A Chinese court has sentenced prominent rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang to 4-and-a-half years in prison on a single charge of subverting state power.
Asia articles on Democracy Chronicles
View news about the struggle for democracy on the continent of Asia where giants of China and India hover large. Asia represents a huge portion of the human race where both some of the best and worst governments coexist. Also see our World Democracy section!
Five Years After Coup, Thai Election Date Set for Late March
Five years after the military stormed to power in yet another coup, Thailand has finally announced an official election date scheduled for late March.
Myanmar Activists Push to End Police Brutality
Myanmar activists push to end police brutality with E.U spending 30 million euros on project to help the police adhere to international standards.
Malaysian Royals to Pick New King After Historic Abdication
Malaysia’s royal families will elect a king Thursday after the last monarch abdicated following his reported marriage to a Russian ex-beauty queen.
Ex-Jakarta Governor Convicted of Blasphemy Free After Nearly Two Years
The former governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama of Indonesian capital of Jakarta is free after spending nearly two years in prison on a blasphemy conviction.
Ex-Chinese Diplomat-Turned-Dissident Reportedly Detained in China
Australian newspaper says a ex-Chinese diplomat, Chinese-Australian writer and dissident, Yang Hengjun has been detained during visit to his native country.
Hong Kong Moves to Make Disrespecting Chinese Anthem a Crime
Hong Kong lawmakers set to consider bill that would make disrespecting China’s national anthem a crime recommending 3year prison sentence and a $6,373 fine.
Singapore PM’s Brother Backs His Rival with Election Looming
Last week, in a move that could boost Singapore’s weak opposition, a former presidential candidate said he had applied to register a new party.
Trials in China Kept Secret by Silencing Lawyers
Prominent Chinese human rights activist Huang Qi went on trial last week on dubious charges of “leaking state secrets” but kept secret by silencing lawyers.
Disappearance of 3 Thai Dissidents in Laos Must be Investigated
The Lao government should urgently investigate disappearance of three Thai political activists who were last seen in capital, Vientiane, in December 2018.