A life-sized street-food costume was sold in Canada on Monday for a whopping $11,900 (C$16,025). The outfit, which is made of latex, vulcanized rubber and synthetic materials, became a talking point on social media after it was put up for auction, on an Alberta government surplus auction site, in the month of July.

On Monday night, the auction was closed by an Edmonton-based Donair&nbsp;&amp; Poutine chain when a bid of $11,900 was offered.

More than 1,700 bids were registered for the costume, as per the provincial government website when PrimeTime Donair and Poutine eventually wrapped up the month-long online bidding war.

Wrapped in tinfoil, the 4ft 8in (142cm) costume comes with replica meat, tomatoes, onions, sauce and lettuce to give it an authentic feel along with a silver bodysuit to be worn underneath.

Owner of PrimeTime Donair, Adil Asim said that he was amused by the suit and thought that it was funny.

"We were amused by it. We thought it was funny!" CTV News Edmonton quoted him as saying.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-top-host-under-fire-for-making-sexist-remarks-on-women-625920"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-top-host-under-fire-for-making-sexist-remarks-on-women-625920">'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks</a>

"You know, this is an Alberta costume. It was made [for] the Alberta government. It should stay in Alberta and be with Albertans and that's why I kept bidding up."

The restaurant chain is available across 19 locations in Alberta, out of which, 17 of them are in Edmonton and the area.

<h2>Originally created for government-sponsored campaign</h2>

As per the Alberta legislature newsletter Alberta Today, the suit was originally designed for the 2015 PSA campaign against distracted driving.

The concept behind the campaign was to walk a donair, which would be a visual representation showcasing the hallucinatory dangers of driving while high, which the department had titled 'Don’t Drive and Donair'.

The campaign was originally pitched under the PC government but was later scrapped by the newly elected NDP government in 2015.

Asim, in a conversation with CTV, said that he wasn't yet sure as to what could be possibly done with the costume and how it could be fully utilised.

"I might squeeze my 16-year-old son into it, just to kind of get up, get it going around, but we definitely were thinking of collaborating with some comedians possibly and doing some TikTok content," he said.

Spokesperson Tamisan Bencz-Knight said that the new owner of the Donair costume was also having thoughts about using the suit for charitable causes.

"Whatever that looks like, whether it's providing meals, participating in an event or even just having our mascot out with your mascot giving hugs and high fives, there are always opportunities, so we’ll see what happens," she said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A life-sized street-food costume was sold in Canada on Monday for a whopping $11,900 (C$16,025). The outfit, which is made of latex, vulcanized rubber and synthetic materials, became a talking point on social media after it was put up for auction, on an Alberta government surplus auction site, in the month of July.

A life-sized street-food costume was sold in Canada on Monday for a whopping $11,900 (C$16,025). The outfit, which is made of latex, vulcanized rubber and synthetic materials, became a talking point on social media after it was put up for auction, on an Alberta government surplus auction site, in the month of July. On Monday night, the auction was closed by an Edmonton-based Donair & Poutine chain when a bid of $11,900 was offered. More than 1,700 bids were registered for the costume, as per the provincial government website when PrimeTime Donair and Poutine eventually wrapped up the month-long online bidding war. Wrapped in tinfoil, the 4ft 8in (142cm) costume comes with replica meat, tomatoes, onions, sauce and lettuce to give it an authentic feel along with a silver bodysuit to be worn underneath. Owner of PrimeTime Donair, Adil Asim said that he was amused by the suit and thought that it was funny. "We were amused by it. We thought it was funny!" CTV News Edmonton quoted him as saying. Also read: 'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks "You know, this is an Alberta costume. It was made [for] the Alberta government. It should stay in Alberta and be with Albertans and that's why I kept bidding up." The restaurant chain is available across 19 locations in Alberta, out of which, 17 of them are in Edmonton and the area. Originally created for government-sponsored campaign As per the Alberta legislature newsletter Alberta Today, the suit was originally designed for the 2015 PSA campaign against distracted driving. The concept behind the campaign was to walk a donair, which would be a visual representation showcasing the hallucinatory dangers of driving while high, which the department had titled 'Don’t Drive and Donair'. The campaign was originally pitched under the PC government but was later scrapped by the newly elected NDP government in 2015. Asim, in a conversation with CTV, said that he wasn't yet sure as to what could be possibly done with the costume and how it could be fully utilised. "I might squeeze my 16-year-old son into it, just to kind of get up, get it going around, but we definitely were thinking of collaborating with some comedians possibly and doing some TikTok content," he said. Spokesperson Tamisan Bencz-Knight said that the new owner of the Donair costume was also having thoughts about using the suit for charitable causes. "Whatever that looks like, whether it's providing meals, participating in an event or even just having our mascot out with your mascot giving hugs and high fives, there are always opportunities, so we’ll see what happens," she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Appetising Attire: Donair sandwich costume up for auction fetches $11,900

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Aug 16) executed a US national who was convicted of torturing and killing his Egyptian&nbsp;father, as per state media reports. The latest sentence has brought to 19 the toll of foreign nationals sentenced to death this year in the country.

As per the official Saudi Press Agency, Bishoy Sharif Naji Naseef was executed in the Riyadh region.

Citing court documents, SPA said that the court found out that Naseef beat and choked his father and wounded him after he died, further adding that he also used drugs and made attempts to kill another person.

The mode of the death sentence was not mentioned by the Gulf kingdom but in the past, the country has often beheaded those given the capital punishment.

"We are aware of those reports and are monitoring the situation but don't have any specifics," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-unidentified-attackers-hurl-hand-grenade-at-police-vehicle-in-karachi-626259">Pakistan: Unidentified attackers hurl hand grenade at police vehicle in Karachi</a>

He stated that a United States consular official last visited Naseef in the month of July.

<h2>World's third most prolific executioner&nbsp;</h2>

Often denounced for extensive use of capital punishment, Saudi Arabia was the world's third most prolific executioner last year, according to&nbsp;Amnesty International.

Since King Salman took over in 2015, more than 1,000 death sentences have been reported in the country, as per a report published earlier this year by the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights and the UK-based group Reprieve.

Nearly 91 people, out of which 19 are foreigners, have been put to death this year, as per an AFP news agency tally based on state media reports.

The total number of executions reported in the year 2022 was double than what was reported in the year 2021. From 69 in 2021, the figure rose to 147 in 2022.

Executions for crimes related to drugs resumed in the year 2022, putting an end to a suspension that stayed for almost three years.

In the year 2022, an episode sparked a global outcry where&nbsp;81 people were executed on a single day for terror-related offences in the Gulf Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Aug 16) executed a US national who was convicted of torturing and killing his Egyptian father, as per state media reports. The latest sentence has brought to 19 the toll of foreign nationals sentenced to death this year in the country.

