News
Chinese National Arrested for Vandalizing Controversial Japanese Shrine
A Chinese man has been arrested in Tokyo for allegedly vandalizing a controversial Japanese shrine by spray painting the word “toilet” and urinating on a pillar. The incident, which took place in May, sparked outrage in Japan and has been a source of tension between Japan and its neighbors, China and South Korea.
- Arrest Details: The suspect was apprehended by Tokyo police on Tuesday on charges of property damage and desecrating a place of worship. Arrest warrants have also been issued for two other Chinese nationals.
- Viral Footage: Footage of the vandalism went viral in May, showing the man, who identified himself as Iron Head, spray painting “toilet” in red on a stone pillar at the shrine and urinating on it. The video was posted on Chinese social media, where the suspect expressed frustration over Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, a move that has angered many in China.
- Public Reaction: The actions led to widespread outrage in Japan. A Tokyo businessman even offered a reward of 10 million yen ($63,000; £49,000) for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
- Shrine Controversy: The shrine in question honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted World War II criminals, and is viewed by some of Japan’s neighbors as a symbol of the country’s wartime aggression. Visits to the shrine by Japanese officials often provoke criticism from China and South Korea.
- Historical Tensions: The shrine has long been a point of contention. In 2014, a visit by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was condemned by China as reflecting an “erroneous attitude towards history.” South Korea also criticized the visit, accusing it of romanticizing Japanese colonialism and wartime aggression.
The incident highlights ongoing historical and political sensitivities in the region and the strong emotions these issues continue to evoke.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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