The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) voiced concerns on Thursday following an attack in northern Greece on migrant buses carrying 380 people in what the IOM said was an isolated incident.

Despite a police presence, nine buses taking families and vulnerable migrants to hotels in Nea Vrasna were forced to turn back as dozens of villagers blocked the road, hurled stones and chanted "close the border" and "throw out illegal migrants," according to images broadcast by public television Ert.

The migrants were finally taken to hotels on the island of Eubee, 400 kilometres to the south.

An IOM statement expressed concern "about the violent incidents that took place in the area of Vrasna", which it termed "an isolated incident".

The IOM urged the government and non-government groups "to work together in order to prevent" similar situations from recurring.

Greece has once again become the main point of entry for people seeking asylum in Europe, posing a challenge for the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis that took over in July.

It wants to create 20,000 places for migrants who are saturating small Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.

Local officials have begun to push back against the government's plans, however, with the town of Penteli in the northern outskirts of Athens refusing to take in a group of unaccompanied minors.

People who support the migrants have launched a leaflet campaign, and red paint was splattered on the Penteli town hall early Thursday, Greek media reported.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) voiced concerns on Thursday following an attack in northern Greece on migrant buses carrying 380 people in what the IOM said was an isolated incident.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) voiced concerns on Thursday following an attack in northern Greece on migrant buses carrying 380 people in what the IOM said was an isolated incident. Despite a police presence, nine buses taking families and vulnerable migrants to hotels in Nea Vrasna were forced to turn back as dozens of villagers blocked the road, hurled stones and chanted "close the border" and "throw out illegal migrants," according to images broadcast by public television Ert. The migrants were finally taken to hotels on the island of Eubee, 400 kilometres to the south. An IOM statement expressed concern "about the violent incidents that took place in the area of Vrasna", which it termed "an isolated incident". The IOM urged the government and non-government groups "to work together in order to prevent" similar situations from recurring. Greece has once again become the main point of entry for people seeking asylum in Europe, posing a challenge for the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis that took over in July. It wants to create 20,000 places for migrants who are saturating small Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Local officials have begun to push back against the government's plans, however, with the town of Penteli in the northern outskirts of Athens refusing to take in a group of unaccompanied minors. People who support the migrants have launched a leaflet campaign, and red paint was splattered on the Penteli town hall early Thursday, Greek media reported.

Greek villagers stone migrant buses

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-sisi-protests-break-out-in-egypt-several-arrested-250950">sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt</a> in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

"We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona.

It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20.

"We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said.

Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos.

Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for.

Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016.

Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself.

'Saddened by crackdown'

After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">hundreds took to the streets</a> in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators.

Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response.

"I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?"

In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014.

Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number.

In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors.

Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president.

"People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview.

"Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added.

Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, &nbsp;Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed.

A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed.

Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force.

'Getting rid of Sisi'

Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-sisi-says-world-must-find-solution-for-libya-crisis-213108">any challenge to Sisi's rule</a>, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them.

"The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP.

"The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said.

The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi.

Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos.&nbsp;

He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials.

Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him.

"The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said.

And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests.

"I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations.