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Aug 16) executed a US national who was convicted of torturing and killing his Egyptian father, as per state media reports. The latest sentence has brought to 19 the toll of foreign nationals sentenced to death this year in the country. As per the official Saudi Press Agency, Bishoy Sharif Naji Naseef was executed in the Riyadh region. Citing court documents, SPA said that the court found out that Naseef beat and choked his father and wounded him after he died, further adding that he also used drugs and made attempts to kill another person. The mode of the death sentence was not mentioned by the Gulf kingdom but in the past, the country has often beheaded those given the capital punishment. "We are aware of those reports and are monitoring the situation but don't have any specifics," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters. Also read: Pakistan: Unidentified attackers hurl hand grenade at police vehicle in Karachi He stated that a United States consular official last visited Naseef in the month of July. World's third most prolific executioner Often denounced for extensive use of capital punishment, Saudi Arabia was the world's third most prolific executioner last year, according to Amnesty International. Since King Salman took over in 2015, more than 1,000 death sentences have been reported in the country, as per a report published earlier this year by the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights and the UK-based group Reprieve. Nearly 91 people, out of which 19 are foreigners, have been put to death this year, as per an AFP news agency tally based on state media reports. The total number of executions reported in the year 2022 was double than what was reported in the year 2021. From 69 in 2021, the figure rose to 147 in 2022. Executions for crimes related to drugs resumed in the year 2022, putting an end to a suspension that stayed for almost three years. In the year 2022, an episode sparked a global outcry where 81 people were executed on a single day for terror-related offences in the Gulf Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia executes US national convicted of torturing, killing his Egyptian father

A video of a woman who stepped into Rome's iconic tourist attraction, Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle has been doing rounds on social media and has taken the internet by storm.&nbsp;

Donning a blue shirt, and white pants, and sporting a baseball cap, the woman stunned the onlookers as she walked over a row of rocks with an empty plastic bottle and filled it up under one of the fountain's waterfalls.

The clip, which was filmed last month on July 18 by an onlooker Lex Jones, who witnessed the bizarre incident, shows how the woman casually makes her way out of the 18th-century landmark before a guard confronts her.

“There were signs all over saying that’s not allowed,” Jones told newswire Storyful. “I was just like, wow, this is crazy so I started videoing it.”&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/appetizing-attire-donair-sandwich-costume-up-for-auction-fetches-whopping-11900-626060">Appetizing Attire: Donair sandwich costume up for auction fetches whopping $11,900</a>

“The woman kept trying to explain her side to the guard and didn’t really understand why she was in trouble,” Storyful quoted Jones.

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This tourist really walked across the Trevi Fountain to go fill up her water bottle.…🤦‍♂️ 
 
(via Lex Jones - storyful) <a href="https://t.co/9vxxZsmgCL">pic.twitter.com/9vxxZsmgCL</a>
— Growing Up Italian (@GrowingUpItalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrowingUpItalia/status/1691857613636468815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It is not yet clear if the woman was fined or detained.&nbsp;

This incident comes after a tourist was captured swimming in Trevi Fountain last month, as per Italian daily Corriere Della Serra reports.

The outlet said that the onlookers clapped and cheered for him.

<h2>Tourist captured carving name of fiancee into&nbsp;Colosseum</h2>

In another bizarre incident, a tourist, who was later identified as Ivan Dimitrov (27) from England, was seen carving his and his fiancee's names on the walls of the Colosseum using a key.

Dimitrov said that he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument and then handed a letter of apology to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.

“Through these lines, I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter.

Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said, “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A video of a woman who stepped into Rome's iconic tourist attraction, Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle has been doing rounds on social media and has taken the internet by storm.

A video of a woman who stepped into Rome's iconic tourist attraction, Trevi Fountain, to fill her water bottle has been doing rounds on social media and has taken the internet by storm. Donning a blue shirt, and white pants, and sporting a baseball cap, the woman stunned the onlookers as she walked over a row of rocks with an empty plastic bottle and filled it up under one of the fountain's waterfalls. The clip, which was filmed last month on July 18 by an onlooker Lex Jones, who witnessed the bizarre incident, shows how the woman casually makes her way out of the 18th-century landmark before a guard confronts her. “There were signs all over saying that’s not allowed,” Jones told newswire Storyful. “I was just like, wow, this is crazy so I started videoing it.” Also read: Appetizing Attire: Donair sandwich costume up for auction fetches whopping $11,900 “The woman kept trying to explain her side to the guard and didn’t really understand why she was in trouble,” Storyful quoted Jones. This tourist really walked across the Trevi Fountain to go fill up her water bottle.…🤦‍♂️ (via Lex Jones - storyful) pic.twitter.com/9vxxZsmgCL — Growing Up Italian (@GrowingUpItalia) August 16, 2023 × It is not yet clear if the woman was fined or detained. This incident comes after a tourist was captured swimming in Trevi Fountain last month, as per Italian daily Corriere Della Serra reports. The outlet said that the onlookers clapped and cheered for him. Tourist captured carving name of fiancee into Colosseum In another bizarre incident, a tourist, who was later identified as Ivan Dimitrov (27) from England, was seen carving his and his fiancee's names on the walls of the Colosseum using a key. Dimitrov said that he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument and then handed a letter of apology to Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri. “Through these lines, I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter. Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said, “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Woman climbs into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle

Born in Gwalior in 1924, Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India three times - first from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to mid-1999, and then served a full term from 13 October 1999 to 22 May 2004. On his death anniversary, let's take a look at some of the wise words doled out by India's late PM.

Truth cannot be hidden for fear that somebody would exploit it

No guns but only brotherhood can solve the problems


We are unnecessarily wasting our precious resources in wars…If we must wage war, we have to do it on unemployment, disease, poverty and backwardness

You can change friends but not neighbours

I wish for no resident of the country to feel isolated and powerless. The entire nation is with them.

Triump and failure are inevitable parts of life that must be accepted with grace

Hard work never brings tiredness, it brings satisfaction

Born in Gwalior in 1924, Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India three times

Top Quotes By Atal Bihari Vajpayee

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to&nbsp;recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

"We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"That is more than annoying," she added.

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Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABaerbock/status/1691312170808573952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi.

She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem.

Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced.

A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps.

"For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added.

The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco".

<h2>Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment</h2>

The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300.

"We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-just-a-week-away-from-lunar-soft-landing-625932">Chandrayaan-3, just a week away from lunar soft-landing</a>

As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024.

"With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said.

In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre.

The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip.&nbsp;

"We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future".

"It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media.

