Saif Islam, a 67-year-old librarian in Chinguetti, Mauritania, is fighting to preserve the town's rich literary heritage against the encroaching desert. Meanwhile, New Zealand's police face severe scrutiny following a report detailing failures in handling sexual misconduct allegations against a former high-ranking officer. In Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is at a crossroads regarding the long-standing ban on women in sumo wrestling. Additionally, former union leader John Setka has been charged with harassment in Australia, highlighting ongoing issues within the construction industry.

Cultural Heritage Under Threat in Mauritania

Chinguetti, known as the "city of libraries," is facing an existential crisis as desert sands threaten its historical manuscripts and dwindling population. Saif Islam, custodian of the Al Ahmed Mahmoud Library Foundation, emphasizes the importance of preserving the town's legacy, which includes over 2,000 volumes of ancient texts. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996, has seen a drastic decline in tourism, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional insecurity. Islam's efforts to attract visitors and safeguard the manuscripts are crucial for maintaining Chinguetti’s identity as a center of Islamic scholarship.

Police Misconduct Exposed in New Zealand

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) in New Zealand released a scathing report detailing significant failures in the police's handling of sexual misconduct allegations against former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The report revealed that rather than investigating complaints, police charged the complainant, known as Ms Z, with harmful digital communications. Following McSkimming's guilty plea to possessing child exploitation material, the government announced the appointment of an inspector general of police to oversee reforms and restore public trust. Police Minister Mark Mitchell condemned the findings, stating they raised serious concerns about police integrity and culture.

Japan's Sumo Tradition Faces Modern Challenges

As Japan anticipates its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, questions arise regarding her potential defiance of the sumo association's ban on women entering the sacred dohyo. This longstanding tradition, rooted in Shinto beliefs, has faced criticism and calls for reform. Officials have remained non-committal about Takaichi's plans to present the prime minister's trophy, suggesting she may prefer to respect tradition rather than challenge it. The issue reflects broader societal debates on gender equality and cultural practices in Japan.

Union Leader Charged with Harassment in Australia

John Setka, the former head of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union in Victoria, has been charged with multiple counts of harassment following allegations of threatening communications directed at a union administrator. The police operation, led by Taskforce Hawk, aims to address criminal behavior in the construction industry. Setka, who resigned amid allegations of misconduct and corruption within the union, has denied the charges and continues to contest his expulsion from the party. His legal troubles underscore ongoing concerns about integrity and accountability in labor organizations.

Wrap-up

These stories from Mauritania, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia illustrate the diverse challenges faced by communities and institutions worldwide. From preserving cultural heritage and addressing police misconduct to navigating gender norms and tackling harassment in unions, these issues highlight the complexities of modern society.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team