An exiled Egyptian businessman, who sparked rare small-scale protests in Egypt in September, says he is working with the opposition to topple President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and calling for fresh demonstrations. "We will put out a call to the masses but not now ... in about two to three weeks time we are planning on this," Mohamed Ali told AFP in an interview from his austere office overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Barcelona. It is from here he has been posting his viral videos that have racked up millions of views in Egypt and briefly translated into boisterous demonstrations by hundreds of people throughout the country on September 20. "We want to reduce any potential clashes (with security forces) ... The next step has to be measured because I don't want any bloodshed," he said. Ali, 45, a construction contractor and fledgeling actor, burst onto Egypt's political scene with his frenetic, at times comedic and profane, videos. Furiously smoking Marlboro red cigarettes in rambling 30-minute clips, he has repeatedly accused Sisi and top military brass of wasting taxpayers' money on vanity projects. And he alleges he is owed millions of Egyptian pounds for work he completed but was never paid for. Although he has failed to produce any concrete evidence, he pointed to specific palaces and villas including in Cairo and Alexandria that Sisi commissioned him to build. His anger struck a chord with Egyptians who have been bearing the brunt of austerity reforms since 2016. Sisi flatly denied the allegations in September and insisted the palaces had been built for the country and not for himself. 'Saddened by crackdown' After Ali urged Egyptians to protest on September 20, hundreds took to the streets in Cairo and several cities such as Suez drawing a heavy-handed response from security forces, who caught by surprise fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. Ali was also caught off-guard by the unexpected support, but heartened by the response. "I told people to go out on Friday in a heated moment. Some people even chastised me saying how can you call for a revolution all by yourself?" In the weeks since, some 4,000 people have been arrested, according to local rights groups, in what activists are calling one of the worst waves of the crackdown against any dissent launched when Sisi officially took power in 2014. Egypt's attorney general said Wednesday in a statement that scores had been released including "children, students, women and senior citizens" without detailing the exact number. In late September, it said "not more than 1,000 protesters" had been questioned by prosecutors. Those detained have weighed on Ali spurring him on now to unseat Sisi, a former general turned president. "People have been arrested because of me ... This shows the world that under him (Sisi) there are no freedoms," Ali said, sporting a blue blazer, and smoking cigarettes before and after the interview. "Their arrests deeply sadden me, but they are giving me the drive to push on so they can be released - them and others who have been jailed before," he added. Since ousting Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Sisi has moved to crush opponents and an ongoing wide-scale crackdown has seen thousands of Islamists, secular activists and even bloggers and comedians jailed. A palpable security presence has been stepped up in Cairo since September with police rounding up citizens after randomly stopping and searching people's mobile phone content, AFP journalists witnessed. Egypt effectively banned protests under a restrictive law in 2013 and a renewable state of emergency remains in force. 'Getting rid of Sisi' Even though only a few small groups have survived the crackdown, effectively neutralising any challenge to Sisi's rule, the flamboyant contractor has not been deterred from coordinating with them. "The opposition in and out of Egypt are all with me because we all have the same goal of getting rid of Sisi," Ali told AFP. "The Muslim Brotherhood welcomed my idea warmly. They are with me and they are my good buddies... I have no problem in announcing this. He (Sisi) has classified them as a terror group but they are also very respectable people," he said. The Brotherhood was outlawed and branded a terror organisation in 2013, months after Sisi led the military ouster of Morsi. Pro-government media and celebrities have waged a fierce campaign against both Aly and the Muslim Brotherhood since his videos became popular branding him a drunk and a womaniser intent on sowing chaos. He has refused to be cowed, even though he claims he still receives death threats from unnamed Egyptian officials. Ali maintains that he has had no support from top military brass, after speculation that powerful Egyptian security agencies might be behind him. "The next step is that I'm exposing him (Sisi) before the world. I will let the West know, and all those he receives loans from, where he is spending this money," he said. And he is counting on Egyptians to heed his upcoming calls for fresh protests. "I am confident that people will demonstrate ... at first it was anger but now this time the protests have to be real so we can unseat him. People will go down (to the streets) for sure," he said.

Exiled Egyptian dissident determined to topple Sisi

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-lebanon-protestors-ditch-rioting-and-turn-revolution-into-rave-257684">a week of unprecedented protests</a> on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators.

"I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17.

The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities.

The protesters have been&nbsp;venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.

"The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse</a>," Aoun said.

"It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters.

In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian&nbsp;Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-cabinet-set-for-key-meeting-as-protests-swell-257249">president also echoed calls on the street</a> to stamp out graft.

"Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said.

Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported.

Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years.

"We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech.

"But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17. The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities. The protesters have been venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken. Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities. "The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse," Aoun said. "It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters. In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition. The president also echoed calls on the street to stamp out graft. "Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said. Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported. Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years. "We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech. "But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese president says willing to meet protesters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-sign-agreement-to-operationalise-kartarpur-corridor-257924">Hours after India and Pakistan signed the Kartarpur agreement</a>, Pakistan Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammed Faisal on Thursday said that the first group of pilgrims from India is expected to arrive on November 9. 
 
"The pilgrims who come through the corridor will not require a visa. They will have to carry their passports which will be scanned, but not stamped," The Dawn quoted Faisal as saying. 
 
The corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. 
 
Adding that local pilgrims will have a pass issued to them, Faisal said, "Under the agreement, the Indian authorities will provide a list of pilgrims 10 days ahead of their visit." 
 
On Thursday, India and Pakistan signed the much-awaited agreement for operationalising the Kartarpur Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration next month ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. 
 
