India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

This highway has been under construction for seven years now. China has spent 310 million dollars on this project. It passes though a grand canyon of the river Brahmaputra, on the Tibetan side. This highway will improve China's access to remote areas on the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh.

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And while China picks up arms over India's road construction in Ladakh, it continues to build such strategic assets along the Indian border. This highway is just a small component of China's grand plan for Tibet.

Xi Jinping has ordered a major infrastructure push. It involves building roads, highways, villages and military outposts

Satellite images show that China has built three villages inside Bhutanese territory. The images taken in January 2021 also show a road connecting Tibet to a village out of these three. The village is called Gyala Phug

Two of the three villages are already occupied. As of the first week of May one was under construction.

And these villages have everything. 66 miles of new roads, a small hydro-power station, two communist party administrative centres, a communications base, a disaster relief warehouse, five outposts...they could be military or police.

These villages have everything to serve as a military base. They have security sites, signal towers, a military base and even a satellite receiving station. All of this has been built in the far north of Bhutan.

Chinese Communist Party's secretary for Tibet traveled to meet villagers in Gyala-Phug. He told the villagers to "Raise the bright five-star red flag high". This is reference to the Chinese flag. He is talking about raising the Chinese flag in Bhutan.

China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas. It is building structures to claim disputed territory. In the South China Sea, it fortified and armed shoals claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines.

Now, it has built a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and villages in Bhutan. China wants to do more such construction work along the Tibetan border.

China has released a new policy paper on Tibet. It reveals how Beijing has pumped money into construction activity on the border.

Reports from 2019 say China had plans to built 624 "Well off" villages and farms on Tibet's borders. By 2020, china said many of the border villages were better connected to highways. And all such villages have access to mobile communication. So a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and chinese villages in Bhutan.

All this construction activity is China's attempt to unilaterally change facts on the ground. through encroachment and colonisation.

Pandemic or not, China is not backing down. And India needs to watch out.

India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

India is grappling with the Wuhan virus. China is capitalising on India's crisis. It has wrapped up construction of a strategic highway in Tibet. A highway that is very close to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This highway has been under construction for seven years now. China has spent 310 million dollars on this project. It passes though a grand canyon of the river Brahmaputra, on the Tibetan side. This highway will improve China's access to remote areas on the disputed border with Arunachal Pradesh. × And while China picks up arms over India's road construction in Ladakh, it continues to build such strategic assets along the Indian border. This highway is just a small component of China's grand plan for Tibet. Xi Jinping has ordered a major infrastructure push. It involves building roads, highways, villages and military outposts Satellite images show that China has built three villages inside Bhutanese territory. The images taken in January 2021 also show a road connecting Tibet to a village out of these three. The village is called Gyala Phug Two of the three villages are already occupied. As of the first week of May one was under construction. And these villages have everything. 66 miles of new roads, a small hydro-power station, two communist party administrative centres, a communications base, a disaster relief warehouse, five outposts...they could be military or police. These villages have everything to serve as a military base. They have security sites, signal towers, a military base and even a satellite receiving station. All of this has been built in the far north of Bhutan. Chinese Communist Party's secretary for Tibet traveled to meet villagers in Gyala-Phug. He told the villagers to "Raise the bright five-star red flag high". This is reference to the Chinese flag. He is talking about raising the Chinese flag in Bhutan. China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas. It is building structures to claim disputed territory. In the South China Sea, it fortified and armed shoals claimed by Vietnam and the Philippines. Now, it has built a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and villages in Bhutan. China wants to do more such construction work along the Tibetan border. China has released a new policy paper on Tibet. It reveals how Beijing has pumped money into construction activity on the border. Reports from 2019 say China had plans to built 624 "Well off" villages and farms on Tibet's borders. By 2020, china said many of the border villages were better connected to highways. And all such villages have access to mobile communication. So a highway near Arunachal Pradesh and chinese villages in Bhutan. All this construction activity is China's attempt to unilaterally change facts on the ground. through encroachment and colonisation. Pandemic or not, China is not backing down. And India needs to watch out.

China is taking its South China Sea strategy to Himalayas

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other.&nbsp;

This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab?

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan.

When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019.

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&nbsp;

This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen.

This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak?

Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof&nbsp;that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe.

And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated.&nbsp;

Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities.

Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible.

Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab.

In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments.

This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question.

Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China.

In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin.

In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci.

Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research.

In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab.

And that's wishful thinking.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other. This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab? Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan. When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019. × This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen. This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak? Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe. And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated. Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities. Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible. Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab. In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments. This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question. Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China. In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin. In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci. Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research. In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab. And that's wishful thinking.

Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft&nbsp;to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe".&nbsp;

He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France.

Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA.

Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable"</a>

Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-finds-belarus-approach-to-plane-incident-reasonable-387125">Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'</a>

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia.

British government on Monday said that it had instructed UK aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace. Additionally, it slapped a ban on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia. UK also summoned Belarusian ambassador over the issue of forced diversion of a passenger plane that culminated into arrest of a 26-year-old Belarusian activist who opposed country's President Alexander Lukashenko. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had told the Civil Aviation Authority to issue instructions "in order to keep passengers safe". He also suspended the operating permit of Belavia, which flies daily London Gatwick to Minsk flights via Paris in a code-share with Air France. Belarus on Sunday (Indian time) sent a fighter jet plane to divert a Lithuania-bound Rayanair passenger plane and arrested a 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich. This has raised tensions as Belarus drew a lot of flak from European countries as well as the USA. Russia appears to have sided with Belarus as it said that Belarusian response to the plane incident was "reasonable" Roman Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities on Sunday is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Also Read | Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable' Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

UK orders aircraft to avoid Belarus airspace, suspends Belavia

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Belarus,&nbsp;led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach".&nbsp;

"A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart.

"I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach."

He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation".

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Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">called the incident an "act of state terrorism"</a> and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus.

Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist.

Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-sends-fighter-jet-to-divert-passenger-plane-detains-opponent-386961">Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent</a>

Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year.

He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus.

Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk

Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board.

"The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus.&nbsp;

"All passengers were on board as planned."&nbsp;

Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning".

"We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said.

Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed.

(With agency inputs)

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision.

Russia on Monday backed Belarus in its decision to divert a plane carrying opposition activist. The activist was later arrested by Belarus. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended Belarus' decision. Belarus, led by its strongman President Alexander Lukashenko late on Sunday (Indian time) sent a figher plane to divert Ryanair passenger plane bound for Lithuania. The plane was forced to land in Belarus and 26-year-old opposition activist Roman Protasevich was arrested Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that Belarus had treated the incident with an "absolutely reasonable approach". "A representative of the Belarusian foreign ministry... stressed the readiness of the Belarusian authorities to act on the issue in a transparent manner and to follow all international rules," Lavrov said during a press conference following a meeting with his Greek counterpart. "I think this is an absolutely reasonable approach." He called on the global community to "soberly assess the situation". × Belarus has received harsh criticism from western countries. Western leaders called the incident an "act of state terrorism" and the EU was expected Monday to toughen sanctions against Belarus. Protasevich (26), who was arrested by Belarus authorities is a Belarusian journalist and activist. Together with co-founder Stepan Putilo he had until recently run the Nexta telegram channel that galvanised and directed huge protests against Lukashenko's disputed re-election to a sixth term in August 2020. Also Read | Belarus sends fighter jet to divert passenger plane, detains opponent Last year, Protasevich and Putilo were accused by Belarusian authorities of a number of crimes including organising mass riots. Protasevich left the Nexta project last year. He faces a sentence of up to 15 years in Belarus. Lufthansa flight takes off from Minsk Meanwhile, Lufthansa flight suspended in Minsk on Monday due to security alert took off for Frankfurt with all passengers on board. "The flight took off 10 minutes ago," an airline spokesman told AFP at about 1330 GMT, one day after the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Belarus. "All passengers were on board as planned." Lufthansa said all luggage and freight had been removed from the aircraft, in which there were 51 people including five crew members, for fresh security checks after Belarusian authorities said they had received a "security warning". "We regret the inconvenience for the passengers but the security of our passengers, crew and the plane take top priority at Lufthansa," the spokesman said. Soon after Lufthansa announced the flight's suspension, Minsk airport said on its Telegram channel that "all necessary measures" to check the plane and its passengers had been completed. (With agency inputs)

Russia finds Belarus approach to plane incident 'reasonable'

Italy's transport minister has vowed to find the cause of the deadly cable-car accident that took 14 lives. Minister Enrico Giovannini visited the accident site on Monday and announced a probe into the incident.

