BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaLeonid Volkov: Alexei Navalny ally attacked in LithuaniaPublished35 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Ivan Zhdanov Image caption, Leonid Volkov was hit with a hammer and pepper sprayedBy Sarah RainsfordEastern Europe correspondentA long-time ally of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been attacked outside his home in Lithuania. Leonid Volkov was assaulted with a hammer and tear gas while in his car in Vilnius on Tuesday night, Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said.The alleged assailant is unknown, as is their motive.Lithuanian police have been informed of the incident and are investigating, according to the Reuters news agency.Another member of the Navalny team, Ivan Zhdanov, posted pictures on social media of Mr Volkov with a bloodied lower left leg and what looked like bruising to his temple. He has been taken to hospital. Asked whether the assailant shouted anything, Mr Zhdanov said: “Everything happened in silence.””Of course this is a clear political attack, there is no doubt here”. Mr Volkov has lived outside Russia for some years for his own safety and served as Navalny’s chief-of-staff until the opposition leader died suddenly in prison in the Russian Arctic last month while serving a 19-year sentence after being convicted of charges that were politically motivated.Mr Volkov, 43, also faces various politically motivated charges in Russia. He served as chairman of Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation until last year when he resigned following the revelation he had signed letters calling for the European Union to drop some Russian sanctions.Despite living outside Russia he has also made sure that the activism of Navalny and his team could continue.This has included anti-corruption investigations, YouTube videos and livestreams during protests and major events in Russia.Many more activists moved to join Mr Volkov abroad in 2021 after Navalny’s entire political organisation was labelled “extremist” and banned in Russia. Several of Navalny’s former team are now in prison, as well as some of his lawyers.With presidential elections this weekend, Navalny’s widow Yulia Navalnaya has called on opponents of Vladimir Putin to turn up at polling stations across Russia at midday on Sunday in an act of peaceful political protest.It was an idea supported by Alexei Navalny before he died.Related TopicsRussiaLithuaniaAlexei NavalnyMore on this storyPutin critic Navalny dies in Arctic Circle jail, says RussiaPublished16 FebruaryTop StoriesNo 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments about Abbott were racistPublished1 hour agoBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished4 hours agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished17 hours agoFeaturesThe gangsters and rebels jostling over power in HaitiCan royals move on from Kate photo media storm?The Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Navalny ally Leonid Volkov attacked in Lithuania2No 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments were racist3Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home4Can royals move on from Kate photo media storm?5Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK6Ghislaine Maxwell appeals sex abuse conviction7NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers8UK to pay failed asylum seekers to move to Rwanda9Prince William attends Thomas Kingston’s funeral10Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia

[ad_1] The late Russian opposition leader’s team says Volkov was assaulted with a hammer and pepper sprayed.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaGhislaine Maxwell appeals sex abuse convictionPublished13 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsJeffrey Epstein deathImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2005By Mike WendlingBBC NewsLawyers for Ghislaine Maxwell have argued that she should be set free under the terms of a previous deal with federal prosecutors.Maxwell, 62, was found guilty of helping disgraced financier Jeffery Epstein sexually abuse young girls. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June 2022. Her lawyer, Diane Fabi Samson, told a court in New York on Tuesday that the British socialite was covered by a previous deal with prosecutors.But US government attorneys say that deal, which saw her boyfriend Epstein serve a light sentence for sex crimes, should not allow Maxwell to walk free.Maxwell’s appeal does not relate to the facts laid out at her trial but instead on the legal issues surrounding the agreement struck nearly 20 years ago.The crimes of Epstein, who mixed with some of the world’s most famous people, were first reported in the media in 2005.In 2008, he made a deal with federal prosecutors that allowed him to plead guilty to state charges in Florida of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution and served 13 months in prison. As part of his plea agreement, which was later criticised by a Justice Department internal report, prosecutors agreed not to pursue his alleged co-conspirators.Following numerous lawsuits, Epstein was arrested again in 2019 in a federal case in New York. He was found dead in his jail cell before he could be tried on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.During Tuesday’s hearing, Ms Fabi Samson called the Florida plea deal “weird” and “unusual” but argued that it should have halted any further action against Maxwell. Prosecutors, however, have called the defence arguments “cursory and undeveloped” and say that the deal has no bearing on Maxwell’s case.During the hearing they argued that the agreement was limited to the Florida district where Epstein pleaded guilty. Maxwell was convicted in New York, where Tuesday’s appeal hearing was