British soldiers who have been accused of committing war crimes in Iraq were unlikely to face criminal prosecution, an official has said.

Independent investigators were asked to look at thousands of allegations made against the British military after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-day-coronavirus-deaths-in-us-surpasses-911-iraq-war-toll-293214">One-day coronavirus deaths in US surpasses 9/11, Iraq war toll</a>

But Andrew Cayley, the Director of the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), said just one remaining case was being examined.

He said the "low level" of offending and lack of credible evidence had led most cases to be dismissed.

Cayley said most of those cases were sifted out at a very early stage because of the lack of credible evidence or because the offending was "at such a very low level".

<img alt="Soldiers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2be3b13f-01a4-48a0-a61b-f9eea6b7f225" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_90192549_hi006617939.jpg" />

More than 1,000 cases were made by former lawyer Phil Shiner and his firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL).

In 2017 he was struck off as a solicitor after a tribunal found him guilty of misconduct and dishonesty, including false accounts about the actions of UK soldiers.

Cayley said seven remaining cases had been referred to the SPA, but in six of those cases it was concluded that no charges should be brought.

One case is still being considered, but he admitted that it was now "quite possible" that none of the original allegations will lead to a prosecution.

Cayley said&nbsp;that he was confident a separate investigation being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague will conclude this year without further action being taken.

In 2014, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda re-opened a preliminary examination of cases involving alleged British abuses in Iraq.

Earlier this year the government presented a bill promising to curb historic allegations and tackle what it calls "vexatious claims" against armed forces deployed overseas.

The bill proposes a five-year time limit on any criminal prosecution unless compelling new evidence is brought to light.

British soldiers who have been accused of committing war crimes in Iraq were unlikely to face criminal prosecution, an official has said. Independent investigators were asked to look at thousands of allegations made against the British military after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

British soldiers who have been accused of committing war crimes in Iraq were unlikely to face criminal prosecution, an official has said. Independent investigators were asked to look at thousands of allegations made against the British military after the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Also read: One-day coronavirus deaths in US surpasses 9/11, Iraq war toll But Andrew Cayley, the Director of the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA), said just one remaining case was being examined. He said the "low level" of offending and lack of credible evidence had led most cases to be dismissed. Cayley said most of those cases were sifted out at a very early stage because of the lack of credible evidence or because the offending was "at such a very low level". More than 1,000 cases were made by former lawyer Phil Shiner and his firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL). In 2017 he was struck off as a solicitor after a tribunal found him guilty of misconduct and dishonesty, including false accounts about the actions of UK soldiers. Cayley said seven remaining cases had been referred to the SPA, but in six of those cases it was concluded that no charges should be brought. One case is still being considered, but he admitted that it was now "quite possible" that none of the original allegations will lead to a prosecution. Cayley said that he was confident a separate investigation being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague will conclude this year without further action being taken. In 2014, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda re-opened a preliminary examination of cases involving alleged British abuses in Iraq. Earlier this year the government presented a bill promising to curb historic allegations and tackle what it calls "vexatious claims" against armed forces deployed overseas. The bill proposes a five-year time limit on any criminal prosecution unless compelling new evidence is brought to light.

British soldiers unlikely to be prosecuted over Iraq war crimes

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is ''horrified'' by the death of the black unarmed man in US, George Floyd who was killed in an ''homicide''.

Ardern, in a television interview said ''I stand with everyone else in being horrified in what we've seen but at the same time, we need to show that and express that solidarity in a way that makes sure we're looking after one-another as well."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-becomes-new-zealands-most-popular-prime-minister-after-covid-19-response-poll-299424">Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular prime minister after COVID-19 response: Poll</a>

"New Zealand, I would like to think at the time of March 15, demonstrated that as a nation, where we see racism, where we see intolerance, where we see hatred, that we call it out.''

''That's who we are as a nation, we don't for a moment pretend to be perfect but we have always been, I think, a country that has been willing to acknowledge where we have issues and where we need to continue to address them,&nbsp;'' she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrest-in-washington-a-total-disgrace-mobilizing-heavily-armed-military-to-stop-protests-trump-302497">Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests</a>

She welcomed peaceful solidarity protests in New Zealand, but noted that they flouted social distancing restrictions.

Thousands of New Zealanders marched peacefully on Monday (June 1) amid protests in the US&nbsp;and around the globe decrying how Floyd, a black American, died in police custody last week.

Ardern&nbsp;has been described by some liberal supporters as "anti-Trump," promoting issues such as social justice, multilateralism, and equality.

She was praised globally for her compassionate handling of the country's worst mass shooting on March 15, 2019, when a suspected white supremacist killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch.

