Story Archive

Annus horribilis in Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta extends state of emergency ahead of coup anniversary

Its opponents vow to force the military aside and rebuild the country at any cost.

China gears up for Winter Olympics amid warning over declining press freedom

Families are told to limit the size of Lunar New Year gatherings, while petitioners are placed under house arrest.

Researchers discover over 200 new species in Greater Mekong

The World Wildlife Fund for Nature reported the finds in Thailand and neighboring countries.

North Koreans forced to attend lectures to solidify personality cult of Kim family

Celebrations also push ‘Kimjongunism’ to mark current leader’s ascension to power 10 years ago.

Clashes between Karennis and Myanmar junta soldiers spread to Kayah state capital

Junta troops have been shelling Loikaw every day since Jan. 6, residents say.

Tibetan former political prisoner in failing health still watched by police

Geshe Tsewang Namgyal, a former monk, endured beatings in custody, a source says.

US sanctions Myanmar military-tied businesses, junta court officials

The move comes on the anniversary of the Feb. 1, 2021 coup that overthrew civilian rule.

Lao rights activist held for deportation from Thailand

Authorities held Khoukham Keomanivong’s one-day trial behind closed doors, citing COVID-19 concerns.

Former Hong Kong journalist in 'just the right place' to take BNO exit option

Chow Man-chung speaks about his new life in exile after his family fled an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

Insult atop injury to Syrian photographer as China diplomat misuses war photos

‘Wolf Warrior’ Zhao Lijian used Syria photos in a tweet attacking U.S. policy in Afghanistan.

Myanmar’s military plans for long-term political control

As Vietnam celebrates ‘Tet,’ inmates struggle with little contact from home

At least 145 Vietnamese are behind bars for speaking out against the government, group estimates.

Eight bodies discovered in Myanmar’s Kayah state include women, children

Some of the bodies exhibited signs of torture and had been thrown in a septic well.

North Korean officials import luxury foods ahead of Lunar New Year

People complain that authorities bend the rules so officials can properly eat on Seollal.