Asian View
Key words : myanmar human rights
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210630_01/
A human rights group in Myanmar says over 5,000 citizens are in detention as the military continues to suppress protests against the coup that toppled a civilian government.
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says 6,421 people had been arrested as of Tuesday, and 5,224 of them are still in detention.
The military argues that detainees are treated in accordance with law, but the association says there are reports of widespread and systematic mistreatment aimed at extracting information from detainees.
The association also says there were at least 24 deaths caused by torture as of Saturday.
The military seized power on February 1, claiming irregularities in last year's general election.
Protests are continuing across the country, although on a reduced scale. Some groups have taken up arms.
Key words : Wednesday security law
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210628_04/
Wednesday will mark one year since China enacted a national security law for Hong Kong. The Chinese government has tightened strictures on freedom of speech and political activity, transforming a region once known for its free-wheeling attitude.
The security law targets what Beijing defines as secessionism, subversion, acts of terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
Hong Kong police say 114 people have been arrested on suspicion of violating the law.
Of these, 47 pro-democracy activists have been indicted for their involvement in unofficial primary elections ahead of a Legislative Council vote that was scheduled for last year.
The police have also arrested the founder and executives of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper. The newspaper was critical of Beijing. It was forced to shut down after its assets were frozen.
The police say they have received more than 100,000 tip-offs since they launched a hotline in November to invite people to report any violation of the law.
Pro-democracy activists accuse the police of encouraging people to snitch on each other and of destroying trust among citizens.
Hong Kong's political system also changed after the national security law took effect.
People cannot run for public office if they are regarded as lacking sufficient allegiance to Beijing.
Members of district councils will likely be required to pledge allegiance to the Chinese and Hong Kong governments in July.
With pro-democracy councilors accounting for 80 percent of the total, more than 100 could be disqualified.
Citing coronavirus measures, the police banned a large-scale annual protest that has long been regarded as symbolizing the freedom enjoyed by the people of the territory.
Frustrated with the situation, an increasing number of residents are leaving Hong Kong.
About 34,000 people have obtained documents certifying they have no criminal record. Such documents are often required to emigrate to a foreign country.
Key words : one year security law
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210630_02/
Security authorities in Hong Kong have intensified their crackdowns on political and media activities since the introduction of the national security law one year ago.
The law that went into effect on June 30 last year targets secession, subversion or collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security.
Police said they had arrested 117 people suspicion of violating the law as of Tuesday.
Of those arrested, 64 are standing trial. They include people who took part in unofficial primaries for a postponed Legislative Council election.
The police have also arrested the founder and executives of the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper. The newspaper was critical of Beijing.
The paper issued its final edition last Thursday and ended its 26-year history, after its assets were frozen.
A large-scale prodemocracy rally has been held on July 1 every year to coincide with the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from British rule.
But authorities banned the rally, citing restrictions in force for the coronavirus pandemic.
Chinese and Hong Kong flags are hanging throughout the territory ahead of a ceremony to be held in Beijing on Thursday to mark the Chinese Communist Party's centenary.
The Hong Kong government is believed to be trying to stimulate patriotism and stresses that the security law has helped bring stability.
Key words : relatives abducted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210630_03/
Relatives of those abducted by North Korea have renewed their call for international support to help resolve the decades-old issue.
Their appeals came on Tuesday at an international online symposium co-hosted by Japan, the US, Australia and the European Union.
A Japanese participant, Yokota Takuya, whose older sister Megumi was abducted at the age of 13, said what the families want is an immediate return of all victims and they won't accept any phased or partial resolution of the issue.
He also said his mother is now 85 and physically and mentally exhausted, adding that he wants her to be reunited with her daughter.
He urged Japan's government to keep demanding that Pyongyang accept their request and to address the issue proactively with strong resolve and tough negotiations.
Iizuka Koichiro, the son of another abductee Taguchi Yaeko, said time is running out because some of the parents and siblings died before they could be reunited with the victims.
Iizuka also said if all abductees are returned immediately, the families won't ask them about North Korea's secrets or oppose normalizing ties between Japan and North Korea.
He said the relatives are only yearning to lead a quiet life with their loved ones.
Key words : myanmar crackdown Sahatthaya Kraikhunthot
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20210527213832340/
