Asurma Arab and her family spent more than two years waiting in Serbia for their chance to cross the steel fence that Hungary erected along its border to keep out migrants.

Little did the Afghan family know, their asylum plea was already a lost cause.

Under amendments passed in 2018, Hungary has been automatically rejecting applications of those who have passed through a "safe transit country", in this case Serbia, in what rights groups say has turned the asylum process into a cruel charade.

"They did not ask what problems brought us there, they only asked us how we had come," the 36-year-old mother, trembling with tears, said from the migrant camp in Serbia where her family is regrouping.

After their long wait, their experience of Hungary was bleak and brief.&nbsp;

They were shut into a transit camp made of blue shipping containers and surrounded by a razor-wire fence, just next to the border barrier.&nbsp;

Four months later, their application was rejected and they were kicked back to Serbia in the middle of the night.

"They brought us to the other side of the fence and left us in the forest," Asurma said.

During the 2015 migrant crisis, the border etched across northern Serbia's fertile flatlands became a vital crossing point into the European Union for migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

But Hungary slowed their march by building the 175-kilometre&nbsp;border fence four years ago, fortifying the EU's edge.

Since then, Budapest has continued to pass laws hostile to migrants, alarming EU officials who have struggled to rein in right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his anti-immigration crusade.

The "safe transit country" idea is a "novel concept that has been introduced by Hungarian officials" over the last year, said John Young from the UNHCR mission in Serbia.

"It's not the way an asylum system is supposed to work," he said.

'Causes unacceptable suffering'

The number of migrants allowed to enter Hungary from Serbia has also been systematically reduced to a trickle, from 20 people a day down to the current quota of around two families per week.

One official at a Serbian migrant camp described it as a form of "psychological torture" for those like Asurma who spend years waiting on a list.&nbsp;

Hungary's two "transit zone" camps have also been roundly criticised by rights groups as inhumane.&nbsp;

"Detaining people, including children, indefinitely behind barbed wires and fences in shipping containers is not simply unlawful but causes unacceptable suffering to asylum seekers," said the Hungarian Helsinki Committee rights group.

A new battle has been brewing since migrants reported being refused food while being forced to choose between returning to Serbia or deportation to their home country.

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee has documented 15 cases of food deprivation affecting nearly 30 people since August 2018.&nbsp;

Asurma, who was pregnant at the time, says her husband was also denied food for three days after their application was rejected.

In July the European Commission warned that detention conditions in Hungarian transit zones, in particular the withholding of food, violated the bloc's rights legislation.

On October 10, Brussels gave Budapest one month to respond, threatening to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

When asked to comment by AFP, the government's press office said that all asylum seekers are provided for, but if their bid is "refused, he or she must leave the transit zone".

Although the European Court of Human Rights ruled in early October that Hungary must allow journalists into the transit camps, AFP reporters were refused entry at the scene several weeks later and have also had an official request denied on grounds of "privacy rights and keeping the peace" of those detained.

'I feel like I am 200'

After years of pinning their hopes on Hungary, Asurma and her family are now joining many other migrants in swerving westwards towards Croatia, carving a new route through the Balkans.

That path usually involves crossing mountains in Bosnia, a country with a shortage of migrant facilities, leaving many to sleep rough or in tent cities with deplorable sanitary conditions.

The next hurdle is circumventing Croatian border police, who are regularly accused of violent pushbacks.

Many migrants have reported beatings and thefts at their hands, though Zagreb denies all accusations.

In their latest attempt to leave Serbia, Asurma and her younger children were stopped by Croatian police, while her oldest daughter and husband managed to slip through.

They made it to Germany, where they are waiting for word on a new asylum application.

Asurma, however, remains in Serbia, trying to plot her next move with two teenagers and a newborn baby who has Down Syndrome and needs treatment for troubled breathing, which comes out in choked gasps.

After years of a life put on hold, her spirit is weakened.

"It is like my body has been torn into pieces from sadness and misery. Yes I am 36 years old, but I feel like I am 200," she said.

Asurma Arab and her family spent more than two years waiting in Serbia for their chance to cross the steel fence that Hungary erected along its border to keep out migrants.

