World Briefs

China Members of the Uighur Muslim ethnic group held demonstrations in cities around the world yesterday to protest a sweeping Chinese surveillance and security campaign that has sent thousands of their people into detention and political indoctrination centers.

Indonesia Critics say a new Indonesian law that took effect yesterday could protect legislators from investigations by the powerful anti-graft commission, triggering anger at what many regard as a grave setback for the world’s third largest democracy.

Thailand’s slow move from military to civilian governance has attracted dozens of new political parties to register in barely two weeks, including one by an internet-famous billionaire who says he embraces democracy and wants to challenge the country’s traditional powers.

Nepal Authorities in Nepal are struggling to identify the survivors of a deadly plane crash earlier this week, with many of the injured badly burned, in critical condition and unable to speak, officials said yesterday. 

India-Pakistan Pakistan’s foreign ministry says it has called its top diplomat in India back home for consultations after allegations of harassment of Pakistani diplomatic staff in New Delhi.

Syria A senior Kurdish official who played a key role with the United States in implementing its post-Islamic State group policy in northern Syria has been found dead in his apartment, Kurdish officials said yesterday.

Israel’s government watchdog agency has criticized the military’s so-called “Hannibal” directive that allowed troops to use heavy force when one of their own was abducted — even at the risk of killing the soldier.

Greece Police say they have arrested 11 people on suspicion of running a smuggling ring transporting hundreds of refugees and migrants from the Greek-Turkish land border to the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki over the past year.

Brazil Rio de Janeiro police said city council member Marielle Franco was killed after receiving four shots to her head. No suspects have been arrested so far.

US President Donald Trump confirmed yesterday that he has picked CNBC contributor Larry Kudlow as his top economic adviser and said the country is in line for a long run of upbeat financial news.