Partial Dutch ban on face-covering clothing

Singapore: A new Dutch law has come into force banning face-covering clothing - including the burqa and niqab worn by conservative Muslim women - on public transport, in government buildings and at health and education institutions. The Netherlands, long seen as a bastion of tolerance and religious freedom, is the latest European country to introduce such a ban , following the likes of France, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Denmark.  AP 

South Korean sets himself ablaze amid Japan tensions

Seoul: A 72-year-old South Korean man was in critical condition after setting himself ablaze in downtown Seoul on Thursday, apparently to express his anger towards Japan amid worsening tensions between countries over trade and wartime history, said a police official. The incident came a day before Japan was widely expected to remove South Korea from a 27-country “whitelist” receiving preferential treatment in trade. AP

Hiding North Korean diplomat leaves Italy

Seoul: South Korea's National Intelligence Service on Thursday told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that Jo Song Gil, North Korea's former acting ambassador to Italy, has left Italy and is being protected "somewhere." The NIS told lawmakers in January that Jo went into hiding with his wife in November. North Korea, which is extremely sensitive about high-profile defections, has yet to publicly comment on Jo's situation. AP