BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSomalia’s football pitch that doubles as an execution groundPublished23 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPBy Naima Said SalahMogadishuOn a beach in the Somali capital, Mogadishu stand six tall concrete posts planted in the pure white sand. The waves of the bright blue Indian Ocean break gently nearby – and often bear witness to some grim events.Warning: This article contains descriptions that some people may find upsettingEvery so often the security forces bring men to this place, tie them to the posts with plastic ropes, place black hoods over their heads and shoot them dead.The members of the specially trained firing squad also have their faces hidden.The dead men’s heads flop down but their bodies remain upright, lashed to the poles. Their ragged shirts and sarongs flap in the breeze. Some have been convicted by the military court of belonging to the Islamist group al-Shabab, which has spread terror in Somalia for nearly 20 years and controls large parts of the country.Others are soldiers found guilty of murdering civilians or colleagues. Occasionally the court deals with common criminals sentenced to death because their offences are so serious.At least 25 people were executed on the beach last year.The latest person facing execution is Said Ali Moalim Daud who was sentenced to death on 6 March for locking his wife, Lul Abdiaziz, in a room and setting it on fire. He said he had burned her alive because she had asked for a divorce.Just behind the killing ground is a small informal settlement in Hamar Jajab district – full of crumbling dwellings and makeshift shelters where about 50 families live on the site of what used to be a police academy. “As soon as my five little boys come home from school, they rush down to the beach to run about or play football,” says Fartun Mohammed Ismail, one of the shoreside residents of the old police training centre.Image source, Naima Said SalahImage caption, The executions, when men are tied to these poles, are usually carried out between 06:00 and 07:00 and local residents are able to watch”They use the execution poles as goalposts,” she says.”I worry about my children’s health because they play in the blood spilt where people are shot.”The area is not cleaned up after executions.”The graves of those who have been shot are found around the beach.Ms Ismail says her children are used to violence and insecurity because they were born in Mogadishu, a city affected by conflict for 33 years. Yet she and other parents feel that playing in the blood of convicted criminals is too much.However, it is hard to stop the children from joining their friends on the beach when most parents are trying to scrape together a living so are not always around to intervene.Executions usually take place early in the morning, between 06:00 and 07:00.Only journalists are invited to witness the killings but nobody stops local residents, including children, from gathering around and watching.In fact the beach was chosen as a place of execution in 1975 by Siad Barre when he was president precisely because locals nearby could watch.His military government erected the poles for some Islamic clerics who were shot on the spot for opposing a new family law that gave girls and boys equal rights in inheritance.Today only the posts remain, although crowds are no longer actively encouraged.Nonetheless parents worry that the children who play on the execution ground risk being shot when someone is put to death.They say their offspring are terrified of police and soldiers because they only associate them with killing people in front of their eyes. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Faduma Abdullahi Qasim’s son was one of more than 120 people who died in the double car bombs that rocked Mogadishu in October 2022″I struggle to sleep at night and feel acutely anxious all the time,” admits Faduma Abdullahi Qasim, who also lives in the neighbourhood within metres of the execution ground. “Sometimes I hear gunshots in the morning and know someone has been put to death,” she says.”I try to keep my children indoors all the time. We are sad and inactive. I hate going outside and seeing blood seeping into the sand beside me.”Although most of the residents who live in the neighbourhood are traumatised by living so close to the execution ground, many Somalis support the death penalty, especially for members of al-Shabab. Ms Qasim is unusual in opposing it – especially given that her 17-year-old son, who worked as a cleaner at a snack bar, was killed in a huge double car bombing in Mogadishu in October 2022. More than 120 people died and 300 were injured in the attack, blamed on al-Shabab.”I don’t know personally the people who are being executed but I believe the practice is inhumane,” she says.It is not only children from the beachside neighbourhood who play on the sand near the execution posts. Young people from other parts of the city gather there, especially on Fridays, Somalia’s weekend.Image source, AFPImage caption, People flock to Mogadishu’s beaches over the weekendOne of them is 16-year-old Abdirahman Adam.”My brother and I come here every Friday to swim and play football on the beach,” he says.”My sister comes too, dressed in her finest clothes so she can post and look beautiful when we take pictures of her.”He and the others that flock to the beach do know about the executions and the graves of people who were shot there – but they go regardless.For them the central and beautiful location is more important.”Our classmates are jealous when they see the photos. They don’t know we are hanging out at an execution ground.”Naima Said Salah is a journalist with Somalia’s only all-women media house, Bilan Media.More Somalia stories from the BBC:Pelted with stones – the life of Somalis with albinismYoung, female and addicted in SomaliaWhat beauty parlours reveal about Somali womenRelated TopicsMogadishuSomaliaAfricaAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastsAfrica Daily podcastsTop StoriesDUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after rape chargePublished6 hours agoWar a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland’s PMPublished1 hour agoIranian TV host stabbed outside London homePublished3 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: DUP leader charged and water bills ‘to rise 56%’Analysis: DUP resignation is a political bombshellSeven bills going up and one going down in AprilAI photos show people with cancer their lost future’I drove 14 hours to see a Banksy for 10 minutes’The football pitch that doubles as an execution groundEwan McGregor ‘turned into his grandad’ in new roleA view from inside ship that hit Baltimore bridge. VideoA view from inside ship that hit Baltimore bridgeBeyoncé’s country album: The verdictElsewhere on the BBCHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a Dublin factory that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIf aliens existed, what would they look like?Let Brian Cox and Robin Ince guide you through the universe’s big questionsAttributionSoundsThe ultimate bromanceEnjoy the genius of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore with a journey through the archivesAttributioniPlayerThe deadly history of wallpaper…Discover the extraordinary stories of the ordinary items all around youAttributionSoundsMost Read1Iranian TV host stabbed outside London home2’Escorted through the airport like a criminal’3DUP leader charged and water bills ‘to rise 56%’4Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after rape charge5Olly Alexander rejects call to boycott Eurovision6Trump pushes legal challenges in two cases7War a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland’s PM8AI millionaire: ‘Video games can boost creativity’9Actress ‘upset’ at son’s trampoline park exclusion10Gladiators reaches final after successful reboot

[ad_1] Goalposts used by children on a beach in Somalia’s capital are posts set up for firing squad executions.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFrance plans mobile school force after headteacher resigns over death threatsPublished39 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Police have patrolled the Maurice Ravel school in Paris since death threats were made towards the headteacherBy Sarah FowlerBBC NewsFrance is setting up a mobile security force for schools “experiencing difficulties”, days after the headteacher of a Paris school resigned because of death threats.The head was falsely accused of striking a student in a row over her wearing anIslamic headscarf in school.Education Minister Nicole Belloubet said the mobile force wasintended to reassure teachers and boost security.Tensions in French schools are high since the killing of two teachers.Samuel Paty was decapitated on the street in a Paris suburb in 2020 and Dominique Bernard was killed at his school in Arras five months ago. Former students who had been radicalised were involved in both killings.”Teachers are not alone and we are all forming a shield around them, around our schools,” Ms Belloubet told reporters during a visit on Friday to asecondary school in Bordeaux.The education ministry said the “mobile school force” would be composed of about 20education officers who could be deployed within 48 hours from the start of the next school year, wherever local authorities needed additional support.The team’s mission would be to provide security in a school in “acute crisis”, with the aim of providing internal security, reassurance and education skills.In late February, the headteacher of the Maurice Ravel Lycée in Paris insisted his student remove her Islamic head-covering, in accordance with French law.The student claimed the head had struck her during a heated exchange, but police found no evidence to support her claims.However, after numerous death threats posted on social media, the headteacher announced his resignation this week, saying it was “out of concern for my own safety and that of the school”.Police have been patrolling around the school, and two people were detained in connection with the death threats. Police say they are not linked to the school. Politicians on both the left and right have expressed outrage over the headteacher’s situation and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on Thursday the student would be sued by the state for making the false accusation. MPs and local officials took part in a rally outside the school on Friday morning in support of the headteacher and to demand that secular rules remain enforced in French schools.Nicole Belloubet has suspended France’s ENT digital messaging system, used by teachers and students, because of a proliferation of threats. Education officials have reported more than 320 threats made across France since the middle of last week which the minister blamed on students’ personal accounts being hacked. In Paris alone about 50 schools had received bomb threats through the messaging system.The ENT system enables students to access various educational resources online and Ms Belloubet said she hoped it would be up and running again next month after the spring break.Several arrests have been made in connection with the online threats, including a 17-year-old and a man aged 21.Related TopicsFranceParisIslamMore on this storyFrance to sue teen in headscarf row with school headPublished1 day agoTeacher killed in France school stabbingPublished13 October 2023Nude painting row at French school sparks teacher walkoutPublished12 December 2023Six French teenagers on trial over teacher’s murderPublished28 November 2023Top StoriesDUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after rape chargePublished15 minutes agoWar a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland’s PMPublished1 hour agoMassive crane to haul wreckage of Baltimore bridgePublished2 hours agoFeaturesAnalysis: DUP resignation is a political bombshellWho is the former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson?Beyoncé’s country album: The verdictLife after Pontins swapped tourists for tradespeopleWaiting for Evan, Putin’s ‘bargaining chip’ in Russian jail2 Tone Music: Black and white exploding colourWeekly quiz: How much did Kate’s Titanic piece of wood sell for?We’ve won £80k by entering 50 competitions a dayA view from inside ship that hit Baltimore bridge. VideoA view from inside ship that hit Baltimore bridgeElsewhere on the BBCHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a Dublin factory that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIf aliens existed, what would they look like?Let Brian Cox and Robin Ince guide you through the universe’s big questionsAttributionSoundsThe ultimate bromanceEnjoy the genius of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore with a journey through the archivesAttributioniPlayerThe deadly history of wallpaper…Discover the extraordinary stories of the ordinary items all around youAttributionSoundsMost Read1Actress ‘upset’ at son’s trampoline park exclusion2Sir Jeffrey Donaldson resigns after rape charge3War a real threat and Europe not ready, warns Poland’s PM4Massive crane to haul wreckage of Baltimore bridge5Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr dies aged 876Apology over class photo without complex needs pupils7Life after Pontins swapped tourists for tradespeople8France loves Brazil says Macron after Lula meeting9Analysis: Resignation is a political bombshell10John Boyega: Damilola Taylor death changed my life

