Hong Kong, China — Throughout Asia, adequate protection for domestic helpers is one of the most neglected areas of legal systems and social policy. This lack of protection of their rights and welfare makes both foreign and local domestic helpers extremely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Hong Kong, China — The High Court in the Indian state of Kerala has granted a bail request from two priests and a nun who were arrested last November for the murder of a nun more than 16 years ago. The court’s strangely worded statement is the latest twist in the case, which has still not been judged either murder or suicide.

Hong Kong, China — Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defense website has published names of lawyers who regularly appear for detainees charged with terrorist activity. This has exposed lawyers to death threats by the Mahason Balakaya group who recently issued threats to lawyers who appear for suspected terrorists.

Hong Kong, China — Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned to power after a landslide victory in general elections on Monday. The voting heralded the return of democracy after two years of emergency rule under a military-controlled regime. Thought analysts had predicted the win, the landslide was a surprise.

Hong Kong, China — The president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, is operating as a “one-man show,” in the words of a former minister who quit his post. In fact, the whole purpose of the 1978 Constitution was to create a one-man show while maintaining the facade of the separation of powers.

Hong Kong, China — India’s Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan called upon the government Sunday to provide more courts to clear the backlog of cases that plagues the system. But this is not enough. Also required is a drastic improvement in the professional standards of judges, prosecutors and lawyers.

Hong Kong, China — Tension between the executive and the judiciary in Sri Lanka has surfaced as an open conflict. The Supreme Court on Dec. 17 ordered a reduction in petrol prices, to be implemented the same day. But the government refused to implement the court’s ruling, saying it was contrary to the war effort.

Hong Kong, China — According to news from Thailand this week, police are set to lay charges against protesters responsible for blockading Parliament after the leader of the main opposition party finally succeeded in becoming prime minister without having to win an election.

Hong Kong, China — Mob violence is often treated as a phenomenon in which the dynamics of the group create a viciously high level of hatred and violence, based on raw emotion and mass hysteria, rather than rational choice. Sometimes, an angry mob can hold bigger truths than the “irrationality model” conveys.

Hong Kong, China — December 16 is the official Victory Day for Bangladeshis. On this day in 1971, war between Pakistani aggressors and Bangladeshi freedom fighters supported by Indian troops ended. However, after 38 years of independence, with a military government in control, Bangladeshis are far from real victory.