A South African court has issued a landmark ruling against Operation Dudula, an anti-migrant group, ordering it to cease obstructing foreign nationals from accessing public health facilities and schools. The Johannesburg High Court declared such actions illegal, emphasizing that the group must stop intimidating, harassing, or interfering with individuals seeking these essential services. Operation Dudula, whose name translates to ‘remove by force’ in Zulu, has been actively picketing hospitals, clinics, and schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, demanding identity checks and barring non-South Africans from entry. The court also prohibited the group from making hate speech, unlawfully evicting foreign nationals from their homes or trading stalls, and inciting others to do so. South Africa, home to approximately 2.4 million migrants—about 4% of its population—has long grappled with xenophobia, which has occasionally erupted into violent outbreaks. The ruling comes amid rising anti-migrant sentiment, which has become a contentious political issue. Operation Dudula has expressed disappointment with the verdict and plans to appeal. The case highlights the ongoing tension between migrant communities and local populations in a nation historically reliant on migrant labor from neighboring countries like Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
分类： society
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Malaysian rapper Namewee detained in murder investigation of Taiwanese influencer
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prominent Malaysian rapper and filmmaker Wee Meng Chee, known professionally as Namewee, was taken into custody on Wednesday to aid police in their investigation into the murder of Taiwanese social media influencer Hsieh Yu-hsin. According to his lawyer, Joshua Tay, Namewee voluntarily surrendered to authorities and will be held under a six-day remand. The case, initially treated as a suspicious death, was reclassified as a murder following the discovery of new evidence. Hsieh, a 31-year-old former nurse with over half a million Instagram followers and an OnlyFans account, was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub on October 22. Local media reported that Namewee was the last person seen with her before her death. He was briefly detained at the time and separately charged with drug possession, which he denies. Hsieh, affectionately dubbed ‘Nurse Goddess’ by her fans, had arrived in Malaysia on October 20 for a four-day stay. Authorities are awaiting full post-mortem and toxicology reports to determine the official cause of death. Namewee expressed deep sorrow over Hsieh’s passing and pledged full cooperation with the investigation. His lawyer emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry. Namewee, a controversial figure known for his satirical takes on Malaysian politics, race, and religion, has faced multiple arrests in the past. His provocative works, including a 2007 video mocking Malaysia’s national anthem and a 2014 film banned for allegedly disparaging national agencies, have often sparked controversy. In 2016, he was detained over a music video deemed disrespectful to Islam, though he was not charged. Similarly, in 2018, he faced backlash for a video featuring dancers in dog masks, which authorities claimed insulted Islam. Namewee maintains that his critiques target hypocrisy and abuse of power, not religion or race. His contentious reputation extends beyond Malaysia; in 2021, a song he released with Australian singer Kimberley Chen mocking Chinese nationalists led to both artists being banned from China and their work removed from Chinese platforms.
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Bosnia official puts death toll in retirement home fire at 11, with over 30 injured
A devastating fire erupted on Tuesday evening at a retirement facility in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and leaving over 30 injured, according to Bosnian officials. The blaze, which originated on the building’s seventh floor (eighth floor in U.S. terminology), quickly spread, trapping elderly residents who were unable to evacuate due to mobility issues or illness. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Among the injured were firefighters and rescue workers who responded to the emergency. Tuzla’s mayor, Zijad Lugavic, confirmed that authorities convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to evaluate the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Ruza Kajic, a resident on the third floor, recounted hearing “popping sounds” and witnessing flames descending from the upper floors as she prepared for bed. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the vulnerabilities of elderly care facilities in emergency situations.