[ad_1] Tensions are high after a Paris headteacher resigned in a row over a student wearing a headscarf.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityCultureThe Ukrainian teenagers who returned to a war zone for their school promPublished9 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Sofiia (second left), Aliesia (third left) and Yuliia (front) with their friends at Lyceum No 2 school in Mykolaiv before the warBy Katie RazzallCulture and media editorSofiia, Yuliia and Aliesia, three school friends from Mykolaiv in Ukraine, were 16 years old when war broke out. They were regular teenagers looking forward to sleepovers and trips to the beach near their home city.But after 24 February 2022, the girls and their families scattered across Europe.For two years, they have connected almost entirely online, using Telegram and Snapchat. “Many of us feel overwhelmed by the loss of friends and the inability to meet them,” Yuliia says.Incredibly, though, they did see each other again in person last summer, in their bombed-out hometown for a school prom.Now, their stories, and those of other Ukrainian women, are being told in a photography exhibition in London.Image source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Yuliia, Sofia and Aliesia talking over Zoom from Warsaw, Mykolaiv and Gipf-Oberfrick, SwitzerlandWhen they fled Ukraine, the teenagers hoped it would be temporary, as Yuliia tells me they thought “it would take just a few months and we would all go back to Ukraine and back to our lives”.She originally moved with her mother and grandparents to Bulgaria, where a friend lent them a holiday flat. They later moved to Poland.Aliesia’s journey was more intense. She spent weeks travelling by bus and train, staying in tents and hostels, moving from Romania to Switzerland, then France and Spain, before arriving in Krakow, Poland, in May 2022.The whole experience “was not as physically stressful as it was emotionally”, Aliesia says.With her mother, 13-year-old brother, 17-year-old cousin and aunt, they moved into a one-room dormitory. Image source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Aliesia (second left) with her mum, brother, cousin and aunt, sharing a room in KrakowThe children did online schooling on their bunks, with teachers who had remained in Mykolaiv. Sofiia left Ukraine for Katowice in Poland first. The journey took several days. “There wasn’t a place to stay for the night, my mum wasn’t sleeping for three days, there was no food at the gas stations.”Seven of them, including her mother and her cousin, lived in one bedroom.”It was really difficult.”Image source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Left-right: Sofiia with her new friends in Katowice in April 2022Sofiia loves dancing and music. She would practise on the outdoor public piano on a street in Katowice. “I didn’t have one at home. I’m really very extroverted, so it was great.”The family have since moved to Switzerland, where she is studying 10 subjects at a prestigious school.Her father died of Covid during the pandemic. Aliesia and Yuliia had to leave their dads behind in Ukraine because men over the age of 18 are banned from emigrating.Aliesia and her father were reunited when the family moved back to Ukraine at the end of 2022. Six months into the war, her mother and aunt found that the hotel cleaning jobs they had in Poland didn’t pay enough to cover rent and other bills.Teenage dreamsPhotographer Polly Braden has tracked the families’ experiences over two years and is about to tell their stories in an exhibition, Leaving Ukraine, at the Foundling Museum in London. After watching reports from inside Ukraine about the men going to war and what they faced, “it felt really important to see what the women were doing and what was happening outside Ukraine”, she says.So she followed the young people as they have built new lives to find out, “what would that be like for them?”They have had to grow up fast.Image source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Sofiia putting on make-up after school in Katowice in April 2022Sofiia says “very quickly we stopped being teenagers and had to start our life as adults”.Aliesia tells me the “teenage dream”, the one you see “in American movies”, has been taken from them. “I have sometimes had pretty bad mental breakdowns… It was not fair that I can’t enjoy life the same way as people my age from other countries do.”Yuliia says it has “felt very isolating, especially as everyone else in the world is still living their lives like nothing happened”.Image source, POLLY BRADENImage caption, Yuliia at Poland’s Independence Day in Warsaw in November 2023But none of the girls come across as self-pitying. As Sofiia puts it: “It’s not only difficult for us.”Aliesia adds: “We have to sometimes just accept some things we cannot change.”With school friends spread far and wide, last year they began to talk about wanting to have a school prom when their Ukrainian schooling ended.”For such a long while, our friend group was separated, our whole class was separated,” Yuliia says. “So seeing everyone, almost everyone, was really important to all of us.”‘We all felt beautiful’Sofiia began planning her outfit. “If you want to get a prom dress in Switzerland or Italy, it’s very expensive.” She and her mum decided “it would be cheaper to go to Ukraine”. So after school one Friday, Sofiia took a 20-hour bus trip to Lviv, in western Ukraine. She found a gold dress that “was really perfect”, bought it, and took the long journey back to Switzerland.The prom couldn’t be held at their school, which had been bombed.Instead, they hired a local hall. Bombs fell on Mykolaiv a couple of days before the reunion, which made the decision to return difficult because they were “a bit scared”, Sofiia says.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The aftermath of a Russian missile strike in Mykolaiv in July 2023But about 20 teenagers went back for the prom, from new homes as far away as the UK, Austria, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. They came to dance, party and try to be normal teenagers for just one night.”It was actually much more special than just being a normal teenager, because a prom is quite a special day in anyone’s life,” Yuliia says. “We all felt beautiful and it was kind of magical.”She spent two days getting to Mykolaiv from Poland. “I was very excited.”She also got to see her father for the first time since she had left Ukraine.Sofiia’s mother drove for three days to get them back home, sleeping by the roadside when she felt tired. Everyone understood why it meant so much.Image source, Abramov SergeyImage caption, Left-right: Sofiia, Aliesia, their teacher Svetlana, Iryna and Yuliia at their prom in Mykolaiv in July 2023″The war wasn’t planned and so our lives stopped in one moment,” Sofiia says. “I think it was really very important to have the ending of our school lives, of our teenage lives.”It was an emotional evening, according to Aliesia. “Especially by the end, when we had to say goodbye to each other and realise that we won’t see each other for a long time again.”But for one night, they drank punch (“mildly alcoholic” and “so tasty”, according to Yuliia), danced and sang to Maneskin (Alesia’s “favourite band”), listened to speeches, and as the sun rose in the early hours, went out for a walk.”In the morning, we all felt sad,” Sofiia says, “because it was totally the end of school life.”Polly Braden’s exhibition Leaving Ukraine is at the Foundling Museum in London from 15 March.Related TopicsWar in UkrainePhotographyUkraineTop StoriesUS urges more aid for starving people in GazaPublished1 hour agoI will only cut taxes in responsible way – HuntPublished12 hours agoPolice to return Mia Janin’s lost phone to familyPublished8 hours agoFeaturesDid the last Budget deliver what was promised?Nadiya Hussain: A letter to my teenage daughterBrit Awards 2024: The real winners and losers’I embrace my alopecia, but I’d love my old hair back’ Video’I embrace my alopecia, but I’d love my old hair back’Kate, the King and three other big challenges for royalsJeremy on the Hunt for Tax Cuts. AudioJeremy on the Hunt for Tax CutsAttributionSoundsCan green ‘super powders’ really make you healthy?How Israel-Gaza war is spilling into cultural lifeThe ‘banned’ Star Trek episode that promised a united IrelandElsewhere on the BBCFrom the seizure of Crimea to the war in UkraineThe story of a decade of clashes, told by the Western leaders who traded blows with PutinAttributioniPlayerFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I never tried to be famous…it was accidental’Michael Parkinson with guests Ricky Gervais, Michael Palin and Kate AdieAttributioniPlayerIt’s make or break timeAnother set of eager entrepreneurs hope to impress the fearsome panelAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’No option of life on benefits for young’ – Labour2Police to return Mia Janin’s lost phone to family3Israel agrees to change Eurovision song lyrics4Warning cost of living fund closure ‘catastrophic’5Haiti gangs free 4,000 inmates in mass jailbreak6Tributes to ‘one-in-a-million’ woman as murder arrest made7Kate, the King and three other big challenges for royals8Girl, 7, dies in English Channel crossing attempt9Horner situation can’t continue – Jos VerstappenAttributionSport10US urges more aid for starving people in Gaza

