North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. 
 
The party's central committee held a plenary meeting for a fourth and last day where it reviewed organisational and ideological issues for its central leadership organ. 
 
Some members of the leadership expressed 'remorse for failing to live up to the expectations',&nbsp;after Kim pointed out 'serious problems' with their lifestyle, KCNA said, without elaborating. 
 
The central committee's powerful politburo also elected Thae Hyong Chol, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, as a new member, and U Sang Chol, an official at the party's Central Auditing Commission, as an alternate member, KCNA said. 
 
The party gathering kicked off on Tuesday. 
 
During earlier sessions, Kim called for measures to tackle the 'tense' food situation, blaming the coronavirus pandemic and last year's typhoons, and urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States in his first direct comment on US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reinforced the ruling Workers' Party discipline and appointed new members of its powerful politburo, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The party's central committee held a plenary meeting for a fourth and last day where it reviewed organisational and ideological issues for its central leadership organ. Some members of the leadership expressed 'remorse for failing to live up to the expectations', after Kim pointed out 'serious problems' with their lifestyle, KCNA said, without elaborating. The central committee's powerful politburo also elected Thae Hyong Chol, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, as a new member, and U Sang Chol, an official at the party's Central Auditing Commission, as an alternate member, KCNA said. The party gathering kicked off on Tuesday. During earlier sessions, Kim called for measures to tackle the 'tense' food situation, blaming the coronavirus pandemic and last year's typhoons, and urged preparation for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States in his first direct comment on US President Joe Biden's administration. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members

Authorities in the Mexican border state of Baja California say they will include migrants in the new COVID-19 vaccination plan for border cities, which is aimed at accelerating the reopening of the shared land border with the United States. 
 
The state, which lies just across from California, began vaccinating adults over the age of 18 this week as part of a new mass vaccination push across northern Mexico, which relies on over a million Johnson &amp; Johnson doses donated by the United States. 
 
Baja California Health Secretary Alonso Óscar Pérez said on Friday that the agency has a plan to vaccinate migrants as part of this new border vaccination initiative. He added that the agency has allocated specific days for migrants, without providing additional details. 
 
Mexico is rolling out its border initiative first in Baja California, home to one of the busiest land border crossings in the world, then plans to move west state-by-state until reaching Mexico's eastern seaboard. 
 
The decision to include migrants in Baja California may mean migrants will be included across Mexico's border, where thousands of mostly Central American migrants wait, often for months, in hopes of being able to cross into the United States. 
 
Migrant advocates have been pushing the state for information about how this vaccination drive will include the estimated 4,000 migrants living in Baja California, according to data provided by local shelters. 
 
At least 1,000 migrants are camped at the base of an international bridge in the city of Tijuana. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in the Mexican border state of Baja California say they will include migrants in the new COVID-19 vaccination plan for border cities, which is aimed at accelerating the reopening of the shared land border with the United States.

Authorities in the Mexican border state of Baja California say they will include migrants in the new COVID-19 vaccination plan for border cities, which is aimed at accelerating the reopening of the shared land border with the United States. The state, which lies just across from California, began vaccinating adults over the age of 18 this week as part of a new mass vaccination push across northern Mexico, which relies on over a million Johnson & Johnson doses donated by the United States. Baja California Health Secretary Alonso Óscar Pérez said on Friday that the agency has a plan to vaccinate migrants as part of this new border vaccination initiative. He added that the agency has allocated specific days for migrants, without providing additional details. Mexico is rolling out its border initiative first in Baja California, home to one of the busiest land border crossings in the world, then plans to move west state-by-state until reaching Mexico's eastern seaboard. The decision to include migrants in Baja California may mean migrants will be included across Mexico's border, where thousands of mostly Central American migrants wait, often for months, in hopes of being able to cross into the United States. Migrant advocates have been pushing the state for information about how this vaccination drive will include the estimated 4,000 migrants living in Baja California, according to data provided by local shelters. At least 1,000 migrants are camped at the base of an international bridge in the city of Tijuana. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico to vaccinate migrants in Baja California under new border initiative

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said.&nbsp;

The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent.&nbsp;

Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said.&nbsp;

Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka.&nbsp;

The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday.

With 60,753 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India's total tally rose to 2,98,23,546, while the number of active cases stand at 7,60,019, the lowest in 74 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 3,85,137 with 1,647 fresh fatalities and active cases comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.16 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A total of 19,02,009 tests were conducted on Friday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,92,07,637, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded 2.98 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 12 consecutive days, the ministry said, adding that the weekly positivity rate has declined to 3.58 per cent. Recoveries outnumbered daily cases for the 37th consecutive day and the number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 2,86,78,390. The case fatality rate stands at 1.29 per cent, the data said. Cumulatively, 27,23,88,783 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The 1,647 new fatalities include 648 from Maharashtra, 287 from Tamil Nadu and 168 from Karnataka. The 3,85,137 deaths reported so far in the country include 1,16,674 from Maharashtra, 33,602 from Karnataka, 30,835 from Tamil Nadu, 24,900 from Delhi, 22,081 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,240 from West Bengal, 15,771 from Punjab and 13,368 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 60,753 fresh COVID-19 cases

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft. 
 
Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the Chinese-claimed island's government said. 
 
The incident came after the Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as 'slander'. 
 