Asurma Arab and her family spent more than two years waiting in Serbia for their chance to cross the steel fence that Hungary erected along its border to keep out migrants. Little did the Afghan family know, their asylum plea was already a lost cause. Under amendments passed in 2018, Hungary has been automatically rejecting applications of those who have passed through a "safe transit country", in this case Serbia, in what rights groups say has turned the asylum process into a cruel charade. "They did not ask what problems brought us there, they only asked us how we had come," the 36-year-old mother, trembling with tears, said from the migrant camp in Serbia where her family is regrouping. After their long wait, their experience of Hungary was bleak and brief. They were shut into a transit camp made of blue shipping containers and surrounded by a razor-wire fence, just next to the border barrier. Four months later, their application was rejected and they were kicked back to Serbia in the middle of the night. "They brought us to the other side of the fence and left us in the forest," Asurma said. During the 2015 migrant crisis, the border etched across northern Serbia's fertile flatlands became a vital crossing point into the European Union for migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. But Hungary slowed their march by building the 175-kilometre border fence four years ago, fortifying the EU's edge. Since then, Budapest has continued to pass laws hostile to migrants, alarming EU officials who have struggled to rein in right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his anti-immigration crusade. The "safe transit country" idea is a "novel concept that has been introduced by Hungarian officials" over the last year, said John Young from the UNHCR mission in Serbia. "It's not the way an asylum system is supposed to work," he said. 'Causes unacceptable suffering' The number of migrants allowed to enter Hungary from Serbia has also been systematically reduced to a trickle, from 20 people a day down to the current quota of around two families per week. One official at a Serbian migrant camp described it as a form of "psychological torture" for those like Asurma who spend years waiting on a list. Hungary's two "transit zone" camps have also been roundly criticised by rights groups as inhumane. "Detaining people, including children, indefinitely behind barbed wires and fences in shipping containers is not simply unlawful but causes unacceptable suffering to asylum seekers," said the Hungarian Helsinki Committee rights group. A new battle has been brewing since migrants reported being refused food while being forced to choose between returning to Serbia or deportation to their home country. The Hungarian Helsinki Committee has documented 15 cases of food deprivation affecting nearly 30 people since August 2018. Asurma, who was pregnant at the time, says her husband was also denied food for three days after their application was rejected. In July the European Commission warned that detention conditions in Hungarian transit zones, in particular the withholding of food, violated the bloc's rights legislation. On October 10, Brussels gave Budapest one month to respond, threatening to refer the case to the European Court of Justice. When asked to comment by AFP, the government's press office said that all asylum seekers are provided for, but if their bid is "refused, he or she must leave the transit zone". Although the European Court of Human Rights ruled in early October that Hungary must allow journalists into the transit camps, AFP reporters were refused entry at the scene several weeks later and have also had an official request denied on grounds of "privacy rights and keeping the peace" of those detained. 'I feel like I am 200' After years of pinning their hopes on Hungary, Asurma and her family are now joining many other migrants in swerving westwards towards Croatia, carving a new route through the Balkans. That path usually involves crossing mountains in Bosnia, a country with a shortage of migrant facilities, leaving many to sleep rough or in tent cities with deplorable sanitary conditions. The next hurdle is circumventing Croatian border police, who are regularly accused of violent pushbacks. Many migrants have reported beatings and thefts at their hands, though Zagreb denies all accusations. In their latest attempt to leave Serbia, Asurma and her younger children were stopped by Croatian police, while her oldest daughter and husband managed to slip through. They made it to Germany, where they are waiting for word on a new asylum application. Asurma, however, remains in Serbia, trying to plot her next move with two teenagers and a newborn baby who has Down Syndrome and needs treatment for troubled breathing, which comes out in choked gasps. After years of a life put on hold, her spirit is weakened. "It is like my body has been torn into pieces from sadness and misery. Yes I am 36 years old, but I feel like I am 200," she said.

Migrants lose in futile game on Hungary-Serbia frontier

Catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-people-found-dead-and-100-homes-destroyed-in-australian-bushfires-260923">bushfires in eastern Australia</a> have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities.

In the normally picturesque coastal town of Forster,&nbsp;one among dozens hit along the eastern seaboard,&nbsp;vast plumes of smoke shot out from multiple blazes as water bombers swooped in overhead.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, if needed, the military could be called on to help some 1,300 firefighters who are tackling around 100 separate blazes.

Several people are still unaccounted for and 30 more have been injured,&nbsp;mostly firefighters working for hours on end in smoky, smouldering scrubland and blazing forests of towering eucalyptus.

"My only thoughts today are with&nbsp;those who have lost their lives and&nbsp;their families," Morrison said, as hundreds of civilians also volunteered to help their hard-hit neighbours.

A body was found in a burnt-out building near the east-coast town of Taree, police said, while another victim was found in a car and a woman died despite medics trying for several hours to save her.

As hot and windy weather eased slightly on Saturday, the number of most serious fires fell to just a handful from an unprecedented 17 on Friday.

But within an area spanning almost 1,000 kilometres, schools were burned and at least 150 homes were destroyed, while authorities were forced to evacuate detention centres and old people's homes.

It was a narrow escape for&nbsp;Don&nbsp;Russell, with the fire coming within meters of his home in Taree.

"They've done a top job them fellas,"&nbsp;Russell told AFP after a crew of six firefighters brought the blaze under control.

His next-door neighbours were not so lucky, however,&nbsp;their home&nbsp;went&nbsp;up in flames Saturday afternoon. No one was home.

"It used to be God's country, but it ain't anymore," said another neighbour, 72-year-old&nbsp;Dave Scott.

New South Wales's rural fire service said an emergency warning was in place for four fires among the dozens raging across the state.

Tinderbox

Bushfires are common in Australia and a vast corps of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uncharted-territory-as-bushfires-rage-across-australias-east-260711">firefighters</a> had already been tackling sporadic blazes for months in the lead-up to the southern hemisphere summer.

But this was a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season, with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions.

"We're experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Queensland's acting fire commissioner Mike Wassing.

Queensland declared a "fire emergency" on Saturday and banned the lighting of all outdoor fires.

