Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • Iran overturns death sentence for Kurdish leftist leader Verisheh Moradi

    Iran overturns death sentence for Kurdish leftist leader Verisheh Moradi

    In a significant judicial development, Iran’s Supreme Court has nullified the capital punishment verdict against Verisheh Moradi, a distinguished Kurdish leftist figure and member of the Community of Free Women of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR). The court’s decision, citing substantial procedural flaws and investigative deficiencies in the initial trial, represents a rare judicial reversal in Iran’s legal system.

    Moradi had been condemned to death in November 2024 by Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on charges of ‘armed rebellion’ stemming from her alleged involvement in the Mahsa Amini protests. The case originated from her arrest in August 2023, where authorities accused her of affiliation with the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), an organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

    The Supreme Court’s annulment specifically highlighted the failure to properly notify Moradi of the precise charges against her during legal proceedings, constituting a violation of due process. Judicial authorities have now referred the case back to the original court for comprehensive review and renewed proceedings.

    Moradi’s background includes combat experience against Islamic State forces in Syria, where she sustained injuries during the 2014 defense of Kobane. Despite her imprisonment, she remained politically active, co-signing a June 2024 prison letter condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

    This case occurs against the backdrop of Iran’s escalating use of capital punishment, which reached a concerning peak with at least 975 executions recorded in 2024—the highest number documented since 2015. The international community has consistently criticized Tehran’s application of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving political dissent and minority rights activists.

    Simultaneously, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was forcibly returned to prison after attending a memorial service, cutting short her provisional release granted for health reasons in December 2024. Mohammadi’s continued persecution underscores the challenging environment for human rights defenders within Iran’s judicial landscape.

  • A new Bollywood film is dividing opinions in India and Pakistan

    A new Bollywood film is dividing opinions in India and Pakistan

    The latest Bollywood espionage thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ has ignited both acclaim and controversy across South Asia, presenting a polarized reception to its intense portrayal of India-Pakistan tensions. Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh as protagonist Hamza—an Indian intelligence operative infiltrating criminal networks in Karachi—the film merges high-stakes action with overt nationalist themes.

    Since its theatrical release last week, the production has generated substantial box office success while simultaneously provoking heated discourse regarding its political messaging and historical interpretations. Dhar, who gained prominence with the 2019 military drama ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike,’ continues his exploration of nationalist cinema with this sophomore directorial effort.

    The film’s narrative framework incorporates actual historical events, including archival footage from the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai terror incidents, weaving them into a fictional tapestry of gang warfare and cross-border espionage. Its visceral combat sequences and claustrophobic cinematography create an atmosphere of relentless tension, though some critics argue the violence borders on gratuitous.

    Reactions have bifurcated sharply between those applauding the film’s technical execution and narrative ambition, and others condemning its perceived propagandistic elements. The Film Critics’ Guild issued an official statement decrying the targeted harassment of reviewers who expressed reservations about the production’s political undertones.

    In Pakistan, responses have been equally divided. While Bollywood content remains technically banned since 2019, audiences continue accessing films through digital workarounds. Pakistani commentators have criticized the depiction of Karachi as a lawless territory and questioned the factual accuracy of linking local criminal organizations to cross-border terrorism. The Pakistan Peoples Party particularly objected to fictionalized rally scenes featuring imagery of assassinated leader Benazir Bhutto.

    This controversy emerges within a broader trend of Indian nationalist cinema achieving commercial success while stimulating debate about historical representation. Films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story’ have previously navigated similar tensions between entertainment and political messaging. As with those predecessors, ‘Dhurandhar’ demonstrates how cinematic narratives continue reflecting—and potentially shaping—complex geopolitical relationships in the region.

  • Exclusive: UK won’t comment on prosecutor’s claim Britain threatened to defund ICC

    Exclusive: UK won’t comment on prosecutor’s claim Britain threatened to defund ICC

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has maintained a stance of non-commentary regarding serious allegations made by Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In an official court submission dated Wednesday, Khan detailed an alleged campaign of intimidation he faced prior to seeking arrest warrants against Israeli leaders in May 2024.

    According to the prosecutor’s filing with the ICC’s appeals chamber, a senior British government official reportedly threatened to withdraw UK funding and support for the international judicial body if Khan proceeded with warrants targeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants concern alleged war crimes committed during military operations in Gaza.

    Multiple investigative reports, including previous coverage by Middle East Eye (MEE), identify the official in question as David Cameron, who served as Foreign Secretary at the time of the alleged April 23, 2024 phone conversation. When pressed by MEE to confirm or deny the allegations and to clarify whether an investigation would be launched into the matter, the Foreign Office declined to respond, continuing a pattern of silence established since initial reports surfaced in June.

