Turkey – HDP deputies boycott Parliament after leaders were arrested
Two leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (HDP), a pro-Kurdish political party, were arrested by the Turkish authorities, who accused them of helping the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK has been struggling with the government since 1984 for the self-determination of Kurdish people, the biggest ethnic minority in Turkey. The HDP denied any links with the PKK and decided to boycott the Parliament. These arrests are part of the purge led by President Erdogan since a failed coup in July. He responded to Europe’s criticism, saying that it was “abetting terrorism” by supporting the PKK.
With files from BBC News
China bans Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers
Two pro-democracy politicians have been banned from Chinese Parliament. This decision follows a controversial oath ceremony, during which the newly elected Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung refused to pledge allegiance to China and carried blue flags which read “Hong Kong is not China.” China claimed that their oaths are therefore invalid and refused to let them take office. This decision brought 13,000 people to the streets on November 6, and ended with confrontations with the police. These protests harken to the umbrella movement that took place two years ago in Hong Kong.
With files from The Guardian
Australia – Tinder death interview angers Australian people
The TV interview of a man accused of killing his Tinder date has angered Australian citizens. Gable Tostee was charged after Warriena Wright fell to her death in 2014 from his 14th floor balcony. Although there are audio records of Wright pleading to get out of his apartment and screaming “no” 33 times, Tostee was found not guilty. He said that he was trying to defend himself while she was attacking him. Tostee was reportedly paid a six-figure amount for the interview. The preview for the interview outraged many viewers and raised questions about journalistic ethics and respect for the victim.
With files from BBC News
