Briefly

UNITED STATES

US denies visa to EU ex-commissioner

The US State Department said Tuesday it would deny visas to a former EU commissioner and four others, accusing them of seeking to "coerce" US social media platforms into censoring viewpoints they oppose. "These radical activists and weaponized NGOs have advanced censorship crackdowns by foreign states — in each case targeting American speakers and American companies," the department said in a statement announcing the sanctions. The measure targeted Thierry Breton, the former top tech regulator at the European Commission, who often clashed with tech tycoons such as Elon Musk over their obligations to follow EU rules.

Top court rejects bid to send troops to Chicago

The US Supreme Court refused on Tuesday to let US President Donald Trump send National Guard troops to the Chicago area as the president expanded the use of the military for domestic purposes in a growing number of Democratic-led jurisdictions, a policy critics called an effort to punish adversaries and stifle dissent. The justices let stand for now a judge's order blocking the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops in a legal challenge brought by Illinois officials and local leaders. The US Justice Department had sought to allow the deployment while the case proceeds. The order said the president's authority to take federal control of National Guard troops likely only applies in "exceptional" circumstances.

THAILAND

Anutin picked as PM candidate for Feb polls

Thailand's caretaker leader Anutin Charnvirakul was picked by his party on Wednesday as its prime ministerial candidate in the early February general election as he attempts to benefit from a wave of nationalism arising from an ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. Less than 100 days after he was elected premier, Anutin dissolved parliament earlier this month when his minority government faced the threat of a no-confidence vote. Speaking to party members and supporters on Wednesday, Anutin said he and his Bhumjaithai Party were ready to return to power, describing the Feb 8 election as "the most consequential poll" for the conservative political outfit since its formation in 2008.

Agencies - Xinhua