Meanwhile New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that next week's weather forecast "could mean we're not through the worst of it".

Morrison, whose government has played down the threat of climate change, sought to deflect questions about what impact it may have had.

"Australia has&nbsp;been battling ferocious fires for as&nbsp;long as Australia has been a nation,&nbsp;and well before. And we will&nbsp;continue to do so," he said.

'Too late to leave'

Firefighters had described the conditions Friday as "difficult" and "dangerous". In some areas, residents were stuck and told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave".

Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle.

Across the central coast, smoke billowed high into the sky and residents posted images online of tangerine skies and storey-high trees ablaze.

Authorities said some of the fires were creating their own weather conditions,&nbsp;pyrocumulus clouds that enveloped entire towns.

Despite easing conditions, prolonged drought and high aridity levels will continue to make circumstances combustible.

Earlier this month, some of the same fires cloaked Sydney in hazardous smoke for days.&nbsp;On Saturday it was Brisbane's turn, with the fires enveloping the city centre in a veil of acrid fog.

Swathes of Australia have gone months without adequate rainfall, forcing farmers to truck in water, sell off livestock or leave their land to lie fallow.

Jim McLennan of La Trobe University said the bushfires were "unprecedented", coming so early in the season and in areas that usually have moist soils and vegetation.

"However, the fire situation is consistent with our new world of bushfire threat associated with climate change".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extensive-evacuation-underway-as-bushfires-rage-in-australia-260878">In pictures:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extensive-evacuation-underway-as-bushfires-rage-in-australia-260878" hreflang="en">Extensive evacuation underway as bushfires rage in Australia</a>

Catastrophic bushfires in eastern Australia have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities.

Catastrophic bushfires in eastern Australia have killed at least three people and forced thousands from their homes, with the death toll expected to rise as firefighters struggle towards hard-to-reach communities. In the normally picturesque coastal town of Forster, one among dozens hit along the eastern seaboard, vast plumes of smoke shot out from multiple blazes as water bombers swooped in overhead. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that, if needed, the military could be called on to help some 1,300 firefighters who are tackling around 100 separate blazes. Several people are still unaccounted for and 30 more have been injured, mostly firefighters working for hours on end in smoky, smouldering scrubland and blazing forests of towering eucalyptus. "My only thoughts today are with those who have lost their lives and their families," Morrison said, as hundreds of civilians also volunteered to help their hard-hit neighbours. A body was found in a burnt-out building near the east-coast town of Taree, police said, while another victim was found in a car and a woman died despite medics trying for several hours to save her. As hot and windy weather eased slightly on Saturday, the number of most serious fires fell to just a handful from an unprecedented 17 on Friday. But within an area spanning almost 1,000 kilometres, schools were burned and at least 150 homes were destroyed, while authorities were forced to evacuate detention centres and old people's homes. It was a narrow escape for Don Russell, with the fire coming within meters of his home in Taree. "They've done a top job them fellas," Russell told AFP after a crew of six firefighters brought the blaze under control. His next-door neighbours were not so lucky, however, their home went up in flames Saturday afternoon. No one was home. "It used to be God's country, but it ain't anymore," said another neighbour, 72-year-old Dave Scott. New South Wales's rural fire service said an emergency warning was in place for four fires among the dozens raging across the state. Tinderbox Bushfires are common in Australia and a vast corps of firefighters had already been tackling sporadic blazes for months in the lead-up to the southern hemisphere summer. But this was a dramatic start to what scientists predict will be a tough fire season, with climate change and weather cycles contributing to the dangerous combination of strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. "We're experiencing tinderbox-like conditions across much of the state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Queensland's acting fire commissioner Mike Wassing. Queensland declared a "fire emergency" on Saturday and banned the lighting of all outdoor fires. Meanwhile New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that next week's weather forecast "could mean we're not through the worst of it". Morrison, whose government has played down the threat of climate change, sought to deflect questions about what impact it may have had. "Australia has been battling ferocious fires for as long as Australia has been a nation, and well before. And we will continue to do so," he said. 'Too late to leave' Firefighters had described the conditions Friday as "difficult" and "dangerous". In some areas, residents were stuck and told to simply "seek shelter as it is too late to leave". Local radio stopped normal programming and provided instructions about how to try to survive fires if trapped at home or in a vehicle. Across the central coast, smoke billowed high into the sky and residents posted images online of tangerine skies and storey-high trees ablaze. Authorities said some of the fires were creating their own weather conditions, pyrocumulus clouds that enveloped entire towns. Despite easing conditions, prolonged drought and high aridity levels will continue to make circumstances combustible. Earlier this month, some of the same fires cloaked Sydney in hazardous smoke for days. On Saturday it was Brisbane's turn, with the fires enveloping the city centre in a veil of acrid fog. Swathes of Australia have gone months without adequate rainfall, forcing farmers to truck in water, sell off livestock or leave their land to lie fallow. Jim McLennan of La Trobe University said the bushfires were "unprecedented", coming so early in the season and in areas that usually have moist soils and vegetation. "However, the fire situation is consistent with our new world of bushfire threat associated with climate change". In pictures: Extensive evacuation underway as bushfires rage in Australia

Australia bushfires leave three dead, at least 150 homes lost

At least five police officers were killed after they were ambushed in a small community nestled in the highlands of the state of Oaxaca in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huge-trove-of-mammoth-skeletons-found-in-mexico-260517">southern Mexico</a>, local authorities reported.

