Kuwaitis went to polls in Saturday for parliamentary elections. There were separate facilities so that people infected with coronavirus could vote safely.

On Saturday, authorities set up security barriers around the country's 102 polling stations to prevent gatherings, with designated lanes for entry and exit.

Mask-clad voters, who were also forced to wear gloves, were subject to temperature checks before entering the facilities where election officials stood behind glass barriers.&nbsp;

The oil-rich emirate has enforced some of the strictest regulations in the Gulf to combat the spread of the virus, imposing a months-long lockdown earlier this year.

While some of those curbs have been eased, over-the-top campaign events that traditionally draw thousands for lavish banquets were absent from this year's election, while masks remain mandatory outdoors and temperature checks routine.&nbsp;

Infected people or those under enforced quarantine are usually confined to home, with electronic wristbands monitoring their movements.&nbsp;

Kuwait has a lively political life. Its parliament is elected for a four year term and enjoys wide legislative powers. Political disputes are often fought in public.

However, this time, the campaign for election was fought mainly on social networks and in media.

&nbsp;Yet the normal themes have remained: promises to fight corruption and address youth employment, along with debates over freedom of expression, housing, education and the thorny issue of the stateless "bidoon" minority. 
Some Kuwaitis have expressed their desire for change and reform in their country, where 70 percent of the 4.8 million population are foreigners.&nbsp;

"We want change, new blood, to encourage the youth," said Hoda al-Hassan, who cast her ballot in the Al-Rawda area of Kuwait City.

"I also hope that the parliament will resolve the issue of the 'bidoon' and that of the demographic imbalance," she added. 
&nbsp;

Kuwaitis went to polls in Saturday for parliamentary elections. There were separate facilities so that people infected with coronavirus could vote safely. On Saturday, authorities set up security barriers around the country's 102 polling stations to prevent gatherings, with designated lanes for entry and exit.

Kuwaitis went to polls in Saturday for parliamentary elections. There were separate facilities so that people infected with coronavirus could vote safely. On Saturday, authorities set up security barriers around the country's 102 polling stations to prevent gatherings, with designated lanes for entry and exit. Mask-clad voters, who were also forced to wear gloves, were subject to temperature checks before entering the facilities where election officials stood behind glass barriers. The oil-rich emirate has enforced some of the strictest regulations in the Gulf to combat the spread of the virus, imposing a months-long lockdown earlier this year. While some of those curbs have been eased, over-the-top campaign events that traditionally draw thousands for lavish banquets were absent from this year's election, while masks remain mandatory outdoors and temperature checks routine. Infected people or those under enforced quarantine are usually confined to home, with electronic wristbands monitoring their movements. Kuwait has a lively political life. Its parliament is elected for a four year term and enjoys wide legislative powers. Political disputes are often fought in public. However, this time, the campaign for election was fought mainly on social networks and in media. Yet the normal themes have remained: promises to fight corruption and address youth employment, along with debates over freedom of expression, housing, education and the thorny issue of the stateless "bidoon" minority. Some Kuwaitis have expressed their desire for change and reform in their country, where 70 percent of the 4.8 million population are foreigners. "We want change, new blood, to encourage the youth," said Hoda al-Hassan, who cast her ballot in the Al-Rawda area of Kuwait City. "I also hope that the parliament will resolve the issue of the 'bidoon' and that of the demographic imbalance," she added.

Kuwait: Citizens vote for parliamentary election

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday.

Ali Abu Alia had been at a protest against Israeli settlements at al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah, where stones were thrown at Israeli soldiers.

The boy was hit by a bullet in his abdomen. He was taken to hospital in Ramallah, where he died.

Israeli military has denied using live ammunition. It said only rubber bullets were used.

The United Nations' Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said he was appalled by the killing. "Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he tweeted.

(With Reuters inputs)

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday.

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday. Ali Abu Alia had been at a protest against Israeli settlements at al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah, where stones were thrown at Israeli soldiers. The boy was hit by a bullet in his abdomen. He was taken to hospital in Ramallah, where he died. Israeli military has denied using live ammunition. It said only rubber bullets were used. The United Nations' Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said he was appalled by the killing. "Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he tweeted. (With Reuters inputs)

Hundreds gather for funeral of Palestinian teenager shot dead by Israeli soldier

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that a consultation with Gulf states was necessary if US nuclear agreement with Iran was to be revived. It warned that such an approach was the only path towards a sustainable agreement. Under the leadership of Joe Biden, there are signs that the US will return to the nuclear deal with Iran that was struck in 2015. Donald Trump had withdrawn from the agreement. &nbsp;

Biden has indicated that he will bring Iran's US-allied Arab neighbours, such as Saudi Arabia, which sees Iran as its arch-rival, into the process.

