French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March.

Hamouri, 37, was under administrative detention, during which suspects are allowed to be detained for renewable terms of up to six months.

Israel's interior ministry in its statement said that he "was deported this morning to France following Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision to withdraw his residency status”.&nbsp;

The human rights journalist's supporters and family were expected that he will be deported by Israeli airline El Al on a Tel Aviv-Paris flight.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-cancels-200-work-permits-issued-to-palestinians-from-gaza-strip-after-bomb-scare-537100">Israel cancels 200 work permits issued to Palestinians from Gaza Strip after bomb scare</a>

Hamouri's supporters said that his deportation by an "occupying power" from his birthplace was illegal. Hamouri, who owns French citizenship, was sentenced to administrative detention by an Israeli military court in March.&nbsp;

He was accused of being a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member and the court had stated that he "endangers security in the region".&nbsp;

The PFLP is considered a "terrorist group" by the US, EU and Israel. The organisation has been blamed for carrying out various deadly attacks on Israelis. Hamouri has refuted having any links with the PFLP.

WATCH| Israel's new 'iron fist' completes interception tests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-new-iron-fist-completes-interception-tests-542791/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

France condemns rights lawyer's expulsion&nbsp;

On Sunday, France condemned Hamouri's expulsion from Israel, as the latter reached Paris where he was received by his Elsa, along with NGO representatives, supporters and politicians at Charles de Gaulle airport.

In a statement, the French foreign ministry stated: "We condemn today the Israeli authorities' decision, against the law, to expel Salah Hamouri to France.”&nbsp;

It added that Paris had been "fully mobilised, including at the highest level of the state, to ensure Salah Hamouri's rights are respected, that he benefits from all possible assistance and that he can lead a normal life in Jerusalem, where he was born, resides and wishes to live".

"France also took several steps to communicate to the Israeli authorities in the clearest way its opposition to this expulsion of a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem, an occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention," the French foreign ministry stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March.

French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March. Hamouri, 37, was under administrative detention, during which suspects are allowed to be detained for renewable terms of up to six months. Israel's interior ministry in its statement said that he "was deported this morning to France following Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision to withdraw his residency status”. The human rights journalist's supporters and family were expected that he will be deported by Israeli airline El Al on a Tel Aviv-Paris flight. ALSO READ| Israel cancels 200 work permits issued to Palestinians from Gaza Strip after bomb scare Hamouri's supporters said that his deportation by an "occupying power" from his birthplace was illegal. Hamouri, who owns French citizenship, was sentenced to administrative detention by an Israeli military court in March. He was accused of being a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member and the court had stated that he "endangers security in the region". The PFLP is considered a "terrorist group" by the US, EU and Israel. The organisation has been blamed for carrying out various deadly attacks on Israelis. Hamouri has refuted having any links with the PFLP. WATCH| Israel's new 'iron fist' completes interception tests France condemns rights lawyer's expulsion On Sunday, France condemned Hamouri's expulsion from Israel, as the latter reached Paris where he was received by his Elsa, along with NGO representatives, supporters and politicians at Charles de Gaulle airport. In a statement, the French foreign ministry stated: "We condemn today the Israeli authorities' decision, against the law, to expel Salah Hamouri to France.” It added that Paris had been "fully mobilised, including at the highest level of the state, to ensure Salah Hamouri's rights are respected, that he benefits from all possible assistance and that he can lead a normal life in Jerusalem, where he was born, resides and wishes to live". "France also took several steps to communicate to the Israeli authorities in the clearest way its opposition to this expulsion of a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem, an occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention," the French foreign ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel govt deports French-Palestinian rights lawyer Salah Hamouri

The union leaders on Saturday night threatened to call tougher strikes in which nurses would provide “less generous” support in hospitals, as the pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government escalated.&nbsp;

Toughening its line, the RCN stated that there would be “more hospitals and more nurses taking part than at present” in the second phase of strikes which will be held in January 2023, unless the ministers decided to initiate serious pay talks by Thursday.&nbsp;

The RCN announced that it will put forth the timeline of widening strikes if no new pay talks are initiated by the ministers within 48 hours of the second day of the strike, which will be held this Tuesday.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-health-minister-says-pay-demand-of-nurses-unaffordable-amid-strike-543478">British health minister says pay demand of nurses unaffordable amid strike</a>

In the escalated round of strike, the RCN will ensure that list of nurses willing to work on a day of strike is shortened and is applicable in lesser areas, unlike the scenario of the first phase of the strike which was held last Thursday.

It was reported by a few nurses that they were threatened and bullied with disciplinary action if they attempted to limit the list of duties they will perform on a strike day.

Breaking the deadlock

The RCN announced strike escalation amid emerging signs of ways being examined by the ministers to break the deadlock, and prevent NHS from collapsing in the Christmas season as well as the new year.

As reported by the Observer, senior members of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Treasury have held meetings in recent days to discuss pay disputes and the possible ways to resolve the crisis.&nbsp;

According to the Treasury sources, the ministers are unwilling to move beyond the pay review body's recommendations but are considering ways to pay more money to nursing staff through one-off lump sum payments.

RCN's general secretary Pat Cullen said: “The government should get this wrapped up by Christmas. January’s strikes, if they are forced to go ahead, will see more hospitals and more nurses taking part than at present – 2023 needs to be a fresh start for all, not more of the same.”

WATCH| Gravitas: 100,000 NHS Nurses strike in UK over salaries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-100000-nhs-nurses-strike-in-uk-over-salaries-543517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

NHS widening disruption&nbsp;

According to the Observer's Opinium poll, there has been growing support for nurses' action as 60% of people questioned backed the strikes. This marks a three percentage points increase in public support in a fortnight.

