A suspicious object has been found at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on Friday.

The Nepal police told ANI that the Army and the police are on the spot.

However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the suspicious object is a bomb or something else, the police added.

Further details are awaited.

Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the most sacred worship places for Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.&nbsp;

The temple is a very famous tourist attraction with hundreds of followers from different parts of the world visiting it every year.

It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and is also considered to be among the richest shrines in Nepal.

A suspicious object has been found at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on Friday. The Nepal police told ANI that the Army and the police are on the spot. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the suspicious object is a bomb or something else, the police added.

A suspicious object has been found at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on Friday. The Nepal police told ANI that the Army and the police are on the spot. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether the suspicious object is a bomb or something else, the police added. Further details are awaited. Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the most sacred worship places for Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a very famous tourist attraction with hundreds of followers from different parts of the world visiting it every year. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and is also considered to be among the richest shrines in Nepal.

Nepal: Suspicious object found at Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-government-to-substantially-increase-iran-sanctions-250415">sanctions on Iran</a>'s central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States.

"We have just sanctioned the Iranian national bank," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, later clarifying that he was referring to the Iranian central bank.

"These are the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country," he said.

Trump earlier this week announced what he said would be substantial new sanctions against Iran, in response to what US officials say was likely<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674"> Iranian involvement in an attack on Saudi oil facilities</a>.

Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran

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The United States already enforces widespread sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy, including attempting to shut down its major oil export industry.

President Donald Trump has stepped up sanctions against Iran since last year when he exited a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions that were lifted under the deal in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program.

In response, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments to limit uranium enrichment activity under the pact and plans to further breach it if European signatories fail to keep their promises to shield Iran's economy from US penalties.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran's central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced new sanctions on Iran's central bank, calling the measures the "highest" sanctions ever imposed on a foreign country by the United States. "We have just sanctioned the Iranian national bank," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, later clarifying that he was referring to the Iranian central bank. "These are the highest sanctions ever imposed on a country," he said. Trump earlier this week announced what he said would be substantial new sanctions against Iran, in response to what US officials say was likely Iranian involvement in an attack on Saudi oil facilities. Watch: Saudi Arabia presents proof against Iran × The United States already enforces widespread sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy, including attempting to shut down its major oil export industry. President Donald Trump has stepped up sanctions against Iran since last year when he exited a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers and reimposed sanctions that were lifted under the deal in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program. In response, Iran has gradually scaled back its commitments to limit uranium enrichment activity under the pact and plans to further breach it if European signatories fail to keep their promises to shield Iran's economy from US penalties.

Trump announces new US sanctions on Iran, highest ever on any country

Two shootings in Washington, DC left two people dead and seven injured late on Thursday, reports by police and several media outlets said, as authorities on Friday hunted for a pair of suspects from one of the attacks likely armed with an assault rifle.

In the first attack, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-people-shot-on-streets-of-washington-250705">one man was killed and five people wounded</a>, two of them critically, in a drive-by shooting. The victims had been standing in an apartment building courtyard in the Columbia Heights neighbourhood when they were shot, Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Emerman said.

Two suspects were seen in a Nissan sedan and used an "AK style rifle," police said in statement.

"Detectives are interviewing witnesses and looking for camera footage," Emerman said.

About half an hour after the first incident, three people were shot in the northeastern part of the city, leaving one dead, according to NBC's Washington affiliate. There was no initial indication the two shootings were linked, NBC reported, citing police.

DC Police on Twitter confirmed the second shooting in the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue just south of the Brookland neighborhood but gave no other details.

ABC affiliate WJLA-TV showed ambulances carrying victims from the scene of the first shooting.

Gun violence has been a regular feature of American life, but a spate of recent mass shootings in Texas, Ohio and other states have renewed debate over the nation's gun laws and spurred calls for action.

Many Republicans and the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association, oppose further restrictions on gun ownership. Republican Vice President Mike Pence has decried the gun-control stance and accused the Democrats as having a "radical agenda."

Republican President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News that aired on Thursday, said he was looking for compromise steps that both Democrats and Republicans could support on gun control, but has given no details on what action he may push.

House Democrats have passed several gun initiatives, including expanded background checks, but the Republican-led Senate has not taken up the legislation.

The controversy over the use of assault rifles has entered the 2020 presidential race, with candidate and former US Representative Beto O'Rourke declaring at a Democratic debate that he would confiscate such rifles.

O'Rourke has made gun safety the centerpiece of his campaign since late August, when his hometown of El Paso, Texas, was the site of a racially motivated mass shooting that killed 22 people inside a Walmart store.

On Thursday, gunmaker Colt said it was suspending its productions of the AR15 and other rifles for the civilian market, the Associated Press reported.

Two shootings in Washington, DC left two people dead and seven injured late on Thursday, reports by police and several media outlets said, as authorities on Friday hunted for a pair of suspects from one of the attacks likely armed with an assault rifle.