The policemen were attacked late on Friday afternoon, according to the Secretary of State Security, as they patrolled La Cementera de San Vicente Coatlan, a community of about 4,000 inhabitants, roughly 80 kilometres from the state capital.

Five officers were killed and two more were injured, the ministry said in a statement. The two injured men were taken to a hospital in Oaxaca.

"I condemn the aggression against elements of the State Police in San Vicente Coatlan and I sympathise with their relatives. I have asked the prosecutor for an exhaustive investigation," Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat wrote on his Twitter account.

The violent events in Oaxaca, the majority linked to organised crime, have multiplied in recent years. Last August, the mayor of San Jose Estancia Grande and a state official were killed in an armed attack.

The army was dispatched to fight drug trafficking in 2006, but experts blame the so-called "drug war" for the spiraling violence between fragmented cartels and the military, which has lead to more than 250,000 murders.

At least five police officers were killed after they were ambushed in a small community nestled in the highlands of the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, local authorities reported.

At least five police officers were killed after they were ambushed in a small community nestled in the highlands of the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, local authorities reported. The policemen were attacked late on Friday afternoon, according to the Secretary of State Security, as they patrolled La Cementera de San Vicente Coatlan, a community of about 4,000 inhabitants, roughly 80 kilometres from the state capital. Five officers were killed and two more were injured, the ministry said in a statement. The two injured men were taken to a hospital in Oaxaca. "I condemn the aggression against elements of the State Police in San Vicente Coatlan and I sympathise with their relatives. I have asked the prosecutor for an exhaustive investigation," Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat wrote on his Twitter account. The violent events in Oaxaca, the majority linked to organised crime, have multiplied in recent years. Last August, the mayor of San Jose Estancia Grande and a state official were killed in an armed attack. The army was dispatched to fight drug trafficking in 2006, but experts blame the so-called "drug war" for the spiraling violence between fragmented cartels and the military, which has lead to more than 250,000 murders.

Five Mexican police officers killed in Oaxaca highlands ambush

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day.&nbsp;

But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party,&nbsp;which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year.

After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy arrived in Malaysia on Saturday as he sought to return home to rally his supporters against strongman Hun Sen, while security was beefed up at the kingdom's borders and in Phnom Penh. Rainsy, who has lived in self-exile in France since 2015 to avoid jail for convictions he says are politically motivated, had long promised a dramatic return on November 9, Cambodia's Independence Day. But Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia since 1985, vowed to bar him and other figures from his party, which was outlawed ahead of much-criticised elections last year. After being blocked from getting on a France-Thailand flight on Thursday, Rainsy boarded a plane a day later and arrived at the main airport serving the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, according to an AFP journalist.

Cambodian opposition figurehead Rainsy arrives in Malaysia

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package.

Once the International Monetary Fund board gives the go-ahead, the Washington-based lender will provide $450 million to help right the South Asian nation's economy, on top of the $1 billion released in July.

"Despite a difficult environment, program implementation has been good, and all performance criteria for end-September were met with comfortable margins," IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo said in a statement.

The official, who led a team that spent two weeks in the country, pointed to signs of improving economic stability, including the move to a flexible exchange rate, and slowing inflation that is projected to fall under 12 per cent next year.

But he said more work was needed to target money laundering and on terror finance controls.

Approval of the first performance review of Pakistan's policy programme will also help unlock "significant funding from bilateral and multilateral partners."

Under the loan program, the government agreed to slash civil expenditure and freeze military spending while promising to substantially raise revenues to stem a yawning fiscal deficit, and pledging to collect 5.5 trillion rupees&nbsp;in taxes.

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package.

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package. Once the International Monetary Fund board gives the go-ahead, the Washington-based lender will provide $450 million to help right the South Asian nation's economy, on top of the $1 billion released in July. "Despite a difficult environment, program implementation has been good, and all performance criteria for end-September were met with comfortable margins," IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo said in a statement. The official, who led a team that spent two weeks in the country, pointed to signs of improving economic stability, including the move to a flexible exchange rate, and slowing inflation that is projected to fall under 12 per cent next year. But he said more work was needed to target money laundering and on terror finance controls. Approval of the first performance review of Pakistan's policy programme will also help unlock "significant funding from bilateral and multilateral partners." Under the loan program, the government agreed to slash civil expenditure and freeze military spending while promising to substantially raise revenues to stem a yawning fiscal deficit, and pledging to collect 5.5 trillion rupees in taxes.

International Monetary Fund approves $450 million loan to Pakistan as part of three-year package

Bangladesh authorities have evacuated around 100,000 people from the country's low-lying coastal villages and islands with Cyclone Bulbul set to slam into the country later on Saturday, officials said.

The Meteorological Department has asked local authorities and two ports to raise their highest alert, as the cyclone is expected to unleash a storm surge as high as seven feet&nbsp;in coastal districts.

