President of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee resigns
Yoshiro Mori, the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, resigned last Friday according to The New York Times. Mori’s resignation followed a surge of backlash that arose after he made a sexist comment that suggested that women in the committee talked too much. The resignation presents a new challenge to the committee, which is already struggling to carry out the postponed Olympic Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to The New York Times, a selection committee will be formed to choose a new president “as soon as possible.” However, it is clear that Mori’s exit could further complicate the already-delayed Games.
South Africans facing charges of fraud relating Nelson Mandela’s funeral
15 people, including prominent members of the ruling African National Congress, were arrested last week after allegations of fraud surfaced relating to the funeral of South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, in 2013. According to BBC News, prosecutors allege they made fraudulent claims for the transportation of mourners and venues used in the city of East London for memorial services. They are accused of corruption and money-laundering amounting to nearly $700,000. The individuals have been since released on bail but are expected to appear in court on March 5. None of the accused individuals have released comments about the allegations.
UK Supreme court grants Nigeria the right to sue over pollution
A U.K. Supreme Court decision last week paved the way for Nigerians who are victims of pollution to sue the oil giant Shell over the impact of pollution in their communities. According to BBC News, 40,000 Nigerians said decades of pollution have severely affected their lives, health and the local environment. The ruling will allow cases brought by the Bille community and the Ogale people of Ogoniland in Nigeria to be brought against Shell in English courts. The new decisions have provided a hope for individuals in the region of Nigeria heavily affected by pollution that they will finally see justice.
China bans BBC World News in China
A week after a U.K. media regulator took away a Chinese state media outlet’s license, China has banned BBC World News from airing in mainland China over allegations of impartiality and untruthfulness. According to an article from The Hill, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the ban to The Hill last Thursday in a statement, saying it is “disappointed” in Beijing’s action.