"Primarily what we expect is that we are fully consulted, that we and our other regional friends are fully consulted in what goes on vis a vis the negotiations with Iran," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told AFP.

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&nbsp;

"The only way towards reaching an agreement that is sustainable is through such consultation," he said on the sidelines of a security conference in Bahrain's Manama.

"I think we've seen as a result of the after effects of the JCPOA that not involving the regional countries results in a build up of mistrust and neglect of the issues of real concern and of real effect on regional security."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-support-from-president-trump-saudi-arabia-says-final-agreement-with-qatar-within-reach-347759">'Strong support from President Trump': Saudi Arabia says final agreement with Qatar 'within reach'</a>

When he was asked whether the Biden administration was already in touch with Saudi Arabia to decide about revival of the deal, Prince Faisal said that there were no contacts as yet but that Saudi Arabia was reasy to engage with Biden when he takes office.

"We are confident that both an incoming Biden administration, but also our other partners, including the Europeans, have fully signed on to the need to have all the regional parties involved in a resolution," he said.

'JCPOA plus plus'

Germany said in recent days that a new, broader Iran nuclear accord must be reached to also rein in Tehran's ballistic missile programme, warning that the 2015 deal was no longer enough.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, talked of a "nuclear agreement plus", in language also deployed by the Saudi minister.

"I don't know about a revived JCPOA, although one may look to a JCPOA plus plus, something well beyond the JCPOA," Prince Faisal said.

"Because reviving the &nbsp;JCPOA as it exists now will only bring us to the point where we were, which is a deficient agreement that doesn't address the full issues related to Iran's nuclear activities and other original activities."

Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east, which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output.&nbsp;

That strike was claimed by the Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is fighting a grinding five-year conflict to back the internationally recognised government, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that a consultation with Gulf states was necessary if US nuclear agreement with Iran was to be revived. It warned that such an approach was the only path towards a sustainable agreement.

Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that a consultation with Gulf states was necessary if US nuclear agreement with Iran was to be revived. It warned that such an approach was the only path towards a sustainable agreement. Under the leadership of Joe Biden, there are signs that the US will return to the nuclear deal with Iran that was struck in 2015. Donald Trump had withdrawn from the agreement. Biden has indicated that he will bring Iran's US-allied Arab neighbours, such as Saudi Arabia, which sees Iran as its arch-rival, into the process. "Primarily what we expect is that we are fully consulted, that we and our other regional friends are fully consulted in what goes on vis a vis the negotiations with Iran," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told AFP. × "The only way towards reaching an agreement that is sustainable is through such consultation," he said on the sidelines of a security conference in Bahrain's Manama. "I think we've seen as a result of the after effects of the JCPOA that not involving the regional countries results in a build up of mistrust and neglect of the issues of real concern and of real effect on regional security." Also Read | 'Strong support from President Trump': Saudi Arabia says final agreement with Qatar 'within reach' When he was asked whether the Biden administration was already in touch with Saudi Arabia to decide about revival of the deal, Prince Faisal said that there were no contacts as yet but that Saudi Arabia was reasy to engage with Biden when he takes office. "We are confident that both an incoming Biden administration, but also our other partners, including the Europeans, have fully signed on to the need to have all the regional parties involved in a resolution," he said. 'JCPOA plus plus' Germany said in recent days that a new, broader Iran nuclear accord must be reached to also rein in Tehran's ballistic missile programme, warning that the 2015 deal was no longer enough. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, whose country currently holds the EU presidency, talked of a "nuclear agreement plus", in language also deployed by the Saudi minister. "I don't know about a revived JCPOA, although one may look to a JCPOA plus plus, something well beyond the JCPOA," Prince Faisal said. "Because reviving the JCPOA as it exists now will only bring us to the point where we were, which is a deficient agreement that doesn't address the full issues related to Iran's nuclear activities and other original activities." Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east, which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output. That strike was claimed by the Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is fighting a grinding five-year conflict to back the internationally recognised government, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran. (With AFP inputs)

Talks with Gulf states necessary for US-Iran deal revival: Saudi Arabia

WHO Chief Dr Tedros will take COVID-19 vaccine on camera. Meanwhile in the US, President elect Joe Biden said that he won't demand the vaccine to be mandatory for all Americans. Chile's navy is keeping eye on Chinese boats. Read this and more in top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-enters-weekend-lockdown-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-347741">Turkey enters weekend lockdown as Europe grapples with virus</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-enters-weekend-lockdown-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-347741"><img alt="Turkey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c08199d-dfec-48da-b8c6-14091d676683" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Turkey_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The Austrian government informed the second lockdown had at least some effect in infection cases with new COVID-19 cases going down from 4,954 last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wouldnt-demand-it-be-mandatory-biden-on-vaccine-347715">I wouldn't demand it be mandatory: Biden on vaccine</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wouldnt-demand-it-be-mandatory-biden-on-vaccine-347715"><img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13bbbcf3-99fe-475e-bf33-632d5be19ae1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Biden_3.JPG" /></a> 
 