Ardern&nbsp;said her country's response to that attack demonstrated that New Zealanders call out racism and hatred.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is ''horrified'' by the death of the black unarmed man in US, George Floyd who was killed in an ''homicide''. Ardern, in a television interview said ''I stand with everyone else in being horrified in what we've seen but at the same time, we need to show that and express that solidarity in a way that makes sure we're looking after one-another as well.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is ''horrified'' by the death of the black unarmed man in US, George Floyd who was killed in an ''homicide''. Ardern, in a television interview said ''I stand with everyone else in being horrified in what we've seen but at the same time, we need to show that and express that solidarity in a way that makes sure we're looking after one-another as well." Also read: Jacinda Ardern becomes New Zealand's most popular prime minister after COVID-19 response: Poll "New Zealand, I would like to think at the time of March 15, demonstrated that as a nation, where we see racism, where we see intolerance, where we see hatred, that we call it out.'' ''That's who we are as a nation, we don't for a moment pretend to be perfect but we have always been, I think, a country that has been willing to acknowledge where we have issues and where we need to continue to address them, '' she added. Also read: Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests She welcomed peaceful solidarity protests in New Zealand, but noted that they flouted social distancing restrictions. Thousands of New Zealanders marched peacefully on Monday (June 1) amid protests in the US and around the globe decrying how Floyd, a black American, died in police custody last week. Ardern has been described by some liberal supporters as "anti-Trump," promoting issues such as social justice, multilateralism, and equality. She was praised globally for her compassionate handling of the country's worst mass shooting on March 15, 2019, when a suspected white supremacist killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch. Ardern said her country's response to that attack demonstrated that New Zealanders call out racism and hatred.

'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern

Japan's government&nbsp;on approved Tuesday a PCR coronavirus test using saliva, which is much safer and easier compared with the currently dominant method, which collects mucus from back part of the nose.

The new testing method targets those within nine days of displaying symptoms and is covered by public health insurance. It is expected to pose less of an infection risk to medical staff, as examinees only provide their saliva in a container at medical facilities.

The existing method uses a cotton swab to collect mucus from the nose, which has a high possibility of causing the patients to sneeze or cough in the process. As it leaves medical staff collecting the sample prone to potential infection, they need to wear goggles and gown. This has become a sticking point in expanding the scale of PCR testing.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fireworks-light-up-japan-to-lift-spirits-amid-pandemic-302553">Fireworks light up Japan to lift spirits amid pandemic</a>

The saliva-based tests are able to be given to those who have had symptoms for up to nine days, Japan's health ministry said. It wasn't immediately clear how much the change would boost overall testing capacity.

"This will vastly reduce burdens on patients as well as burdens that come with infection-prevention steps on the part of sample-collecting institutions," Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters, outlining the change.

Japan falls well behind other industrialised nations in terms of its number of coronavirus tests. Critics say the low rate of testing has made it difficult to trace the virus, which has led to a series of in-hospital infection clusters.

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As of May 20, Japan conducted 3.4 PCR tests per 1,000 people, far below Italy's 52.5 and 39 in the United States, according to Oxford University data. South Korea has carried out tests on 15 people per 1,000 people.

Japan, which lifted its state of emergency last week, has escaped an explosive outbreak, with nearly 17,000 infections and 898 deaths so far, according to NHK public broadcaster. But the epidemic has tipped the world's third-biggest economy into recession and sent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's popularity to multi-year lows.

The health ministry said about two dozen different test kits, including one from Takara Bio Inc, have been approved for saliva-based PCR tests. Shares in Takara Bio jumped 4% on Tuesday, outperforming a 1.19 per cent&nbsp;rise in the Nikkei average.

More than 30 new coronavirus infections were reported in Tokyo on Tuesday, NHK said, marking the first time the number of daily cases has topped 30 in 19 days.

Musashino Central Hospital in western Tokyo said 12 patients and three hospital workers had been confirmed with the virus, taking the total number of cases at the hospital to 31, forming the latest infection cluster.

Japan's government on approved Tuesday a PCR coronavirus test using saliva, which is much safer and easier compared with the currently dominant method, which collects mucus from back part of the nose.

Japan's government on approved Tuesday a PCR coronavirus test using saliva, which is much safer and easier compared with the currently dominant method, which collects mucus from back part of the nose. The new testing method targets those within nine days of displaying symptoms and is covered by public health insurance. It is expected to pose less of an infection risk to medical staff, as examinees only provide their saliva in a container at medical facilities. The existing method uses a cotton swab to collect mucus from the nose, which has a high possibility of causing the patients to sneeze or cough in the process. As it leaves medical staff collecting the sample prone to potential infection, they need to wear goggles and gown. This has become a sticking point in expanding the scale of PCR testing. Also see: Fireworks light up Japan to lift spirits amid pandemic The saliva-based tests are able to be given to those who have had symptoms for up to nine days, Japan's health ministry said. It wasn't immediately clear how much the change would boost overall testing capacity. "This will vastly reduce burdens on patients as well as burdens that come with infection-prevention steps on the part of sample-collecting institutions," Health Minister Katsunobu Kato told reporters, outlining the change. Japan falls well behind other industrialised nations in terms of its number of coronavirus tests. Critics say the low rate of testing has made it difficult to trace the virus, which has led to a series of in-hospital infection clusters. As of May 20, Japan conducted 3.4 PCR tests per 1,000 people, far below Italy's 52.5 and 39 in the United States, according to Oxford University data. South Korea has carried out tests on 15 people per 1,000 people. Japan, which lifted its state of emergency last week, has escaped an explosive outbreak, with nearly 17,000 infections and 898 deaths so far, according to NHK public broadcaster. But the epidemic has tipped the world's third-biggest economy into recession and sent Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's popularity to multi-year lows. The health ministry said about two dozen different test kits, including one from Takara Bio Inc, have been approved for saliva-based PCR tests. Shares in Takara Bio jumped 4% on Tuesday, outperforming a 1.19 per cent rise in the Nikkei average. More than 30 new coronavirus infections were reported in Tokyo on Tuesday, NHK said, marking the first time the number of daily cases has topped 30 in 19 days. Musashino Central Hospital in western Tokyo said 12 patients and three hospital workers had been confirmed with the virus, taking the total number of cases at the hospital to 31, forming the latest infection cluster.