A five-year-old boy is the sole survivor of the horrific accident which took place in northern Italy. The boy is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The cable car crashed to the ground after a cable broke, according to first reports, while one member of the emergency services said the security brake failed to function.

The accident came at the start of Italy's much-anticipated reopening to tourists after coronavirus closures, and elicited condolences from around the world.

But it also drew condemnation from some commentators over weak security controls in the country's transportation sector, even though the investigations are still at an early stage.

Transport Minister Enrico Giovannini arrived in the town of Stresa, from where the cable car started, to meet with local and regional authorities.

Prosecutors opened an investigation Sunday into potential charges of involuntary manslaughter, while a government-commissioned inquiry by technical experts is also underway.

The accident was the first involving a cable car in Italy since 1998, when a low-flying US military jet severed a cable at a ski resort, killing 20 people.

"There are various aspects of this affair that will certainly be clarified," Giovannini said in a short press conference, without taking questions.&nbsp;

(Wion web team)

Italy's transport minister has vowed to find the cause of the deadly cable-car accident that took 14 lives. Minister Enrico Giovannini visited the accident site on Monday and announced a probe into the incident.

Italy's transport minister has vowed to find the cause of the deadly cable-car accident that took 14 lives. Minister Enrico Giovannini visited the accident site on Monday and announced a probe into the incident. A five-year-old boy is the sole survivor of the horrific accident which took place in northern Italy. The boy is currently receiving treatment in hospital. The cable car crashed to the ground after a cable broke, according to first reports, while one member of the emergency services said the security brake failed to function. The accident came at the start of Italy's much-anticipated reopening to tourists after coronavirus closures, and elicited condolences from around the world. But it also drew condemnation from some commentators over weak security controls in the country's transportation sector, even though the investigations are still at an early stage. Transport Minister Enrico Giovannini arrived in the town of Stresa, from where the cable car started, to meet with local and regional authorities. Prosecutors opened an investigation Sunday into potential charges of involuntary manslaughter, while a government-commissioned inquiry by technical experts is also underway. The accident was the first involving a cable car in Italy since 1998, when a low-flying US military jet severed a cable at a ski resort, killing 20 people. "There are various aspects of this affair that will certainly be clarified," Giovannini said in a short press conference, without taking questions. (Wion web team)

Italian transport minister vows to find cause of deadly cable-car accident

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month&nbsp;an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites.

IAEA made this announcement on Monday even as talks continue in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

"The equipment and the verification and the monitoring activities that we agreed will continue as they are now for one month expiring on June 24th, 2021," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi told a news conference.

Iran in late February limited the IAEA's access to nuclear sites it has been monitoring as part of the 2015 landmark deal.

An agreement, reached on February 21 for a duration of three months, allowed some inspections to continue.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unclear-if-iran-ready-to-return-to-nuclear-pact-says-us-386959">Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US</a>

Grossi said that besides extending that understanding, Tehran had also agreed that information collected so far by agency equipment in Iran would not be erased.

He said the outcome of this "long discussion" was "important" but the situation was "not ideal".

"We should all be reminded that the temporary understanding is a sort of stop-gap measure. It is to avoid flying completely blind," he said.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. But the deal began to unravel in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump withdrew USA from it and re-imposed sanctions on Iran.

Iran said Monday that talks in Vienna depend on a "political decision" by the US, after Washington questioned Tehran's readiness to return to compliance with the accord.

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unclear-if-iran-ready-to-return-to-nuclear-pact-says-us-386959">Antony Blinken had said it remains unclear</a> whether Iran is "ready and willing" to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multi-nation nuclear agreement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites.