A panel of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) had said that health workers and nursing home residents should get vaccinated first with non-binding recommendations for 'Phase 1a' of distribution to US states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-chiles-navy-keeps-an-eye-on-chinese-boats-near-pacific-347724">Now, Chile's navy keeps an eye on Chinese boats near Pacific</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-chiles-navy-keeps-an-eye-on-chinese-boats-near-pacific-347724"><img alt="Chile" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff04b108-93f1-4aa1-876b-b963ca037168" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chile.JPG" /></a> 
 
Chile's foreign minister Andres Allamand had said earlier that 300 ships had frequented the Pacific Ocean looking for giant squid near the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/criminal-cruel-and-traitorous-donald-trump-belongs-in-prison-says-his-niece-mary-trump-347718">'Criminal, cruel and traitorous' Donald Trump belongs in prison, says his niece Mary Trump</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e175d172-c972-4c07-9f8c-bd692dec959f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mary%20trump.JPG" />

Mary Trump, believes Donald Trump needs to be tried and prosecuted by the US justice department after the end of his presidency 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-on-camera-347722">WHO Chief Tedros to take COVID-19 vaccine on camera</a>

<img alt="Tedros" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88a42567-ce81-4413-829e-3b94fddc09f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tedros.JPG" />

The statements came after the UK approved usage of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for the general public 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-support-from-president-trump-saudi-arabia-says-final-agreement-with-qatar-within-reach-347759">'Strong support from President Trump': Saudi Arabia says final agreement with Qatar 'within reach'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-support-from-president-trump-saudi-arabia-says-final-agreement-with-qatar-within-reach-347759"><img alt="Qatar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1bc94e9f-52b1-4b8b-8f92-e043d44a168f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Qatar_0.JPG" /></a>

Qatar's aircraft fly over Iran which is Saudi Arabia's arch-rival in the region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-senate-majority-in-the-pot-parties-bring-out-big-guns-for-georgia-elections-347720">With US Senate majority in the pot, parties bring out big guns for Georgia elections</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-senate-majority-in-the-pot-parties-bring-out-big-guns-for-georgia-elections-347720"><img alt="obama" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58b86583-a745-4832-b4e0-6288ad708122" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/obama.JPG" /></a> 
Republican Party currently controls US Senate with 52-48 majority. If Democratic party is able to win two Senate seats from Georgia, Republican Party will lose its majority in the Senate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753">Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753"><img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f27f325-0d26-4072-af5e-3b47eb6adc42" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Imran Khan's government is introducing a 'reward and punishment' for the civil servants

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-boris-johnson-a-week-to-exorcise-the-demons-of-2020-347712">For Boris Johnson, a week to exorcise the demons of 2020</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-boris-johnson-a-week-to-exorcise-the-demons-of-2020-347712"><img alt="Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2e6a3d9-350a-4bb3-a5b6-c1b28b97eb95" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boris.JPG" /></a> 
 
'The British government is looking for ways to claim a victory because they’ve made such a bloody mess of the epidemic,' said David King, a former chief scientific adviser to the government

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-mps-support-indian-farmers-agitation-write-to-lawmaker-dominic-raab-347675">British MPs support Indian farmers' agitation, write to lawmaker Dominic Raab</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-mps-support-indian-farmers-agitation-write-to-lawmaker-dominic-raab-347675"><img alt="MP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd15da66-0cca-42ed-9662-f62308147e34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mp.JPG" /></a> 
The development comes as farmers have continued their protests at the Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders.

WHO Chief Dr Tedros will take COVID-19 vaccine on camera. Meanwhile in the US, President elect Joe Biden said that he won't demand the vaccine to be mandatory for all Americans.