Japan approves saliva-based tests for safer, simpler detection of COVID-19

Former US Vice President Joe Biden decried the use of force by US President&nbsp;Donald Trump as an mere attempt&nbsp;"for a photo."

Trump spurred fresh outrage Monday after police used tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so he could pose for photographs at a nearby church damaged during civil unrest.

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d03c3cf-4870-42ee-8959-0c9af0d7d0cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_9.jpg" /> 
US&nbsp;President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he holds a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in the midst of ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, outside the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2020|REUTERS

The move earned him a sharp rebuke from the city mayor, the Episcopal bishop, and leading Democrats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrest-in-washington-a-total-disgrace-mobilizing-heavily-armed-military-to-stop-protests-trump-302497" hreflang="en">Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests</a>

Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate in the November election, slammed Trump for "using the American military against the American people," after the president vowed to order an army crackdown on the sweeping civil unrest.

"He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo," Biden tweeted late Monday. "For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him."

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He's using the American military against the American people. 
 
He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. 
 
For a photo. 
 
For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him. But I mean it when I say this: we can only do it together. <a href="https://t.co/G1yE67q9Nz">https://t.co/G1yE67q9Nz</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1267634400080117761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Biden also announced he would speak Tuesday in Philadelphia "on the civil unrest facing communities across America."

Trump's visit to the historic St John's Church, across the street from the White House came after he delivered an address denouncing vandalism that has followed anti-racism protests that have gripped the country for a week.&nbsp;

As he spoke, law enforcement, including military police, could be seen firing tear gas to clear peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park, outside the White House, so the president could walk over to the church.

"We have a great country," Trump declared just outside the Episcopal church, where he held up a Bible. He did not answer questions from reporters before leaving again.&nbsp;

Former US Vice President Joe Biden decried the use of force by US President Donald Trump as an mere attempt "for a photo." Trump spurred fresh outrage Monday after police used tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so he could pose for photographs at a nearby church damaged during civil unrest.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden decried the use of force by US President Donald Trump as an mere attempt "for a photo." Trump spurred fresh outrage Monday after police used tear gas to clear protesters from outside the White House so he could pose for photographs at a nearby church damaged during civil unrest. US President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he holds a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in the midst of ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, outside the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2020|REUTERS The move earned him a sharp rebuke from the city mayor, the Episcopal bishop, and leading Democrats. Also read: Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate in the November election, slammed Trump for "using the American military against the American people," after the president vowed to order an army crackdown on the sweeping civil unrest. "He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo," Biden tweeted late Monday. "For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him." He's using the American military against the American people. He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo. For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him. But I mean it when I say this: we can only do it together. https://t.co/G1yE67q9Nz — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 2, 2020 × Biden also announced he would speak Tuesday in Philadelphia "on the civil unrest facing communities across America." Trump's visit to the historic St John's Church, across the street from the White House came after he delivered an address denouncing vandalism that has followed anti-racism protests that have gripped the country for a week. As he spoke, law enforcement, including military police, could be seen firing tear gas to clear peaceful protesters in Lafayette Park, outside the White House, so the president could walk over to the church. "We have a great country," Trump declared just outside the Episcopal church, where he held up a Bible. He did not answer questions from reporters before leaving again.

Biden rebukes Trump's photo op in front of riot-damaged church

Four St Louis police officers were hit by gunfire late on Monday during violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody, hours after President Donald Trump vowed to use the US&nbsp;military to halt the spreading clashes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrest-in-washington-a-total-disgrace-mobilizing-heavily-armed-military-to-stop-protests-trump-302497">Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests</a>

Trump deepened outrage by posing at a church clutching a bible after law enforcement officers used teargas and rubber bullets to clear the way for him to walk there after he made his remarks in the White House Rose Garden.

<img alt="Donald Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2addd040-6e98-4d0e-b654-a0d429e8ce48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_6.jpg" /> 
US&nbsp;President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he holds a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in the midst of ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, outside the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2020. (Image Courtesy: REUTERS)

Demonstrators set fire to a strip mall in Los Angeles, looted stores in New York City and clashed with police in St Louis, Missouri, where four officers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

<img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4d22007-b931-455e-b471-9666bceca7d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_7.jpg" /> 
People climb into a damaged store during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US, June 1, 2020|&nbsp;REUTERS

"Officers are still taking gunfire downtown &amp; we will share more info as it available," St Louis Police said on Twitter.