[ad_1] Three friends who were separated by the war talk about going back home for a special school reunion.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaRosenberg: How two years of war in Ukraine changed RussiaPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage caption, A mural of fallen Russian soldiers in SolnechnogorskBy Steve RosenbergRussia EditorAs I stood watching Russians laying flowers in memory of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a young man shared his reaction to Mr Navalny’s death in prison.”I’m in shock,” he told me, “just like two years ago on 24 February: when the war started.”It made me think about everything that has happened in Russia these last two years, since President Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is a catalogue of drama, bloodshed, tragedy.Russia’s war has brought death and destruction to Ukraine. The Russian military has suffered huge losses, too.Russian towns have been shelled and come under drone-attack;Hundreds of thousands of Russian men were drafted into the army;Wagner mercenaries mutinied and marched on Moscow. Their leader Yevgeny Prigozhin later died in a plane crash.The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russia’s president for alleged war crimes.Now Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critic is dead.24 February 2022 was a watershed moment. But looking back the direction of travel had been clear. It was in 2014 that Russia had annexed Crimea from Ukraine and first intervened militarily in the Donbas; Alexei Navalny had been poisoned with a nerve agent in 2020 and jailed in 2021. Domestic repression in Russia pre-dates the invasion of Ukraine, but it has accelerated since. As for Vladimir Putin, two years into this war he sounds increasingly confident and determined to defeat his enemies at home and abroad. He rails against America, Nato and the EU and presents Russia’s war in Ukraine as a war on Russia by the “collective West”, an existential battle for his country’s survival. How and when will it end? I can’t predict the future. I can, however, recall the past. In a cupboard at home recently I found a dusty folder with copies of my Russia despatches from more than 20 years ago: the early Putin years.Sifting through them, it was like reading about a different galaxy light-years away.Russia accused of executing prisoners of war in Avdiivka Is Russia turning the tide in Ukraine?”According to a recent poll, 59% of Russians support the idea of Russia joining the European Union…” I wrote on 17 May 2001.”Nato and Russia are actively seeking closer cooperation: a sign to both sides that the real threat to world peace lies not with each other…” [20 November 2001]So, where did it all go wrong? I’m not the only person wondering.Image caption, Former Nato chief Lord Robertson says Russia’s loss of superpower status “ate away” at Vladimir Putin”The Putin I met with, did good business with, established a Nato-Russia Council with, is very, very different from this almost megalomaniac at the present moment,” former Nato chief Lord Robertson told me recently when we met in London. “The man who stood beside me in May of 2002, right beside me, and said Ukraine is a sovereign and independent nation state which will make its own decisions about security, is now the man who says that [Ukraine] is not a nation state.”Lord Robertson even recalls Vladimir Putin contemplating Nato membership for Russia.”At my second meeting with Putin, he said explicitly: ‘When are you going to invite Russia to join Nato?’ I said, ‘We don’t invite countries to join Nato, they apply.’ And he said, ‘Well, we’re not going to stand in line beside a bunch of countries who don’t matter.’ Lord Robertson said he does not think that Putin really wanted to apply for Nato membership. “He wanted it presented to him, because I think he always thought – and increasingly thinks – that Russia is a great nation on the world stage and needs the respect that the Soviet Union had,” he told me. “He was never going to comfortably fit inside an alliance of equal nations, all sitting round the table debating and discussing interests of common policy.”‘Growing ego’Lord Robertson points out that the Soviet Union was once recognised as the second superpower in the world, but Russia can’t make any claims in that direction today. “I think that sort of ate away at [Putin’s] ego. Combine that with the feebleness, sometimes, of the West and in many ways the provocations that he faced, as well as his own growing ego. I think that changed the individual who wanted to cooperate with Nato into somebody who now sees Nato as a huge threat.” Moscow sees things differently. Russian officials claim it was Nato enlargement eastwards that undermined European security and led to war. They accuse Nato of breaking a promise to the Kremlin, made allegedly in the dying days of the USSR, that the alliance wouldn’t accept countries previously in Moscow’s orbit. “There was certainly nothing on paper,” Lord Robertson tells me. “There was nothing that was agreed, there was no treaty to that effect. But it was Vladimir Putin himself who signed the Rome Declaration on 28 May 2002. The same piece of paper I signed, which enshrined the basic principles of territorial integrity and non-interference in other countries. He signed that. He can’t blame anybody else.” Image caption, A war memorial in Solnechnogorsk commemorates Russians killed in the “special military operation”In the town of Solnechnogorsk, 40 miles from Moscow, the last two dramatic years of Russia’s history are on display in the park. I spot graffiti in support of the Wagner mercenary group. There are flowers in memory of Alexei Navalny. And there’s a large mural of two local men, Russian soldiers, killed in Ukraine. Painted alongside is a Youth Army cadet saluting them.In the town centre, at a memorial to those killed in World War Two and the Soviet war in Afghanistan, a new section has been added:”To soldiers killed in the special military operation.”Forty-six names are etched into stone.I ask Lidiya Petrovna, passing by with her grandson, how life has changed in two years. “Our factories are now making things we used to buy abroad. That’s good,” Lidiya says. “But I’m sad for the young men, for everyone, who’ve been killed. We certainly don’t need war with the West. Our people have seen nothing but war, war, war all their lives.” When I speak to Marina, she praises Russian soldiers she says are “doing their duty” in Ukraine. Then she looks across at her 17-year-old son Andrei. “But as a mother I’m frightened that my son will be called up to fight. I want peace as soon as possible, so that we won’t fear what comes tomorrow.”Related TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaVladimir PutinUkraineMore on this storyRussia accused of executing prisoners of war in AvdiivkaPublished2 days agoIs Russia turning the tide in Ukraine?Published5 days agoInside Ukraine’s struggle to find new men to fightPublished12 FebruaryThe Ukrainians ‘disappearing’ in Russia’s prisonsPublished10 FebruaryTop StoriesLive. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle facing calls to quit after Gaza ceasefire vote chaosRosenberg: How two years of war have changed RussiaPublished2 hours agoOur killed daughters asked for help and police failed them, say mothersPublished2 hours agoFeaturesHroza, Ukraine’s village of orphansThe Papers: ‘Fury in Commons’ and ‘King’s tears’Sahil Omar: The real story behind a fake criminalThe sacrifices key to Kenya’s late marathon legendHow AI is helping the search for extraterrestrial lifeWhy US politicians are on a pilgrimage to Taiwan’Recovering from food addiction is like walking a tiger’Olivia Colman on why sweary letters were original trollingMoment giant Antarctica drone takes off. VideoMoment giant Antarctica drone takes offElsewhere on the BBCFive geological wonders from around the worldFrom the very tip of the North Pole to the southernmost point of the AmericasAttributionBitesizeWhich classic did Elbow cover?The band join the BBC Concert Orchestra in the BBC Piano RoomAttributionSounds’We have built the world, perhaps inadvertently, for men’Philanthropist Melinda French Gates on what she’s learned from her life so farAttributionSoundsA tasty swap that could really improve our healthMichael discovers the benefits of incorporating wholegrains into our dietAttributionSoundsMost Read1Whale song mystery solved by scientists2Rosenberg: How two years of war have changed Russia3’Fury in Commons’ and ‘King’s tears’4Police force ‘failed’ women who were killed5Suspensions after ‘Israel’ crossed out on document6US hospital halts IVF after court says embryos are children7Biden’s dog bit Secret Service agents 24 times8Firms must make ‘adjustments’ for menopausal woman9Historical sites in Afghanistan ‘bulldozed for looting’10Baby loss certificates introduced in England