The two sides met on "zero line" on the border and signed the agreement. The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in the Home Ministry and the Pakistani delegation by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammed Faisal. 
 
The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor. 
 
The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid down on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later, the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side.

Hours after India and Pakistan signed the Kartarpur agreement, Pakistan Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammed Faisal on Thursday said that the first group of pilgrims from India is expected to arrive on November 9.

Hours after India and Pakistan signed the Kartarpur agreement, Pakistan Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammed Faisal on Thursday said that the first group of pilgrims from India is expected to arrive on November 9. "The pilgrims who come through the corridor will not require a visa. They will have to carry their passports which will be scanned, but not stamped," The Dawn quoted Faisal as saying. The corridor connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. Adding that local pilgrims will have a pass issued to them, Faisal said, "Under the agreement, the Indian authorities will provide a list of pilgrims 10 days ahead of their visit." On Thursday, India and Pakistan signed the much-awaited agreement for operationalising the Kartarpur Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration next month ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The two sides met on "zero line" on the border and signed the agreement. The Indian delegation was led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in the Home Ministry and the Pakistani delegation by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammed Faisal. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor. The foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor was laid down on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Two days later, the foundation stone was laid on the Pakistani side.

First group of pilgrims from India expected at Kartarpur Corridor on November 9, says Pakistan's Faisal

The Ason Bazar, one of the oldest markets of Kathmandu, is all decked up for Tihar. The roads are flooded with hawkers selling a variety of good for the festival of lights and decorations. 
 
The five-day Nepali festival of Tihar shares some traditions with Diwali. 
 
Amongst the goods on sale in landlocked Nepal, people usually buy spices for brothers to offer them on Bhaitika along with the gifts such as "Dhaka Topi" and other cloth items as well as the materials needed for puja. 
 
"The market is buzzing with people with the arrival of Tihar. Flowers, tikas and other items are in high demand these days," Ram Karki, one of the shopkeepers told ANI. 
 
The shops are also are adorned with decorative and light materials. People flowing into the market these days are seen buying the items targeting the Bhaitika. 
 
"For Bhaitika, I bought sweets, spices, colours, beetle-nut, garlands of flowers," Bidhya Dahal, one of the shoppers who came onto the market for Tihar's shopping, told ANI. 
 
The first day of Tihar is marked with the worship of crow, the messenger of Yama, the God of Death. The second day is for worshipping dogs and the third day is for Laxmi pooja or Dhantaresh when people light up their houses and worship Goddess Laxmi and seek her blessings. 
 
The fourth day of Tihar is marked as Gobardhan pooja when people worship ox used to plough. 
 
The final day of Tihar, Bhaitika is celebrated with much fervor when sisters put seven coloured tika on the forehead of their brothers praying for their success and long life. 
 
Sisters also offer a variety of sweets, cuisines and other items along with gifts to their brothers. While the brothers also give gifts and money to their sisters as per their capacity.

The Ason Bazar, one of the oldest markets of Kathmandu, is all decked up for Tihar. The roads are flooded with hawkers selling a variety of good for the festival of lights and decorations.

The Ason Bazar, one of the oldest markets of Kathmandu, is all decked up for Tihar. The roads are flooded with hawkers selling a variety of good for the festival of lights and decorations. The five-day Nepali festival of Tihar shares some traditions with Diwali. Amongst the goods on sale in landlocked Nepal, people usually buy spices for brothers to offer them on Bhaitika along with the gifts such as "Dhaka Topi" and other cloth items as well as the materials needed for puja. "The market is buzzing with people with the arrival of Tihar. Flowers, tikas and other items are in high demand these days," Ram Karki, one of the shopkeepers told ANI. The shops are also are adorned with decorative and light materials. People flowing into the market these days are seen buying the items targeting the Bhaitika. "For Bhaitika, I bought sweets, spices, colours, beetle-nut, garlands of flowers," Bidhya Dahal, one of the shoppers who came onto the market for Tihar's shopping, told ANI. The first day of Tihar is marked with the worship of crow, the messenger of Yama, the God of Death. The second day is for worshipping dogs and the third day is for Laxmi pooja or Dhantaresh when people light up their houses and worship Goddess Laxmi and seek her blessings. The fourth day of Tihar is marked as Gobardhan pooja when people worship ox used to plough. The final day of Tihar, Bhaitika is celebrated with much fervor when sisters put seven coloured tika on the forehead of their brothers praying for their success and long life. Sisters also offer a variety of sweets, cuisines and other items along with gifts to their brothers. While the brothers also give gifts and money to their sisters as per their capacity.

