Corruption scandal threatens PM Kishida's govt
TOKYO, Dec 22: Japan is going through a "once in a generation" political crisis, analysts say, as the government fights to clean up its image in the face of a corruption scandal. Four cabinet ministers from the long-term ruling party have resigned in the past fortnight, as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida fights to hang on. His approval ratings are down to 17 per cent - the worst in over a decade. Public anger and outrage has boiled over on social media. Some hope this could be a tipping point for reforms in governance. — BBC
Outrage in China over doctor punching patient during surgery
BEIJING, Dec 22: Chinese authorities are investigating a hospital over an incident where a surgeon allegedly punched the patient he was operating on at the time. It was captured in a clip that went viral on Chinese social media this week, sparking outrage online. The hospital's parent group, Aier China, has suspended the surgeon and dismissed the CEO of the hospital where the incident took place in 2019. The BBC has contacted Aier China for comment. The video appears to show the surgeon punching a patient in the head at least three times while operating on their eyes. Aier China, which operates a chain of eye hospitals, said the incident took place during an operation in its hospital in Guigang, a southwestern Chinese city. The patient was an 82-year-old woman and "during the surgery, due to local anaesthesia, the patient had intolerance". She moved her head and eyeballs multiple times, according to their statement. — BBC
France closes embassy in Niger
PARIS, Dec 22: France will close its embassy in Niger, where anti-French sentiment has grown since a July coup, because it can no longer fulfil its missions, diplomatic sources said on Thursday. "Taking note of this situation, we have decided to close our embassy," the sources said, adding that local staff members have been dismissed and compensated. — AFP
Guinea fire toll hits 23 dead, 241 injured
CONAKRY, Dec 22: A devastating fire and explosion at Guinea's main oil depot has killed 23 people and injured 241, the government announced on Thursday, revising upwards a previous toll. Protesting youths and security forces clashed in the capital Conakry over the suspension of petrol supplies following Monday's disaster, which caused major damage. — AFP
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