Friday, May 22, 2020 - a podcast by TRT World

*) Brazil suffers record 1,188 daily coronavirus deaths

Brazil has confirmed a record of 1,188 daily coronavirus deaths, taking its total fatalities past 20,000.

Brazil now has more than 310,000 cases, the world’s third-highest number of infections after the US and Russia.

Most of the country's 27 states are under lockdown but many Brazilians are taking their lead from President Bolsonaro who is anti the restrictions.

*) Hong Kong activists call for protest against new security laws

In Hong Kong, activists have called for a protest march against China’s plans to impose national security legislation in the financial hub.

Beijing is moving to impose new national security legislation after last year's unrest which plunged Hong Kong into turmoil for months.

The introduction of Hong Kong security laws is on the agenda of the Chinese parliament, which begins its annual session today.

*) Libyan army continues advance against Haftar militia

Forces loyal to Libya's internationally backed government have recaptured the strategic town of Mizdah south of the capital, Tripoli.

The UN-backed government is now preparing to retake the city of Tarhuna, which has been a stronghold for warlord Khalifa Haftar's illegal militia.

If the government retakes control of Tarhuna, Haftar will lose his hold over western Libya.

*) Khashoggi family forgives his murderers

The family of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi says they have forgiven the people who killed their father.

The family’s decision effectively grants clemency to five convicted people on death row based on Saudi law.

Khashoggi's fiancee Hatice Cengiz says nobody has the right to pardon the men who killed and dismembered the journalist in Istanbul in 2018.

And finally…

*) Cher tweets joy as Pakistan decides to free elephant Kaavan

Cher has joined Pakistanis in celebrating a court’s decision to free a lonely elephant named Kaavan.

Outrage over the treatment of Kaavan went global with after it emerged he lived in chains at a zoo in the country’s capital Islamabad.

A high court ordered wildlife officials to consult with Sri Lanka to find Kaavan a “suitable sanctuary” within 30 days after, three decades of torture.

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