Livin’ la vida loca

MINSK – A court in Belarus today sentenced a pair of television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year, the first lengthy jail term in a legal crackdown on independent news media.

Standing defiant in a cage, Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, flashed victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict.

The two women were detained in November while filming anti-government rallies that swept Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election that the opposition said was rigged.

The women, who denied their guilt on the first day of their trial earlier this month, were accused of “attracting people to participate in a mass event” via their broadcast and convicted of leading “group actions that grossly violate public order”.

Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya praised the two journalists on her Telegram, lauding their defiance following the verdict.

The case has sparked widespread condemnation from Western countries and advocacy groups.

Human Rights Watch urged Belarusian authorities to “stop treating journalists as their enemies”, while the president of neighbouring Poland called for “an amnesty”.

‘Absurd situation’

Bakhvalova and Chultsova, who work for the Poland-based television channel Belsat, were detained filming a rally in November in support of a protester the opposition believes died at the hands of security services.

“I showed these events live. For this I was thrown into jail on trumped-up charges,” Belsat reported Bakhvalova as telling the judge in her final statement before sentencing.

“It’s an absurd situation because the journalists were just covering the protest,” her lawyer told reporters after the ruling outside the court in the Belarusian capital Minsk.

The demonstrator, 31-year-old former soldier Roman Bondarenko, died from brain damage in Minsk after police arrested him.

Investigators later said he showed signs of intoxication, but independent Belarusian media cited a doctor as saying no alcohol had been found in his system.

The journalist who published the story, Katerina Borisevich, and the doctor, Artyom Sorokin, were soon detained on charges of “divulging medical secrets, which entailed grave consequences”. They are set to go on trial tomorrow.

The prosecutor general’s office said in a statement it had opened a criminal case into Bondarenko’s death.

Growing crackdown

Lukashenko weathered the protests and last week claimed his ex-Soviet country had defeated a foreign intervention.

As the demonstrations subside, the authorities are pursuing a number of criminal cases against activists and the press.

Eleven journalists are currently detained in connection with the protests, according to the independent Belarus Association of Journalists.

Yesterday also saw the start of the trial of leading opposition member Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested ahead of the presidential election just as he announced his candidacy.

The former banker was one of several opposition figures who were arrested or forced to flee the country.

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the election results, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies.

But Lukashenko continues to receive Moscow’s backing, and today the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin would host him for talks on Monday.

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysiakini should not be held liable for comments by third parties published on their website, according to the sole dissenting judge in its contempt verdict today.

Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan said that her dissent was based on a few reasons, with the first issue being related to Section 114A of the Evidence Act.

Section 114A presumes that content on a website would have been published by the host itself.

But, according to Pathmanathan this is rebuttable, meaning Malaysiakini could, and indeed did prove it wrong.

“It is because the totality of the evidence points to the fact that at the time when comments were first visible to readers, the respondents were unaware of their existence and content of the same, until it was brought to their attention on June 12, 2020,” she said in her dissenting judgement.

She said that Malaysiakini could only be considered as a publisher if it had knowledge of the existence of the comments posted by third parties.

Pathmanathan referred to the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Code, which states that Malaysiakini would only have liability as a publisher when they are aware of the existence of third-party comments.

“This is in light of the evidence from the respondents that comments may arise at any time during the day or night and at any point in time in the future.

“That, to my mind, with respect, appears to be an untenable proposition.

“And that is why Parliament in its wisdom adopted the “flag and takedown” approach that enables intermediaries to respond as soon as they acquire knowledge,” she said.

Given that Malaysiakini took down the comments in 12 minutes of being advised of the fact, she said this was a sufficiently immediate response that demonstrated their intent not to allow contemptuous material on their portal.

Pathmanathan rubbished the argument that Malaysiakini “ought to have known” about the existence of such comments.

She said, under such a test, an online news portal will be liable for such comments as soon it appears on the portal and is unable to avoid that consequence even if the comments were removed.

She said, such an approach went against the spirit of laws enacted by Parliament.

“In the law of contempt, constructive knowledge or the fact you ought to have known, cannot be applied against an online content provider who is not the author of the comments.

“It is after all the author who is the person who committed the primary offence.

“Malaysiakini is not the primary perpetrator,” she added.