With rising admissions of flu patients in hospitals, this week the NHS is most likely to face the biggest disruption in decades as ambulance workers and nurses are set to go on strike on consecutive days.&nbsp;

Around 70 health and trusts organisations will be affected by the second RCN strike on Tuesday across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The ambulance workers' strikes on Wednesday will then affect 10 trusts in Wales and England. However, the East of England ambulance service won't be affected by strikes. Members of Unite, GMB and Unison unions will all go on strike.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-nurses-to-teachers-why-workers-across-industries-in-uk-are-going-on-a-strike-540940">Explained: From nurses to teachers, why workers across UK are going on strike</a>

The most affected ambulance services will be in England's north-east and north-west, as all three unions' members are set to stage a strike. GMB will take the most widespread action involving around 10,000 ambulance workers in the strike.&nbsp;

All “life-threatening” emergencies will be responded to by the striking ambulance workers, however, less critical calls will be handled by a bunch of St John Ambulance, military drivers, community care teams and taxis.&nbsp;

Hospitals have been advised by NHS England to try keeping beds free in advance in the wake of escalating strikes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>&nbsp;

The union leaders on Saturday night threatened to call tougher strikes in which nurses would provide “less generous” support in hospitals, as the pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government escalated.

The union leaders on Saturday night threatened to call tougher strikes in which nurses would provide “less generous” support in hospitals, as the pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the government escalated. Toughening its line, the RCN stated that there would be “more hospitals and more nurses taking part than at present” in the second phase of strikes which will be held in January 2023, unless the ministers decided to initiate serious pay talks by Thursday. The RCN announced that it will put forth the timeline of widening strikes if no new pay talks are initiated by the ministers within 48 hours of the second day of the strike, which will be held this Tuesday. ALSO READ| British health minister says pay demand of nurses unaffordable amid strike In the escalated round of strike, the RCN will ensure that list of nurses willing to work on a day of strike is shortened and is applicable in lesser areas, unlike the scenario of the first phase of the strike which was held last Thursday. It was reported by a few nurses that they were threatened and bullied with disciplinary action if they attempted to limit the list of duties they will perform on a strike day. Breaking the deadlock The RCN announced strike escalation amid emerging signs of ways being examined by the ministers to break the deadlock, and prevent NHS from collapsing in the Christmas season as well as the new year. As reported by the Observer, senior members of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Treasury have held meetings in recent days to discuss pay disputes and the possible ways to resolve the crisis. According to the Treasury sources, the ministers are unwilling to move beyond the pay review body's recommendations but are considering ways to pay more money to nursing staff through one-off lump sum payments. RCN's general secretary Pat Cullen said: “The government should get this wrapped up by Christmas. January’s strikes, if they are forced to go ahead, will see more hospitals and more nurses taking part than at present – 2023 needs to be a fresh start for all, not more of the same.” WATCH| Gravitas: 100,000 NHS Nurses strike in UK over salaries NHS widening disruption According to the Observer's Opinium poll, there has been growing support for nurses' action as 60% of people questioned backed the strikes. This marks a three percentage points increase in public support in a fortnight. With rising admissions of flu patients in hospitals, this week the NHS is most likely to face the biggest disruption in decades as ambulance workers and nurses are set to go on strike on consecutive days. Around 70 health and trusts organisations will be affected by the second RCN strike on Tuesday across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The ambulance workers' strikes on Wednesday will then affect 10 trusts in Wales and England. However, the East of England ambulance service won't be affected by strikes. Members of Unite, GMB and Unison unions will all go on strike. ALSO READ | Explained: From nurses to teachers, why workers across UK are going on strike The most affected ambulance services will be in England's north-east and north-west, as all three unions' members are set to stage a strike. GMB will take the most widespread action involving around 10,000 ambulance workers in the strike. All “life-threatening” emergencies will be responded to by the striking ambulance workers, however, less critical calls will be handled by a bunch of St John Ambulance, military drivers, community care teams and taxis. Hospitals have been advised by NHS England to try keeping beds free in advance in the wake of escalating strikes. (With inputs from agencies)

NHS crisis may worsen: UK nurses set Thursday deadline for talks, warn of tougher strikes ahead

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023.

The prison sentence of Ekrem Imamoglu, after his politically ignited defamation court trial, stirred an international storm. The mayor has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years and seven months after he insulted the Supreme Electoral Council's members in Turkey. As per reports, in a speech he gave in 2019, the mayor said that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-thousands-protest-in-turkey-over-istanbul-mayors-conviction-political-ban-543673">Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban</a>

However, President Erdogan maintained that he had no role in the court's verdict.

"What is behind the storm sparked by a verdict these past few days? This debate has nothing to do with us — neither with me nor with our nation," said Erdogan, while making his first comments on the issue since the verdict was given on Wednesday.

"We laugh at all the false words uttered so surely by those seeing a political manoeuvre in the sentence. But we are sad to see that some are trying to conduct their games of thrones through us," he added, indicating that reactions to the court's verdict were a result of rivalries present within the opposition.&nbsp;

WATCH| Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-headscarf-debate-reaches-parliament-turkish-feminists-condemn-erdogans-move-541886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, thousands of people protested in Istanbul in support of Imamoglu, who had established himself as an opposition candidate who can break the two-decade dominance of Erdogan over Turkish politics, after clinching his mayoral success.

The imprisonment of Imamoglu also received international criticism. On Thursday, the United States announced that it is "deeply troubled and disappointed" with his conviction and imposed a ban on any political activity, which eventually denies him to run for the presidency. Meanwhile, Germany called it a "harsh blow for democracy".

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that he had "nothing to do" with the arrest of Istanbul's opposition mayor, because of which the latter won't be able to fray in the presidential election scheduled for June 2023. The prison sentence of Ekrem Imamoglu, after his politically ignited defamation court trial, stirred an international storm. The mayor has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years and seven months after he insulted the Supreme Electoral Council's members in Turkey. As per reports, in a speech he gave in 2019, the mayor said that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. ALSO READ| Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban However, President Erdogan maintained that he had no role in the court's verdict. "What is behind the storm sparked by a verdict these past few days? This debate has nothing to do with us — neither with me nor with our nation," said Erdogan, while making his first comments on the issue since the verdict was given on Wednesday. "We laugh at all the false words uttered so surely by those seeing a political manoeuvre in the sentence. But we are sad to see that some are trying to conduct their games of thrones through us," he added, indicating that reactions to the court's verdict were a result of rivalries present within the opposition. WATCH| Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move On Thursday, thousands of people protested in Istanbul in support of Imamoglu, who had established himself as an opposition candidate who can break the two-decade dominance of Erdogan over Turkish politics, after clinching his mayoral success. The imprisonment of Imamoglu also received international criticism. On Thursday, the United States announced that it is "deeply troubled and disappointed" with his conviction and imposed a ban on any political activity, which eventually denies him to run for the presidency. Meanwhile, Germany called it a "harsh blow for democracy". (With inputs from agencies)

President Erdogan says he has ‘nothing to do’ with conviction of Istanbul’s mayor

Italian union's head-turned-politician Pier Antonio Panzeri has been identified as the kingpin of the Qatar bribery scandal in the international investigation that rocked the EU parliament.&nbsp;Qatar and Morocco are facing allegations of bribing EU legislators to control policy and taking help from a network of non-governmental organisations to conceal the corrupt dealings.

