters is a due response to the unsanctioned rallies. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Navalny, 44, said, "iron doors slammed behind my back with a deafening sound, but I feel like a free man. Because I feel confident, I'm right. Thanks to your support. Thanks to my family's support."

Russians share selfies in red to support Navalny's wife

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five.&nbsp;

The report, which is titled "Democracy in sickness and in health?", looks to provide a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 167 countries.&nbsp;

Out of 167 countries, the Democracy Index has classified 23 countries as full democracies, 52 as flawed democracies, 35 as hybrid regimes and 57 as authoritarian regimes.&nbsp;

In 2020 Democracy Index's global ranking, India is ranked (53) higher than most of its neighbouring countries. Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka, at 68th rank, has been classified as a flawed democracy, Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105) have been classified in the 'hybrid regime' category. Afghanistan has been ranked 139th and classified as an 'authoritarian regime' in the index.&nbsp;

The EIU report looks at the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on freedom and democracy around the world.&nbsp;

The Asia and Australasia region includes top-scoring New Zealand, which retained its fourth position in the global ranking (out of 167 countries), and persistent laggard North Korea at the bottom of the global ranking in 167th place, the EIU said in a statement.&nbsp;

The region’s overall score fell in 2020, but it now has five “full democracies” with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan moving up the rankings compared with 2019.&nbsp;

Australia retains its “full democracy” status and high ranking (9th).&nbsp;

Despite these upgrades, Asia’s average regional score deteriorated to its lowest level since 2013 as official measures taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic led to some of the most severe constraints on individual freedoms and civil liberties in the world, the EIU said.&nbsp;

China, Singapore and others went much further than the rest of the world in tracking and policing their citizens and locking them down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it said.&nbsp;

By contrast, European governments were slow to act, some health systems came close to collapse and public trust in government declined, Hoey added.&nbsp;

The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis, a statement said.&nbsp;

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five.

In the recently released Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Democracy Index report, Norway has taken the top spot, while Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand and Canada have made it to the top five. The report, which is titled "Democracy in sickness and in health?", looks to provide a snapshot of the current state of democracy worldwide for 167 countries. Out of 167 countries, the Democracy Index has classified 23 countries as full democracies, 52 as flawed democracies, 35 as hybrid regimes and 57 as authoritarian regimes. In 2020 Democracy Index's global ranking, India is ranked (53) higher than most of its neighbouring countries. Among India's neighbours, Sri Lanka, at 68th rank, has been classified as a flawed democracy, Bangladesh (76), Bhutan (84) and Pakistan (105) have been classified in the 'hybrid regime' category. Afghanistan has been ranked 139th and classified as an 'authoritarian regime' in the index. The EIU report looks at the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic on freedom and democracy around the world. The Asia and Australasia region includes top-scoring New Zealand, which retained its fourth position in the global ranking (out of 167 countries), and persistent laggard North Korea at the bottom of the global ranking in 167th place, the EIU said in a statement. The region’s overall score fell in 2020, but it now has five “full democracies” with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan moving up the rankings compared with 2019. Australia retains its “full democracy” status and high ranking (9th). Despite these upgrades, Asia’s average regional score deteriorated to its lowest level since 2013 as official measures taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic led to some of the most severe constraints on individual freedoms and civil liberties in the world, the EIU said. China, Singapore and others went much further than the rest of the world in tracking and policing their citizens and locking them down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it said. By contrast, European governments were slow to act, some health systems came close to collapse and public trust in government declined, Hoey added. The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the world's leading resource for economic and business research, forecasting and analysis, a statement said.

Norway tops EIU's Democracy Index, Pakistan takes 105th spot

In what could further poison already tense relations between Tehran and European capitals, a Belgian court convicted an Iranian diplomat on Thursday for plotting a thwarted 2018 bombing of an opposition rally outside Paris and ordered him to be jailed for 20 years.&nbsp;

The trial was conducted under tight security in the Belgian port of Antwerp. The terrorism conviction was also claimed as a victory by the exiled National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI), the opposition group that was targeted for attack.&nbsp;

Assadollah Assadi, now 49, was attached to the Iranian mission in Austria when he supplied explosives for an attack that was planned for a June 30, 2018 NCRI rally in France.&nbsp;