Tehran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have decided to extend by a month an understanding that enables the United Nations watchdog to monitor Iran's nuclear sites. IAEA made this announcement on Monday even as talks continue in Vienna to save the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. "The equipment and the verification and the monitoring activities that we agreed will continue as they are now for one month expiring on June 24th, 2021," International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi told a news conference. Iran in late February limited the IAEA's access to nuclear sites it has been monitoring as part of the 2015 landmark deal. An agreement, reached on February 21 for a duration of three months, allowed some inspections to continue. Also Read | Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US Grossi said that besides extending that understanding, Tehran had also agreed that information collected so far by agency equipment in Iran would not be erased. He said the outcome of this "long discussion" was "important" but the situation was "not ideal". "We should all be reminded that the temporary understanding is a sort of stop-gap measure. It is to avoid flying completely blind," he said. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. But the deal began to unravel in 2018 when former US President Donald Trump withdrew USA from it and re-imposed sanctions on Iran. Iran said Monday that talks in Vienna depend on a "political decision" by the US, after Washington questioned Tehran's readiness to return to compliance with the accord. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said it remains unclear whether Iran is "ready and willing" to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multi-nation nuclear agreement. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran nuclear sites inspection agreement extended by one month, says IAEA

A body-cam video released by Louisiana authorities showed a Black man&nbsp;being tased, dragged, choked and beaten. The man&nbsp;later died and the authorities initially said the cause of death was a car crash during a police chace.

The incident took place on May 10, 2019 when police in northern Louisiana tried to stop a car driven by Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old barber, for what they said was an unspecified traffic violation.

Greene's relatives have been reported to have said that police initially told them that he died on impact when, during a chase, his car crashed into a tree.&nbsp;

But a written police report later said Greene survived the crash and struggled with troopers trying to arrest him. It said he died en route to a hospital.

Only later did Louisiana state police acknowledge that they had used force during the arrest, which they said was justified.&nbsp;

But the body-camera (body-cam) footage acquired by Associated Press and released by authorities late on May 22 shows a horrific scuffle.

The newly-released bodycam footage shows a high-speed chase and Louisiana state troopers punching&nbsp;Greene when he was already in handcuffs.

He was also dragged across the ground by shackled feet, and stunned with tasers as he cried, "I'm scared."

Greene, of West Monroe, Louisiana, led police on a high-speed chase after midnight of May 10, 2019, and crashed his car before being taken into custody, police said. He died in an ambulance on the way to a hospital.

An autopsy showed that Greene had alcohol and cocaine in his system, suffered multiple injuries from the crash, as well as injuries from a physical struggle. The manner of death was not listed.

Earlier this week, the case quickly became another national touchstone of alleged police abuse after the unauthorised release of police video by the Associated Press.

In response to that release, Colonel Lamar Davis, the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police held a late night press conference and said the department is releasing all the police bodycam video to add context to what has already been public.

Of the troopers involved, DaKota DeMoss was notified that the department intends to fire him and remains on leave pending another excessive use of force case, police said.

Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth was also notified of the department's intent to dismiss him, but died hours later in a fatal car crash in 2020, police said.

Another trooper, Kory York, served a 50-hour suspension and is back on active duty.

The case is also the subject of a federal civil rights investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

A body-cam video released by Louisiana authorities showed a Black man being tased, dragged, choked and beaten. The man later died and the authorities initially said the cause of death was a car crash during a police chace.

A body-cam video released by Louisiana authorities showed a Black man being tased, dragged, choked and beaten. The man later died and the authorities initially said the cause of death was a car crash during a police chace. The incident took place on May 10, 2019 when police in northern Louisiana tried to stop a car driven by Ronald Greene, a 49-year-old barber, for what they said was an unspecified traffic violation. Greene's relatives have been reported to have said that police initially told them that he died on impact when, during a chase, his car crashed into a tree. But a written police report later said Greene survived the crash and struggled with troopers trying to arrest him. It said he died en route to a hospital. Only later did Louisiana state police acknowledge that they had used force during the arrest, which they said was justified. But the body-camera (body-cam) footage acquired by Associated Press and released by authorities late on May 22 shows a horrific scuffle. The newly-released bodycam footage shows a high-speed chase and Louisiana state troopers punching Greene when he was already in handcuffs. He was also dragged across the ground by shackled feet, and stunned with tasers as he cried, "I'm scared." Greene, of West Monroe, Louisiana, led police on a high-speed chase after midnight of May 10, 2019, and crashed his car before being taken into custody, police said. He died in an ambulance on the way to a hospital. An autopsy showed that Greene had alcohol and cocaine in his system, suffered multiple injuries from the crash, as well as injuries from a physical struggle. The manner of death was not listed. Earlier this week, the case quickly became another national touchstone of alleged police abuse after the unauthorised release of police video by the Associated Press. In response to that release, Colonel Lamar Davis, the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police held a late night press conference and said the department is releasing all the police bodycam video to add context to what has already been public. Of the troopers involved, DaKota DeMoss was notified that the department intends to fire him and remains on leave pending another excessive use of force case, police said. Master Trooper Chris Hollingsworth was also notified of the department's intent to dismiss him, but died hours later in a fatal car crash in 2020, police said. Another trooper, Kory York, served a 50-hour suspension and is back on active duty. The case is also the subject of a federal civil rights investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Police in US seen choking Black man they said died in car crash

