A Bangladesh court is set to deliver its verdict on November 13 in the high-profile crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been tried in absentia. The trial, which concluded on Thursday, October 23, 2025, accused Hasina of orchestrating a deadly crackdown during a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, resulting in the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. Hasina, 78, has defied court orders to return from India to face charges, including failure to prevent murder, which prosecutors argue constitute crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. The prosecution has demanded the death penalty if she is found guilty. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman emphasized that Hasina’s refusal to return to Bangladesh undermines her claims of innocence, stating, ‘If she believed in the justice system, she should have returned.’ The trial, which began on June 1, 2025, included months of testimony and evidence, including audio tapes allegedly showing Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters. Hasina, represented by a state-appointed lawyer, has refused to recognize the court’s authority, while her defense claims she was forced to flee the country. Her now-banned political party, the Awami League, has denounced the trial as a ‘show trial’ and maintains her innocence. The verdict comes ahead of Bangladesh’s first elections since Hasina’s overthrow, scheduled for early February 2026.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Ben Gvir calls for death penalty as he faces bound Palestinian prisoners
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has sparked widespread controversy after being filmed advocating for the execution of Palestinian detainees during a visit to an Israeli prison. In a now-viral video, Ben Gvir, a far-right politician, is seen standing in front of a cell, declaring that Palestinian prisoners ‘deserve a death penalty law.’ The footage also shows several Palestinian detainees shackled and kneeling in stress positions, their backs to the camera. This incident coincides with the Israeli parliament’s preparation to debate a series of contentious bills, including one that would impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of terrorism. Ben Gvir, who oversees prison affairs, has long championed harsher measures against Palestinian detainees, including the death penalty and severe prison conditions. Under his supervision, reports of abuse, torture, starvation, and sexual assault against Palestinian prisoners have surged, particularly since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023. Recent accounts reveal that 80 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the conflict began. Despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ben Gvir’s death penalty bill received preliminary approval last month. On Saturday, he reiterated his demand, calling for ‘the death penalty law for terrorists – now.’ Palestinian prisoners’ rights groups, including the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, condemned the bill as an ‘unprecedented act of savagery.’ They argue that the legislation aims to legalize the ongoing killing of prisoners, reflecting the ‘unprecedented level of savagery’ practiced by the Israeli occupation system. International human rights organizations have also criticized Israel’s counter-terrorism laws, warning that they are often applied to legitimate human rights and humanitarian work. Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet emphasized in 2021 that advocating for rights or providing legal aid should not be equated with terrorism. The situation underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis and the escalating tensions in the region.
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Myanmar scam centre raid sends hundreds fleeing to Thailand
In a dramatic turn of events, over 600 individuals fled one of Myanmar’s most infamous scam centers, crossing into Thailand following a military raid on the compound. The sprawling facility, known as KK Park, is part of a network of illicit operations that have flourished along Myanmar’s loosely governed border during its ongoing civil war, which began after the 2021 military coup. These centers are notorious for orchestrating internet fraud, including romance and business scams, targeting victims globally. Sawanit Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, deputy governor of Thailand’s Tak province, confirmed that 677 people had crossed the Moei River into Thailand as of Thursday morning. Many were seen carrying large suitcases and backpacks, indicating a hasty escape. Authorities are now screening the individuals to determine if they are victims of human trafficking or if they will face charges for illegal border crossing. The scam centers, often fortified and connected to satellite networks like Starlink, have become a multibillion-dollar industry in Southeast Asia. While some workers are trafficked into these compounds, others voluntarily join, lured by the promise of higher earnings. Myanmar’s military has historically turned a blind eye to these operations, which benefit its militia allies. However, pressure from China, a key military backer, has prompted crackdowns, though analysts suggest these efforts may be superficial. The transnational scam industry has caused significant financial losses, with victims in the region conned out of up to $37 billion in 2023, according to a UN report. Recent developments include asset seizures and arrests linked to scam operations across Southeast Asia, highlighting the scale of this illicit enterprise.