Belgian officers foiled the attack when they intercepted a car carrying the device, and Assadi was arrested the next day in Germany, where he was deemed unable to claim diplomatic immunity.&nbsp;

Three of his accomplices, dual Iranian-Belgians, were also arrested and on Thursday, they were given jail terms of between 15 and 18 years and stripped of their Belgian citizenship.&nbsp;

The 2018 gathering in Villepinte, near Paris, included senior NCRI leaders and some high-profile supporters, including former US president Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. &nbsp;

The case has shone a light on Tehran's international operations just as it hopes the arrival of new US President Joe Biden will herald a loosening of sanctions re-imposed by Trump.&nbsp;

Assadi was charged with 'attempted murders of a terrorist nature' and 'taking part in the activity of a terrorist group'.&nbsp;

Iran had warned even before the conviction that it would not recognise the trial or the verdict, denying any official role in the plot and insisting Assadi ought to have enjoyed immunity from prosecution. But investigators concluded that he was an Iranian agent working under diplomatic cover.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In what could further poison already tense relations between Tehran and European capitals, a Belgian court convicted an Iranian diplomat on Thursday for plotting a thwarted 2018 bombing of an opposition rally outside Paris and ordered him to be jailed for 20 years.

In what could further poison already tense relations between Tehran and European capitals, a Belgian court convicted an Iranian diplomat on Thursday for plotting a thwarted 2018 bombing of an opposition rally outside Paris and ordered him to be jailed for 20 years. The trial was conducted under tight security in the Belgian port of Antwerp. The terrorism conviction was also claimed as a victory by the exiled National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI), the opposition group that was targeted for attack. Assadollah Assadi, now 49, was attached to the Iranian mission in Austria when he supplied explosives for an attack that was planned for a June 30, 2018 NCRI rally in France. Belgian officers foiled the attack when they intercepted a car carrying the device, and Assadi was arrested the next day in Germany, where he was deemed unable to claim diplomatic immunity. Three of his accomplices, dual Iranian-Belgians, were also arrested and on Thursday, they were given jail terms of between 15 and 18 years and stripped of their Belgian citizenship. The 2018 gathering in Villepinte, near Paris, included senior NCRI leaders and some high-profile supporters, including former US president Donald Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani. The case has shone a light on Tehran's international operations just as it hopes the arrival of new US President Joe Biden will herald a loosening of sanctions re-imposed by Trump. Assadi was charged with 'attempted murders of a terrorist nature' and 'taking part in the activity of a terrorist group'. Iran had warned even before the conviction that it would not recognise the trial or the verdict, denying any official role in the plot and insisting Assadi ought to have enjoyed immunity from prosecution. But investigators concluded that he was an Iranian agent working under diplomatic cover.

Iran diplomat gets 20-year jail for Paris bomb plot in Belgium

If reports are to be believed, women in China's 're-education' camps for Uighurs have been subjected to systematic rape, sexually abuse, and torture. &nbsp;

According to new detailed accounts obtained by the BBC, detainees share horrifying stories from inside China's vast and secretive system of internment camps in the Xinjiang region.&nbsp;

According to independent estimates, more than a million men and women have been detained in these camps. China says these camps have been created for the 're-education' of the Uighurs and other minorities.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-to-boost-masculinity-of-boys-through-sports-361078">Also read | China wants to boost 'masculinity' of boys through sports</a> 
 
Human rights groups allege the Chinese government has gradually stripped away Uighurs' all kinds of freedoms. It has turned out to become an oppressive system of mass surveillance, indoctrination, detention, and even forced sterilisation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The policy of the camps came in after China's President Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang in 2014 in the wake of a terror attack by Uighur separatists and directed local officials to respond with 'absolutely no mercy', according to documents leaked to the New York Times.&nbsp;

Last month, the US government said that China's actions since then amounted to a genocide. However, China has rubbished the reports of mass detention and forced sterilisation and said these are 'lies and absurd allegations'.&nbsp;

Although first-hand accounts from inside the internment camps are rare, several former detainees have confirmed the organised system of mass rape, sexual abuse and torture at the camps. &nbsp;