WHO Chief Dr Tedros will take COVID-19 vaccine on camera. Meanwhile in the US, President elect Joe Biden said that he won't demand the vaccine to be mandatory for all Americans. Chile's navy is keeping eye on Chinese boats. Read this and more in top 10 world news. Turkey enters weekend lockdown as Europe grapples with virus The Austrian government informed the second lockdown had at least some effect in infection cases with new COVID-19 cases going down from 4,954 last week. I wouldn't demand it be mandatory: Biden on vaccine A panel of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) had said that health workers and nursing home residents should get vaccinated first with non-binding recommendations for 'Phase 1a' of distribution to US states. Now, Chile's navy keeps an eye on Chinese boats near Pacific Chile's foreign minister Andres Allamand had said earlier that 300 ships had frequented the Pacific Ocean looking for giant squid near the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador. 'Criminal, cruel and traitorous' Donald Trump belongs in prison, says his niece Mary Trump Mary Trump, believes Donald Trump needs to be tried and prosecuted by the US justice department after the end of his presidency WHO Chief Tedros to take COVID-19 vaccine on camera The statements came after the UK approved usage of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for the general public 'Strong support from President Trump': Saudi Arabia says final agreement with Qatar 'within reach' Qatar's aircraft fly over Iran which is Saudi Arabia's arch-rival in the region. With US Senate majority in the pot, parties bring out big guns for Georgia elections Republican Party currently controls US Senate with 52-48 majority. If Democratic party is able to win two Senate seats from Georgia, Republican Party will lose its majority in the Senate Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan Imran Khan's government is introducing a 'reward and punishment' for the civil servants For Boris Johnson, a week to exorcise the demons of 2020 'The British government is looking for ways to claim a victory because they’ve made such a bloody mess of the epidemic,' said David King, a former chief scientific adviser to the government British MPs support Indian farmers' agitation, write to lawmaker Dominic Raab The development comes as farmers have continued their protests at the Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders.

Top 10 world news: WHO chief to take vaccine on camera, Chile eyes China, and more

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam

Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India?

16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests.

Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018.&nbsp;

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Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions.

Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes.

How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism.

This is part of a global pattern.

Take a look at this report from two days back.

"In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world.

What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this.

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Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion.

"Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others."

So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries.

In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

The first set up a National Investigation Agency.

The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge.

The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals.

Two days ago, WION asked a question as to how would Europe have reacted had a country like India proposed sweeping powers for the government against Islamism? The backlash can be imagined had New Delhi said the government would put electronic bracelets on radicals. These European countries are all secular. But many of them have laws to regulate Islam Austria in 2015, banned foreign funding to religious institutions. Germany in 2019, kicked off a pilot project to train Imams. It created a special university course. Can we imagine such a thing in India? 16 Islamic preachers have been expelled from India in last three years. But the situation has deteriorated because we have gone from expulsion to arrests. Italy deported 16 radical Imams from 2015 to 2018. × Laws in Denmark are specific still. It has a law for children living in 'Ghetto neighbourhoods'. Ghetto neighbourhoods are enclaves with a large population of Muslim citizens. Children from these neighbourhoods must spend at least 25 hours apart from their parents every week. In these 25 hours, these kids are taught 'Danish values'. They are taught about Christmas and Easter traditions. Denmark is a secular country. But the government mandates Muslim children to learn about Christmas and Easter. They also take Danish language classes. How does the govt explain this? It says it is westernising these children. And immersing them in the secular culture of country. This is a constitutionally mandated intervention. The government says it's not an interference in religious affairs. It's something they must do to tackle the rising threat of Islamism. This is part of a global pattern. Take a look at this report from two days back. "In 2018, government restrictions on religion reach the highest level globally in more than a decade," says a Pew research report. It's based on laws around the world. What they found is very interesting. More and more countries are pushing laws, policies and actions that restrict religious practices. And most of them cite extremism as the reason for this. × Let's see what European Union charter of fundamental rights says about freedom of religion. "Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others." So there is freedom of religion but with reasonable restrictions. Leaders in Europe and all over the world are well within their rights to make laws to protect their countries. In some cases, even sweeping powers may be justified. In India, the previous UPA government introduced two laws after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The first set up a National Investigation Agency. The second strengthened existing anti-terror laws to allow suspects to be detained without bail for up to six months on the orders of a judge. The current n.D.A govt introduced the UAPA or the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. It has special provisions to deal with terrorist activities. Both laws have been slammed as draconian. But neither is unique in the global context.

How countries are tackling Islamic extremism with the help of laws

As Cyclone Burevi continues to hover over the Gulf of Mannar, there has been heavy rain over Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, resulting in waterlogging at several places, including the main entrance of the Thoothukudi Government Hospital.

The area outside the hospital has been covered in rainwater, and patients and other visitors waded through rainwater pools up to their ankles. Locals say that this is a recurring problem and the authorities should drain the water in the area as soon as possible.&nbsp;

"The hospital entrance looks like this every time it rains. Patients and ambulances can`t come in this way. All this water will take at least two to three weeks to drain. The authorities should manage the drainage here because people are struggling," said Sundhar, a local resident in the area.&nbsp;

Another resident, Kamalam, said that the rainwater mixes with sewage, thus increasing pollution and more mosquitoes breed.&nbsp;

"Rainwater outside my residence mixes with drainage water. The smell is very foul and more mosquitoes are bred. The situation in the government hospital is also the same. I request the government to find a permanent solution," she said.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department informed that cyclone Burevi continued to hover over the Gulf of Mannar near the Ramanathan district coast, remaining `practically stationary` for the last 30 hours.&nbsp;

"The depression is likely to remain in the same state over the region and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area in the next 12 hours," the IMD added.&nbsp;

As Cyclone Burevi continues to hover over the Gulf of Mannar, there has been heavy rain over Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, resulting in waterlogging at several places, including the main entrance of the Thoothukudi Government Hospital.

