标签： Asia

In a significant move to safeguard minors in the digital age, China’s Supreme People’s Court has emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulation of children’s online behavior. This directive follows the release of three pivotal cases involving minors, which underscore the growing concerns over internet-related crimes and cyberbullying. The court has mandated judicial bodies nationwide to enhance their handling of such cases and implement robust legal measures to foster a safer online environment for young users. One notable case involved a student, Li, who posted defamatory remarks about his classmate, Wang, on a social media platform. The court ruled that Li’s actions constituted an insult and violated Wang’s right to reputation. Given Li’s minor status and his parents’ failure to fulfill their guardianship duties, the court ordered them to issue a written apology to Wang. The Supreme People’s Court highlighted that minors often lack the emotional maturity to handle conflicts appropriately, which can lead to harmful online behavior. It stressed that the internet is not a lawless space and that minors are subject to legal constraints when expressing themselves online. Parents, as guardians, have a crucial role in guiding their children and will be held accountable for any infringing behavior. Additionally, the court urged collaboration with internet platforms to prevent juvenile crimes. Another case involved two teenagers who extorted over 75,000 yuan by claiming to be practicing online games. The court discovered that they learned these criminal methods through harmful content on a short video platform, prompting a judicial recommendation to strengthen content monitoring. The court praised this proactive approach, noting its dual benefit in preventing juvenile crimes and ensuring the healthy development of the internet industry.

Bana Al Abed, a 16-year-old Syrian activist, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize by the Netherlands-based KidsRights Foundation. Recognized for her relentless advocacy for children affected by war, Al Abed has dedicated her efforts to reuniting families, reopening schools, and offering hope to children in conflict zones such as Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Syria. Her journey began in 2016 when she and her family were evacuated from Aleppo to Turkey, where she has since become a global voice for children’s rights. Al Abed has attended international conferences, visited refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan, authored two books, and garnered recognition from world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron. In her acceptance speech at Stockholm City Hall, Al Abed boldly addressed global leaders, including former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, questioning their roles in the suffering of children worldwide. She emphasized the importance of education as a cornerstone for rebuilding war-torn societies, stating that it provides hope and opportunities for growth. Al Abed also highlighted the plight of 5,000 Syrian children forcibly separated from their families during the war, whose fates remain unknown. Marc Dullaert, founder and chairman of KidsRights, praised Al Abed’s courage and resilience, noting her transformation of personal hardship into a powerful advocacy platform. Previous recipients of the award include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.

In a symbolic move to restore public confidence, Bangladesh Police have introduced new uniforms, replacing their traditional turquoise-and-blue attire with iron-grey shirts and chocolate-brown trousers. This initiative comes as the nation of 170 million people prepares for critical elections in February 2026, where the role of security forces will be pivotal in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The decision follows years of turmoil and public distrust stemming from the 2024 uprising, which resulted in the overthrow of the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina. The unrest left at least 1,400 dead and thousands injured, many due to police actions. Police spokesman Sahadat Hossaine acknowledged the force’s ‘unprecedented crisis,’ stating that policymakers believe the new uniforms could signal reform and foster positive change. However, skepticism remains among citizens like Nazma Akhtar, whose 17-year-old son was killed during the uprising. ‘How can a new uniform change their attitude?’ she questioned, reflecting widespread anger. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has established a police reform commission, but progress has been slow. Allegations of excessive force persist, and public trust has eroded to the extent that mobs often take justice into their own hands. Meanwhile, around 1,500 police personnel face criminal charges, including murder, with dozens in detention. The former police chief, who pleaded guilty alongside Sheikh Hasina, was sentenced to five years. Despite these challenges, serving officers express their own grievances, noting that 44 officers were also killed during the unrest. The path to rebuilding trust remains fraught with obstacles, as the police force seeks to shed its image as a political tool and regain legitimacy.

In a landmark effort to safeguard the financial assets of elderly citizens, China has unveiled comprehensive new regulations governing the management of prepaid fees by nursing homes. The Ministry of Civil Affairs, in collaboration with the National Financial Regulatory Administration, introduced these measures as part of a broader initiative to combat illegal fundraising and financial fraud targeting seniors. The guidelines, titled ‘Guidance on the Custody and Management of Prepaid Fees for Nursing Institutions,’ mandate that all prepaid funds be deposited into a dedicated, monitored bank account to address longstanding concerns over misuse. Nursing homes are required to open these accounts at approved banks, and any withdrawals must be justified with supporting documents, except in cases of emergency medical expenses. Custodian banks are tasked with refusing suspicious transactions and reporting them to regulatory authorities. Additionally, the guidelines ensure prompt refunds, requiring banks to process repayments within one day of receiving a valid request. To enhance transparency, custodian banks must develop specialized account management systems that interface with civil affairs departments, providing real-time data on fund flows. Online banking for these accounts is prohibited, and all transactions must be processed over the counter or through a dedicated platform, with balance checks to maintain a required safety margin.

Avner Netanyahu, the youngest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has significantly reduced the asking price of his three-bedroom flat in Oxford, UK, after failing to sell it for nine months. The property, initially listed for £620,000 in February, has now been marked down to £500,000, representing a nearly 20% reduction and a potential loss of £2,500 for Netanyahu’s son.