“Women were removed from the cells 'every night' and raped by one or more masked Chinese men,” said Tursunay Ziawudun, who fled Xinjiang after her release and is now in the US. She said on three occasions, she was tortured and later gang-raped each time by two or three men.&nbsp;

Although it seems to be impossible to verify Ziawudun's account as there are severe restrictions on reporters in China, but travel documents and immigration records provided to the BBC by her, corroborate story.&nbsp;

Uighurs are muslim Turkic minority group, who are about 11 million in Xinjiang in north-western China.&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, women in China's 're-education' camps for Uighurs have been subjected to systematic rape, sexually abuse, and torture. According to new detailed accounts obtained by the BBC, detainees share horrifying stories from inside China's vast and secretive system of internment camps in the Xinjiang region.

If reports are to be believed, women in China's 're-education' camps for Uighurs have been subjected to systematic rape, sexually abuse, and torture. According to new detailed accounts obtained by the BBC, detainees share horrifying stories from inside China's vast and secretive system of internment camps in the Xinjiang region. According to independent estimates, more than a million men and women have been detained in these camps. China says these camps have been created for the 're-education' of the Uighurs and other minorities. Also read | China wants to boost 'masculinity' of boys through sports Human rights groups allege the Chinese government has gradually stripped away Uighurs' all kinds of freedoms. It has turned out to become an oppressive system of mass surveillance, indoctrination, detention, and even forced sterilisation. The policy of the camps came in after China's President Xi Jinping visited Xinjiang in 2014 in the wake of a terror attack by Uighur separatists and directed local officials to respond with 'absolutely no mercy', according to documents leaked to the New York Times. Last month, the US government said that China's actions since then amounted to a genocide. However, China has rubbished the reports of mass detention and forced sterilisation and said these are 'lies and absurd allegations'. Although first-hand accounts from inside the internment camps are rare, several former detainees have confirmed the organised system of mass rape, sexual abuse and torture at the camps. “Women were removed from the cells 'every night' and raped by one or more masked Chinese men,” said Tursunay Ziawudun, who fled Xinjiang after her release and is now in the US. She said on three occasions, she was tortured and later gang-raped each time by two or three men. Although it seems to be impossible to verify Ziawudun's account as there are severe restrictions on reporters in China, but travel documents and immigration records provided to the BBC by her, corroborate story. Uighurs are muslim Turkic minority group, who are about 11 million in Xinjiang in north-western China.

Rape, abuse, torture reported in China's 're-education' camps

In a bid to reopen society, Denmark announced on Wednesday it plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport to allow foreign travel.&nbsp;

According to the country’s Finance Ministry, the passport would allow Danes to document that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 for business and other trips abroad.&nbsp;

The representatives of the confederation of Danish Industry, the Danish Chamber of Commerce and the cultural sector have been invited to be a part of the project. &nbsp;

Under the plan, people would be able to log on to a website and check their Covid-19 immunization status from February end. The development of a digital passport and an app is likely to take another three to four months. &nbsp;

For several months, it has been possible for Danes to display and print a document stating that they have recently tested negative for the virus. "It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to restart Danish society and that companies can get back on track. Many Danish companies are global companies," said Morten Bodskov, the country's acting finance minister.&nbsp;

"This is light at the end of the tunnel for very many companies," said the head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, Brian Mikkelsen.&nbsp;

The passport would be used by people wishing to visit restaurants, conferences, music festivals and sports events. Many sections of Danish society remain closed until February 28, although pharmacies, grocery stores and supermarkets are still open. Bars, cafes and restaurants across the whole country are limited to takeaway orders. Till January 29, about 184,000 people in the country of 5.8 million have received their first vaccination dose.&nbsp;

Danish disease authorities said on Wednesday that the country saw a rise in the share of coronavirus cases containing a more contagious variant, despite seeing general infection numbers drop. &nbsp;

From several thousands of daily Covid-19 infections in December, only 425 cases have been registered in the last 24 hours out of more than 110,377 tested, according to SSI, meaning only 0.38% tested positive.&nbsp;

In a bid to reopen society, Denmark announced on Wednesday it plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport to allow foreign travel. According to the country’s Finance Ministry, the passport would allow Danes to document that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 for business and other trips abroad.