[ad_1] The BBC’s Russia Editor reports on a catalogue of drama, bloodshed and tragedy since the war began.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSwitzerland: Police shoot dead axe-wielding hostage-taker on trainPublished42 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Police attempted to talk to the hostage taker for several hoursBy Imogen Foulkes & Ian Casey BBC News, Geneva and LondonPolice in Switzerland have shot dead a man armed with an axe and a knife who took 15 passengers hostage on a train on Thursday night.The hostage-taker, reported to be a 32-year-old asylum seeker from Iran, boarded a local train near Yverdon.He forced the driver to stop the train and to join passengers in the carriage.Officers stormed the train and “fatally wounded” the man after he attacked them, police reports say. The hostages were all released unharmed.According to local media, the authorities were alerted by passengers on the train and more than 60 officers were in attendance. Police, including a special unit from Geneva, surrounded the train and spent several hours trying to talk to the man in English and in Farsi, without success. Late at night, when they observed the hostage-taker moving away from the passengers, they stormed the train using stun grenades. According to police reports, the man attacked the police, at which point they used their firearms to protect the hostages and themselves, and the hostage taker was fatally shot.Police say the motive for the hostage-taking is unclear. One passenger on the train said the perpetrator appeared “very stressed”. Local reports say hostages and their families are being supported by the Swiss health service’s psychological department.Little is known about the man, except that he was originally from Iran and had been assigned to an asylum seeker centre in Neuchatel.Hostage dramas are rare in Switzerland, but have previously taken place at banks and businesses. In January 2022, employees at a watch-making firm were taken hostage and forced to open a vault.Related TopicsSwitzerlandMore on this storyHow London hotel sting caught Swiss museum heist thievesPublished20 JanuaryGambia ex-minister faces Swiss trial for murderPublished8 JanuaryWolves win against farmers as Swiss cull put on holdPublished30 December 2023Top StoriesLive. Prince Harry hacking case hearing if more claims are settled’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back after report on classified filesPublished2 hours agoPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinPublished1 hour agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?Political grenade thrusts Biden’s age into spotlight’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinWhy I shared my mum’s murder story on TikTokWatch: Japan earthquake leaves smouldering wasteland. VideoWatch: Japan earthquake leaves smouldering wastelandHow Taylor Swift ‘supersized’ the history-making Kelce brothersAttributionSport‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the worldChris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turnElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsThe surprising health benefits of doing the plankMichael Mosley explores whether it outshines crunches or sit-ups…AttributionSoundsMost Read1Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to Kremlin2Nationwide’s Dominic West advert reported by rival3Juniors doctors to strike over five days, BMA says4Green Party loses ‘gender critical’ court battle5’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel6Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods7Warning over ‘surge’ in deadly dog disease cases8‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world9Woman catches police watching Netflix in her home10US warns Israel sending troops into Rafah risks ‘disaster’

[ad_1] The emergency lasted several hours and hostages were freed unharmed.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaIs a waning Canadian dream fuelling reverse migration in Punjab?Published5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, Balkar returned home after a year in TorontoBy Nikhil InamdarBBC News, Bathinda, India Canada has long been a draw for people from India’s Punjab province seeking new opportunities elsewhere. But has the Canadian dream soured?It’s hard to miss the ardour of Punjab’s migrant ambitions when driving through its fertile rural plains.Billboards promising easy immigration to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK jut out through ample mustard fields.Off the highways, consultancies offer English language coaching to eager youth.Single-storey brick homes double up as canvasses for hand-painted mural advertisements promising quick visas. And in the town of Bathinda, hundreds of agents jostle for space on a single narrow street, pledging to speed up the youth’s runaway dreams.For over a century, this province in India’s northwest has seen waves of overseas migration; from the Sikh soldiers inducted into the British Indian Army travelling to Canada, through to rural Punjabis settling in England post-independence.But some, especially from Canada, are now choosing to come back home.One of those is 28-year-old Balkar, who returned in early 2023 after just one year in Toronto. Citizenship was his ultimate goal when he left his little hamlet of Pitho in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. His family mortgaged their land to fund his education. But his Canadian dream quickly lost its allure a few months into his life there.”Everything was so expensive. I had to work 50 hours every week after college, just to survive,” he told the BBC. “High inflation is making many students leave their studies.”Balkar now runs an embroidery business from a small room on one side of the expansive central courtyard in his typical Punjabi home. He also helps on his family’s farm to supplement his income. Opportunities for employment are few and far between in these rural areas, but technology has allowed entrepreneurs like him to conquer the tyranny of distance. Balkar gets the bulk of his business through Instagram.”I have a good life here. Why should I face hardships there when I can live at home and make good money?” he asks.The BBC spoke to at least half a dozen reverse migrants in Punjab who shared similar sentiments.It was also a common refrain in the scores of videos on YouTube shared by Indians who had chosen to abandon their life in Canada and return home. There was a stark difference one young returnee told the BBC between the “rosy picture” immigration agents painted and the rough reality of immigrant life in Toronto and Vancouver.Image caption, Immigration services are a big business in PunjabThe “Canada craze” has let up a bit – and especially so among well-off migrants who have a fallback option at home, says Raj Karan Brar, an immigration agent in Bathinda who helps hundreds of Punjabis get permanent residencies and student visas every year.The desire for a Canadian citizenship remains as strong as ever though among middle- and lower middle-class clients in rural communities. But viral YouTube videos of students talking about the difficulty in finding jobs and protests over a lack of housing and work opportunities has created an air of nervousness among these students, say immigration agents.There was a 40% decline in applications from India for Canadian study permits in the second half of 2023, according to one estimate. This was, in part, also due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada over allegations Indian agents were involved in the murder of Canadian Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. There are also hints of deeper cultural factors at play, for a waning Canadian dream among an older generation of Indian migrants.The tricky problem of banning Canadian work experience requirementsCanada adds million to population inside a yearHow India-Canada ties descended into a public feudKaran Aulakh, who spent nearly 15 years in Edmonton and achieved career and financial success, left his managerial job for a comfortable rural life in Khane ki Daab, the village where he was born in 1985.He told the BBC he was upset by LGBT-inclusive education policies in Canada and its 2018 decision to legalise recreational cannabis.Incompatibility with the Western way of life, a struggling healthcare system, and better economic prospects in India were, he said, key reasons why many older Canadian Indians are preparing to leave the country.”I started an online consultancy – Back to the Motherland – a month and a half ago, to help those who want to reverse migrate. I get at least two to three calls every day, mostly from people in Canada who want to know what job opportunities there are in Punjab and how they can come back,” said Mr Aulakh.Image caption, Karan Aulakh left Canada after 15 years in the countryFor a country that places such a high value on immigration, these trends are “concerning” and are “being received with a bit of a sting politically”, says Daniel Bernhard of the Institute of Canadian Citizenship, an immigration advocacy group.A liberalised immigration regime has been Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s signature policy to counter slowing economic growth and a rapidly aging population.According to Canada’s statistics agency, immigration accounted for 90% of Canada’s labour force growth and 75% of population growth in 2021.International students contribute to over C$20bn ($14.7bn; £11.7bn) to Canada’s economy each year, a bulk of them Indians who now make up one in five recent immigrants to the country.India was also Canada’s leading source for immigration in 2022. The numbers of those leaving are still small in absolute terms with immigration levels at all-time highs in Canada – the country welcomed nearly half a million new migrants each year over the past few years.But the rate of reverse migration hit a two decade high in 2019, signalling that migrants were “losing confidence” in the country said Mr Bernhard.Image caption, Immigration agencies in Bathinda jostle for attentionCountry specific statistics for such emigrants, or reverse migrants, are not available.But official data obtained by Reuters shows between 80,000 and 90,000 immigrants left Canada in 2021 and 2022 and either went back to their countries, or onward elsewhere.Some 42,000 people departed in the first half of 2023.Fewer permanent residents are also going on to become Canadian citizens, according to census data cited by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. In 2001, 75% of those eligible became citizens. Two decades later, it was 45%.Canada needs to “restore the value of its citizenship,” said Mr Bernhard.It comes as Canada debates its aggressive immigration targets given country’s struggle to absorb more people.A recent report from National Bank of Canada economists cautioned that the population growth was putting pressure on its already tight housing supply and strained healthcare system.Canada has seen a population surge – an increase of 1.2 million people in 2023 – driven mostly by newcomers.The report argued that growth needed to be slowed to an annual increase of up to 500,000 people in order to preserve or increase the standard of living.There appears to have been a tacit acceptance of this evaluation by policymakers.Mr Trudeau’s Liberal government recently introduced a cap on international student permits that would result in a temporary decrease of 35% in approved study visas.It’s a significant policy shift that some believe may end up further reducing Canada’s appeal amid a wave of reverse migrations.Related TopicsIndiaCanadaMore on this storyCanada sets two-year cap on foreign studentsPublished22 JanuaryIndia suspends visas for Canadians as row escalatesPublished21 September 2023India says will resume Canada visas if diplomats safePublished23 October 2023Canada puts on hold deportation of India studentsPublished14 June 2023Top Stories’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back after report on classified filesPublished1 hour agoPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinPublished20 minutes agoLive. Prince Harry hacking case to hear if more claims are settledFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?A political hand grenade disguised as a report’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinHow Taylor Swift ‘supersized’ the history-making Kelce brothersAttributionSportWatch: Japan earthquake leaves smouldering wasteland. VideoWatch: Japan earthquake leaves smouldering wastelandChris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turn‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the worldA mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in IndiaElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsAll-out action!A new generation of superhumans take on the ultimate test of speed and strengthAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to Kremlin2’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel3Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods4Woman catches police watching Netflix in her home5‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world6Donald Trump scores huge win in Nevada caucus7US warns Israel sending troops into Rafah risks ‘disaster’8Piers Morgan to move TalkTV show to YouTube9Why the e-bike boom is raising fire fears10Fashion icons assemble for Enninful’s last Vogue

[ad_1] There was a 40% decline in applications from India for Canadian study permits in the second half of 2023, according to one estimate. This was, in part, also due…