Panzeri, who was the European parliament's socialist member between 2004 and 2019, is among the four people who face charges of money laundering, corruption and being involved in a criminal group after €600,000 in cash was seized by the police at his residence in Brussels.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-linked-scandal-that-has-rocked-european-parliament-what-we-know-so-far-542605">Qatar-linked corruption scandal has rocked European Parliament: What we know so far</a>

Meanwhile, another suitcase with cash amounting to €600,000 was found in possession of Greek MEP Eva Kaili's father, which she claimed belonged to Panzeri.

During the raid at the Italian politician's homes in Lombardy, the prosecutors seized luxury watches and €17,000 in cash. The investigation into the bribery scandal has shaken the establishment of Brussels to the core as it continues to expose the involvement of non-governmental organisations, foreign powers and legislators.&nbsp;

After Panzeri left the parliament in 2019, he established a human rights group called Fight Impunity in Brussels. With the help of contacts Panzeri had built when he was the chairperson of a parliament group in charge of relations with Morocco, along with other Arab nations, Fight Impunity easily became an important organisation in a chamber filled with 13,000 registered lobbyists, along with other unregistered lobbyists competing for influence.&nbsp;

Transparency International's Report

Meanwhile, the anti-corruption group Transparency International EU (TI EU) said that an independent ethics regulator is needed in the EU institutions.

It further noted that the scandal is “egregious” but not the only incident that has taken place in an institution labelled by a “culture of impunity”.

Transparency International's director MEP Michiel van Hulten said: “Over many decades, the parliament has allowed a culture of impunity to develop, with a combination of lax financial rules and controls and a complete lack of independent (or indeed any) ethics oversight.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more undue influence behind the scenes, sometimes involving money being passed over the table,” he said.

WATCH| Qatar 'corruption scandal' rocks European parliament, Vice President Eva Kaili arrested

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/qatar-corruption-scandal-rocks-european-parliament-vice-president-eva-kaili-arrested-542496/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In its report, TI EU analysed around 28,000 lobby meetings that the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had published between June 2019 and July 2022.

In this period, the publication system of the Parliament was used by only half of the MEPs. The overall meeting publication decreased from 9,700 meetings in the first year to 9,300 in the last year.

In the report, it was highlighted that there are only some member states who have a large number of MEPs whose single meetings have been published in three years, Luxembourg with 100%, Sweden with 95% and Denmark with 93% being the top three.

However, some EU members have been lagging badly which includes Latvia 25%, Cyprus 17% and Greece 10%. A similar gap in transparency is evident in the analysis of political groups.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Italian union's head-turned-politician Pier Antonio Panzeri has been identified as the kingpin of the Qatar bribery scandal in the international investigation that rocked the EU parliament.

Italian union's head-turned-politician Pier Antonio Panzeri has been identified as the kingpin of the Qatar bribery scandal in the international investigation that rocked the EU parliament. Qatar and Morocco are facing allegations of bribing EU legislators to control policy and taking help from a network of non-governmental organisations to conceal the corrupt dealings. Panzeri, who was the European parliament's socialist member between 2004 and 2019, is among the four people who face charges of money laundering, corruption and being involved in a criminal group after €600,000 in cash was seized by the police at his residence in Brussels. ALSO READ| Qatar-linked corruption scandal has rocked European Parliament: What we know so far Meanwhile, another suitcase with cash amounting to €600,000 was found in possession of Greek MEP Eva Kaili's father, which she claimed belonged to Panzeri. During the raid at the Italian politician's homes in Lombardy, the prosecutors seized luxury watches and €17,000 in cash. The investigation into the bribery scandal has shaken the establishment of Brussels to the core as it continues to expose the involvement of non-governmental organisations, foreign powers and legislators. After Panzeri left the parliament in 2019, he established a human rights group called Fight Impunity in Brussels. With the help of contacts Panzeri had built when he was the chairperson of a parliament group in charge of relations with Morocco, along with other Arab nations, Fight Impunity easily became an important organisation in a chamber filled with 13,000 registered lobbyists, along with other unregistered lobbyists competing for influence. Transparency International's Report Meanwhile, the anti-corruption group Transparency International EU (TI EU) said that an independent ethics regulator is needed in the EU institutions. It further noted that the scandal is “egregious” but not the only incident that has taken place in an institution labelled by a “culture of impunity”. Transparency International's director MEP Michiel van Hulten said: “Over many decades, the parliament has allowed a culture of impunity to develop, with a combination of lax financial rules and controls and a complete lack of independent (or indeed any) ethics oversight.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more undue influence behind the scenes, sometimes involving money being passed over the table,” he said. WATCH| Qatar 'corruption scandal' rocks European parliament, Vice President Eva Kaili arrested In its report, TI EU analysed around 28,000 lobby meetings that the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) had published between June 2019 and July 2022. In this period, the publication system of the Parliament was used by only half of the MEPs. The overall meeting publication decreased from 9,700 meetings in the first year to 9,300 in the last year. In the report, it was highlighted that there are only some member states who have a large number of MEPs whose single meetings have been published in three years, Luxembourg with 100%, Sweden with 95% and Denmark with 93% being the top three. However, some EU members have been lagging badly which includes Latvia 25%, Cyprus 17% and Greece 10%. A similar gap in transparency is evident in the analysis of political groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatargate: Italian politician Panzeri emerges kingpin after cash, luxury watches seized in raids

Tourists in huge numbers from across the world are stranded in Machu Picchu as protests escalated in Peru and an emergency was declared across the nation, following former president Pedro Castillo’s dramatic arrest which ignited massive protests across the country.

As per the statement released by the authorities at least 15 people have till now lost their lives in the protests.

In the wake of escalating tensions, the train line, which is the only route to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been sabotaged and blocked off by protesters, which has left around 800 tourists stranded at a mountain’s foot, with their essential supplies dwindling with the passing of time.

