AI In-brief 13 Sept 10:34

Anti-monarchists criticise 'heavy-handed' arrests at King Charles' coronation

Anti-monarchists, led by the Republic group, condemned the policing of King Charles' coronation as "heavy-handed," asserting that the right to peaceful protest in Britain is being eroded following dozens of arrests.
Republic leader Graham Smith and other protesters were detained for nearly 16 hours, with police justifying the arrests by prioritizing the prevention of disruption over the right to protest.
London's Metropolitan Police defended their actions, citing intelligence about planned disruptions and new policing laws, while a separate incident involving the arrest of night safety volunteers drew concern from local officials.
While government ministers supported the police's firm stance for national security, opposition lawmakers called for accountability regarding the proportionality of the overall policing strategy during the event.

AI In-brief Today 17:12

Japan launches new national agency to deal with disasters

Japan established a new National Disaster Management Agency to centralize preparedness, emergency response, and reconstruction efforts, addressing a critical gap in its historically reactive disaster management approach.
The agency aims to bolster readiness for potential megaquakes along the Pacific coast, in Tokyo, and Mount Fuji eruptions, drawing lessons from past disasters like the 2011 quake and tsunami.
Reconstruction Minister Goshi Hosono, managing the agency, issued urgent calls for citizens and municipalities to review home safety, evacuation procedures, and stock emergency supplies for at least three days.
A key objective is to significantly improve conditions at evacuation centers by providing better facilities like portable toilets, hot food, and proper bedding, addressing past criticisms linked to health problems and fatalities.