As Cyclone Burevi continues to hover over the Gulf of Mannar, there has been heavy rain over Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu, resulting in waterlogging at several places, including the main entrance of the Thoothukudi Government Hospital. The area outside the hospital has been covered in rainwater, and patients and other visitors waded through rainwater pools up to their ankles. Locals say that this is a recurring problem and the authorities should drain the water in the area as soon as possible. "The hospital entrance looks like this every time it rains. Patients and ambulances can`t come in this way. All this water will take at least two to three weeks to drain. The authorities should manage the drainage here because people are struggling," said Sundhar, a local resident in the area. Another resident, Kamalam, said that the rainwater mixes with sewage, thus increasing pollution and more mosquitoes breed. "Rainwater outside my residence mixes with drainage water. The smell is very foul and more mosquitoes are bred. The situation in the government hospital is also the same. I request the government to find a permanent solution," she said. Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department informed that cyclone Burevi continued to hover over the Gulf of Mannar near the Ramanathan district coast, remaining `practically stationary` for the last 30 hours. "The depression is likely to remain in the same state over the region and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area in the next 12 hours," the IMD added.

Cyclone Burevi causes rain in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district

Even when the question of who will be the next US President seems to have settled, the actual power Joe Biden administration will wield has come to be decided on a single election in Georgia in US. The result of this election will decide which party will control US Senate and thereby the effective strength of Biden administration.

Republican Party currently controls US Senate with 52-48 majority. If Democratic party is able to win two Senate seats from Georgia, Republican Party will lose its majority in the Senate. Democratic Party already controls House of Representatives. Both Senate seats in Georgia are currently held by Republican Party.

Knowing the gravity of the situation, both parties have put in their best efforts to campaign for the Senate elections due next month. Major names from both parties are already addressing the people of Georgia

Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Pence campaigned for opposing candidates in Georgia on Friday (December 4), throwing political muscle into the January runoff elections that will determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/criminal-cruel-and-traitorous-donald-trump-belongs-in-prison-says-his-niece-mary-trump-347718">'Criminal, cruel and traitorous' Donald Trump belongs in prison, says his niece Mary Trump</a>

"You are now once again the center of our civic universe, because the special election in Georgia is going to determine ultimately the course of the Biden presidency and whether Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can deliver legislatively all the commitments they've made," Obama said during a virtual event featuring organized by the Democratic Party of Georgia.

A pair of Georgia U.S. Senate runoffs will be held on January 5 after no candidate won a majority in the Nov. 3 election. Republican Senator David Perdue is seeking re-election against Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff. And Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler is facing Democrat Raphael Warnock in the other runoff.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wouldnt-demand-it-be-mandatory-biden-on-vaccine-347715">I wouldn't demand it be mandatory: Biden on vaccine</a> 
 
Pence visited Georgia on Friday, where he received a briefing on the pandemic at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and then joined a rally for Perdue and Loeffler.

"We're going to keep Georgia. We're going to save the Senate and then we're going to save America," he told supporters.

Trump, a Republican who has still refused to concede to Biden, is scheduled to headline a rally with Perdue and Loeffler on Saturday.

(With Reuters inputs)

Even when the question of who will be the next US President seems to have settled, the actual power Joe Biden administration will wield has come to be decided on a single election in Georgia in US.

Even when the question of who will be the next US President seems to have settled, the actual power Joe Biden administration will wield has come to be decided on a single election in Georgia in US. The result of this election will decide which party will control US Senate and thereby the effective strength of Biden administration. Republican Party currently controls US Senate with 52-48 majority. If Democratic party is able to win two Senate seats from Georgia, Republican Party will lose its majority in the Senate. Democratic Party already controls House of Representatives. Both Senate seats in Georgia are currently held by Republican Party. Knowing the gravity of the situation, both parties have put in their best efforts to campaign for the Senate elections due next month. Major names from both parties are already addressing the people of Georgia Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Pence campaigned for opposing candidates in Georgia on Friday (December 4), throwing political muscle into the January runoff elections that will determine control of the U.S. Senate. Also Read | 'Criminal, cruel and traitorous' Donald Trump belongs in prison, says his niece Mary Trump "You are now once again the center of our civic universe, because the special election in Georgia is going to determine ultimately the course of the Biden presidency and whether Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can deliver legislatively all the commitments they've made," Obama said during a virtual event featuring organized by the Democratic Party of Georgia. A pair of Georgia U.S. Senate runoffs will be held on January 5 after no candidate won a majority in the Nov. 3 election. Republican Senator David Perdue is seeking re-election against Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff. And Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler is facing Democrat Raphael Warnock in the other runoff. Also Read | I wouldn't demand it be mandatory: Biden on vaccine Pence visited Georgia on Friday, where he received a briefing on the pandemic at the Atlanta headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and then joined a rally for Perdue and Loeffler. "We're going to keep Georgia. We're going to save the Senate and then we're going to save America," he told supporters. Trump, a Republican who has still refused to concede to Biden, is scheduled to headline a rally with Perdue and Loeffler on Saturday. (With Reuters inputs)

With US Senate majority in the pot, parties bring out big guns for Georgia elections

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last week took round of the building to assess the site for foundation laying ceremony.