In a bid to reopen society, Denmark announced on Wednesday it plans to develop a digital coronavirus passport to allow foreign travel. According to the country’s Finance Ministry, the passport would allow Danes to document that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 for business and other trips abroad. The representatives of the confederation of Danish Industry, the Danish Chamber of Commerce and the cultural sector have been invited to be a part of the project. Under the plan, people would be able to log on to a website and check their Covid-19 immunization status from February end. The development of a digital passport and an app is likely to take another three to four months. For several months, it has been possible for Danes to display and print a document stating that they have recently tested negative for the virus. "It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to restart Danish society and that companies can get back on track. Many Danish companies are global companies," said Morten Bodskov, the country's acting finance minister. "This is light at the end of the tunnel for very many companies," said the head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, Brian Mikkelsen. The passport would be used by people wishing to visit restaurants, conferences, music festivals and sports events. Many sections of Danish society remain closed until February 28, although pharmacies, grocery stores and supermarkets are still open. Bars, cafes and restaurants across the whole country are limited to takeaway orders. Till January 29, about 184,000 people in the country of 5.8 million have received their first vaccination dose. Danish disease authorities said on Wednesday that the country saw a rise in the share of coronavirus cases containing a more contagious variant, despite seeing general infection numbers drop. From several thousands of daily Covid-19 infections in December, only 425 cases have been registered in the last 24 hours out of more than 110,377 tested, according to SSI, meaning only 0.38% tested positive.

In a first, Denmark to develop digital coronavirus passport

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier. &nbsp;

Hong Kong people seeking an alternative to the city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents have been attracted by democratic Taiwan for a long time. &nbsp;

The new security law has just accelerated an exodus. According to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency, the number of Hong Kongers granted short-term residency soared to 10,813 from 5,858 in 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The previous record was 7,506 in 2014 during the financial hub's pro-democracy 'Umbrella Movement'. &nbsp;

The number of arrivals would have been higher if there wouldn’t have been border restrictions due to coronavirus scare, Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. &nbsp;

Fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland, Taiwan does not have an asylum or refugee law, nor does it accept refugee applications. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hong Kongers can, however, apply to live on the island through other channels, including investment visas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

President Tsai Ing-wen's government has vowed support for Hong Kong's democracy movement and launched a new office last year to deal with Hong Kongers seeking to stay on the island. &nbsp;&nbsp;

An increasing number of Hong Kong people, including some prominent activists, have gone into exile after local authorities stepped up prosecutions based on the national security law. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A dozen activists were also arrested by the Chinese coast guard in late August when they tried to flee the city to Taiwan by boat. &nbsp;

Most of those aboard the vessel had been charged in Hong Kong for alleged offences linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. &nbsp;

Canada has also emerged as a favourite destination, aided by a network of activists, who have helped people escape Beijing ever since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Britain has also extended residency rights for nearly three million Hong Kongers eligible for British National (Overseas) passports, those born before the former colony's 1997 handover.&nbsp;

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier.

Nearly 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020 after Beijing imposed a sweeping security law on the city. The figure is almost double the number of a year earlier. Hong Kong people seeking an alternative to the city's frenetic pace and sky-high rents have been attracted by democratic Taiwan for a long time. The new security law has just accelerated an exodus. According to Taiwan's National Immigration Agency, the number of Hong Kongers granted short-term residency soared to 10,813 from 5,858 in 2019. The previous record was 7,506 in 2014 during the financial hub's pro-democracy 'Umbrella Movement'. The number of arrivals would have been higher if there wouldn’t have been border restrictions due to coronavirus scare, Taiwan's Liberty Times newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying. Fearful of a potential influx from the authoritarian mainland, Taiwan does not have an asylum or refugee law, nor does it accept refugee applications. Hong Kongers can, however, apply to live on the island through other channels, including investment visas. President Tsai Ing-wen's government has vowed support for Hong Kong's democracy movement and launched a new office last year to deal with Hong Kongers seeking to stay on the island. An increasing number of Hong Kong people, including some prominent activists, have gone into exile after local authorities stepped up prosecutions based on the national security law. A dozen activists were also arrested by the Chinese coast guard in late August when they tried to flee the city to Taiwan by boat. Most of those aboard the vessel had been charged in Hong Kong for alleged offences linked to last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. Canada has also emerged as a favourite destination, aided by a network of activists, who have helped people escape Beijing ever since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown. Britain has also extended residency rights for nearly three million Hong Kongers eligible for British National (Overseas) passports, those born before the former colony's 1997 handover.