    Khan’s submission describes receiving communication from the UK official who argued that pursuing warrants against Israeli leadership would be ‘disproportionate’ and could trigger financial repercussions for the court. This account appears to corroborate earlier reporting from MEE, which cited sources including former staff within Khan’s office who were familiar with the call’s minutes.

    According to these sources, Cameron characterized the potential issuance of warrants as analogous to ‘dropping a hydrogen bomb.’ He reportedly drew a distinction between prosecuting Russia for its aggression against Ukraine and targeting Israel while it was engaged in self-defense following the October 7 attacks. Further international reporting from outlets including France’s Le Monde and The New Yorker has echoed these details, with the latter publication reporting that Khan himself relayed the ‘hydrogen bomb’ comment to UN investigators.

    A contrasting perspective, presented in journalist Peter Oborne’s book ‘Complicit: Britain’s Role in the Destruction of Gaza,’ cites a source close to Cameron describing the exchange as ‘robust’ but not threatening. This source claimed Cameron merely highlighted that powerful factions within the Conservative Party would likely advocate for defunding the ICC and potentially withdrawing from the Rome Statute should the warrants be pursued.

    The allegations have prompted calls for accountability from several British political figures. Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn have both demanded a formal parliamentary investigation to establish the facts surrounding the conversation and determine whether a serving UK foreign secretary attempted to improperly influence an independent international judicial process.

  • Viral scenic valley in China, not Japan, operators of tourist attraction clarify

    Viral scenic valley in China, not Japan, operators of tourist attraction clarify

    A breathtaking viral video showcasing mist-shrouded cliffs that captivated global social media audiences has been definitively identified as featuring China’s Wangxian Valley, despite widespread mislabeling as Japanese scenery. The management of this Jiangxi province tourist destination has confirmed the footage’s true origins after the clip amassed significant international attention.

    Xiong Hui, co-founder and vice-president of Jiuniu Cultural and Tourism Co, which operates the scenic area, expressed surprise at the unexpected global spotlight. The company noticed substantial overseas engagement with the video on Wednesday morning, prompting their clarification.

    “Wangxian Valley is indeed located in Shangrao, Jiangxi,” Xiong stated. “Its distinctive deep gorges and ever-shifting mist create a landscape that is immediately recognizable to those familiar with our region. We are delighted that viewers worldwide have appreciated the footage and extend a warm invitation to international visitors to experience Jiangxi’s authentic natural beauty firsthand.”

    The site’s transformation from a discontinued mining zone to a cultural resort town represents a remarkable rehabilitation success story. Today, Wangxian Valley combines spectacular natural scenery with traditional folk culture and performance activities, creating a multifaceted tourist experience.

    Official statistics reveal the destination’s growing popularity, with 3.1 million visits recorded in 2024, including over 150,000 international tourists. This misidentification incident previously drew the attention of diplomatic channels, with the Chinese embassy in India clarifying on social media platform X on December 8 that the viral video—which had garnered 1.3 million likes—depicted Chinese scenery rather than locations in Tokyo or Hokkaido, Japan. The embassy spokesperson seized the opportunity to encourage global social media users to discover China’s authentic landscapes.

  • European Chamber Shanghai Chapter calls for stronger EU-China sustainability ties

    European Chamber Shanghai Chapter calls for stronger EU-China sustainability ties

    SHANGHAI – The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China’s Shanghai Chapter reinforced its call for strengthened sustainability collaboration between the EU and China during its 9th Annual Sustainable Business Awards ceremony held on December 11, 2025.

    The event, which attracted record participation with 78 applications from 45 companies, highlighted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles as essential long-term business strategies rather than mere compliance exercises. Chamber leadership emphasized the strategic alignment between European technological expertise and China’s ambitious carbon neutrality targets.

    Carlo D’Andrea, European Chamber Vice-President and Shanghai Chapter Chair, articulated the mutual benefits of this partnership: ‘EU-China collaboration on sustainability creates genuine opportunities for both sides, with European companies’ decarbonization objectives aligning closely with China’s national ambitions.’

    The awards program, inspired by both UN Sustainable Development Goals and China’s domestic policies on rural revitalization and environmental protection, has evolved significantly from its origins. Steven Basart, General Manager of the Shanghai Chapter, noted the program’s transformation ‘from a simple awards initiative into a comprehensive platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.’

    This year’s recognition spanned 11 categories including biodiversity conservation, circular innovation, climate action, decarbonization efforts, and Sino-European sustainability collaboration. The rigorous evaluation process, praised by judges including Stina Hinderson of the Swedish Embassy’s CSR Center in Beijing, revealed innovative solutions across companies of all sizes.

    Hinderson observed: ‘Across these areas, we have witnessed numerous impressive solutions from both multinational enterprises and small and medium enterprises, demonstrating that all companies have a role to play in the sustainability transition.’

