German politicians condemn far-right protests

German politicians have been quick to condemn anti-lockdown protestors holding far-right flags in Berlin on Saturday. The protests saw violence and hundreds of arrests, as police were able to stop protesters from entering the German parliament. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said the demonstration of symbols from the country’s “dark past” were “unacceptable” and have nothing to do with modern democracy.

India records single-highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide

India has broken a global record for the highest number of coronavirus infections recorded in a single day as the number of confirmed cases worldwide grows to 25 million. The nation registered 78,761 new coronavirus cases yesterday, with the local health ministry also reporting 948 deaths. The surge comes just days after the Indian government relaxed restrictions in an effort to revive the struggling economy.

Drug related deaths exceeding car fatalities in Tasmania

A new report reveals more Tasmanians have died from accidental drug overdoses than car accidents in the past five years. The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Chief Executive Alison Lai said wrongly taken or mixed prescription drugs were the main culprit and not illicit substances. She also said the report shows more community education is needed to combat the issue.

Palmer donates $80,000 to campaign

Political donations data has revealed Queensland mining magnate Clive Palmer has donated over $80,000 to his United Australia Party over the past three weeks. Mr Palmer has been open about his intent to campaign against Queensland’s Labor Government. In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Mr Palmer reportedly said he wanted to influence the state election in the same way he did the Federal election last year, where he spent over $84 million in advertising. 

Belarusian protests continue

Crowds have taken to the streets of the Belarusian capital, Minsk overnight in protest of the country's authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko on his 66th birthday. Demonstrators were met by security forces as they attempted to march on the city’s cordoned off Independence Square. 150 people are believed to have been arrested after officials dubbed the demonstration unauthorised.

Swedish riots after Koran burning

Riots have erupted in the Swedish city of Malmo after far-right extremists burned a Koran and posted the footage online. 15 people have been arrested over the violence, and three were arrested on suspicion of inciting hatred against an ethnic group. Miguel Moratinos, who is the head of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, condemned the burning and called on people of all faiths to denounce religious-based violence.