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Canada's Trudeau expresses support for those in China protesting severe COVID measures

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says everyone in China should be allowed to express themselves amid Beijing’s crackdown on COVID-19. He also says an Ottawa university should not have barred reporters from filming China’s ambassador this week.
Crowds in China angered by the anti-virus controls have called on leader Xi Jinping to resign in the biggest show of public dissent in decades. The regime has eased some of its strict controls after demonstrations in at least eight mainland cities as well as Hong Kong.
But authorities have shown no sign of backing off their larger “zero-COVID” strategy that has confined millions of people to their homes for months at a time.
Security forces have detained an unknown number of people and stepped up surveillance, arresting a BBC journalist.
Trudeau said it’s crucial that protesters be allowed to speak up.

“Canadians are watching very closely. Obviously everyone in China should be allowed to express themselves (and) should be allowed to share their perspectives, and indeed protest,” he said.
“We’re going to continue to ensure that China knows we’ll stand up for human rights. We’ll stand with people who are expressing themselves. We also need to make sure that China, and places around the world, are respecting journalists and their ability to do their job.”
His comments come just after weeks of testimony over Trudeau’s invocation of the Emergencies Act to clear out-of-hand protests in Canada last winter, which ranged from discontent over vaccine requirements to rage fuelled by conspiracy theories.
PM Rishi Sunak says ‘golden era’ with China over
On Monday, Chinese ambassador Cong Peiwu defended his country’s handling of protests following a speech to University of Ottawa students, some of whom questioned Beijing’s actions.
“In China, the policy works well,” Cong said, adding that Beijing has loosened COVID-19 restrictions as scientific knowledge evolves.
“The central government in China, our philosophy is putting people first, putting life first.”
The focus of Cong’s speech was different models of governance, and he insisted that China governs through a growing number of online consultation platforms, in addition to elections and responding to protests.
Era of ‘blind engagement’ with China ending, says Pompeo in Taiwan speech
“Officials at different levels also read news very carefully, to see if there is anything wrong with their day-to-day operations.”
China does not have a free press, stifles demonstrations and censors the internet on numerous issues.
During Cong’s Monday remarks, a blind was lowered over a window to block the view of a campus protest against China’s treatment of Uyghurs.
Journalists were allowed to attend Cong’s speech but forbidden from filming, which the prime minister disapproved of Tuesday.
China arrests BBC journalist covering COVID-19 protests
“I don’t know all the details of the incident, but for me they made a mistake in banning the cameras,” Trudeau told reporters in French.
“In Canada we open (things) especially to people who have a public profile. The media must have access.”
The university said the event was primarily meant for students, and it was caught off guard when Cong asked to prohibit filming.
“The talks are open to members of the public who register, including journalists. A speaker’s unexpected refusal to allow cameras jeopardizes the event. However, the university did ensure journalists gained access to the speaking event,” wrote University of Ottawa spokesman Jesse Robichaud.
Shanghai Disney shuts over COVID-19, visitors unable to leave
“To ensure that this unfortunate situation doesn’t reoccur, the university will be clearer, in the runup to events, with speakers about the possible presence of broadcast media.”
Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, who oversees media funding, said he couldn’t get into specifics about the incident.
“Freedom of the press is one of the foundations of democracy and it must take precedence over everything,” he said in French.
“I can’t speak in general about the university but, as I tell you, our democracy was built on (press freedom).”
Source: thestar
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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