Vietnam sentenced 27 people to death for trafficking over 600 kilos of heroin, meth, and ketamine between 2018 and 2022, led by notorious crime boss Vu Hoang Anh (Oanh Ha). The cross-border operation, valued at $54.8 million, smuggled drugs from Cambodia into Vietnam. Eight other members received jail terms ranging from 20 years to life. The gang used encrypted apps and international phone numbers to evade detection, smuggling drugs in engine blocks. Vietnam, known for its harsh drug laws, routinely issues death penalties for trafficking. Executions, conducted by lethal injection, remain shrouded in secrecy. #vietnam #news #aseannow
Thirteen Filipino women convicted of violating Cambodia’s surrogacy ban have returned to the Philippines following a royal pardon granted by King Norodom Sihamoni on December 26, 2024. Their repatriation was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). The women, who were recruited online with promises of $10,000 for surrogacy services, were convicted under Cambodia’s strict surrogacy laws. The Philippine government expressed gratitude to Cambodia for its humanitarian treatment and used the opportunity to remind Filipinos that surrogacy is illegal in Cambodia, with violations punishable under its laws. Their return highlights strong bilateral ties and a shared commitment to combating human trafficking. #philippines #news #aseannow
A Malaysian man, Mohd Affendi Awang, was publicly caned in Terengganu for the Islamic offense of khalwat (close proximity with a non-family member of the opposite sex). The 42-year-old father of five, convicted for the third time, received six strokes of the cane and a fine after pleading guilty last month. The caning, conducted at a mosque after Friday prayers, was witnessed by 90 people under heavy police presence. Terengganu, governed by the conservative PAS party, enforces strict Islamic laws, including public punishments. Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission condemned the punishment, citing concerns over human dignity and its conflict with federal law. #malaysia #aseannow #news
Indonesia has received a formal request from France to transfer Serge Atlaoui, a French welder on death row since 2005 for drug-related charges. The request, sent on December 19, will be discussed in early January, according to Indonesian law minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra. Atlaoui, 61, was arrested at a Jakarta drug factory, claiming he believed it was an acrylics plant. Initially sentenced to life imprisonment, his sentence was upgraded to death in 2007. His execution in 2015 was postponed after French diplomatic intervention. The case comes as Indonesia considers resuming drug-related executions, following recent transfers of high-profile detainees like Mary Jane Veloso and members of the “Bali Nine” drug ring. The French embassy has not commented. #indonesia #news #aseannow
Corruption
Former Taiwanese presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has been indicted on corruption charges, including accepting bribes during his tenure as Taipei mayor. Known for his third-party appeal, Ko’s arrest raises questions about political suppression and accountability in Taiwan. #taiwan #news #aseannow
South Korea’s political crisis deepens as lawmakers move to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo. Accused of blocking opposition-backed bills and delaying key decisions, Han faces mounting pressure as the Constitutional Court deliberates on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. The drama highlights the nation’s escalating political tension. #korea #news #aseannow
Japan is providing $3 billion to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets, continuing its robust support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. This contribution, part of Japan’s $12 billion aid, aims to address social and humanitarian needs while deepening ties between the nations. #japan #news #aseannow #ukraine
Cambodian opposition leader Sun Chanthy has been sentenced to two years in jail for inciting disorder, drawing criticism for suppressing political opponents. Known for challenging the status quo, Sun’s case reflects ongoing struggles for democracy and freedom in Cambodia. #cambodia #aseannow #news
An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, during an emergency landing, killing at least four people and injuring many. Thirty-two survivors are hospitalized, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities suspect a bird strike and poor visibility contributed to the crash. Emergency services and world leaders have expressed their condolences to the victims' families. #kazakstan #planecrash #aseannow #news
A miscommunication led to a tragic collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, where a coastguard plane entered the runway and was struck by a JAL jetliner. Five of the six coastguard crew members died, but all 379 passengers on the JAL flight escaped unharmed. Investigations revealed poor visibility and missed alerts. This incident highlights the importance of communication in aviation. #japan #aircraftinvestigation #aseannow
A Cambodian businessman was sentenced to 31 years in prison for fatally shooting a young couple during a property dispute in Phnom Penh. The killings, sparked by a minor argument, drew widespread outrage. Despite initial doubts about accountability due to his privileged status, justice was served. He must also pay over $2 million in compensation to the victims' families. #cambodia #news #aseannow
Vietnam’s Decree 147 mandates social media users to verify their identities and obliges platforms to quickly remove “illegal” content. Critics warn this will suppress dissent and self-censorship. The law mirrors China’s censorship model and imposes gaming restrictions for minors. Human Rights Watch has called for its repeal. #vietnam #aseannow #news #gaming