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaHaldwani: Uttarakhand on alert after four dead in clashes over mosque demolitionPublished3 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ANIImage caption, Violence broke out during an “anti-encroachment” drive on ThursdayAt least four people have died in violence in a northern Indian state after authorities demolished a mosque, alleging it was constructed illegally.Violence broke out in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani town during what police say was an “anti-encroachment drive”.Authorities said the drive was launched to clear illegal constructions, including the mosque and an adjoining madrassa (religious school).But Muslims who prayed at the mosque say they have been unfairly targeted.Hundreds of protesters and police personnel were injured in the clashes which broke out on Thursday evening. Videos showed protesters setting fire to vehicles and pelting stones and the police firing tear gas at them.A curfew has been imposed and the state has issued “shoot at sight” orders to bring the situation under control. The incident took place in Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani. The district had witnessed widespread protests in January last year after more than 50,000 people, mostly Muslims, were served eviction notice alleging they were illegally living on land owned by the Indian Railways. The demolitions were later stayed by India’s top court.Officials said the latest action was based on a high court order asking authorities to clear illegal settlements from the area. District Magistrate Vandana Singh said the mosque and the madrassa were demolished because they were illegally built on government land and were not registered as religious structures. “The drive was not targeted towards any particular community. It began peacefully but a mob attacked officials soon after, leading to violence,” Ms Singh said, adding that authorities had given the mosque’s administration prior notice about its demolition.Locals have denied this and said the mosque was demolished before the court could give a final decision in the case. “When the administration came [to demolish the structures] we asked them to stop until the next court hearing. But they did not listen. If they had waited for the final decision of the court, there would have been no resistance [from us],” Shakeel Ahmad, a local councillor, told the Indian Express newspaper.Tensions over demolitions of mosques have risen in the past few months. A mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in IndiaMuslim groups say they feel unfairly targeted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government and accuse it of religious polarisation ahead of the general elections due in two months. The government denies the allegation.On Friday, the situation remained tense in Haldwani as authorities snapped internet services and ordered a complete shutdown. Schools in Banbhoolpura will remain shut for the next few days and thousands of police personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation.The violence comes days after Uttarakhand passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a new common law for all residents, regardless of religion, sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Different religious groups in India have their own personal laws which govern issues like marriage, divorce and inheritance. Muslims in Uttarakhand have rejected the UCC, calling it an interference with their Islamic practices. Related TopicsAsiaIndiaMore on this storyWant to live together? Indian state says only if we agreePublished2 days agoIndia’s coming storm over a common personal lawPublished30 May 2022Top Stories’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back after report on classified filesPublished43 minutes agoPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinPublished2 hours agoIsrael sending troops into Rafah risks disaster – USPublished8 hours agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?A political hand grenade disguised as a reportThe Papers: Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Chris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turnWhy the e-bike boom is raising fire fearsPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinA mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in India‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the worldElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsAll-out action!A new generation of superhumans take on the ultimate test of speed and strengthAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to Kremlin2’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel3Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods4Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans5Tesco Bank to be bought by Barclays in £600m deal6Donald Trump scores huge win in Nevada caucus7‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world8Woman catches police watching Netflix in her home9US warns Israel sending troops into Rafah risks ‘disaster’10Piers Morgan to move TalkTV show to YouTube

[ad_1] Violence broke out in Uttarakhand state after authorities demolished a mosque, alleging it was illegal.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUS election: Donald Trump wins huge victory in Nevada caucusPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Donald Trump told a victory party that winning Nevada meant winning the general electionBy Emma VardyBBC NewsFormer President Donald Trump has won the Nevada Republican caucus by a large margin.The only other person whose name was on the ballot was Ryan Binkley, a pastor and businessman.It means Mr Trump will take all Nevada’s 26 delegates, the system used by the parties to determine their presidential candidate. Initial results reported by CNN showed the former president gaining 99% of the vote.Briefly addressing a victory party in Las Vegas, Donald Trump said: “If we win this state, we easily win the election in November.”He has now won contests in three states – Nevada, Iowa and New Hampshire – making him the presumptive Republican candidate in November’s general election.He also won a Republican caucus in the US Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory. Donald Trump’s only serious challenger left in the race, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, had opted not to take part in the Nevada caucus and to appear in the state’s primary vote instead.Two separate ballots were held in Nevada because of a dispute between the state Republican Party and the Democratic-controlled state legislature.Haley vows to stay in race after stinging Nevada lossWhy Trump and Haley are contesting different Nevada votesIn Tuesday’s primary, Nikki Haley was beaten by the “none of these candidates” option.But the result was symbolic as the state’s Republican party had decided that only the results of the caucus would count towards the selection of the presidential candidate.Nikki Haley’s team said they did not take part in the caucus, claiming it had been “rigged for Trump”.The situation in Nevada caused confusion and frustration. It had been criticised by the state’s Republican governor, who said there should have been a single ballot for voters.Although the result of the Nevada caucus was a foregone conclusion, the state will be hotly contested in the November presidential election. The vote is effectively guaranteed to be a rematch between 2020 candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden.Mr Trump’s next stop will be South Carolina, where he will again go head to head against Nikki Haley.Despite three defeats, she has vowed to fight on, arguing that Republican supporters want to see an alternative to Donald Trump and that “voters want an election, not a coronation”.Related TopicsRepublican PartyNevadaDonald TrumpUnited StatesMore on this storyWhy Trump and Haley are contesting different Nevada votesPublished3 days agoHaley vows to stay in race after stinging Nevada lossPublished1 day agoWhat the world thinks of US electionPublished31 JanuaryTop Stories’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back after report on classified filesPublished5 hours agoPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinPublished1 hour agoUS warns Israel over sending troops into RafahPublished7 hours agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?A political hand grenade disguised as a reportThe Papers: Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Chris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turnWhy the e-bike boom is raising fire fearsPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinA mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in India‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the worldElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsAll-out action!A new generation of superhumans take on the ultimate test of speed and strengthAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to Kremlin2Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans3’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel4Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods5Donald Trump scores huge win in Nevada caucus6Tesco Bank to be bought by Barclays in £600m deal7US warns Israel over sending troops into Rafah8‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world9TikTok and Temu pull cheap heaters over fire risk10Piers Morgan to move TalkTV show to YouTube