Requests for helicopters have been made by the local officials to evacuate tourists, while consular assistance is being provided by the Foreign Office to British nationals in the country.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peruvian-former-president-castillos-jail-term-extended-by-18-months-543537">Former Peru president Pedro Castillo's jail term extended by 18 months</a>

“Our hotel informed us that they’re going to cut back on food supplies and offer just eggs and coffee until supplies come to town because the markets are running low,” Diane Thao, an American tourist present in Aguas Calientes, said.

Aguas Calientes is the place where the train to Machu Pichu arrives. Meanwhile, Israeli tourist Gale Dut said, "I'm with my kids. For me, it's a problem.”

Another Belgian tourist Walter said that he is unclear about how he is going to return home if he is not able to reach Cusco in time so as to catch a flight to Lima. The only transport service available between the famed Incan temple site and Cusco is the 70-mile train.&nbsp;

WATCH|&nbsp;Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid protests

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/peru-declares-nationwide-state-of-emergency-amid-protests-543139/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Machu Picchu’s mayor appeals for humanitarian help 

On Tuesday, trains were suspended as an indefinite strike was called by agrarian and indigenous organisations as part of protests against Castillo’s arrest, which has swept the entire nation.

The Mayor of Machu Picchu Darwin Baca asked the government to provide humanitarian help and appealed for helicopters for the evacuation of tourists. However, tourists are not only stranded in Machu Picchu. In Ollantaytambo, an Australian tourist confirmed that he was trapped along with other Britons and Australians.

They shared photographs of protesters demonstrating on the streets and police riot vehicles deployed on standby.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Tourists in huge numbers from across the world are stranded in Machu Picchu as protests escalated in Peru and an emergency was declared across the nation, following former president Pedro Castillo’s dramatic arrest which ignited massive protests across the country.

Tourists in huge numbers from across the world are stranded in Machu Picchu as protests escalated in Peru and an emergency was declared across the nation, following former president Pedro Castillo’s dramatic arrest which ignited massive protests across the country. As per the statement released by the authorities at least 15 people have till now lost their lives in the protests. In the wake of escalating tensions, the train line, which is the only route to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been sabotaged and blocked off by protesters, which has left around 800 tourists stranded at a mountain’s foot, with their essential supplies dwindling with the passing of time. Requests for helicopters have been made by the local officials to evacuate tourists, while consular assistance is being provided by the Foreign Office to British nationals in the country. ALSO READ| Former Peru president Pedro Castillo's jail term extended by 18 months “Our hotel informed us that they’re going to cut back on food supplies and offer just eggs and coffee until supplies come to town because the markets are running low,” Diane Thao, an American tourist present in Aguas Calientes, said. Aguas Calientes is the place where the train to Machu Pichu arrives. Meanwhile, Israeli tourist Gale Dut said, "I'm with my kids. For me, it's a problem.” Another Belgian tourist Walter said that he is unclear about how he is going to return home if he is not able to reach Cusco in time so as to catch a flight to Lima. The only transport service available between the famed Incan temple site and Cusco is the 70-mile train. WATCH| Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid protests Machu Picchu’s mayor appeals for humanitarian help On Tuesday, trains were suspended as an indefinite strike was called by agrarian and indigenous organisations as part of protests against Castillo’s arrest, which has swept the entire nation. The Mayor of Machu Picchu Darwin Baca asked the government to provide humanitarian help and appealed for helicopters for the evacuation of tourists. However, tourists are not only stranded in Machu Picchu. In Ollantaytambo, an Australian tourist confirmed that he was trapped along with other Britons and Australians. They shared photographs of protesters demonstrating on the streets and police riot vehicles deployed on standby. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests strand 5,000 tourists in Machu Picchu gateway city

The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines.&nbsp;

Infrabel, which is responsible for the management of Belgian rail infrastructure, said that they had halted two train services - a French TGV and an international Thalys – mid-route.&nbsp;

Two hours later, the services were restarted as platforms of Brussels' Midi Station saw huge crowds swelling up. However, the officials had warned the passengers that they may face knock-on delays throughout the day.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/christmas-2022-best-destinations-to-celebrate-xmas-this-year-543914/#quebec-city-canada-543912">Christmas 2022: Best destinations to celebrate Xmas this year</a>

Along with the Thalys route, which connects Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, the Eurostar service which runs from Brussels to London was also disrupted and one train was at least cancelled during the day.

"Traffic has restarted, but there will be multiple delays throughout the day on international services," a spokesperson of Infrabel said.

The rail company said that two trains of Thalys connecting Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels were cancelled. The passengers will also have to face long delays on railway service connecting to Schiphol airport and the German town of Dusseldorf. '

WATCH|&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Belgium to impose tax on private jets, short-haul flights

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-belgium-to-impose-tax-on-private-jets-short-haul-flights-542724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One of the passengers, who had made a booking on a Eurostar train to travel from Brussels to London, said that he was informed about the train's cancellation and was given a chance to either get a refund or rebook his travel.

"We have a plan for winter, including infrastructure inspections and de-icing measures, but there's no such thing as zero risk," the spokesperson of Infrabel said.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines.

The railway passengers, who were travelling ahead of Christmas, on routes which connect Belgium to the Netherlands, Britain, France and Germany, faced delays on Saturday as the international trains faced disruption due to ice on power lines. Infrabel, which is responsible for the management of Belgian rail infrastructure, said that they had halted two train services - a French TGV and an international Thalys – mid-route. Two hours later, the services were restarted as platforms of Brussels' Midi Station saw huge crowds swelling up. However, the officials had warned the passengers that they may face knock-on delays throughout the day. ALSO READ| Christmas 2022: Best destinations to celebrate Xmas this year Along with the Thalys route, which connects Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels, the Eurostar service which runs from Brussels to London was also disrupted and one train was at least cancelled during the day. "Traffic has restarted, but there will be multiple delays throughout the day on international services," a spokesperson of Infrabel said. The rail company said that two trains of Thalys connecting Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels were cancelled. The passengers will also have to face long delays on railway service connecting to Schiphol airport and the German town of Dusseldorf. ' WATCH| WION Climate Tracker: Belgium to impose tax on private jets, short-haul flights One of the passengers, who had made a booking on a Eurostar train to travel from Brussels to London, said that he was informed about the train's cancellation and was given a chance to either get a refund or rebook his travel. "We have a plan for winter, including infrastructure inspections and de-icing measures, but there's no such thing as zero risk," the spokesperson of Infrabel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Belgian winter's snowfall disrupts international trains

