Dolphins Get Dragged into Treated Water Lawsuit in South Korea

The ALPS treated water release was declared safe, but a South Korean left-wing lawyer's group has filed a petition listing dolphins among its claimants.


August 29, 2023
By Ruriko Kubota

Participants hold up placards criticizing President Yoon Suk-yeol during a protest against the release of ALPS treated water on August 12 on Seoul.

 (© Reuters)

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on August 24. The move has sent those within South Korea opposed to the decision into a sheer frenzy. Calling the treated water "nuclear terrorism," opposition groups are expected to hold large-scale demonstrations.

Moreover, objection to the discharge has taken on an anti-government hue. Opponents have accused President Yoon Suk-yeol and other administration officials of violating the people's "right to life."

Their arguments against the release of the treated water are becoming increasingly irrational. Claimants have now added whales and dolphins off the coast of South Korea to the list of those "affected" in their litigation. To redress this propaganda, the Yoon administration has been holding daily press conferences and disseminating information on video platforms.

Lawsuits and Petitions

At the center of this opposition is the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), the largest opposition party in South Korea. The party has gone so far as to call for the president's impeachment. Other forces have also linked up with this movement: For example, the anti-Japan civic groups and South Korean labor unions behind the lawsuits over what they call "wartime labor" and "comfort women sex slavery."

Perhaps the most notable constitutional petition came from Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), which filed a petition with the Constitutional Court on August 16. Minbyun is the leading left-wing lawyers' organization in South Korea and is highly politicized. Past members include former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae In, and DPK leader Lee Jae Myung. Park Won-soon, the former mayor of Seoul who committed suicide over allegations of sexual harassment, was also a member.

Protesters in Seoul oppose the release of treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on July 7. 

(© Kyodo)

Dolphins and Whales Dragged Into Petition

Minbyun is suing all government agency heads associated with the treated water measures. Its list includes President Yoon, the prime minister, the foreign minister, the minister of Oceans and Fisheries, and the chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission. Minbyun claims that the Yoon administration has "failed to take diplomatic steps, conduct investigations, or provide information to the public to prevent Japan from discharging its wastewater. It has neglected its constitutional obligations, violating the claimants' fundamental human rights, including their right to life and right to know."

Female divers, fishermen, and the general public comprise the majority of the 40,025 claimants. However, 164 minke whales, bottlenose dolphins, and southern bottlenose dolphins that live along the coast also number among the claimants. Minbyun claims that these animals, too, were "deprived of their basic rights."
Lawsuits Dismissed

A task force of four progressive parties, including the DPK, submitted a petition to the UN Human Rights Council on August 17. The petition called for the suspension of the water release. Flouting all International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports, the petition lambasted the organization and Japan. "The IAEA did not conduct a proper verification of ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System), and Japan failed to submit proper data," it claims. According to one Korean political analyst, they aim "to make the issue a battle of international public opinion."

TEPCO officials guide IAEA Director-General Grossi to a site overlooking the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and treated water release site on July 5, 2023. 

(© Kyodo)

The same day, the Busan District Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by 16 representatives of local environmental groups against TEPCO. This civic group demanded that TEPCO "halt the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant."

Anti-Japan Forces

Japan and South Korea are signatories of the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution, a treaty adopted in November 1996 to tighten pollution regulations. Citing this fact, the plaintiffs sought an injunction against Japan to stop the release. However, the court rejected the appeal, saying, "While the Convention establishes rights and obligations, it is not legally binding. Therefore, the treaty does not confer the right on a signatory party to prohibit the actions of another party."

Following the ruling, the plaintiffs expressed their intention to appeal the case. They angrily proclaimed, "The South Korean judiciary has destroyed justice for the people. It has undermined the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea and global justice."

Notably, the 16 plaintiffs have the support of 166 civic groups across Busan. These lawsuits and petitions regarding the treated water are characterized by the organized support of anti-Japan forces. There can be little doubt that this opposition movement is fomenting political conflict.

Both Politics and Media Split in Two

Regarding the start of the release of treated water, the South Korean government announced that "there are no scientific or technical issues with the Japanese discharge plan."

Both Japan and South Korea agreed that South Korean experts would regularly visit the IAEA's soon-to-be-established Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant office. In South Korea, most scientists and experts believe that discharging treated water into the ocean will hardly have any impact on the sea or seafood. Conservative media also share the view that this is an issue that should be judged based on scientific findings.

Despite this, polls have shown that approximately 80% of the public is concerned about the treated water. This is due to anti-Japan forces stirring up fear over threats to the "safety and security of the people."