Trump has condemned the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, and has promised justice. But he said rightful protests could not be drowned out by an "angry mob".

"Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled," Trump said. "If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them."

Following his address, Trump walked through an area that had been cleared by police to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church, where he posed for pictures with his daughter, Ivanka, and U.S. Attorney General William Barr.

The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church diocese in Washington D. C., Michael Curry, was among those who criticized Trump's use of the historic church for a photo opportunity.

"In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes," he said on Twitter. The church suffered minor fire damage during protests on Monday night.

The White House said it was clearing the area before a curfew.

A few hours later, thousands of people marched through Brooklyn, shouting "Justice now!" while cars drove alongside, some drivers honking in support.

Television images showed crowds smashing windows and looting luxury stores along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan before the city's 11 p.m. curfew. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the curfew would be moved to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Two police officers were struck by a car at a demonstration in Buffalo, New York, on Monday night. Officials said the driver and passengers were believed to be in custody. It was not immediately clear whether the incident was intentional.

Four St Louis police officers were hit by gunfire late on Monday during violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody, hours after President Donald Trump vowed to use the US military to halt the spreading clashes.

Four St Louis police officers were hit by gunfire late on Monday during violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody, hours after President Donald Trump vowed to use the US military to halt the spreading clashes. Also read: Trump says he is mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests Trump deepened outrage by posing at a church clutching a bible after law enforcement officers used teargas and rubber bullets to clear the way for him to walk there after he made his remarks in the White House Rose Garden. US President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he holds a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in the midst of ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, outside the White House in Washington, US, June 1, 2020. (Image Courtesy: REUTERS) Demonstrators set fire to a strip mall in Los Angeles, looted stores in New York City and clashed with police in St Louis, Missouri, where four officers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. People climb into a damaged store during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US, June 1, 2020| REUTERS "Officers are still taking gunfire downtown & we will share more info as it available," St Louis Police said on Twitter. Trump has condemned the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25, and has promised justice. But he said rightful protests could not be drowned out by an "angry mob". "Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled," Trump said. "If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them." Following his address, Trump walked through an area that had been cleared by police to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church, where he posed for pictures with his daughter, Ivanka, and U.S. Attorney General William Barr. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church diocese in Washington D. C., Michael Curry, was among those who criticized Trump's use of the historic church for a photo opportunity. "In so doing, he used a church building and the Holy Bible for partisan political purposes," he said on Twitter. The church suffered minor fire damage during protests on Monday night. The White House said it was clearing the area before a curfew. A few hours later, thousands of people marched through Brooklyn, shouting "Justice now!" while cars drove alongside, some drivers honking in support. Television images showed crowds smashing windows and looting luxury stores along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan before the city's 11 p.m. curfew. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the curfew would be moved to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Two police officers were struck by a car at a demonstration in Buffalo, New York, on Monday night. Officials said the driver and passengers were believed to be in custody. It was not immediately clear whether the incident was intentional.

Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located.

For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-rejects-chinas-claims-in-the-south-china-sea-says-not-bound-by-claims-contravening-international-law-301513">Indonesia rejects China's claims in the South China Sea; says not bound by claims contravening international law</a>

Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages which attract millions of travellers from around the world, will remain suspended until further notice.

Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-investigates-leak-of-more-than-two-million-voters-personal-information-300545">Indonesia investigates leak of more than two million voters' personal information</a>

The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 percent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website.

Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news.

"If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all I believe that everything happens with God's permission."

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday. Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, are located. For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat. Also read: Indonesia rejects China's claims in the South China Sea; says not bound by claims contravening international law Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages which attract millions of travellers from around the world, will remain suspended until further notice. Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions. Also read: Indonesia investigates leak of more than two million voters' personal information The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 percent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website. Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news. "If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all I believe that everything happens with God's permission."

Indonesia cancels haj pilgrimage over coronavirus concerns

A 71-year-old man has become the first Rohingya living in vast refugee camps in Bangladesh to die from the coronavirus, an official said Tuesday.

Health experts have long warned that the deadly virus could race through the vast network of settlements housing almost a million refugees in the country's southeast.

"He died on May 31. But last night we got the confirmation that he died of COVID-19," said Toha Bhuiyan, a senior health official in the Cox's Bazar district.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-rohingyas-refugees-test-positive-in-worlds-largest-camp-298924">Two Rohingyas refugees test positive in world's largest camp</a>

The fatality was in Kutupalong, the largest of the camps, which is home to roughly 600,000 people.

The man was among at least 29 Rohingya to have tested positive for the virus in the camps.

