Brunei implements stoning to death under new anti-LGBT laws

The tiny Southeast Asian country of Brunei is introducing strict new Islamic legal guidelines that makes homosexual sex an offence punishable through stoning to death. The new measures, set to commence Wednesday, additionally cowl a range of other crimes consisting of punishment for theft by means of amputation. The lawby and large applies to Muslims, […]

Philippines president jokes about sex assault during speech

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who has earned a reputation for incendiary rhetoric, drew widespread condemnation on Saturday after saying that he sexually abused his housemaid when he was a teenager – despite his office later claiming it was a joke, The New York Times reported. Duterte, 73, recounted the supposed incident during a speech to local […]

Thai king to be crowned in ceremonies May 4-6

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, has been serving since shortly after his father died in 2016 following a 70-year reign. “His Majesty deems it fit to hold the coronation ceremony per royal traditions for the good fortune of the nation and the kingdom, to be enjoyed by the hopeful people,” a palace statement said. In the […]

Abe discusses Russia, Japan’s low birthrate, social security in New Year statement

TOKYO Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday pledged to step up talks with Russia to conclude a postwar peace treaty among other major diplomatic challenges this year. “As we are at a major turning point, we will aggressively purse the resolution of Japan’s postwar diplomatic concerns,” Abe said in a new year statement, referring to […]

China seeks talks with India to push Asia trade pact

China has sought talks with India to allay concerns on a regional free trade pact it is spearheading, two people familiar with the matter said, as Beijing seeks newer markets amid the ongoing trade war with the US. The 16-country Regional Comprehensive Economic Agreement has been in the works for a while and China is […]