The complex environmental debates that take place at a UN summit are not always easily decoded for humans to understand how it is going to impact the nature they are surrounded with, at a time when humanity is clinching its last hope to save Mother Earth.&nbsp;Hence, to easily understand the impact of human actions on nature, an artist and scientist came together to create a data-driven and large robotic plant that grows or withers depending upon the policy commitments made by the countries.&nbsp;

This robotic plant can tangibly demonstrate how the actions of humans will impact the threatened species of the world.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-nursery-used-by-hammerhead-sharks-found-near-galapagos-island-543859">New nursery used by hammerhead sharks found near Galapagos islands</a> 
&nbsp; 
The 5.5-metre (18-foot) tall plant called "ECONARIO” was built in a year using recycled steel and has been on display currently at&nbsp;the Montreal Convention Centre, as the policymakers work towards finalising a deal for the protection of ecosystems at the COP15 meeting.&nbsp;

The robotic plant's creator Dutch artist Thijs Biersteker said that the idea behind creating it was simple. "If the research does not reach us, then how can the research teach us? Art reflects the time we're in, and it should reflect these important issues,” he said.&nbsp;

The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) sends its data to the plant which includes the original number of species' estimated percentage that still exist as well as their abundance in a particular area, despite the environmental impact of human actions.&nbsp;

WATCH| Heatwave hit Chile with record-high temperatures; heatwave exacerbates forest fire

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heatwave-hit-chile-with-record-high-temperatures-heatwave-exacerbates-forest-fire-543933/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Data scientist of London's Natural History Museum and research lead for the BII Adriana De Palma said that the data is based on peer-reviewed, open access and robust methodology.

For example, BII's team looks at the number of countries that have committed towards the implementation of the cornerstone pledge to protect 30% of oceans and lands by 2030. "We can then predict what that is going to mean for biodiversity in 20, 50 or 100 years," Palma said.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The complex environmental debates that take place at a UN summit are not always easily decoded for humans to understand how it is going to impact the nature they are surrounded with, at a time when humanity is clinching its last hope to save Mother Earth.

The complex environmental debates that take place at a UN summit are not always easily decoded for humans to understand how it is going to impact the nature they are surrounded with, at a time when humanity is clinching its last hope to save Mother Earth. Hence, to easily understand the impact of human actions on nature, an artist and scientist came together to create a data-driven and large robotic plant that grows or withers depending upon the policy commitments made by the countries. This robotic plant can tangibly demonstrate how the actions of humans will impact the threatened species of the world. ALSO READ| New nursery used by hammerhead sharks found near Galapagos islands The 5.5-metre (18-foot) tall plant called "ECONARIO” was built in a year using recycled steel and has been on display currently at the Montreal Convention Centre, as the policymakers work towards finalising a deal for the protection of ecosystems at the COP15 meeting. The robotic plant's creator Dutch artist Thijs Biersteker said that the idea behind creating it was simple. "If the research does not reach us, then how can the research teach us? Art reflects the time we're in, and it should reflect these important issues,” he said. The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) sends its data to the plant which includes the original number of species' estimated percentage that still exist as well as their abundance in a particular area, despite the environmental impact of human actions. WATCH| Heatwave hit Chile with record-high temperatures; heatwave exacerbates forest fire Data scientist of London's Natural History Museum and research lead for the BII Adriana De Palma said that the data is based on peer-reviewed, open access and robust methodology. For example, BII's team looks at the number of countries that have committed towards the implementation of the cornerstone pledge to protect 30% of oceans and lands by 2030. "We can then predict what that is going to mean for biodiversity in 20, 50 or 100 years," Palma said. (With inputs from agencies)

Econario, a robot plant that grows or withers with success or failure of UN nature talks

Canadian journalist Rachel Gilmore, in an online post, stated, "I'm done", as she asked government authorities to handle the increase in hate, which included threats of rape and death, targetting her and her peers.&nbsp;

The journalists in Canada have been facing increase in online abuse, an issue which has now become a global phenomenon. In the wake of the growing online abuse, dozens of media organisations joined hands with reporters to pressurise the government authorities to consider the matter seriously.

Global News' reporter Gilmore said that the "free press is under attack”. We won't be silenced. But we need you to stand up for us,” she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-summons-beijings-ambassador-issues-warning-over-alleged-chinese-police-stations-539360">Canada summons Beijing’s ambassador, issues warning over alleged Chinese police stations</a>

The journalists have been complaining of facing catcalls' interruption in their live broadcasts and obscenity-filled online threats. Few journalists are even afraid in leaving their houses and have opted for extraordinary security precautions.

The Hill Times' columnist Erica Ifill said, "It's relentless. It ranges from death threats to rape threats to letting us know they're surveilling us."

"I'm thinking maybe I should leave journalism," she added. Gilmore's appeal for action was supported by the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ).

WATCH|&nbsp;Canada seeks to liberalise Euthanasia laws, to allow 'mentally ill' people to die

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/canada-seeks-to-liberalise-euthanasia-laws-to-allow-mentally-ill-people-to-die-542090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in December, an open letter was published by 52 broacasters, media organisations and newspapers which warned of a "chilling effect" and appealed political leaders to condemn "any attempts to undermine" the press.

"Online harassment is a scourge on our democracy and it needs to stop," stated the CAJ, adding that such "vile abuse" is mostly directed towards women journalists or the journalists who are of different colour or belong to LGBT.&nbsp;

Gilmore, along with other journalists, have been said "trash whores" on social media. One post read they "need to be boogaloo'ed the fuck out of Canada," with the use of a term which is linked to the United States' far-right movement.&nbsp;

"I'll kill you bitch better watch your back when your (sic) in public," another user stated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino tweeted: "The abuse that Rachel and other journalists have received -- in particular women and people of color -- is heinous and unacceptable."&nbsp;

As per Mendicino's office, the issue has been raised with chiefs of police across the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Canadian journalist Rachel Gilmore, in an online post, stated, "I'm done", as she asked government authorities to handle the increase in hate, which included threats of rape and death, targetting her and her peers.