Bulbul, packing a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometres per hour, is on course to make landfall near the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which straddles Bangladesh and part of eastern India and is home to the endangered Bengal tigers.

The cyclone is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast at around 8 pm (1400 GMT), disaster management secretary Shah Kamal told AFP, adding there are plans to evacuate some 1.5 million people before that.

Authorities have suspended a nationwide school test, cancelled the holidays of officials posted in coastal districts and called off a traditional fair that draws tens of thousands of people in the Sundarbans.

Operations at the country's two major ports,&nbsp;Mongla and Chittagong,&nbsp;have been suspended, Kamal said.

Some 55,000 volunteers have been mobilised to go door to door and alert people about the storm.

Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, is regularly battered by powerful cyclones that leave a trail of devastation in their wake.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed over the last few decades in cyclones, whose frequency and intensity have increased.

Bangladesh has, however, improved its preparedness in recent years, cutting the number casualties since Cyclone Sidr killed more than 3,000 people in 2007.

In May this year, Fani became the most powerful storm to hit the country in five years, but just over a dozen people were killed.

Bangladesh authorities have evacuated around 100,000 people from the country's low-lying coastal villages and islands with Cyclone Bulbul set to slam into the country later on Saturday, officials said.

Bangladesh authorities have evacuated around 100,000 people from the country's low-lying coastal villages and islands with Cyclone Bulbul set to slam into the country later on Saturday, officials said. The Meteorological Department has asked local authorities and two ports to raise their highest alert, as the cyclone is expected to unleash a storm surge as high as seven feet in coastal districts. Bulbul, packing a maximum wind speed of 120 kilometres per hour, is on course to make landfall near the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which straddles Bangladesh and part of eastern India and is home to the endangered Bengal tigers. The cyclone is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast at around 8 pm (1400 GMT), disaster management secretary Shah Kamal told AFP, adding there are plans to evacuate some 1.5 million people before that. Authorities have suspended a nationwide school test, cancelled the holidays of officials posted in coastal districts and called off a traditional fair that draws tens of thousands of people in the Sundarbans. Operations at the country's two major ports, Mongla and Chittagong, have been suspended, Kamal said. Some 55,000 volunteers have been mobilised to go door to door and alert people about the storm. Bangladesh's low-lying coast, home to 30 million people, is regularly battered by powerful cyclones that leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed over the last few decades in cyclones, whose frequency and intensity have increased. Bangladesh has, however, improved its preparedness in recent years, cutting the number casualties since Cyclone Sidr killed more than 3,000 people in 2007. In May this year, Fani became the most powerful storm to hit the country in five years, but just over a dozen people were killed.

Bangladesh evacuates 100,000 as Cyclone Bulbul approaches

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-charge-20-from-every-pilgrim-on-november-9-260780">Kartarpur Corridor</a> on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

The ICP is located at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, in Punjab. Prior to the inauguration, Modi will pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi, Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted on Friday.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/posters-banning-welcoming-pilgrims-travelling-to-kartarpur-spotted-at-wagah-260895">Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims</a> visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday.

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Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> shall inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab tomorrow.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1192816850062761995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak.

Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The ICP is located at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, in Punjab. Prior to the inauguration, Modi will pay obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara at Sultanpur Lodhi, Prime Minister`s Office (PMO) tweeted on Friday. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday. Prime Minister @narendramodi shall inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab tomorrow. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 8, 2019 × The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Pakistan government has proposed a charge of $20 from every pilgrim visiting Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, contrary to earlier stand. (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi to inaugurate integrated check post of Kartarpur Corridor tomorrow

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said he wanted to raise the minimum age for the purchase of e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 as part of a plan to curtail youth vaping.

But he also indicated that he was concerned about the impact of regulation on business, in a sign that the administration is considering stepping back from a previously announced complete ban on flavoured e-juices that are popular among adolescents.

"We're going to be coming out with a very important position on vaping. We have to take care of our kids most importantly, so we're going to have an age limit of 21 or so" he told reporters, adding that a policy would be announced "next week."

The administration announced in September it would soon ban flavoured products, but it appeared lobbying efforts by the vaping industry may have changed that position.

"We have a lot of people to look at, including jobs frankly," said Trump. "It has become a big industry. We're gonna take care of it."

The vaping industry is facing unprecedented scrutiny amid a mysterious epidemic of lung conditions linked to e-cigarette use that has killed 39 people and sickened more than 2,000 in the US in recent months.

Investigators say no single substance is behind the outbreak, but preliminary work has linked a cutting agent used in cannabis flavourings, usually sold on the black market, to lung injury.

The federal minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is 18, but states can also set their own law and several have already passed bills restricting their sale to people aged 21 and over.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said he wanted to raise the minimum age for the purchase of e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 as part of a plan to curtail youth vaping.