    The ceremony underscored the growing business commitment to environmental stewardship while facilitating crucial dialogue between European and Chinese stakeholders on shared ecological challenges.

  • Families of Palestine Action hunger strikers in hospital ‘blocked’ from contacting them

    Families of Palestine Action hunger strikers in hospital ‘blocked’ from contacting them

    A deepening humanitarian crisis is unfolding within Britain’s prison system as multiple Palestine Action-linked detainees continue a prolonged hunger strike, now entering its most critical phase. The situation has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals and lawmakers who allege systematic neglect and violations of standard healthcare protocols.

    At the center of the controversy is Kamran Ahmed, hospitalized for the second time this week after refusing food since November 2nd. His sister, Shahmina Alam, describes an agonizing information blackout imposed by Pentonville prison authorities. ‘We don’t know how he’s doing, that’s the honest answer,’ Alam told Middle East Eye, explaining how the institution has blocked direct medical updates from healthcare providers to families and legal representatives.

    This communication barrier mirrors experiences across multiple facilities. Ella Moulsdale, listed as next of kin for striker Qesser Zuhrah at HMP Bronzefield, discovered the prison had replaced her as emergency contact without consultation. ‘The hospital refused her a call to me and her lawyer,’ Moulsdale revealed, describing how she learned of Zuhrah’s December 3rd hospitalization through absence rather than official notification.

    Medical oversight appears dangerously inadequate according to emergency physician Dr. James Smith, who has been advising the strikers’ families. He reports consistent failures in basic monitoring: ‘There doesn’t appear to have been a single day where a full set of clinical signs have been shared with me by the next of kin.’ Particularly alarming are missing daily measurements of ketone levels and weight—critical indicators when prisoners approach 40 days without nutrition.

    The physical deterioration has become severe. Ahmed exhibited dangerously high ketone levels and slowing pulse rates before hospitalization, conditions that can precipitate coma or cardiac arrest. Dr. Smith emphasizes the extreme vulnerability during this phase: ‘The body is effectively starting to break down muscles and essential organs. There’s a very, very high risk of death due to infection or electrolyte imbalances that can stop the heart abruptly.’

    Further concerns involve treatment obstruction by prison guards. Smith reports instances where hospitalized strikers were shackled to beds or officers during medical assessments, showers, and consultations—practices that interfere with proper healthcare delivery. He concludes that the standard of care falls ‘far below the minimum standard’ required for such high-risk patients.

    With lives hanging in the balance, multiple MPs have urgently appealed to Justice Secretary David Lammy for intervention. Labour MP Zarah Sultana warned the strikers’ lives are ‘now at immediate risk’ and demanded ‘meaningful action.’ Thus far, responses have been inadequate or nonexistent, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the UK’s justice system as this preventable medical emergency escalates.

  • Qingdao Port integrates clean energy with China’s first hydrogen-electric tugboat

    Qingdao Port integrates clean energy with China’s first hydrogen-electric tugboat

    Qingdao Port in Shandong Province has launched a groundbreaking clean energy initiative with the commissioning of China’s first hydrogen-electric hybrid tugboat, marking a significant advancement in sustainable maritime operations. Since its mid-summer deployment, the innovative vessel has been actively supporting port operations while demonstrating substantial environmental benefits.

    According to Captain Zhou Zixiang, the tugboat features an advanced hybrid propulsion system integrating hydrogen fuel cells with liquid-cooled lithium battery technology. This configuration enables approximately 12 hours of continuous operation on a single charging cycle. The vessel represents a technological leap forward in port machinery, offering superior energy utilization efficiency and enhanced maneuverability compared to conventional diesel-powered tugboats.

    The environmental impact is particularly noteworthy, with projections indicating an annual reduction of approximately 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from this single vessel alone. The tugboat incorporates China’s Beidou Navigation Satellite System for precise positioning and operations, complemented by an intelligent shore-based charging infrastructure specifically designed for hydrogen and electric vessels.

    This maritime innovation forms part of Qingdao Port’s broader green transformation strategy. Despite handling a record annual cargo throughput exceeding 700 million tons, the port has aggressively integrated renewable energy sources throughout its operations. The facility has established comprehensive solar and wind power generation systems combined with large-scale energy storage solutions, creating an integrated charging zone dedicated to clean energy vehicles and equipment.

    Current statistics reveal impressive sustainability metrics: photovoltaic installations generate approximately 25 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, nearly 80% of operational vehicles within the port now utilize new energy sources, and clean energy accounts for 69% of the port’s total energy consumption. These collective efforts are reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 20,000 tons each year, positioning Qingdao Port as a leader in environmentally responsible port management and sustainable shipping technology.