(With inputs from agencies)

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had to cancel her planned trip to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji due to recurring mechanical problems with her government plane. "We tried everything but unfortunately it's logistically not possible to carry out my Indo-Pacific travel (plans) without the defective plane," the minister wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "That is more than annoying," she added. Wir haben alles versucht: leider ist es logistisch nicht möglich, meine Indo-Pazifik-Reise ohne den defekten Flieger fortzusetzen. Das ist mehr als ärgerlich. 1/2 — Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) August 15, 2023 × Baerbock had left for a week-long trip but her plane suffered some technical issues after refuelling in Abu Dhabi. She was left stranded for hours while her crew tried to fix the problem. Her delegation sought to get underway again overnight to Tuesday but the plane, which is a 23-year-old Airbus A340, had to be taken back to Abu Dhabi when the defect resurfaced. A foreign ministry spokesperson took to X and said that the plane had attempted to make the journey from Abu Dhabi twice but was forced to return for safety reasons due to a technical malfunction with the wing flaps. "For security reasons, the plane had to return there," wrote the German air force on X. The aircraft had to dump fuel to land safely in Abu Dhabi again, it added. The incident rekindled debate about the German government's ageing planes, with some media reports terming the mishap as "embarrassing" and a "fiasco". Germany's Luftwaffe air force takes planes out of service after embarrassment The mishap pushed Germany's Luftwaffe air force to make an announcement on retiring the plane early along with the government's other A340-300. "We will take the two A340s out of service as soon as possible, i.e. in the coming weeks ahead of schedule," the Luftwaffe wrote on X. Also read: Chandrayaan-3, just a week away from lunar soft-landing As per news agency AFP reports, the government had bought three new A350s for roughly $1.3 billion in the year 2019 in order to upgrade the fleet and had also planned to stop using the plane carrying Baerbock by the end of year 2024. "With the A350s, the air force has robust and modern aircraft at its disposal for long-haul operations," the Luftwaffe said. In the month of May, Baerbock had to extend her tip to Qatar by a day after another government plane developed a flat tyre. The Australian foreign ministry said it shared "minister Baerbock's disappointment" over this week's aborted trip. "We look forward to welcoming her to Australia in the future," a foreign ministry spokesperson said. New Zealand's foreign ministry said it hoped "there will be an opportunity for the ministers to catch up in the future". "It's simply embarrassing that the foreign minister couldn't continue her trip," Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the head of Germany's parliamentary defence committee, told local media. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

German foreign minister cancels Indo-Pacific travel after plane suffers technical snag

Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth.

The channel's resident jester, who was hosting Monday's edition of the chat show “The Five”, &nbsp;made a series of such comments during a discussion on a looting incident.

The discussion was around an incident that took place on Monday (Aug 14) when a 'mob of criminals' attempted a robbery stealing merchandise worth more than $300,000 from the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center.

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To those who live in the area and patronize the Topanga Mall it is a loss of feeling safe. The LAPD will exhaust all efforts to bring those responsible into custody and seek criminal prosecution. 
 
Watch ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/CTLou25c5G">https://t.co/CTLou25c5G</a>
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/LAPDPIO/status/1690588159397236736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As the video shared by the police on their official social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, was played on the show showing the robbery.&nbsp;Gutfeld made a comment on how women are soft on crime and also effectually blamed the entire gender for alleged policies that would aid in preventing such crimes.

“What would happen if all the women took a ladies' week off and they went to Venus … How many of these problems would still exist?” he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-attends-ramayana-recitation-by-indian-preacher-morari-bapu-at-cambridge-university-625886">Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University</a>

He then said that if women went away, some new problems would surely arise but crimes like “smash and grabs” and “rampant recidivism” would “disappear".

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Greg Gutfled asks "how many of these problems would still exist" if all women just went away for a week, insisting that violent crime would be solved if women just let men handle it. <a href="https://t.co/p8QF3aWRJe">pic.twitter.com/p8QF3aWRJe</a>
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbaragona/status/1691206577586388994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He, during the discussion, also admitted that his comments would be offensive, and would not go well with Jeanine Pirro, a tough-on-crime co-host of “The Five”, who used to work as a prosecutor and served as a New York state judge previously.

“I know this is offensive to the judge because she thinks like a dude,” Gutfeld jokingly remarked.

Gutfeld then concluded his rant, stating, “What I’m saying is that we have gotten so soft and it is because we have decided that discipline and punishment is wrong.”&nbsp;

Fox News spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by CNN on Tuesday.

As per reports, Gutfeld has previously also been under attack and has received backlash on social media for making several such comments during his tenure at Fox News.&nbsp;

Last month, the White House condemned Fox News over comments made by Gutfeld over the holocaust terming the remarks as a “horrid, dangerous, and extreme lie” that “insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils” committed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth.

Fox News' top host, Greg Gutfeld, came under fire after he delivered a sexist remark on-air saying that many of the problems in the world would be solved only if women were to vanish from planet Earth. The channel's resident jester, who was hosting Monday's edition of the chat show “The Five”, made a series of such comments during a discussion on a looting incident. The discussion was around an incident that took place on Monday (Aug 14) when a 'mob of criminals' attempted a robbery stealing merchandise worth more than $300,000 from the Westfield Topanga Shopping Center. To those who live in the area and patronize the Topanga Mall it is a loss of feeling safe. The LAPD will exhaust all efforts to bring those responsible into custody and seek criminal prosecution. Watch ⬇️https://t.co/CTLou25c5G — LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) August 13, 2023 × As the video shared by the police on their official social media handle X, formerly known as Twitter, was played on the show showing the robbery. Gutfeld made a comment on how women are soft on crime and also effectually blamed the entire gender for alleged policies that would aid in preventing such crimes. “What would happen if all the women took a ladies' week off and they went to Venus … How many of these problems would still exist?” he said. Also read: Rishi Sunak attends Ramayana recitation by Indian preacher Morari Bapu at Cambridge University He then said that if women went away, some new problems would surely arise but crimes like “smash and grabs” and “rampant recidivism” would “disappear". Greg Gutfled asks "how many of these problems would still exist" if all women just went away for a week, insisting that violent crime would be solved if women just let men handle it. pic.twitter.com/p8QF3aWRJe — Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) August 14, 2023 × He, during the discussion, also admitted that his comments would be offensive, and would not go well with Jeanine Pirro, a tough-on-crime co-host of “The Five”, who used to work as a prosecutor and served as a New York state judge previously. “I know this is offensive to the judge because she thinks like a dude,” Gutfeld jokingly remarked. Gutfeld then concluded his rant, stating, “What I’m saying is that we have gotten so soft and it is because we have decided that discipline and punishment is wrong.” Fox News spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment by CNN on Tuesday. As per reports, Gutfeld has previously also been under attack and has received backlash on social media for making several such comments during his tenure at Fox News. Last month, the White House condemned Fox News over comments made by Gutfeld over the holocaust terming the remarks as a “horrid, dangerous, and extreme lie” that “insults the memory of the millions of people who suffered from the evils” committed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks

Engineering student Somaya Faruqi had to flee Afghanistan to continue her studies after the Taliban government returned to power two years ago and banned more than 1.1 million girls and women from schools and universities.