Nepali markets abuzz with arrival of Tihar festival

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies. 
 
The MQM, in a statement on Wednesday, called out the security forces "for shedding crocodile tears over Jammu and Kashmir" but maltreating people of occupied Kashmir. 
 
On Tuesday, the police raided the press club in PoK's Muzaffarabad during a media briefing by Jammu Kashmir People's National Alliance (JKPNA), which had called for a protest on Thursday outside Pakistan High Commission in London. Several journalists suffered injuries in the raid. 
 
Two civilians were killed and over 80 others sustained injuries after police lathi-charged them during a peaceful pro-freedom rally. 
 
The raid came on the day when people in PoK were observing "Black Day" to protest&nbsp;the 72nd anniversary of Kashmir's invasion by Pakistani forces in 1947. 
 
The MQM said the security forces unleashed their terror and inflicted injuries on to the protestors on the day of the diplomat's visit. 
 
It also appealed to the foreign diplomats that they should take notice of that barbarism and the human rights organisations should step forward and take up the case for the sake of humanity.&nbsp;

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has condemned the Pakistani security forces for "brutal manhandling" of the peaceful protest by people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against oppression and atrocities by the state agencies. The MQM, in a statement on Wednesday, called out the security forces "for shedding crocodile tears over Jammu and Kashmir" but maltreating people of occupied Kashmir. On Tuesday, the police raided the press club in PoK's Muzaffarabad during a media briefing by Jammu Kashmir People's National Alliance (JKPNA), which had called for a protest on Thursday outside Pakistan High Commission in London. Several journalists suffered injuries in the raid. Two civilians were killed and over 80 others sustained injuries after police lathi-charged them during a peaceful pro-freedom rally. The raid came on the day when people in PoK were observing "Black Day" to protest the 72nd anniversary of Kashmir's invasion by Pakistani forces in 1947. The MQM said the security forces unleashed their terror and inflicted injuries on to the protestors on the day of the diplomat's visit. It also appealed to the foreign diplomats that they should take notice of that barbarism and the human rights organisations should step forward and take up the case for the sake of humanity.

MQM condemns 'brutal manhandling' of protesters in PoK by Pakistan security forces

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa.

18-year-old Nusrat, residing in the small town of Feni, was set on fire on April 6 two weeks after she registered a complaint against sexual abuse by the principal, reported BD News 24.

The principal, Siraj-Ud-Doula, who reportedly orchestrated the attack is among those sentenced.

Feni Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid handed down the verdict.

On April 6, Nusrat was tricked into coming on top of the roof of the madrasa where the perpetrators set her on fire after she refused to withdraw the case. 
 
She was taken to a hospital later,&nbsp;however, she succumbed to her injuries on April 10.

Nusrat's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman filed a case on April 8 against eight people.

The incident shocked the entire country and led to a series of protests against the oppression of woman and girls.

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa.

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday sentenced 16 people to death for the murder of Nusrat Jahan Rafi after she protested against sexual abuse by the principal of a madrasa. 18-year-old Nusrat, residing in the small town of Feni, was set on fire on April 6 two weeks after she registered a complaint against sexual abuse by the principal, reported BD News 24. The principal, Siraj-Ud-Doula, who reportedly orchestrated the attack is among those sentenced. Feni Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Mamunur Rashid handed down the verdict. On April 6, Nusrat was tricked into coming on top of the roof of the madrasa where the perpetrators set her on fire after she refused to withdraw the case. She was taken to a hospital later, however, she succumbed to her injuries on April 10. Nusrat's brother Mahmudul Hasan Noman filed a case on April 8 against eight people. The incident shocked the entire country and led to a series of protests against the oppression of woman and girls.

Bangladesh court sentences 16 people to death in Nusrat Jahan Rafi's murder case

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed.

Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018.

State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity."

Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party.

The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life.

'National interests'

While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions.

Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977.

Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days.

While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible,&nbsp;that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018.

"Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog.

The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added.

Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong.

"Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said.

"Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important.

"This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC."

Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength.

But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States.

China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy.