South Korean protestors tear up a giant banner depicting the logo of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in central Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2023. (© REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo)

However, in addition to this, major TV networks and left-wing media, such as KBS, have been consistently negative in their coverage. Reporting the treated water as "contaminated," they, too, are part of the opposition. Both the political world and the media are split in two.

In response, the Yoon administration has been holding daily press conferences. Under the slogan "These are the facts," the administration is working to provide scientific data to the public.

Ghost Stories

Since June 15, the first vice minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination (OPC) under the prime minister has been answering questions from the media daily. In addition, the Prime Minister has been increasing the dissemination of information in various ways to counter the fake news circulating on the Internet. These fabrications and lies are called "ghost stories" in South Korea.

The Government of the Republic of Korea's official YouTube channel posted a video titled "Fukushima Contaminated Water Response Policy Information Summary." Also, the government's policy briefing on the official website includes a collection of documents, "10 Ghost Stories of Fukushima Contaminated Water."

These documents debunk the propaganda "ghost stories" through ten questions, namely: Did Yoon sign off the discharge despite the Moon administration's opposition?
Does the discharged wastewater contain radioactive materials?
Will the discharged wastewater hit our oceans three months later?
Following the discharge, will we import seafood from Fukushima?
Will sea bream from Fukushima come to our oceans?
Could Japan be doing this just to save money even though there are other ways to dispose of the contaminated water?
Is the IAEA siding with Japan?
Is our country just taking the IAEA at its word?
Will tritium be absorbed by fish and destroy the ecosystem?
Will the water contaminate our salt?

The government is seeking the public's understanding of the issue. For example, it has explained that the release of treated water containing tritium is "an internationally recognized disposal method."

No Room for Complacency

The battle between the Yoon administration and anti-Japanese forces over the treated water is now at a critical point. Whether the public is swayed by science or fear will determine the outcome.

At the root of this conflict is the pro-Pyongyang and pro-China leftist DPK. It seeks victory in the general elections in April 2024 by intensifying attacks against the Yoon administration and exaggerating the dangers of the treated water

Anti-Japan forces have been losing momentum since the political settlement between Japan and South Korea over the so-called "wartime labor issue." These groups, in particular, have been critical of the Yoon administration. It is as if they are seizing the opportunity to make up for lost ground. That means there is no room for complacency.

RELATED:

EDITORIAL | In Fukushima, Disinformation Still a Key Hurdle in Treated Water Release

China and South Korea, Too, Release Nuclear Plant Wastewater Into the Oceans

China Attempts to Exploit Treated Water Debate to Sow Division in South Korea

South Korean Activists Declare 'War on Fake News' Over Fukushima Daiichi's Treated Water

Author: Ruriko Kubota

Bialowieza Forest: Major Field of Conflict Between Government and Conservationists

The Bialowieza Forest (Puszcza Białowieska) has been a serious field of conflict between the Polish government and conservationists.


30/08/2023 - By European Views IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

SAVING EUROPE’S LAST FRONTIER

The Puszcza Białowieska or Bialowieza Forest, is one of Europe’s oldest and last frontier. These prehistoric forests became a war zone for conservationists, concerned about the prevalent forest logging. Likewise, it became a battlefield for increased tensions with the current migration crisis and neighbouring Belarus.

All throughout Poland, the exorbitant logging with political stimuli agitates conservationist worries. The surge in gathering timber from the forest brought complaints up to the European Commission.

This ancient forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only flora and fauna site in Poland to be listed. According to NGO Puszcza Pracownia, Bialowieza Forest encompasses the most exemplary and intrinsic natural habitats for biodiversity conservation, including endangered species.

However, some in the Polish government aren’t that
nature-friendly.” They perceive nature conservation as a step for tomorrow, to uphold economic growth, and not essentially right now.

“In the West, first they built their infrastructure, and then laws to protect nature began to be introduced. We — through no fault of our own — have been developing for only 20-odd years and we are forced to (protect the environment) now, taking into account the restrictive environmental protection law,” said MP Jan Duda, ruling party Law and Justice (PiS).

PiS destroyed the Bialowieza Forest through a “special act” and divided the forest in two with a fence. Due to this, several hundred scientists protested from Europe. The fence separates the forest, people and community of protected plants and animals. At the same, it endangers the genetic linkage and biodiversity.

Conflict Between EU and Poland

From 2016 to 2018, the prehistoric forest became the centre of conflict between the EU and the Polish government. In 2018, the European Court of Justice suspended logging in the forest and ruled that Poland broke EU law by cutting trees over a century old.

However, the Polish government contested that logging would clear courses. At the same time, it would protect trees from spruce bark beetle infestation. The EU has already forewarned Poland with financial sanctions if it doesn’t abide by the ECJ ruling.

WHAT IS BIALOWIEZA FOREST?