The 21-year-old, now living in the United States, is the face of a campaign launched Tuesday by the UN's Education Cannot Wait global fund to combat the crisis, marking the two-year anniversary of the fall of the internationally recognized government in Kabul. &nbsp;

Under the motto #AfghanGirlsVoices, the operation is spearheading a global call to respect all Afghan girls' and women's right to education.&nbsp;

Countless girls and women have already had to leave the country to continue their education.

Faruqi, for example, finished high school in Qatar after she and nine other girls from her robotics team, "The Afghan Dreamers" left Afghanistan in 2021.

Now, she is beginning her second year studying engineering at Sacramento State university in California, thanks to a scholarship from Qatar.

<h2>'Forgotten'</h2>

"This campaign is meant to bring the attention of the world again to the girls in Afghanistan, and (their) education issues," Faruqi told AFP by telephone.&nbsp;

"Afghanistan seems to be forgotten," she added.&nbsp;

The near-total exclusion of women from Afghan public life, including in education and employment, has become one of the major sticking points preventing the international community from offering aid and official recognition to the Taliban government.&nbsp;

"The path to any more normal relationship between the Taliban and other countries will be blocked unless and until the rights of women and girls, among other things, are actually supported," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington.

Conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are the "worst globally," a UN report found last month, saying that the Taliban government's policies -- which are based on their strict interpretation of Islam -- could amount to a "gender apartheid."

In fact, the state of women's rights in Afghanistan "should count as a crime against humanity, and it should be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court," the UN special envoy for global education, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, told reporters during a video meeting Tuesday.

<h2>'Tragic'</h2>

In 2021, only one month after returning to power for the first time in 20 years, the Taliban authorities banned girls from attending secondary school, before closing university doors to them in December 2022 and then heavily restricting their participation in the workforce.

For Faruqi, these circumstances cannot stand: "We have to make sure that (girls and women) have access to equal opportunities, and they have access to education, because education is the key to freedom," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"Girls have been banned from public spaces: schools, gyms, parks; there is nothing allowed for them to do; just to stay at home," she explained in a UN statement Tuesday.&nbsp;

For many families, the only path forward for their daughters is marriage, "regardless of their consent," she told AFP, adding that many of her own classmates have been forced to marry.&nbsp;

"Depression is widespread. The rate of suicide for girls has gone up a lot in the last two years. It is tragic," she said in the statement.

The Education Cannot Wait campaign will aim to raise global awareness of the issue via social media into next month, amplifying the voices of Afghan girls and women just as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly September 18 and 19.&nbsp;

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Engineering student Somaya Faruqi had to flee Afghanistan to continue her studies after the Taliban government returned to power two years ago and banned more than 1.

Engineering student Somaya Faruqi had to flee Afghanistan to continue her studies after the Taliban government returned to power two years ago and banned more than 1.1 million girls and women from schools and universities. The 21-year-old, now living in the United States, is the face of a campaign launched Tuesday by the UN's Education Cannot Wait global fund to combat the crisis, marking the two-year anniversary of the fall of the internationally recognized government in Kabul. Under the motto #AfghanGirlsVoices, the operation is spearheading a global call to respect all Afghan girls' and women's right to education. Countless girls and women have already had to leave the country to continue their education. Faruqi, for example, finished high school in Qatar after she and nine other girls from her robotics team, "The Afghan Dreamers" left Afghanistan in 2021. Now, she is beginning her second year studying engineering at Sacramento State university in California, thanks to a scholarship from Qatar. 'Forgotten' "This campaign is meant to bring the attention of the world again to the girls in Afghanistan, and (their) education issues," Faruqi told AFP by telephone. "Afghanistan seems to be forgotten," she added. The near-total exclusion of women from Afghan public life, including in education and employment, has become one of the major sticking points preventing the international community from offering aid and official recognition to the Taliban government. "The path to any more normal relationship between the Taliban and other countries will be blocked unless and until the rights of women and girls, among other things, are actually supported," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Washington. Conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are the "worst globally," a UN report found last month, saying that the Taliban government's policies -- which are based on their strict interpretation of Islam -- could amount to a "gender apartheid." In fact, the state of women's rights in Afghanistan "should count as a crime against humanity, and it should be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court," the UN special envoy for global education, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, told reporters during a video meeting Tuesday. 'Tragic' In 2021, only one month after returning to power for the first time in 20 years, the Taliban authorities banned girls from attending secondary school, before closing university doors to them in December 2022 and then heavily restricting their participation in the workforce. For Faruqi, these circumstances cannot stand: "We have to make sure that (girls and women) have access to equal opportunities, and they have access to education, because education is the key to freedom," she told AFP. "Girls have been banned from public spaces: schools, gyms, parks; there is nothing allowed for them to do; just to stay at home," she explained in a UN statement Tuesday. For many families, the only path forward for their daughters is marriage, "regardless of their consent," she told AFP, adding that many of her own classmates have been forced to marry. "Depression is widespread. The rate of suicide for girls has gone up a lot in the last two years. It is tragic," she said in the statement. The Education Cannot Wait campaign will aim to raise global awareness of the issue via social media into next month, amplifying the voices of Afghan girls and women just as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly September 18 and 19. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Nothing allowed for them': Afghan women demand education rights in UN appeal

Renowned BBC presenter Stephen Nolan reportedly sent his fellow colleagues sexually explicit images of disgraced reality TV star Stephen Bear warning them to book him for his TV show Nolan Live, as per Irish News reports.

He allegedly also warned his production staff that he would share more pictures of Bear's genitals if they failed to book him.

As per the BBC website, the show Nolan Live is described as a "live, hard-hitting audience interactive series, in which Stephen Nolan tackles topical issues affecting Northern Ireland with lively debate and interesting guests."

Bear was sentenced to 21 months in prison earlier this year for revenge porn and voyeurism featuring his former girlfriend Georgia Harrison, who won $2,54,739 as a compensation amount from her abusive partner.

Nolan, who gets paid $5,09,594 a year, shared pictures of Bear’s penis in two separate texts, as per The Irish News.

In one of the messages leaked to the news outlet, Nolan had written, “I want Bear!” adding in another, "If I don't get Bear tomorrow night I'm sending more bear photos."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-top-host-under-fire-for-making-sexist-remarks-on-women-625920">'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks</a>

One of his colleagues, who received the messages said that they were “beyond the pale”.

Disgraced reality star Bear, who had recently won Big Brother at the time, stripped off for a modelling skit during his appearance on Nolan Live in the year 2016, where both of them posed in their underpants in front of a live audience.

“While the specific outcome of the process is private and confidential to Stephen, I can confirm that appropriate action has been taken,” as per an internal document obtained by The Irish News.

Gregory Campbell DUP MP for East Londonderry released a statement saying that the Irish News story raises "significant questions for the corporation and Mr Nolan".

"The scale and significance of the revelations printed today, were they related to any other area of life in Northern Ireland, would undoubtedly be headline news across the BBC," he said.

