Japan officially enters new era; France tightens security

WikiLeaks founder sentenced to nearly 1 year in prison

Mr. Julian Assange arrives at court in London on May 1. Photo: AFP

On May 1, a London court sentenced WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to 50 weeks in prison for breaching bail conditions in 2012 when he took refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in the UK to avoid extradition to Sweden. Previously, Mr. Assange was convicted by a London court of breaching bail conditions and was detained at Belmarsh Prison in London awaiting sentencing.

• The British court is expected to consider the US extradition request in a hearing scheduled for May 2. The US has until June 12 to submit a full extradition request to the UK. Mr. Assange's lawyer in London, Jennifer Robinson, said her client will fight to the end to oppose the extradition request.

Bombing in Western India, at least 16 soldiers killed

Victims of a bomb attack in Chhattisgarh state in April. Photo: Reuters

On the afternoon of May 1, a bomb attack suspected to be carried out by rebels killed 16 Indian paramilitary soldiers in the Gadchiroli area of ​​the western state of Maharashtra. This bombing took place in the context of India holding nationwide elections, which began on April 11 and will last until May 19.

A police official in Maharashtra state said gunmen attacked a group of paramilitary soldiers who were traveling in a private vehicle to investigate an earlier attack in the state. Meanwhile, another police official said militants torched 30 cars in the Gadchiroli area at 12:30 (local time), after which an explosion killed the soldiers.

The Emperor ascends the throne, beginning the Reiwa era.

At the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito was presented with three sacred relics (Sanshu no Jingi), including the Kusanagi sword, the Yata mirror and the Yasakani gem, symbolizing the three virtues of courage, wisdom and benevolence. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On the morning of May 1, Crown Prince Naruhito ascended the throne of Japan under the era name Reiwa (Reiwa), meaning “Beautiful Harmony,” in a solemn ceremony held in Tokyo. During the enthronement ceremony, Emperor Naruhito addressed the heads of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, with the participation of members of the Imperial Family and government officials.

Emperor Naruhito, 59, officially inherited the throne from his father, Akihito, the first emperor of the country in more than 200 years to announce his abdication. Former Emperor Akihito was considered a living symbol of peace, reconciliation and democracy during the three decades of Heisei. Many people hope that the new Emperor Naruhito will follow in his father's footsteps, but in his own style.

France tightens security ahead of May 1 protests

Security was tightened in major cities across France on May 1st International Workers' Day to deal with the expected complex protests by many trade unions and social organizations opposing the French government. Hundreds of thousands of police, gendarmes, firefighters, and medical staff were mobilized by the French government on May 1st International Workers' Day to deal with the simultaneous protests by many social forces.

The security risks are extremely high as the protests today are being organised by a variety of forces. In addition to the traditional demonstrations by trade unions on May Day, there are also climate change protesters and especially the “Yellow Vests” who have been causing social unrest in France for the past five months.