Around 11,000 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan in 2020

According to the security officials, a prominent Lebanese publisher and strong critic of the Shia militant Hezbollah group has been found dead in his car on Thursday morning. He was shot in the head with two bullets.&nbsp;

After he had gone missing for several hours, Lokman Slim, a longtime Shia political activist and researcher, was found in Addoussieh village in the southern province of Nabatiyeh, the official said.&nbsp;

Earlier, his wife Monika Borgmann and sister shared on social media that Lokman was not answering his phone for hours and had not been seen since Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

The circumstances of Slim’s death were unclear and there were no immediate details.&nbsp;

Security sources did not immediately elaborate on the circumstances of his death and said an investigation is underway.&nbsp;

As one of the leading Shia voices criticising Hezbollah, Slim was regularly attacked in media loyal to the powerful group.&nbsp;

Before his death was even confirmed, Slim's sister said his disappearance was inevitably linked to his opinions. "He had a political stance, why else would he have been kidnapped," Rasha al-Ameer said.&nbsp;

Slim was also often criticised by Hezbollah supporters for being instrumentalised by the United States. The secular intellectual and pro-democracy activist had also made several documentary films.&nbsp;

Slim, who runs a film production house Umam Productions, lived in the southern suburbs of Beirut with his wife. His family also owns a publishing house and has often hosted public debates and political forums.&nbsp;

According to the security officials, a prominent Lebanese publisher and strong critic of the Shia militant Hezbollah group has been found dead in his car on Thursday morning.

According to the security officials, a prominent Lebanese publisher and strong critic of the Shia militant Hezbollah group has been found dead in his car on Thursday morning. He was shot in the head with two bullets. After he had gone missing for several hours, Lokman Slim, a longtime Shia political activist and researcher, was found in Addoussieh village in the southern province of Nabatiyeh, the official said. Earlier, his wife Monika Borgmann and sister shared on social media that Lokman was not answering his phone for hours and had not been seen since Wednesday evening. The circumstances of Slim’s death were unclear and there were no immediate details. Security sources did not immediately elaborate on the circumstances of his death and said an investigation is underway. As one of the leading Shia voices criticising Hezbollah, Slim was regularly attacked in media loyal to the powerful group. Before his death was even confirmed, Slim's sister said his disappearance was inevitably linked to his opinions. "He had a political stance, why else would he have been kidnapped," Rasha al-Ameer said. Slim was also often criticised by Hezbollah supporters for being instrumentalised by the United States. The secular intellectual and pro-democracy activist had also made several documentary films. Slim, who runs a film production house Umam Productions, lived in the southern suburbs of Beirut with his wife. His family also owns a publishing house and has often hosted public debates and political forums.

Lebanese publisher-cum-Hezbollah critic found dead

In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday.&nbsp;

All events and parties, including weddings in banquet halls or hotels, have been suspended by the kingdom for 30 days, the interior ministry said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency.&nbsp;

Not just this, the kingdom has halted 'all entertainment activities’, including cinemas and gaming parlours and suspended dine-in services in all restaurants and cafes for 10 days, it added. It also warned the suspension might get extended.&nbsp;

The measures, which will be implemented from 10.00 pm on Thursday (1900 GMT), are aimed at 'preventing the outbreak of a second wave' of the pandemic, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The announcement comes as Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah warned on Sunday about new coronavirus restrictions, which could be imposed if citizens and residents do not comply with health restrictions.&nbsp;

Till now, Saudi Arabia has reported nearly 369,000 coronavirus cases and almost 6,400 deaths, the highest among the Gulf Arab states.&nbsp;

From a peak of nearly 5,000 in last June, the daily infections dipped below 100 in early January.&nbsp;

However, new daily infections have tripled since then, with 306 cases reported by the health ministry on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.&nbsp;

The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments, or who are at high risk of infection.&nbsp;

But last month, the ministry said it was forced to slow the rollout due to a delay in vaccine deliveries.&nbsp;

In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday.