[ad_1] Initial results showed the former president gaining 99% of the vote in the state.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaTucker Carlson: Putin takes charge as TV host gives free rein to KremlinPublished32 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Putin insisted relations between Ukrainians and Russians “would heal”By Sarah RainsfordEastern Europe correspondentVladimir Putin lectured, joked and occasionally snarled – but not at his host. Tucker Carlson laughed, listened – and then listened some more.During the American’s much-hyped encounter with the Russian president, his fixed, fascinated expression slipped a few times.Especially when Putin’s promise of a 30-second history lesson became a 30-something minute rant. But for the most part, Carlson seemed to lap up what Russia’s president was telling him. Putin was fully in charge of this encounter and for large parts of it his interviewer barely got a word in. Instead of pushing the Russian leader – indicted as a suspected war criminal – on his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and challenging his false assertions, Carlson swerved off-piste to talk God and the Russian soul.Journalist hostageThe American had touted his sit-down with Putin as a triumph for free speech, asserting that he was heading where no Western news outlets dared to tread. That’s untrue. The Kremlin is simply highly selective about who Putin speaks to. It will almost always choose someone who knows neither the country nor the language and so struggles ever to challenge him. Carlson’s claim also ignored the fact that Russia’s president has spent the past two decades in power systematically stamping out free speech at home. Most recently, he made it a crime to tell the truth about Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Multiple critics – Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin and many more – are in prison right now for doing just that. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Evan Gershkovich has been held in Russia since last yearIt was a full two hours into his interview before the former Fox News anchor asked about the US journalist Evan Gershkovich. He was arrested last year in Russia while doing his job and accused of espionage. Carlson suggested Vladimir Putin might release the reporter into his custody, providing a trophy to return with from his trip. What Putin gave was the strongest hint yet of what he wants in return.He talked about a Russian “patriot” who had “eliminated a bandit” in a European capital, seeming to confirm previous reports that Russia is demanding a prisoner swap with Vadim Krasikov. The assassin, a suspected Russian intelligence agent, killed a Chechen separatist in a Berlin park in 2019.Putin claimed negotiations were under way and “an agreement could be reached”.We already know those complicated talks are not new, involve three countries and likely at least two American prisoners.Lectures The whole encounter in the Kremlin opened with a history lecture.Putin wrote a long essay before the war that denied Ukraine’s existence as a sovereign state. He now appears to have learned it by heart. He delivered his thesis, eyes burning with conviction, as Carlson’s own burned with boredom and disbelief. Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s commander-in-chief’If not Putin, then who?’ – How Russians view looming electionsNo more easy deals for Russian convicts freed to fightFor fans who managed to stay tuned any longer, the reward was a re-run of Putin’s top, twisted arguments. He aired his regular grievance about Nato expanding east into what Russia sees as its area of influence. “We never agreed Ukraine could join Nato”, as Putin put it. But it’s having an aggressive, unpredictable neighbour like Russia that’s led Ukraine to seek extra security. Putin has always characterised the mass public protests in Kyiv a decade ago as part of a Western-backed “coup”, which they were not. He also called the fighting in the eastern Donbas that Moscow provoked a “civil war”. Image source, ReutersImage caption, Putin agreed to this chat from a position of relative strengthIt’s all part of how Putin justified his full-scale invasion, almost 2 years ago – along with “de-Nazifying” Ukraine, which he claimed is still a work in progress. Kyiv fiercely disputes every word of it.At one point Putin insisted “relations between the two peoples will be rebuilt. They will heal.”But I’ve met many Ukrainians who spoke Russian before the invasion and often travelled there.After two years of unprovoked fighting and missile attacks, they’ve switched language in droves and tell me they feel nothing but hatred. It’s just one example of how far Vladimir Putin is from actual facts and reality. Just like in February 2022, when he sent Russian troops rolling on Kyiv thinking they’d be greeted as liberators. Peace chances It seems Putin agreed to this chat from a position of relative strength. The fighting in Ukraine has stalled. Kyiv’s allies in the West have been dithering over continued military aid, especially the US. President Zelensky just sacked his commander-in-chief, talking of the need for a reset and renewal in the war effort.The situation is precarious. So there was plenty of swagger from Putin about how Russia is “ready for dialogue” and “willing to negotiate”. He wants to capitalise on any hesitancy among Ukraine’s supporters and any doubts among Ukrainians themselves about going on fighting. “Sooner or later this will end in agreement,” was Putin’s message, arguing that Nato was coming to realise that defeating Russia on the battlefield would be impossible.It’s all classic Putin and Tucker Carlson let him roll with it.Not all interviews need to be combative. There is merit in letting people speak and reveal themselves. But this one took that concept to the extreme. None of Putin’s statements were challenged in essence. None of the actual facts of his all-out invasion were presented to him, including allegations of war crimes in Bucha, Irpin and far beyond.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Evidence of apparent war crimes was discovered following the withdrawal of Russian troops from some areas of Ukraine, including BuchaNor did he have to answer for the “high precision missiles” that slam into homes in Ukraine, killing civilians. The American did not push Putin at all on political repression at home, which includes locking up vocal opponents of the war in jail. ExcitementThe way Carlson was feted in Moscow was extraordinary. There was breathless coverage of his every move from the same TV hosts who usually rail against the West as a mortal enemy. Like a spurned lover, suddenly given attention, Russia was excited. And it seems Carlson was moved by his experience, too. His interview, which included a question about the supernatural, ended with Putin talking about souls. Both men fell silent for several seconds, before Russia’s leader broke the spell.”Shall we end here?”Carlson blinked. “Thank you, Mr President.”Related TopicsRussiaVladimir PutinMore on this storyZelensky sacks Ukraine’s commander-in-chiefPublished12 hours ago’If not Putin, then who?’ – How Russians view looming electionsPublished31 JanuaryNo more easy deals for Russian convicts freed to fightPublished5 days agoTop Stories’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back after report on classified filesPublished4 hours agoPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinPublished32 minutes agoUS warns Israel over sending troops into RafahPublished6 hours agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?A political hand grenade disguised as a reportThe Papers: Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Chris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turnWhy the e-bike boom is raising fire fearsPutin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to KremlinA mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in India‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the worldElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsAll-out action!A new generation of superhumans take on the ultimate test of speed and strengthAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Putin takes charge as Carlson gives free rein to Kremlin2’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel3Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans4Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods5Donald Trump scores crushing win in Nevada caucus6Piers Morgan to move TalkTV show to YouTube7US warns Israel over sending troops into Rafah8‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world9A political hand grenade disguised as a report10Putin says deal can be reached to free US reporter

[ad_1] The Russian leader was given the opportunity to expound familiar grievances unchallenged.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaJoe Biden: A political hand grenade disguised as a reportPublished31 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image source, Getty ImagesBy Anthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentIt was a political grenade disguised as a 345-page report.The pyrotechnics were delivered on Thursday afternoon in the findings of special counsel Robert Hur’s investigation into Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents after he left the vice-presidency in 2017.The top-line conclusion was that the president would not face criminal charges for his actions, despite evidence that he had “wilfully retained and disclosed classified materials… when he was a private citizen”.The bottom line was much more damaging. Among the reasons Mr Hur listed for why he had decided not to prosecute the 81-year-old president was because he would likely be a sympathetic figure to a jury who would view him as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory”.Issues about Joe Biden’s age and competency to serve another four years in office have been simmering for practically as long as Mr Biden has been in the White House, so this latest finding will provide fuel for Republican attacks and stoking concerns among some Democrats that the president is not up to the task.It is a narrative that the Biden campaign has been desperately trying to confront, said Chris Borick, the director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion.”The polling, over and over, we see data points that suggest it is his largest liability into this election that voters think he’s simply too old to run,” he says.It’s no surprise, then, that the Hur report prompted the White House to launch a furious counter-offensive that included the president holding an impromptu press conference, where he asserted that his memory was “just fine”.”I know what the hell I’m doing,” he said.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Biden responds to special counsel – ‘I’m elderly and know what the hell I’m doing’What’s more, the special counsel presented specific evidence to back up this assertion. He wrote that during two days of interviews, Mr Biden had frequently been unable to recall details relevant to the investigation. More than that, Mr Hur recounted, he had struggled to recall which years he had been vice-president and when his oldest son, Beau Biden, had died of cancer.It was this last claim that prompted an angry response from the president during his press conference at the White House on Thursday evening.”How in the hell he dare raise that?” the president said.The press conference itself could lend more fuel to the attacks on Mr Biden, however, as the president answered a question about the Gaza War by referring to Egyptian President Mohamed al-Sisi as the president of Mexico.That stumble, not unlike other verbal miscues by Mr Biden in recent days, exposes the scope of the challenge facing his re-election effort. The best way for the president to address concerns about his age is to run a vigorous campaign and increase his public exposure. But every attempt comes with the risk of actions or evidence that feed existing concerns.The White House has made other efforts to defuse the potency of the Hur report. Mr Biden’s personal lawyer, Richard Sauber, tried to convince the special counsel to drop references to Mr Biden’s mental acuity and mental lapses, writing in a letter that such language was not “accurate or appropriate”.Mr Biden also noted that he had given his two days of testimony to the special counsel shortly after the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel – while he was “in the middle of handling an international crisis”, he said.Other Biden allies have pushed back on Mr Hur’s impartiality, pointing out that he was appointed to a US attorney office by Donald Trump in 2017. It was Biden Attorney General Merrick Garland who selected Mr Hur as special counsel, however.The Biden team has also been quick to pounce on the verbal missteps of his likely November opponent, 77-year-old Donald Trump. The former president recently confused his primary opponent Nikki Haley with former Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and referred to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as the leader of Turkey.The best case for the White House may be that this particular grenade exploded in February, a full nine months from election day. Larry Sabato, the director for the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, says concerns about Mr Biden’s age are already essentially baked into the race, making the report damaging but not fatal.The public “will look at it, and will raise one eyebrow, not both”, he says. “Because in a way, people already knew this. Even if you casually watch five minutes of a speech he’s giving, you already know this,” he says.When American voters finally head to the polls, the assertions contained in a special counsel report that ultimately declined to find Mr Biden criminally culpable will be of less concern than issues like the economy and abortion.The worst-case scenario, on the other hand, is that this is just the start of a cavalcade of evidence undermining the president on one of his weakest attributes. And the arrow of time only points one way.The president isn’t getting any younger.’My memory is fine’: Biden hits back at special counselFive things in the Biden classified documents reportNo charge for Biden over documents but report questions memoryWho is the special counsel in the Biden probe?If you’re in the UK, sign up here.And if you’re anywhere else, sign up here.Related TopicsUS election 2024US politicsUnited StatesJoe BidenTop Stories’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counselPublished3 hours agoPutin says deal can be reached to free US reporterPublished2 hours agoUS warns Israel over sending troops into RafahPublished5 hours agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?A political hand grenade disguised as a reportThe Papers: Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’Chris Mason: The politics of Starmer’s U-turnWhy the e-bike boom is raising fire fearsA mosque demolished, and orphans displaced in India‘Get it up ye!’ How 17-year-old Kevin Bridges conquered the world’We are surrounded’ – Guarding the Middle East’s most dangerous borderElsewhere on the BBCHow did a booming computer manufacturer go bust?Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s, so why couldn’t the business adapt and survive?AttributionSounds’It was 23andMe’s biggest ever security breach’Was a recent, unprecedented DNA data theft a racially motivated attack?AttributionSoundsCould you be owed cash over car finance deals?Martin has been investigating and shares his step-by-step guide on how to find outAttributionSoundsAll-out action!A new generation of superhumans take on the ultimate test of speed and strengthAttributioniPlayerMost Read1’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counsel2Labour’s £28bn ‘U-turn’ and fury at ‘blue card’ plans3Putin says deal can be reached to free US reporter4Piers Morgan to move TalkTV show to YouTube5Weather warnings across UK for snow and floods6US warns Israel over sending troops into Rafah7TikTok and Temu pull cheap heaters over fire risk8Cocoa price hits record high as El Niño hits crops9’Fat people can be heroes, not just the punchline’10Weekly quiz: Who beat Miley to win Song Of The Year?