  • Palestinian refugee detained in France ‘at Israel’s request’

    Palestinian refugee detained in France ‘at Israel’s request’

    A Palestinian refugee residing in France under granted asylum faces over 18 months of imprisonment following an extradition request from Israeli authorities, according to advocacy group Free Ali. The individual, identified only as Ali, was apprehended in May 2024 during a dawn raid at his family residence, where French police forcibly entered the property, damaged vehicles, and conducted extensive searches in the presence of his children.

    Ali’s refugee status has been formally revoked by French authorities citing national security concerns, despite the absence of formal charges or trial proceedings. This decision directly contradicts France’s previous acknowledgment of his persecution by Israel, where he endured multiple detainments without trial before his 2014 expulsion.

    The case has ignited serious concerns regarding international refugee protections and judicial independence. Free Ali representatives contend that France’s compliance with Israeli requests constitutes a dangerous precedent wherein geopolitical alliances potentially override humanitarian obligations. Notably, Israel currently faces international legal scrutiny including genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice regarding its Gaza operations.

    Ali’s personal history reveals extensive trauma: at age 14, he witnessed his younger brother’s fatal shooting by an Israeli soldier; he subsequently endured approximately seven years of intermittent imprisonment under Israel’s administrative detention system without formal charges. Following his expulsion, he briefly faced detention in Italy based on Israeli claims before eventually securing asylum in France where he established family life and stable employment.

    The psychological impact on his family has been severe: his partner received a cancer diagnosis potentially linked to extreme stress shortly after his detention, while their children developed acute anxiety disorders following the violent arrest circumstances. Currently incarcerated at Osny prison near Paris, Ali has faced denied release requests despite no criminal record in France.

    Advocates emphasize that extradition to Israel would effectively constitute a death sentence given the documented deterioration of Palestinian detainee conditions and systematic torture allegations in Israeli prisons. The case reflects broader patterns of Palestinian criminalization within European jurisdictions through overlapping immigration and anti-terrorism legal frameworks.

  • Beijing mobilizes for winter’s first major snowfall

    Beijing mobilizes for winter’s first major snowfall

    Beijing has initiated comprehensive emergency protocols to address the winter’s first significant snowfall event, with meteorological authorities forecasting continuous precipitation extending into Saturday morning. According to official reports, the capital’s response system has been fully mobilized to ensure public safety and maintain urban functionality.

    The Beijing Meteorological Service indicates moderate snowfall across most metropolitan areas, with six districts—Fangshan, Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing, Huairou, and Miyun—anticipated to experience more intense accumulation. Certain regions within these districts may encounter near-blizzard conditions, prompting heightened preparedness measures.

    Emergency services and transportation authorities have deployed personnel across critical infrastructure points. In Mentougou district, law enforcement and auxiliary police have been observed maintaining vigilance at expressway checkpoints, working under challenging conditions to ensure traveler safety and traffic flow despite wind and snow complications.

    The municipal government has activated its multi-agency coordination mechanism, focusing on maintaining transportation networks, ensuring energy supply stability, and providing necessary public assistance. The response reflects lessons learned from previous winter emergencies, with improved resource allocation and communication systems compared to past snow events.

    Residents have been advised to limit non-essential travel and stay updated through official channels as the weather system develops. The city’s winter preparedness plan, refined through annual evaluations, demonstrates Beijing’s evolving approach to managing severe weather challenges in one of the world’s most populous urban centers.

  • Thailand and Cambodia agree to halt fighting, Trump says

    Thailand and Cambodia agree to halt fighting, Trump says

    In a significant diplomatic development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Thailand and Cambodia will implement an immediate ceasefire following days of intense border conflicts. The announcement came after Trump engaged in separate telephone discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

    The border dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors escalated dramatically on July 24 when Cambodian forces launched rocket barrages into Thai territory, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from Thailand. The recent surge in violence has resulted in at least 20 casualties and displaced approximately half a million people from border communities.

    Through his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that both leaders ‘have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord made with me.’ He further emphasized that ‘Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America.’

    However, the Thai Prime Minister presented a more conditional stance during a news conference, indicating that a ceasefire would only materialize if ‘Cambodia will cease fire, withdraw its troops, remove all landmines it has planted.’ As of the announcement, neither Southeast Asian leader had publicly confirmed the agreement.

    The current conflict represents the latest eruption in a century-long territorial dispute along the 800-kilometer border between the two nations, with boundaries originally established during the French colonial occupation of Cambodia. This week’s fighting expanded across at least six provinces in northeastern Thailand and five provinces in northern and northwestern Cambodia, marking the most significant escalation in recent years.

    This marks the second ceasefire attempt brokered by Trump in collaboration with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following an earlier ‘immediate and unconditional ceasefire’ agreement that ultimately failed to maintain stability in the region.