"On December 10, the Prime Minister will perform Bhumi Pujan for the new state-of-the-art Parliament building," he told ANI.

The construction is due to begin this month. Lok Sabha chamber in the new Parliament building will have seating capacity of 888 against present strength of 543 members. Rajya Sabha will be able to accommodate 384 seats as compared to current strength of 245 members. The maximum capacity for Lok Sabha chamber is expected to be 1272 seats for joint sittings.

ecretary-general Utpal Kumar Singh while taking charge of his new office informed that the agencies will try and finish the construction within less than two years so that 75th year of Indian independence can be commemorated in the new Parliament. The proposed built-up area of the new building is estimated to be 64500 square metres.&nbsp;

HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited has won the contract of building new Central vista and Parliament building that will have four floors with separate access for President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha chairperson, Members of Parliament and public. With construction expected to start this month and Parliament session expected next month, the secretariat stated that all measures have been taken after consultations with agencies to ensure there would be no air or noise pollution.

The new building will be equipped with digital interfaces to create a paperless office.Apart from the offices of MPs and ministries, the new building will have a Constitution hall to showcase the original Constitution. The officials inform that big statues that adorn the space between house and entry of Parliament will also get relocated as per the design.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10.

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone for new Parliament building and will carry out 'Bhoomi Poojan' or ground-breaking ceremony on December 10. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last week took round of the building to assess the site for foundation laying ceremony. "On December 10, the Prime Minister will perform Bhumi Pujan for the new state-of-the-art Parliament building," he told ANI. The construction is due to begin this month. Lok Sabha chamber in the new Parliament building will have seating capacity of 888 against present strength of 543 members. Rajya Sabha will be able to accommodate 384 seats as compared to current strength of 245 members. The maximum capacity for Lok Sabha chamber is expected to be 1272 seats for joint sittings. ecretary-general Utpal Kumar Singh while taking charge of his new office informed that the agencies will try and finish the construction within less than two years so that 75th year of Indian independence can be commemorated in the new Parliament. The proposed built-up area of the new building is estimated to be 64500 square metres. HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited has won the contract of building new Central vista and Parliament building that will have four floors with separate access for President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Rajya Sabha chairperson, Members of Parliament and public. With construction expected to start this month and Parliament session expected next month, the secretariat stated that all measures have been taken after consultations with agencies to ensure there would be no air or noise pollution. The new building will be equipped with digital interfaces to create a paperless office.Apart from the offices of MPs and ministries, the new building will have a Constitution hall to showcase the original Constitution. The officials inform that big statues that adorn the space between house and entry of Parliament will also get relocated as per the design. (With ANI inputs)

PM Modi to lay foundation stone for new Parliament building on December 10

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine.

Jordanian foreign minister, during the meeting at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank said the creation of an independent Palestinian state was key to ending the conflict with Israel.

"There is no alternative to a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians, he told Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, quoted by the official Petra news agency.

"It is necessary to return to the negotiating table according to international law in order to find a real solution to achieve a just peace," Safadi said.

On Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, in a video statement addressing the "Palestinian people and their leadership".

"The Middle East is changing. It is in your interest to come return to negotiate," Gantz said in the statement that was posted online with Arabic subtitles.

"Don't stay behind," he said, promising to "promote big projects" in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. 
Thursday's meeting was the first with Jordan officially reported between Safadi and Ashkenazi since the latter, a former army chief of staff, become foreign minister in May.

Jordan and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1994, but relations between the two neighbours are often tense.

Eyes on Biden

Safadi said resuming Israeli- Palestinian talks was timely, "particularly in light of the Palestinian Authority's decision to resume security cooperation with Israel".

The Palestinians announced last month they were restoring coordination that they had stopped in May over Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank.

Israel put on hold its annexation plans, in return for an agreement to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates announced in August.

Abbas held talks in Jordan last week with King Abdullah II ahead of visits to Egypt, where he met separately with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

During the tour, Arab leaders stepped up international efforts for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution.

Talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014, and a US peace plan announced in January has been welcomed by Israel but rejected outright by the Palestinians as biased.

The plan was among moves pushed by President Donald Trump -- including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital"-- that have angered the Palestinians.