KUALA LUMPUR – The Federal Court has found Malaysiakini guilty of contempt, while its editor-in-chief, Steven Gan, was found not guilty in a suit brought by Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun.

The seven-member panel, chaired by Court of Appeal President Rohana Yusuf, said that Malaysiakini should have been aware of the comments posted on its news portal, seeing that it has an impressive editorial team structure, among others.

She said, as a result, it is not possible for such a structured system not to have taken notice of the comments.

She added that this case serves as a reminder for the public not to attack the judiciary through online comments.

Malaysians must use their discretion when posting remarks online, she said.

Other members on today’s panel are Chief Judge of the High Court of Malaya Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, and Federal Court judges Datuk Seri Mohd Zawawi Salleh, Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan, Datuk Vernon Ong Lam Kiat and Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli.

It was a 6-1 majority decision with a dissenting judgment by Nallini.

The apex court is now hearing submissions from Malaysiakini and the Attorney-General’s Chambers before sentencing.

The AGC is seeking a RM200,000 fine against the news portal while Malaysiakini is pleading for a fine of between RM20,000 and RM30,000.

After a short break, the apex court fined Malaysiakini RM500,000, with the sum to be paid within three days from next Monday.

Following the sentencing, the Malaysiakini news portal’s landing page now appears in black and white.

According to the site, this is the first time Malaysiakini is being cited for contempt of court in its 21-year history.

Following the court’s ruling, Gan was quoted as saying: “We were not punished for our journalism. We were punished for comments posted by our readers.”

“We hope that Malaysians will contribute to our fund. Openness to critical views is a sign of a strong and healthy institution.

“For 21 years, Malaysiakini has relied on the generosity of the public to continue its mission. We again call upon Malaysians to come to our aid.”

Currently, there is no legal limit to the penalties for contempt of court.

Malaysiakini is represented by lead counsel Malik Imtiaz Sarwar while senior federal counsel S. Narkunavathy appears for the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Last June 15, Idrus filed committal action against the news portal.

On July 13 last year, the Federal Court heard submissions from both parties on the merits of the committal action and went on to reserve its judgment.

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Where did wine came from? I used to think its specifically from France, Italy or some fancy country. Some evidence suggested that wine originated from West Asia: Caucasus Mountains, Zagros Mountains, Euphrates River Valley, and Southeastern Anatolia. Do you know that wine is actually good for our health? Let's see what are the benefits of wine.

#1: Rich in antioxidant

Wine is enriched with very strong anti-oxidant. Darker grapes are higher in antioxidants like resveratrol, epicatechin, catechin, and proanthocyanidins. Of these, resveratrol and proanthocyanidins are mainly responsible for keeping you healthy.

#2: Lowers bad cholesterol

Red wines are known to lower the bad cholesterol in your system. According to a study, the high-fiber Tempranillo red grapes, used to make certain varieties of red wines such as Rioja, lower bad cholesterol levels.

#3: Keeps heart healthy

Wine does not only regulate cholesterol levels, but it also keeps the healthy. Polyphenols, a certain type of antioxidants present in red wines prevent unwanted clotting by keeping the blood vessels flexible. However, it should be remembered that heavy drinking damages the heart.

#4: Regulate blood sugar

Resveratrol, the natural compound found in grape skin, controls blood sugar levels in diabetic persons. The research showed that subjects who took 250 mg of resveratrol supplements once daily for three months had lower glucose levels in blood than those who did not. Resveratrol also controls cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.

#5: Reduce cancer risk

Regular and moderate consumption of red wine can effectively reduce the risks of certain types of cancers such as basal cell, colon, prostrate carcinoma, ovarian etc. Scientists used a dose of resveratrol on human cancer cells and found that it obstructs the key action of a cancer aiding protein.

#6: Treats common cold

Antioxidants present in red wines treat common cold, since antioxidants protects cells against the harmful effects of free radicals which has a strong role to play in cold, cancer and other diseases.

#7: Keeps memory sharp

According to research, resveratrol present in red wines inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a key ingredient in the plaque of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

#8: Keeps you slim

Resveratrol also helps keep a check on your weight. The chemical compound piceatannol converted from resveratrol reduces the fat cells in our body. According to the researchers, piceatannol fastens the insulin receptors of fat cells which blocks the pathways required for immature fat cells to grow.

