Eurotopics.net

The parliament in Rome on Wednesday passed a new security and immigration decree with a vote of confidence. It comprises tougher regulations for migrants and is intended to boost security in cities. Italian journalists, however, doubt that it will fulfil this purpose.

An American missionary has been killed while attempting to convert the Sentinelese tribe. John Chau, 26, had travelled by boat to North Sentinel Island in the Indian Ocean, but the inhabitants shot him with arrows, leaving him fatally injured. No visitors are allowed on the island as a governmental measure to protect the natives living there. Commentators discuss whether they need to be protected.

The Ukrainian parliament voted to impose martial law for 30 days on Tuesday following an incident in the Kerch Strait in which Russian vessels temporarily stopped Ukrainian ships from passing under the new Crimean Bridge, blocking their access to the Sea of Azov and opening fire. Commentators suspect both sides stand to gain from the rising tensions.

Chinese scientist He Jiankui has announced the birth of the world's first genetically edited babies on Youtube. He claims that thanks to his intervention the two baby girls are resistant to HIV infection. The experiment has triggered an outcry. The University in Chinese city of Shenzhen where he lectures has distanced itself, and the Chinese government has ordered an investigation. How far should scientists go?

EU Justice Commissioner Věra Jourová has called on technology companies to help ensure that the campaign for the European elections is fair. In view of the rise in manipulated information it was their duty to adopt counter-measures, she said at the start of November in Lisbon. Several governments including France's are looking for ways to tackle fake news. Are social media changing the political culture?

For the second weekend in a row people all over France donned yellow vests and took to the streets to protest hikes in fuel taxes. In Paris there were violent clashes between police and protesters. Commentators ask who or what is the driving force behind the protests.