Asked at a news conference whether the military activity was related to the G7 statement, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said it was Taiwan's government that was to blame for tensions. Beijing believes the island's government is working with foreign countries to seek formal independence. 
 
"We will never tolerate attempts to seek independence or wanton intervention in the Taiwan issue by foreign forces, so we need to make a strong response to these acts of collusion," Ma said. 
 
Democratically-ruled Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China's air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part of its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. 
 
However, this time not only did the Chinese aircraft fly in an area close to the Pratas Islands, but the bombers and some of the fighters flew around the southern part of Taiwan near the bottom tip of the island, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. 
 
The fly-by happened on the same day the US&nbsp;Navy said a carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan had entered the disputed South China Sea. 
 
"The Ronald Reagan Strike group did not interact with any Chinese military aircraft," Carrier Strike Group 5 spokesperson Lt&nbsp;Cmdr&nbsp;Joe Keiley said in an emailed statement responding to questions on whether the Chinese aircraft had approached them. 
 
"During the strike group's South China Sea operations, all communications between ships and aircraft have been consistent with international norms and have not impacted our operations." 
 
A senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning said that officials believed China was sending a message to the United States as the carrier group sailed through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and leads into the South China Sea. 
 
"It's strategic intimidation of the US&nbsp;military. They wanted the United States to notice their capability and for them to restrain their behaviour." &nbsp; 
 
Taiwan needs in particular to pay attention to the fact that China's military has started conducting drills in Taiwan's southeastern ADIZ, the source added. 
 
This "to a certain degree was targeting our deployments in the east and increasing air defence pressure around our ADIZ", the source said. 
 
Taiwan's east coast is home to two major air bases with hangers dug out of the side of mountains to provide protection in the event of a Chinese assault. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft.

China does not tolerate foreign forces intervening in Taiwan issues and has to make strong responses to such acts of 'collusion', the government said on Wednesday after the island reported the largest incursion to date of Chinese aircraft. Twenty-eight Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday, the Chinese-claimed island's government said. The incident came after the Group of Seven leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments China condemned as 'slander'. Asked at a news conference whether the military activity was related to the G7 statement, Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said it was Taiwan's government that was to blame for tensions. Beijing believes the island's government is working with foreign countries to seek formal independence. "We will never tolerate attempts to seek independence or wanton intervention in the Taiwan issue by foreign forces, so we need to make a strong response to these acts of collusion," Ma said. Democratically-ruled Taiwan has complained over the last few months of repeated missions by China's air force near the island, concentrated in the southwestern part of its air defence zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. However, this time not only did the Chinese aircraft fly in an area close to the Pratas Islands, but the bombers and some of the fighters flew around the southern part of Taiwan near the bottom tip of the island, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. The fly-by happened on the same day the US Navy said a carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan had entered the disputed South China Sea. "The Ronald Reagan Strike group did not interact with any Chinese military aircraft," Carrier Strike Group 5 spokesperson Lt Cmdr Joe Keiley said in an emailed statement responding to questions on whether the Chinese aircraft had approached them. "During the strike group's South China Sea operations, all communications between ships and aircraft have been consistent with international norms and have not impacted our operations." A senior official familiar with Taiwan's security planning said that officials believed China was sending a message to the United States as the carrier group sailed through the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and leads into the South China Sea. "It's strategic intimidation of the US military. They wanted the United States to notice their capability and for them to restrain their behaviour." Taiwan needs in particular to pay attention to the fact that China's military has started conducting drills in Taiwan's southeastern ADIZ, the source added. This "to a certain degree was targeting our deployments in the east and increasing air defence pressure around our ADIZ", the source said. Taiwan's east coast is home to two major air bases with hangers dug out of the side of mountains to provide protection in the event of a Chinese assault. (With inputs from agencies)

After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion'

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment. 
 
A measure proposed by the Ministry of Justice, first made public in April, called for easing the pathway to citizenship for children born to long-term foreign residents, by simply notifying the ministry. 
 
A presidential petition opposing the revision has gathered over 300,000 signatures. The chatroom of an online hearing held to discuss the proposal in May was overwhelmed with expletive-laced complaints by the tens of thousands of viewers. 
 
The justice ministry has said it is still taking into account public opinion and the advice of experts before submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Government Legislation. 
 
"Given the strong backlash, I would say the ministry has already lost much of the momentum to push ahead with the proposal," said Jang Yun-mi, an attorney, who specialises in issues related to children. 
 
The controversy highlights the challenges South Korea faces as it seeks to ensure a robust future population in the face of declining birthrates and rapidly aging workers, and the potential policy implications of increasingly negative views of China, its biggest trading partner. 
 
Data from last year suggests only about 3,930 people would be eligible under the rule change, but the fact that 3,725 of them were of Chinese heritage prompted much of the criticism. 
 
South Korean views have been coloured by what some see as economic bullying by Beijing, its poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, and the assertion by some Chinese that dearly held aspects of Korean food and culture, such as kimchi and the traditional hanbok dress, have roots in China. 
 
Among immigrant communities, the proposed measures are not seen as worth the backlash, said Kim Yong-phil, editor-in-chief of E Korea World, a local newspaper for Chinese-Koreans. 
 
"Anti-Chinese people could use this issue as a pretext to attack Chinese-Koreans," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment.

