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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Canada Orders Hikvision to Cease Operations Amid National Security Concerns

In a decisive move underscoring growing scrutiny of foreign technology firms, the Canadian government has ordered Chinese surveillance equipment manufacturer Hikvision to shut down its operations in Canada. The decision, announced by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, follows a national security review conducted under the Investment Canada Act.

The review, informed by intelligence from Canada’s security agencies, concluded that Hikvision’s continued presence posed a threat to national security. As a result, the company must cease all business activities within the country. Additionally, federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations are now prohibited from purchasing or using Hikvision products. A government-wide audit is also underway to identify and remove any legacy equipment.

Hikvision, headquartered in Hangzhou, China, has faced international criticism for its alleged role in human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region. The company has denied these allegations and expressed strong disagreement with Ottawa’s decision, calling it “unjustified” and “lacking in transparency.”

While the order does not extend to Hikvision’s operations outside Canada, Minister Joly encouraged Canadians to consider the government’s findings when making personal technology choices.

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