[ad_1] The findings into Joe Biden’s handling of classified files reignite debate over his age and competency.

Other Story

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersCloseJury selection is under way in Donald Trump’s New York City hush-money trial, with hundreds of people selected as potential jurors.They must answer a questionnaire to determine, among other things, if they can be impartial about the former president.The BBC asked some of those questions to Manhattan residents.SubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreCould you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New Yorkers. Video, 00:02:16Could you be a fair juror for Trump? We asked New YorkersSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished50 minutes ago2:16Up Next. A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trial. Video, 00:01:15A view from inside court for Trump’s blockbuster trialSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished19 hours agoUp Next1:15Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouse. Video, 00:01:12Press, police and protesters: Outside Trump courthouseSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:12Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 seconds. Video, 00:01:00Trump’s ‘perp walk’ moment explained in 60 secondsSubsectionUS & CanadaPublished31 March 20231:00Editor’s recommendationsCopenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fire. Video, 00:01:03Copenhagen stock exchange engulfed by huge fireSubsectionEuropePublished12 hours ago1:03Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchange. Video, 00:00:43Moment spire collapses at Copenhagen stock exchangeSubsectionEuropePublished11 hours ago0:43Dormice ladders built in the Forest of Dean. Video, 00:00:51Dormice ladders built in the Forest of DeanSubsectionGloucestershirePublished1 day ago0:51Liz Truss: The world was safer under Trump. Video, 00:00:35Liz Truss: The world was safer under TrumpSubsectionUK PoliticsPublished22 hours ago0:35Huge fires blaze along Miami highway. Video, 00:00:33Huge fires blaze along Miami highwaySubsectionUS & CanadaPublished12 hours ago0:33Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debate. Video, 00:00:34Watch: Georgia opposition leader punches MP during debateSubsectionEuropePublished21 hours ago0:34Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong wind. Video, 00:00:24Wheelie bins fly and a caravan overturns in strong windSubsectionStoke & StaffordshirePublished1 day ago0:24Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazzi. Video, 00:00:28Hannah Waddingham calls out demanding paparazziSubsectionEntertainment & ArtsPublished1 day ago0:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA. Video, 00:01:28Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LASubsectionUS & CanadaPublished1 day ago1:28

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityUKEnglandN. IrelandScotlandAlbaWalesCymruIsle of ManGuernseyJerseyLocal NewsFirst product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealedPublished11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Meghan pictured at a polo match in Florida last weekBy Sean CoughlanRoyal correspondentA first glimpse of the new business venture from the Duchess of Sussex has been teased on social media, with pictures of a jar of strawberry jam.In a bid to preserve a sense of mystery, the jam from the new American Riviera Orchard brand seemed to be spread among friends and influencers.Fashion designer Tracy Robbins posted a picture of the jam on Instagram.It was numbered “17 of 50”, suggesting the number of recipients of this first fruit of the new business.The arrival of Meghan’s new California-based lifestyle brand had been signalled on social media last month and this suggests that it will be selling food products.What do we know about Meghan’s new brand?Five things about Harry and Meghan’s brand revampWhy did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family?There seemed to be have been something of a re-launch for Meghan and husband Prince Harry’s brands and businesses this year, beginning with the overhaul of their regal-looking website under the sussex.com label.Their latest projects seem to be moving away from a previous focus on their time as working royals, such as their Netflix film Harry and Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.The hint about the strawberry jam from Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard brand seems to fit with the couple’s latest Netflix plans.Meghan is going to launch a Netflix show which will “celebrate the joys of cooking and gardening, entertaining, and friendship”.Prince Harry will be involved in another Netflix venture showing the inside track on the world of polo. That’s the equestrian sport, not the mints.Delfina Blaquier, married to Prince Harry’s polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras, also posted a picture of the new jam, with hers labelled “10 of 50”.The social media trail for American Riviera Orchard evokes a sense of the couple’s home in California – and this soft launch for the jam show pictures of the jars in a sunny basket of lemons.It’s not known how much items from the new lifestyle brand will cost. Although there are already plenty of other royals getting into jams. Visitors to the gift shops in royal palaces can get a Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve for £3.95 or Windsor Castle Fine Cut Seville Orange Marmalade, also for £3.95.On both sides of the Atlantic they seem to be conserving their finances.Related TopicsUK Royal FamilyMeghan, Duchess of SussexMore on this storyWhat we know about Meghan’s regal lifestyle brandPublished16 MarchMeghan launches surprise new lifestyle brandPublished14 MarchTop StoriesMPs back smoking ban for those born after 2009Published8 minutes agoMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished2 hours agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished7 hours agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlinePlaying Coachella after cancer emotional, says DJHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Nursery boss ‘killed baby she strapped to beanbag’2Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident3Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5MPs back smoking ban for those born after 20096Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline9Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told10Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSupreme Court hears 6 Jan case that may hit Trump trialPublished2 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS Capitol riotsImage source, Brent StirtonImage caption, Hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol after holding a “Stop the Steal” rally on 6 January, 2021By Nadine YousifBBC NewsThe US Supreme Court have begun hearing a case that could undo charges for those who stormed the Capitol in 2021. It focuses on whether a 2002 federal law created to prevent corporate misconduct could apply to individuals involved in the 6 January riots. More than 350 people have been charged in the incident under that law, which carries a 20-year prison penalty.Donald Trump faces the same charge in the pending federal case accusing him of election interference. The law makes it a crime to “corruptly” obstruct or impede an official proceeding. On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justices heard two hours of arguments over the law’s interpretation. However, it remained unclear how they would rule. A lawyer for a man who stormed the Capitol and was prosecuted under the law argued before the Justices that “a host of felony and misdemeanour” crimes already exist to prosecute his clients actions.The 2002 law passed in the wake of the Enron accounting scandal, Jeffrey Green said, was not one of them. US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar counterargued that rioters deliberately attempted “to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the election,” therefore obstructing an official proceeding. Both fielded sceptical questions from the Justices. At one point, Mr Green argued that there is no historical precedent in which the law was used to prosecute demonstrators.Justice Sonia Sotomayor replied: “We’ve never had a situation before where (there was an attempt) to stop a proceeding violently, so I am not sure what a lack of history proves.”On the other hand, Ms Prelogar fielded questions from Justice Neil Gorusch on whether the law could then be stretched to apply to a “sit-in that disrupts a trial” or “a heckler” at the State of the Union Address. “Would pulling a fire alarm before a vote qualify for 20 years in federal prison?” he asked, appearing to reference an incident in which Jamaal Bowman, Democrat House representative, pressed a fire alarm in the Capitol.How the top court rules could have wide-ranging effects on the hundreds of people charged, convicted or sentenced under the law, as well as the prosecution of Mr Trump. Here is a breakdown of the key players and the law being argued: What is the 2002 federal law at the centre of the trial?The law is called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It was passed in response to the Enron scandal in the early 2000s, after it was exposed that those involved had engaged in massive fraud and shredding documents. It criminalizes the destruction of evidence – like records or documents. But it also penalises anyone who “otherwise obstructs, influences or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so.” How has it been used in response to the 6 January riots?Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has brought obstruction charges against those who participated in the storming of the Capitol. Federal prosecutors argue they did so to impede Congress’ certification of the presidential electoral vote count to cement Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. Therefore, the latter portion of the law that deals with obstructing an “official proceeding” would apply, the DoJ says. Who is challenging the law’s use in this case, and why? The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to the law’s application brought forward by a former Pennsylvania police officer.Joseph Fischer was charged under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with obstruction of a congressional proceeding on 6 January, as well as assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct. His lawyers argue that prosecutors overreached with applying the Act, which they say deals explicitly with destroying or tampering with evidence integral to an investigation. Those who challenge the law’s application in 6 January cases also argue that a broad interpretation of the law would allow the prosecution of lobbyists or protestors who disrupt matters in Congress.How could the Supreme Court ruling impact Trump?The former president is charged under the very same law in a federal case accusing him of working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Mr Biden.If Supreme Court justices rule that the law does not apply to the 6 January rioters, Mr Trump could seek dismissal of half the charges he faces in that case.It also could be seen as a political win for the former president, who is seeking re-election in November, as he repeatedly has accused prosecutors of overreach. A final ruling is not expected until June. Related TopicsUS Capitol riotsDonald TrumpMore on this storySupreme Court to hear appeal over Capitol riot chargePublished13 December 2023A very simple guide to Trump’s indictmentsPublished25 August 2023Supreme Court asked to rule on Trump’s immunityPublished12 December 2023Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished1 hour agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoNo liberty in addiction, says health secretary on smoking banPublished4 minutes agoFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Birmingham Airport suspends flights over incident3First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed4Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference5Marten a ‘lioness’ who ‘loved her cubs’, court told6Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline7Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames8No liberty in addiction, says minister on smoking ban9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Boy, 4, dies after fire at family home in Wigan