#9: Reduce depression risk

A study carried out on middle aged to elderly people showed that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily keeps away depression. People who drink red wine are less likely to be depressed than people who don’t.

#10: Helps the digestive system

The anti-bacterial nature of red wines has enabled it to treat stomach irritation and other digestive disorders. Wine consumption has also proven to reduce the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium usually found in the stomach.

So, these are some benefits of wine. However, the benefit would only work if it is consumed moderately. You know, sometimes too much good stuff, isn't always good. The ideal consumption shouldn't be more than 1-1.5 glass per day for women and 1-2 glass per day for men. It is also best that you skip drinking for 1-2 days so that you have a sufficient drinking gap.

And having wine alone isn't the only limit. You can add wine to your food or prepare a sauce out of it. Try looking into Western cuisine. You can see how they efficiently use wine in their cooking. Below is a quick view of how wine is made.

KUALA LUMPUR – Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun has drawn flak from netizens for her “silence” on the spate of alleged sexual harassment against several women by policemen recently.

The Titiwangsa MP was the top Twitter trend in Malaysia, with over 10,000 tweets from frustrated netizens over the ministry’s stony silence regarding the allegations.

The claims of sexual harassment by police have become a hot topic over the past two days, with at least two incidences going viral.

Police said yesterday they were investigating an incident in which a woman – whose account now appears to have been deleted – claimed to have received text messages from a policeman who took down her phone number at a roadblock.

On the same day, police announced another investigation on a separate incident involving a woman who was asked to lift her blouse to avoid being fined at a roadblock near Jalan Duta.

Despite public outrage, both Rina and the ministry have yet to issue a statement on the matter at press time.

A Twitter user going by @amuse_gueule said: “Our girls are being harassed by men in uniform and this has been reported in the media.

“Where your response, and what is will your ministry do to make sure the harassment of women by men in PDRM never happens again?” she asked.

“Please do your job as a minister, YB!”

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto also slammed the minister over her inaction.

“Not a single statement by (the minister) on sexual harassment by policemen,”

Kashturi added that Rina was also mum about the case of a 16-year-old child who was raped in police lockup by a detainee in Sarawak recently.

“Don’t tell me to remind you on your duty like what you said to me in Parliament last year.

“You are accountable to all of us, not just to me,” she said.

Another user Sophia Ahmad also called on Rina to voice her concern on the incidents.

“Waiting for Rina Harun’s statement on this,” she said.

Meanwhile, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil pointed out that Rina’s predecessor, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and the latter’s deputy, Hannah Yeoh, had released statements on the issue.

The Lembah Pantai MP added that the Housing and Local government minister, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, had also done the same although it was not her portfolio.

“There is hardly any statement on the issues that have been a hot discussion among the Rakyat,” Fahmi noted.

Earlier today, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Yeoh called for the incident near Jalan Duta to be investigated thoroughly and be given serious attention by the authorities.

“Sexual harassment in the form of lewd words is enough to make women feel uncomfortable, angry, and fearful which leads them to drive their vehicles traumatically and can cause severe accidents, apart from emotional and mental distress,” they said in a joint statement.

The two also called on the proposed Sexual Harassment Bill to be immediately tabled by the current minister in the next parliamentary sitting.

“The government must make the initiative to hold more training and courses on gender sensitivities to civil servants and enforcers from time-to-time to avoid such incidents from repeating,” they said

Hey guys. Probably y'all must be wondering what's with that CNY posts. Yeah, I'm still in that mood cause I still receive oranges and treat...sksksksks....anyways, it would be good to know few things about CNY rite. Even I found out lots of things about CNY than the usual. And yes, sharing is good.

Like other festivals, CNY too has its do's and don'ts. I know its superstitious and modern people don't really follow them but even if its not practiced, it's a good thing to at least respect the tradition. Also, such thing is a good story to pass down to the generations to come. You wouldn't wanna waste good stuff just like that. So here we go, taboos related to CNY....

#1: Avoid saying negative words

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Uttering words with negative connotations is prohibited during the Spring Festival. These include terms like death, sick, kill, pain, poor, and break among others. Obviously, the reason for this is to avoid hexing yourself. You wouldn’t want to bring the negativity before you and your family.

