VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an end to bloodshed in Myanmar, saying: "Even I kneel on the streets of Myanmar and say 'stop the violence'". Francis made the appeal, ... ( read original story ...)
U.N. investigators seek evidence of criminal orders by Myanmar junta
A U.N. team of investigators on Myanmar appealed on Wednesday for people to collect and preserve documentary evidence of crimes ordered by the military since a Feb. 1 coup, in order to build future ... ( read original story ...)
Envoy of Myanmar civilian gov’t defiant after treason charge
Dr Sasa, charged with treason by military coup leaders, tells Al Jazeera he is ‘proud’ to stand with Myanmar protesters. ( read original story ...)
Thailand leading Asia’s shift to e-commerce with 58% rise
In Thailand, e-commerce has been historically dominated by the non-food category. But NielsenIQ observed soaring growth in 2020 for the food category. From January to December 2020, it reports that ... ( read original story ...)
Election looming, Iran’s Rouhani says hardliners sabotage goal to lift sanctions
Iran’s pragmatist president accused hardline opponents on Wednesday of obstructing efforts to lift U.S. sanctions, in remarks that demonstrate how an upcoming election in Iran is now looming over the ... ( read original story ...)
Three killed, hundreds hurt celebrating Iran fire festival
Three people were killed and nearly 1,900 injured celebrating Iran's traditional fire festival in the runup to this weekend's Persian New Year, emergency services said Wednesday. ( read original story ...)
Japan court rules not allowing same-sex marriage ‘unconstitutional’ in landmark verdict
A new law will be needed before same-sex marriages can take place, but LGBT activists called the decision life-changing. ( read original story ...)
Court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
A district court in Japan ruled Wednesday that the government's failure to recognize same-sex marriages is unconstitutional. "Legal benefits stemming from marriages should equally benefit both ... ( read original story ...)
Japan PM Suga signals intention to end COVID-19 curbs as scheduled
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday signalled his intention to end state of emergency curbs to prevent the spread of the coronavirus when they expire on Sunday. ( read original story ...)
Japan Court Rules Same-Sex Couples Have Marriage Rights in Landmark Decision
He said discrimination had become an accepted part of life for gay and lesbian people in Japan until now. “I think the judgment strongly persuaded us that it’s not the way it should be,” Mr. Kunimi ... ( read original story ...)