United States President Donald Trump on Friday said he wanted to raise the minimum age for the purchase of e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 as part of a plan to curtail youth vaping. But he also indicated that he was concerned about the impact of regulation on business, in a sign that the administration is considering stepping back from a previously announced complete ban on flavoured e-juices that are popular among adolescents. "We're going to be coming out with a very important position on vaping. We have to take care of our kids most importantly, so we're going to have an age limit of 21 or so" he told reporters, adding that a policy would be announced "next week." The administration announced in September it would soon ban flavoured products, but it appeared lobbying efforts by the vaping industry may have changed that position. "We have a lot of people to look at, including jobs frankly," said Trump. "It has become a big industry. We're gonna take care of it." The vaping industry is facing unprecedented scrutiny amid a mysterious epidemic of lung conditions linked to e-cigarette use that has killed 39 people and sickened more than 2,000 in the US in recent months. Investigators say no single substance is behind the outbreak, but preliminary work has linked a cutting agent used in cannabis flavourings, usually sold on the black market, to lung injury. The federal minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is 18, but states can also set their own law and several have already passed bills restricting their sale to people aged 21 and over.

Trump wants to raise minimum age for vaping to 21

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war.

Trump's remarks appeared to push back against Beijing's claims this week that the two sides had agreed to remove tariffs in stages as part of a partial deal announced last month.

Hopes for progress in defusing trade tensions have driven global stocks higher this month.&nbsp;

"They would like to have a rollback. I haven't agreed to anything,"&nbsp;Trump told reporters at the White House.&nbsp;

"China would like to get somewhat of a rollback, not a complete rollback, because they know I won't do it."

Beijing, however, said such this week the two sides had already agreed to mutual tariff reductions.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng announced Thursday US and Chinese officials had "agreed to roll back the additional tariffs in stages, as progress is made towards a (final) agreement."

The United States and China have imposed steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, and another round of US duties are set to hit on December 15 on $160 billion in Chinese goods.

Trump again said Beijing is eager for a deal because their economy is hurting, although economic data show the conflict has hit US businesses as well, and the uncertainty over the dispute between the economic powers is undermining global growth.

"They would like to make a deal much more than I do," Trump said, adding that the initial agreement will be signed "in our country," possibly in Iowa.

Investors worldwide have been cheered in recent days by reports quoting sources in Washington and Beijing saying duties already imposed could be removed in a proportional way.

But markets also have been buffeted by conflicting comments from White House officials, including China hardliner Peter Navarro who earlier Friday cast doubt on any plans to remove punitive duties.

"What is on the table is tariffs coming in December, December 15," Peter Navarro told NPR radio. "We would be willing I think,&nbsp;it's up to the president,&nbsp;to postpone those tariffs."

"But not roll back any existing tariffs. That's a fine distinction here."

White House economic aide Larry Kudlow was less categorical, telling Bloomberg on Thursday that if the sides reach a phase one trade deal, "there are going to be tariff agreements and concessions."

Trump administration officials, on the other hand, have been upbeat about the general prospects for a mini deal but without revealing any details.

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News Channel: "we are very, very optimistic that we will reach a deal soon."

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war.

President Donald Trump said Friday he has not agreed to roll back tariffs on Chinese imports, dampening recent optimism for a major de-escalation in the US-China trade war. Trump's remarks appeared to push back against Beijing's claims this week that the two sides had agreed to remove tariffs in stages as part of a partial deal announced last month. Hopes for progress in defusing trade tensions have driven global stocks higher this month. "They would like to have a rollback. I haven't agreed to anything," Trump told reporters at the White House. "China would like to get somewhat of a rollback, not a complete rollback, because they know I won't do it." Beijing, however, said such this week the two sides had already agreed to mutual tariff reductions. Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng announced Thursday US and Chinese officials had "agreed to roll back the additional tariffs in stages, as progress is made towards a (final) agreement." The United States and China have imposed steep tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade, and another round of US duties are set to hit on December 15 on $160 billion in Chinese goods. Trump again said Beijing is eager for a deal because their economy is hurting, although economic data show the conflict has hit US businesses as well, and the uncertainty over the dispute between the economic powers is undermining global growth. "They would like to make a deal much more than I do," Trump said, adding that the initial agreement will be signed "in our country," possibly in Iowa. Investors worldwide have been cheered in recent days by reports quoting sources in Washington and Beijing saying duties already imposed could be removed in a proportional way. But markets also have been buffeted by conflicting comments from White House officials, including China hardliner Peter Navarro who earlier Friday cast doubt on any plans to remove punitive duties. "What is on the table is tariffs coming in December, December 15," Peter Navarro told NPR radio. "We would be willing I think, it's up to the president, to postpone those tariffs." "But not roll back any existing tariffs. That's a fine distinction here." White House economic aide Larry Kudlow was less categorical, telling Bloomberg on Thursday that if the sides reach a phase one trade deal, "there are going to be tariff agreements and concessions." Trump administration officials, on the other hand, have been upbeat about the general prospects for a mini deal but without revealing any details. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham told Fox News Channel: "we are very, very optimistic that we will reach a deal soon."

No agreement on China tariff rollback: Trump

United States President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-judge-orders-trump-to-pay-2-million-for-misusing-namesake-charity-260638">Donald Trump</a> mocked "little" billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday, saying his potential opponent for the 2020 election would fail if he joined the race.

"He doesn't have the magic to do well... Little Michael will fail," Trump told reporters at the White House as he headed to the southern state of Georgia to rally support.

