Vietnam Puts 6 Activists on Trial for Alleged Subversion
HANOI — A court in Hanoi has opened trial of six activists accused of attempting to overthrow the government as communist authorities step up their crackdown on dissent.
Oil Spill That Caused Indonesia Fire Was Due to Broken Pipe
JAKARTA — An oil spill that caused a fire that killed five people and sickened hundreds in an Indonesian port city came from a broken pipe the state-owned energy company was using to transfer crude oil, police said Thursday.
Security Council Plans to Visit Myanmar, Bangladesh and Iraq
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has been given green lights for visits this month to Myanmar and Bangladesh, where it expects to focus on the beleaguered Rohingya Muslim minority, as well as to Iraq.
Malaysia Approves Law Banning Fake News Ahead of Elections
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's parliament on Monday passed a law prohibiting fake news that critics fear will be abused to silence dissent ahead of a general election.
Thais Help Boat With Presumed Rohingya Refugees on its Way
BANGKOK — A boat with 56 people claiming to be Muslim Rohingya refugees from Myanmar has been helped back to sea by Thai fishermen and navy craft after being damaged in a storm and stopping temporarily in southern Thailand.
Mekong Countries’ Leaders Call for $66 Billion Investment
HANOI — The leaders of six countries along the Mekong River on Saturday adopted an ambitious investment plan worth USD$66 billion over the next five years.
Malaysia’s Attempt to Redraw Electoral Boundaries Protested
KUALA LUMPUR — Scores of activists have protested near Malaysia's parliament against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries that is expected to favor the ruling coalition in general elections to be held soon.
Balinese Man Gets 15 Years’ Prison in Murder of Japan Couple
BALI, Indonesia — An Indonesian court on Monday sentenced a Balinese man to 15 years in prison for robbing and murdering an elderly Japanese couple last year on the tourist island of Bali.
Myanmar Skirts ‘Maximum Pressure’ Despite North Korea Ties
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has slapped sanctions on companies across the globe to punish illicit trade with nuclear-armed North Korea, yet Myanmar, which is suspected of acquiring ballistic missile systems from the pariah state, has escaped the full force of the "maximum pressure" campaign.
Malaysia Poised to Give 10 Years in Jail for Fake News
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's government has proposed new legislation to outlaw fake news with a 10-year jail term for offenders, in a move slammed by critics as a bid to crack down on dissent ahead of a general election.