UNESCO declared Bialowieza Forest as one of the World Heritage sites. Situated on the border between Poland and Belarus, Bialowieza Forest is a massive range of primaeval forest, including conifers and broad-leaved trees blanketing an entire area of 141,885 hectares. It’s a sanctuary to the largest population of the legendary species, the European bison

.

The European bison is an iconic mammal species living in the protected Bialowieza Forest. (DmitriyGuryanov/WikimediaCommons)

In 1979, the Bialowieza National Park, Poland was included in the World Heritage List. It also embodied Belovezhskaya
Pushcha, Belarus, in 1992. A vast extension of the property stretched to 141,885 hectares in 2014 with a buffer zone of 166,708 hectares.

The said expanse safeguards a plethora of rich wildlife, including 59 mammal species, 13 amphibian species, 250+ bird species, 7 reptile species, and more than 12,000 invertebrate species.

Image Credit: WildberryPassion/WikimediaCommons

Sweden Seeks to Expand Nuclear Power Significantly

The Swedish government considers nuclear power to be a crucial building block on the way to a more climate-friendly future. The climate transition with the electrification of industry and transport requires a doubling of electricity production and nuclear power must account for a large proportion of this increase, said Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari.

By 2045, nuclear power must be built that is at least equivalent to the output of ten new conventional reactors. The government is working at full speed to remove the hurdles that have so far stood in the way of new nuclear power in the country.

Three nuclear power plants with a total of six reactors are currently in operation in Sweden, three of them at the Forsmark site, two at Oskarshamn and one at the Ringhals power plant. Together they make up about 30 percent of Sweden’s electricity generation. Before taking office in the autumn of 2022, the conservative government and its right-wing populist support party, the Sweden Democrats, had agreed to expand nuclear power.

Legally, however, environmental laws have so far stipulated that a maximum of ten nuclear reactors may be in operation in Sweden at the same time and that no new reactors may be built outside of Forsmark, Oskarshamn and Ringhals. This stands in the way of a modern view of nuclear energy, Pourmokhtari said.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had already announced at the beginning of the year that he wanted to allow the construction of new nuclear power plants at more locations. In the fall, the government now wants to present a roadmap for the strong expansion of nuclear power, as Pourmokhtari announced.

Critics consider nuclear power to be a risky technology and also point to the unsolved problem of the final disposal of nuclear waste. In Germany, the last three nuclear power plants were therefore shut down in the spring. Other countries, on the other hand, are increasingly relying on this technology – also to achieve climate protection goals.

Image by Wikimedia/Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

UK

OPINION - Keir Starmer is no Tony Blair ... so what’s the point of getting rid of Rishi Sunak?

OUCH

Guto Harri
Wed, 30 August 2023 

Sir Tony Blair and Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire)

General Election day is a weird one for political correspondents. You can’t report much and there’s a long night ahead, so you basically need to rest. But I remember 1997 well as the day I bought my first whole case of wine.

“Celebrating are we,” said the shop assistant.”

“Absolutely.”

“Yes, you look like a Labour voter.”

How times had changed. Notwithstanding a Welsh accent and comprehensive education, there I was in SW1, in suit and tie, splashing out on chablis. Yet the almost universal expectation was that people like that would vote for Tony Blair.

Sir Keir Starmer may now be the default choice for the professional classes in metropolitan constituencies, but hardly anyone seems enthused about the prospect of him winning the next election, and traditional Labour voters in the so-called red wall seats are clearly underwhelmed. So what’s missing?

Blair had built a sense of momentum, purpose and indeed a longing for change. He started doing deals in opposition and projected a coiled-spring enthusiasm to get on with the job. His political pitching in the run-up to the general election of 1997 also left his opponents with nowhere to go. When the Labour leader is a privately-educated, Oxbridge, Anglo-Catholic barrister, married with kids, gushing about the monarchy and genuinely enthused about a Republican in the White House, there’s little space for a traditional Conservative. Starmer struggles to excite anyone. There’s no overriding goal beyond ending Conservative rule, and he’s left plenty of space for Rishi Sunak to play the progressive as well as the better technocrat.

Park any tribal affiliations and ask yourself which leader looks most like modern Britain? Whose back story projects assimilation, aspiration and social mobility? Isn’t an MBA from Stanford and a glowing career with Goldman Sachs more useful training for today’s challenges than cashing in on human rights legislation?

Blair had built a sense of purpose and a longing for change. Starmer has no goal other than ending Tory rule

Five years prosecuting criminals could resonate with voters but Sir Keir washed his hands of the CPS’s failures on his watch (e.g. to prosecute Savile) and many suspect that the political correctness of Islington would get in the way of any robust and compelling strategy to cut crime where it’s most rampant. We won’t get a Blairite “tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime” from him.