held.Throughout the course of Maxwell’s 2022 trial, four women testified that they had been abused as minors at Epstein’s homes in Florida, New York, New Mexico and the Virgin Islands.They recounted how Maxwell had talked them into giving Epstein massages which turned sexual, luring them with gifts and promises about how Epstein could use his money and connections to help them.During her trial, a judge rejected attempts to throw out the case, including an argument by Maxwell’s lawyers that a juror had failed to inform the court that he had been abused as a child.The judge also rejected arguments that Maxwell had not been allowed to prepare adequately for her trial, and that prosecutors had waited too long to bring their case against her.The appeals court judgement will be handed down at a later date.Outside the court, Maxwell’s lawyers told the reporters that they were “cautiously optimistic” about their prospects of winning the appeal.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Victims: ‘We still want answers from Maxwell’Related TopicsJeffrey Epstein deathGhislaine MaxwellJeffrey EpsteinUnited StatesMore on this storyThe story of Ghislaine Maxwell’s downfallPublished28 June 2022’We still want answers from Ghislaine Maxwell’Published28 June 2022Top StoriesNo 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments about Abbott were racistPublished7 minutes agoBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished3 hours agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished16 hours agoFeaturesThe gangsters and rebels jostling over power in HaitiCan royals move on from Kate photo media storm?The Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Prince William attends Thomas Kingston’s funeral2Warning after cat falls into Japan chemical vat3No 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments were racist4Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home5NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers6Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK7Can royals move on from Kate photo media storm?8Biden to send new $300m weapons package to Ukraine9Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia10Smith-Neale suspended for allegedly punching opponentAttributionSport

[ad_1] The convicted sex offender’s lawyers argue she is covered by a deal made with prosecutors in 2008.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaWhite House to send new $300m weapons package to UkrainePublished44 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, Getty ImagesBy Max MatzaBBC NewsThe US will send $300m (£234m) in military weapons to Ukraine, including ammunition, rockets and anti-aircraft missiles, the White House has said.The surprise announcement comes as a bill in Congress to send further aid to Ukraine stalls amid partisan debate. The US shipment, the first in nearly three months, is intended to prevent Ukraine from losing ground to Russia. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said this aid “is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs”.”This ammunition will keep Ukraine’s guns firing for a period, but only a short period,” Mr Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday, adding that “it will not prevent Ukraine from running out of ammunition.”The White House has been appealing to Congress for months to pass a budget that sends aid to Ukraine, as well as Israel and Taiwan. A $60bn aid bill has already passed the Senate, but has yet to face a vote in the House of Representatives.Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has so far refused to consider the Senate bill. Mr Johnson, an ally of Donald Trump, has said the House will vote on its own aid bill, but only after congress passes a budget that overhauls the US immigration system.On Tuesday, a group of bipartisan lawmakers in the House launched a longshot petition – an attempt to force the House to vote on the Senate bill – using a rare procedural tactic that hasn’t been successfully employed since 2015. The latest aid announcement comes as President Joe Biden hosts Poland’s president and prime minister at the White House in a show of support for Ukraine. Also on Tuesday, Denmark announced that it would ship around $336m in ammo and artillery to Ukraine. Ukraine has lost ground in recent months due an “artificial shortage” of weapons, the country’s president, Volodymr Zelensky, said last month.Related TopicsWar in UkraineUnited StatesUkraineJoe BidenMore on this storyThe Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsPublished14 hours agoUkraine-based groups claim raids into RussiaPublished28 minutes agoUkraine war in maps: Russia makes limited advancesPublished21 FebruaryIs Europe doing enough to help Ukraine?Published2 days agoTop StoriesNo 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments about Abbott were racistPublished1 hour agoBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished2 hours agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished15 hours agoFeaturesThe gangsters and rebels jostling over power in HaitiCan royals move on from Kate photo media storm?The Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Prince William attends Thomas Kingston’s funeral2No 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments were racist3Warning after cat falls into Japan chemical vat4Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home5Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK6NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers7Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia8Smith-Neale suspended for allegedly punching opponentAttributionSport9Can royals move on from Kate photo media storm?10Hollywood stars lead the way at Olivier nominations

[ad_1] It comes as an aid bill in Congress stalls and as Ukrainian troops run out of battlefield supplies.