Bhuiyan said the victim died in an isolation centre run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders and was buried in the camp the same day. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are going to speak to administrators in the camp and alert people about the death," Bhuiyan said, adding they were trying to find people the deceased had been in contact with.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/15000-rohingya-under-coronavirus-quarantine-as-cases-hit-29-301020">15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29</a>

Mahbubur Rahman, head of the health department in Cox's Bazar district, told AFP officials were waiting for a full report on the death.

A UN spokesperson said they would comment later.

More than 740,000 Rohingya fled a brutal 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar to Cox's Bazar, where around 200,000 refugees were already living.

In early April authorities imposed a complete lockdown on the district -- home to 3.4 million people including the refugees -- after a number of infections were recorded.

The first cases in the camps were detected in mid-May.

Officials have since blocked roads leading to several areas of the camps where most of the infections have been recorded.

Last week about 15,000 refugees were placed in quarantine as the number of cases increased.

A 71-year-old man has become the first Rohingya living in vast refugee camps in Bangladesh to die from the coronavirus, an official said Tuesday. Health experts have long warned that the deadly virus could race through the vast network of settlements housing almost a million refugees in the country's southeast.

A 71-year-old man has become the first Rohingya living in vast refugee camps in Bangladesh to die from the coronavirus, an official said Tuesday. Health experts have long warned that the deadly virus could race through the vast network of settlements housing almost a million refugees in the country's southeast. "He died on May 31. But last night we got the confirmation that he died of COVID-19," said Toha Bhuiyan, a senior health official in the Cox's Bazar district. Also read: Two Rohingyas refugees test positive in world's largest camp The fatality was in Kutupalong, the largest of the camps, which is home to roughly 600,000 people. The man was among at least 29 Rohingya to have tested positive for the virus in the camps. Bhuiyan said the victim died in an isolation centre run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders and was buried in the camp the same day. "We are going to speak to administrators in the camp and alert people about the death," Bhuiyan said, adding they were trying to find people the deceased had been in contact with. Also read: 15,000 Rohingya under coronavirus quarantine as cases hit 29 Mahbubur Rahman, head of the health department in Cox's Bazar district, told AFP officials were waiting for a full report on the death. A UN spokesperson said they would comment later. More than 740,000 Rohingya fled a brutal 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar to Cox's Bazar, where around 200,000 refugees were already living. In early April authorities imposed a complete lockdown on the district -- home to 3.4 million people including the refugees -- after a number of infections were recorded. The first cases in the camps were detected in mid-May. Officials have since blocked roads leading to several areas of the camps where most of the infections have been recorded. Last week about 15,000 refugees were placed in quarantine as the number of cases increased.

First Rohingya refugee dies from coronavirus in Bangladesh: Official

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

The move of the employees,&nbsp;critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is&nbsp;reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google over sexual harassment.

As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd&nbsp;spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-will-not-be-arbiters-of-truth-says-zuckerberg-after-trump-threat-301827">Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat</a>

Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted:&nbsp;

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Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind.
— Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanchris/status/1267252760182788096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company.

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I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard.
— Jason Toff (@jasontoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasontoff/status/1267318891203530752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted:

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Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen.
— Andrew (@AndrewCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewCrow/status/1267313197377187842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&amp;D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying:

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I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism.
— Stirman (@stirman) <a href="https://twitter.com/stirman/status/1266876587472896000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court''&nbsp;capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation.

But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.'

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There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook.
— Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) <a href="https://twitter.com/OversightBoard/status/1266736657509875718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps.

Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-checking-doesnt-make-twitter-arbiter-of-truth-jack-dorseys-retort-to-donald-trump-301527">Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump</a>

Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.''

Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts.

Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc&nbsp;have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing US President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done. The move of the employees, critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it, is reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's Google over sexual harassment. As protests and rioting over the death in police custody of Floyd spread through several American cities this weekend, Zuckerberg was forced to defend Facebook’s position as, in his words, ''an institution committed to free expression.'' Also read: Facebook will not be 'arbiters of truth', says Zuckerberg after Trump threat Ryan Freitas, who leads Facebook’s News Feed design team, tweeted: Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind. — Ryan Freitas (@ryanchris) June 1, 2020 × Jason Toff, who joined Facebook as a director of product management a year ago, pointed to a broader upsurge of employee activism inside the company. I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard. — Jason Toff (@jasontoff) June 1, 2020 × Andrew Crow, head of design for Facebook’s Portal video-conferencing device, tweeted: Censoring information that might help people see the complete picture *is* wrong. But giving a platform to incite violence and spread disinformation is unacceptable, regardless who you are or if it’s newsworthy. I disagree with Mark’s position and will work to make change happen. — Andrew (@AndrewCrow) June 1, 2020 × Jason Stirman, a member of the company’s R&D team and the former chief executive of the “mental training” app Lucid, also posted on Twitter, saying: I don't know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I'm a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark's decision to do nothing about Trump's recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I'm not alone inside of FB. There isn't a neutral position on racism. — Stirman (@stirman) May 30, 2020 × Some appealed to the company’s oversight board, a quasi-independent body that Facebook has funded to act as a ''supreme court'' capable of ruling on difficult questions around content moderation. But on Saturday, the board said it would not be able to intervene in time, but was ''working hard to set the board up to begin operating later this year.' There are many significant issues relating to online content that we recognize people want the Board to consider. We're working hard to set the Board up to begin operating later this year so it can start considering cases referred by users and Facebook. — Oversight Board (@OversightBoard) May 30, 2020 × It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps. Facebook Inc will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said. Also read: Fact-checking doesn't make Twitter 'arbiter of truth': Jack Dorsey's retort to Donald Trump Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies.'' Executives and companies across the tech industry, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix, as well as Salesforce, Slack, Uber and Twitter, expressed their support for anti-racism and criminal justice campaigns, through messages to employees, on their homepages or through official social media accounts. Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

