Tuesday, July 7, 2020 - a podcast by TRT World

Britain announces sanctions against human rights offenders, and Native American groups ask the NFL to force Redskins to change name

*) UK unveils sanctions against human rights abusers

Britain has announced economic sanctions against human rights offenders from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and North Korea.

The 49 individuals and organisations have been sanctioned under a new regime targeting people who violate human rights.

After Brexit, the UK implemented its own version of the US Magnitsky Act, allowing it to ban or seize assets of individuals guilty of rights abuses.

*) Social media platforms respond to Hong Kong security law

Social media giants including Facebook, WhatsApp, Google and Twitter have said they will block Hong Kong's request for user data.

The move comes as the companies study the ramifications of China’s national security law enacted in the former British colony last week.

TikTok also said it is stopping its popular video snippet-sharing app from working in Hong Kong due to the "recent events."

*)Australia's Victoria state reimposes coronavirus curbs

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria is reimposing stay-at-home restrictions in Melbourne and another regional area.

The restrictions on more than 5 million people come after a record daily rise in coronavirus infections.

Australia has been among the world's most successful countries in containing its outbreak, having registered 8,755 cases and 106 deaths.

*) Prominent Iraqi analyst shot dead in Baghdad

Gunmen in Baghdad shot dead a well-known former government adviser and political analyst near his home.

Hisham al Hashemi appeared regularly on Iraqi TV and his expertise was sought out by government officials, journalists and researchers.

Government officials described the murder as a targeted killing but did not point the finger at any particular group.

And finally…

*) Native American groups ask the NFL to force Redskins name change

Several Native American leaders and organisations have asked the NFL to force Washington Redskins owner to change the team name immediately.

A letter sent to the NFL commissioner had asked the league to cease the use of Native American names, imagery and logos.

The letter put specific importance to Washington as its team name is called a “dictionary-defined racial slur” by Native American advocates and experts.

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