In a move to tighten coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in infections, Saudi Arabia has shut down entertainment centres, including cinemas and suspended dine-in services at restaurants, on Thursday. All events and parties, including weddings in banquet halls or hotels, have been suspended by the kingdom for 30 days, the interior ministry said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. Not just this, the kingdom has halted 'all entertainment activities’, including cinemas and gaming parlours and suspended dine-in services in all restaurants and cafes for 10 days, it added. It also warned the suspension might get extended. The measures, which will be implemented from 10.00 pm on Thursday (1900 GMT), are aimed at 'preventing the outbreak of a second wave' of the pandemic, the ministry said. The announcement comes as Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah warned on Sunday about new coronavirus restrictions, which could be imposed if citizens and residents do not comply with health restrictions. Till now, Saudi Arabia has reported nearly 369,000 coronavirus cases and almost 6,400 deaths, the highest among the Gulf Arab states. From a peak of nearly 5,000 in last June, the daily infections dipped below 100 in early January. However, new daily infections have tripled since then, with 306 cases reported by the health ministry on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia launched its coronavirus vaccination campaign on December 17 after receiving the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The health ministry said the programme would roll out in three phases, starting with people over 65 and those with chronic ailments, or who are at high risk of infection. But last month, the ministry said it was forced to slow the rollout due to a delay in vaccine deliveries.

Saudi Arabia pauses entertainment stream to check virus’ surge

Even as Iran announced earlier this week to release the crew of a South Korean tanker seized by it in a humanitarian move, the personnel are still on board the ship, Seoul said on Thursday.&nbsp;

On January 4, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Hankuk Chemi and arrested its multinational crew of 20 sailors near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying it had polluted the waters.&nbsp;

The development came as Tehran urged Seoul to release billions of dollars of Iranian assets frozen in South Korea due to US sanctions.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, the crew of the seized tanker had been granted permission to leave the country 'in a humanitarian move', although it would retain the vessel and its captain.&nbsp;

According to the South Korean reports, the partial release may complicate the situation as the ship needs personnel to maintain it.&nbsp;

All the crew members remained on board, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday, adding South Korean officials had been allowed to meet them on Wednesday for the first time since the seizure.&nbsp;

"The foreign ministry is discussing with the tanker company on the disembarkation and return of the crew and will put in efforts to secure the release of the captain and the ship as early as possible," a statement said.&nbsp;

Nothing was certain despite Tehran's announcement the crew would be released, said a representative of the tanker company, DM Shipping. “Discussions for their return are still ongoing. It hasn't been decided whether they will return 100 per cent," he added.&nbsp;

The arrested crew belongs to different nationalities, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Myanmar.&nbsp;

Former US president Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear agreement with world powers and then reimposed and reinforced crippling sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Iran was a key oil supplier to resource-poor South Korea until Washington's rules blocked the purchases. According to government spokesman Ali Rabiei, Iran has $7 billion of funds blocked in Seoul.&nbsp;

Tehran has repeatedly denied any link between the ship's seizure and the funds issue.&nbsp;

Even as Iran announced earlier this week to release the crew of a South Korean tanker seized by it in a humanitarian move, the personnel are still on board the ship, Seoul said on Thursday.

Even as Iran announced earlier this week to release the crew of a South Korean tanker seized by it in a humanitarian move, the personnel are still on board the ship, Seoul said on Thursday. On January 4, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Hankuk Chemi and arrested its multinational crew of 20 sailors near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying it had polluted the waters. The development came as Tehran urged Seoul to release billions of dollars of Iranian assets frozen in South Korea due to US sanctions. Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, the crew of the seized tanker had been granted permission to leave the country 'in a humanitarian move', although it would retain the vessel and its captain. According to the South Korean reports, the partial release may complicate the situation as the ship needs personnel to maintain it. All the crew members remained on board, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday, adding South Korean officials had been allowed to meet them on Wednesday for the first time since the seizure. "The foreign ministry is discussing with the tanker company on the disembarkation and return of the crew and will put in efforts to secure the release of the captain and the ship as early as possible," a statement said. Nothing was certain despite Tehran's announcement the crew would be released, said a representative of the tanker company, DM Shipping. “Discussions for their return are still ongoing. It hasn't been decided whether they will return 100 per cent," he added. The arrested crew belongs to different nationalities, such as Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Myanmar. Former US president Donald Trump in 2018 withdrew Washington from a landmark nuclear agreement with world powers and then reimposed and reinforced crippling sanctions on Iran. Iran was a key oil supplier to resource-poor South Korea until Washington's rules blocked the purchases. According to government spokesman Ali Rabiei, Iran has $7 billion of funds blocked in Seoul. Tehran has repeatedly denied any link between the ship's seizure and the funds issue.

