BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaThe Jewish settlers who want to build homes in GazaPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage caption, Settler numbers are rising fast under Benjamin Netanyahu’s governmentBy Orla GuerinBBC international correspondent, West BankWho wouldn’t want a house on the beach? For some on Israel’s far-right, desirable beachfront now includes the sands of Gaza.Just ask Daniella Weiss, 78, the grandmother of Israel’s settler movement, who says she already has a list of 500 families ready to move to Gaza immediately. “I have friends in Tel Aviv,” she says, “so they say, ‘Don’t forget to keep for me a plot near the coast in Gaza,’ because it’s a beautiful, beautiful coast, beautiful golden sand”. She tells them the plots on the coast are already booked. Mrs Weiss heads a radical settler organisation called Nachala, or homeland. For decades, she has been kickstarting Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, on Palestinian land captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Some in the settler movement have cherished the dream – or pipedream – of returning to Gaza since 2005, when Israel ordered a unilateral pullout, 21 settlements were dismantled and about 9,000 settlers were evacuated by the army. (Reporting from Gaza at the time, I saw many who were literally dragged out.) Many settlers saw all this as a betrayal by the state, and a strategic mistake. Opinion polls suggest that most Israelis oppose resettling Gaza, and it is not government policy, but since the Hamas attacks on 7 October it is being talked about out loud – by some of the loudest and most extreme voices in Israel’s government.Mrs Weiss proudly shows me a map of the West Bank with pink dots indicating Jewish settlements. The dots are scattered all over the map, eating away at land where Palestinians hope – or hoped – to build their state.There are about 700,000 Jewish settlers in these areas now and settler numbers are rising fast.The vast majority of the international community considers settlements illegal under international law, including the United Nations Security Council. Israel disputes this.Image caption, Daniella Weiss does not deny charges of ethnic cleansingWe meet Daniella at her home in the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, where red-roofed houses are spread over hilltops and valleys. She’s in constant motion despite having an arm in plaster.Her vision for the future of Gaza – now home to 2.3 million Palestinians, many of them starving – is that it will be Jewish.”Gaza Arabs will not stay in the Gaza Strip,” she says. “Who will stay? Jews.”She claims that Palestinians want to leave Gaza and that other countries should take them in – although in a lengthy interview, she rarely uses the word “Palestinian”.”The world is wide,” she says. “Africa is big. Canada is big. The world will absorb the people of Gaza. How we do it? We encourage it. Palestinians in Gaza, the good ones, will be enabled. I’m not saying forced, I say enabled because they want to go.”There is no evidence that Palestinians want to leave their homeland – although many may now dream of escaping temporarily, to save their lives. For most Palestinians, there is no way out. The borders are tightly controlled by Israel and Egypt, and no foreign countries have offered refuge.I put it to her that her comments sound like a plan for ethnic cleansing. She does not deny it.”You can call it ethnic cleansing. I repeat again, the Arabs do not want, normal Arabs do not want to live in Gaza. If you want to call it cleansing, if you want to call it apartheid, you choose your definition. I choose the way to protect the state of Israel. “A few days later, Daniella Weiss is selling the idea of a return to Gaza over cake and popcorn at a small gathering, hosted by another settler in their living room.She has a projector, showing a new map of Gaza, complete with settlements, and leaflets entitled “Go back to Gaza”.”People are asking me what the odds are this will happen?” she says.”What were the odds back then when I came to these dark mountains and made it into this heaven?”The handful in attendance seem already convinced. “I want to go back immediately,” says Sarah Manella. “When they call me, I will go back to Gush Katif [the former Israeli settlement bloc in Gaza].”What about the people who live there, we ask.”The area is empty now, “she replies. “Now you don’t need to think where to put the settlement, you only need to come back and put a new settlement.”Image caption, Some illegal settlements have established their own checkpointsGaza is far from empty, but much of it has been erased after almost six months of relentless Israeli bombardment.It is the “greatest open-air graveyard” in the world, in the words of the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, most of them women and children. The World Health Organization regards the ministry’s data as credible.For some in the Israeli cabinet, the Palestinian territory – now drenched in blood – is ripe for resettlement. That includes Israel’s hard-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir – a settler himself.In late January, he made his way through a packed conference hall, slowed by embraces and handshakes. He was among friends – about 1,000 ultranationalists pushing for a return to Gaza at the event entitled Settlement Brings Security.Mr Ben Gvir, who favours “encouraging emigration”, was among a dozen cabinet ministers in attendance.”It’s time to go back home,” he said from the stage, to loud applause. “It’s time to return to the land of Israel. If we don’t want another 7 October, we need to return home and control the land.”In the shade of a sprawling tree, Yehuda Shimon is playing with his two young sons, who are in hammocks, hanging from the branches. He has raised 10 children here in a settler outpost in the West Bank called Havat Gilad, or Gilad’s Farm, near the Palestinian city of Nablus. All around him there are Palestinian villages, the nearest 500m away. There is no contact between them, he says.Image caption, Yehuda Shimon says Gaza must be JewishShimon has lived in Gaza in the past and claims a God-given right to return.”We must do it. It’s part of Israel area,” he says. “This is the land that God gave us, and you couldn’t go to God and tell him, ‘OK you gave me, and I gave to other people.’ No. I believe in the end we will go back to Gaza.”I ask what this means for the Palestinians.”They have 52 other places to go in the world,” he says, “52 Muslim countries”. He says the new Gaza will be “another Tel Aviv”.Outposts like his are multiplying in the West Bank, along with larger settlements, fragmenting Palestinian territory and stoking tension.Settler attacks on Palestinians have surged since 7 October according to the UN, which has long condemned settlements as “an obstacle to peace”.And now settler organisations have their eyes on Gaza once again.Is there a real prospect of settlers reaching the beachfront in Gaza?A seasoned Israeli journalist told me it won’t happen. “Calls to resettle Gaza won’t be translated into policy,” he said. Then he added: “Famous last words.”Related TopicsIsrael & the PalestiniansIsrael-Gaza warIsraelPalestinian territoriesWest BankMore on this storyFrance bans Israeli settlers over West Bank violencePublished13 FebruaryIsraeli settler violence brings destruction and fear to West BankPublished6 December 2023Top StoriesRussia charges four men over Moscow concert attackPublished29 minutes agoRosenberg: As Russia mourns, how will Putin react to concert attack?Published1 hour agoTriple lock for pensions stays if we win election, says HuntPublished10 hours agoFeaturesIs now the time Palestinian politics can start afresh?Did Russia ignore US ‘extremist’ attacks warning?The Brazilian teen who scored winner against EnglandAttributionSportYour pictures on the theme of ‘reflections’‘Having a certificate of loss proves my baby existed’Kate cancer diagnosis rewrites story of past weeksSimon Harris – the man on the brink of Irish history England kits ‘should connect people’From the desert to the icy waters of WalesElsewhere on the BBCWhy do people behave the way they do on social media?Marianna Spring investigates extraordinary cases of online hate to find out…AttributioniPlayerCritically acclaimed and utterly compelling…Masterful, claustrophobic drama starring Sofie Gråbøl as a troubled prison guardAttributioniPlayerFrom triumph to tragedy…After more than 30 years of service, America’s space shuttle took to the skies for the last timeAttributioniPlayerCan new evidence solve aviation’s greatest mystery?Ten years after the Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared, new technology may explain whyAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Russia charges four men over Moscow concert attack2Passenger overboard from cruise ship, firm says3Murder arrest at Heathrow after man hit by car4The Jewish settlers who want to build homes in Gaza5Boy, 12, charged with attempted murder6Avanti to pay train drivers £600 a shift for overtime7Rosenberg: As Russia mourns, how will Putin react to concert attack?8Tony Blackburn hangs up his local radio headphones9The man in the iron lung: How Paul Alexander lived life to the full10’Most unwanted’ dog finds home after four years