"'Radio silence' just won't cut it however in this instance.

"There are significant multi-layered issues that have been highlighted and all of which deserve a full response from the BBC."

Adam Smyth, Director, BBC Northern Ireland said: "There are important considerations of fairness and confidentiality involved in the handling of any workplace-related complaint. We take these obligations seriously - and in the interests of everyone involved. It is for these reasons that we cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case, who/what it may have involved or its outcome."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Renowned BBC presenter Stephen Nolan reportedly sent his fellow colleagues sexually explicit images of disgraced reality TV star Stephen Bear warning them to book him for his TV show Nolan Live, as per Irish News reports.

Renowned BBC presenter Stephen Nolan reportedly sent his fellow colleagues sexually explicit images of disgraced reality TV star Stephen Bear warning them to book him for his TV show Nolan Live, as per Irish News reports. He allegedly also warned his production staff that he would share more pictures of Bear's genitals if they failed to book him. As per the BBC website, the show Nolan Live is described as a "live, hard-hitting audience interactive series, in which Stephen Nolan tackles topical issues affecting Northern Ireland with lively debate and interesting guests." Bear was sentenced to 21 months in prison earlier this year for revenge porn and voyeurism featuring his former girlfriend Georgia Harrison, who won $2,54,739 as a compensation amount from her abusive partner. Nolan, who gets paid $5,09,594 a year, shared pictures of Bear’s penis in two separate texts, as per The Irish News. In one of the messages leaked to the news outlet, Nolan had written, “I want Bear!” adding in another, "If I don't get Bear tomorrow night I'm sending more bear photos." Also read: 'If women went away...': Fox News host under fire for sexist remarks One of his colleagues, who received the messages said that they were “beyond the pale”. Disgraced reality star Bear, who had recently won Big Brother at the time, stripped off for a modelling skit during his appearance on Nolan Live in the year 2016, where both of them posed in their underpants in front of a live audience. “While the specific outcome of the process is private and confidential to Stephen, I can confirm that appropriate action has been taken,” as per an internal document obtained by The Irish News. Gregory Campbell DUP MP for East Londonderry released a statement saying that the Irish News story raises "significant questions for the corporation and Mr Nolan". "The scale and significance of the revelations printed today, were they related to any other area of life in Northern Ireland, would undoubtedly be headline news across the BBC," he said. "'Radio silence' just won't cut it however in this instance. "There are significant multi-layered issues that have been highlighted and all of which deserve a full response from the BBC." Adam Smyth, Director, BBC Northern Ireland said: "There are important considerations of fairness and confidentiality involved in the handling of any workplace-related complaint. We take these obligations seriously - and in the interests of everyone involved. It is for these reasons that we cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case, who/what it may have involved or its outcome." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

BBC presenter Stephen Nolan sent sexually explicit photos of reality TV star to colleagues: Report

As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (Aug 15), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended heartfelt wishes, stating the two nations have an extremely 'strong bond'.

"On behalf of the United States of America, we send our warmest wishes to the people of India as they commemorate 76 years of independence this August 15. On this momentous day, we reflect on the depth and breadth of our strategic partnership, and we celebrate the proud history of the Indian people, who are the key to the bright future we are building together," Antony Blinken said in a statement.

He further noted that the relationship between India and US has grown "deeper" and it has become "more expansive than ever."

He further added that the United States stands tall with India in the shared commitment to tackling the most crucial challenges today to ensure&nbsp;peace and prosperity of the people.&nbsp;

"This last year has shown that the US-India relationship is deeper and more expansive than ever. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, we've created a strong bond between our nations, a bond that grows ever closer as we work together for a world that is open, prosperous, secure, stable, and resilient," Antony Blinken said.&nbsp;

"On behalf of the American people, I extend to the people of India best wishes on this important day. We stand with you in our shared commitment to tackling the most pressing global challenges to ensure the peace and prosperity of our peoples," he added.&nbsp;

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his best wishes to India and the communities who were celebrating across Australia.

<blockquote>
सभी भारतीयों को <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#स्वतंत्रतादिवस</a> की शुभकामनाएं। Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlboMP</a> sends his best wishes on India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDayIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDayIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qAxBrXalKf">pic.twitter.com/qAxBrXalKf</a>
— Australian High Commission India (@AusHCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1691253195568558080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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France

French President Emmanuel Macron extended best wishes to India on its 77th Independence Day and said that New Delhi can count on Paris as a "trusted friend."

"Congratulations to the Indian people on your Independence Day! A month ago in Paris, my friend @narendramodi and I set new Indo-French ambitions all the way to 2047, the centenary year of India's Independence. India can count on France as a trusted friend and partner, always."

<blockquote>
स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर भारतवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई। 
 
एक महीने पहले पेरिस में, मेरे मित्र <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> और मैंने भारत की स्वतंत्रता के शताब्दी वर्ष, 2047 तक नई भारत-फ्रांस महत्वाकांक्षाएं निर्धारित कीं। भारत एक विश्वसनीय मित्र और भागीदार के रूप में फ्रांस पर भरोसा कर सकता है, हमेशा। <a href="https://t.co/TN7Y5CqKd2">https://t.co/TN7Y5CqKd2</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1691327023233323008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry also wished India on Independence Day.

"Warm Greetings, Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and the Government &amp; people of #India on the occasion of your Independence Day. I am confident that in the years ahead our bilateral ties will be further strengthened between our two nations India and Sri Lanka," Sabry said on X.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Singapore

Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong on Tuesday wished "dearest friends" while calling India a "fastest-growing major economy".

Taking to microblogging site X, (formerly known as Twitter) Wong said, "Happy 77th #IndependenceDay to our dearest friends! Frm 's largest democracy, to fastest growing major econ, tech epicentre &amp; more - has much to celebrate &amp; aspire towards. is proud to be steadfast partner &amp; look fwd to scaling greater heights tgt!".

<blockquote>
Happy 77th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a> to our dearest 🇮🇳 friends! Frm 🌏’s largest democracy, to 📈 fastest growing major econ, 🚀 tech epicentre &amp; more - 🇮🇳 has much to celebrate &amp; aspire towards. 🇸🇬 is proud to be 🇮🇳 steadfast partner &amp; look fwd to scaling greater heights tgt! - HC Wong <a href="https://t.co/ezxQ9hRDIH">pic.twitter.com/ezxQ9hRDIH</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1691276073965965313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Please accept cordial congratulations on the occasion of the Indian national holiday – Independence Day. Your country has achieved universally acknowledged success in economic, scientific and technical, social and other fields. India enjoys well-earned respect in the world arena and plays an important constructive role in international affairs. We attach great importance to the relations of the special and privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi. I am confident that with joint efforts we will further enhance fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas and constructive partnership in solving topical issues of regional and global agenda. This, undoubtedly, meets the core interests of our friendly nations and contributes to the security and stability of the planet. Sincerely wish the best of health and every success to you as well as happiness and well-being – to all Indian citizens."&nbsp;

Nepal&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also congratulated India on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>
— PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_nepal_/status/1691326379152019456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;

"On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity @PMOIndia," Nepal PM said on X.&nbsp;

Nepal's Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud also extended wishes on the occasion.