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China launches new giant panda base, expanding conservation network
China has inaugurated a new giant panda base in Mianyang, Sichuan province, marking a significant expansion of its conservation network. The facility, part of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP), is the fifth such site nationwide and aims to enhance panda breeding, research, and international collaboration. Spanning 120 hectares, the base began trial operations after relocating 13 pandas on November 4, 2025. It is slated to open to the public in 2026, once the pandas have acclimated to their new environment. Huang Zhi, head of the Mianyang base’s preparatory team, noted that while the pandas are adjusting to their surroundings, they are in good health, with a dedicated team monitoring their transition. Mianyang is home to 418 wild giant pandas, representing 22.4% of China’s total population, the highest among prefecture-level cities. Since the 1980s, the CCRCGP has made remarkable strides in captive breeding, increasing the panda population from just six in 1983 to over 380 today. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.
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US courts stay deportation of Indian-origin man wrongly jailed for 43 years
Subramanyam ‘Subu’ Vedam, a 64-year-old Indian-origin man who spent over four decades in prison for a murder he did not commit, now faces deportation to India by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Vedam was exonerated in October 2025 after new evidence emerged in his case, but he was immediately detained by ICE upon his release from prison. Born in India, Vedam moved to the U.S. at just nine months old and is a legal permanent resident. His citizenship application was accepted before his arrest in 1983. Currently held at a short-term detention center in Alexandria, Louisiana, Vedam’s deportation has been temporarily halted by two U.S. courts. An immigration judge and a U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania both issued stays pending further review of his case. ICE cited a 1988 deportation order and a separate drug conviction as grounds for his detention. Vedam’s lawyers argue that his wrongful imprisonment for 43 years should outweigh his past drug charges. His family emphasizes his minimal ties to India and his decades of good behavior, academic achievements, and community service while incarcerated. Immigration lawyer Ava Benach described the case as ‘truly extraordinary,’ stating that deportation would compound the injustice Vedam has already endured. The Board of Immigration Appeals is expected to take several months to decide whether to review his case.
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US federal workers turn to food banks to survive
As the US federal government shutdown enters its second month, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are grappling with severe financial strain, forcing many to turn to food banks for survival. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a deadlock over healthcare funding and other policy priorities, has left approximately 1.4 million workers without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Among them, at least 670,000 are on furlough, while 730,000 continue to work without compensation. The crisis has sparked widespread distress, with workers across the nation sharing stories of hardship and uncertainty. In New York, long lines of federal employees, some visibly embarrassed, queued outside churches and food banks to secure basic necessities like vegetables and non-perishable items. Jacquelin, a federal worker, tearfully recounted the emotional toll of being unable to celebrate her daughter’s birthday or afford simple pleasures like a slice of pizza. Similarly, Christina Dechabert, a Transportation Security Administration employee at JFK Airport, described the situation as ‘draining,’ noting that her savings, meant for retirement, are now being depleted to feed her family. The crisis extends beyond New York, with reports of food distribution events in Washington, DC, drawing massive crowds even before they officially began. Many workers, like an anonymous furloughed woman, feel they are being unfairly treated as ‘collateral damage’ in the political impasse. As negotiations remain stalled, the shutdown continues to take a heavy financial and personal toll on federal workers nationwide.
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Investigators board cruise ship that left woman behind on island
In a tragic turn of events, the Coral Adventurer cruise ship has become the center of a harrowing investigation after an elderly passenger was left behind on a remote Australian island and later found dead. Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old woman from Sydney, was hiking on Lizard Island with fellow passengers when she decided to rest, breaking away from the group. Unbeknownst to her, the ship departed without her, only realizing her absence several hours later. Despite a search and rescue effort, Ms. Rees was discovered deceased the following day. The incident has prompted a joint investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Queensland Police, and the state coroner. The Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions, was initially delayed due to mechanical issues and later canceled its 60-day cruise around Australia following the tragedy. The ship, designed to access remote coastal areas, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Ms. Rees’ daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed her family’s shock and sadness, emphasizing the apparent failure of care and common sense. She hopes the coroner’s inquiry will reveal what could have been done to save her mother’s life. The cruise operator has expressed deep regret and is cooperating fully with authorities while offering support to the bereaved family.