There have been very few memorable phrases to be honest and recent attempts to address that have backfired.

Who really wants to see Downing Street on a mission to “smash the class ceiling”? Is class war really the pitch to end the toxic polarising of the last decade and pull us together after lockdowns, war and the cost-of-living crisis?

Labour recently rowed back on proposed protections for part-time workers, yet Starmer deplores the “gig” economy and seems baffled that many people prefer flexible working — often combined with caring, education or running a business — to the 20th-century norms this “son of a toolmaker” harks back to. Search for more meaningful sound bites or clear policy and you’ll struggle. What would he do to stop the small boats, cut waiting lists, make the UK more energy independent and avoid the next cost-of-living crisis? Where is he on China? Or even Europe?

The latter is interesting as Sir Keir keeps telling us that the UK’s future lies “outside the EU” and suggesting Brexit might turn out beautifully if its implementation was in his hands, not those of someone who campaigned for it — like Rishi Sunak.

At one level, this is a mature acceptance of reality. I wish we hadn’t left but the people voted for it so we have to make it work. But I’m pretty sure I’m in good company in suspecting Sir Keir’s sincerity on this. If such an ardent opponent of Brexit is now an advocate his principles seem less robust than he’d like us to think.

And if he still harbours ambitions to take Britain back to some form of single market let him say it. Many would welcome that, and others might be persuaded that there is more backbone and vision to this otherwise vague opposition leader.

If not — what’s the point in change next year? There is no pendulum that magically swaps allegiances from one side to the other, nor a law of physics that says it’s Labour’s turn.

A lot rests on one man, and if he is to seal the deal with the electorate he needs to raise his game this conference season or Blair will remain the last Labour leader actually to win a general election.

Guto Harri was the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent and Director of Communications in No10

Sunak, Starmer, and Europe: A Story of Small Steps

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has failed to build on the Windsor Agreement; relations with the rest of Europe are stagnating. His presumptive successor, Labour Party Leader Keir Starmer, is unlikely to fundamentally change direction, either.

John Kampfner
Aug 30, 2023


In a year’s time the United Kingdom will be in election fever. At least the political class will be. This assumes that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak does not spring a surprise, as his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez in Spain did, and call an early election in May or June 2024.

After the chaos of the immediate post-referendum years of Theresa May, after the party-going COVID-19 mayhem of Boris Johnson and the fleeting madness of Liz Truss, one might think Britons would relish a period of calm. What they have, rather, is torpor—a sense of a country going through the motions at the end of a long Conservative era, with international partners sitting it out, waiting for change.

Fin de siècle stagnation is not new. It happened at the end of the last period of Tory hegemony, a decade of buccaneering Margaret Thatcher sliding into a whole term of Euroskeptic in-fighting against John Major in the 1990s. Yet while there are some similarities between 1997 and 2024, the differences are far greater. With Tony Blair came a smile redolent of naïve optimism. Back then, the coffers of the treasury were full; there was a sense of a Britain on the up, comfortable with its place in the world.

Blair and several aides from that era are now advising the current Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer. With opinion polls giving Labour a consistent margin of around 20 percentage points, preparations for government are intensifying. Sue Gray, the senior official tasked last year with determining whether Johnson had broken his own pandemic laws, is beginning work as Starmer’s chief of staff, much to Conservative fury. Her main task is to ensure that a despondent civil service can deliver Labour’s priorities.

On a “Mission” of Sorts

Which inevitably gives rise to the word: Brexit. What role will Europe play in a Starmer government? In all areas of policy, his approach has resembled that of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. (The two center-left politicians communicate regularly.) The Briton has noted the ingredients of the German’s electoral success: say as little as possible and wait for others to trip up. Give no hostages to fortune. Dispense with anything contentious. In the past few months, Starmer has watered down commitments to climate change mitigation, workers’ rights, and child support.

His five “missions” are so vague they will be virtually impossible to judge. Secure the highest sustained growth in the G7, with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off; turn Britain into a clean energy superpower; build a National Health Service fit for the future; make Britain’s streets safe; break down the barriers to opportunity at every stage. Foreign policy is not mentioned, but that is unremarkable. Few elections in any country are won on international affairs.

The Complications of the B-Word

The problem, as many inside the Labour Party privately argue (discipline is so tight now that few publicly dissent), is that Europe cannot be wished away. When forced to mention the B-word, Starmer focuses on performance rather than principle. “Make Brexit Work” is now as much a Labour slogan as it is a Conservative one.

Brexit is a problem to be wished away electorally. Even the most avowedly pro-European Liberal Democrats have come to that conclusion. One party official explained to me that, thanks to the electoral system, if the LibDems talked more about Europe they could significantly increase their share of the vote in safe seats where such extra votes do not matter, while alienating voters in marginal constituencies where the loss of votes does.