China's ruling Communist Party will hold a long-delayed leadership meeting next week, state media said Thursday, as Beijing battles unrest in Hong Kong, a lingering trade war, and a slowing economy. The Fourth Plenum of the party's Central Committee is a closed-door meeting of high-ranking officials where the country's roadmap and future direction is discussed. Next week's meet will run from October 28 to 31 in Beijing and will be the first since February 2018. State news agency Xinhua said the dates were confirmed at a meeting Thursday of the Central Committee Political Bureau, chaired by President Xi Jinping. The state-run Global Times said on Twitter that the Politburo would update on "upholding and improvement of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, including modernising the country's governance system and capacity." Many of the country's most significant policies have been announced after plenum meetings, with the last one in February 2018 focused on a reform plan for state institutions, giving even more power to the party. The one before that approved the scrapping of presidential term limits, allowing Xi to stay in office for life. 'National interests' While the CCP's constitution says there must be a plenum at least once per year, next week's long-awaited conclave will end a significant delay between sessions. Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said holding the plenum in October would represent the longest hiatus since 1977. Their analysis in August concluded that most plenums occur every 300 to 400 days, but this one would mark a delay of at least 580 days. While the long wait has sparked speculation that Xi is facing power struggles or opposition within the party leadership, the CSIS said a simpler explanation is possible, that the delay marks a balancing out after the last two plenums were held very close together, in January and February 2018. "Since the Third Plenum, Xi has convened two extraordinary meetings of all the top Party, State and Military leaders," wrote China-watcher Bill Bishop on Monday on his Sinocism blog. The ability to call such high-profile meetings reflects Xi's power and authority, he added. Eleanor Olcott, the China policy analyst at research firm TS Lombard, said the plenum was likely to focus on governance and strengthening party control, as well as six new free trade zones and greater autonomy for the southern city of Shenzhen, just over the border from Hong Kong. "Xi has been keenly stressing all of the hazards to the party, outlining what are the greatest threats to the party," she said. "Any moves to alter the CCP governance format will be framed as based on China's own national interests rather than a result of external pressure. The context of the trade war makes this all the more important. "This plenum will be part of Beijing's propaganda campaign against foreign 'black hands' seeking to subvert the PRC." Beijing marked the 70th year of Communist rule in China earlier this month with an enormous military parade that showed off the country's military strength. But the central government has also been shaken by months of anti-Beijing unrest in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, a slowing domestic economy, and the impact of a protracted trade impasse with the United States. China's GDP growth slowed to six per cent in the third quarter, the slowest rate in 27 years.

China's leaders to hold key conclave next week

An ancient tomb in Jerusalem prized for its archaeological and religious importance was reopened for visits Thursday by France, which owns it after a dispute over access scuttled an earlier attempt.

The site known as the Tomb of the Kings in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem can now be visited during set hours twice per week, but visitors must pre-register online and pay a $3, 2.50 euros, the French consulate said.

Around 30 people,&nbsp;the most allowed at one time due to the sensitivity of the site,&nbsp;visited when the gates opened on Thursday morning, mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews who wanted to pray inside.

Around a dozen other ultra-Orthodox danced and prayed outside the gates while they waited for their turn to visit the 2,000-year-old tomb as police kept a close eye.

"This is a special event," said Yehuda Twerski, a 20-year-old ultra-Orthodox Jew from New York studying religion in Jerusalem.

"We're going in there to pray. Perhaps with proper negotiations maybe it will be open more often to the public."

Ultra-Orthodox Jews describe the tomb as a holy burial site of ancient ancestors.

France had attempted to open the site to visitors in June after having kept it closed since 2010, initially due to renovations but later because attempts to contest its ownership complicated its reopening.

It however immediately re-closed the site after a group of more than a dozen ultra-Orthodox tried to enter and pray despite not having signed up as requested, shoving toward the gate.

The site is a remarkable example of a Roman-era tomb, considered among the largest in the region.

Its unique status, Jewish veneration of the burial site and its location in the disputed east of the city added to complications in reopening it.

Archaeological sites in east Jerusalem are often freighted with religious significance and questions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

There had been a challenge at Israel's rabbinical court, which rules on matters related to Jewish law and holy sites, over access to the tomb and France's ownership.

Before reopening the site, France sought guarantees from Israel it would not face legal challenges as well as commitments on how visits would be managed.

