Kemi Badenoch Criticises Keir Starmer's Defence Spending Plan Over £5bn Funding Gap
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Kemi Badenoch Criticises Keir Starmer’s Defence Spending Plan Over £5bn Funding Gap

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Nigeria to Seek Compensation for Citizens Who Left South Africa Amid Anti Migrant Protests
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Nigeria to Seek Compensation for Citizens Who Left South Africa Amid Anti Migrant Protests

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# Syria’s New Parliament Takes Shape as President Ahmed al Sharaa Appoints Final 70 Lawmakers Syria has completed the formation of its new transitional parliament after Interim President Ahmed al Sharaa appointed the remaining 70 lawmakers. The move completes the 210 seat People's Assembly and prepares the legislature for its first session next week. The appointments mark another step in Syria's political transition after the fall of former President Bashar al Assad in 2024. Officials say the new parliament will guide the country's legislative work during the transitional period. ## Final Appointments Complete the Assembly The president selected the final 70 lawmakers after regional electoral colleges had already chosen the other 140 members last October. Officials designed the latest appointments to improve representation across different sections of Syrian society. Among the newly appointed lawmakers, 15 are women. Another 13 members spent time in prison during the rule of Bashar al Assad. The government has not confirmed how many members belong to Syria's religious and ethnic minority communities. Mohammed Taha al Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Committee for the Syrian People's Assembly Elections, said the appointments combine experience with the sacrifices made by many Syrians during years of conflict. ## Parliament Aims to Represent Different Communities According to election officials, the new lawmakers include academics, professionals, community leaders, experts, survivors of detention, relatives of people killed during the war, and victims of chemical attacks. The appointments also cover all 14 Syrian provinces. Two of the newly selected lawmakers come from Suweida, a province with a large Druze population. Officials believe this broader representation will strengthen national unity and ensure that different voices take part in the country's political transition. ## Delays Continue in Some Areas Authorities have not held electoral college voting in Suweida because security conditions remain unstable. The province has stayed outside full government control since deadly sectarian clashes last July left around 1,700 people dead. Election officials said they plan to organize voting there once conditions improve. Authorities also delayed elections in parts of Raqqa and Hassakeh after government forces regained control of those areas from the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces earlier this year. ## Critics Question the Electoral Process Several Kurdish political parties rejected the lawmakers selected through the electoral colleges. They argued that the process excluded important political groups and failed to provide fair representation. Civil society organizations also raised concerns about the structure of the elections. They said the president's influence over the Higher Committee and electoral colleges limits the independence of the parliament. The groups also questioned the president's authority to appoint one third of the assembly and replace lawmakers if seats become vacant. They warned that these powers could reduce the parliament's independence. ## UN Calls the Transition a Critical Moment The United Nations continues to monitor developments in Syria. Last week, UN Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone told the Security Council that the country's transition has reached a critical stage. He said Syria now faces both important opportunities and serious challenges as it works toward political stability and long term peace. The new parliament is expected to begin its first session next week. Its decisions could play an important role in shaping Syria's future during the country's ongoing transition.
Politics

Syria’s New Parliament Takes Shape as President Ahmed al Sharaa Appoints Final 70 Lawmakers

Syria has completed the formation of its new transitional parliament after Interim…

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Canada celebrates its 159th birthday as Prime Minister Mark Carney faces growing unity challenges from sovereignty movements in Alberta and Quebec.
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# Can China Use Its New Ethnic Unity Law to Target Critics Living Abroad? China has introduced a new **Ethnic Unity Law**, raising fresh concerns among human rights groups, overseas activists, and ethnic minority communities. The law officially came into effect on July 1, 2026. Many critics believe it gives Chinese authorities a stronger legal basis to take action against people living outside China who speak out on issues related to Tibet, Xinjiang, and other ethnic minority regions. ## A Student's Case Raises International Concerns One case attracting global attention involves 23 year old Chinese student Zhang Yadi, also known as Tara. She had been studying at a leading university in the United Kingdom before returning to China for a visit. Before traveling home, Tara posted a birthday message for the Dalai Lama on the social media platform X. She also helped edit an online Chinese language platform that supported Tibetan rights while studying in France. Reports suggest Chinese authorities arrested her in Yunnan Province during her visit. She now faces accusations of encouraging separatism and harming national unity. Although officials have not released many details, rights groups believe her online activities played a major role in her detention. ## What Is China's New Ethnic Unity Law? The new law aims to strengthen national unity among China's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups. Government officials say the legislation will promote social harmony, reduce ethnic conflict, and build a stronger national identity. However, many international organizations argue that the law could reduce freedom of expression instead of protecting diversity. They fear authorities may use broad legal language to silence peaceful discussions about minority rights. ## Why Critics Abroad Are Worried One of the most debated sections is **Article 63**. It allows Chinese authorities to take action against organizations or individuals outside China if they believe those people damage ethnic unity or create ethnic division. Legal experts say enforcing the law in other countries will be difficult. Even so, the law could discourage overseas activists from speaking publicly. Many fear that their comments could place family members in China under pressure or legal investigation. For many Chinese citizens living overseas, this creates uncertainty. Some may avoid discussing sensitive issues because they worry about possible consequences if they return home. ## Human Rights Groups Express Concern Several international human rights organizations have criticized the legislation. They argue that peaceful support for Tibetan, Uyghur, or other minority communities could now face greater legal risks under Chinese law. According to these organizations, the law may increase pressure on activists, researchers, journalists, and students who discuss ethnic minority rights while living abroad. ## International Response The law has also drawn attention in Europe. Some members of the European Parliament have warned that countries should carefully review their extradition agreements with China. They believe the legislation could create diplomatic tensions if it targets foreign citizens or residents. Governments in several countries continue to monitor how China applies the law and whether it affects freedom of expression beyond its borders. ## China Continues to Expand Its Global Image At the same time, China continues promoting itself as an international destination for tourism, investment, and diplomacy. The government has relaxed visa rules for travelers from dozens of countries and welcomed world leaders through high profile diplomatic meetings. Supporters say these efforts highlight China's economic growth and cultural diversity. Critics, however, argue that the new law sends a different message by increasing concerns about free speech and political expression. ## Conclusion China's new Ethnic Unity Law has become one of the country's most closely watched legal developments. Supporters describe it as a tool to strengthen national unity, while critics believe it could expand pressure on activists living overseas. Although many questions remain about how the law will be enforced internationally, it has already sparked debate about human rights, freedom of expression, and China's growing influence beyond its borders.
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Can China Use Its New Ethnic Unity Law to Target Critics Living Abroad?

China has introduced a new Ethnic Unity Law, raising fresh concerns among…

India records its driest June in 12 years, delaying monsoon rains and slowing crop sowing. Farmers face growing challenges, while rice reserves offer temporary relief.
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India Faces Driest June in 12 Years as Weak Monsoon Raises Farming Concerns

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