South Korea is trying to increase its future working population by making it easier for children of foreign residents to become citizens, but its plans have run into trouble in the face of rising anti-China sentiment. A measure proposed by the Ministry of Justice, first made public in April, called for easing the pathway to citizenship for children born to long-term foreign residents, by simply notifying the ministry. A presidential petition opposing the revision has gathered over 300,000 signatures. The chatroom of an online hearing held to discuss the proposal in May was overwhelmed with expletive-laced complaints by the tens of thousands of viewers. The justice ministry has said it is still taking into account public opinion and the advice of experts before submitting the proposal to the Ministry of Government Legislation. "Given the strong backlash, I would say the ministry has already lost much of the momentum to push ahead with the proposal," said Jang Yun-mi, an attorney, who specialises in issues related to children. The controversy highlights the challenges South Korea faces as it seeks to ensure a robust future population in the face of declining birthrates and rapidly aging workers, and the potential policy implications of increasingly negative views of China, its biggest trading partner. Data from last year suggests only about 3,930 people would be eligible under the rule change, but the fact that 3,725 of them were of Chinese heritage prompted much of the criticism. South Korean views have been coloured by what some see as economic bullying by Beijing, its poor handling of the COVID-19 crisis, and the assertion by some Chinese that dearly held aspects of Korean food and culture, such as kimchi and the traditional hanbok dress, have roots in China. Among immigrant communities, the proposed measures are not seen as worth the backlash, said Kim Yong-phil, editor-in-chief of E Korea World, a local newspaper for Chinese-Koreans. "Anti-Chinese people could use this issue as a pretext to attack Chinese-Koreans," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Proposed changes to S Korea citizenship law face anti-China headwinds

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent.

A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971.

The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent.

Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated.

Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka.&nbsp;A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

A single day rise of 62,224 new coronavirus infections were reported taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,96,33,105, while the active cases were recorded below nine lakh after 70 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,79,573 with 2,542 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 8,65,432 comprising 2.92 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 95.80 per cent. A net decline of 47,946 cases has been recorded in the COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Also, 19,30,987 tests were conducted on Monday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 38,33,06,971. The daily positivity rate dropped to 3.22 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for nine consecutive days, the ministry said, adding the weekly positivity rate has declined to 4.17 per cent. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for the 34th consecutive day. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,83,88,100, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.28 per cent, the data stated. Cumulatively, 26,19,72,014 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The 2,542 new fatalities include 1,458 from Maharashtra, 267 from Tamil Nadu, 166 from Kerala and 115 from Karnataka. A total of 3,79,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,14,154 from Maharashtra, 33,148 from Karnataka, 30,068 from Tamil Nadu, 24,851 from Delhi, 21,914 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,049 from West Bengal, 15,650 from Punjab and 13,342 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India reports 62,224 fresh cases, 2,542 new fatalities

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far.&nbsp;From&nbsp;Homeland Security chief saying US-Mexico border not open,&nbsp; to&nbsp;Coca Cola losing $4 bn as Cristiano Ronaldo removes the soft drink at a presser. And Racing 'fanatic' Queen Elizabeth has Royal Ascot in her sights.&nbsp;

We have it all.&nbsp;Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-first-time-under-the-new-government-and-after-the-ceasefire-391754">Israel strikes Gaza, 1st time under the new government and after the ceasefire</a>

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Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, its first offensive since a new coalition government came to power, barely weeks after an 11-day battle with the Palestinian territory.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/homeland-security-chief-says-us-mexico-border-not-open-391760">Homeland Security chief says US-Mexico border not open</a>

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US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coca-cola-loses-4-billion-as-cristiano-ronaldo-removes-soft-drink-bottles-at-a-presser-391777">Coca Cola loses $4 bn as Cristiano Ronaldo removes soft drink at a presser</a>

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Following Cristiano Ronaldo's removal of Coca-Cola bottles from a Euro 2020 news conference on Monday, the company's market value was slashed by $4 billion.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/racing-fanatic-queen-elizabeth-has-royal-ascot-in-her-sights-391772">Racing 'fanatic' Queen Elizabeth has Royal Ascot in her sights</a>

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Racing "fanatic" Queen Elizabeth II could attend Royal Ascot this week even though there will be no traditional carriage procession should the British monarch make an appearance.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-speeds-visas-for-vulnerable-afghans-as-pullout-looms-but-congress-wants-more-391762">US speeds visas for Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more</a>

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As the US military completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming weeks, the Biden administration says it is adding staff to hurry up the visa process for Afghans, who worked for the US government and want to flee to avoid Taliban reprisals.

&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Twitter appoints interim Chief Compliance Officer for India

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Homeland Security chief saying US-Mexico border not open, to Coca Cola losing $4 bn as Cristiano Ronaldo removes the soft drink at a presser.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From Homeland Security chief saying US-Mexico border not open, to Coca Cola losing $4 bn as Cristiano Ronaldo removes the soft drink at a presser. And Racing 'fanatic' Queen Elizabeth has Royal Ascot in her sights. We have it all. Please click on the headline to read the full story. Israel strikes Gaza, 1st time under the new government and after the ceasefire Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, its first offensive since a new coalition government came to power, barely weeks after an 11-day battle with the Palestinian territory. Homeland Security chief says US-Mexico border not open US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. Coca Cola loses $4 bn as Cristiano Ronaldo removes soft drink at a presser Following Cristiano Ronaldo's removal of Coca-Cola bottles from a Euro 2020 news conference on Monday, the company's market value was slashed by $4 billion. Racing 'fanatic' Queen Elizabeth has Royal Ascot in her sights Racing "fanatic" Queen Elizabeth II could attend Royal Ascot this week even though there will be no traditional carriage procession should the British monarch make an appearance. US speeds visas for Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more As the US military completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming weeks, the Biden administration says it is adding staff to hurry up the visa process for Afghans, who worked for the US government and want to flee to avoid Taliban reprisals. Watch: Twitter appoints interim Chief Compliance Officer for India ×

Morning news brief: Israel strikes Gaza, 1st time under the new government and after the ceasefire and more

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. 
 