Facebook employees walk out after accusing Zuckerberg of 'inadequate policing'

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam accused foreign governments on Tuesday of "double standards" in their reaction to Beijing's plans to impose national security laws on the city, pointing to anti-police brutality protests in the United States.

Semi-autonomous&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has been rocked by months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests over the past year, which riot police have stamped out with more than 9,000 arrests.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-rioters-have-infiltrated-american-states-china-hits-out-at-us-over-george-floyd-protests-302318">'Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states': China hits out at US over George Floyd protests</a>

Washington has been critical of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's response to the demonstrations with US President Donald Trump last week vowing to end the city's special trading status after Beijing announced plans to impose a sweeping national security law on the business hub.

In her first public appearance after Washington said it will remove Hong Kong's preferential treatment in US&nbsp;law in response to Beijing's plans, Lam warned countries threatening actions against the city that they may hurt their own interests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-warns-us-to-stop-interfering-calls-withdrawing-special-us-status-double-edged-sword-301695">Hong Kong warns US to stop interfering; calls withdrawing special US status double-edged sword</a>

"They are very concerned about their own national security, but on our national security...they look through tinted glasses," Lam told a weekly news conference.

"In the US., we see how the riots were being handled by the local governments, compared to the stance they adopted when almost the same riots happened in Hong Kong last year."

"We have seen most clearly in recent weeks the double standards that are around," Lam, who was selected as city leader by a pro-Beijing committee, told reporters.

"You know there are riots in the United States and we see how local governments reacted. And then in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong, when we had similar riots, we saw what position they adopted then."

Both Chinese and&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;officials have seized on the unrest gripping the US in their propaganda drive to justify their own crackdown on pro-democracy protests and the national security law plans.

Having lost patience with Hong Kong after large-scale and often-violent pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled city last year, Beijing authorities last month advanced plans to introduce laws tackling secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference.

The laws could also see Chinese intelligence agencies set up shop in the global financial hub.

U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Hong Kong was no longer sufficiently autonomous from Beijing as promised at the time of the 1997 handover of the territory by Britain, said Hong Kong will no longer be treated differently from China in U.S. law.

Hong Kong and Beijing authorities insist rights and freedoms will be preserved, remarks echoed by Lam on Tuesday. She said "public concerns" about the legislation were understandable as a draft was yet to be finalised.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam accused foreign governments on Tuesday of "double standards" in their reaction to Beijing's plans to impose national security laws on the city, pointing to anti-police brutality protests in the United States.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam accused foreign governments on Tuesday of "double standards" in their reaction to Beijing's plans to impose national security laws on the city, pointing to anti-police brutality protests in the United States. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been rocked by months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests over the past year, which riot police have stamped out with more than 9,000 arrests. Also read: 'Hong Kong rioters have infiltrated American states': China hits out at US over George Floyd protests Washington has been critical of Hong Kong's response to the demonstrations with US President Donald Trump last week vowing to end the city's special trading status after Beijing announced plans to impose a sweeping national security law on the business hub. In her first public appearance after Washington said it will remove Hong Kong's preferential treatment in US law in response to Beijing's plans, Lam warned countries threatening actions against the city that they may hurt their own interests. Also read: Hong Kong warns US to stop interfering; calls withdrawing special US status double-edged sword "They are very concerned about their own national security, but on our national security...they look through tinted glasses," Lam told a weekly news conference. "In the US., we see how the riots were being handled by the local governments, compared to the stance they adopted when almost the same riots happened in Hong Kong last year." "We have seen most clearly in recent weeks the double standards that are around," Lam, who was selected as city leader by a pro-Beijing committee, told reporters. "You know there are riots in the United States and we see how local governments reacted. And then in Hong Kong, when we had similar riots, we saw what position they adopted then." Both Chinese and Hong Kong officials have seized on the unrest gripping the US in their propaganda drive to justify their own crackdown on pro-democracy protests and the national security law plans. Having lost patience with Hong Kong after large-scale and often-violent pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled city last year, Beijing authorities last month advanced plans to introduce laws tackling secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference. The laws could also see Chinese intelligence agencies set up shop in the global financial hub. U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Hong Kong was no longer sufficiently autonomous from Beijing as promised at the time of the 1997 handover of the territory by Britain, said Hong Kong will no longer be treated differently from China in U.S. law. Hong Kong and Beijing authorities insist rights and freedoms will be preserved, remarks echoed by Lam on Tuesday. She said "public concerns" about the legislation were understandable as a draft was yet to be finalised.

