New China law a 'serious risk' to Hong Kong's freedoms: UN experts

14 Sept 02:01 Key points summarised by AI

UN human rights experts warn China's national security law poses a "serious risk" to Hong Kong's freedoms, violating international legal obligations.
The law broadly criminalizes dissent, including freedom of expression and criticism, carrying maximum life sentences and intimidating pro-democracy activists.
Concerns mount over provisions allowing case transfers to mainland China, potentially undermining fair trial rights, and an overly broad definition of 'terrorism'.
Critics argue the legislation erodes Hong Kong's promised autonomy, leading to international repercussions like terminated extradition treaties and fears for press freedom.
UN rapporteurs urge China to reconsider the law and appoint an independent reviewer to ensure compliance with international human rights standards.

Suchada: Meet the reluctant star of Thailand’s cryptic crypto drama

Today 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Thai MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap faces intense scrutiny over her husband’s substantial 1.84 billion baht wealth, with opposition lawmakers alleging connections to international scam networks.
A significant portion of her husband, Taiyang Zhang's, declared assets includes a 1.44 billion baht loan to the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which still owes him 1.34 billion baht.
Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome accused Suchada's husband of links to online scam networks and gambling sites, prompting Suchada to vehemently deny the claims, demand evidence, and file a defamation complaint.
Taiyang Zhang's background includes co-founding Ren Protocol, later sold to Alameda Research (linked to the FTX collapse), and some of his former associates have been convicted in crypto company failures.
Suchada, a former actress and first-time MP, maintains her husband's innocence, while her party leaders have distanced themselves from the allegations, deeming it a private matter.