Bloomberg, 77, is expected to enter the race Friday to become the Democratic nominee for US president, setting up a showdown with fellow septuagenarian Joe Biden as the leading centrist candidate.&nbsp;

He is expected to file paperwork in at least one state declaring himself a candidate, according to multiple outlets including The New York Times.

Bloomberg had said back in March he wouldn't run, but more recently has been toying with the idea of throwing his hat in the ring, according to an advisor.

He sent members of staff to Alabama to gather the signatures required&nbsp;to register for its primary ahead of the deadline Friday in anticipation of a bid, the reports said.

Bloomberg advisor Howard Wolfson said in a statement that the billionaire wanted to ensure that the job of defeating Trump was seen through in 2020.

"He's not going to do well, but I think he's going to hurt Biden actually," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defiant-at-louisiana-rally-after-democrat-wins-260535">Trump</a> added.

"There's nobody I'd rather run against than Little Michael."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-michael-bloomberg-a-profile-of-expected-democratic-contender-for-us-presidential-race-260806">In pictures:&nbsp;Who is Michael Bloomberg? A profile of expected Democratic contender for US presidential race</a>

United States President Donald Trump mocked "little" billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday, saying his potential opponent for the 2020 election would fail if he joined the race.

United States President Donald Trump mocked "little" billionaire and former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday, saying his potential opponent for the 2020 election would fail if he joined the race. "He doesn't have the magic to do well... Little Michael will fail," Trump told reporters at the White House as he headed to the southern state of Georgia to rally support. Bloomberg, 77, is expected to enter the race Friday to become the Democratic nominee for US president, setting up a showdown with fellow septuagenarian Joe Biden as the leading centrist candidate. He is expected to file paperwork in at least one state declaring himself a candidate, according to multiple outlets including The New York Times. Bloomberg had said back in March he wouldn't run, but more recently has been toying with the idea of throwing his hat in the ring, according to an advisor. He sent members of staff to Alabama to gather the signatures required to register for its primary ahead of the deadline Friday in anticipation of a bid, the reports said. Bloomberg advisor Howard Wolfson said in a statement that the billionaire wanted to ensure that the job of defeating Trump was seen through in 2020. "He's not going to do well, but I think he's going to hurt Biden actually," Trump added. "There's nobody I'd rather run against than Little Michael." In pictures: Who is Michael Bloomberg? A profile of expected Democratic contender for US presidential race

Trump dismisses 'little' Michael Bloomberg's likely White House run

Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday. 
 
The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak. 
 
Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday.

Posters and banners welcoming pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev were spotted at Wagah in Pakistan on Friday. The pilgrims have been reaching Pakistan via Wagah border to visit the sacred site at Kartarpur which is the birthplace of Guru Nanak. Separately, the pilgrims will reach the Gurudwara through the Kartarpur corridor which will be inaugurated tomorrow. The corridor will facilitate the smooth passage of pilgrims who are visiting the holy site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Imran Khan will open the route on the Pakistan side. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Posters, banning welcoming pilgrims travelling to Kartarpur spotted at Wagah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/guy-fawkes-the-global-symbol-of-protest-to-take-over-hong-kong-streets-260105">Hong Kong</a> protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory.

The centre of violence appeared to be on Nathan Road, in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, one of the most densely populated locations in the world, where activists set street fires, built barricades and trashed an entrance to the metro station.

Chow Tsz-lok, who studied at the University of Science and Technology (UST), fell on Monday from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in months of rallies.

Chow, 22, died on graduation day for many UST students. His death is likely to fuel anger at police, who are under pressure over accusations of excessive force as the former British colony grapples with its worst political crisis in decades.

UST students trashed a campus branch of Starbucks, part of a franchise perceived to be pro-Beijing, and rallies are expected across the territory over the weekend.

"Condemn police brutality," they wrote on the restaurant's glass wall.

Hundreds of students, most in masks and carrying candles, then lined up in silence at UST to lay white flowers in tribute to Chow.

Thousands also left flowers at the spot where he fell at the car park in Tseung Kwan O, to the east of the Kowloon peninsula, occasionally singing hymns. Some people initiated a chant of "Hong Kong people, revenge" but were stopped by others saying: "We are not here to protest."

In the shopping district of Causeway Bay, hundreds lined the streets in silence, with the eerie hum of the city in the background.

Then the mood changed.

People started shouting abuse at "black police", referring to perceived brutality, and blocked streets in Causeway Bay.

In Mong Kok, dozens of activists barricaded off Nathan Road, which leads to the harbour to the south. They vandalised a closed metro entrance, throwing in bricks and pouring oil through the metal grill, and destroyed a phone booth in a small explosion. There were clashes in the New Territories town of Sha Tin.

Chow's friend and fellow UST student, Ben, 25, said the computer science undergraduate liked playing netball and basketball.

"We played netball together for a year," he told Reuters in tears. "I hope he can rest in peace. I really miss him."

Spiral of violence

Students and young people have been at the forefront of the hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets since June to seek greater democracy, among other demands, and rally against perceived <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-violence-flares-in-hong-kong-a-look-at-controversial-anti-mask-ban-253884">Chinese meddling in the Asian financial hub</a>.