[ad_1] They see an opportunity to push for a return of Jewish settlements to the Palestinian territory.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWest Africa’s Michelin-starred cuisine wows LondonPublished28 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Jodi Hinds Image caption, Ayo Adeyemi (L) and Aji Akokomi (R) opened Akoko in 2020By Danai Nesta KupembaBBC NewsTender, buttery, spicy cow tongue is one of the dishes delighting diners at a high-end West African restaurant in central London.The thinly sliced meat is seasoned with suya, a traditional Hausa spice, grilled over firewood and served with a creamy bone marrow emulsion on a ceramic plate inspired by Nigeria’s late renowned potter Ladi Kwali.It is the signature dish of the newly minted Michelin-starred restaurant Akoko.A Michelin star is awarded to restaurants around the world “offering outstanding cooking” – and Akoko is one of the three with a West African heritage head chef to receive the highly sought after and prestigious honour in the last year alone.”This is just the icing on the cake,” Akoko’s executive chef Ayo Adeyemi told the BBC.Around the corner from Akoko in London’s Fitzrovia neighbourhood another West African chef is also basking in pride.Image source, MichelinImage caption, Adejoké Bakare made gastronomic history when her Chishuru restaurant was awarded a Michelin star earlier this monthAdejoké Bakare is a self-taught chef from Nigeria whose Chishuru restaurant also received a Michelin star at a ceremony in Manchester earlier this month.She made gastronomic history, becoming the first black female in the UK to win a star and just the second in the world.”People can connect to that fact that we are sharing our heritage and people can see themselves on the table,” she told the BBC about her accolade.Ms Bakare hopes this recognition means Michelin will “start looking at the continent”. Currently there is only one Michelin-starred restaurant in Africa – located in the South African city of Cape Town. The award, widely considered the barometer of gastronomic success, has been criticised for being overwhelmingly skewed towards restaurants with white male chefs and for lacking inclusion when it comes to African cuisine. “We are only looking for the restaurants proposing the best food regardless of category,” the UK Michelin chief inspector, whose identity is a closely guarded secret, told the BBC.”Our restaurant selections reflect the culinary diversity and evolution of the food scene,” the inspector added.”Chishuru and Akoko are therefore an illustration of the growing diversity of London’s fine dining scene.”Image source, Jodi Hinds Image caption, One of Ayo Adeyemi’s creations – scallops served with ayamase stew and plantain chipsIt is evident that jollof rice, egusi soup (made from melon seeds) and moi moi (puréed black-eyed peas) – among other traditional West African food present on Akoko’s and Chishuru’s menus – have now captured Michelin’s palate and attention. This is not only limited to UK restaurants. Parisian restaurant MoSuke, opened by celebrity chef Mory Sacko, was awarded a Michelin star within months of its opening in 2020 – the inspectors in France praising the successful fusion of his Malian and Senegalese roots with a Japanese twist.It was the first Gallic nod to a restaurant with a mainly West African menu.Last year, comments by British actor Will Poulter went viral with his criticism of the Michelin system and how food of African origin tended to be underrepresented at the fine-dining levelThe 31-year-old had just starred in the second series of the acclaimed US TV drama The Bear – about a chaotic sandwich shop in Chicago run by an award-winning chef.”There’s a massive oversight of food of African origin and black chefs in general,” he said. /* sc-component-id: sc-bdVaJa */ .sc-bdVaJa {} .hlroRb{overflow:hidden;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;background-color:#F2EFEC;-webkit-flex-direction:row-reverse;-ms-flex-direction:row-reverse;flex-direction:row-reverse;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;box-sizing:border-box;} /* sc-component-id: sc-bwzfXH */ .sc-bwzfXH {} .bplUY{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%;position:absolute;background-size:cover;background-position-x:50%;background-position-y:50%;background-image:url(‘https://c.files.bbci.co.uk/assets/ae26109d-391e-48b1-96e4-438022c5863d’);} /* sc-component-id: sc-htpNat */ .sc-htpNat {} .kUePcj{max-width:743px;width:45%;position:relative;min-height:200px;-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;} /* sc-component-id: sc-bxivhb */ .sc-bxivhb {} .bQGZgI{max-width:100%;position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;color:#ffffff;background:#000000;opacity:0.7;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;padding:5px;word-wrap:break-word;} @media (max-width:599px){.bQGZgI{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;}} @media (min-width:600px) and (max-width:1007px){.bQGZgI{font-size:13px;line-height:16px;}} @media (min-width:1008px){.bQGZgI{font-size:12px;line-height:16px;}} /* sc-component-id: sc-gzVnrw */ .sc-gzVnrw {} .blLFIH{width:45% !important;position:relative;margin:0;word-wrap:break-word;color:#404040;font-weight:300;-webkit-flex:1 0 auto;-ms-flex:1 0 auto;flex:1 0 auto;padding:16px;} /* sc-component-id: sc-htoDjs */ .sc-htoDjs {} .kGbKV{display:block;} /* sc-component-id: sc-dnqmqq */ .sc-dnqmqq {} .dHUwnI{font-weight:100;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;padding:11px 0 25px 0;} .dHUwnI p{margin:0;} @media (max-width:599px){.dHUwnI{font-size:18px;line-height:22px;}} @media (min-width:600px) and (max-width:1007px){.dHUwnI{font-size:21px;line-height:24px;}} @media (min-width:1008px){.dHUwnI{font-size:20px;line-height:24px;}} /* sc-component-id: sc-iwsKbI */ .sc-iwsKbI {} .jiPRqw{display:block;} /* sc-component-id: sc-gZMcBi */ .sc-gZMcBi {} .honXkL{padding-top:10px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} /* sc-component-id: sc-gqjmRU */ .sc-gqjmRU {} .klLnaG{color:#404040;font-style:normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} .klLnaG > strong{font-weight:bold;} @media (max-width:599px){.klLnaG{font-size:16px;line-height:20px;}} @media (min-width:600px) and (max-width:1007px){.klLnaG{font-size:18px;line-height:22px;}} @media (min-width:1008px){.klLnaG{font-size:16px;line-height:20px;}} @font-face { font-family: ‘ReithSans’; 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font-weight: bold; } @font-face { font-family: ‘NotoSansEthiopic’; font-display: swap; src: url(https://c.files.bbci.co.uk/graphics/static/media/NotoSansEthiopic-Regular.ttf) format(“truetype”); } @font-face { font-family: ‘NotoSansEthiopic’; font-display: swap; src: url(https://c.files.bbci.co.uk/graphics/static/media/NotoSansEthiopic-Bold.ttf) format(“truetype”); font-weight: bold; } @font-face { font-family: ‘Mallanna’; font-display: swap; src: url(https://c.files.bbci.co.uk/graphics/static/media/mallanna.ttf) format(“truetype”); } Maki ManoukianI have heard several people say that African cuisines don’t have a place on gastronomic tables”Beninois chef Georgiana ViouThings seem to be turning around, though it is a slow process, says Georgiana Viou, a