Visitors are not allowed to descend into the tomb itself and can only visit the exterior, which includes ritual baths and an ancient frieze above its entry.

An ancient tomb in Jerusalem prized for its archaeological and religious importance was reopened for visits Thursday by France, which owns it after a dispute over access scuttled an earlier attempt.

An ancient tomb in Jerusalem prized for its archaeological and religious importance was reopened for visits Thursday by France, which owns it after a dispute over access scuttled an earlier attempt. The site known as the Tomb of the Kings in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem can now be visited during set hours twice per week, but visitors must pre-register online and pay a $3, 2.50 euros, the French consulate said. Around 30 people, the most allowed at one time due to the sensitivity of the site, visited when the gates opened on Thursday morning, mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews who wanted to pray inside. Around a dozen other ultra-Orthodox danced and prayed outside the gates while they waited for their turn to visit the 2,000-year-old tomb as police kept a close eye. "This is a special event," said Yehuda Twerski, a 20-year-old ultra-Orthodox Jew from New York studying religion in Jerusalem. "We're going in there to pray. Perhaps with proper negotiations maybe it will be open more often to the public." Ultra-Orthodox Jews describe the tomb as a holy burial site of ancient ancestors. France had attempted to open the site to visitors in June after having kept it closed since 2010, initially due to renovations but later because attempts to contest its ownership complicated its reopening. It however immediately re-closed the site after a group of more than a dozen ultra-Orthodox tried to enter and pray despite not having signed up as requested, shoving toward the gate. The site is a remarkable example of a Roman-era tomb, considered among the largest in the region. Its unique status, Jewish veneration of the burial site and its location in the disputed east of the city added to complications in reopening it. Archaeological sites in east Jerusalem are often freighted with religious significance and questions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There had been a challenge at Israel's rabbinical court, which rules on matters related to Jewish law and holy sites, over access to the tomb and France's ownership. Before reopening the site, France sought guarantees from Israel it would not face legal challenges as well as commitments on how visits would be managed. Visitors are not allowed to descend into the tomb itself and can only visit the exterior, which includes ritual baths and an ancient frieze above its entry.

France reopens disputed ancient tomb in Jerusalem

The leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt met on the sidelines of Russia's Africa summit on Thursday to discuss a disputed Nile dam that has seen tensions flare, a diplomatic source told AFP.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "delivered a message" to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed about Addis Ababa's soon-to-be-finished dam on the Blue Nile, the Egyptian diplomatic source said.

The meeting lasted around 45 minutes and took place "in a positive atmosphere," the source added, without providing details.&nbsp;

Egypt fears that the building of the dam, a $4 billion project begun in 2012, will reduce the flow of the Nile, on which it depends for 90 per cent of its water supply.

Discussions between the two countries and with Sudan, through which the river also passes, have been blocked for nine years.

Russia, which is hosting a two-day Africa Summit in its Black Sea resort of Sochi in an attempt to revive its Soviet-era influence on the continent, has said it is ready to play a role in resolving the conflict.

"The dam... was discussed during (Russian President Vladimir Putin's) meeting with the President of Egypt, and during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Putin told the two leaders they should take advantage of their presence in Sochi to "directly discuss (their) concerns" and that he also offered "his assistance", Peskov said.

In early October, negotiations in Khartoum resulted in a "stalemate", according to Cairo, which has since sought international mediation.&nbsp;

Ethiopia has rejected the claim, calling it "an unwarranted denial of the progress" made during the negotiations.

Analysts fear the three Nile basin countries could be drawn into conflict if the dispute is not resolved before the dam goes into operation late next year. 
&nbsp;

The leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt met on the sidelines of Russia's Africa summit on Thursday to discuss a disputed Nile dam that has seen tensions flare, a diplomatic source told AFP.