'Ecological disaster' feared as Greece battles forest fire

Bangladesh&nbsp;authorities on Thursday imposed a lockdown in five&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;in the country's southeast&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;spike&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in recent days, officials said.

The restrictions barred gatherings and movement between&nbsp;camps, which are home to more than 100,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;refugees,&nbsp;Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner Shamsud Douza told AFP.

"We imposed the restrictions from today&nbsp;after&nbsp;sudden spikes in coronavirus cases in the five&nbsp;camps," he said, adding Wednesday saw a single-day record in new infections.

Bangladesh&nbsp;authorities have set up 34&nbsp;camps&nbsp;in the country's southeastern district of Cox's Bazar for nearly 900,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;refugees, who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar.&nbsp;

They included some 740,000&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;refugees who fled a deadly Myanmar military offensive in August 2017.

Douza said aid workers have been restricted in the&nbsp;camps, allowing only a bare minimum people who work in health, food and gas distribution to enter.

On Wednesday alone, 45&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;tested positive for the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;out of 247 tested, said local health coordinator Toha Bhuiyan. The same number was also tested positive on Thursday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-bangladesh-sri-lanka-nearly-out-of-covid-vaccines-say-officials-386537">Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka nearly out of Covid vaccines, say officials</a>

All five&nbsp;camps&nbsp;have been completely closed," he told AFP.

"The infection number is alarming," Anupom Barua, the Principal of Cox's Bazar Medical College, told AFP. Barua has been monitoring the coronavirus situation in the&nbsp;camps&nbsp;since last year.&nbsp;

Since the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;was detected last year in the&nbsp;camps,&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;authorities have tightly controlled visitors entry into the area, amid fear that COVID-19 could wreck havoc in the squalid and extremely congested settlements.

The restrictions helped keep&nbsp;down&nbsp;cases and deaths.

An international aid worker told AFP that the authorities have already used loudspeakers to warn people in the&nbsp;camps&nbsp;of the restrictions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/15-dead-400-missing-in-fire-at-rohingya-camp-in-bangladesh-says-un-372531">15 dead, 400 missing in fire at Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, says UN</a>

The worker said the number of cases have also jumped among the host Bangladeshi population in Teknaf, prompting the authorities to impose a lockdown in the southern-most border town.

A senior police officer told AFP that authorities have stepped up security and set up checkposts in the settlements.

Bangladesh&nbsp;launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive in February and some six million people have got one or two doses, but that campaign has not reached&nbsp;Rohingya&nbsp;refugees.

Bangladesh authorities on Thursday imposed a lockdown in five Rohingya refugee camps in the country's southeast after a spike in coronavirus cases in recent days, officials said.

