China parliament approves plan to impose HK security law

13 Sept 06:24 Key points summarised by AI

China's parliament formally approved a national security law for Hong Kong, a move critics warn will severely undermine the city's promised freedoms and autonomy.
The new law aims to punish secession, subversion of state power, terrorism, and acts endangering national security, also permitting mainland security agencies to operate openly in Hong Kong.
The approval followed the United States' decision to revoke Hong Kong's special status, citing China's failure to uphold the city's high degree of autonomy as per its handover agreement with Britain.
Pro-democracy advocates and lawmakers in Hong Kong expressed deep concern, stating the law marks "the end of Hong Kong" and will strip it of core values like human rights and the rule of law.
This legislative action by Beijing comes after extensive pro-democracy protests rocked Hong Kong last year and amid the city's long-standing delay in enacting its own security legislation.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Today 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.