This seems unduly pessimistic, but the thinking for both opposition parties is to allow the Tories to continue to implode without giving them ammunition to fight back. For some time, the opinion polls have shown that a majority of UK voters now see Brexit as a mistake. Whether that translates into direct action to reverse any of the original 2016 referendum is the crucial question.
No, No, No

During the formal election campaign itself, all party leaders will be required during the TV debates to clarify their positions. Starmer will reaffirm no re-entry, no return to the single market, and no return to the customs union.

Election secured, attention would soon turn to re-election. The political cycle has a deadening circularity, even where circumstances change. For Starmer, there would be extreme pressure not to renege on his word.

This tendency to look over one’s shoulder is the preserve of the center-left. Conservatives, not just in the UK but beyond, regard terms in power as the green light for forcing through as much as they can as quickly as they can—often riding roughshod over constitutional norms (think Trump, think Boris Johnson and his attempts to circumvent parliament in the final stages of EU withdrawal). Propriety is admirable, but it is only a small part of a wider phenomenon—a form of imposter syndrome among center-left governments.

An Incremental Approach

Having deprived himself of the ability to do anything radical, what might Starmer dare to achieve on the European front? His approach will be incremental, testing the mood—at home and abroad—for each step he takes. EU institutions and member states will greet him with a mix of enthusiasm and wariness. They were initially relieved at the arrival of Sunak and the agreement struck on the Northern Ireland Protocol, but his failure to use the Windsor Framework as a catalyst for a wider rapprochement has led to disappointment.

With the mood of his parliamentary party increasingly sour, Sunak is doing what his predecessors did in times of difficulty and throwing red meat to his core voters. A common tactic is to unleash “attack dogs” to make pronouncements that he would not feel comfortable saying, such as a Deputy Conservative Party Chairman and MP in a former coalmining seat by the name of Lee Anderson who recently declared that illegal migrants should “f*** off back to France.” Unsurprisingly, that did not go down well on the other side of the English Channel.

But it did help divert attention, briefly, from the British government’s continued failures in dealing with “the small boats” and from Sunak’s inability to persuade EU member states to work more cohesively with him. The EU is coordinating efforts within the bloc, but as officials like to point out, you are either in it or outside it.

A decision on re-joining the Horizon science and research scheme has been deferred, again, but is likely to be settled soon. That will remove one important hurdle, but it is only one of many. Sunak has brushed off an opportunity for wider structural dialogue with the EU on security and trade issues, continuing to insist—in the face of evidence to the contrary—that he can deal with other multilateral institutions or individual countries, ignoring the fact that the EU holds regular formal talks with countries such as China, Japan, and Turkey.

Areas such as this will be the starting point for Starmer and a British Foreign Office almost certainly to be led by David Lammy, Labour’s current foreign policy spokesman. Lammy, a more unabashed pro-European, will be keen to secure some early “wins.” These are likely to include technical changes such as a veterinary agreement, removing red tape for musicians and other creative touring groups, and the restoration of mutual recognition for professional qualifications.

The plans are cautious, but in the present atmosphere (frosty if not toxic) perhaps sensible. Re-establish trust among partners who have grown used to being distrustful; secure a steady stream of changes that produce measurable improvements for British consumers, holidaymakers, and businesses—and test the voter response.

Each time the new normal is normalized, look for more normality. Small steps, with the ground prepared laboriously along the way. The Starmer way. And as it happens, the Scholz way.

John Kampfner is a regular contributor to The Guardian and The New European. His new book, In Search of Berlin, is published on October 5.

READ MORE BY THE AUTHOR

John Kampfner
The Rightward Turn
Across the globe, the traditional center-right is moving in the direction of the New Right. The emerging ideology is National Conservatism.


John Kampfner

S. Korea, U.S. working together to search for and salvage sunken parts of N. Korea's space rocket

Chae Yun-hwan
 August 25, 2023

SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States are currently in coordination to search for and salvage the sunken parts of North Korea's failed launch of a purported space rocket earlier this week, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said Friday.

Lee told lawmakers that South Korea and the U.S. have been sharing information and coordinating together in the search efforts after the North's launch of the rocket carrying what it claims to be a spy satellite ended in failure early Thursday.

In a report, the defense ministry said the first stage of the rocket fell into waters west of the Korean Peninsula, while the second stage plunged into waters northeast of the Philippines.

The ministry assessed that North Korea carried out the launch to make up for its first failed attempt in May and to demonstrate its capabilities and willingness to respond to an ongoing major South Korea-U.S. military exercise and recent efforts for trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

Lee denounced the North's launch as a "clear provocation," noting that it violates U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the North from the use of ballistic missile technology.