Bangladesh authorities on Thursday imposed a lockdown in five Rohingya refugee camps in the country's southeast after a spike in coronavirus cases in recent days, officials said. The restrictions barred gatherings and movement between camps, which are home to more than 100,000 Rohingya refugees, Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner Shamsud Douza told AFP. "We imposed the restrictions from today after sudden spikes in coronavirus cases in the five camps," he said, adding Wednesday saw a single-day record in new infections. Bangladesh authorities have set up 34 camps in the country's southeastern district of Cox's Bazar for nearly 900,000 Rohingya refugees, who fled persecution and violence in Myanmar. They included some 740,000 Rohingya refugees who fled a deadly Myanmar military offensive in August 2017. Douza said aid workers have been restricted in the camps, allowing only a bare minimum people who work in health, food and gas distribution to enter. On Wednesday alone, 45 Rohingya tested positive for the virus out of 247 tested, said local health coordinator Toha Bhuiyan. The same number was also tested positive on Thursday. Also Read | Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka nearly out of Covid vaccines, say officials All five camps have been completely closed," he told AFP. "The infection number is alarming," Anupom Barua, the Principal of Cox's Bazar Medical College, told AFP. Barua has been monitoring the coronavirus situation in the camps since last year. Since the virus was detected last year in the camps, Bangladesh authorities have tightly controlled visitors entry into the area, amid fear that COVID-19 could wreck havoc in the squalid and extremely congested settlements. The restrictions helped keep down cases and deaths. An international aid worker told AFP that the authorities have already used loudspeakers to warn people in the camps of the restrictions. Also Read | 15 dead, 400 missing in fire at Rohingya camp in Bangladesh, says UN The worker said the number of cases have also jumped among the host Bangladeshi population in Teknaf, prompting the authorities to impose a lockdown in the southern-most border town. A senior police officer told AFP that authorities have stepped up security and set up checkposts in the settlements. Bangladesh launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive in February and some six million people have got one or two doses, but that campaign has not reached Rohingya refugees.

Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps after virus spike

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew USA from the deal in 2017. Talks are on in Vienna in order to bring the deal back on track.

Blinken was asked about Iranian reports that Washington had already agreed to lift some of the sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.

"We know what sanctions would need to be lifted if they're inconsistent with the nuclear agreement," he said on ABC's "This Week".

He added that more importantly, "Iran, I think, knows what it needs to do to come back into compliance on the nuclear side, and what we haven't seen is whether Iran is ready to make a decision.&nbsp;

"That's the test and we don't yet have an answer."

US President Joe Biden wants to revive the deal with Iran.

For that to happen, Washington must agree to lift the sanctions reinstated by Trump and Tehran must commit to follow the terms of the deal.

Once Trump walked away from the agreement, the Islamic republic started to abandon the constraints on its production of nuclear material.

European participants to the Vienna talks had expressed optimism as the latest round of negotiations wound up on Wednesday.

"We've made good progress," Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran, said in a tweet on Wednesday.

"An agreement is shaping up."

Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been going on in the Austrian capital since early April, with the other five countries that are signatories to the deal acting as intermediaries.

Diplomats are hoping to get the US back on board before Iranian presidential elections on June 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that it was unclear Iran was prepared to take the necessary steps to return to compliance with the multination nuclear agreement. The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA and other world powers in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew USA from the deal in 2017. Talks are on in Vienna in order to bring the deal back on track. Blinken was asked about Iranian reports that Washington had already agreed to lift some of the sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy. "We know what sanctions would need to be lifted if they're inconsistent with the nuclear agreement," he said on ABC's "This Week". He added that more importantly, "Iran, I think, knows what it needs to do to come back into compliance on the nuclear side, and what we haven't seen is whether Iran is ready to make a decision. "That's the test and we don't yet have an answer." US President Joe Biden wants to revive the deal with Iran. For that to happen, Washington must agree to lift the sanctions reinstated by Trump and Tehran must commit to follow the terms of the deal. Once Trump walked away from the agreement, the Islamic republic started to abandon the constraints on its production of nuclear material. European participants to the Vienna talks had expressed optimism as the latest round of negotiations wound up on Wednesday. "We've made good progress," Enrique Mora, the European Union official who chaired the talks between Russia, China, Germany, France, Britain and Iran, said in a tweet on Wednesday. "An agreement is shaping up." Indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran have been going on in the Austrian capital since early April, with the other five countries that are signatories to the deal acting as intermediaries. Diplomats are hoping to get the US back on board before Iranian presidential elections on June 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Unclear if Iran ready to return to nuclear pact, says US

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict.

"It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991.

The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo.

"Even the status quo produces that," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit</a>

He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process.

"We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution'</a> which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs.

Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel. The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict. "It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991. The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem. Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo. "Even the status quo produces that," he said. Also Read | Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process. "We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs. Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said. (With inputs from agencies)

France warns 'risk of apartheid' in Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia. His comment came just days ahead of his visit to the region. Two-state solution refers to the establishment of separate states for Israelis and Arabs in Palestine.