Crew still on board seized South Korean ship despite Iran’s release pledge

The first-ever successful face and double hand transplant to date has been conducted on Joseph DiMeo by a large team of surgeons and other healthcare workers at NYU Langone Health.&nbsp;

Joseph DiMeo, 22, received severe burn injuries after a car accident in 2018. He was on his way to home from working in the night shift at his job in Clark, New Jersey when he fell asleep behind the wheel and his car rolled over and burst into flames. The explosion had left DiMeo with third-degree burns over on 80% of his body.&nbsp;

He spent the next four months of life in the burn unit of a New Jersey hospital, including over two months in a medically induced coma. His body was so badly burnt that fingertips were amputated, and he lost his ears, lips and eyelids.&nbsp;

Over the next year, DiMeo had underwent over 20 reconstructive surgeries, to the point where his plastic surgeon told him there was nothing more, he could do to help DiMeo regain functionality.&nbsp;

DiMeo saw a ray of hope when Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, chair of the Hansjörg Wyss department of plastic surgery at NYU Langone Health offered to perform the breathtaking feat.&nbsp;

While carrying out the procedure, more than 140 healthcare professionals participated in DiMeo’s pre- and post-surgical care. During the 23-hour procedure, Rodriguez, oversaw a surgical team of 16 and an operating room team of 80. &nbsp;

The procedure was carried out at NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion, a facility that allowed for six surgical teams -- one for each hand and another for the face of both the donor and DiMeo -- to simultaneously operate in both the donor and recipient rooms.&nbsp;

The surgical team transplanted both hands of DiMeo till the mid-forearm and his full face, including the eyebrows, forehead, both ears, eyelids, nose, lips and underlying skull, nasal, cheek, and chin bone segments.&nbsp;

According to NYU Langone Health, to restore the likeness of the donor, the team also used lifelike, three-dimensional replacements of the donor’s face and hands in the procedure.&nbsp;

After the surgery, DiMeo spent around 45 days in the hospital for post-transplants and then went to a rehabilitation centre before being discharged in late November to live in an apartment close to the hospital.&nbsp;

Four months after the transplant, DiMeo, who was earlier completely dependent on his parents, is able to now dress and feed himself, practice his golf swing and play pool, throw a ball to his dog, and has started resistance training with his new hands.&nbsp;

The first-ever successful face and double hand transplant to date has been conducted on Joseph DiMeo by a large team of surgeons and other healthcare workers at NYU Langone Health.

The first-ever successful face and double hand transplant to date has been conducted on Joseph DiMeo by a large team of surgeons and other healthcare workers at NYU Langone Health. Joseph DiMeo, 22, received severe burn injuries after a car accident in 2018. He was on his way to home from working in the night shift at his job in Clark, New Jersey when he fell asleep behind the wheel and his car rolled over and burst into flames. The explosion had left DiMeo with third-degree burns over on 80% of his body. He spent the next four months of life in the burn unit of a New Jersey hospital, including over two months in a medically induced coma. His body was so badly burnt that fingertips were amputated, and he lost his ears, lips and eyelids. Over the next year, DiMeo had underwent over 20 reconstructive surgeries, to the point where his plastic surgeon told him there was nothing more, he could do to help DiMeo regain functionality. DiMeo saw a ray of hope when Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, chair of the Hansjörg Wyss department of plastic surgery at NYU Langone Health offered to perform the breathtaking feat. While carrying out the procedure, more than 140 healthcare professionals participated in DiMeo’s pre- and post-surgical care. During the 23-hour procedure, Rodriguez, oversaw a surgical team of 16 and an operating room team of 80. The procedure was carried out at NYU Langone’s Kimmel Pavilion, a facility that allowed for six surgical teams -- one for each hand and another for the face of both the donor and DiMeo -- to simultaneously operate in both the donor and recipient rooms. The surgical team transplanted both hands of DiMeo till the mid-forearm and his full face, including the eyebrows, forehead, both ears, eyelids, nose, lips and underlying skull, nasal, cheek, and chin bone segments. According to NYU Langone Health, to restore the likeness of the donor, the team also used lifelike, three-dimensional replacements of the donor’s face and hands in the procedure. After the surgery, DiMeo spent around 45 days in the hospital for post-transplants and then went to a rehabilitation centre before being discharged in late November to live in an apartment close to the hospital. Four months after the transplant, DiMeo, who was earlier completely dependent on his parents, is able to now dress and feed himself, practice his golf swing and play pool, throw a ball to his dog, and has started resistance training with his new hands.