chef from Benin based in France.”I have heard several people say that African cuisines don’t have a place on gastronomic tables,” the 46-year-old told the BBC.But Rouge, the restaurant where she is head chef in Nîmes, southern France, received a Michelin star last year.It has a Mediterranean menu with a Beninois influence – introduced through “dja”, a traditional tomato sauce offered to all diners at the beginning of their meals. This is Ms Viou’s way to “change mentalities” about food from Africa.But seeing Akoko and Chishuru “serving 100% West African” food receive a Michelin star “sends out a strong signal”, she says.”I have a secret dream of opening a restaurant with even more West African and Beninois cuisine.”According to Mr Adeyemi, whose parents hail from Nigeria, where he spent time as a child, this growing interest in West African food stems from the region’s growing global cultural domination – think Afrobeats.”This interest translates to food. What is one way of experiencing someone’s culture [other] than through food?” the 34-year-old asks.He takes diners at Akoko on a culinary expedition through Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia.”We tell a journey and a story with the food. But it is not just the food itself,” the chef says.Image source, Jodi Hinds Image caption, Akoko’s menu is influenced by dishes cooked by Ayo Adeyemi’s motherThis is a nod to Akoko’s founder Aji Akokomi. The 46-year-old Nigerian, who came to the UK in his twenties, has overseen the feeling of West Africa in the restaurant’s design – every detail meant to mirror the cuisine.An imposing two-toned black and brown Ghanaian drum greets people as they are ushered to their tables. There is a large floral centrepiece of dried palm leaves and African flowers, with the restaurant’s rustic clay walls evoking the atmosphere of an African village.For Mr Akokomi, this is all meant to conjure the feeling of “ajosepo”, which means community in Nigeria’s Yoruba language – highlighting all that “Africa can offer”.Both Mr Akokomi and Mr Ademayi set out to create a menu with their mothers and aunties in mind. For Mr Adeyami, every spice, ingredient and dish is an ode to his mother who he said was his “first inspiration”. He defines West African food through these three classic flavours: smoke, heat and savoury umami. Many African restaurants in London have thrived outside the fine dining space like Chuku’s, Beyoncé’s favourite in north London, or Enish – the largest Nigerian franchise restaurant in the world with branches in the UK and Dubai.But those behind Akoko wanted to push the boundaries of what African cuisine could achieve – opening it up to a new diners, while staying true to its roots. “We take inspiration from authentic dishes and flavours and present it in a unique way,” Mr Ademayi says. “Our food is approachable to a Western palate and recognisable to an African palate.” Curtis Mccalla, the Jamaican sous chef at Akoko, welcomes the inclusion of African cuisine by Michelin.”It is about time,” he says – momentarily stopping chopping fish as the kitchen behind bustles ahead of the lunchtime sittings.The Akoko team works like a well-oiled machine as the clock runs down to noon, when smooth African jazz fills the restaurant preparing for their first guests of the day. With the firewood burning, the Nigerian Guinness chilled by the in-house sommelier, the chefs in their whites gather in the stainless-steel kitchen for a brief team meeting. Afterwards they all clap, the door is opened and feasting begins.More stories on African food:African food: The next gastronomic trend?Nigerians turn to rice that’s normally thrown awayNew York’s hottest West African tableRelated TopicsMichelin StarFoodBlack interestAround the BBCFocus on Africa podcastsTop StoriesNavalny’s team accuses Russia of ‘hiding’ his bodyPublished9 hours agoZelensky warns of ‘artificial deficit’ of weaponsPublished35 minutes agoGaza ceasefire talks not very promising, says QatarPublished4 hours agoFeaturesThe Papers: Starmer ‘attacks Trump’ and ‘No way back for Harry’A US soldier killed two at Mount Fuji. 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[ad_1] African fine dining is often overlooked, but now restaurants are getting their just deserts.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNato says record number of allies hit defence targetPublished26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockImage caption, Jens Stoltenberg said while real progress had been made, some Nato allies still had some way to goBy Alys DaviesBBC NewsA record 18 member countries are set to meet the defence alliance’s target of spending 2% of their economic output on defence this year, Nato says.Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said it was a marked increase from 11 out of Nato’s 31 members a year ago.Germany is due to meet the threshold for the first time in decades.Nato’s announcement came after former US President Donald Trump said he would “encourage” Russia to attack Nato members that were not spending enough.Nato leaders agreed in 2014 to commit at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, after Russia’s Vladimir Putin seized Crimea from Ukraine and Russian proxy forces occupied large areas of eastern Ukraine. At the time it was less than 1.5%.While Ukraine is not a member, many of its neighbours are and Nato countries are committed to helping one another defend themselves should they come under attack.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared on social media on Wednesday that his country would have the “highest defence budget” in Europe and would maintain the 2% target “in the decades to come… for safety and reliability”.Estonia has already said its defence budget will surpass 3% of its economic output this year, and that 0.25% of GDP will be provided in military aid to Ukraine. Estonian intelligence chief Kaupo Rosin warned on Tuesday that Nato could face a “Soviet-style mass army in the next decade”.What is Nato and which countries are members?Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Wednesday that the number of countries expected to allocate 2% of economic output on defence this year was “another record number and a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target”.He said that, overall, European nations and Canada will have spent an extra $600bn (€560bn; £477bn) on defence since the 2% target was set 10 years ago. He added, however, that while “real progress” was being made, “some allies “still have a way to go” in hitting the target.Nevertheless, the Nato chief suggested the rise in expenditure showed that members were committed to spending more on defence, appearing to rebuke comments made by Donald Trump last week, in which he insinuated some Nato allies did not spend enough on defence.Speaking at a rally on Saturday, Mr Trump said he had once told a Nato leader he would not protect a nation behind on its payments, and would “encourage” the aggressors to “do whatever the hell they want”. The remarks were denounced as “dangerous” and “un-American” by President Joe Biden, and condemned by the Nato secretary general and German chancellor.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Trump would not protect countries from attack by Russia if they do not pay enough into NatoAsked by the BBC about Mr Trump’s comments, Mr Stoltenberg said any suggestion that Nato was not going to protect all of its members “undermines the security of all of us”.He added that Nato had enacted the “strongest reinforcements” of its collective defence in decades, since the Russian annexation of Crimea.”We should leave no room for miscalculation or misunderstanding in Moscow, about our readiness and our commitment, our resolve to protect allies,” he said.Asked whether the US was aware of Nato’s importance for Americans themselves, he added: “The United States has never fought a war alone.”Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 heavily influenced Western defence spending last year, and 11 countries were expected to have met the 2% target in 2023.Seven more countries are likely to follow suit in 2024, and Germany’s projected spending is set to climb to the equivalent $73.41bn (€68.5bn;£58.5bn), according to German press agency DPA.That would bring it to 2% of economic output for the first time since the early 1990s. It is a substantial rise for a country that largely focused on diplomacy and dialogue prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion.In 2023, the US and countries bordering Russia such as Poland spent the highest proportion of their national incomes on defence, according to Nato figures.Related TopicsWar in UkraineEstoniaDonald TrumpNatoMore on this storyNato says Trump comments ‘undermine all of our security’Published2 days agoTrump ‘encourages’ Russia to attack non-paying Nato alliesPublished3 days agoPutin’s war prompts dramatic German U-turnPublished27 February 2022What is Nato and which countries are members?Published1 hour agoTop StoriesUkraine claims sinking of Russian ship off CrimeaPublished13 minutes agoMoment Russian ship struck by Ukrainian drones. VideoMoment Russian ship struck by Ukrainian dronesPublished37 minutes agoCrackers and cake drive food price fall but overall inflation stays at 4%Published4 hours agoFeaturesSteve Wright: Radio giant and feel-good friend to millions’Like a friend’ – listeners’ tributes to Steve WrightFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionTough week tests Starmer’s leadershipTorvill, Dean and the death of romanceAttributionSportResignations of leading women give Hungary’s Orban his biggest crisis’He said he was a UN surgeon and that lured me in’ – the world of romance scamsAI fake nearly led to serious disorder, says Sadiq KhanWhat shoppers never saw – glimpses inside historic Edinburgh store JennersElsewhere on the BBCExperience Apollo 11’s adventure first-hand!Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Apollo 11 and its crew with newly released cockpit audioAttributioniPlayerWhat holds us back from exercising as we age?James Gallagher explores the mental and physical barriers that may stop usAttributionSoundsOne of the most densely populated places on earthUncover the hidden systems and armies of people running Hong KongAttributioniPlayerThe surprising health benefits of sleeping moreCould going to sleep one hour earlier dramatically improve your mood and health?AttributionSoundsMost Read1Ukraine claims sinking of Russian ship off Crimea2Disabled man ‘stunned council took back savings’3DJs pay emotional tributes to ‘radio legend’4Israel launches ‘extensive’ strikes on Lebanon5University contributed to student’s death, court upholds6Accused admits indecently assaulting Emma Caldwell7Jury sees how newborn baby’s body was found8Family members jailed after abusing son’s wife9Crackers and cake drive first monthly food price fall10Inside the parts of Jenners you’ve never seen before

[ad_1] He said that, overall, European nations and Canada will have spent an extra $600bn (€560bn; £477bn) on defence since the 2% target was set 10 years ago. He added,…

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaNigerian ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw $6m, court hearsPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Nigeria’s former central bank chief Godwin Emefiele has described the allegations against him as “barefaced lies”By Gloria AradiBBC NewsNigeria is seeking Interpol’s help to arrest three suspects who allegedly stole $6.2m (£4.9m) from the central bank, using the forged signature of then President Muhammadu Buhari.Authorities believe that the suspects conspired with Nigeria’s former central bank chief Godwin Emefiele.He is already on trial on 20 charges, including illegally receiving the $6.2m.Mr Emefiele has denied all the charges, and is currently out on bail.He is the most high-profile former official to be charged with corruption since President Bola Tinubu took office last May.Prosecutors also allege that Mr Emefiele unlawfully authorised the release of the money from the central bank vault.In a statement last December, he described the allegations as “barefaced lies told by the investigator in order to achieve his satanic agenda”. He called for a “thorough and transparent investigation”.Mr Emefiele’s alleged accomplices have been named as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar and Odoh Ocheme, a former central bank employee, the state-owned News Agency of Nigeria reported.The suspects are believed to have left Nigeria, prompting the authorities to seek Interpol’s help with their arrest and repatriation, the agency added.None of the three suspects have commented on the allegations against them.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The alleged theft took place several months before Muhammadu Buhari stepped down as presidentThe government ordered their arrest late on Tuesday, hours after Boss Mustapha, a senior official in ex-President Buhari’s administration, testified in Mr Emefiele’s trial.Mr Mustapha told the court in the capital, Abuja, that neither he nor Mr Buhari had given their signatures to approve the withdrawal of the $6.2m.”Looking at the signature, it is a faint attempt at reproducing [former] President Buhari’s signature,” Mr Mustapha was quoted as telling the court by the Nation newspaper.When shown the document used to withdraw the funds, Mr Mustapha said it “did not emanate from the office of the president”, the newspaper added.The funds were withdrawn in cash in January last year, a few months before Mr Buhari’s term ended.Prosecutors allege that Mr Emefiele falsified the document in question, which requested the central bank to issue the funds so that Mr Buhari could use them to pay foreign election observers.Mr Emefiele was appointed as central bank governor in 2014 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, with Mr Buhari reappointing him in 2019. He held the post until Mr Tinubu took office.More Nigeria stories from the BBC: Nigerians turn to rice that’s normally thrown awayDramatic downfall of top banker captivates NigeriaThe Nigerian professor who makes more money weldingRelated TopicsMuhammadu BuhariNigeriaMore on this storyNigerians turn to rice that’s normally thrown awayPublished12 hours agoDramatic downfall of top banker captivates NigeriaPublished26 July 2023Top StoriesUkraine claims sinking of Russian ship off CrimeaPublished3 hours agoFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionPublished2 hours agoCrackers and cake drive food price fall but overall inflation stays at 4%Published3 hours agoFeaturesSteve Wright: Radio giant and feel-good friend to millions’Like a friend’ – listeners’ tributes to Steve WrightFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionTorvill, Dean and the death of romanceAttributionSportResignations of leading women give Hungary’s Orban his biggest crisis’He said he was a UN surgeon and that lured me in’ – the world of romance scamsAI fake nearly led to serious disorder, says Sadiq KhanWhat shoppers never saw – glimpses inside historic Edinburgh store JennersWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nation. VideoWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nationElsewhere on the BBCExperience Apollo 11’s adventure first-hand!Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Apollo 11 and its crew with newly released cockpit audioAttributioniPlayerWhat holds us back from exercising as we age?James Gallagher explores the mental and physical barriers that may stop usAttributionSoundsFrom the seizure of Crimea to the war in UkraineThe inside story of a decade of clashes, as told by the Western leaders who traded blows with PutinAttributioniPlayerOff the pitch, on the playlistJoin Gary Neville as he shares the music that has shaped his lifeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Ukraine claims sinking of Russian ship off Crimea2Disabled man ‘stunned council took back savings’3DJs pay emotional tributes to ‘radio legend’4Israel launches ‘extensive’ strikes on Lebanon5University contributed to student’s death, court upholds6Accused admits indecently assaulting Emma Caldwell7Marten avoided police questions on baby, court told8Crackers and cake drive first monthly food price fall9A20 drivers will not have penalties waived – Met10Inside the parts of Jenners you’ve never seen before

