Indonesia: Caning of gay men an act of cruelty – Amnesty International

By

-

August 26, 2025

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to today’s caning of two men in the city of Banda Aceh for having consensual same-sex sexual relations, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:

“This public flogging of two young men under Aceh’s Islamic Criminal Code for consensual sex is a disturbing act of state-sanctioned discrimination and cruelty. This punishment is a horrifying reminder of the institutionalized stigma and abuse faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Aceh.

“Intimate relationships between consenting adults should never be criminalized. Punishments such as flogging are cruel, inhuman and degrading and may amount to torture under international law.

“We call on the Acehnese and Indonesian central government authorities to immediately halt these degrading practices and repeal all discriminatory bylaws that permit such violations. Aceh’s regional autonomy must not come at the expense of human rights.

“Indonesia, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and a state party to the Convention Against Torture, must align its laws – including in Aceh – with its constitutional commitments to equality and non-discrimination. The criminalization of same-sex conduct and corporal punishment has no place in a just and humane society.”

Background

On 26 August, two men, aged 20 and 21, were publicly flogged 76 times each in the city of Banda Aceh for having consensual same-sex relations.

The panel of judges at the Banda Aceh Sharia Court earlier found them guilty of violating the Islamic Criminal Code, which forbids consensual same-sex acts.

They were arrested after allegedly engaging in sexual activity in a public restroom at the Taman Sari Park on 16 June.

The defendants, identified as QH and RA, remained in custody during the judicial proceedings, which were held behind closed doors.

Citizen’s arrests are common in Aceh due to the implementation of Sharia law, which allows residents to turn people over to the Sharia police for investigation. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that criminalizes consensual same-sex acts due to the special autonomy status that has allowed it to apply the Islamic Criminal Code since 2015.

Sharia bylaws have been in force in Aceh since the enactment of the province’s Special Autonomy Law in 2001 and are enforced by Islamic courts.

These laws in some cases provide for up to 200 lashes as punishment for offences including consensual intimacy or sexual activity for unmarried couples, consensual sex outside marriage, same-sex sexual relations, the consumption and sale of alcohol and gambling.

In February, two university students were flogged for having consensual same-sex relations in Banda Aceh.

Under international human rights law all forms of corporal punishment are prohibited as they constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and can amount to torture. The UN Human Rights Committee and other expert human rights bodies have raised concerns about laws criminalising ‘adultery’ or other consensual sexual relations outside marriage because they violate the right to privacy.

MIL OSI

Man arrested in Levin

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Ash Gurney, Acting Manawatu Area Commander:

A man has been arrested in Levin this evening, hours after an incident reportedly involving a firearm.

Police received reports of a firearm being discharged around 3:10pm today, in the vicinity of Mabel Street, Levin.

Officers were on scene within minutes. There was no obvious damage located, or injuries to any person.

Police follow-up enquiries in the area led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man following a traffic stop in Levin around 5:45pm, invoked under the Gang Conflict Warrant.

A sawn-off .22 rifle, and ammunition, was also located. Enquiries are ongoing as to whether the man is linked to the report of a firearm discharge.

He is remanded in custody and will be appearing in Levin District Court tomorrow, on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Reassurance patrols remain in Levin as part of Operation Bath, while a Gang Conflict Warrant is still in place.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Education Events – Keynote speakers announced for 30th ICDE World Conference 2025 in Wellington this November

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: Open Polytechnic

An exciting lineup of distinguished keynote speakers will share their insights and expertise at the upcoming International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) conference, including leaders of the world’s largest universities, a renowned Māori academic, an international AI expert, and a programme specialist leading transformative education.

Te Kuratini Tuwhera o Aotearoa Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa Massey University will co-host the conference in Wellington at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 10 to 13 November, at which hundreds of international and domestic delegates are expected.

Open Polytechnic Executive Director of Learning Design and Development, and current ICDE President Dr Mark Nichols, says each keynote will bring a unique perspective to the conference and exciting conference program. They include:

– Dr Paul J. LeBlanc, Leader of Matter and Space, an AI and Education startup and previous President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), an online mega-university. Dr LeBlanc is recognised as one of USA’s most innovative educators. Under his 20-year leadership as former President of SNHU, the university grew from 2,800 to over 250,000 students to become the largest non-profit online higher education provider in the USA.

– Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA). Professor LenkaBula has won multiple international and national teaching awards and now leads South Africa’s largest university by enrolment (370,000 students per year).

– Professor Danny Liu, Professor of Educational Technologies in the DVC Education Portfolio at the University of Sydney. Professor Liu is known internationally for his work on Generative Artificial Intelligence in higher education, and is the developer of Cogniti, an AI application widely used by students.

– Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou, Tūhourangi), is a Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and CEO of Ngā Āhuatanga O Te Kai Ltd, The Kai Research Institute. Professor Smith is an internationally renowned and highly awarded researcher, scholar and writer known for her work on Decolonising Methodologies, Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine and Māori Education.

– Dr Faryal Khan, Programme Specialist leading Transformative Education at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok). Dr Khan brings an international perspective on education reform.