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International Criminal Court judges reject jurisdiction challenge in Duterte case
In a significant legal development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a jurisdictional challenge brought forth by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who faces allegations of involvement in numerous killings during his controversial war on drugs. The 80-year-old Duterte’s defense team contended that the ICC lacked authority to proceed with the case, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal from the court prior to the formal investigation’s initiation. However, a pretrial panel of judges rejected this argument, emphasizing that countries cannot exploit their withdrawal from the Rome Statute to evade accountability for crimes already under scrutiny. The 32-page ruling underscored that such actions would constitute an abuse of the withdrawal mechanism. The ICC’s investigation, which formally commenced in 2021, examines killings linked to Duterte’s anti-drug campaign during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president. Estimates of the death toll range from 6,000, as reported by national police, to 30,000, according to human rights groups. Duterte’s legal team, led by Nick Kauffman, has vowed to appeal the decision, maintaining their client’s innocence. The case has been marked by delays, including a recent postponement of a pretrial hearing due to Duterte’s health concerns. Despite these challenges, the court has ruled that Duterte must remain in detention, citing a flight risk. The ICC’s investigation has faced repeated attempts by the Duterte administration to halt it, with arguments that Philippine authorities were already addressing the allegations. However, appeals judges rejected these claims in 2023, allowing the investigation to proceed. Duterte, arrested in March and transferred to The Hague, denies all charges of crimes against humanity.
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Amsterdam’s international airport cancels dozens of flights due to storm
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, faced significant disruptions on Thursday as a severe storm approached the Dutch coastline. The adverse weather conditions prompted the cancellation of approximately 75 departing flights, primarily scheduled for the evening. The airport’s official website updated the cancellations around 11:00 AM local time (09:00 GMT), advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the terminal. The storm, expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening, raised concerns over safety and operational efficiency. Schiphol Airport authorities emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruptions while prioritizing passenger safety. This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transportation hubs to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Travelers were advised to stay informed through official channels and consider alternative arrangements if necessary.
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Conference calls for tech innovations to fight weed menace
The Joint Weed Science Society Congress convened in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, this week, bringing together over 600 experts and scholars from 42 countries and regions. The event, co-hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Nanjing Agricultural University, featured the 9th International Weed Science Congress, the 29th Asian Pacific Weed Science Conference, and the 17th China Weed Science Conference. The congress aimed to share research progress and explore future developments in global weed science. Weeds pose a significant threat to agricultural production and ecological security, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimating that weeds cause 10 to 15 percent of global crop yield losses annually. In China, the grain-planting area reached 119 million hectares in 2024, with weed occurrence covering nearly 100 million hectares, leading to annual economic losses exceeding 100 billion yuan ($13.8 billion). Experts highlighted the challenges of weed proliferation, widespread herbicide resistance, and frequent chemical damage incidents, emphasizing the need for technological innovation to ensure global food and ecological security. The conference, themed ‘New Technology Leads the Way of Weed Science,’ showcased advances in weed biology, molecular mechanisms, intelligent identification, resistance management, and green control technologies. Delegates visited demonstration sites showcasing China’s latest research and applications in weed management and discussed the impact of climate change on weed disasters and integrated control strategies, proposing targeted recommendations.
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Court summons sought for British citizen accused of serving in Israeli military
A British legal organization has initiated legal proceedings against a British-Israeli individual accused of serving in the Israeli military, marking the first such case since the UK officially recognized Palestine as a state in September. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) filed court documents on Monday, alleging violations of the Foreign Enlistment Act (FEA), which prohibits UK nationals from enlisting in foreign militaries at war with nations friendly to Britain. The accused, a dual national, reportedly served in Israeli military units along the Lebanese border and in the occupied West Bank. The ICJP’s submission highlights that Palestine, now recognized as a ‘friendly state,’ falls under the FEA’s broader definition of a state, despite differing interpretations under international law. The legal documents argue that the individual’s service was voluntary, as non-resident Israelis are not legally obligated to serve. The case could set a precedent for holding British citizens accountable for involvement in foreign conflicts. Offenses under the FEA carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment. ICJP’s legal head, Mutahir Ahmed, emphasized the importance of domestic jurisdictions in prosecuting suspected war criminals, regardless of where the alleged crimes occurred. The UK government has previously avoided commenting on British nationals serving in the Israeli military, and no arrests have been made on these grounds. This case follows Belgium’s arrest of two Israeli soldiers accused of war crimes in Gaza, based on complaints from human rights groups. The ICJP’s action underscores growing international efforts to address alleged war crimes and hold individuals accountable.