[ad_1] A Nigerian court hears dramatic testimony in the corruption trial of the former central bank chief.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBiden slams Trump criticism of Nato as ‘shameful’Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: President Biden calls Trump’s Nato comments “shameful”By Bernd Debusmann Jr & Anthony ZurcherBBC News, WashingtonPresident Joe Biden has blasted criticism of Nato by his likely 2024 election challenger, Donald Trump, as “dumb”, “shameful” and “un-American”.The Democrat assailed Mr Trump for saying he would “encourage” Russia to attack any Nato member that did not meet its defence spending quota.Mr Biden said the remarks underscored the urgency of passing a $95bn (£75bn) foreign aid package for US allies.The bill just passed the Senate, but it faces political headwinds in the House.At the White House on Tuesday, Mr Biden said a failure to pass the package – which includes $60bn for Ukraine – would be “playing into Putin’s hands”. He said the stakes have risen because of Mr Trump’s “dangerous” remarks over the weekend.”No other president in history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator,” Mr Biden said. “Let me say this as clearly as I can. I never will. For God’s sake. It’s dumb. It’s shameful. It’s dangerous. It’s un-American.”At a rally on Saturday in South Carolina, Mr Trump, a Republican, criticised “delinquent” payments by Nato members.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Trump would not protect countries from attack by Russia if they do not pay enough into NatoHe recounted a past conversation he said he had had with the head of “a big country” about a potential attack by Russia.Mr Trump said the official had asked if the US would defend a Nato member that had not met its financial obligations. “I said: ‘You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?'” Mr Trump told the crowd. “‘No I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You gotta pay.'”Mr Biden said his predecessor was treating the military alliance like a protection racket.In a message aimed at House Republicans, the president said: “Are you going to stand with Ukraine or are you going to stand with Putin? Will you stand with America or Trump?” What is Nato and which countries are members?Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenburg announced at a news conference on Wednesday that 18 of its 31 members would this year hit their targets of spending 2% of gross domestic product on their defence budgets. In 2016, only five Nato members met this goal, prompting harsh criticism from Mr Trump, who repeatedly suggested the US might withdraw from the alliance. Mr Stoltenburg told reporters in Brussels: “The criticism we hear is not about Nato, it is about Nato allies not spending enough on Nato.” He added that the upwards trend in military spending by European allies showed this message had been received.The Kremlin, meanwhile, said Mr Trump’s most recent criticism of Nato was “nothing new”. “This was one of Trump’s main messages that he used in his relations with members of the alliance,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. “In fact, he constantly repeated this ‘two per cent’ on various occasions. So there is nothing new in his approach to this problem.” The spat between Mr Biden and Mr Trump over Ukraine aid and US-Nato relations highlights what could be one of the defining divides in the November’s presidential election.Mr Biden has frequently presented the US as being a key participant in a generational global conflict between democratic nations and autocracies. In his telling, Ukraine is one of this conflict’s pivotal battlegrounds, and European allies, both in Nato and the EU, are key partners.During his four years as president, Mr Trump frequently downplayed US participation in multilateral alliances of any kind, instead focusing on direct relations with other nations and their leaders, with less of a defined global outlook beyond putting “America First”. If Nato and other US allies did not directly advance American interests, he has been comfortable suggesting that they are expendable.The package approved by the Senate early on Tuesday includes $60bn earmarked for Ukraine, $8bn for Taiwan and other US allies in Asia, $14bn for Israel’s war against Hamas and another $10bn for humanitarian aid in conflict zones, including Gaza. It had the support of 22 Republican senators but met considerable resistance from conservative lawmakers who are against additional funds being sent abroad until the government tackles a migrant crisis at the southern US border. Related TopicsDonald TrumpNatoJoe BidenMore on this storyWhat is Nato and which countries are members?Published2 hours agoSenate advances aid package for Ukraine and IsraelPublished5 days agoBiden and Trump trade blame as border bill faltersPublished7 days agoBiden vows border ‘shut down’ if Congress passes dealPublished27 JanuaryWhy are some Republicans opposing aid to Ukraine?Published7 December 2023Top StoriesCrackers and cake drive food price fall but overall inflation stays at 4%Published1 hour agoUkraine claims sinking of Russian ship off CrimeaPublished2 hours agoFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionPublished1 hour agoFeaturesSteve Wright: Radio giant and feel-good friend to millions’Like a friend’ – listeners’ tributes to Steve WrightFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionTorvill, Dean and the death of romanceAttributionSportResignations of leading women give Hungary’s Orban his biggest crisis’He said he was a UN surgeon and that lured me in’ – the world of romance scamsAI fake nearly led to serious disorder, says Sadiq KhanWhat shoppers never saw – glimpses inside historic Edinburgh store JennersWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nation. VideoWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nationElsewhere on the BBCExperience Apollo 11’s adventure first-hand!Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Apollo 11 and its crew with newly released cockpit audioAttributioniPlayerWhat holds us back from exercising as we age?James Gallagher explores the mental and physical barriers that may stop usAttributionSoundsFrom the seizure of Crimea to the war in UkraineThe inside story of a decade of clashes, as told by the Western leaders who traded blows with PutinAttributioniPlayerOff the pitch, on the playlistJoin Gary Neville as he shares the music that has shaped his lifeAttributionSoundsMost Read1Disabled man ‘stunned council took back savings’2University contributed to student’s death, court upholds3Ukraine claims sinking of Russian ship off Crimea4DJs pay emotional tributes to ‘radio legend’5Accused admits indecently assaulting Emma Caldwell6Crackers and cake drive first monthly food price fall7Inside the parts of Jenners you’ve never seen before8A20 drivers will not have penalties waived – Met9Confusion over ultra-processed food labelling10Full cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle to endure

[ad_1] The president says his main political rival is treating the military alliance like a protection racket.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWar-weary Ukrainians endure as Russia’s invasion drags onPublished26 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, Lviv’s cemeteries are now filled with the graves of those killed in Russia’s full-scale invasionBy Fergal KeaneBBC News, LvivNearly two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine Fergal Keane returns to Lviv station where in February and March 2022 he witnessed the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. In the stories of two individuals he examines how the war – now dragging into its third year – has affected the people of Ukraine.We heard the screams from far away. They came floating across the rows of the dead, over other graves still waiting to be filled, and over the rows of flags to commemorate the fallen, that flapped in the icy wind. The military cemetery of the Field of Mars in Lviv is usually a place of whispered prayers and stifled sobs. But on this winter morning the sound was a full-throated rage.He was about 100 yards away, a middle-aged man in military camouflage, walking between the lines of graves. He stopped and raised his hands to the sky and shouted out: “Death to the enemy.” He walked on and after a few steps began to scream again. No words. Just an agonised howl that