The leaders of Ethiopia and Egypt met on the sidelines of Russia's Africa summit on Thursday to discuss a disputed Nile dam that has seen tensions flare, a diplomatic source told AFP. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "delivered a message" to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed about Addis Ababa's soon-to-be-finished dam on the Blue Nile, the Egyptian diplomatic source said. The meeting lasted around 45 minutes and took place "in a positive atmosphere," the source added, without providing details. Egypt fears that the building of the dam, a $4 billion project begun in 2012, will reduce the flow of the Nile, on which it depends for 90 per cent of its water supply. Discussions between the two countries and with Sudan, through which the river also passes, have been blocked for nine years. Russia, which is hosting a two-day Africa Summit in its Black Sea resort of Sochi in an attempt to revive its Soviet-era influence on the continent, has said it is ready to play a role in resolving the conflict. "The dam... was discussed during (Russian President Vladimir Putin's) meeting with the President of Egypt, and during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Putin told the two leaders they should take advantage of their presence in Sochi to "directly discuss (their) concerns" and that he also offered "his assistance", Peskov said. In early October, negotiations in Khartoum resulted in a "stalemate", according to Cairo, which has since sought international mediation. Ethiopia has rejected the claim, calling it "an unwarranted denial of the progress" made during the negotiations. Analysts fear the three Nile basin countries could be drawn into conflict if the dispute is not resolved before the dam goes into operation late next year.

Egypt, Ethiopia leaders discuss Nile dam in Russia

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-rival-gantz-to-be-named-to-try-to-form-next-israeli-government-257632">official mandate</a> on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power.

After inconclusive elections in April and September, Gantz's nomination marked the first time since 2008 that someone other than Netanyahu, 70, has been asked by Israel's president to build a ruling coalition.

"Everyone expects us to bring political chaos to an absolute end. Everyone demands us to allow the whole country to gradually return to a normal, functioning, safe and calm life routine. An entire country is awaiting a breath of relief", Gantz said.

Head of the centrist Blue and White party, Gantz will have 28 days to complete the task assigned by President Reuven Rivlin. Failure could lead to a new election, the third within a year.

Watch Video

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elections-referendum-or-netanyahu-250142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I decided today to give you, member of the Knesset Benny Gantz, the possibility to establish a government. The law gives you 28 days starting tomorrow to establish a government", Rivlin said.

Rivlin gave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-calls-off-israel-unity-government-talks-reports-253192">Netanyahu the chance to form a government first</a>. But the prime minister, who leads the right-wing Likud party, said on Monday that he was abandoning the effort, opening the way for Gantz, his strongest rival.

"I promised to establish a liberal unity government, and that, I intend to do. In the government that I will establish, I will serve all citizens of Israel and will work to benefit all citizens of Israel. I will act to form a functioning government, a government that Israel needs so much", Benny Gantz said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an official mandate on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power.

Former military chief Benny Gantz, 60, received an official mandate on Wednesday to try to form Israel's next government, but with no easy path to ending Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long hold on power. After inconclusive elections in April and September, Gantz's nomination marked the first time since 2008 that someone other than Netanyahu, 70, has been asked by Israel's president to build a ruling coalition. "Everyone expects us to bring political chaos to an absolute end. Everyone demands us to allow the whole country to gradually return to a normal, functioning, safe and calm life routine. An entire country is awaiting a breath of relief", Gantz said. Head of the centrist Blue and White party, Gantz will have 28 days to complete the task assigned by President Reuven Rivlin. Failure could lead to a new election, the third within a year. Watch Video "I decided today to give you, member of the Knesset Benny Gantz, the possibility to establish a government. The law gives you 28 days starting tomorrow to establish a government", Rivlin said. Rivlin gave Netanyahu the chance to form a government first. But the prime minister, who leads the right-wing Likud party, said on Monday that he was abandoning the effort, opening the way for Gantz, his strongest rival. "I promised to establish a liberal unity government, and that, I intend to do. In the government that I will establish, I will serve all citizens of Israel and will work to benefit all citizens of Israel. I will act to form a functioning government, a government that Israel needs so much", Benny Gantz said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Former military chief Gantz receives official mandate to form government in Israel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-heading-in-wrong-direction-with-syria-incursion-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-257941">United States&nbsp;Defence Secretary Mark Esper</a> is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue.

Earlier this month, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced that he&nbsp;would be withdrawing their&nbsp;troops from northeastern Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to launch an offensive against Kurdish fighters in the area.

Since then, Trump has said he will keep a small number of troops in parts of northeastern Syria where there is oil. Russian military police started deploying on Syria's border with Turkey on Wednesday under a deal with Ankara to drive Kurdish fighters from the region.

Last week, Esper said he would press NATO allies "to take collective and individual diplomatic and economic measures in response" to Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria, even as critics have pointed out that Trump's decision enabled the Turkish offensive.