"As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I would like to convey warm greetings and felicitations to H.E. @DrSJaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. Wish Happy Independence Day to the people and Government of India!" he said on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
Warm Greetings, Minister of External Affairs <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> and the Government &amp; people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> on the occasion of your Independence Day. I am confident that in the years ahead our bilateral ties will be further strengthened between our two nations 🇮🇳🇱🇰 <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_SriLanka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFA_SriLanka</a>
— M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) <a href="https://twitter.com/alisabrypc/status/1691302126688047104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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&nbsp;

Israel&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his congratulations to India on the occasion of its 77th Independence Day.

<blockquote>
Dear Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the people of India, on behalf of Israel, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your Independence Day. 🇮🇳🇮🇱 
 
May our nations continue to grow closer and prosper together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaIndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaIndependenceDay</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1691409456540663808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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"Dear Prime Minister and the people of India, on behalf of Israel, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your Independence Day. May our nations continue to grow closer and prosper together," he said in a post on X.

European Union

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU commission wished India on its 77th Independence Day.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
Happy Independence Day to the people of India! 
 
India and the European Union are vibrant democracies, we both support wholeheartedly the rules-based international order and we are close allies in the fight against global warming. 
 
Our regions have so much to share. For the…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1691376679304777728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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"Happy Independence Day to the people of India! India and the European Union are vibrant democracies, we both support wholeheartedly the rules-based international order and we are close allies in the fight against global warming. Our regions have so much to share. For the European Union, strengthening our strategic relationship with India is a top priority," she posted on X.&nbsp;

Bhutan&nbsp;

Bhutan, which shares borders with India, congratulated India on its 77th Independence Day.

<blockquote>
I join my friends from India in celebrating the remarkable journey of their nation today. <a href="https://t.co/gnfjgVGulm">pic.twitter.com/gnfjgVGulm</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1691287897926991872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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"I join my friends from India in celebrating the remarkable journey of their nation today," the PM of Bhutan posted.&nbsp;

Maldives

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said as India celebrates its Independence Day, the government and people of Maldives join me in conveying our best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi and the people of India. "May India always be blessed with lasting freedom and prosperity".&nbsp;

<blockquote>
As India celebrates its Independence Day, the Government and people of Maldives join me in conveying our best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu (<a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a>), PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the people of India. May India always be blessed with lasting freedom and prosperity.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1691308909242564608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>

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Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his congratulations to India and the Indo-Canadian communities on the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day. In an official statement, the Canadian PM expressed his joy in joining both the Indian populace and the Indo-Canadian communities throughout Canada in commemorating this significant day of India's freedom.

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On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a>, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says "Today, I join the people of India and Indo-Canadian communities across the country to celebrate India’s Independence Day. The Canada-India relationship is based on strong and longstanding ties between our people.… <a href="https://t.co/eELzYp7TjA">pic.twitter.com/eELzYp7TjA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1691448243748782080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Dubai

On the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day, Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with the colours of the Indian tricolour on Tuesday.

Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, extended his warm wishes to India on its Independence Day through a tweet.&nbsp;

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Wishing the people of India happiness, growth and prosperity! 
Happy Independence Day!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VisitDubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VisitDubai</a> <a href="https://t.co/39pgk0bQEv">pic.twitter.com/39pgk0bQEv</a>
— Visit Dubai IN (@VisitDubai_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/VisitDubai_IN/status/1691374191801425920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I extend my congratulations to the leadership and the people of this great nation. On this joyous occasion, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to building a future of shared prosperity and growth, elevating our partnership to new…
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHShkMohd/status/1691374956142067712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (Aug 15), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended heartfelt wishes, stating the two nations have an extremely 'strong bond'.

