分类： society

In a bid to make legal education more engaging and accessible, China has introduced innovative programs tailored for young students and the elderly. These initiatives aim to deepen public understanding of the law and foster a culture of legal awareness. One such program, organized by the Haidian District People’s Court in Beijing, recently saw high school students participate in an immersive legal workshop. Students took on roles as plaintiffs, defendants, and judges to navigate a simulated inheritance dispute, learning about the Civil Code and judicial procedures in the process. The workshop, guided by court assistant Sun Jiayun, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning to spark interest in legal concepts. This initiative is part of a broader transformation in China’s legal education system, driven by the implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. President Xi Jinping has called for intensified efforts to advance the rule of law across all sectors, emphasizing the need for society-wide observance of the law. The program’s success highlights the potential of interactive methods to make legal education more relatable and effective, particularly for younger audiences.

In a tragic yet fateful turn of events, Abdul Gani Shirahatti, an Indian expatriate who had lived and worked in Abu Dhabi for nearly two decades, was among the 45 pilgrims who lost their lives in a devastating bus crash in Saudi Arabia. The accident occurred on Monday during a journey from Makkah to Madinah, where the bus collided with a tanker. Gani, a dedicated hotel driver for 18 years, had embarked on a short Umrah pilgrimage, a journey he had undertaken alone after his wife’s passport delay prevented her from accompanying him. His son and elder brother, Farook, traveled to Madinah to provide DNA samples to identify Gani’s remains, a process that has left the family in profound grief. Gani’s wife, who narrowly escaped the tragedy due to the passport delay, is now grappling with the loss of her husband. The family, supported by friends and authorities, awaits the completion of formal identification procedures. Gani, described as a hardworking and devoted family man, had planned to return to India for a long-awaited reunion with his loved ones after completing his pilgrimage and work responsibilities. Instead, his family now mourns his untimely death, remembering his unwavering commitment to providing for his wife, three daughters, and son.

In the icy expanse of Antarctica, where the frigid air bites at exposed skin, Natalie Paine, a French horn player in New Zealand’s navy, has found an unlikely stage. Since October, Paine has been stationed at Scott Base, one of 21 military members supporting scientific research on the frozen continent. Her melodies, carried across the Ross Sea, emerge from what might be the most remote practice room on Earth. ‘It’s beautiful and very inspiring,’ Paine shared with the Associated Press. ‘I’ll sit by the window, play music in my limited free time, and let the surroundings fuel my creativity.’

Paine’s journey to Antarctica is as unconventional as her current role. Growing up in the arid climate of Adelaide, Australia, she once dreamed of visiting the frozen continent as a scientist. However, her path led her to study music at university, temporarily shelving her Antarctic aspirations. Years later, as a musician in New Zealand’s navy, she discovered that military personnel, including musicians, could be stationed in Antarctica. ‘My eyes lit up,’ Paine recalled. ‘I asked, even a musician? And my instructor said, heck yeah, why not?’

Realizing this dream was no easy feat. It took four years of persistent applications before Paine secured a posting as a communications operator. Her demanding job, involving six-day shifts monitoring radio, phone, and email communications, leaves little time for music. Yet, Paine carves out moments to practice, often retreating to a historic hut built in 1957 under the leadership of explorer Sir Edmund Hillary. There, she plays her jHorn, a lightweight, durable plastic instrument designed for children, which is better suited to the harsh Antarctic climate than her traditional French horn.

Despite the challenges, Paine’s presence has brought joy to Scott Base. She has performed live at ceremonies, replacing the usual recorded music, and even braved sub-zero temperatures to deliver a solo concert at minus 21 degrees Celsius. ‘Music is the universal language,’ Paine reflected. ‘It reminds us that we’re all connected, whether we’re on the ice or back home.’ Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the unifying force of music in even the most extreme environments.

International human rights organizations and activists are rallying for the immediate release of Algerian poet and activist Mohamed Tadjadit, who faces a potential death sentence in Algeria. Tadjadit, known as ‘the poet of the Hirak’ for his influential role in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, has been arbitrarily detained since January and recently began a hunger strike to protest his treatment in prison. On November 11, he was sentenced to five years in prison on charges including ‘condoning terrorism’ and ‘spreading extremist ideas,’ which rights groups have condemned as baseless. A new trial on November 30 could see him charged with ‘conspiring to incite citizens against the state,’ a crime punishable by death. Algeria has not carried out executions since 1993, but the threat remains. Tadjadit will be tried alongside 12 other activists, including whistleblowers and former military members. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and PEN America, have decried his prosecution as a crackdown on free expression. Index on Censorship awarded Tadjadit its Freedom of Expression Award, calling him ‘truly inspiring’ and urging his release. Tadjadit has been imprisoned multiple times since 2019, reflecting Algeria’s broader suppression of dissent. The Hirak movement, which forced the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has been largely repressed, but sporadic protests continue. Critics accuse the ruling National Liberation Front of corruption and undemocratic practices. The government has also targeted individuals using the hashtag #Manich_Radhi (‘I am not happy’) to express discontent. Human rights defenders estimate there are 200–250 prisoners of conscience in Algeria, many linked to the 2019 protests. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the Algerian government and its critics.