Canadian journalist Rachel Gilmore, in an online post, stated, "I'm done", as she asked government authorities to handle the increase in hate, which included threats of rape and death, targetting her and her peers. The journalists in Canada have been facing increase in online abuse, an issue which has now become a global phenomenon. In the wake of the growing online abuse, dozens of media organisations joined hands with reporters to pressurise the government authorities to consider the matter seriously. Global News' reporter Gilmore said that the "free press is under attack”. We won't be silenced. But we need you to stand up for us,” she added. ALSO READ| Canada summons Beijing’s ambassador, issues warning over alleged Chinese police stations The journalists have been complaining of facing catcalls' interruption in their live broadcasts and obscenity-filled online threats. Few journalists are even afraid in leaving their houses and have opted for extraordinary security precautions. The Hill Times' columnist Erica Ifill said, "It's relentless. It ranges from death threats to rape threats to letting us know they're surveilling us." "I'm thinking maybe I should leave journalism," she added. Gilmore's appeal for action was supported by the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ). WATCH| Canada seeks to liberalise Euthanasia laws, to allow 'mentally ill' people to die Earlier in December, an open letter was published by 52 broacasters, media organisations and newspapers which warned of a "chilling effect" and appealed political leaders to condemn "any attempts to undermine" the press. "Online harassment is a scourge on our democracy and it needs to stop," stated the CAJ, adding that such "vile abuse" is mostly directed towards women journalists or the journalists who are of different colour or belong to LGBT. Gilmore, along with other journalists, have been said "trash whores" on social media. One post read they "need to be boogaloo'ed the fuck out of Canada," with the use of a term which is linked to the United States' far-right movement. "I'll kill you bitch better watch your back when your (sic) in public," another user stated. Meanwhile, Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino tweeted: "The abuse that Rachel and other journalists have received -- in particular women and people of color -- is heinous and unacceptable." As per Mendicino's office, the issue has been raised with chiefs of police across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian journalists implore authorities to tackle online abuse

The US Senate's negotiators have agreed to a tentative deal to decrease the disparity in the sentences announced in offences involving crack and powder cocaine and plan to include the measure in a government spending bill.

Currently, mandatory minimum sentences for committing offences related to crack are 18 times lengthier compared to the minimum sentence in the case of power cocaine, which has resulted in Black Americans' disproportionate incarceration, as the government adopted the policy almost four decades ago.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-passes-858bn-defence-bill-repealing-vaccine-mandate-for-troops-543586">US Senate passes $858bn defence bill; repeals vaccine mandate for troops</a>

As per the deal finalised by bipartisan negotiators, they will narrow down the proportion to 2.5-to-1 . The measure is most likely to be attached to the year-end spending bill by Congress that is currently being discussed by lawmakers.&nbsp;

Last year, legislation for the complete elimination of disparity in sentences awarded in cases of crack and cocaine powder passed by a wide margin in the House of Representatives, although the Senate has not yet passed the legislation.

The 2.5-to-1 proportion has received public support from various Senate Republicans, which includes the highest-ranking member of the party on the Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley.

WATCH| U.S: Senate passes legislation on banning TikTok for lawmakers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-passes-legislation-on-banning-tiktok-for-lawmakers-543494/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There is no retroactive relief for those who have been already convicted in cases of crack-related offences in the tentative deal, which the sentencing reform groups have been demanding.&nbsp;

The disparity in sentences between crack and powder goes back to the 1980s' war-on-drugs policies. A law was passed by Congress in 1986 to set up mandatory minimum sentences for offences related to drug trafficking, which dealt with offences related to crack and powder cocaine using a 100-to-1 ratio.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The US Senate's negotiators have agreed to a tentative deal to decrease the disparity in the sentences announced in offences involving crack and powder cocaine and plan to include the measure in a government spending bill.

The US Senate's negotiators have agreed to a tentative deal to decrease the disparity in the sentences announced in offences involving crack and powder cocaine and plan to include the measure in a government spending bill. Currently, mandatory minimum sentences for committing offences related to crack are 18 times lengthier compared to the minimum sentence in the case of power cocaine, which has resulted in Black Americans' disproportionate incarceration, as the government adopted the policy almost four decades ago. ALSO READ| US Senate passes $858bn defence bill; repeals vaccine mandate for troops As per the deal finalised by bipartisan negotiators, they will narrow down the proportion to 2.5-to-1 . The measure is most likely to be attached to the year-end spending bill by Congress that is currently being discussed by lawmakers. Last year, legislation for the complete elimination of disparity in sentences awarded in cases of crack and cocaine powder passed by a wide margin in the House of Representatives, although the Senate has not yet passed the legislation. The 2.5-to-1 proportion has received public support from various Senate Republicans, which includes the highest-ranking member of the party on the Judiciary Committee, Chuck Grassley. WATCH| U.S: Senate passes legislation on banning TikTok for lawmakers There is no retroactive relief for those who have been already convicted in cases of crack-related offences in the tentative deal, which the sentencing reform groups have been demanding. The disparity in sentences between crack and powder goes back to the 1980s' war-on-drugs policies. A law was passed by Congress in 1986 to set up mandatory minimum sentences for offences related to drug trafficking, which dealt with offences related to crack and powder cocaine using a 100-to-1 ratio. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate to narrow sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine

After a new count, the death toll jumped to 602 in one of the deadliest earthquakes that hit Java, Indonesia last month, said a local administration official on Friday after unreported casualties were verified by the authorities across the town.

On November 21 Cianjur, the most populous province of West Java was hit by a 5.6-magnitude earthquake which triggered landslides and collapsed buildings, killing many.&nbsp;

Spokesperson of Cianjur local administration Adam said that the new death toll of 602, which has increased from the earlier toll of 334, was finalised on the basis of data collected from the town's residents.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-earthquake-jolts-indonesias-capital-jakarta-535980">Indonesia earthquake: Death toll jumps to 162, officials warn toll may rise</a>

He added that a lot of relatives had rushed to bury their people without reporting their the authorities about their death.

"If someone dies, residents in Cianjur often immediately bury them. Because of the panicked situation, those who died were immediately buried by relatives without notifying the local health agency," Adam said.&nbsp;

"It was later revealed that around 600 people died when it is officially counted," he stated, citing the new figure of 602 finalised by the administration.