As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (Aug 15), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended heartfelt wishes, stating the two nations have an extremely 'strong bond'. "On behalf of the United States of America, we send our warmest wishes to the people of India as they commemorate 76 years of independence this August 15. On this momentous day, we reflect on the depth and breadth of our strategic partnership, and we celebrate the proud history of the Indian people, who are the key to the bright future we are building together," Antony Blinken said in a statement. He further noted that the relationship between India and US has grown "deeper" and it has become "more expansive than ever." He further added that the United States stands tall with India in the shared commitment to tackling the most crucial challenges today to ensure peace and prosperity of the people. "This last year has shown that the US-India relationship is deeper and more expansive than ever. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, we've created a strong bond between our nations, a bond that grows ever closer as we work together for a world that is open, prosperous, secure, stable, and resilient," Antony Blinken said. "On behalf of the American people, I extend to the people of India best wishes on this important day. We stand with you in our shared commitment to tackling the most pressing global challenges to ensure the peace and prosperity of our peoples," he added. Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his best wishes to India and the communities who were celebrating across Australia. सभी भारतीयों को #स्वतंत्रतादिवस की शुभकामनाएं। Prime Minister @AlboMP sends his best wishes on India's #IndependenceDay. @PMOIndia @narendramodi #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/qAxBrXalKf — Australian High Commission India (@AusHCIndia) August 15, 2023 × France French President Emmanuel Macron extended best wishes to India on its 77th Independence Day and said that New Delhi can count on Paris as a "trusted friend." "Congratulations to the Indian people on your Independence Day! A month ago in Paris, my friend @narendramodi and I set new Indo-French ambitions all the way to 2047, the centenary year of India's Independence. India can count on France as a trusted friend and partner, always." स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर भारतवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई। एक महीने पहले पेरिस में, मेरे मित्र @narendramodi और मैंने भारत की स्वतंत्रता के शताब्दी वर्ष, 2047 तक नई भारत-फ्रांस महत्वाकांक्षाएं निर्धारित कीं। भारत एक विश्वसनीय मित्र और भागीदार के रूप में फ्रांस पर भरोसा कर सकता है, हमेशा। https://t.co/TN7Y5CqKd2 — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 15, 2023 × Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry also wished India on Independence Day. "Warm Greetings, Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar and the Government & people of #India on the occasion of your Independence Day. I am confident that in the years ahead our bilateral ties will be further strengthened between our two nations India and Sri Lanka," Sabry said on X. Singapore Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong on Tuesday wished "dearest friends" while calling India a "fastest-growing major economy". Taking to microblogging site X, (formerly known as Twitter) Wong said, "Happy 77th #IndependenceDay to our dearest friends! Frm 's largest democracy, to fastest growing major econ, tech epicentre & more - has much to celebrate & aspire towards. is proud to be steadfast partner & look fwd to scaling greater heights tgt!". Happy 77th #IndependenceDay to our dearest 🇮🇳 friends! Frm 🌏’s largest democracy, to 📈 fastest growing major econ, 🚀 tech epicentre & more - 🇮🇳 has much to celebrate & aspire towards. 🇸🇬 is proud to be 🇮🇳 steadfast partner & look fwd to scaling greater heights tgt! - HC Wong pic.twitter.com/ezxQ9hRDIH — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) August 15, 2023 × Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's Independence Day. "Please accept cordial congratulations on the occasion of the Indian national holiday – Independence Day. Your country has achieved universally acknowledged success in economic, scientific and technical, social and other fields. India enjoys well-earned respect in the world arena and plays an important constructive role in international affairs. We attach great importance to the relations of the special and privileged strategic partnership with New Delhi. I am confident that with joint efforts we will further enhance fruitful bilateral cooperation in all areas and constructive partnership in solving topical issues of regional and global agenda. This, undoubtedly, meets the core interests of our friendly nations and contributes to the security and stability of the planet. Sincerely wish the best of health and every success to you as well as happiness and well-being – to all Indian citizens." Nepal Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal also congratulated India on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day. On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity @PMOIndia — PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_) August 15, 2023 × "On the auspicious occasion of the 77th Independence Day of India, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to PM @narendramodi ji and to the friendly people of India for continued peace, progress and prosperity @PMOIndia," Nepal PM said on X. Nepal's Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud also extended wishes on the occasion. "As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I would like to convey warm greetings and felicitations to H.E. @DrSJaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India. Wish Happy Independence Day to the people and Government of India!" he said on X. Warm Greetings, Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar and the Government & people of #India on the occasion of your Independence Day. I am confident that in the years ahead our bilateral ties will be further strengthened between our two nations 🇮🇳🇱🇰 @IndiainSL @MFA_SriLanka — M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) August 15, 2023 × Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his congratulations to India on the occasion of its 77th Independence Day. Dear Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India, on behalf of Israel, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your Independence Day. 🇮🇳🇮🇱 May our nations continue to grow closer and prosper together. #IndiaIndependenceDay — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) August 15, 2023 × "Dear Prime Minister and the people of India, on behalf of Israel, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your Independence Day. May our nations continue to grow closer and prosper together," he said in a post on X. European Union Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU commission wished India on its 77th Independence Day. Happy Independence Day to the people of India! India and the European Union are vibrant democracies, we both support wholeheartedly the rules-based international order and we are close allies in the fight against global warming. Our regions have so much to share. For the… — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 15, 2023 × "Happy Independence Day to the people of India! India and the European Union are vibrant democracies, we both support wholeheartedly the rules-based international order and we are close allies in the fight against global warming. Our regions have so much to share. For the European Union, strengthening our strategic relationship with India is a top priority," she posted on X. Bhutan Bhutan, which shares borders with India, congratulated India on its 77th Independence Day. I join my friends from India in celebrating the remarkable journey of their nation today. pic.twitter.com/gnfjgVGulm — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) August 15, 2023 × "I join my friends from India in celebrating the remarkable journey of their nation today," the PM of Bhutan posted. Maldives Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said as India celebrates its Independence Day, the government and people of Maldives join me in conveying our best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi and the people of India. "May India always be blessed with lasting freedom and prosperity". As India celebrates its Independence Day, the Government and people of Maldives join me in conveying our best wishes to President Droupadi Murmu (@rashtrapatibhvn), PM @narendramodi and the people of India. May India always be blessed with lasting freedom and prosperity. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 15, 2023 × Canada Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his congratulations to India and the Indo-Canadian communities on the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day. In an official statement, the Canadian PM expressed his joy in joining both the Indian populace and the Indo-Canadian communities throughout Canada in commemorating this significant day of India's freedom. On #IndependenceDay, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says "Today, I join the people of India and Indo-Canadian communities across the country to celebrate India’s Independence Day. The Canada-India relationship is based on strong and longstanding ties between our people.… pic.twitter.com/eELzYp7TjA — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2023 × Dubai On the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day, Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated with the colours of the Indian tricolour on Tuesday. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, extended his warm wishes to India on its Independence Day through a tweet. Wishing the people of India happiness, growth and prosperity! Happy Independence Day!#VisitDubai pic.twitter.com/39pgk0bQEv — Visit Dubai IN (@VisitDubai_IN) August 15, 2023 × As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day, I extend my congratulations to the leadership and the people of this great nation. On this joyous occasion, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to building a future of shared prosperity and growth, elevating our partnership to new… — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 15, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wishes pour in from across the world as India celebrates its 77th Independence Day

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. He stated that the nation benefitted greatly from his leadership.

Taking to microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi said Vajpayee played a significant role in boosting the country's progress and taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors.

"I join the 140 crore people of India in paying homage to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India benefitted greatly from his leadership. He played a pivotal role in boosting our nation's progress and in taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors," he wrote.

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I join the 140 crore people of India in paying homage to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India benefitted greatly from his leadership. He played a pivotal role in boosting our nation's progress and in taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1691616204908277878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart, Vajpayee was the face of the party for several years and was also the very first non-Congress prime minister to have served a full term in office.

Born in Gwalior in 1924, Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India three times - first from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to mid-1999, and then served a full term from 13 October 1999 to 22 May 2004.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-asserts-he-will-return-to-power-in-2024-in-independence-day-speech-625684">Confident of returning to power, Modi aims for a developed India by 2047 in I-Day speech</a>

He also served as India's External Affairs Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Moraji Desai from the year 1977 to 1979.&nbsp;

He breathed his last at AIIMS Hospital in Delhi on August 16 in the year 2018.

After coming to power in the year 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 25 as Good Governance Day in order to honour Vajpayee on his birthday.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the first Prime Minister since Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to have become Prime Minister of India with two successive mandates.

He was elected to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) nine times and to the Rajya Sabha (House of the States) twice.

He was a Bharat Ratna recipient and was also honoured with Padma Vibhushan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. He stated that the nation benefitted greatly from his leadership.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid his tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. He stated that the nation benefitted greatly from his leadership. Taking to microblogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi said Vajpayee played a significant role in boosting the country's progress and taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors. "I join the 140 crore people of India in paying homage to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India benefitted greatly from his leadership. He played a pivotal role in boosting our nation's progress and in taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors," he wrote. I join the 140 crore people of India in paying homage to the remarkable Atal Ji on his Punya Tithi. India benefitted greatly from his leadership. He played a pivotal role in boosting our nation's progress and in taking it to the 21st century in a wide range of sectors. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2023 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart, Vajpayee was the face of the party for several years and was also the very first non-Congress prime minister to have served a full term in office. Born in Gwalior in 1924, Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India three times - first from May 16, 1996, to June 1, 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to mid-1999, and then served a full term from 13 October 1999 to 22 May 2004. Also read: Confident of returning to power, Modi aims for a developed India by 2047 in I-Day speech He also served as India's External Affairs Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Moraji Desai from the year 1977 to 1979. He breathed his last at AIIMS Hospital in Delhi on August 16 in the year 2018. After coming to power in the year 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 25 as Good Governance Day in order to honour Vajpayee on his birthday. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the first Prime Minister since Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to have become Prime Minister of India with two successive mandates. He was elected to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) nine times and to the Rajya Sabha (House of the States) twice. He was a Bharat Ratna recipient and was also honoured with Padma Vibhushan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tributes to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying.

