USA: legal challenges to tough Texas immigration law
A Texas immigration law, one of the nation's toughest ever, has been temporarily frozen by an appeals court. The law would empower officials to detain and prosecute individuals they suspect of entering the country illegally, overriding federal authority. Although the law briefly took effect during legal manoeuvres, a three-judge panel heard arguments on its constitutionality without issuing an immediate ruling. The Justice Department requested a delayed effective date if the law were to be upheld, intending to seek emergency action from the Supreme Court. Joe Biden's administration opposed the law, on the grounds that immigrant detention should remain in its hands. Mexico denounced the law as anti-immigrant, pledging not to accept individuals deported by Texas. The law’s potential reinstatement could signify a significant departure in immigration enforcement, challenging the traditional federal authority. Crossing the US border illegally is already a federal crime, but violations are usually handled as civil cases by the immigration courts.
India to prosecute 35 Somali pirates
India is set to prosecute 35 Somali pirates captured after freeing a ship which they had hijacked on 14 December in the Northern Arabian Sea. The rescue operation, lasting about 40 hours, involved drones, navy vessels, and marine commandos.The pirates, due to arrive in India soon, will face legal action, although specific charges were not disclosed. This was the first commercial ship hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017, but another ship was hijacked on 12 March. India has bolstered its naval presence internationally, and aims to police the Gulf of Aden to prevent Houthi attacks on ships linked to Israel. The Houthis, controlling most of Yemen, have threatened to target ships until Israel halts what they term as genocide in Gaza.
Hong Kong: new law draws widespread criticism
There has been a wave of criticism over Hong Kong's new security law, known as Article 23, unanimously passed by the pro-Beijing parliament on19 March. It allows closed-door trials, extended detention without charge, and penalties including life imprisonment. 81 lawmakers and public figures from across the world have said that it undermines due process and fair trial rights and violates Hong Kong's obligations under international human rights law. Hong Kong's chief executive has defended the law, claiming it will protect against foreign interference. However, critics see it as ‘one more step towards the system of mainland China’, and describe a ‘chilling effect’ on civil society. There are also concerns that the law could also be used to target HongKongers overseas, or their families and friends back home. The law's passage marks another blow to Hong Kong's autonomy, tightening China's grip on the city.
Testimony of Paul Alexander, 72 years in iron lung
On 11 March Paul Alexander, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest time living in an iron lung, passed away aged 78. He had lived in the mechanical ventilator since polio paralysed him at the age of six, just before the introduction of the polio vaccine. Despite doctors' grim predictions and witnessing the deaths of many other polio patients, he never let his disability define him. He mastered mouth painting and writing, and even learned how to breathe to spend time outside the iron lung. His 2020 autobiography recounts his life story, including his academic achievements and his career as an attorney specialising in family law and bankruptcy. Alexander's deep Christian roots were evident in his family's devout Pentecostal faith. In a 2022 interview, he compared the profound love his parents showed him to God's love, and emphasised the importance of purpose in life. A friend raised over $143,000 to support Alexander's medical and funeral expenses, testimony to the widespread inspiration he provided.
