EU imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over humans rights abuses
On Monday, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials over human rights abuses against the Muslim Uighur group. China has detained Uighur Muslims at camps in the north region of Xinjiang, where allegations of torture, forced labor and sexual abuse have surfaced. The sanctions target senior officials in Xinjiang who have been accused of abuses against the Uighurs. The sanctions include a freeze on the officials’ assets and a ban on them traveling in the EU. Human rights groups claim that China has detained more than a million Uighurs and people from other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. China has denied the allegations, claiming that the camps are re-education facilities being used to combat terrorism. China has responded with its own sanctions on European officials.
Ikea France on trial for spying on employees
The French subsidiary of Ikea went on trial on Monday over allegations that the company has spied on employees and customers by using private investigators and police. The charges include the illegal gathering of personal information, receiving illegally gathered personal information and violating professional confidentiality, which may carry prison terms of up to 10 years. 15 individuals will be on trial, including top executives, the former CEO and four police officers. Ikea has already fired four executives and put in place a new code of conduct. The allegations came to light initially in 2012 after an individual leaked emails between the company and a security company. The company is facing a fine of 3.75 million euros or $4.5 million.
Australia braces for more rain
Areas in southeast Australia saw the worst flooding in decades last week and are bracing for more heavy rainfall with a peak occurring this week. The coast of New South Wales has been put on alert due to roads and bridges being cut off, cars submerged and livestock marooned. 18,000 Australians have been evacuated so far in New South Wales, which is Australia’s most populated state. With two major weather systems colliding, the southern coastal area is expecting to be hit worse this time. 10 million people are currently under warnings in every state except Western Australia.
Saudi Arabia offers cease-fire with Yemen rebels
On Monday, Saudi Arabia announced a plan to offer Yemen’s rebels a cease-fire in the country’s war to allow a major airport to reopen in its capital. This move comes after Yemen’s rebels started a campaign of drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil sites. This briefly shook global oil prices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A cease-fire declared by Saudi Arabia collapsed last year. Officials say that the rebels have been made aware of the cease-fire proposal and are in direct communication with the Saudis.
