Fri Sep 20 04:56:06 UTC 2024: ## International News Roundup: Execution Threats, Journalists Silenced, Protests & More

**Myanmar:** The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has urged Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC) to halt the planned execution of five democracy activists scheduled for September 24th. The activists were sentenced to death for their alleged involvement in a shooting incident during the 2021 anti-coup protests. The APHR condemned the sentences, calling for their unconditional release and highlighting the broader implications of the regime’s continued use of capital punishment to stifle dissent.

**Malaysia:** The Malaysian Federal Court rejected British journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown’s appeal against a defamation ruling, leaving her liable for damages exceeding RM 435,000. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) criticized the decision, asserting it is intended to silence journalists who report on corruption. This follows a separate criminal case where Rewcastle Brown was sentenced to two years in prison in absentia.

**Singapore:** Three Singaporean women face trial for organizing a pro-Palestinian procession to the Istana in February, which involved participants carrying watermelon-adorned umbrellas as a symbol of Palestinian resistance. The women are contesting the charges under the Public Order Act, arguing they were exercising their right to peaceful protest. The police have reiterated their stance against unauthorized protests, advocating for lawful expression through forums, dialogues, and donations.

**Other Key Developments:**

* **Israel-Palestine:** Israeli soldiers were accused of pushing bodies from rooftops during a raid in the West Bank. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.
* **Lebanon:** Explosive devices targeted Hezbollah, killing 20 and injuring over 450 people in Lebanon. Separately, explosions on Hezbollah pagers resulted in nine deaths and thousands injured.
* **Cryptocurrency theft:** Two individuals were arrested in the US for their alleged involvement in a US$230 million cryptocurrency theft and laundering scheme.
* **Singapore:** CPF Special, MediSave, and Retirement accounts’ interest rate has been raised to 4.14% for Q4 2024. The closure of Times Bookstores after nearly four decades and the closure of a Giant supermarket in Toa Payoh were also reported.

These are just some of the key developments from a busy news week.

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