The Palestinians, who want to set up an independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital, broke ties with the Trump administration, and are now hoping to build ties with Biden's incoming team.

(With AFP inputs)

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine. Jordanian foreign minister, during the meeting at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank said the creation of an independent Palestinian state was key to ending the conflict with Israel. "There is no alternative to a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians, he told Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, quoted by the official Petra news agency. "It is necessary to return to the negotiating table according to international law in order to find a real solution to achieve a just peace," Safadi said. On Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, in a video statement addressing the "Palestinian people and their leadership". "The Middle East is changing. It is in your interest to come return to negotiate," Gantz said in the statement that was posted online with Arabic subtitles. "Don't stay behind," he said, promising to "promote big projects" in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. Thursday's meeting was the first with Jordan officially reported between Safadi and Ashkenazi since the latter, a former army chief of staff, become foreign minister in May. Jordan and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1994, but relations between the two neighbours are often tense. Eyes on Biden Safadi said resuming Israeli- Palestinian talks was timely, "particularly in light of the Palestinian Authority's decision to resume security cooperation with Israel". The Palestinians announced last month they were restoring coordination that they had stopped in May over Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Israel put on hold its annexation plans, in return for an agreement to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates announced in August. Abbas held talks in Jordan last week with King Abdullah II ahead of visits to Egypt, where he met separately with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit. During the tour, Arab leaders stepped up international efforts for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution. Talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014, and a US peace plan announced in January has been welcomed by Israel but rejected outright by the Palestinians as biased. The plan was among moves pushed by President Donald Trump -- including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital"-- that have angered the Palestinians. The Palestinians, who want to set up an independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital, broke ties with the Trump administration, and are now hoping to build ties with Biden's incoming team. (With AFP inputs)

Jordan, Israel go in huddle on Palestine issue

China successfully powered up the HL-2M Tokamak reactor, also known as 'artificial Sun' on Friday, reported state media. The reactor is China's largest and most advances nuclear fusion experimental research device. Scientists are hoping that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source.

The 'artificial Sun' uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma that can attain temperature of 150 million degrees Celsius, said People's Daily. This is ten times hotter than the core of the Sun.

Located in southwestern Sichuan province and completed late last year, the reactor is often called an "artificial sun" on account of the enormous heat and power it produces.

"The development of nuclear fusion energy is not only a way to solve China's strategic energy needs, but also has great significance for the future sustainable development of China's energy and national economy," said the People's Daily.&nbsp;
<img alt="China's 'artificial Sun'" data-caption="China’s HL-2M nuclear fusion device, known as the new generation of &quot;artificial sun&quot;, is displayed at a research laboratory in Chengdu, in eastern China's Sichuan province on December 4, 2020. China successfully powered its &quot;artificial sun&quot; nuclear fusion reactor for the first time, state media reported on December 4, marking a great advance in the country's nuclear power research capabilities." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf072be9-bfd1-443a-be10-04cb7999a57c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8WG24E.jpg" />
Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006.

They plan to use the device in collaboration with scientists working on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -- the world's largest nuclear fusion research project based in France, which is expected to be completed in 2025.&nbsp;

Fusion is considered the Holy Grail of energy and is what powers our sun.

It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy -- the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments.

Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material.

But achieving fusion is both extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive, with the total cost of ITER estimated at $22.5 billion.

(With AFP inputs)

China successfully powered up the HL-2M Tokamak reactor, also known as 'artificial Sun' on Friday, reported state media. The reactor is China's largest and most advances nuclear fusion experimental research device.

China successfully powered up the HL-2M Tokamak reactor, also known as 'artificial Sun' on Friday, reported state media. The reactor is China's largest and most advances nuclear fusion experimental research device. Scientists are hoping that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source. The 'artificial Sun' uses a powerful magnetic field to fuse hot plasma that can attain temperature of 150 million degrees Celsius, said People's Daily. This is ten times hotter than the core of the Sun. Located in southwestern Sichuan province and completed late last year, the reactor is often called an "artificial sun" on account of the enormous heat and power it produces. "The development of nuclear fusion energy is not only a way to solve China's strategic energy needs, but also has great significance for the future sustainable development of China's energy and national economy," said the People's Daily. Chinese scientists have been working on developing smaller versions of the nuclear fusion reactor since 2006. They plan to use the device in collaboration with scientists working on the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor -- the world's largest nuclear fusion research project based in France, which is expected to be completed in 2025. Fusion is considered the Holy Grail of energy and is what powers our sun. It merges atomic nuclei to create massive amounts of energy -- the opposite of the fission process used in atomic weapons and nuclear power plants, which splits them into fragments. Unlike fission, fusion emits no greenhouse gases and carries less risk of accidents or the theft of atomic material. But achieving fusion is both extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive, with the total cost of ITER estimated at $22.5 billion. (With AFP inputs)

China turns on its nuclear powered 'artificial Sun'

How can a simple act of extending festive wishes cause a scandal? That too when the festival brings the entire family together? But it did happen over the first commercially printed Christmas card more than 150 years ago.