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At least 10 killed in Bosnia nursing home fire
A devastating fire erupted at a nursing home in Tuzla, northeastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of 10 residents and injuring 20 others, according to local police. The blaze began at approximately 20:45 local time (19:45 GMT) on the seventh floor of the retirement facility. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and staff, rushed to the scene, with around 20 individuals transported to a nearby medical center for treatment. Among the injured were several patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, three of whom required intensive care. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, prompting Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić to describe the incident as “a disaster of enormous proportions.” Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation once conditions permit. Željko Komšić, Chairman of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s tripartite presidency, extended condolences to the families of the victims and those injured. Eyewitness accounts, including that of resident Ruza Kajic, who lived on the third floor, described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed the upper floors, where many bed-ridden individuals resided. Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the blaze, with flames visible from the building’s windows. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the community, raising questions about safety protocols in such facilities.
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Vietnam rethinks its flood strategy as climate change drives storms and devastation
Vietnam is undergoing a transformative approach to managing floods as relentless storms and record rainfall wreak havoc across the country. With climate change intensifying, the government has committed over $6 billion under a national master plan through 2030 to build early-warning systems, relocate vulnerable communities, and redesign urban areas to better handle extreme weather. Central to this strategy is the concept of ‘sponge cities,’ which absorb and release water naturally, reducing flood risks. Cities like Vinh are already implementing these ideas, expanding drainage networks, creating flood basins, and transforming riverbanks into green spaces. However, the urgency of this work has been underscored by a series of devastating storms in 2025, including Ragasa, Bualoi, and Matmo, which caused widespread destruction and economic losses. Scientists warn that warmer seas are fueling more intense and prolonged storms, disproportionately affecting Vietnam’s poorest communities. The economic toll has been severe, with extreme weather costing the country $1.4 billion in 2025 alone. Vietnam estimates it will need $55 billion to $92 billion this decade to manage climate impacts. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, home to nearly 18 million people, are particularly vulnerable due to rapid urbanization that has replaced natural flood buffers with concrete. Flooding in Hanoi in October 2025 lasted nearly a week, overwhelming the city’s outdated infrastructure. Experts emphasize that traditional flood control methods are insufficient and advocate for nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands and green spaces. Globally, cities like Bengaluru and Johannesburg are adopting similar strategies, and Vietnam’s real estate developers are beginning to follow suit. For instance, the Sun Group is building a ‘sponge city’ in Nha Trang, featuring 60 hectares of wetlands designed to store and reuse rainwater. As climate risks escalate, Vietnam’s efforts to adapt offer valuable lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
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Australia adds Reddit and Kick to social media platforms banning children under 16
In a groundbreaking move, Australia has extended its social media age restrictions to include Reddit and Kick, mandating that these platforms ban users under the age of 16. This decision, announced by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, places these platforms alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube in adhering to the new regulations effective December 10. Platforms that fail to enforce these age restrictions could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
Wells emphasized the government’s commitment to child safety online, stating, ‘Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are merely asking that they use that same technology to keep children safe online.’ The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, who will oversee the enforcement of these regulations, noted that the list of restricted platforms will evolve with emerging technologies.
The government has defined the criteria for these restrictions, targeting platforms whose ‘sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction.’ Inman Grant also highlighted plans to collaborate with academics to assess the ban’s impact, including potential changes in children’s sleep patterns, social interactions, and physical activity levels. ‘We’ll also look for unintended consequences and we’ll be gathering evidence,’ she added, underscoring the importance of learning from Australia’s initiative.
Australia’s approach has garnered international attention, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praising the ‘common sense’ legislation during a United Nations forum in September. However, critics argue that the ban could infringe on user privacy, as platforms may require all users to verify their age. Wells assured that the government aims to protect user data privacy while implementing these measures.
Despite the government’s assurances, over 140 academics specializing in technology and child welfare have expressed concerns, describing the age limit as ‘too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.’ As Australia pioneers this legislation, its outcomes will likely influence global policies on children’s social media usage.