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBiden classified files report: Robert Hur hearing highlights partisan dividePublished20 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsUS election 2024Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Robert Hur conducted a 15-month investigation into Joe Biden’s handling of classified information after his vice-presidencyBy Anthony ZurcherNorth America correspondentFive weeks after his report into Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents exploded a political bombshell, former special counsel Robert Hur appeared at a hearing in Congress to explain and defend his work.Although Mr Hur declined to pursue a criminal case against Mr Biden or any of his associates, his report became a political lightning rod for how it depicted the president of the US.It characterised him as a “well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory”. It also cited instances of Mr Biden being unable to recall some details, which prompted an angry response from the president who insisted his memory was fine.Not surprisingly, his memory and mental acuity featured prominently at the hearing, which was a clear demonstration of the sharp partisan divide over the report.Here are some key takeaways. Biden versus TrumpThe hearings began with duelling videos. Republicans played Mr Biden’s impromptu press conference responding to the Hur report, during which he at times appeared angry and flustered and confused the leaders of Egypt and Mexico.Democrats countered with an unflattering montage of clips of Donald Trump, Mr Biden’s likely Republican opponent in November, in which the former president garbled words and admitted lapses of memory.It was an early indication of the Democratic strategy to counter Republican accusations that Mr Biden is senile by claiming Mr Trump is just as bad – if not worse. Who is the special counsel in the Biden probe?Prosecutor faces political glare after Biden reportRepublicans also quickly accused the Justice Department of having a two-tiered standard for prosecution, claiming that Mr Biden avoided charges while special counsel Jack Smith indicted Mr Trump for his handling of classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago club.”Justice for thee, but not for me,” said New Jersey Republican Jeff Van Drew.”Trump is worse” is a familiar page out of the Biden presidential campaign’s playbook, but on Tuesday both sides had opportunities to launch campaign-style salvos at each other.With the president’s team trying to paint their candidate as substantially more ethical than Mr Trump, a fight to a draw here may have helped the Trump side level the playing field on what could have been a damaging topic.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Democrats countered with unflattering clips of Donald TrumpBiden’s memoryHours before Mr Hur began his testimony, the Justice Department released a transcript of the president’s interview with the special counsel’s team.In his report, the special counsel offered several examples of what he described as Mr Biden’s memory lapses. Some, such as the president’s inability to remember when his vice-presidential term ended, are fairly clear. Others, such as the exact date of his son Beau’s death are a bit more complicated. The president recalled the exact day and date of his son’s death but the year – 2015 – was quickly provided by an aide. On multiple occasions, in fact, the president’s aides would chime in with information if Mr Biden appeared to be hesitating.Whether these instances should have been more generally described as signs of a failing memory prompted one of the more heated exchanges of the hearing, as Democrat Adam Schiff of California pressed the special counsel on whether he knew the “political firestorm” his conclusions would create.”You were not born yesterday, you understood exactly what you were doing,” he said. “It was a political choice. It was the wrong choice.”Mr Hur countered that he was required to include his reasoning in his report to the attorney general and that he refused to “shape, sanitise or omit portions of my reasoning for political reasons”. This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Biden responds to special counsel – “I’m elderly and know what the hell I’m doing”The president’s ghostwriterCommittee Republicans repeatedly turned to the president’s communications with Mark Zwonitzer, a ghostwriter who worked on Mr Biden’s two memoirs.Mr Zwonitzer tried to delete audio recordings of his conversations with Mr Biden for those books after learning Mr Hur had been appointed special counsel. That prompted Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz to wonder why the ghostwriter wasn’t charged with obstruction of justice. “What does somebody have to do to get charged with obstruction of justice by you,” Mr Gaetz, a Republican, asked. “If deleting the evidence of crimes doesn’t count, what would meet the standard?”Mr Hur said the audio files were less important because the ghostwriter kept transcripts.Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee’s Republican chairman, suggested Mr Biden, who received an $8m advance on one of his memoirs, had a financial motivation for saving classified documents – so he could share them with his ghostwriter.”Joe Biden had 8 million reasons to break the rules,” he said.Hur under the microscopeMr Hur began his testimony, as many witnesses under the national spotlight do, by recounting his personal story. He’s a child of Korean immigrants who came to the US to seek a better life.”I’m privileged to have served our country for the majority of my career,” he noted, before launching into a full-throated defence of his report and its conclusions.Over the next three hours, the former special counsel was hit from both sides of the political divide. He largely remained composed under the spotlight.When Democrat Hank Johnson of Georgia accused him of trying to help Mr Trump get elected so he could be appointed to a federal judgeship, Mr Hur showed a rare flash of anger.”I have no such aspirations,” he said. “Partisan politics had no place whatsoever in my work.”With his testimony completed and his investigation closed, Mr Hur may be able to step out of the spotlight for as long as he desires. Congressional Republicans aren’t done with their investigations, however. They are still seeking access to video recordings of Mr Hur’s interviews, which could spark another round of embarrassing or politically damaging revelations for the president and his staff.Related TopicsUS election 2024Donald TrumpUS politicsJoe BidenMore on this storyProsecutor faces political glare after Biden reportPublished10 FebruaryNo charge for Biden over documents but report questions memoryPublished8 February’My memory is fine’ – Biden hits back at special counselPublished9 FebruaryFive things in the Biden classified documents reportPublished9 FebruaryWho is the special counsel in the Biden probe?Published4 hours agoTop StoriesNo 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments about Abbott were racistPublished5 minutes agoBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished1 hour agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished14 hours agoFeaturesThe gangsters and rebels jostling over power in HaitiCan royals move on from Kate photo media storm?The Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1No 10 says Tory donor’s alleged comments were racist2Prince William attends Thomas Kingston’s funeral3Warning after cat falls into Japan chemical vat4Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home5Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK6Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia7Hollywood stars lead the way at Olivier nominations8Baptisms ‘a ticket’ for some asylum seekers – vicar9BBC report into Gaza medics ‘disturbing’ – Cameron10Can royals move on from Kate photo media storm?

[ad_1] In his report, the special counsel offered several examples of what he described as Mr Biden’s memory lapses. Some, such as the president’s inability to remember when his vice-presidential…

BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaKashmir: Asif Sultan, the journalist caught in ‘revolving door’ of arrestsPublished7 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Asif Sultan was first arrested in 2018 when he was working at a magazine called Kashmir NarratorOn 29 February, journalist Asif Sultan arrived at his home in Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir after being held on remand in jail for more than 2,000 days. He barely spent five hours with his family before he was called to a local police station, where he was re-arrested.”We had no idea that he would be arrested again,” says Mohammad Sultan, his father. Asif Sultan, 36, was first arrested in August 2018 and charged under an anti-terror law called the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) which makes it extremely difficult to get bail. Police accused him of helping and sheltering anti-India militants, which he denies. His colleagues have alleged that he was targeted for writing an article in 2018 about Burhan Wani, a young militant leader whose death in a gun battle with government forces had sparked protests and deadly violence two years earlier.Militancy is a sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Kashmir, which has been a flashpoint between neighbours India and Pakistan for more than 75 years. Both countries claim the region in full but control only parts of it.Since 1989, an armed revolt has been waged against Indian rule in the region it controls, claiming tens of thousands of lives. India blames Pakistan for stirring the unrest by backing separatist militants in Kashmir – a charge Islamabad denies.For decades, journalists in Kashmir have had to tread carefully between the administration and militant groups while doing their jobs. But they say the federal government’s crackdown on press freedom has worsened since August 2019 – that’s when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s partial autonomy and divided the state into two federally-administered territories.’Any story could be your last’ – India’s crackdown on Kashmir pressThe Kashmir journalists ‘harassed’ over their jobSince the repeal of the state’s special status in 2019, at least five journalists have been charged under the UAPA. Three others have been detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows detention without charge for up to two years. Some, like Mr Sultan, have been charged and detained under both. Activists say police use a tactic known as “revolving door arrests”, whereby people granted bail in one case are promptly re-arrested under another, effectively prolonging their detention.The BBC contacted police officials in Kashmir by email but they have yet to respond to our questions about why Asif Sultan was re-arrested, why other journalists have been detained or to allegations that the authorities are cracking down on media freedoms in the region.