They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor.

The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said.

As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hillary-clinton-felt-great-profound-sadness-over-donald-trumps-multiple-legal-woes-625922">Hillary Clinton felt 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple legal woes</a>

Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added.

Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers.

The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning.

<h2>Bomb threats force evacuation</h2>

On Saturday (August 12), the Eiffel Tower was evacuated and closed to the public as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat for nearly two hours.

According to a report by Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, a large security perimeter had been established, traffic diverted and the monument was also evacuated.&nbsp;

However, two hours or so later, a French police source released a statement saying that “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”.&nbsp;

Some of the tourists, who came in droves during the peak summer season at the iconic Paris monument, said they were irked by the two-hour closure. This was after they waited in a nearly 100-metre queue at one of the entrances before the threat was called off.

The last bomb threat called in at the Eiffel Tower was in September 2020 and was an anonymous call made to the police that prompted an evacuation of the tower, which also lasted about two hours.&nbsp;

On Monday, an email with a bomb threat against the 330-metre (1080 feet) steel tower was sent to three Paris police stations but police advised against evacuating it.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday.

Two drunken tourists from the United States were on Monday (Aug 13) discovered sleeping atop the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris after evading security the night before, said the monument's operator on Tuesday. Security guards awakened the men "early morning" at the time they were making their routine rounds before the famous tourist spot's opening time at 9:00 am, news agency AFP cited publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete as saying. They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," as per a Paris prosecutor. The drunk American men had spent their outlawed night under the stars in an area which is generally not open to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," Sete further said. As per a police source, the tourists jumped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top after paying for the entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday. Also read: Hillary Clinton felt 'great profound sadness' over Donald Trump's multiple legal woes Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the intruders, the police source further added. Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for interrogation, while Sete said that they would file a criminal complaint against the interlopers. The incident delayed the famous site's opening to the public for around an hour on Monday morning. Bomb threats force evacuation On Saturday (August 12), the Eiffel Tower was evacuated and closed to the public as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat for nearly two hours. According to a report by Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, a large security perimeter had been established, traffic diverted and the monument was also evacuated. However, two hours or so later, a French police source released a statement saying that “It was a false alarm, people can go back inside”. Some of the tourists, who came in droves during the peak summer season at the iconic Paris monument, said they were irked by the two-hour closure. This was after they waited in a nearly 100-metre queue at one of the entrances before the threat was called off. The last bomb threat called in at the Eiffel Tower was in September 2020 and was an anonymous call made to the police that prompted an evacuation of the tower, which also lasted about two hours. On Monday, an email with a bomb threat against the 330-metre (1080 feet) steel tower was sent to three Paris police stations but police advised against evacuating it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security

The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife. Later, to their surprise, the officers found out the deceased was holding only a black marker pen.

“This is a tremendous tragedy,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said during the briefing on Monday.&nbsp;

Denver Police Cmdr. Matt Clark said in a press conference on Monday (August 14) that the department had received a call from someone who had reported an incident related to domestic violence, involving Cole, 36, his wife and his teenage son, stating that a man “had possibly pushed his wife, who was in a wheelchair, out of the chair and onto the ground.”

Clark then said that the caller informed that she hadn't seen any weapons and also did not know if the woman was wounded, but provided police with a description of the man, who according to her was “possibly under the influence of alcohol.”

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&nbsp;

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<h2>What did the footage reveal?</h2>

A woman can be seen sitting on the street next to a wheelchair as per the body camera footage of the incident released by the police. “Don’t, don’t pull your gun out on my husband, please,” she says. &nbsp;

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&nbsp;

In the footage, Cole can be heard saying “Let’s go” to an officer who calls him by his first name. The officer then tries to hit Cole with a stun gun. He moves swiftly around a car that is parked towards the other officer and raises his hands to his chest level, but the thing that he holds in his hand is unclear in the video.&nbsp;

According to the police, the female officer, who was standing right behind the man “observed him holding an object in his right hand that she believed to be a knife. The officer described observing the subject moving the object back and forth from his back area to his front holding it in a threatening manner.”

“You can see in the video that when she finally deploys her duty weapon, the person is so close to her that the view of the young child and other person is not even clear to her,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said. “Certainly that was a consideration, but it was just there was not much time to act before she was overrun by that individual.”

As per news agency AP reports, the Denver District Attorney’s Office will be provided with the results of the probe being conducted into this matter which will further determine if the officer will face any criminal charges. After that, the police will conduct an investigation to find out if the policies of the department were abided by.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife.

The Denver Police Department on Monday (Aug 13) posted a video of an incident that took place on August 5 where a police officer shot dead a Black man, who she thought was armed with a knife. Later, to their surprise, the officers found out the deceased was holding only a black marker pen. “This is a tremendous tragedy,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said during the briefing on Monday. Denver Police Cmdr. Matt Clark said in a press conference on Monday (August 14) that the department had received a call from someone who had reported an incident related to domestic violence, involving Cole, 36, his wife and his teenage son, stating that a man “had possibly pushed his wife, who was in a wheelchair, out of the chair and onto the ground.” Clark then said that the caller informed that she hadn't seen any weapons and also did not know if the woman was wounded, but provided police with a description of the man, who according to her was “possibly under the influence of alcohol.” × Also read: Drunk American tourists found sleeping atop Eiffel Tower after dodging security What did the footage reveal? A woman can be seen sitting on the street next to a wheelchair as per the body camera footage of the incident released by the police. “Don’t, don’t pull your gun out on my husband, please,” she says. × In the footage, Cole can be heard saying “Let’s go” to an officer who calls him by his first name. The officer then tries to hit Cole with a stun gun. He moves swiftly around a car that is parked towards the other officer and raises his hands to his chest level, but the thing that he holds in his hand is unclear in the video. According to the police, the female officer, who was standing right behind the man “observed him holding an object in his right hand that she believed to be a knife. The officer described observing the subject moving the object back and forth from his back area to his front holding it in a threatening manner.” “You can see in the video that when she finally deploys her duty weapon, the person is so close to her that the view of the young child and other person is not even clear to her,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said. “Certainly that was a consideration, but it was just there was not much time to act before she was overrun by that individual.” As per news agency AP reports, the Denver District Attorney’s Office will be provided with the results of the probe being conducted into this matter which will further determine if the officer will face any criminal charges. After that, the police will conduct an investigation to find out if the policies of the department were abided by. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US cop kills Black man holding marker pen, mistaking it for a knife

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Navya Beri

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