NEWS IN BRIEF

NZ TEEN ARRESTED AFTER THREAT TO MOSQUE

AFP, Wellington

New Zealand police arrested a 19-year-old man over an “abhorrent” threat made this week against one of the Christchurch mosques targeted in a mass shooting last year. As New Zealand prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the massacre by a self-avowed white supremacist that killed 51 Muslim worshippers, police condemned the threat and increased patrols at two mosques that were attacked.

 

MALAYSIAN POLICE QUIZ MAHATHIR’S DAUGHTER

AFP, Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian police questioned ex-premier Mahathir Mohamad’s daughter and 18 other activists yesterday over several small, peaceful protests triggered by the elderly leader losing power and a corruption-tainted party’s return. The reformist “Pact of Hope” alliance, which took power in a historic victory two years ago, collapsed last week and 94-year-old prime minister Mahathir resigned.

 

FRENCH GOVT SURVIVES NO-CONFIDENCE VOTES

AFP, Paris

The French government faced down two no-confidence votes Wednesday over an overhaul of the country’s byzantine pensions system, a key victory after fierce protests and a massive transport strike that brought France to a standstill for weeks this winter. The bill’s passage in the lower house of parliament clears a major hurdle for one of President Emmanuel Macron’s signature reforms, though the text still faces opposition as it moves to the Senate.

 

MODI TO STAY AWAY FROM HOLI FESTIVAL

AFP, New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday he will stay away from celebrations during one of the country’s biggest festivals as coronavirus fears gripped the country of 1.3 billion people. India has been one of the latest countries to report a surge in cases, sparking a run on masks, while the government said all air passengers entering the country would now be screened for the virus that has killed more than 3,000 around the globe.

 

NEWS IN BRIEF

NZ TEEN ARRESTED AFTER THREAT TO MOSQUE AFP, Wellington New Zealand police arrested a 19-year-old man over an abhorrent threat made this week against one of the Christchurch mosques targeted in a mass shooting last year. As New Zealand prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the massacre by a self-avowed white supremacist that killed 51 Muslim worshippers, police condemned the threat and increased patrols at two mosques that were attacked. MALAYSIAN POLICE QUIZ MAHATHIRS DAUGHTER AFP, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian police questioned ex-premier Mahathir Mohamads daughter and 18 other activists yesterday over several small, peaceful protests triggered by the elderly leader losing power and a corruption-tainted partys return. The reformist Pact of Hope alliance, which took power in a historic victory two years ago, collapsed last week and 94-year-old prime minister Mahathir resigned. FRENCH GOVT SURVIVES NO-CONFIDENCE VOTES AFP, Paris The French government faced down two no-confidence votes Wednesday over an overhaul of the countrys byzantine pensions system, a key victory after fierce protests and a massive transport strike that brought France to a standstill for weeks this winter. The bills passage in the lower house of parliament clears a major hurdle for one of President Emmanuel Macrons signature reforms, though the text still faces opposition as it moves to the Senate. MODI TO STAY AWAY FROM HOLI FESTIVAL AFP, New Delhi Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday he will stay away from celebrations during one of the countrys biggest festivals as coronavirus fears gripped the country of 1.3 billion people. India has been one of the latest countries to report a surge in cases, sparking a run on masks, while the government said all air passengers entering the country would now be screened for the virus that has killed more than 3,000 around the globe.