gradually faded as he moved away. Nearby, a mother and daughter were settling flowers around the grave of a young man, a son, a brother. They had heard the commotion but continued with their work as if, two years and thousands of deaths into the war, it was all part of the normal order of things.There are war funerals most days in Lviv. The coffins are brought first to Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church where I witnessed the first funerals of the Russian invasion back in February 2022. Then, the war felt dramatically like a fight for national survival.The city of Lviv was the setting for the greatest refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Millions of Ukrainians fled west after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022More than ten million Ukrainians had been uprooted from their homes and Lviv station teemed with refugees fleeing west. Stories of atrocities from places like Bucha and Mariupol arrived with every refugee train.The drama captured the attention of the world. People fought to get on trains. The elderly and the sick were carried in wheelchairs up the crowded steps to the platforms. There was the constant noise of children crying, voices on the station tannoy, the whistles of trains arriving and departing, and always the air raid sirens to remind people that death could come at any time.To return is to find a station that has accustomed itself to war. On platform five the refugee crowds are long gone. So too the army of volunteer medics and stewards, cooks and musicians, whose kindness helped ease the terror felt by so many.Now there are young men and women waiting in the cold and shadows for trains to take them east to fight. And there are families returning from abroad for brief visits to loved ones still living in Ukraine. Two years on, the war has settled on Lviv station, a stubborn season that will not move. There is weariness. And everywhere, stories of what’s been lost.Take the story of Natasha Ambarova. She was a doctor who ran an emergency clinic at the station.Image caption, Natasha – originally a Russian citizen – now wants to sign up to fight for UkraineWe met at the height of the refugee crisis, when she was directing a team of doctors, nurses and volunteers, constantly on the move down the long, crowded corridors to wherever help was needed. Through all of this she was dealing with a family crisis: Natasha is of Russian origin and her siblings in Moscow supported Putin’s war. Natasha has lost all contact with her Russian family.”These people are lost for me. They will never say no and will remain silent like slaves.”Natasha is teaching medicine at Lviv University, aware that her students might be drafted to fight. Several staff from the university have been killed. Her own feelings towards Russia have hardened. She describes the air raids on the city, and how her children were woken by a door being blown off its hinges by an explosion. Now this doctor, this mother of a 10-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, wants to fight. The healer of bodies would like to be a sniper.”I love shooting from different weapons. I would be a good sniper,” she says.When I ask how someone whose mission it is to heal felt about being prepared to kill, she replies: “It’s my war… I will kill anyone so my children will be safe. This is a matter of survival. I am fighting for my land.”The war is impacting the psyche of Ukrainians in many different ways. After so much suffering, trauma is everywhere and expresses itself in different ways. But it has not erased the spirit of kindness that was so evident two years ago.In a carriage heading towards Kyiv, I meet a short, stocky man with an engaging smile. Volodymyr Moisei is one-armed, the consequence of a car accident several years ago, and so his military role is that of a chaplain. But he is also a bringer of gifts, delivering presents and treats to children living in front-line areas. Image caption, Volodymyr is now a chaplain, who brings presents to children near Ukraine’s front linesSince before Russia’s full-scale invasion, he and his wife have fostered troubled children – those from broken families, and now those displaced by the war.When the war began, one of his former foster children, Andriy, wanted to go back to his home village to care for his mother, an alcoholic with whom he’d had a troubled relationship. Volodymyr shows me a black-and-white photograph taken by Andriy at a family dinner before the war. Chechen forces under the command of top Putin ally Ramzan Kadyrov had taken over the village.”[Although an alcoholic] she was still his mother. And he went and created a small militia in this village in order to stop the Chechens, Kadyrov’s people who began entering there. And unfortunately they found out after some time. They shot him and they threw him dead in a field,” he says.Image source, AndriyImage caption, Andriy was killed by Russians at the age of just 25On this journey Volodymyr is heading 816km south to Kryvyi Rih, and from there another three hours by road with his friend Oleksandr to Kherson, a city re-taken from the Russians in November 2022. Together they will distribute gifts in front-line villages.Accompanied by a BBC cameraman, they stop at a windswept bus stop in the countryside, where a group of around 20 mothers and children has gathered. There is danger from Russian shelling. The war can come crashing down at any time. Yet people cling to their homes. If you leave, when do you return? Do you ever return? One of the mothers, Larysa Shkliar, organises the meetings with Volodymyr and Oleksandr. She adamantly refuses to leave or to send her children away.”Someone made a law, that we must evacuate the children, as our village is in red zone,” Larysa says. “But when I ask them, ‘Are you going to be responsible for my children, if I do it?’ They say no.”I did not evacuate mine. I am their mother, and responsible for them. When Oleksandr and Volodymyr come it’s like a celebration for us and the kids.”A girl of around 10 years of age, Lera Verizon, comes forward. Volodymyr hands her a parcel. She starts to explain what happened when the Russians attacked her school. “There were three air strikes at us. We didn’t know what to do. I was scared. The window was blown out in the room where my sister was.” As she says the last words Lera begins to cry. She turns into the embrace of her mother Ola who strokes her head. “There bunny, there. It will be OK,” she says.Volodymyr must leave. There are other villages to reach before nightfall and much work still to do.”You know, I have stopped trying to understand this war long ago. It takes away the whole life and even takes away the purpose of it, so it takes away the most important time that a child can experience,” Volodymyr says. As the war lurches into its third year this gentle chaplain tries to create some normality for children, a place “where they can dream again.”Our World – Return to Platform 5: Families at war is available now on BBC iPlayerRelated TopicsWar in UkraineRussiaUkraineMore on this storyInside Ukraine’s struggle to find new men to fightPublished2 days agoThe Ukrainians ‘disappearing’ in Russia’s prisonsPublished4 days agoRos Atkins on… How the Ukraine war has stagnatedPublished4 days agoTop StoriesCrackers and cake drive food price fall but overall inflation stays at 4%Published58 minutes agoUkraine claims sinking of Russian ship off CrimeaPublished1 hour agoFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionPublished26 minutes agoFeaturesSteve Wright: Radio giant and feel-good friend to millions’Like a friend’ – listeners’ tributes to Steve WrightFull cemeteries and empty homes: Ukrainians struggle two years after invasionTorvill, Dean and the death of romanceAttributionSport’Parties can get more people to visit church’Resignations of leading women give Hungary’s Orban his biggest crisis’He said he was a UN surgeon and that lured me in’ – the world of romance scamsWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nation. VideoWatch: What the maps miss about this huge Asian nationWhat shoppers never saw – glimpses inside historic Edinburgh store JennersElsewhere on the BBCFrom Malcolm Tucker to Doctor WhoPeter Capaldi opens up to Kirsty Young about what he’s learned from his life so farAttributionSoundsThe surprising health benefits of doing the plankMichael Mosley explores whether it outshines crunches or sit-ups…AttributionSoundsTales to delight you, scare you, and make you wiserDive into the dark side of fairy tales for grown-ups!AttributionSoundsFrom The Fall to Fifty ShadesActor Jamie Dornan shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren LaverneAttributionSoundsMost Read1University contributed to student’s death, court upholds2DJs pay emotional tributes to ‘radio legend’3Accused admits indecently assaulting Emma Caldwell4Ukraine claims sinking of Russian ship off Crimea5Crackers and cake drive first monthly food price fall6Disabled man ‘stunned council took back savings’7A20 drivers will not have penalties waived – Met8Confusion over ultra-processed food labelling9Inside the parts of Jenners you’ve never seen before10AI fake nearly led to serious disorder, says Khan

