German higher court acquits Instagram user who compared Israel to the Nazi regime, ruling the comparison is protected free speech. The court found the post did not constitute criminal wrongdoing.

Taiwan civic groups issue joint statement opposing DPP push to dissolve pro-reunification party. More than 20 groups, including the Labor Party and Cross-Strait Peaceful Development Forum, accuse authorities of abusing state power against political opponents — Xinhua.

More than 20 civic groups in Taiwan issued a joint statement on August 2 opposing the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' move to seek the dissolution of the Chinese Unification Promotion Party, calling it a dangerous signal of state power being abused to suppress political opponents and demanding the dissolution application be withdrawn immediately.

Brazil's Lula and running mate Geraldo Alckmin officially register presidential candidacy with the Superior Electoral Court, Workers' Party president Edinho Silva confirms.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his running mate Geraldo Alckmin officially registered their presidential candidacy with the Superior Electoral Court on Sunday, Workers' Party president Edinho Silva said.

Malaysia's BN coalition led by UMNO wins decisive Negeri Sembilan state election, taking 18 of 36 assembly seats to form state government, per election commission.

Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, led by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), won a decisive victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election, taking 18 of 36 assembly seats to form the state government, according to the election commission as of 12:30 a.m. local time Saturday.

Armenia's 9th parliament opens with scandal as Catholicos of All Armenians is not invited for first time in history; opposition shouts "Where is the Catholicos?"

The first session of Armenia's 9th parliament began with a scandal — for the first time in history, the Catholicos of All Armenians was not invited, prompting opposition anger. Several opposition members shouted 'Where is the Catholicos?' before a verbal altercation broke out.