Global Beat is your weekly stop for news from around the world. Join us every Friday morning for important stories you should know about.

This week, Angela Merkel calls for a ban on veils in Germany; Buenos Aires fights sexual harassment; Shell does business in Iran; and more.
____________________

Americas

The city council in Buenos Aires voted on Wednesday to level fines against certain forms of sexual harassment in public, including cat-calling and any "direct or indirect comments referring to a person's body." The law comes amidst growing efforts by individuals and organizations to change the way women are viewed and treated in Argentina. NiUnaMenos (Not One Less), a campaign against gender-based violence, says that "a woman is killed [in Argentina] every 30 hours simply because of her sex."

Also check out:

• More Central Americans are giving up on the U.S. and looking instead to a Mexican dream – Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times

Central & South Asia

The U.S.-based international health organization Physicians for Human Rights published a report this week condemning Indian security forces for using "indiscriminate force" against protestors in the disputed Kashmir region. The report states that security forces blocked urgent medical care for protestors and hassled medical workers trying to deliver aid. Indian forces frequently use shotguns to fire metal pellets at crowds, a practice the report found to have caused serious injuries and fatalities.

Also check out:

• Pakistani Passenger Plane Crashes with 48 on Board – Ismail Khan, New York Times

China & East Asia

South Korea accused North Korea of hacking its military cyber command and stealing classified information after malware was found on intranet servers. The South Korean military has not yet determined what information was taken, but the hack may force a rewrite of some military operation plans depending on the severity of the leak. This breach comes after an accusation earlier this year that North Korea hacked the smartphones of ten South Korean officials.

Also check out:

• Aleppo Battle: Russia and China veto UN truce resolution – BBC News

Europe & Russia

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a ban on full-face veils in Germany "wherever that is legally possible." Chancellor Merkel’s comments were made during a speech at the Christian Democratic Party’s conference, where she accepted its nomination to run for another four-year presidential term. The statement comes amidst rising concern in Germany about the refugee crisis and the country’s ability to secure its border. 

Also check out:

• Austria Rejects Far-Right Presidential Candidate Norbert Hofer – Alison Smale, New York Times

Middle East & North Africa

Royal Dutch Shell PLC signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to develop Iranian oil and gas fields. Shell is the largest company to reenter Iran after the nuclear deal was ratified this year. France’s Total S.A. signed a similar deal last month, signaling that major energy firms are willing to do business in Iran despite the risk that U.S. President-elect Trump will scrap the deal.

Also check out:

• France, US, UK, lead call for ‘immediate’ Aleppo ceasefire – France 24

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Nearly 100 people were killed and over 500 injured in Indonesia’s Aceh province due to an earthquake on Wednesday. Medical volunteers and hospitals are struggling to meet demand for care as more victims are uncovered by rescue operations. The spokesman for the National Agency for Disaster Management stated that more than 160 homes, 100 buildings, and a school have been seriously damaged or collapsed.

Also check out:

• Myanmar suspends sending workers to Malaysia following Rohingya spat – Malay Mail Online

Sub-Saharan Africa

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was defeated in his bid for reelection and has agreed to concede power to his opponent, Adama Barrow, a former estate agent. Jammeh seized control of Gambia in 1994 in a military coup and his 22 year regime was described by human rights organizations as abusive. The incoming government has vowed to prosecute Jammeh for his crimes, and has banned him from leaving the country for fear that he will try to establish a rebel insurgency. Update: Jammeh said on Friday he rejects the outcome of the election.

Also check out:

• Fake US Embassy in Ghana shut down after a decade – Donle O’Sullivan, CNN

Stay informed. We’ll see you here again next week.