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNational Conservatism Conference: Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels eventPublished4 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, ReutersImage caption, Nigel Farage said the decision to shut the conference down was as an attempt to stifle free speechBy Nick Beake in Brussels and Laura GozziBBC NewsBrussels police have been ordered to shut down a conference attended by right-wing politicians across Europe, including Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.Organisers say the National Conservatism Conference in the Belgian capital is continuing, but guests are no longer allowed to enter. Local authorities had raised concerns over public safety.A UK spokeswoman called reports of police action “extremely disturbing”. She said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was a “strong supporter and advocator for free speech” and that he was “very clear that cancelling events or preventing attendance and no-platforming speakers is damaging to free speech and to democracy as a result”.Alexander De Croo, the Belgian prime minister, said that the shutting down of the conference was “unacceptable”.Referring to the fact that it was the local mayor, Emir Kir, who opposed the conference, Mr De Croo added that while municipal autonomy was a cornerstone of Belgium’s democracy it could “never overrule the Belgian constitution guaranteeing the freedom of speech”. “Banning political meetings is unconstitutional. Full stop,” Mr De Croo wrote on X.In a message to organisers, Mr Kir had said some of the attendees of Tuesday’s conference held anti-gay and anti-abortion views. “Among these personalities there are several particularly from the right-conservative, religious right and European extreme right,” his statement said.Mr Kir also wrote on X: “The far right is not welcome.”Nigel Farage, who took to the stage this morning, told the BBC the decision to close down the conference because there were homophobes in the audience was “cobblers”, and that he condemned the decision as an attempt to stifle free speech. “Thank God For Brexit”, he said.Organised by a think-tank called the Edmund Burke Foundation, the National Conservatism Conference is a global movement which espouses what it describes as traditional values, which it claims are being “undermined and overthrown”. It also opposes further European integration.The conference said it aimed to bring together “public figures, journalists, scholars and students” who understood the connection between conservatism and the idea of nationhood and national traditions. French far-right politician Eric Zemmour, arriving for the conference after police had blocked the entrance, told journalists that Mr Kir was “using the police as a private militia to prevent… Europeans from taking part freely”.Organisers said Mr Zemmour was not allowed into the venue and that his address would be postponed.Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman and far-right French politician Eric Zemmour were listed as keynote speakers. The National Conservatism Conference reportedly started around 08:00 (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday and carried on for three hours until police showed up and asked the organisers to make attendees leave.Later, organisers wrote on X: “The police are not letting anyone in. People can leave, but they cannot return. Delegates have limited access to food and water, which are being prevented from delivery. Is this what city mayor Emir Kir is aiming for?”Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki were due to speak tomorrow. Earlier, the organisers said on X that they would challenge the order to shut the conference down. “The police entered the venue on our invitation, saw the proceedings and the press corps, and quickly withdrew. Is it possible they witnessed how peaceful the event is?,” they wrote on X.The Claridge event space – located near Brussels’s European Quarter – can host up to 850 people. Around 250 people were in attendance on Tuesday afternoon.Mohamed Nemri, the owner of Claridge, told the BBC he had decided to host the event because “we don’t reject any party…. even if we don’t have the same opinion. That’s normal”.”I am Muslim and people have different opinion and that’s it. We are living in a freedom country. I’d like to people to talk freely,” he added.It is the third venue that was supposed to hold the event, after the previous two fell through. Belgian media reported that one venue pulled out after pressure by a group called the “Antifascist coordination of Belgium”.Related TopicsBelgiumTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished43 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished5 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Sons of McCartney and Lennon release joint single10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNasa says part of International Space Station crashed into Florida homePublished40 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, NASAImage caption, The recovered object was part of a stanchion used to mount batteries to a cargo palletBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS space agency Nasa confirmed that an object that crashed into a home in Florida earlier this month was part of the International Space Station (ISS). The metal object was jettisoned from the orbiting outpost in March 2021, Nasa said on Monday after analysing the sample at the Kennedy Space Center.The 1.6lb (0.7kg) metal object tore through two layers of ceiling after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. Homeowner Alejandro Otero said his son was nearly injured by the impact. Nasa said the object was part of some 5,800lbs of hardware that was dumped by the station after it had new lithium-ion batteries installed. “The hardware was expected to fully burn up during entry through Earth’s atmosphere on March 8, 2024. However, a piece of hardware survived and impacted a home in Naples, Florida,” the agency said.The debris was determined to be part of a stanchion used to mount batteries on a cargo pallet. The object, made from metal alloy Inconel, has dimensions of 4in by 1.6in (10.1cm by 4cm).Mr Otero told CBS affiliate Wink-TV that the device created a “tremendous sound” as it blasted into his home.”It almost hit my son. He was two rooms over and heard it all,” he said.”I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage,” Mr Otero continued.”I’m super grateful that nobody got hurt.”According to Nasa, the ISS will “perform a detailed investigation” on how the debris survived burn-up.What’s the risk of being hit by falling space debris?Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkSpace junk has been a growing a problem. Earlier this month, sky watchers in California watched mysterious golden streaks moving through the night sky.US officials later determined that the light show was caused by burning debris from a Chinese rocket re-entering earth’s orbit.In February, a Chinese satellite known as “Object K” burned up as it re-entered the atmosphere over Hawaii.Last year, a barnacle-covered giant metal dome found on a Western Australian beach was identified as a component of an Indian rocket. There are plans to display it alongside chunks of Nasa’s Skylab, which crashed in Australia in 1979. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Object thought to be a satellite burns up on re-entering Earth’s atmosphereRelated TopicsSpace debrisNasaFloridaUnited StatesMore on this storyIs it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s more space junkPublished3 AprilRobot dog trains to walk on Moon in Oregon trialsPublished3 days agoTop StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished50 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished4 hours agoLive. US expects to impose further sanctions on Iran ‘in the coming days’FeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed3Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference4Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline5Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care10Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice forever

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaFormer Marine jailed for nine years for bombing abortion clinicPublished7 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS abortion debateImage source, CBSBy Max MatzaBBC NewsA former US Marine has been jailed for nine years for firebombing a California Planned Parenthood clinic and plotting other attacks to spark a “race war”.Chance Brannon, 24, pleaded guilty to the March 2022 attack on the healthcare clinic, which provides abortions in some of its locations.He also plotted to attack Jewish people and an LGBT pride event taking place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. At the time of his arrest, he was an active duty member of the US Marines. Prosecutors said Brannon was a neo-Nazi who frequently spoke of “cleansing” the US of “particular ethnic groups”. In November, Brannon pleaded guilty to conspiracy, destruction of property, possession of an explosive and intentionally damaging a reproductive health services facility.Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, said the attack “was designed to terrorise patients seeking reproductive healthcare and the people who provide it”.The explosion damaged the front entrance to the clinic in Costa Mesa, Orange County. No one was injured.However, Mehtab Syed, of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said Brannon’s “deep-rooted hatred and extremist views… could have killed innocent people”. Mr Syed added that Brannon plotted to rob Jewish residents in the Hollywood Hills, and had also discussed plans to attack the power grid. Further to this, in 2022, Mr Syed said Brannon, of San Juan Capistrano, placed calls to two US “adversaries” hoping to offer himself as a “mole” providing US intelligence.Two co-defendants, Tibet Ergul and Xavier Batten, have pleaded guilty to similar charges and will be sentenced next month.According to the National Abortion Federation, a group representing US abortion providers, there was a “sharp increase” in violence against clinics in 2022. Related TopicsAbortionUS abortion debateUnited StatesCaliforniaMore on this storyWhat is Planned Parenthood?Published25 September 2015Top StoriesMuslim student loses school prayer ban challengePublished53 minutes agoBowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelinePublished3 hours agoLive. Israel demands sanctions on Iranian missile projectFeaturesJeremy Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifelineIranians on edge as leaders say ‘Tel Aviv is our battleground’A really, really big election with nearly a billion votersWhat is the smoking ban and how will it work?Martin Tyler: I nearly lost my voice foreverWho are the millions of Britons not working?How to register to vote for the local elections ahead of midnight deadlineMeteorite ‘repeatedly transformed’ on space journeyHow the Alec Baldwin fatal film set shooting unfoldedElsewhere on the BBCFrom weight loss to prolonging lifeIs intermittent fasting actually good for you? James Gallagher investigatesAttributionSoundsCould Nina shake up the unspoken rules of modern dating?Brand new comedy about love, friendship and being your own selfAttributioniPlayerWill the UK introduce tough anti-tobacco laws?Under new plans, anyone turning 15 from this year would be banned from buying cigarettesAttributionSoundsCan William Wisting find the truth?The Norwegian detective returns, tackling more grisly cold casesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Muslim student loses school prayer ban challenge2Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels conference3Superdry boss hits back at ‘not cool’ criticism4First product of Meghan’s lifestyle brand revealed5Bowen: Iran’s attack on Israel offers Netanyahu a lifeline6Historic Copenhagen stock exchange goes up in flames7MPs to vote on smoking ban for those born after 20098Stabbed TV presenter ‘feeling much better’9William to return to duties after Kate diagnosis10Baby hurt in Sydney stabbing out of intensive care