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Three Killed by Lightning at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, Authorities Urge Caution Over Online Posts

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Three Cambodian nationals were killed and several others injured after being struck by lightning while visiting the famed Angkor Wat temple complex late Friday, according to an official who confirmed the incident on Monday.

The group had sought shelter near the main temple of the UNESCO World Heritage site when lightning struck during an afternoon storm. Authorities have not released an official statement, but video footage circulating on social media showed ambulances at the scene and people being carried away by bystanders and temple staff. Additional images showed several individuals receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

The victims included a 34-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, according to the Cambodian Red Cross, which said it had delivered aid packages to the families of the deceased. The organization declined to provide further details by phone.

Speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the incident, an official confirmed the identities of the deceased and their nationality. A spokesperson for the Angkor Wat site and a regional health official did not respond to requests for comment.

The day after the lightning strike, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, Hout Hak, issued a statement urging the public to remove online content related to the tragedy. He warned that the dissemination of “negative information” could potentially harm Cambodia’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on visitors to Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat, considered the crown jewel of Cambodia’s tourism industry, draws approximately 2.5 million visitors each year and is a national symbol, even appearing on the country’s flag. The sprawling 400-square-kilometre site contains centuries-old ruins from the Khmer Empire, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

The Cambodian government has been investing heavily in developing the area to boost tourism, including the recent opening of a $1.1 billion Chinese-funded airport near Siem Reap. However, efforts to relocate some 10,000 families living within the protected zone of the temple complex have drawn criticism from human rights groups. Amnesty International and other organizations have raised concerns about whether the relocations were truly voluntary, despite government assurances.

UNESCO, which has previously voiced concerns over preservation and local rights, continues to monitor developments at the site.

The tragic lightning strike underscores the need for improved weather safety measures and emergency preparedness at major tourist attractions, particularly during Cambodia’s rainy season.

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EU Leaders Urge Rethink of Human Rights Convention Amid Migration Pressures

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In a move likely to spark debate across Europe, nine European Union member states have jointly called for a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that current interpretations limit national governments’ ability to respond to migration challenges.

The open letter, published Thursday, is led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and is also signed by leaders from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

The group of leaders argues that the evolving jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights has, in certain cases, stretched beyond the Convention’s original scope, creating obstacles for democratically elected governments to implement effective migration policies. “It is important to assess whether, in some cases, the court has over-extended the scope of the convention compared to its original intentions,” the letter states.

Specifically, the signatories say that European governments need more freedom to expel foreign nationals who commit crimes and to take action against perceived abuses of the asylum system. They also warn of the increasing use of migration as a geopolitical tool by “hostile states” seeking to destabilize EU borders.

At a press conference alongside Frederiksen, Prime Minister Meloni said the letter aims to open a broader political debate about the relevance and flexibility of international agreements like the ECHR in light of modern challenges. “We want to question whether the tools created in the past are still adequate for the realities of today, starting with migration,” she said.

The European Convention on Human Rights was adopted in 1950 under the Council of Europe and remains a cornerstone of human rights protection across the continent. It allows individuals to bring cases against states that are found to have violated their rights. All 46 Council of Europe member states, including all 27 EU countries, are bound by its provisions.

While the letter does not call for changes to the Convention itself, it does challenge how the Court has interpreted its provisions, suggesting that this interpretation may at times undermine national sovereignty.

The appeal comes amid rising support for anti-immigration parties across Europe, reflecting growing public concern over migration and border control. The debate is likely to intensify in the lead-up to European elections, as governments grapple with balancing human rights commitments and public demands for tighter immigration policies.

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Tech Takes Center Stage at Taiwan’s Computex 2025 with Handheld Consoles, Split Keyboards, and Smart Rings

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This year’s Computex technology expo in Taiwan’s capital wrapped up Friday after a week of futuristic innovations, eye-catching designs, and quirky concepts. One of Asia’s largest tech trade shows, Computex 2025 showcased everything from cutting-edge gaming hardware to fashion-forward laptop lids.

Gaming remained a dominant theme on the show floor, with global manufacturers unveiling devices aimed at revolutionizing play. One of the most talked-about products came from Taiwanese firm MSI, which introduced its upgraded handheld gaming PC, the Claw A8. Powered by AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, the device features a large battery (80Wh), vibrant color options, and a built-in camera and microphone, eliminating the need for external gear. A release date has yet to be confirmed, though its unveiling comes as anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Asus also turned heads with its ROG Falcata keyboard—a magnetically detachable split keyboard built with gamers in mind. The innovative design allows for expanded mouse space, targeting users who primarily rely on directional keys like W, A, S, and D. The keyboard, which doubles as an ergonomic typing solution, is expected to hit the market this summer, though pricing details are still under wraps.

Wearables also made a splash, particularly Acer’s new entry into the smart ring market. The tech company introduced a $199 (€175) titanium smart ring with no subscription fees—a marked contrast to premium offerings from competitors like Samsung and Ultrahuman. With a four-day battery life, the ring monitors heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen levels. It will be available in black or rose gold and is set to launch later this summer.

On the design front, MSI again impressed by blending art and technology. In collaboration with Japanese art studio Okadayo, MSI unveiled a limited-edition laptop lid adorned with Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The lacquered finish, which also extends to matching computer mice, involves a more complex manufacturing process. Only a few hundred units will be produced monthly.

Finally, Computex wouldn’t be complete without a look at PC cases—and this year didn’t disappoint. Exhibitors showcased an array of customized towers, from artistically painted enclosures to builds that included working beer and wine taps.

As Computex 2025 concludes, it’s clear the boundary between technology and personal expression is increasingly blurred, with functionality and flair going hand in hand on the global stage.

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North Korean Leader Slams Officials After Warship Launch Mishap

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has condemned senior officials and technicians following a failed launch of a newly built 5,000-tonne naval destroyer, labelling the incident a “criminal act” and attributing it to “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility.”

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin, ended in disaster when the warship lost balance during the launch process and tipped over, damaging parts of its hull. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim, who was present at the unveiling, directed harsh criticism toward shipyard workers and military scientists involved in the project, holding them accountable for what he called a “serious accident.”

While the full extent of the damage remains unconfirmed, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday that the vessel remained toppled in the water. There have been no official reports of injuries.

The incident is seen as a significant embarrassment for Kim, who has been actively pushing to modernise North Korea’s naval forces amid ongoing military tensions with the United States and its allies. Despite the regime’s usual secrecy around military setbacks, state media’s unusual admission of the launch failure suggests an effort to project transparency and determination regarding its defence ambitions.

“This is a shameful moment,” said Moon Keun-sik, a naval expert at Hanyang University in Seoul. “But North Korea’s willingness to disclose the accident suggests it wants to underscore its commitment to naval development and its confidence in building a larger, more capable fleet.”

Experts suggest that the accident may have resulted from North Korea’s limited experience with handling large warships, coupled with pressure to proceed quickly. Reports from 38 North, a U.S.-based monitoring group, indicate the ship was launched sideways — an uncommon method in the country that may have contributed to the mishap.

The vessel, named Choe Hyon, was first unveiled in April and was reportedly designed to carry advanced weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean officials believe the destroyer may have been constructed with technical support from Russia.

Kim has pledged to investigate the incident further and promised accountability during a ruling Workers’ Party meeting scheduled for late June.

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