"If there isn't positive change, and particularly if we can't find a way to help Palestinians live with more -- with more dignity and with more hope, this cycle is likely to repeat itself, and that is in no one's interest," Blinken said on ABC News' "This Week."

“Ultimately I think that that hope, that security, that dignity will be found in a Palestinian state,” said Blinken in the course of the interview.Blinken's statement represents a marked shift in USA's stance as compared to that when Donald Trump was the president. Trump administration had cut aid to the Palestinian Authority and issued a Middle East peace plan with strong Israeli backing but no support from Palestinians.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-official-demands-access-to-education-jobs-for-gaza-children-386941">UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children</a>

However, the two-state solution is a long-time US goal.

The top US diplomat emphasized the need to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians while beginning a major effort at reconstruction.

The State Department announced Thursday that Blinken will travel to the Middle East "in the coming days", with plans to meet with Israeli, Palestinian and regional counterparts.

Israel and Hamas have agreed upon a ceasefire just days ago. The ceasefire ended 11 days of mutual bombardment that took lives on both sides.

'Something more positive'

Saying the ceasefire would help mark a pivot from violence to "something more positive," he added, "That has to start now with dealing with the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"Then reconstruction, rebuilding what's been lost, and critically, engaging both sides in trying to start to make real improvements" in people's lives.

He was asked on ABC how the Biden administration could ensure that aid would go to ordinary Palestinians and not help the Hamas militants who launched thousands of rockets at Israel.

"We've worked in the past and we continue to work with trusted, independent parties that can help do the reconstruction and the development, not some quasi- government authority," he said.&nbsp;

"The real challenge here is to help the Palestinians and particularly to help the Palestinian Authority deliver better results for their people, and of course, Israel has a profound role to play in that too."&nbsp;

Israel's response to the Hamas rocket barrages has drawn sharp criticism from some liberal members of the US Congress who have questioned American arms sales to the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Asked about that, Blinken replied, "The president has been clear we're committed to giving Israel the means to defend itself... At the same time, any arms sale will be done in full consultation in Congress."

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia. His comment came just days ahead of his visit to the region. Two-state solution refers to the establishment of separate states for Israelis and Arabs in Palestine. "If there isn't positive change, and particularly if we can't find a way to help Palestinians live with more -- with more dignity and with more hope, this cycle is likely to repeat itself, and that is in no one's interest," Blinken said on ABC News' "This Week." “Ultimately I think that that hope, that security, that dignity will be found in a Palestinian state,” said Blinken in the course of the interview.Blinken's statement represents a marked shift in USA's stance as compared to that when Donald Trump was the president. Trump administration had cut aid to the Palestinian Authority and issued a Middle East peace plan with strong Israeli backing but no support from Palestinians. Also Read | UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children However, the two-state solution is a long-time US goal. The top US diplomat emphasized the need to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians while beginning a major effort at reconstruction. The State Department announced Thursday that Blinken will travel to the Middle East "in the coming days", with plans to meet with Israeli, Palestinian and regional counterparts. Israel and Hamas have agreed upon a ceasefire just days ago. The ceasefire ended 11 days of mutual bombardment that took lives on both sides. 'Something more positive' Saying the ceasefire would help mark a pivot from violence to "something more positive," he added, "That has to start now with dealing with the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. "Then reconstruction, rebuilding what's been lost, and critically, engaging both sides in trying to start to make real improvements" in people's lives. He was asked on ABC how the Biden administration could ensure that aid would go to ordinary Palestinians and not help the Hamas militants who launched thousands of rockets at Israel. "We've worked in the past and we continue to work with trusted, independent parties that can help do the reconstruction and the development, not some quasi- government authority," he said. "The real challenge here is to help the Palestinians and particularly to help the Palestinian Authority deliver better results for their people, and of course, Israel has a profound role to play in that too." Israel's response to the Hamas rocket barrages has drawn sharp criticism from some liberal members of the US Congress who have questioned American arms sales to the Jewish state. Asked about that, Blinken replied, "The president has been clear we're committed to giving Israel the means to defend itself... At the same time, any arms sale will be done in full consultation in Congress." (With inputs from agencies)

Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit

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