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant. 
 
Earlier, a US media report had revealed the possibility of a potential leak in a Chinese nuclear plant near Hong Kong after its French operator said that the plant is dealing with a 'performance issue' linked to a gas build-up.

The Taishan Nuclear Power Plant is jointly owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and French multinational electric utility Électricité de France, the main owner of Framotome, which helps operate the plant.

CNN reported that Framotome had written to the US Department of Energy warning of an 'imminent radiological threat'&nbsp;and accusing Chinese authorities of raising acceptable limits for radiation outside the plant to avoid having to shut it down.

EDF, the majority owner of Framatome, said in a statement that it had requested an extraordinary meeting of the power plant's board 'for management to present all the data and the necessary decisions'.

Framatome said in a statement that it is 'supporting a resolution of a performance issue' at the plant.

"According to the data available, the plant is operating within the safety parameters," the company said.

EDF later said that there was an "increase in the concentration of certain noble gases in the primary circuit of reactor no. 1" at Taishan, referring to a part of the reactor's cooling system.

Noble gases are elements like argon, helium and neon which have low chemical reactivity.

Their presence in the system "is a known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures," EDF said.

David Fishman, manager at energy-focused consulting group The Lantau Group, said that the presence of noble gases could suggest the problem was caused by a cracked fuel rod.

"When you have a cracked fuel rod... you get a small release potentially of fission materials from inside that cracked fuel rod into the cooling loop, where it wouldn't normally be," he said.&nbsp;

"Failed fuel or cracked fuel is a fairly normal and common, undesirably certainly but not uncommon phenomenon in the nuclear fuel industry."

Citing a letter from Framatome to the US energy department, CNN said the warning included an accusation that the Chinese safety authority was raising the acceptable limits for radiation outside the facility in order to avoid having to shut it down.

But a US official told the broadcaster that the administration of President Joe Biden believes the facility is not yet at "crisis level".

The operator of the power station, state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), said in a statement on Sunday evening that "the environmental indicators of Taishan Nuclear Power Plant and its surroundings are normal".

It did not reference any leak or incident at the power station, which it said meets "the requirements of nuclear safety regulations and power plant technical specifications."

The International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN body, said it had contacted its counterpart in China regarding the issue.

"At this stage, the Agency has no indication that a radiological incident occurred," the IAEA said in a statement, adding that it would share more information "as it becomes available".

If the problem is a cracked fuel rod, said Fishman, it would have to be logged by the Chinese nuclear safety administration with a mitigation report to fix the problem.

What's more, "if (Framatome) were going to transfer over any information that they have gotten from working in the US, they would have to apply for an exemption... because CGN is on the US entity list," he added.

"It is a no-fly zone for any US information, any information or data or technology or IP to go to China."

(With inputs from agencies)

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant.

China's environment ministry said on Wednesday that there was no leak at the Taishan nuclear power station, responding to a CNN report earlier this week. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said in a statement on its official WeChat account that the National Nuclear Safety Administration did not raise acceptable limits for radiation detection levels outside of the Taishan plant. Earlier, a US media report had revealed the possibility of a potential leak in a Chinese nuclear plant near Hong Kong after its French operator said that the plant is dealing with a 'performance issue' linked to a gas build-up. The Taishan Nuclear Power Plant is jointly owned by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group and French multinational electric utility Électricité de France, the main owner of Framotome, which helps operate the plant. CNN reported that Framotome had written to the US Department of Energy warning of an 'imminent radiological threat' and accusing Chinese authorities of raising acceptable limits for radiation outside the plant to avoid having to shut it down. EDF, the majority owner of Framatome, said in a statement that it had requested an extraordinary meeting of the power plant's board 'for management to present all the data and the necessary decisions'. Framatome said in a statement that it is 'supporting a resolution of a performance issue' at the plant. "According to the data available, the plant is operating within the safety parameters," the company said. EDF later said that there was an "increase in the concentration of certain noble gases in the primary circuit of reactor no. 1" at Taishan, referring to a part of the reactor's cooling system. Noble gases are elements like argon, helium and neon which have low chemical reactivity. Their presence in the system "is a known phenomenon, studied and provided for in the reactor operating procedures," EDF said. David Fishman, manager at energy-focused consulting group The Lantau Group, said that the presence of noble gases could suggest the problem was caused by a cracked fuel rod. "When you have a cracked fuel rod... you get a small release potentially of fission materials from inside that cracked fuel rod into the cooling loop, where it wouldn't normally be," he said. "Failed fuel or cracked fuel is a fairly normal and common, undesirably certainly but not uncommon phenomenon in the nuclear fuel industry." Citing a letter from Framatome to the US energy department, CNN said the warning included an accusation that the Chinese safety authority was raising the acceptable limits for radiation outside the facility in order to avoid having to shut it down. But a US official told the broadcaster that the administration of President Joe Biden believes the facility is not yet at "crisis level". The operator of the power station, state-owned China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), said in a statement on Sunday evening that "the environmental indicators of Taishan Nuclear Power Plant and its surroundings are normal". It did not reference any leak or incident at the power station, which it said meets "the requirements of nuclear safety regulations and power plant technical specifications." The International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN body, said it had contacted its counterpart in China regarding the issue. "At this stage, the Agency has no indication that a radiological incident occurred," the IAEA said in a statement, adding that it would share more information "as it becomes available". If the problem is a cracked fuel rod, said Fishman, it would have to be logged by the Chinese nuclear safety administration with a mitigation report to fix the problem. What's more, "if (Framatome) were going to transfer over any information that they have gotten from working in the US, they would have to apply for an exemption... because CGN is on the US entity list," he added. "It is a no-fly zone for any US information, any information or data or technology or IP to go to China." (With inputs from agencies)