He also vowed to strengthen the allies' combined defense posture through the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which kicked off Monday and is set to end on Aug. 31.

"By applying scenarios that account for North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities in the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, our military is focusing on substantively strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance's crisis management and response capabilities and enhancing the combined defense posture," he said.




This file photo, taken Aug. 21, 2023, shows Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (L) attending a session of the National Defense Committee at the National Assembly in western Seoul. (Yonhap)

yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr
(END

Canada: First case of highly mutated Omicron COVID variant BA.2.86 detected in British Columbia

1 min read 30 Aug 2023, 

Edited By Fareha Naaz

Canada has identified its first case of coronavirus infection involving the highly mutated BA.2.86 variant of Omicron in an individual in British Columbia who had not travelled outside the province, stated health officials on Tuesday, August 29.

The infected person is not currently hospitalised, and the presence of the BA.2.86 virus does not alter the risk to the local population, as stated by Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's chief medical officer, and Health Minister Adrian Dix in a joint statement.

The appearance of the BA.2.86 variant in Canada and this particular province was not an unexpected development. In their statement, Henry and Dix emphasised that COVID-19 continues to spread globally, with the virus constantly evolving. "It was not unexpected for BA.2.86 to show up in Canada and the province, COVID-19 continues to spread globally, and the virus continues to adapt," they stated as reported by Reuters.

Also read: Highly mutated COVID variant BA.2.86 detected in 2 more countries, but 'pandemic in a different phase’, says WHO

The BA.2.86 lineage, which was initially detected in Denmark last month, boasts over 35 mutations in significant portions of the virus when compared to the XBB.1.5 variant, which had been the predominant strain throughout most of 2023. The United States, Switzerland, and Israel have also reported cases of this new variant.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned last week that the BA.2.86 variant might possess a greater capability to cause infections in individuals who had previous COVID-19 infections or had received preventive vaccines.

Also read: New COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 more infectious, capable of causing infection in vaccinated individuals: US CDC

While scientists consider it crucial to monitor the BA.2.86 variant, they do not anticipate it causing a devastating surge in severe illness and fatalities, thanks to the global immunity established through vaccination campaigns and prior infections.

Canadian health authorities have observed an increase in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. Nevertheless, virus activity remains relatively low, as reported in a weekly update by Health Canada earlier on Tuesday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

 

Embracing Positive Politics: Unifying Pakistan For Progress – OpEd

 August 30, 2023 

By Shah Khalid

n a world marred by political polarization and division, the concept of positive politics shines as a beacon of hope, offering a path to unity and progress. In Pakistan, a nation grappling with challenges on various fronts, the need for positive politics has never been more urgent. As the country navigates through complex socio-economic issues and security concerns, it is imperative for political parties to set aside radical agendas and embrace a constructive discourse that prioritizes national unity and development.

Over the years, Pakistan has witnessed the consequences of radical politics. Hate speech, intolerance, and violent incidents have not only deepened societal rifts but also hindered the country’s advancement. Radicalism breeds division and undermines the sense of unity required for tackling the myriad challenges that Pakistan faces today. It is evident that embracing a more positive and collaborative political approach is the need of the hour.

Positive politics centers on constructive discourse, cooperation, and consensus-building. At its core, this approach seeks to foster unity among diverse segments of society. For a nation as diverse as Pakistan, national unity is not a mere aspiration; it is an essential foundation for stability and progress. Positive politics promotes inclusivity, allowing all citizens to participate in shaping the country’s future, irrespective of their background.

One of the crucial advantages of positive politics lies in its ability to drive effective policy-making. Pakistan faces formidable socio-economic challenges, including poverty, inadequate education, and healthcare systems. Collaborative political efforts can lead to the formulation of well-rounded policies that address these issues comprehensively. Positive politics shifts the focus from political rivalries to the welfare of citizens, paving the way for transformative change.

The impact of positive politics on countering extremism cannot be overstated. Political leaders play a significant role in shaping public opinion and countering extremist narratives. By promoting tolerance, understanding, and dialogue, politicians can steer the discourse away from radical ideologies. Embracing positive politics creates an environment where differences are embraced and conflicts are resolved through peaceful means.

Political stability and unity have a direct impact on a country’s global image. Positive politics projects Pakistan as a nation capable of addressing its internal challenges while contributing positively to regional and international affairs. A stable political environment attracts foreign investment, facilitates diplomatic relations, and strengthens Pakistan’s soft power on the global stage.

A commitment to positive politics is essential for strengthening democratic institutions. Effective governance, transparent decision-making, and a functioning parliament are all products of collaborative efforts among political parties. By upholding democratic norms and principles, political leaders can foster a sense of accountability and trust in institutions.