The protests were ignited by a now-scrapped extradition bill allowing people to be sent to mainland China for trial, but have evolved into wider calls for democracy. They pose one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took charge in 2012.

Two pro-Beijing newspapers ran full-page ads, commissioned by "a group of Hong Kong people," calling for a postponement of the lowest-tier district council elections set for Nov.24, a move that would infuriate those calling for democracy.

Since June, protesters have thrown petrol bombs and vandalised banks, stores and metro stations. Police have fired rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and, in some cases, live ammunition.

In June, Marco Leung, 35, fell to his death from construction scaffolding after unfurling banners against the extradition bill. Several young people who have taken their own lives have been linked to the protests.

The university called for an independent investigation into Chow's death, saying an ambulance was blocked by police cars and ambulance officers had to walk to the scene, causing a delay of 20 minutes.

The government expressed "great sorrow and regret". A police spokeswoman, tears in her eyes, said officers would find out the truth as soon as possible and urged the public to be "calm and rational".

Police have denied blocking an ambulance. The car park said it would release CCTV footage as soon as possible.

Protests scheduled over the weekend include rallies in shopping malls, some of which have previously descended into chaos as riot police stormed areas crowded with families and children. Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday morning and for people to block public transport. Such calls have come to nothing in the past.

Last weekend, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-colonial-era-law-that-gives-hong-kong-leader-sweeping-powers-253741">anti-government protesters</a> crowded a shopping mall in running clashes with police that saw a man slash people with a knife and bite off part of the ear of a local politician.

Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, allowing it colonial freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

China denies interfering in Hong Kong and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory.

Hong Kong protesters marked Friday's death of a university student injured in a high fall during a pro-democracy rally this week with candlelight vigils and now-familiar street clashes across the Chinese-ruled territory. The centre of violence appeared to be on Nathan Road, in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, one of the most densely populated locations in the world, where activists set street fires, built barricades and trashed an entrance to the metro station. Chow Tsz-lok, who studied at the University of Science and Technology (UST), fell on Monday from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in months of rallies. Chow, 22, died on graduation day for many UST students. His death is likely to fuel anger at police, who are under pressure over accusations of excessive force as the former British colony grapples with its worst political crisis in decades. UST students trashed a campus branch of Starbucks, part of a franchise perceived to be pro-Beijing, and rallies are expected across the territory over the weekend. "Condemn police brutality," they wrote on the restaurant's glass wall. Hundreds of students, most in masks and carrying candles, then lined up in silence at UST to lay white flowers in tribute to Chow. Thousands also left flowers at the spot where he fell at the car park in Tseung Kwan O, to the east of the Kowloon peninsula, occasionally singing hymns. Some people initiated a chant of "Hong Kong people, revenge" but were stopped by others saying: "We are not here to protest." In the shopping district of Causeway Bay, hundreds lined the streets in silence, with the eerie hum of the city in the background. Then the mood changed. People started shouting abuse at "black police", referring to perceived brutality, and blocked streets in Causeway Bay. In Mong Kok, dozens of activists barricaded off Nathan Road, which leads to the harbour to the south. They vandalised a closed metro entrance, throwing in bricks and pouring oil through the metal grill, and destroyed a phone booth in a small explosion. There were clashes in the New Territories town of Sha Tin. Chow's friend and fellow UST student, Ben, 25, said the computer science undergraduate liked playing netball and basketball. "We played netball together for a year," he told Reuters in tears. "I hope he can rest in peace. I really miss him." Spiral of violence Students and young people have been at the forefront of the hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets since June to seek greater democracy, among other demands, and rally against perceived Chinese meddling in the Asian financial hub. The protests were ignited by a now-scrapped extradition bill allowing people to be sent to mainland China for trial, but have evolved into wider calls for democracy. They pose one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took charge in 2012. Two pro-Beijing newspapers ran full-page ads, commissioned by "a group of Hong Kong people," calling for a postponement of the lowest-tier district council elections set for Nov.24, a move that would infuriate those calling for democracy. Since June, protesters have thrown petrol bombs and vandalised banks, stores and metro stations. Police have fired rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and, in some cases, live ammunition. In June, Marco Leung, 35, fell to his death from construction scaffolding after unfurling banners against the extradition bill. Several young people who have taken their own lives have been linked to the protests. The university called for an independent investigation into Chow's death, saying an ambulance was blocked by police cars and ambulance officers had to walk to the scene, causing a delay of 20 minutes. The government expressed "great sorrow and regret". A police spokeswoman, tears in her eyes, said officers would find out the truth as soon as possible and urged the public to be "calm and rational". Police have denied blocking an ambulance. The car park said it would release CCTV footage as soon as possible. Protests scheduled over the weekend include rallies in shopping malls, some of which have previously descended into chaos as riot police stormed areas crowded with families and children. Protesters have called for a general strike on Monday morning and for people to block public transport. Such calls have come to nothing in the past. Last weekend, anti-government protesters crowded a shopping mall in running clashes with police that saw a man slash people with a knife and bite off part of the ear of a local politician. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula, allowing it colonial freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. China denies interfering in Hong Kong and has blamed Western countries for stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong vigils for dead student become violent as activists set streets ablaze

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