Open Polytechnic, New Zealand’s specialist provider of online and distance learning is a long-standing institutional member of ICDE. The last time an ICDE conference was held in New Zealand was in 1950.

Dr Nichols, says, “ICDE’s roots go back to 1938, and it has been generously hosted by the Norwegian government since 1988. It has members from over 90 countries, including the world’s largest open and distance learning institutions – some with millions of enrolments each year.”

“ICDE is committed to advancing inclusive, scalable, and sustainable education and it is a pleasure to be able to bring members from this global movement to Wellington in November.”

“Our focus t

MIL OSI

Auckland News – Rail crossing upgrades must accommodate freight growth

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight industry group Transporting New Zealand has welcomed construction work getting underway this week to replace Auckland level crossings with overbridges , but says ensuring adequate freight routes in Takanini may require further investment.

The Takanini and Glen Innes projects will see eight level crossings removed and replaced by three new grade-separated road bridges and three new pedestrian access bridges. Two crossings in Takanini – Spartan Road and Manuroa Road – will be closed completely.

Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that the upgrades will help prepare the transport network for the City Rail Link and future increases in rail services.

“From 2030 onwards the increased frequency of train services could mean barrier arms at level crossings on the Southern Line are lowered every 2-3 minutes. That would have been a nightmare for commuters and freight customers trying to move goods out of the key Takanini industrial area. Overbridge replacements are the right outcome.”

Kalasih welcomed the Government and Auckland Council jointly funding the first three years of construction, noting that it’s been three years since Transporting New Zealand submitted on the Takanini level crossing closure plans.

Kalasih says that replacing eight level crossings with three road bridges will take some adjustment and is encouraging Auckland Council to ensure the city’s booming freight task is being accounted for in its planning.

“Takanini is projected to grow by 5,900 dwellings, 12,300 jobs and 13,900 people between 2018 to 2048. Auckland’s freight task (measured by kilometres travelled) is projected to grow around 80% over the same time period.

“This demonstrates the need for additional freight routes, not fewer, to future-proof the network,” Kalasih says.

“Transporting New Zealand has made a request to Auckland Transport for any freight impact and congestion analysis undertaken since the 2023 Takanini level crossing closure detailed business case, and I look forward to reviewing the data.”

Kalasih is also encouraging AT to communicate with affected businesses during the construction period.

“This is an important industrial area supporting a huge number of jobs. Transporting New Zealand is always happy to assist with sharing communications and facilitating project updates to local businesses, as we did during the initial level crossing closure consultation.”

About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.

MIL OSI

Citi Wealth Summer Interns Explore the GBA’s Thriving Fintech Development on a Field Trip to Shenzhen

By

MIL OSI

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2025 – Citi Hong Kong recently partnered with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong (FTAHK) and Shenzhen FinTech Association (SZFTA) to organize a specialized field trip to Shenzhen for its talented Wealth Summer Interns, providing participants with exposure to the dynamic and rapidly evolving fintech landscape in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This initiative specifically aims to equip the future changemakers in wealth with critical insights into technological advancements shaping the industry.

During the trip, the Wealth Summer Interns visited leading technology and professional services companies, including Tencent Cloud, Archforce Technology and Accenture Shenzhen Innovation Hub. These visits offered unparalleled cross-cultural exposure to industry leaders and fostered a broader understanding of emerging trends within the GBA. The Summer Interns gained firsthand insights into cutting-edge technologies and the companies’ business models and operations, deepening their understanding of Shenzhen’s fintech ecosystem. The trip also provided invaluable opportunities for networking through direct interaction with industry leaders, offering new perspectives and possibilities for future development.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Citi, said, “At Citi Wealth, we believe that investing in talent and cultivating tomorrow’s leaders is paramount to our success and long-term vision. We are glad to partner with the FinTech Association of Hong Kong and Shenzhen FinTech Association to offer such a meaningful field trip to our Wealth Summer Interns. We are shaping the future of wealth management by identifying and nurturing changemakers who are uniquely prepared to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. This ensures that Citi remains at the forefront of wealth management across Asia and beyond.”

Lareina Wang, Chair, FinTech Association of Hong Kong, said, “FTAHK, as HK-GBA’s super-connector, is proud to link Citi to the region’s FinTech future via immersive experiences.”

This year, Citi Hong Kong welcomed 76 Summer Interns, drawing top talent from across the region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, South Korea and Singapore. The 10-week program provides the Summer Interns with an in-depth understanding of Citi’s business operations and strategy, while also broadening their global perspectives.

The Summer Intern program is designed to cultivate future leaders in the banking industry through a holistic and engaging curriculum. Alongside their practical work in one of Citi’s key businesses or functions, the program offers our Wealth Summer Interns one-on-one mentorship and intensive training sessions, covering the latest wealth management trends, Citi’s comprehensive suite of services and solutions, as well as portfolio management knowledge and simulation. This immersive program ensures our interns are not just learning theory but actively engaging with the forces that will define the future of wealth management – from digital transformation to AI-driven insights.