Positive politics creates an environment conducive to development. Pakistan’s potential for growth is immense, but its realization hinges on political stability. When political parties collaborate on development projects, the impact is magnified, and the prospects for economic growth and prosperity increase. Foreign aid and assistance are also more likely to flow into a politically stable nation.

Trust among citizens is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Positive politics is instrumental in rebuilding this trust by focusing on solutions rather than exacerbating divisions. A discourse that emphasizes progress and development resonates with citizens, reducing apathy and encouraging active participation in the democratic process.

While the merits of positive politics are evident, challenges remain. Vested interests and historical divisions can impede progress. Resistance from radical elements within political parties may also hinder the adoption of a more inclusive and cooperative approach. However, these challenges should not deter political leaders from working collectively for the greater good.

The path to positive politics requires a collective effort from all political parties. Successful examples from around the world demonstrate the transformative potential of collaboration. Citizens must play an active role in advocating for a political culture that fosters unity and progress. A commitment to positive politics should be viewed as an investment in Pakistan’s future.

As Pakistan stands at a crucial juncture in its history, the significance of embracing positive politics cannot be overstated. The challenges the nation faces demand a united front that transcends political differences. The ideals of constructive discourse, cooperation, and consensus-building are not mere aspirations but practical solutions for the issues that ail Pakistan. By prioritizing national unity and development, political parties can lead Pakistan towards a brighter, more prosperous future. The choice is clear – embrace positive politics and pave the way for progress or continue down the path of division and stagnation. The destiny of Pakistan lies in the hands of its leaders and citizens who can together shape a resilient and unified nation. 

Shah Khalid is a Peshawar-based columnist and focuses on power politics in South Asia.

 

Christians Protest For Justice Tn The Hague: Demand Accountability For Jaranwala Incident In Pakistan – OpEd

 

August 30, 2023  

By Kashif Nawab

A powerful and determined demonstration unfolded in front of the Pakistani Embassy in The Hague, as Dutch Christians raised their voices in condemnation of the Jaranwala incident in Pakistan. The event drew a significant crowd, united by their unwavering demand for justice and accountability concerning the grave incident. The protestors, driven by deep concerns, called for decisive actions against those responsible and underscored the misapplication of blasphemy laws as a means of intimidating and persecuting Christians.

Organized by the Action Committee of Pakistani Christians, the demonstration bore a strong resolve to ensure justice for the victims of the Jaranwala incident and to prevent the recurrence of such horrendous acts. Demonstrators categorically rejected the claim put forth by the Inspector General of Punjab, dismissing it as a baseless narrative, that India was involved in the incident.

Front and center at the event, a delegation from the Action Committee presented a petition addressed to the President of Pakistan to embassy authorities. The petition outlined essential demands, placing justice against those implicated in the Jaranwala incident at the forefront. The committee highlighted the urgent necessity of rebuilding Christian homes, churches, and cemeteries that were targets of vandalism during the attack.

Additionally, the demonstrators stressed the imperative of banning religious extremist parties such as Tehreek-e-Labbaik, entities consistently associated with promoting intolerance and violence, which has adversely affected Pakistan’s reputation. The community delegation seized the opportunity to engage with the Pakistani Ambassador, conveying their concerns and reservations directly and with profound impact.

Key figures within the delegation included Watson Gill, Ijaz Mathew Zulfiqar, Gasper Daniel, Pastor Eric Sarwar, Azim Masih, and Pastor Nadeem Deen. Their presence symbolized the unity and determination of the Christian community, resolutely standing up for their rights and demanding justice for the victims of the Jaranwala incident. The delegation submitted the petition to the Ambassador, urging him to prioritize the safety and security of Christians in Pakistan.

Bishop Arshed Khokar, a prominent voice, emphasized that those responsible for orchestrating the violence and defiling churches and Holy Bibles must be held accountable in accordance with blasphemy laws. The call for accountability echoed powerfully, underscoring the vital importance of justice to cultivate a secure and inclusive environment for all religious communities.
Joseph Jansen, an advocacy officer at Jubilee Campaign, stressed the concerning pattern of violence directed at religious minorities through the abuse of blasphemy laws. He highlighted the alarming use of religious phrases and slogans by extremists during acts of destruction, such as the burning of churches and vandalizing of Christian homes in Jaranwala. Jansen denounced such actions as disgraceful, shedding light on the broader issue of religious intolerance and the distortion of laws designed to protect beliefs.

Watson Gill voiced profound concerns over religious freedom violations and the stifling of freedom of expression in Pakistan. They called on the European Union to assess Pakistan’s adherence to its human rights commitments before extending its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status for another four years.