[ad_1] Two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainians carry deep wounds from the fight.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaPhilippines landslide: Child rescued after 60 hours under rubblePublished5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, EPAImage caption, The girl was buried in a landslide that hit a gold-mining village in the Mindanao region on TuesdayA three-year-old girl has been rescued from a landslide in southern Philippines sixty hours after she was buried.Rescuers had given up hope of finding more survivors, and hailed the rescue of the child on Friday as “a miracle”.The landslide took place near a gold mining village of Masara in the Davao de Oro province in the Mindanao region on Tuesday.Officials say 35 people have died and about 77 others are missing.Photos and video posted on the Philippine Red Cross Facebook page on Friday show rescue workers carrying the girl, wrapped in an emergency blanket and hooked to an oxygen tank, into a hospital in nearby Mawab municipality.Edward Macapili, a disaster agency official of the Davao de Oro province, said “it’s a miracle,” adding that searchers had believed those missing were probably dead.He told AFP: “That gives hope to the rescuers. A child’s resilience is usually less than that of adults, yet the child survived.”Davao de Oro provincial disaster chief Randy Loy told the news conference: “We’re still hoping to save more people even after four days.” But he warned that that they “can’t really guarantee their chances of survival” after 48 hours.Image source, EPAImage caption, Emergency officials say the girl’s rescue gives them hope that they may find more people who are missingThe landslide struck Tuesday night, destroying houses and engulfing three buses and a jeepney – a type of minibus – waiting to pick up workers from the gold mine.Landslides are a frequent hazard across much of the Philippines because of the mountainous terrain, heavy rainfall, and widespread deforestation from mining and illegal logging.Heavy monsoon rains have pounded parts of Mindanao on and off for weeks, causing landslides and flooding that have forced tens of thousands of people into emergency shelters.Rescuers were forced to pause their operations when a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck on Saturday.According to the Philippine Star, no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far from the quake.Related TopicsPhilippinesMore on this storyPregnant woman killed in Philippines earthquakePublished3 December 2023Top StoriesSix-year-old Gazan girl found dead days after plea for helpPublished4 hours agoGazans surviving off animal feed and rice as food dwindlesPublished10 hours agoPolice searching Thames for Clapham attack suspectPublished1 hour agoFeaturesIsraeli soldier videos from Gaza could breach international law, experts sayWill King’s diagnosis bring Harry and William closer?Are politicians cooling on tackling climate change?The Ukrainians ‘disappearing’ in Russia’s prisonsDinosaur Island: 40 years of discoveries on Skye’There is no right or wrong way to have alopecia’Spain’s LGBT matador: ‘More will come out because of me’Have we lost faith in tech?Celebrities and the perils of oversharing daily routinesElsewhere on the BBCIt’s make or break timeAnother set of eager entrepreneurs hope to impress the fearsome panelAttributioniPlayerHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a Dublin factory that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIs this the greatest Jurassic predator that ever lived?Sir David Attenborough investigates a unique discovery: the skull of a giant, prehistoric sea monsterAttributioniPlayerThe sound effect that became the ultimate movie in-jokeIt’s used in everything from Toy Story to Reservoir Dogs, but what is the Wilhelm Scream?AttributioniPlayerMost Read1Six-year-old Gazan girl found dead days after plea for help2Celebrities and the perils of oversharing daily routines3Will King’s diagnosis bring Harry and William closer?4Attempted murder charge after suspected poisoning5Police searching Thames for Clapham attack suspect6Cricketer ‘killed himself amid sexual assault probe’7Ex-Fujitsu boss ‘shocked’ by Post Office’s actions8Farmer protests could escalate, warns organiser9Pakistan army urges unity as ex-PMs both declare win10Taylor Swift Super Bowl cake made by baker

[ad_1] Officials hail the discovery of a three-year-old girl, who was buried in a landslide, as “a miracle”.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityTechnologyShould we fear an attack of the voice clones?Published11 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The real President Biden makes a callBy Chris VallanceTechnology reporter”It’s important that you save your vote for the November election,” the recorded message told prospective voters last month, ahead of a New Hampshire Democratic primary election. It sounded a lot like the President.But votes don’t need to be saved, and the voice was not Joe Biden but likely a convincing AI clone.The incident has turned fears about AI-powered audio-fakery up to fever pitch – and the technology is getting more powerful, as I learned when I approached a cybersecurity company about the issue. We set-up a call, which went like this:”Hey, Chris, this is Rafe Pilling from Secureworks. I’m returning your call about a potential interview. How’s it going?”I said it was going well.”Great to hear, Chris,” Mr Pilling said. “I appreciate you reaching out. I understand you are interested in voice-cloning techniques. Is that correct?”Yes, I replied. I’m concerned about malicious uses of the technology.”Absolutely, Chris. I share your concern. Let’s find time for the interview,” he replied.But this was not the real Mr Pilling. It was a demonstration laid on by Secureworks of an AI system capable of calling me and responding to my reactions. It also had a stab at imitating Mr Pilling’s voice.Listen to the voice-cloned call on the latest episode of Tech Life on BBC Sounds.Millions of calls”I sound a little bit like a drunk Australian, but that was pretty impressive,” the actual Mr Pilling said, as the demonstration ended. It wasn’t completely convincing. There were pauses before answers that might have screamed “robot!” to the wary.The calls were made using a freely available commercial platform that claims it has the capacity to send “millions” of phone calls per day, using human sounding AI agents.In its marketing it suggests potential uses include call centres and surveys.Mr Pilling’s colleague, Ben Jacob had used the tech as an example – not because the firm behind the product is accused of doing anything wrong. It isn’t. But to show the capability of the new generation of systems. And while its strong suit was conversation, not impersonation, another system Mr Jacob demonstrated produced credible copies of voices, based on only small snippets of audio pulled from YouTube. From a security perspective, Mr Pilling sees the ability of systems to deploy thousands of these kinds of conversational AI’s rapidly as a significant, worrying development. Voice cloning is the icing on the cake, he tells me.Currently phone scammers have to hire armies of cheap labour to run a mini call centre, or just spend a lot of time on the phone themselves. AI could change all that.If so it would reflect