ICC opens Venezuela office to investigate rights abuses
CARACAS (AFP) – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an office in Venezuela as part of an investigation into alleged human rights abuses during anti-government protests in 2017, authorities announced on Thursday.
The ICC opened a formal investigation into the alleged rights violations last November and signed a memorandum of understanding with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro which stated that the South American country would take “measures” to ensure the court would be able to work.
“It’s a very important step, very significant. This is not for appearance’s sake, it is something concrete that will allow me to carry out my responsibilities,” said ICC prosecutor Karim Khan.
Brunei begins Ramadhan tomorrow
By command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) has announced that the first day of Ramadhan for 1443 Hijrah falls tomorrow following the failure to sight the hilal (crescent). More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
‘Brunei, Malaysia in discussion to open land borders’
The Government of Brunei Darussalam is still in discussion with Malaysia on the possibility of re-opening the land borders separating the two nations. This was stated by Special Duties Officer Grade I at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Norsyamimi binti Mohammad Ramli in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin on Friday, adding that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are still under review. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
Almost 200kg of dubious meat seized
Enforcement officers from the Halal Food Control Division, Syariah Affairs Department confiscated 199 kilogrammes of chicken tails sold at a shophouse in Kampong Sungai Buloh. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
28 fire incidents reported last Ramadhan: FRD
Twenty-eight fire incidents were reported last Ramadhan (April-May 2021), said the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), and from the figure, 21 calls were for house fires with an estimated loss of BND334,600, while seven calls were for building fires. Statistics on structural fire calls were shared by Public Relations Officer of Operation ‘A’ Branch Muhammad Hazwan bin Mawang during a press conference on Friday. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin
Second booster for elderly not recommended: MoH
The Ministry of Health (MoH) at present does not recommend a second booster shot for senior citizens, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the press conference on Friday. This was in response to a question in regards to whether the MoH is looking to follow some countries in offering second booster shots for senior citizens due to concerns over waning immunity in the age group. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
Russians leave Chernobyl
KYIV, UKRAINE (AP) – Russian troops left the heavily contaminated Chernobyl nuclear site early on Friday after returning control to the Ukrainians, authorities said, as residents in parts of eastern Ukraine braced for renewed attacks and awaited blocked supplies of food and other humanitarian relief. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
Cambodia sees rise in drug seizures in first quarter
PHNOM PENH (Xinhua) – The number of people arrested in Cambodia for being involved in illicit drugs decreased in the first quarter of 2022, but the amount of drugs seized increased dramatically, the Anti-Drug Police Department (ADP) said in a report on Friday. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.
Vietnam approves Moderna Covid vaccine for ages six to under-12
HANOI (Bernama) – Vietnam’s health authorities expanded emergency use authorisation for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) to include children from six to under 12. More details in Saturday’s Borneo Bulletin.