China environment ministry says no leak at Taishan nuclear power station

The nominee to be the top US&nbsp;diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone. 
 
Daniel Kritenbrink said it was important for Washington to demonstrate its resolve to meet its 'rock-solid obligations' towards Taiwan in the face of pressure from China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory. 
 
"It's ... incumbent upon us to further develop our robust relationship with Taiwan in every sector," Kritenbrink told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia. 
 
Earlier, Taiwan said 28 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered its air defense identification zone. 
 
The Group of Seven leaders issued a statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments that China called 'slander'. 
 
Kritenbrink, a career foreign service officer, who was most recently ambassador to Vietnam and a former deputy head of mission in China, was asked if Washington should switch from a long-standing stance of 'strategic ambiguity' to make a clear commitment to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. 
 
He said the US&nbsp;'one-China' policy that formally recognises Beijing and not Taipei had ensured cross-strait stability and Taiwan's security for many decades. 
 
He added: "I do think that maintenance of that status quo and of that security is a dynamic situation. As the threat from (China) grows, as Beijing`s aggressive and bullying behavior vis-a-vis Taiwan grows, I think that our response has to be calibrated as well." 
 
Responding to a request for comment, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said Washington should 'stop elevating its relationship with the Taiwan region in any substantive way ... so as to avoid serious damage to China-US&nbsp;relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." 
 
Kritenbrink described China as the 'major challenge the United States faces today' and said new guidelines adopted by the Biden administration for Taiwan relations were 'significantly liberalized' and 'explicitly designed to further develop our relationships and our partnership'.&nbsp;He said Washington should continue to take steps to hold to account Chinese leaders responsible for what it calls genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. 
 
"The ongoing genocide in Xinjiang shocks the conscience," he said. "We estimate more than 1 million Uyghurs have been forcibly detained, put into re-education camps, forced to provide labor, and many other disturbing allegations about how they are being treated," he said. 
 
"We need to continue to take steps using all the tools that the US&nbsp;government has at its disposal to hold to account the leaders who are carrying out these atrocities," Kritenbrink said. 
 
Liu repeated Chinese denials of abuses in Xinjiang, saying: "Facts have proved that there has never been any genocide in Xinjiang." 
 
In a tweet, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch, called Kritenbrink's Xinjiang remarks a 'strong pledge',&nbsp;while adding: "Follow through critical." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The nominee to be the top US diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone.

The nominee to be the top US diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday that Washington should develop its relationship with Taiwan in every sector, hours after China's largest reported incursion to date into the island's air defence identification zone. Daniel Kritenbrink said it was important for Washington to demonstrate its resolve to meet its 'rock-solid obligations' towards Taiwan in the face of pressure from China, which claims the self-governing island as its own territory. "It's ... incumbent upon us to further develop our robust relationship with Taiwan in every sector," Kritenbrink told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be assistant secretary of state for East Asia. Earlier, Taiwan said 28 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered its air defense identification zone. The Group of Seven leaders issued a statement on Sunday scolding China for a series of issues and underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, comments that China called 'slander'. Kritenbrink, a career foreign service officer, who was most recently ambassador to Vietnam and a former deputy head of mission in China, was asked if Washington should switch from a long-standing stance of 'strategic ambiguity' to make a clear commitment to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. He said the US 'one-China' policy that formally recognises Beijing and not Taipei had ensured cross-strait stability and Taiwan's security for many decades. He added: "I do think that maintenance of that status quo and of that security is a dynamic situation. As the threat from (China) grows, as Beijing`s aggressive and bullying behavior vis-a-vis Taiwan grows, I think that our response has to be calibrated as well." Responding to a request for comment, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said Washington should 'stop elevating its relationship with the Taiwan region in any substantive way ... so as to avoid serious damage to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Kritenbrink described China as the 'major challenge the United States faces today' and said new guidelines adopted by the Biden administration for Taiwan relations were 'significantly liberalized' and 'explicitly designed to further develop our relationships and our partnership'. He said Washington should continue to take steps to hold to account Chinese leaders responsible for what it calls genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region. "The ongoing genocide in Xinjiang shocks the conscience," he said. "We estimate more than 1 million Uyghurs have been forcibly detained, put into re-education camps, forced to provide labor, and many other disturbing allegations about how they are being treated," he said. "We need to continue to take steps using all the tools that the US government has at its disposal to hold to account the leaders who are carrying out these atrocities," Kritenbrink said. Liu repeated Chinese denials of abuses in Xinjiang, saying: "Facts have proved that there has never been any genocide in Xinjiang." In a tweet, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch, called Kritenbrink's Xinjiang remarks a 'strong pledge', while adding: "Follow through critical." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's Asia nominee says US should develop Taiwan ties in every sector

US&nbsp;Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US&nbsp;southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. 
 