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A 2018 protest by journalists in Kashmir against Mr Sultan’s arrestMr Sultan was in a Srinagar prison from August 2018 until April 2022, when a court granted him bail – in that case, the police’s key witness against him had refused to identify him as an accused before the court. But before he could be released, police detained him under the PSA, describing him as a “threat to peace”.He was then transferred to a jail in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, around 1,500km (932 miles) from his home. In December 2023, a court in Srinagar quashed the detention under the PSA and ordered the authorities to release him. Despite that, it took 78 days to release him – prison authorities told online portal Newslaundry that the delay was because they had to get “clearance letters” from authorities in Kashmir.Mr Sultan had just about reached home on 29 February when he was picked up again – this time, his lawyer says, a case had been filed against him under the UAPA related to an incident of rioting that took place in Srinagar’s Central Jail in 2019, when prisoners allegedly ransacked the barracks after an argument with prison staff.”There were around 600 prisoners and he [Mr Sultan] wasn’t in the barrack which was allegedly set on fire by some inmates,” says his lawyer, Adil Abdullah Pandit, adding that they would file a bail plea soon.Asif Sultan is not the only local journalist currently jailed after being caught in the “revolving door” of arrests.Sajad Gul was arrested in January 2022, on charges of “criminal conspiracy” and granted bail after nine days – but he was then detained under the PSA and transferred to a jail in Jammu, 300km from his home. Despite a local court ordering him to be freed last November, he remains in police custody. Kunal Majumder, India representative of the Committee to Protect Journalists, says that the pattern of targeting journalists in Kashmir with multiple cases sends a “concerning signal” about the government’s stance on press freedom. “By repeatedly arresting journalists on various charges, often after they’ve been granted bail on previous ones, it suggests a systematic effort to intimidate and suppress critical voices,” he said.Even though they have been living in despair for years, Mr Sultan’s father says there is always “light at the end of the tunnel”.”There is nothing serious in the case. We are hopeful that we will see him again soon,” he said.Read more India stories from the BBC:Indian troops to exit Maldives as China gains footholdTight security in Kashmir for Modi pre-election tripIndia economy beats expectations with 8.4% growthIn pictures: Bollywood stars and billionaires at lavish partyIndia village in the eye of a political stormRelated TopicsAsiaIndiaKashmirMore on this storyAny story ‘could be your last’Published1 September 2023India minister assures justice after Kashmir deathsPublished28 December 2023Direct rule grew your economy, Modi tells KashmirPublished5 days agoTop StoriesBBC report into treatment of Gaza medics ‘very disturbing’ – CameronPublished2 hours agoGaza medics tell BBC that Israeli troops beat and humiliated themPublished13 hours agoPM says alleged comments about Abbott were racistPublished2 minutes agoFeaturesThe gangsters and rebels jostling over power in HaitiIs pressure on Kate after photo chaos unfair?The Ukrainian sea drones hunting Russian warshipsHow the miners’ strike changed the role of womenMeet the pop star who brought some cheek to the Brit AwardsWhat is TikTok and could the US ban it?’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’ Video’We don’t feel the joy of Ramadan in Rafah’Schoolboy recounts daring escape from Nigerian kidnap gangWhen wind turbine blades get old what’s next?Elsewhere on the BBCThe powerful emotional impact of Pink Floyd’s musicShine On You Crazy Diamond has helped people through their hardest timesAttributionSoundsFrom the largest ship to disasters on deck…A closer look at times when cruise ships have caused commotionAttributioniPlayer’I was mad for stuff but I didn’t realise I wasn’t happy’Stuart Mitchell’s search for happiness will make us all question the true cost of livingAttributionSoundsMisled with the promise of a home…Panorama investigates the mobile home swindleAttributioniPlayerMost Read1The gangsters and rebels jostling over power in Haiti2Prince William attends Thomas Kingston’s funeral3Ashes and 35 bodies removed from funeral home4Badenoch calls donor’s alleged Abbott remark racist5Andrew Tate and brother can be extradited to UK6BBC report into Gaza medics ‘disturbing’ – Cameron7Ukraine-based groups claim raids into Russia8Hollywood stars lead the way at Olivier nominations9Tate unveils counterpoint to offensive mural10Baptisms ‘a ticket’ for some asylum seekers – vicar

[ad_1] Asif Sultan was swiftly re-arrested after years in jail awaiting trial for militant links he denies.

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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