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Experts call for gender equality in digital future at UNESCO forum
At the 13th Forum of UNESCO Chair in Media and Gender, held recently in Beijing, experts emphasized the urgent need for gender equality in the digital future. The event, co-organized by the UNESCO Chair and the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women, brought together over 100 participants from 27 countries. Key discussions focused on creating inclusive digital ecosystems, enhancing artificial intelligence literacy, and ensuring women benefit equally from technological advancements. Zhang Dongmei, Vice-President of the All-China Women’s Federation, highlighted the importance of building a fair digital ecosystem to accelerate women’s development. Hu Bangsheng, a member of the China Writers’ Association, noted the digital era’s potential to empower women in literature. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, stressed the need for AI ethics, media literacy, and cross-sector partnerships to support women in the digital age. The forum coincided with the 7th Global Women’s Development Seminar, organized by the Global Women’s Development Institute, which has been held annually since 2019.
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Beijing set to ensure heating readiness amid early cold snap
In response to an unexpected early cold snap, the Beijing Commission of Urban Management has mandated that all heating service providers complete essential preparations by October 31. These include system pressurization, water filling, cold-run debugging, and household inspections to ensure centralized heating systems are operational by November 1. The commission has intensified its collaboration with the Beijing Meteorological Observatory since mid-October to monitor the unusually cold weather. The city will rely on meteorological data to determine the precise timing for activating heating systems, adhering to established protocols. Approximately 1.07 billion square meters of urban areas in Beijing will benefit from centralized heating, with 701 million square meters allocated for residential use and 369 million square meters for nonresidential purposes. This year, Beijing has addressed over 950 potential hazards, upgraded around 1,300 kilometers of outdated heating pipelines, and implemented smart retrofitting for heating systems in 30 million square meters of existing buildings. On October 22, the city recorded its first sub-zero temperature of the autumn. Zhao Wei, the chief forecaster, described the cold wave as ‘seeping,’ with successive waves of cold air preventing a quick temperature rebound. While temperatures are expected to rise gradually, minor fluctuations may occur due to weak cold air movements later in the month.
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Gunmen kill Pakistan militia chief and five others
In a violent incident that has escalated tensions in Pakistan’s northwestern border region, gunmen attacked and killed a pro-government militia leader along with five others. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the victims, doused their vehicle with fuel, and set it ablaze, according to a senior administration official who spoke to AFP on Thursday under the condition of anonymity. The attack occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, an area that has seen a surge in violence since the Taliban regained control of neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. The official stated that the attackers’ intent was to instill fear, as the bodies of the six victims were completely charred. While no group has claimed responsibility, the official suggested that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, may have orchestrated the attack. The TTP had allegedly demanded extortion money from the militia leader, who refused to comply, leading to his execution. Pakistan has accused the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan of harboring TTP militants and facilitating cross-border attacks, a claim that Kabul denies. The border between the two nations was recently closed following clashes earlier this month, which were triggered by an explosion in Kabul on October 9 that resulted in significant civilian and military casualties on both sides. Afghanistan’s Taliban government blamed Pakistan for the blast and launched a retaliatory offensive along the border. A ceasefire brokered over the weekend remained in effect as of Thursday, with officials from both countries scheduled to meet in Turkey on Saturday to discuss the ongoing tensions.