Hong Kong leader accuses US of 'double standards' over protests

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote a letter to the top UN officials, highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.

The minister addressed another "comprehensive communication" to the UN Security Council President and the UN Secretary General, apprising them of the latest situation in Kashmir through a letter of 21 May, the FO said.

In his letter, Qureshi has drawn attention towards India's new domicile rules in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it was in clear violation of the UN resolutions, it said.

He also conveyed Pakistan's concern over the alleged ceasefire violations at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.

Qureshi rejected the "baseless Indian allegations? of so-called "launch pads" of "infiltrators". He underlined that the "real Indian motive" behind blaming Pakistan is to create a pretext for a "false flag" operation, about which Pakistan has been forewarning the international community.

He earlier sent a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General on March 9, 2020.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of the Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote a letter to the top UN officials, highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said on Saturday. The minister addressed another "comprehensive communication" to the UN Security Council President and the UN Secretary General, apprising them of the latest situation in Kashmir through a letter of 21 May, the FO said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote a letter to the top UN officials, highlighting the Kashmir issue, the Foreign Office said on Saturday. The minister addressed another "comprehensive communication" to the UN Security Council President and the UN Secretary General, apprising them of the latest situation in Kashmir through a letter of 21 May, the FO said. In his letter, Qureshi has drawn attention towards India's new domicile rules in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it was in clear violation of the UN resolutions, it said. He also conveyed Pakistan's concern over the alleged ceasefire violations at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary. Qureshi rejected the "baseless Indian allegations? of so-called "launch pads" of "infiltrators". He underlined that the "real Indian motive" behind blaming Pakistan is to create a pretext for a "false flag" operation, about which Pakistan has been forewarning the international community. He earlier sent a letter to the President of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Secretary General on March 9, 2020. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of the Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Qureshi writes to UN officials on situation in Kashmir: FO

US&nbsp;embassies&nbsp;in Africa&nbsp;have taken the unusual step of issuing critical statements, saying no one is above the law.

The statements came as the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the ''murder'' of Floyd and said Friday the continental body rejects the ''continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.''

Africa has not seen the kind of protests over Floyd’s killing that have erupted across the United States, but many Africans have expressed disgust and dismay.

The ambassador to Congo, Mike Hammer said, ''I am profoundly troubled by the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The Justice Department is conducting a full criminal investigation as a top priority. Security forces around the world should be held accountable. No one is above the law.'

Similar statements were tweeted by the US&nbsp;embassies in Kenya and Uganda, while the embassies in Tanzania and Kenya tweeted a joint statement from the Department of Justice office in Minnesota on the investigation.

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We are deeply troubled by the death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis. The U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a full criminal investigation as a top priority. Law enforcement officials must be held accountable in every country.
— U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKenya/status/1266349247114424320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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African officials also were publicly outspoken last month over racism in China, when Africans complained of being evicted and mistreated in the city of Guangzhou amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

<blockquote cite="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKenya/status/1266349247114424320" data-scribe="section:subject" data-tweet-id="1266349247114424320">&nbsp;</blockquote>

US embassies in Africa have taken the unusual step of issuing critical statements, saying no one is above the law. The statements came as the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the ''murder'' of Floyd and said Friday the continental body rejects the ''continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.

US embassies in Africa have taken the unusual step of issuing critical statements, saying no one is above the law. The statements came as the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the ''murder'' of Floyd and said Friday the continental body rejects the ''continuing discriminatory practices against black citizens of the USA.'' Africa has not seen the kind of protests over Floyd’s killing that have erupted across the United States, but many Africans have expressed disgust and dismay. The ambassador to Congo, Mike Hammer said, ''I am profoundly troubled by the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The Justice Department is conducting a full criminal investigation as a top priority. Security forces around the world should be held accountable. No one is above the law.' Similar statements were tweeted by the US embassies in Kenya and Uganda, while the embassies in Tanzania and Kenya tweeted a joint statement from the Department of Justice office in Minnesota on the investigation. We are deeply troubled by the death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis. The U.S. Department of Justice is conducting a full criminal investigation as a top priority. Law enforcement officials must be held accountable in every country. — U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) May 29, 2020 × African officials also were publicly outspoken last month over racism in China, when Africans complained of being evicted and mistreated in the city of Guangzhou amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In rare move, US Embassies in Africa condemn Floyd's murder

Chinese President Xi Jinping is so nervous about the position of the Communist Party that he is risking a new Cold War and imperilling Hong Kong's position as Asia's pre-eminent financial hub, says the former&nbsp;British governor of the territory.

Chris Patten said Xi's 'thuggish' crackdown in Hong Kong risked triggering an outflow of capital and people from the city which funnels the bulk of foreign investment into mainland China.

The West, he said, should stop being naive about Xi, who has served as General Secretary of the Communist Party since 2012.