In a speech on Thursday in Brussels before the NATO meeting, Esper is expected to call out Turkey's actions.

According to prepared remarks, Esper will say Turkey's actions jeopardise the progress made in Syria.

Statements by the Pentagon criticising Turkey in the past month have had little impact on Ankara.

Rachel Rizzo, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security think-tank, said Esper has few options to punish NATO member Turkey at NATO.

"As far as NATO-level punishment, I don't see really what is possible," Rizzo said.

She said Trump's initial decision to pull out of northeast Syria was seen in Europe as enabling Turkey to carry out the incursion and the latest sign that they could not rely on the Trump administration.

A number of European countries have suspended weapons sales to Turkey.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday decried NATO's inability to react to what he called Turkey's "crazy" offensive and said it was time Europe stopped acting like a junior ally when it came to the Middle East.

Germany's defence minister has told lawmakers she wants to get the U.N. Security Council to approve a safe zone in northern Syria.

Trump has defended his decision to move most troops out of Syria. He said on Wednesday that the ceasefire in northern Syria is now permanent and lifted sanctions on Turkey as a result. 
 
Future of ISIS fight

The American pullout from northeastern Syria has raised concern that it could allow a resurgence of Islamic State militants.

Esper is expected to meet with counterparts from Germany, France and Britain to discuss how the fight against Islamic State militants can continue and what it would look like, a senior US&nbsp;defence official said.

Many US&nbsp;lawmakers, both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans, have expressed dismay over Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to battle Kurdish forces who for years helped US&nbsp;troops fight Islamic State militants, taking the brunt of the casualties.

The fate of Islamic State militants in Syrian Kurdish prisons remains up in the air.

A senior Trump administration official said while most ISIS (Islamic State) fighters remained under lock and key, it appeared that a small number had escaped from prisons.

United States Defence Secretary Mark Esper is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue.

United States Defence Secretary Mark Esper is expected to focus on Turkey's recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing with either issue. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced that he would be withdrawing their troops from northeastern Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to launch an offensive against Kurdish fighters in the area. Since then, Trump has said he will keep a small number of troops in parts of northeastern Syria where there is oil. Russian military police started deploying on Syria's border with Turkey on Wednesday under a deal with Ankara to drive Kurdish fighters from the region. Last week, Esper said he would press NATO allies "to take collective and individual diplomatic and economic measures in response" to Turkey's incursion into northeastern Syria, even as critics have pointed out that Trump's decision enabled the Turkish offensive. In a speech on Thursday in Brussels before the NATO meeting, Esper is expected to call out Turkey's actions. According to prepared remarks, Esper will say Turkey's actions jeopardise the progress made in Syria. Statements by the Pentagon criticising Turkey in the past month have had little impact on Ankara. Rachel Rizzo, a fellow at the Center for a New American Security think-tank, said Esper has few options to punish NATO member Turkey at NATO. "As far as NATO-level punishment, I don't see really what is possible," Rizzo said. She said Trump's initial decision to pull out of northeast Syria was seen in Europe as enabling Turkey to carry out the incursion and the latest sign that they could not rely on the Trump administration. A number of European countries have suspended weapons sales to Turkey. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday decried NATO's inability to react to what he called Turkey's "crazy" offensive and said it was time Europe stopped acting like a junior ally when it came to the Middle East. Germany's defence minister has told lawmakers she wants to get the U.N. Security Council to approve a safe zone in northern Syria. Trump has defended his decision to move most troops out of Syria. He said on Wednesday that the ceasefire in northern Syria is now permanent and lifted sanctions on Turkey as a result. Future of ISIS fight The American pullout from northeastern Syria has raised concern that it could allow a resurgence of Islamic State militants. Esper is expected to meet with counterparts from Germany, France and Britain to discuss how the fight against Islamic State militants can continue and what it would look like, a senior US defence official said. Many US lawmakers, both Democrats and Trump's fellow Republicans, have expressed dismay over Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, clearing the way for Turkish troops to battle Kurdish forces who for years helped US troops fight Islamic State militants, taking the brunt of the casualties. The fate of Islamic State militants in Syrian Kurdish prisons remains up in the air. A senior Trump administration official said while most ISIS (Islamic State) fighters remained under lock and key, it appeared that a small number had escaped from prisons.

Pentagon chief looks to focus on Turkey, Syria at NATO but has few good options

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