The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. 
 
"We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US&nbsp;asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." 
 
Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." 
 
He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways',&nbsp;listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US&nbsp;investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. 
 
"We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. 
 
Critics said the US&nbsp;government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. 
 
Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. 
 
Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. 
 
Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. 
 
"It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. 
 
In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. 
 
The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. 
 
Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US&nbsp;senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. 
 
Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. 
 
Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border.

US Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas said on Tuesday the US southern border is not open to irregular migration, adding the Biden administration is developing 'lawful pathways' aimed at slowing the flow of people at the border. The Homeland Security secretary's remarks during a visit to Mexico City come amid months of high migration that has become an early policy challenge for US President Joe Biden, as hundreds of thousands of people flee violence and poverty in Central America and parts of Mexico. Mayorkas said both Mexico and the United States were working to curtail irregular migration. "We have challenged one another," he told a news conference. "It`s not just a question of the US asking of Mexico, it's a matter of what we both can do." Echoing Vice President Kamala Harris's comments to migrants during a visit to Guatemala last week, he said the government has sent a clear message to migrants: 'Do not come." He emphasised that the government is working on alternatives he described as 'lawful pathways', listing programmes, such as temporary worker visas and US investment to tackle violence, corruption and weak economies in the countries with high migration rates. "We are devoted and dedicated to bringing different types of relief," Mayorkas said. Critics said the US government was sending mixed messages that could fuel further migration, after Harris described the United States as a safe haven for asylum seekers only days after warning migrants they would be turned back at the border. Mayorkas noted that Title 42, a COVID-19 health order implemented under former US President Donald Trump to slow migration during the pandemic, would remain in place as long as needed for public health reasons. Biden has faced growing pressure from migrant advocates and health experts to end the policy as more evidence emerges that migrants are being expelled into danger in Mexico. Mayorkas added that his department would be prepared to address border issues once the order is lifted. "It's not a tool of immigration policy," he said. In meetings with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard and other top Mexican officials, Mayorkas also discussed speeding up vaccinations at the border amid efforts to phase out pandemic-related travel restrictions. The United States is not considering requiring a so-called vaccine passport for crossings, he said. Biden on Tuesday picked Latino lawyer and former US senator Ken Salazar as ambassador for Mexico, whose role includes working to limit migration from Central America. Salazar in 2017 criticized Trump's migration policies, saying border relations were about 'building trust, not walls'. Trump on Tuesday said he would visit the Texas-Mexico border this month with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after both complained about a rise in migrants crossing into the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

Homeland Security chief says US-Mexico border not open

As the US military completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming weeks, the Biden administration says it is adding staff to hurry up the visa process for Afghans, who worked for the US&nbsp;government and want to flee to avoid Taliban reprisals. 
 
But for refugee advocates and members of Congress, the effort still isn't enough to ensure that Afghans, who worked as US&nbsp;military translators, guides and in other roles aren't persecuted in large numbers in the months ahead. 
 
"I want the White House's hair on fire," said Maine Senator Angus King, an independent, who caucuses with President Joe Biden's Democratic Party. 
 
"What do I want them to do next? I want them to do everything within their power to solve this problem." 
 
Fighting has increased across Afghanistan ahead of the September&nbsp;11 deadline for withdrawal, which will end a two-decade US-led NATO troop presence since the Taliban were forced from power in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the United States. 
 
Afghans, who worked for the United States during America's longest war, fear the insurgency will target them and their families, retribution for helping foreign forces. 
 
With the final pullout expected as early as mid-July, there appears to be a mismatch between the expectations of refugee advocates and what the Biden administration says is realistic given the legal and practical requirements to process special immigrant visas. 
 
The administration says it has already doubled the number of staff processing cases in Kabul and tripled personnel reviewing petitions at US&nbsp;Citizenship and Immigration Services. 
 
It also plans a five-fold increase in the number of staff in the State Department working on the visas in Washington, a senior administration official said. 
 
"All of these changes have resulted in, over the last couple of months, the largest number of cases processed in the history of the programme in any 60-day period," the official said, speaking about the plans on condition of anonymity. 
 
The plan is to process at least 1,000-1,400 visa applications for Afghans, who worked for the United States, not including their families, every month. By contrast, the US&nbsp;government says, it issued only 237 such visas in the last three months of 2020. 
 
But even with the new effort, the administration says there's a limit to how fast a 14-step, multiple-agency process can move without changes to legislation. If all goes well, a visa could be processed in nine to 12 months. 
 
"Other than that, the 'brute force' approach of just more bodies has gone about as far as it can," a second US&nbsp;official said. 
 
The administration supports legislation in Congress that would allow Afghans to do a medical check upon arriving in the United States, instead of in Afghanistan. It is also supports legislation eliminating the requirement for a specific petition at the Department of Homeland Security. 
 
"That would be another two months that we could shave off," the first official said. 
 