The new death toll was posted by BPBD, a local rescue agency on social media.&nbsp;

WATCH|&nbsp;Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesia-mount-semeru-volcano-erupts-hundreds-evacuated-539905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the spokesperson of the National disaster mitigation agency Abdul Muhari said that it will stick to a lower death toll, which was 335, while they are working towards verification of new figures.

"Because they were immediately buried and were not reported, their names were not included in the missing people list," Muhari said.

"The district head said they already have the data, regardless we still need to verify,” he added. Muhari said that relatives, in order to receive government aid, need to remove their dead relatives from their family registry and get a death certificate issued from local authorities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

After a new count, the death toll jumped to 602 in one of the deadliest earthquakes that hit Java, Indonesia last month, said a local administration official on Friday after unreported casualties were verified by the authorities across the town.

After a new count, the death toll jumped to 602 in one of the deadliest earthquakes that hit Java, Indonesia last month, said a local administration official on Friday after unreported casualties were verified by the authorities across the town. On November 21 Cianjur, the most populous province of West Java was hit by a 5.6-magnitude earthquake which triggered landslides and collapsed buildings, killing many. Spokesperson of Cianjur local administration Adam said that the new death toll of 602, which has increased from the earlier toll of 334, was finalised on the basis of data collected from the town's residents. ALSO READ| Indonesia earthquake: Death toll jumps to 162, officials warn toll may rise He added that a lot of relatives had rushed to bury their people without reporting their the authorities about their death. "If someone dies, residents in Cianjur often immediately bury them. Because of the panicked situation, those who died were immediately buried by relatives without notifying the local health agency," Adam said. "It was later revealed that around 600 people died when it is officially counted," he stated, citing the new figure of 602 finalised by the administration. The new death toll was posted by BPBD, a local rescue agency on social media. WATCH| Indonesia: Mount Semeru volcano erupts; hundreds evacuated However, the spokesperson of the National disaster mitigation agency Abdul Muhari said that it will stick to a lower death toll, which was 335, while they are working towards verification of new figures. "Because they were immediately buried and were not reported, their names were not included in the missing people list," Muhari said. "The district head said they already have the data, regardless we still need to verify,” he added. Muhari said that relatives, in order to receive government aid, need to remove their dead relatives from their family registry and get a death certificate issued from local authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll in Indonesia earthquake increased to 602 after new count

The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020.

Taibbi said that the FBI and Twitter's relationship had a “master-canine quality” and that the bureau and the tech giant remained in “constant and pervasive” contact.

“Between January 2020 and November 2022, there were over 150 emails between the FBI and former Twitter Trust and Safety chief Yoel Roth,” Taibbi tweeted, pointing to the executives who worked towards suppressing the report prepared by The Post on the extensive overseas business of US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-files-30-reveal-how-donald-trump-was-de-platformed-by-supreme-court-of-moderation-541763">Twitter Files 3.0 reveal how Donald Trump was deplatformed by ‘Supreme Court of moderation’</a>

Holding the tech giant's reins&nbsp;

The journalist also revealed that Twitter received a “surprisingly high number” of missives from the FBI requesting “Twitter to take action on election misinformation,” which also included some jokes posted by accounts which had less number of followers.

Recently on November 22, an email was sent to Twitter from the FBI’s San Francisco office in which four accounts were flagged that “may potentially constitute violations of Twitter’s Terms of Service”.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1. THREAD: The Twitter Files, Part Six 
TWITTER, THE FBI SUBSIDIARY
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1603857534737072128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

One of those accounts had the most satirical tweets, however, the employees at Twitter still hurriedly started to “look for reasons to suspend” the mentioned account for “civic misinformation”.

Although Twitter has been accused by the conservatives of unfairly targetting them through their enforcement actions, Taibbi claimed that left-wing accounts were also flagged by Twitter for policing overzealous speech.&nbsp;

In one such case, a user was noted by the FBI with the name “ULTRA MAGA” after he posted a tweet on November 8, which was the day of mid-term elections, saying, “Americans, Vote today. Democrats you vote Wednesday 9th.”

In a different incident, an account of a user, who according to Taibbi, “kids a lot,” and tweeted, “I’m a ballot counter in my state. If you’re not wearing a mask, I’m not counting your vote. For every negative comment on this post, I’m adding another vote for the Democrats”, was also flagged by the FBI.

“Anyone who cannot discern obvious satire from reality has no place making decisions for others or working for the feds,” said the user, @ClaireFosterPHD while speaking to Taibbi about the flagging.&nbsp;

During the 2016 elections, FBI authorities' focus increased on social media, as its social media-focused task force unit grew to 80 agents and outside security think tanks and contractors were partnered with the Department of Homeland Security partnering “to pressure Twitter to moderate content”, Taibbi revealed.&nbsp;

“You have to prove to me that inside the f—ing government you can do any kind of massive data or AI search,” said a former intelligence officer as quoted by the journalist.

WATCH|&nbsp;Twitter Files 4.0 reveal how executives changed policies to permanently ban Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twitter-files-40-reveal-how-executives-changed-policies-to-permanently-ban-trump-542539/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Twitter presence in FBI meetings&nbsp;

The sixth instalment also talked about Twitter's presence in the monthly meetings of not only the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, and also the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Justice Department.&nbsp;

A letter was sent to Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel Jim Baker on September 16, in which notes of the meetings were shared by Twitter legal executive Stacia Cardille, who also stated they were “soon to be weekly”.

As per Cardille's letter, Twitter and the FBI shared such a good relationship that the feds were “adamant” that the classified information can be shared with executives.

A packet containing “products” was sent by the FBI to Cardille in March 2021, which she later passed on to other Twitter employees, which Taibbi said were “really DHS bulletins stressing the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement and ‘private sector partners.'”

The alleged threat of the spread of Iranian and Russian misinformation on the social media platform was highlighted in the FBI bulletins, along with the “Domestic Violent Extremist Threat.”

The aggressiveness of Federal law enforcement in sending “possible violative content” to Twitter for review was so much that one of the materials sent to review was described by an employee as a “monumental undertaking” which required help from several employees.

Taibbi's report highlighted the flagging of similar content by the state governments, DHS as well as partner organisations like the Center for Internet Security, which was described by the journalist as a “DHS contractor”, and the Election Integrity Project of Stanford University, which he called “one of a series of government-affiliated think tanks that mass-review content.”