#2: Be careful when handling glass/ceramics

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Breaking ceramics or glass is equivalent to breaking your connection with fortune and prosperity. Thankfully, you can avert the damage by wrapping the broken pieces in red paper. The color red is very significant to Chinese culture as seen in many traditional Chinese New Year clothes and lucky Chinese New Year decoration. You must also murmur auspicious phrases while gathering the pieces. Suì suì píng ān is a popular expression. It conveys wishes of peace and security for the coming years.

So be careful with glassware when eating delicious Chinese New Year food or drinking Chinese New Year drinks! After the New Year, throw the shards wrapped in red paper into a lake or river. The red paper was also used to wrap luck money before the emergence of the Chinese red pocket or red envelope.

#3: No sweeping

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Sweeping the floor is one of the more well-known Chinese New Year taboos. It is generally forbidden to sweep the floor on the Spring Festival as it is equivalent to sweeping away good luck. On the contrary, a day before the celebration is dedicated specifically for cleaning and sweeping away luck that is bad. There is a way to clean your floor without turning down good luck. You just have to make sure that you start the outer edges of your home and sweep inwards. Afterward, you can throw away garbage on the fifth day after the celebration.

#4: Keep away sharp objects

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In the past, using scissors and needles on the Spring celebration was prohibited to allow women to rest. It is also believed that sharp objects can cut your stream of wealth and success. Many if not all hair salons are also closed during the holidays because cutting hair is one of the more famous Chinese New Year taboos. These businesses resume operations after the Lunar New Year.

#5: Refrain from the in-laws

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Multiple generations live together in traditional Chinese families and the bride usually moves into the groom’s home after the wedding. She should then celebrate the New Year with her in-laws.

A wife returning to her parents is a sign of marital problems. If she does this on New Year’s Day, it could bring a series of marital problems and luck that is bad for the entire family throughout the year. Instead, the wife is allowed to visit her parents on the second day of the Spring Festival. Couples are encouraged to bring their children with them and offer modest gifts.

But let's face the fact. Festivals are meant to be celebrated with our loved ones. So I think now its not an issue if you celebrate with your in laws and all.

#6: Don't request for repayment of debts

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This tradition illustrates one’s capability of being understanding. It allows everyone to enjoy the festivities without worry. It is believed that knocking on someone’s door to collect a debt can bring luck that is bad to both parties. Nevertheless, you can collect your due after the fifth day. Borrowing money is also one of these Chinese New Year taboos. If you borrow money on the day of the festival, you could end up being indebted for the rest of the year!

#7: Avoid crying/fighting

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To make sure your path to the new year is smooth, try not to fight or cry. If a child cries, they should not be reprimanded. All issues that arise during the Spring Festive celebration have to be addressed in a peaceful manner. Neighbors may even come over to try and resolve any problem in the household.

#8: Refrain from taking medicines

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One of the more notorious Chinese New Year taboos dictates that taking medicine during the Spring Festive celebration can make you prone to sickness for the entire year. Needless to say, your health should be your primary concern if you have a chronic illness, get in an accident, or contract a serious disease. You should likewise avoid visiting the doctor, undergoing surgery, or getting injected.

Honestly, I don't see an issue here. If you're not well or required to visit the doctor or you're medication, I think its best that you just carry on with it. Prevention is better than cure. Why stall you're condition just for the festival. You still can enjoy the festival even if you take medicines you know. So be smart okay.

#9: Don't wake up a sleeping person

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It is believed that if you wake someone from their sleep on the New Year, they will be bossed around and rushed around for the entire year. If I were you, I would take advantage of this and sleep as much as long as I want to!

Also, giving bài nián is customary during the Spring Festival. But you have to make sure the recipient gets out of bed first. If not, they will be bed-ridden all year round. But still, wake the person up if you thing he or she is planning to skip the festival man.

#10: No clocks as gift

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In the culture of the chinese people, it is absolutely fine to be modest when giving gifts. It is the thought that counts after all. However, there are items that you should never give as gifts for the Spring Festival and clocks are the worst of them. In Chinese, sòng zhōng or “gifting clocks” is a homophoneof “paying one’s late respects.”

Just to be clear, these taboos doesn't apply to all Chinese. As we know there are different types of Chinese. For instance, píng guǒ means “apple.” But in Shanghainese, it is bing gu, which sounds similar to “passed away from sickness.”

If you have doubts or unclear of certain things, do feel free to ask Chinese friends or people you know for further enlightenment.