Macron signs controversial pension reform bill into law overnight

French President Emmanuel Macron's pensions reform was officially promulgated into law on Saturday following approval from the constitutional court, as unions vow to oppose the controversial changes including raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Russian journalist faces criminal charges over posts on Mariupol hospital attack | Al Jazeera

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal probe against a prominent journalist for spreading what it called “fake” information about the country’s armed forces, according to the Interfax news agency.

Macron to raise with Putin ‘protection’ for journalist who protested on TV

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will offer protection to Russian journalist facing a long prison sentence after she brandished on live TV a slogan protesting the invasion [Sp.Op.] of Ukraine.

White House condemns new Russian media law - The Jerusalem Post

The United States on Saturday condemned a new law in Russia that threatens jail terms of up to 15 years for spreading what the Kremlin calls "fake news," and urged continued action across sectors to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Assisted suicide now legal in Austria — RT World News

A new law allowing assisted suicide for terminally ill patients has come into force in Austria after being approved by the country’s parliament in December.

EU court fines Poland 1 million euros a day for judiciary row | DW News

 

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Hong Kong: Large pro-China rally against independence

Tens of thousands of pro-China protesters have rallied in Hong Kong, expressing anger at calls for the territory's independence.

China: Interpretation of Hong Kong Basic Law comes at right time

A spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Monday issued a statement hailing the adoption of an interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) as "absolutely necessary" and timely.

Universal Tyranny: US-led coalition destabilizes the situation in Syria

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova affirmed on Thursday that the US-led coalition destabilizes the situation in Syria and creates humanitarian problems as its operations violate the international law with them being conducted without the approval of the Syrian government.

Yahoo 'secretly scanned emails for US authorities'

Yahoo secretly scanned millions of its users' email accounts on behalf of the US government, according to a report.

Turkey demands US guarantees on Kurdish fighters' withdrawal

Turkey on Tuesday repeated its demand that the Kurdish-backed Syrian fighters it has targeted in a cross-border offensive return east of the Euphrates, neither confirming or denying reports of a U.S.-brokered truce.

Turkey urged to protect rule of law. Death penalty would be 'unacceptable'

Turkey must protect the rule of law following the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has said.

Rights group blasts EU plans on halting Libya migrant exodus

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday warned that the European Union measures on curbing the flow of migrants from Libya to the bloc risk condemning asylum-seekers to "violent abuse" by armed groups in the North African nation.

Hollande calls on British MPs to back Syrian airstrikes. Labour in disarray over vote on Syrian airstrikes.

French President Francois Hollande has called on British MPs to back military intervention in Syria "in solidarity with France".

Mass Shootings Became Tragic Routine in US - Obama on Oregon Murders

US President Barack Obama gave a speech on the deadly Oregon shooting.

He called on both US politicians and citizens to contribute to changing US gun laws, as mass shootings had become a tragic routine in the country. He also urged Americans to pay more attention to presidential candidates' positions on the issue of gun control during the upcoming election.

Fresh from victory, Catalan president faces court date

The president of Catalonia has been summoned to appear before a Spanish court later this month in connection with a symbolic referendum on independence held last November.

Egypt adopts controversial anti-terror law

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratified on Sunday an anti-terrorism law which stipulates exorbitant fines, and possible suspension from employment, for “false” reporting on militant attacks.

China intensifies check on journalistic conduct

China has told its media groups to stick to laws and regulations when running their local offices and keep a check on reporters.

Israeli cabinet votes for ‘Jewish state’ draft law

The Israeli government on Sunday approved a controversial proposal that considers Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people, raising questions about the future of Israel’s non-Jewish population.

Catalonia to Hold Unofficial Independence Referendum, Despite Constitutional Court’s Ban

Catalonia will conduct an unofficial independence referendum despite the fact that the Constitutional Court of Spain admitted the lawsuit by the country's government to rule it illegal on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Catalan government said.

"Everything is ready for the vote on November 9," Francesc Homs said at a press conference. "We will hold it to grant our citizens the freedom of expression," he added.