Summing up his tweets, Taibbi said, “Instead of chasing child sex predators or terrorists, the FBI has agents — lots of them — analysing and mass-flagging social media posts. Not as part of any criminal investigation, but as a permanent, end-in-itself surveillance operation. People should not be okay with this.”

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-second-installment-of-twitter-files-reveals-how-right-wing-users-were-targeted-541462">Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted</a>

FBI's response to its engagements with Twitter

Responding to the allegations, The FBI, speaking to the New York Post on Friday, said that it “regularly engages” with companies to send them information about malicious foreign actors' activities.&nbsp;

However, the bureau refused to comment on Taibbi’s characterisation of Twitter and the FBI's relationship and did not disclose if any classified information was provided by the social media platform.

“The FBI regularly engages with private sector entities to provide information specific to identified foreign malign influence actors’ subversive, undeclared, covert, or criminal activities. Private sector entities independently make decisions about what, if any, action they take on their platforms and for their customers after the FBI has notified them,” stated the FBI, in its statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020.

The sixth part of “Twitter Files”, which was released by Independent journalist Matt Taibbi on Friday, revealed how Twitter was treated as a “subsidiary” by the FBI along with different law enforcement organisations, as various accounts were flagged by the government body for harmful “misinformation” since January 2020. Taibbi said that the FBI and Twitter's relationship had a “master-canine quality” and that the bureau and the tech giant remained in “constant and pervasive” contact. “Between January 2020 and November 2022, there were over 150 emails between the FBI and former Twitter Trust and Safety chief Yoel Roth,” Taibbi tweeted, pointing to the executives who worked towards suppressing the report prepared by The Post on the extensive overseas business of US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden. ALSO READ| Twitter Files 3.0 reveal how Donald Trump was deplatformed by ‘Supreme Court of moderation’ Holding the tech giant's reins The journalist also revealed that Twitter received a “surprisingly high number” of missives from the FBI requesting “Twitter to take action on election misinformation,” which also included some jokes posted by accounts which had less number of followers. Recently on November 22, an email was sent to Twitter from the FBI’s San Francisco office in which four accounts were flagged that “may potentially constitute violations of Twitter’s Terms of Service”. 1. THREAD: The Twitter Files, Part Six TWITTER, THE FBI SUBSIDIARY — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 16, 2022 × One of those accounts had the most satirical tweets, however, the employees at Twitter still hurriedly started to “look for reasons to suspend” the mentioned account for “civic misinformation”. Although Twitter has been accused by the conservatives of unfairly targetting them through their enforcement actions, Taibbi claimed that left-wing accounts were also flagged by Twitter for policing overzealous speech. In one such case, a user was noted by the FBI with the name “ULTRA MAGA” after he posted a tweet on November 8, which was the day of mid-term elections, saying, “Americans, Vote today. Democrats you vote Wednesday 9th.” In a different incident, an account of a user, who according to Taibbi, “kids a lot,” and tweeted, “I’m a ballot counter in my state. If you’re not wearing a mask, I’m not counting your vote. For every negative comment on this post, I’m adding another vote for the Democrats”, was also flagged by the FBI. “Anyone who cannot discern obvious satire from reality has no place making decisions for others or working for the feds,” said the user, @ClaireFosterPHD while speaking to Taibbi about the flagging. During the 2016 elections, FBI authorities' focus increased on social media, as its social media-focused task force unit grew to 80 agents and outside security think tanks and contractors were partnered with the Department of Homeland Security partnering “to pressure Twitter to moderate content”, Taibbi revealed. “You have to prove to me that inside the f—ing government you can do any kind of massive data or AI search,” said a former intelligence officer as quoted by the journalist. WATCH| Twitter Files 4.0 reveal how executives changed policies to permanently ban Trump Twitter presence in FBI meetings The sixth instalment also talked about Twitter's presence in the monthly meetings of not only the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, and also the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Justice Department. A letter was sent to Twitter's former Deputy General Counsel Jim Baker on September 16, in which notes of the meetings were shared by Twitter legal executive Stacia Cardille, who also stated they were “soon to be weekly”. As per Cardille's letter, Twitter and the FBI shared such a good relationship that the feds were “adamant” that the classified information can be shared with executives. A packet containing “products” was sent by the FBI to Cardille in March 2021, which she later passed on to other Twitter employees, which Taibbi said were “really DHS bulletins stressing the need for greater collaboration between law enforcement and ‘private sector partners.'” The alleged threat of the spread of Iranian and Russian misinformation on the social media platform was highlighted in the FBI bulletins, along with the “Domestic Violent Extremist Threat.” The aggressiveness of Federal law enforcement in sending “possible violative content” to Twitter for review was so much that one of the materials sent to review was described by an employee as a “monumental undertaking” which required help from several employees. Taibbi's report highlighted the flagging of similar content by the state governments, DHS as well as partner organisations like the Center for Internet Security, which was described by the journalist as a “DHS contractor”, and the Election Integrity Project of Stanford University, which he called “one of a series of government-affiliated think tanks that mass-review content.” Summing up his tweets, Taibbi said, “Instead of chasing child sex predators or terrorists, the FBI has agents — lots of them — analysing and mass-flagging social media posts. Not as part of any criminal investigation, but as a permanent, end-in-itself surveillance operation. People should not be okay with this.” ALSO READ| Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted FBI's response to its engagements with Twitter Responding to the allegations, The FBI, speaking to the New York Post on Friday, said that it “regularly engages” with companies to send them information about malicious foreign actors' activities. However, the bureau refused to comment on Taibbi’s characterisation of Twitter and the FBI's relationship and did not disclose if any classified information was provided by the social media platform. “The FBI regularly engages with private sector entities to provide information specific to identified foreign malign influence actors’ subversive, undeclared, covert, or criminal activities. Private sector entities independently make decisions about what, if any, action they take on their platforms and for their customers after the FBI has notified them,” stated the FBI, in its statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.&nbsp;The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU.

"We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia.

"We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek.

In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory.

WATCH|&nbsp;U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-balkan-envoy-meets-kosovo-pm-kurti-after-serbs-block-roads-542715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others.

Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia. The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU. "We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek. ALSO READ| Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia. "We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek. In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory. WATCH| U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others. Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. (With inputs from agencies)

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prisha

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.