The demonstration stood as a collective declaration against the abuse of blasphemy laws that target religious minorities through false accusations and vigilantism. It echoed the urgent necessity for legal and societal reforms to ensure the safeguarding and equal rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The global community closely observes these events, urging Pakistan to uphold international agreements and strive for a more tolerant and harmonious society.

As the echoes of this demonstration resonate, they underscore the indomitable spirit of those who demand justice and peace, nurturing hope for a future free from violence and discrimination.

Kashif Nawab is a Director with Social Action Transformation of Humanity (SATH) in Pakistan.

WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM

Iran puts Mahsa Amini's lawyer on trial: report

Iranian authorities have made thousands of arrests against protesters, as well as high profile public figures who have shown their support to the protest movement.


The New Arab Staff & Agencies
30 August, 2023

Saleh Nikbakht faces a prison sentence of up to three years after being charged by the Iranian authorities [Getty]

The trial has begun in Iran of the lawyer of Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian Kurd whose death last September triggered a widespread protest movement, a media report said Wednesday.

Saleh Nikbakht is charged with "propaganda against the system," the daily Etemad reported.

The first hearing "was on Tuesday and he was notified of the charge of propaganda activity against the regime for having spoken to foreign and local media, concerning the Mahsa Amini affair in particular," it said.

Nikbakht's trial begins nearly a year after the death in custody of 22-year-old Amini on 16 September 2022, after she was arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic republic's strict dress rules for women.

If convicted, he faces a prison term of between one and three years.

As Iran doubles down on hijab laws, women fight back

Etemad reported that Nikbakht's lawyer urged his acquittal, saying that in interviews he "only criticised the running of the country by the authorities."

At the end of September 2022, Nikbakht indicated that the Amini family had filed a complaint against the police officers who had arrested her.

Dozens of police officers were among the hundreds of people killed during the Amini protests, which Tehran labelled as "riots" fomented by foreign governments.

Authorities made thousands of arrests among protesters and their supporters, and has according to Amnesty International has led a campaign of harassment against the families of those who had been killed during the protests, including the family of Mahsa Amini.

Nikbakht, who comes from the western Kurdistan province, has represented several Iranian personalities during his lengthy career, including acclaimed film director Jafar Panahi.

Lula vows to tax the rich, spare the poor

President says he wants to change income tax and collect more from those who receive dividends


Por Renan Truffi, Fabio Murakawa — Brasília
18/01/2023

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — Foto: Divulgação/Ricardo Stuckert

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Wednesday that his government will “change the logic” of Income Tax in Brazil, even if this requires a “fight” with businesspeople. The president explained that his goal is to exempt from income tax all those who make up to R$5,000 a month. For this, he signaled that “it is time” to collect this tax from the “rich” who receive “dividends.”

Mr. Lula also said that he quarrels with the Workers’ Party (PT) economists over this issue because they say that if you do this [exempting workers earning up to R$ 5,000], it will cause a 60% in revenue. “Let’s change the logic and decrease for the poor and increase for the rich,” he added.

The president endorsed the statement of the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, that it is necessary to make a tax reform as soon as possible to ensure the payment of a minimum wage above inflation.

The comments were made during the signing ceremony of an order that determines that the ministries develop, within 90 days, a proposal to institute a minimum wage valuation policy. The act was attended by hundreds of union leaders because the goal is to announce the value of the new benefit until May 1st, when Labor Day is celebrated, a symbolic date for the PT voters.

On the issue of the minimum wage, Lula hinted that the issue is linked to tax reform and that only a real policy of increasing the minimum wage can make the economy turn around.

“I liked a statement made by [finance minister Fernando] Haddad. He said that we will make the tax reform in the first semester and for this we need discussion and a lot of pressure from you. It is possible to raise the minimum above inflation and this is the best way to distribute income. If the GDP grows, the minimum wage has to go up according to the growth of the economy,” he argued.

But the negotiations with the Ministry of Finance are still deadlocked. The budget approved by Congress last year foresees a minimum of R$1,320 this year, but the central unions are asking for R$1,342, which is incompatible with the balance of public accounts.

On the issue of the minimum salary, Mr. Lula hinted that it is possible to increase the minimum wage above inflation, and this is the best way to make income distribution. “If the GDP grows, the minimum wage has to rise according to the growth of the economy,” he said.

Mr. Lula also talked about a possible repeal of the labor reform in a clear move to please the union centers but then pondered that the administration needs to “build” a solution with Congress so that the changes are not overturned later.

“We want to build together with the union movement a new union structure, with new rights, in a different economy. The world of work has changed a lot. Gigs have grown. We don’t want the worker to be an eternal gig worker, but rather to have guaranteed rights and a social security system that protects him.”