The Chinese Internet Security Department (CISD) announced detaining an “Internet celebrity” for practicing witchcraft, marking possibly the first prosecution under China’s revised penal code against “cults.”
Asia
Dubai witchcraft arrests and confiscations
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Two troubling international incidents emerged from Dubai last week. Firstly, police detained a woman who was begging while purportedly employing a talisman to sway strangers into giving her money. Secondly, unrelatedly, authorities at Dubai International Airport apprehended a traveler accused of trafficking items associated with witchcraft and sorcery.
Asia
Changes in annual Shinto festivals: Japan allows women to participate, men keep cloths on
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The Shinto Hadaka Matsuri, translated as the “Naked Festival,” begins in early February. This year, some changes will take place at various Shinto shrines, and one celebration will begin allowing women to participate for the first time in 1,250 years.
Asia
China sees the goddess Mazu as key to influencing politics in Taiwan
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Beijing hopes to use the faithful’s adoration of the goddess Mazu to manipulate elections in Taiwan.
Asia
“Amaterasu” particle raises new mysteries from beyond the Milky Way
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Scientists have detected one of the most powerful cosmic rays ever observed. Named after the Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu, the particle rivals the famous “Oh-My-God” particle observed in 1991 – and appears to come from a blank area of the sky.
Africa
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023
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TWH commemorates Trans Day of Remembrance, 2023, acknowledging the disproportionate violence against trans people.