Malaysia begins controversial repatriation of asylum seekers to Myanmar

• The Malaysian government has started repatriating around 5,000 asylum seekers from Myanmar, under a controversial deal agreed with Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing.
• Three ships from the Myanmar navy are scheduled to leave Malaysia later today carrying the first 1,476 returnees.
• Human rights groups have condemned the repatriation, saying the returnees face violence, persecution and forced conscription into the Myanmar army.