Uganda, Iran, China.
Today's three stories you should know.
Uganda
It had long been feared by the Ugandan LGBTQ+ community, and yesterday it finally happened: President Yoweri Museveni signed into law one of the most draconian anti-gay laws the world has ever seen. Those convicted of homosexuality now face life in prison, the death penalty has been introduced for “aggravated homosexuality,” and anyone convicted of “promoting” homosexuality could be jailed for 20 years. Reaction came in fast today with the UN, the US, the European Union, the UK, and prominent rights groups and LGBTQ+ organizations all registering their revulsion and opposition. Sanctions could now loom and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today that Washington may consider restricting visas for some Ugandan officials.
More from Al Jazeera here.
Iran
Two Iranian female journalists who were among the first to report the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody have gone on trial accused of "collaborating with the hostile US government" and "propaganda against the establishment.” Amini, who died after being detained by the so-called morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly, became a lightning rod for anti-government protests that gripped the country for months last year. At least 75 journalists were arrested during the protests and 17 remain in prison. Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi deny the charges.
More from BBC here.
China
Crowds of Muslim protesters have clashed with police in China over plans to demolish a mosque in the country’s southwest. Local reports said that about 30 people were arrested and authorities have called on anyone else involved to hand themselves in. Many analysts see such plans as part of an effort by the government of President Xi Jinping to tighten control of religion. Other mosques have also been demolished and minarets removed from buildings. According to rights groups and several Western governments, about one million members of the Muslim Uighur minority are being held prisoner in detention camps that China calls vocational centers.
More from AP here.