Political talks between the government and the Taliban have largely stalled and it's unclear how the Afghan security forces will perform after troops depart. The Taliban have assured Afghans, who worked with foreign forces of their safety. 
 
But as the clock ticks down, Afghans, who have applied for visas, are becoming increasingly concerned. 
 
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured Congress last week of his commitment to Afghans, who worked with the United States, but also suggested any threats to their safety might not be immediate. 
 
"I wouldn't necessarily equate the departure of our forces in July, August, or by early September with some kind of immediate deterioration in the situation," Blinken said. 
 
Blinken acknowledged there were 18,000 Afghans 'in the pipeline' for potential visas. Half of them have expressed interest but haven't yet filled out the necessary forms, he said. 
 
Senator Patrick Leahy, recalling the chaos in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975 when he was a junior senator, said the matter was urgent. 
 
"They're going to have a target on their back," Leahy said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the US military completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming weeks, the Biden administration says it is adding staff to hurry up the visa process for Afghans, who worked for the US government and want to flee to avoid Taliban reprisals.

As the US military completes its withdrawal from Afghanistan in the coming weeks, the Biden administration says it is adding staff to hurry up the visa process for Afghans, who worked for the US government and want to flee to avoid Taliban reprisals. But for refugee advocates and members of Congress, the effort still isn't enough to ensure that Afghans, who worked as US military translators, guides and in other roles aren't persecuted in large numbers in the months ahead. "I want the White House's hair on fire," said Maine Senator Angus King, an independent, who caucuses with President Joe Biden's Democratic Party. "What do I want them to do next? I want them to do everything within their power to solve this problem." Fighting has increased across Afghanistan ahead of the September 11 deadline for withdrawal, which will end a two-decade US-led NATO troop presence since the Taliban were forced from power in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the United States. Afghans, who worked for the United States during America's longest war, fear the insurgency will target them and their families, retribution for helping foreign forces. With the final pullout expected as early as mid-July, there appears to be a mismatch between the expectations of refugee advocates and what the Biden administration says is realistic given the legal and practical requirements to process special immigrant visas. The administration says it has already doubled the number of staff processing cases in Kabul and tripled personnel reviewing petitions at US Citizenship and Immigration Services. It also plans a five-fold increase in the number of staff in the State Department working on the visas in Washington, a senior administration official said. "All of these changes have resulted in, over the last couple of months, the largest number of cases processed in the history of the programme in any 60-day period," the official said, speaking about the plans on condition of anonymity. The plan is to process at least 1,000-1,400 visa applications for Afghans, who worked for the United States, not including their families, every month. By contrast, the US government says, it issued only 237 such visas in the last three months of 2020. But even with the new effort, the administration says there's a limit to how fast a 14-step, multiple-agency process can move without changes to legislation. If all goes well, a visa could be processed in nine to 12 months. "Other than that, the 'brute force' approach of just more bodies has gone about as far as it can," a second US official said. The administration supports legislation in Congress that would allow Afghans to do a medical check upon arriving in the United States, instead of in Afghanistan. It is also supports legislation eliminating the requirement for a specific petition at the Department of Homeland Security. "That would be another two months that we could shave off," the first official said. Political talks between the government and the Taliban have largely stalled and it's unclear how the Afghan security forces will perform after troops depart. The Taliban have assured Afghans, who worked with foreign forces of their safety. But as the clock ticks down, Afghans, who have applied for visas, are becoming increasingly concerned. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured Congress last week of his commitment to Afghans, who worked with the United States, but also suggested any threats to their safety might not be immediate. "I wouldn't necessarily equate the departure of our forces in July, August, or by early September with some kind of immediate deterioration in the situation," Blinken said. Blinken acknowledged there were 18,000 Afghans 'in the pipeline' for potential visas. Half of them have expressed interest but haven't yet filled out the necessary forms, he said. Senator Patrick Leahy, recalling the chaos in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975 when he was a junior senator, said the matter was urgent. "They're going to have a target on their back," Leahy said. (With inputs from agencies)

US speeds visas for vulnerable Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more

Five police officers in Savannah, Georgia, have been fired after a Black man hanged himself while in custody in April, a death that three of them mocked in a text message exchange that contained a crude GIF, officials said this week.

The officers’ dismissal was announced by the Savannah Police Department on Monday. That same day the city’s police chief and mayor met with the family of William Harvey, who officers said hanged himself with his shoelaces on April 3 after officers questioned him at police headquarters as part of an investigation into an aggravated assault.

Harvey, 60, was found unresponsive in an interview room where he had been left alone. His death was ruled a suicide by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

But his family has faulted the police over the actions of officers leading up to and after his death. They said the police had neglected the warning signs that Harvey had been in distress, failed to activate all of the cameras that were in the room and later made light of the tragedy in a group text message exchange.

Roy W. Minter Jr., the Savannah police chief, said at a media briefing Tuesday that Harvey’s death could have been prevented if not for missteps of officers.

“I don’t think any of these officers had any malicious intent in what they did, but they made some poor decisions and didn’t follow department policy and procedure,” Minter said.

The punishment of the officers, who have not been charged with any crimes, came as police departments across the nation are facing intense scrutiny over misconduct and complaints of institutional racism after the death of George Floyd while in custody in Minneapolis.

“When you’re in the care custody of the police, you should be able to enter an interrogation room and emerge alive,” Francys Johnson, a lawyer for the Harvey family, said at a news conference Monday.