Click HERE to download the photos

Photo 1 : Citi senior management and staff led a field trip to Shenzhen for Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns.

Photo 2 : Citi’s Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Vicky Kong supported the Shenzhen field trip for Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns.

Photo 3 : Citi’s Wealth Summer Interns gained firsthand insights into the cutting-edge technologies and the region’s dynamic fintech ecosystem.

Hashtag: #Citibank

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Homicide investigation launched, Gisborne

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Tairāwhiti Area Commander, Inspector Danny Kirk:

Gisborne Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Mangapapa early this morning.

Police were called to an address on Winter Street at around 6:50am after receiving a report of disturbance coming from the home.

On arrival to the address, Police located a man who was unresponsive and immediately commenced first aid.

Unfortunately, despite emergency services best efforts, the man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police are undertaking several enquiries to determine the circumstances of the death.

A cordon will remain at the scene overnight for a scene examination in the morning.

The deceased will also undergo a postmortem examination tomorrow.

Police and Victim Support Services are providing support to the victims whānau during this difficult time.

Police are speaking with several people in connection to this incident and are satisfied that there is no ongoing risk to the public.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Missing parcels deliver arrests

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Waitematā Police have wasted little time getting to the bottom of a ‘missing mail mystery’ in West Auckland.

An investigation into a spate of parcel thefts has resulted in two arrests and seizure of a range of items this morning at a house in Glen Eden, Auckland.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Area Investigations Manager, Waitematā West, says the first reports of the offending occurred around 12 August, though it’s likely to have started before this.

“An investigation was launched following reports of parcels going missing or not turning up in Henderson, Te Atatū South and Te Atatū Peninsula,” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

Enquiries included a review of local CCTV footage which helped locate items and clothing allegedly linked to the missing parcels.

“Discussion about the thefts on a local Facebook page has also heightened awareness in the community.” Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says.

“Enquiries are ongoing to determine whether other offenders are involved.”

A male has been charged with five charges of theft and a woman is facing two charges of theft.

Police are also in the process of reuniting several recovered packages with their owners.

Anyone who is missing a parcel or has information that could assist with enquiries is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250821/1358.

You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

MIL OSI

Road blocked, SH2, Waipawa Hawkes Bay

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2, between Great North Road and Argyll Road, in Waipawa is blocked following vegetables spilling from a truck.

Police were called the blockage at around 4:30pm today.

No injuries have been reported, however the road will remain closed while clean up is underway.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and to expect delays.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Fishery officers backed by police catch fishers with 422 pāua

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Serious charges are likely under the Fisheries Act after 3 people were stopped last night in a car containing 422 pāua taken from Kaikoura’s south coast.

Fishery officers had previously stopped the car yesterday (26 August 2025) afternoon and were attempting to inspect their catch when the driver of the car drove off, says Fisheries New Zealand district manager Marlborough/Canterbury, Stuart Moore.

“We’re grateful for the support of the New Zealand Police which stopped the car in Rangiora.

“Of the 422 pāua recovered from the car, 230 were undersized. People who disregard the rules like this steal from us all.

“The daily limit is 3 pāua per person with a minimum legal size of 130mm. The limit is there for a reason – to protect our shared fisheries and keep them sustainable.

“We take this kind of offending very seriously. Our message to the small number of people who go out to break the rules for their own benefit is that there will be consequences,” says Stuart Moore.

“We encourage all fishers or people planning to go fishing to know the rules. The best thing to do is to download our free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app which will provide you the latest rules, restrictions, and closures at your fingertips.”

NZ Fishing Rules mobile app

Report suspected illegal activity to the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224).

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

MIL OSI

Forging a new path for forestry safety

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 26, 2025

0

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

26 August 2025

New guidance to simplify safety for forestry businesses and workers has been published by WorkSafe New Zealand.

Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. The fatality rate is 20 times higher than the average for all industries.

The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for forestry and harvesting operations was spearheaded by WorkSafe, in collaboration with the forestry industry. The ACOP has now been launched by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden.

The guidance outlines the responsibilities and legal expectations for operators, and helps workers know what good looks like. An update to the good practice guide for small forestry operations has also been published, along with educational resources to aid understanding. New information is included on machine safety, planting and pruning (silviculture), managing work-related health, and manual tree felling.

“The guidance blends technical expertise with hands-on knowledge from the sector, and uses shared language between the two,” says WorkSafe’s chief executive Sharon Thompson.

WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.

“Reducing deaths and injuries in forestry requires everyone in the sector to properly plan for and practise safe harvesting.”

The updated ACOP is the first key deliverable from WorkSafe’s priority plan for forestry. The organisation will be undertaking targeted assessments to help embed the guidance in the coming months.

The Forest Industry Safety Council, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, and the Forest Industry Contractors Association partnered with WorkSafe to develop the new guidance.

“Huge strides have been made to improve work health and safety in the forestry industry, but there’s plenty of work to be done. We want the same thing – for our people to be safe on the job, and to come home from work safely every day,” says Joe Akari, chief executive of the Forest Industry Safety Council and Safetree New Zealand.

Read the updated forestry guidance

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively:

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

MIL OSI