the impact of AI more generally.”The key thing we’re seeing with these AI technologies is the ability to improve the efficiency and scale of existing operations,” he says.MisinformationWith major elections in the UK, US and India due this year, there are also concerns audio deepfakes – the name for the kind of sophisticated fake voices AI can create – could be used to generate misinformation aimed at manipulating the democratic outcomes.Senior British politicians have been subject to audio deepfakes as have politicians in other nations including Slovakia and Argentina. The National Cyber Security centre has explicitly warned of the threats AI fakes pose to the next UK election.Lorena Martinez who works for a firm working to counter online misinformation, Logically Facts, told the BBC that not only were audio deepfakes becoming more common, they are also more challenging to verify than AI images.”If someone wants to mask an audio deepfake, they can and there are fewer technology solutions and tools at the disposal of fact-checkers,” she said.Mr Pilling adds that by the time the fake is exposed, it has often already been widely circulated.Ms Martinez, who had a stint at Twitter tackling misinformation, argues that in a year when over half the world’s population will head to the polls, social media firms must do more and should strengthen teams fighting disinformation.She also called on developers of the voice cloning tech to “think about how their tools could be corrupted” before they launch them instead of “reacting to their misuse, which is what we’ve seen with AI chatbots”.The Electoral Commission, the UK’s election watchdog, told me that emerging uses of AI “prompt clear concerns about what voters can and cannot trust in what they see, hear and read at the time of elections”.It says it has teamed up with other watchdogs to try to understand the opportunities and the challenges of AI.But Sam Jeffers co-founder of Who Targets Me, which monitors political advertising, argues it is important to remember that democratic processes in the UK are pretty robust. He says we should guard against the danger of too much cynicism too – that deepfakes lead us to disbelieve reputable information.”We have to be careful to avoid a situation where rather than warning people about dangers of AI, we inadvertently cause people to lose faith in things they can trust,” Mr Jeffries says. Related TopicsDisinformationDeepfakesMore on this storyFears UK not ready for deepfake general electionPublished21 December 2023Top StoriesLive. US strikes Iran-linked targets in Iraq and SyriaBrianna killers given life terms for ‘brutal and planned murder’Published4 hours agoClapham attack suspect last seen at King’s CrossPublished5 hours agoFeaturesWeekly quiz: Who led the Vikings in Shetland’s fire festival?The Papers: Killers ‘unmasked’ and Clapham suspect asylum ‘outcry’No ordinary backyards… the best garden photos of yearThe teenagers who tried to get away with murderWatch: Footage of Brianna Ghey’s killers being arrested. VideoWatch: Footage of Brianna Ghey’s killers being arrestedMisinformation spreads in China on ‘civil war’ in TexasWhat do we know about the Clapham attack suspect?The Ukraine schools moving underground to keep pupils safeUS and UK strikes fail to slow Houthi attacksElsewhere on the BBCThe mysterious deaths of Nazi fugitivesThree brothers investigate whether a family connection may explain the truthAttributioniPlayerWhat was the Beer Hall Putsch?Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook interrogate the past to de-tangle the presentAttributionSounds’I never tried to be famous…it was accidental’Michael Parkinson with guests Ricky Gervais, Michael Palin and Kate AdieAttributioniPlayerTracing the historical origins of British comedy tropesIan Hislop’s on the hunt for the earliest examples of enduring British jokesAttributionSoundsMost Read1Escape to the Country’s Jonnie Irwin dies aged 502Our cars are not UK’s most stolen, says Land Rover3Rocky star Carl Weathers dies aged 764Georgia prosecutors in Trump case admit affair5Clapham attack suspect last seen at King’s Cross6Brianna killers given life terms for brutal murder7Killers ‘unmasked’ and Clapham suspect asylum ‘outcry’8California braces for ‘life-threatening’ rain storm9Elton John and Tony Blair at Derek Draper’s funeral10Capt Sir Tom Moore spa building dismantled by crane

[ad_1] Audio deepfakes are easy to make, hard to detect, and getting more convincing, experts say.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaMona Lisa: Protesters throw soup at da Vinci paintingPublishedJust nowShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, AFPBy Oliver SlowBBC NewsProtesters have thrown soup at the glass-protected Mona Lisa painting in Paris. The 16th Century paining by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world’s most famous artworks, and is held at the Louvre in Paris. It sits behind bulletproof glass so is unlikely to have been damaged. A video shows two female protesters wearing T-shirts reading “food response” throwing soup at the painting. They then stand in front of it, demanding the right to “healthy and sustainable food”, saying “our agricultural system is sick”.Museum security are then seen putting black screens in front of them before the room is evacuated. The French capital has seen protests by farmers in recent days, calling for an end to rising fuel costs and for regulations to be simplified – on Friday they blocked key roads in and out of Paris. The Mona Lisa has been behind safety glass since the early 1950s, when it was damaged by a visitor who poured acid on it. In 2019, the museum said it had installed a more transparent form of bulletproof glass to protect it. In 2022, an activist threw cake at the painting, urging people to “think of the Earth”. The painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911, causing an international sensation. Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the world’s most visited museum, hid in a cupboard overnight to take the painting. It was recovered two years later when he tried to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy. Related TopicsFranceMona LisaTop StoriesUN in aid plea after staff accused of Israel attackPublished3 hours agoProtesters throw soup at Mona Lisa paintingPublished10 minutes agoLive. ‘It just wasn’t working’: Badenoch on Post Office chairman’s departureFeaturesWho invented butter chicken? Creamy dish centre of court battleWhen Louis Vuitton tries to make you change your brand nameAuschwitz film was ‘like Big Brother’ in house next to campKuenssberg: What do voters think of party leaders? Not a lotThe Papers: ‘Rwandans get UK asylum’ and PM wants ‘Saga vote’Would it bother you if you only got mail three days a week?Net closes in on vigilante destroyer of Italy’s speed camerasMy dad saved my club, now we’re playing Man UtdOneFour: The rap group dividing AustraliaElsewhere on the BBCHow are jelly beans made?Gregg Wallace visits a factory in Dublin that makes over ten million of the sweets per day!AttributioniPlayerIs this the greatest Jurassic predator that ever lived?Sir David Attenborough investigates a unique discovery: the skull of a giant, prehistoric sea monsterAttributioniPlayer’I smashed all my trophies’Bradley Wiggins opens up about his mental health and imposter syndromeAttributioniPlayerA Royle Family reunion and the best of the North!Ricky Tomlinson and Ralf Little set off on an epic camper van adventure across Northern EnglandAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Protesters throw soup at Mona Lisa painting2World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami3Ex-minister of secretive sect admits child abuse4Who invented butter chicken? Creamy dish centre of court battle5Dragons’ Den episode edited after ME complaints6UN agency condemns aid halt after Hamas attack claim7My dad saved my club, now we’re playing Man Utd8’Rwandans get UK asylum’ and PM wants ‘Saga vote’9Post Office chairman asked to step down10Beauty giant Avon under fire over Russia links

[ad_1] The 16th Century painting by Leonardo da Vinci sits behind protective glass at the Louvre in Paris.

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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