Latest Democracy News
Ex-UN head Ban calls for more diplomatic pressure on Myanmar's military leaders
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday that he was communicating with authorities in military-run Myanmar as well as members of the armed resistance following a surprise visit to the country last month, and called for more diplomatic pressure on the...
Hong Kong court rejects publisher Jimmy Lai's bid to terminate his national security trial
HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong court on Monday rejected a jailed publisher’s request to terminate his national security trial, pressing ahead with a landmark case seen as part of Beijing's crackdown on the city's pro-democracy movement. Jimmy Lai, the 75-year-old founder of the...
Modi opponents boycott opening of new Indian Parliament; PM says it breaks with colonial past
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s major opposition parties on Sunday boycotted the inauguration of a new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a rare show of unity against his Hindu nationalist ruling party, which has ruled for nine years and is seeking a third term in next year's...
Mass protests against Israeli government's plans to change legal system enter 21st week
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered on Saturday for the relentless weekly protests against their government’s plans to overhaul the legal system. The mass protests entered their 21st week. This week’s rallies come days after Prime Minister Benjamin...
Hong Kong's 2nd largest pro-democracy party disbands amid political crackdown
HONG KONG (AP) — One of the few remaining pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong voted to dissolve itself on Saturday, joining a growing list of organizations that have disbanded as authorities crack down on dissent. Civic Party chairman Alan Leong told reporters that the dissolution...
Minnesota governor signs ‘One Minnesota Budget’ as Democrats celebrate their top goals becoming law
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — As hundreds of people cheered on the lawn around him, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signed a document to symbolize the passage of his $72 billion “One Minnesota Budget” at a celebratory ceremony on the front steps of the State Capitol Wednesday morning. ...
East Timor's opposition party wins most seats in parliamentary election
DILI, East Timor (AP) — East Timor’s opposition party won Sunday’s parliamentary election, meaning independence fighter Xanana Gusmao is likely to return as prime minister in Asia’s youngest democracy. The final vote count released by the National Elections Commission on...
Spy chief warns authoritarian states stoking anti-government mood in Germany
BERLIN (AP) — The head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency warned Monday of a rise in anti-government extremism - fueled by authoritarian states such as Russia - that seeks to divide society and topple the government. German security agencies have disrupted several plots in...
G7 urges China to press Russia to end war in Ukraine, respect Taiwan's status, fair trade rules
HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — The Group of Seven wealthy democracies united in urging China to pressure its strategic partner Russia to end its war on Ukraine and resolve territorial disputes peacefully, and China lashed back. In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasized they did not...
G7 'outreach' an effort to build consensus on global issues like Ukraine, China, climate change
HIROSHIMA, Japan (AP) — Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies have joined their counterparts from other countries during their summit in Japan to try to expand the G7’s sway and to include voices from the so-called Global South. From South America to South Asia,...
