Marcos says Philippines is ‘done talking’ with ICC

President Ferdinand Marcos announced that the Philippines will no longer cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s probe into the drug war, asserting that the alleged crimes should be handled domestically. The ICC resumed its inquiry despite the country’s withdrawal in 2019. Thousands have died in the anti-narcotics campaign under both Duterte and Marcos’ administrations.

Swiss watchmaker Swatch sues Malaysia for seizure of Pride watches

Swatch Malaysia’s bid for a judicial review against the government’s seizure of 172 watches, including the Pride Collection series, will be heard by Malaysia’s apex court on 23 August. Swatch claims the seizure is illegal as the watches are not defined as a form of “publication” under the Printing Presses and Publication Act. They seek damages and the return of the watches, alleging that the government’s actions were politically motivated. This comes ahead of crucial regional polls, with tensions rising over LGBT rights in the country.

Former police officer on trial for alleged abuse and cover-up of 2016 maid’s tragic death

Kevin Chelvam, a 44-year-old former staff sergeant, is facing trial for his alleged role in the abuse and cover-up of offences against his maid, Piang Ngaih Don. Prosecutors claim he was complicit, fully aware of the atrocities occurring under his roof.

Kedah Chief Minister Sanusi arrested and charged for seditious remarks against Selangor King

Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor, the caretaker Chief Minister of Kedah, was arrested at 3 am on Tuesday (18 Jul). He faced charges of making seditious remarks against the Sultan of Selangor in court that morning. The Selangor Royal Office considered his speech an insult to the Selangor Royal Institution.

Migrant worker crushed to death by steel beam in 2020: Company faces S$200,000 fine for safety breach

In a tragic incident at a Tuas industrial site in October 2020, a 39-year-old migrant worker lost his life after being crushed by a 560 kg steel beam. The company employing the victim recently fined S$200,000 for failing to provide adequate guidance and information to its employees, leading up to the accident.

South Korea jails man for life in stalking, murder case

South Korean man sentenced to life in prison for stalking and murdering a former colleague who had reported him to the police.

Top India court to weigh legality of Kashmir direct rule

India’s Supreme Court begins reviewing the legality of the 2019 imposition of direct rule in Kashmir, which led to mass arrests and an internet blackout.

Japan top court backs transgender woman in toilet case

Japan’s Supreme Court rules in favor of transgender woman’s restroom access, highlighting potential changes in LGBTQ working conditions.

Trial opens for 50 Vietnam officials over rescue flight bribes

Over 50 officials face trial in Vietnam for corruption in repatriation flights during the pandemic, part of an anti-corruption drive.

Victory for Grab as Malaysian High Court overturns MyCC’s RM86 million fine

Malaysian court overturns RM86.77 million fine against ride-hailing platform, Grab, deeming the competition regulator’s allegations of anti-competitive behaviour as insufficiently substantiated.