Wishing our loved ones on Christmas, giving gifts and greeting cards is something that seems absolutely normal. But it wasn't so more than a century ago. Christmas was a festival celebrated with fervour, yes. But the idea of commercially printing Christmas greeting cards wasn't as widespread.

And incidentally, the very first such card created a controversy, so much so that a Christmas card could not be printed three years after that.

This card was printed in England. It was designed by Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. It was printed in 1843, the same year 'A Christmas Carol' was published by Charles Dickens.

Just 1000 of these cards were printed. The card prominently featured a picture of a family happily celebrating Christmas. Puritans of the era were angry at the card.

Surely a family celebrating Christmas can't make anyone angry right?

Well, the reason for puritans' anger was in the picture itself. The picture depicted a young girl in the family playfully sipping wine from her parent's glass. If you take a look at the picture the girl is quite&nbsp;visible.

Although the depiction is enough to give an impression of innocence, the Christmas card angered the traditional set of the society. So much was the anger that such a card could not be printed for next three years.

What do you think? Was the anger justified?

How can a simple act of extending festive wishes cause a scandal? That too when the festival brings the entire family together? But it did happen over the first commercially printed Christmas card more than 150 years ago.

How can a simple act of extending festive wishes cause a scandal? That too when the festival brings the entire family together? But it did happen over the first commercially printed Christmas card more than 150 years ago. Wishing our loved ones on Christmas, giving gifts and greeting cards is something that seems absolutely normal. But it wasn't so more than a century ago. Christmas was a festival celebrated with fervour, yes. But the idea of commercially printing Christmas greeting cards wasn't as widespread. And incidentally, the very first such card created a controversy, so much so that a Christmas card could not be printed three years after that. This card was printed in England. It was designed by Henry Cole and illustrated by John Callcott Horsley. It was printed in 1843, the same year 'A Christmas Carol' was published by Charles Dickens. Just 1000 of these cards were printed. The card prominently featured a picture of a family happily celebrating Christmas. Puritans of the era were angry at the card. Surely a family celebrating Christmas can't make anyone angry right? Well, the reason for puritans' anger was in the picture itself. The picture depicted a young girl in the family playfully sipping wine from her parent's glass. If you take a look at the picture the girl is quite visible. Although the depiction is enough to give an impression of innocence, the Christmas card angered the traditional set of the society. So much was the anger that such a card could not be printed for next three years. What do you think? Was the anger justified?

Here's how first-ever commercially printed Christmas card started controversy

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

"I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council.

Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since.

In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk.

Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15.

Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture.

She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October.&nbsp;

Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred.

Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters.

Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence&nbsp;

Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States.

"The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks.

United Nations on Friday expressed its concern over Human Rights conditions in Belarus. The country has been roiled with protests in number of cities. UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said that the human rights situation in Belarus has seen a "continued deterioration" in recent weeks. "I regret to report that since the (UN human rights) council's urgent debate on Belarus in September, there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in the country. On the contrary, recent weeks have seen continued deterioration, particularly with respect to the right of peaceful assembly," she told the council. Continuous protests have rocked Belarus ever since country's strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed to have won sixth presidential term in elections held in August. The opposition alleges that the elections were rigged and political novice Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who ran against Lukashenko in the place of her jailed husband -- was the true winner of the polls. The country has seen widespread protests ever since. In recent weeks, authorities imposed an intense crackdown in which hundreds were detained and protesters were prevented from gathering in central Minsk. Bachelet pointed to reports that more than 27,000 people had been arrested since the August 9 vote, with around 1,000 reportedly arrested on November 8 and 700 on November 15. Senior citizens were among some of the peaceful protesters taken into custody. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights decried "multiple and credible reports of people beaten by members of the security forces during and after their transport to police stations or detention centres," warning that such incidents could amount to torture. She also voiced particular alarm over the "numerous allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in custody," pointing to the some 2,000 complaints reportedly lodged by the end of October. Among those rounded up since August were 373 journalists, including six who remain in detention, Bachelet said, stressing that lawyers associated with the opposition were also under pressure, with some facing criminal charges and others disbarred. Most of the diplomats who participated in the hybrid session echoed Bachelet's concerns, denouncing police violence and the crackdown on protesters. Some, including Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, came to Belarus's defence Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov reminded the council of police violence in a range of other countries, including in France and the United States. "The champions of human rights are very discreet about all of that," he said. (With AFP inputs)

Belarus: UN worried about 'continued deterioration' of human rights conditions

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