"We have long since passed the stage where, without wanting another Cold War, we have to react to the fact Xi seems to want one himself," Patten said.

Patten cast Xi as a dictator who was "nervous" about the position of the Communist Party in China after criticism of its early handling of the novel coronavirus outbreak and the economic impact of its trade disagreements with the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-slams-trumps-move-to-end-citys-special-status-302036" hreflang="en">Hong Kong slams Trump's move to end city's special status</a>

"One reason Xi Jinping is whipping up all this nationalist feeling about Hong Kong, about Taiwan and about other issues, is that he is more nervous than any official would allow about the position of the Communist Party in China," he said.

The Chinese embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Patten, now 76, watched as the British flag was lowered over Hong Kong when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule.

Hong Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. But thousands of Hong Kong protesters have defied Beijing in recent months.

China’s parliament this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference.

"Xi Jinping hates the things which Hong Kong has been promised under the ‘one country, two systems’ treaty lodged at the United Nations which he is wilfully breaking," Patten said. "What he hopes he can do is to bash Hong Kong into shape."

Patten said Xi's actions had placed Hong Kong's position as Asia's premier international financial hub under question.

"What does it mean? It means serious question marks not just about Hong Kong's future as a free society but also about Hong Kong's ability to continue as probably the premier international financial hub in Asia," Patten said.

"A lot of people will try to leave Hong Kong," Patten said, adding that he feared capital would also flow out. "It is going to be pretty rough over the next few months."

The autonomy of Hong Kong has, until now, given investors faith in the territory's legal and governance systems. China’s legal system is accountable to the Communist Party.

"What you have coming into conflict is a dictatorial idea of what the law is with the common law which is undoubtedly going to cause a constitutional clash," Patten said

He added the West had been even more naive with Xi's China than it had with post-Soviet Russia.

"What Xi has demonstrated so far is that unless you stand up to bullies they go on bullying you," he said.

Patten said the West should stand together when allies, such as Australia, were targeted by Beijing and be cautious with companies such as Huawei which Britain has allowed to help build its 5G network.

"Huawei is an agent of an unpleasant Chinese state," Patten said. Huawei has repeatedly denied claims that it is agent of the Chinese state.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is so nervous about the position of the Communist Party that he is risking a new Cold War and imperilling Hong Kong's position as Asia's pre-eminent financial hub, says the former British governor of the territory.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is so nervous about the position of the Communist Party that he is risking a new Cold War and imperilling Hong Kong's position as Asia's pre-eminent financial hub, says the former British governor of the territory. Chris Patten said Xi's 'thuggish' crackdown in Hong Kong risked triggering an outflow of capital and people from the city which funnels the bulk of foreign investment into mainland China. The West, he said, should stop being naive about Xi, who has served as General Secretary of the Communist Party since 2012. "We have long since passed the stage where, without wanting another Cold War, we have to react to the fact Xi seems to want one himself," Patten said. Patten cast Xi as a dictator who was "nervous" about the position of the Communist Party in China after criticism of its early handling of the novel coronavirus outbreak and the economic impact of its trade disagreements with the United States. Also read: Hong Kong slams Trump's move to end city's special status "One reason Xi Jinping is whipping up all this nationalist feeling about Hong Kong, about Taiwan and about other issues, is that he is more nervous than any official would allow about the position of the Communist Party in China," he said. The Chinese embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Patten, now 76, watched as the British flag was lowered over Hong Kong when the colony was handed back to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule. Hong Kong's autonomy was guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" agreement enshrined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. But thousands of Hong Kong protesters have defied Beijing in recent months. China’s parliament this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. "Xi Jinping hates the things which Hong Kong has been promised under the ‘one country, two systems’ treaty lodged at the United Nations which he is wilfully breaking," Patten said. "What he hopes he can do is to bash Hong Kong into shape." Patten said Xi's actions had placed Hong Kong's position as Asia's premier international financial hub under question. "What does it mean? It means serious question marks not just about Hong Kong's future as a free society but also about Hong Kong's ability to continue as probably the premier international financial hub in Asia," Patten said. "A lot of people will try to leave Hong Kong," Patten said, adding that he feared capital would also flow out. "It is going to be pretty rough over the next few months." The autonomy of Hong Kong has, until now, given investors faith in the territory's legal and governance systems. China’s legal system is accountable to the Communist Party. "What you have coming into conflict is a dictatorial idea of what the law is with the common law which is undoubtedly going to cause a constitutional clash," Patten said He added the West had been even more naive with Xi's China than it had with post-Soviet Russia. "What Xi has demonstrated so far is that unless you stand up to bullies they go on bullying you," he said. Patten said the West should stand together when allies, such as Australia, were targeted by Beijing and be cautious with companies such as Huawei which Britain has allowed to help build its 5G network. "Huawei is an agent of an unpleasant Chinese state," Patten said. Huawei has repeatedly denied claims that it is agent of the Chinese state.

China's 'nervous' Xi risks new Cold War, says former Hong Kong governor

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