Harvey’s relatives said they would not rest until there was full transparency about what happened in the interview room and until justice was served.

“We’re not going to stop until we get all our questions answered,” Harvey’s son Michael Harvey said at the news conference. “Because we just want to know the truth.”

Two of the officers — Cpl. Silver Leuschner and Sgt. Michael Kerr — were fired over their response to the situation, the Savannah Police Department said. A third officer was suspended.

Officials said that Leuschner had breached the department’s conduct policy and had failed to turn on cameras during the encounter. They said that Kerr had breached his responsibilities as a supervisor. The officials did not elaborate.

Leuschner said in an email Tuesday night that at the time of Harvey’s death she was 15 minutes from headquarters at a hospital checking on a victim and that Kerr was also not in the building. She said that two patrol officers who had been sitting outside the interview room for 40 minutes and did not check on Harvey kept their jobs. A camera system in the interview room, she said, was not working properly.

“I was told, ‘This is political, so someone has to go,’ ” said Leuschner, who called herself a scapegoat.

Kerr could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday night.

It was not immediately clear if he and the other officers had lawyers. The Southern States Police Benevolent Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.

The three officers fired over the text message exchange mocking Harvey’s death were identified by the Savannah Police Department as Sgt. Christopher Hewett, Cpl. Erica Tremblay and Officer David Curtis.

In the text message exchange, obtained by the television station WSAV, one of the officers shared a GIF that showed a Black man hanging himself from a noose.

A person responding from an email address listed for Curtis declined to comment Tuesday night. Hewett and Tremblay could not be immediately reached for comment.

Minter said Tuesday that he had reviewed some of the officers’ body camera footage from the encounter with Harvey and that it was tough to watch.

“It’s been extremely heartbreaking to see the impact this particular situation has had on the Harvey family,” he said. “I hope and pray that they find some type of comfort knowing that the Savannah Police Department did what we had to do to hold members of our organization accountable.”

Five police officers in Savannah, Georgia, have been fired after a Black man hanged himself while in custody in April, a death that three of them mocked in a text message exchange that contained a crude GIF, officials said this week.

Five police officers in Savannah, Georgia, have been fired after a Black man hanged himself while in custody in April, a death that three of them mocked in a text message exchange that contained a crude GIF, officials said this week. The officers’ dismissal was announced by the Savannah Police Department on Monday. That same day the city’s police chief and mayor met with the family of William Harvey, who officers said hanged himself with his shoelaces on April 3 after officers questioned him at police headquarters as part of an investigation into an aggravated assault. Harvey, 60, was found unresponsive in an interview room where he had been left alone. His death was ruled a suicide by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. But his family has faulted the police over the actions of officers leading up to and after his death. They said the police had neglected the warning signs that Harvey had been in distress, failed to activate all of the cameras that were in the room and later made light of the tragedy in a group text message exchange. Roy W. Minter Jr., the Savannah police chief, said at a media briefing Tuesday that Harvey’s death could have been prevented if not for missteps of officers. “I don’t think any of these officers had any malicious intent in what they did, but they made some poor decisions and didn’t follow department policy and procedure,” Minter said. The punishment of the officers, who have not been charged with any crimes, came as police departments across the nation are facing intense scrutiny over misconduct and complaints of institutional racism after the death of George Floyd while in custody in Minneapolis. “When you’re in the care custody of the police, you should be able to enter an interrogation room and emerge alive,” Francys Johnson, a lawyer for the Harvey family, said at a news conference Monday. Harvey’s relatives said they would not rest until there was full transparency about what happened in the interview room and until justice was served. “We’re not going to stop until we get all our questions answered,” Harvey’s son Michael Harvey said at the news conference. “Because we just want to know the truth.” Two of the officers — Cpl. Silver Leuschner and Sgt. Michael Kerr — were fired over their response to the situation, the Savannah Police Department said. A third officer was suspended. Officials said that Leuschner had breached the department’s conduct policy and had failed to turn on cameras during the encounter. They said that Kerr had breached his responsibilities as a supervisor. The officials did not elaborate. Leuschner said in an email Tuesday night that at the time of Harvey’s death she was 15 minutes from headquarters at a hospital checking on a victim and that Kerr was also not in the building. She said that two patrol officers who had been sitting outside the interview room for 40 minutes and did not check on Harvey kept their jobs. A camera system in the interview room, she said, was not working properly. “I was told, ‘This is political, so someone has to go,’ ” said Leuschner, who called herself a scapegoat. Kerr could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday night. It was not immediately clear if he and the other officers had lawyers. The Southern States Police Benevolent Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night. The three officers fired over the text message exchange mocking Harvey’s death were identified by the Savannah Police Department as Sgt. Christopher Hewett, Cpl. Erica Tremblay and Officer David Curtis. In the text message exchange, obtained by the television station WSAV, one of the officers shared a GIF that showed a Black man hanging himself from a noose. A person responding from an email address listed for Curtis declined to comment Tuesday night. Hewett and Tremblay could not be immediately reached for comment. Minter said Tuesday that he had reviewed some of the officers’ body camera footage from the encounter with Harvey and that it was tough to watch. “It’s been extremely heartbreaking to see the impact this particular situation has had on the Harvey family,” he said. “I hope and pray that they find some type of comfort knowing that the Savannah Police Department did what we had to do to hold members of our organization accountable.”

5 police officers are fired after a man in custody hangs himself

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