World’s first successful face, hands transplant conducted

In order to settle charges for not passing on tips to drivers, Amazon is going to pay around US$62 million. &nbsp;

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), even though it promised shoppers and drivers, Amazon didn't pass on tips to drivers for more than two years. &nbsp;

The tech giant didn't stop taking the tips until 2019, when the company found out about the FTC's investigation. The theft did not go unnoticed by Amazon's drivers. Many expressed anger and confusion to the company but, rather than coming clean, Amazon took several steps to mislead its drivers and conceal the theft by sending them canned responses that repeated the company's lies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-to-step-down-360973">Also read | Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to step down</a>

Founded in 2015, Amazon's Flex business allowed people to deliver Amazon packages through their own cars. The drivers were independent workers and not Amazon employees.&nbsp;

At first, Amazon promised workers that they would be paid US$18 to US$25 per hour for their services. They were to also receive 100 per cent of tips given to them by the customers on the app, according to the complaint. But in 2016, the company started paying drivers a lower hourly rate and used the tips to make up for the difference. The FTC said, Amazon didn't disclose the change to drivers, and the tips it took from drivers amounted to US$61.7m ($85.8m).&nbsp; 
 
Watch: Indian govt issues notice to Amazon, Flipkart over non-compliance

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-govt-issues-notice-to-amazon-flipkart-over-non-compliance-336060/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a statement, Seattle-based Amazon.com Inc. said that the way it reported pay to workers was clear. But the company said it "added additional clarity in 2019" and is "pleased to put this matter behind us."&nbsp;

The FTC said the money Amazon will pay for the settlement will go to delivery drivers whose tips were taken.&nbsp;

In order to settle charges for not passing on tips to drivers, Amazon is going to pay around US$62 million. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), even though it promised shoppers and drivers, Amazon didn't pass on tips to drivers for more than two years.

In order to settle charges for not passing on tips to drivers, Amazon is going to pay around US$62 million. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), even though it promised shoppers and drivers, Amazon didn't pass on tips to drivers for more than two years. The tech giant didn't stop taking the tips until 2019, when the company found out about the FTC's investigation. The theft did not go unnoticed by Amazon's drivers. Many expressed anger and confusion to the company but, rather than coming clean, Amazon took several steps to mislead its drivers and conceal the theft by sending them canned responses that repeated the company's lies. Also read | Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to step down Founded in 2015, Amazon's Flex business allowed people to deliver Amazon packages through their own cars. The drivers were independent workers and not Amazon employees. At first, Amazon promised workers that they would be paid US$18 to US$25 per hour for their services. They were to also receive 100 per cent of tips given to them by the customers on the app, according to the complaint. But in 2016, the company started paying drivers a lower hourly rate and used the tips to make up for the difference. The FTC said, Amazon didn't disclose the change to drivers, and the tips it took from drivers amounted to US$61.7m ($85.8m). Watch: Indian govt issues notice to Amazon, Flipkart over non-compliance In a statement, Seattle-based Amazon.com Inc. said that the way it reported pay to workers was clear. But the company said it "added additional clarity in 2019" and is "pleased to put this matter behind us." The FTC said the money Amazon will pay for the settlement will go to delivery drivers whose tips were taken.

Amazon to pay US$62 million to settle charges for not passing on tips

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