Two shootings in Washington, DC left two people dead and seven injured late on Thursday, reports by police and several media outlets said, as authorities on Friday hunted for a pair of suspects from one of the attacks likely armed with an assault rifle. In the first attack, one man was killed and five people wounded, two of them critically, in a drive-by shooting. The victims had been standing in an apartment building courtyard in the Columbia Heights neighbourhood when they were shot, Metropolitan Police commander Stuart Emerman said. Two suspects were seen in a Nissan sedan and used an "AK style rifle," police said in statement. "Detectives are interviewing witnesses and looking for camera footage," Emerman said. About half an hour after the first incident, three people were shot in the northeastern part of the city, leaving one dead, according to NBC's Washington affiliate. There was no initial indication the two shootings were linked, NBC reported, citing police. DC Police on Twitter confirmed the second shooting in the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue just south of the Brookland neighborhood but gave no other details. ABC affiliate WJLA-TV showed ambulances carrying victims from the scene of the first shooting. Gun violence has been a regular feature of American life, but a spate of recent mass shootings in Texas, Ohio and other states have renewed debate over the nation's gun laws and spurred calls for action. Many Republicans and the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association, oppose further restrictions on gun ownership. Republican Vice President Mike Pence has decried the gun-control stance and accused the Democrats as having a "radical agenda." Republican President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News that aired on Thursday, said he was looking for compromise steps that both Democrats and Republicans could support on gun control, but has given no details on what action he may push. House Democrats have passed several gun initiatives, including expanded background checks, but the Republican-led Senate has not taken up the legislation. The controversy over the use of assault rifles has entered the 2020 presidential race, with candidate and former US Representative Beto O'Rourke declaring at a Democratic debate that he would confiscate such rifles. O'Rourke has made gun safety the centerpiece of his campaign since late August, when his hometown of El Paso, Texas, was the site of a racially motivated mass shooting that killed 22 people inside a Walmart store. On Thursday, gunmaker Colt said it was suspending its productions of the AR15 and other rifles for the civilian market, the Associated Press reported.

Two killed, seven wounded in two Washington, DC shootings; police seek suspects: Reports

At least 1,500 foreign nationals have been forced to flee their homes in South Africa amid a surge in deadly xenophobic violence in the country, the United Nations said Friday.

The UN refugee agency voiced alarm at the violence, which reportedly killed at least 12 people -- both foreign nationals and South Africans -- in and around Johannesburg earlier this month in a spate of attacks against foreigners fuelled by soaring unemployment and poverty.

"At least 1,500 foreign nationals, predominantly migrants but also refugees and asylum-seekers, have been forced to flee their homes," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley told reporters in Geneva.

He said the agency's staff had in recent weeks received "a significant increase in calls to our telephone hotlines, with people reporting that their homes and businesses have been looted, buildings and property have been set on fire."

They were also receiving reports of "increased gang activity on the streets and rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence," he said.

South Africa, the continent's second-largest economy, is a major destination for other African migrants. But they are often targeted by some locals who blame them for a lack of jobs.

"Many refugees are now too afraid to go to work or carry out their day-to-day trade, despite having no alternative sources of income," Yaxley said.&nbsp;

Over the past two weeks, some 500 Nigerians have been repatriated amid the attacks in Johannesburg, including many directed at Nigerian-owned businesses and properties.

And according to the UN, some 800 people, mainly from Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have sought safety in community halls in Katlehong.

"Many wish to return home, saying they no longer feel safe in South Africa," Yaxley said.

UNHCR, he said, was strengthening its response and operational presence in South Africa to work with the government and other partners to help ensure the refugees' safety.

"We are deploying additional staff and resources, including relief items, emergency shelter, psycho-social care, legal assistance and support with recovery of lost livelihoods," he said, adding that experts in child protection and sexual and gender-based violence were also being deployed.

Authorities in South Africa must "take every possible measure to ensure people's safety and welfare," Yaxley said.&nbsp;

"No effort should be spared to quell the violence and enforce rule of law," he said, insisting that perpetrators should be held to account.

He also called on "those with a voice in the public domain ... to ensure their language does not further inflame the situation."

Foreigners, he said, must "not become scapegoats for complex socio-economic challenges."

 
&nbsp;

At least 1,500 foreign nationals have been forced to flee their homes in South Africa amid a surge in deadly xenophobic violence in the country, the United Nations said Friday.

At least 1,500 foreign nationals have been forced to flee their homes in South Africa amid a surge in deadly xenophobic violence in the country, the United Nations said Friday. The UN refugee agency voiced alarm at the violence, which reportedly killed at least 12 people -- both foreign nationals and South Africans -- in and around Johannesburg earlier this month in a spate of attacks against foreigners fuelled by soaring unemployment and poverty. "At least 1,500 foreign nationals, predominantly migrants but also refugees and asylum-seekers, have been forced to flee their homes," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley told reporters in Geneva. He said the agency's staff had in recent weeks received "a significant increase in calls to our telephone hotlines, with people reporting that their homes and businesses have been looted, buildings and property have been set on fire." They were also receiving reports of "increased gang activity on the streets and rising incidents of sexual and gender-based violence," he said. South Africa, the continent's second-largest economy, is a major destination for other African migrants. But they are often targeted by some locals who blame them for a lack of jobs. "Many refugees are now too afraid to go to work or carry out their day-to-day trade, despite having no alternative sources of income," Yaxley said. Over the past two weeks, some 500 Nigerians have been repatriated amid the attacks in Johannesburg, including many directed at Nigerian-owned businesses and properties. And according to the UN, some 800 people, mainly from Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have sought safety in community halls in Katlehong. "Many wish to return home, saying they no longer feel safe in South Africa," Yaxley said. UNHCR, he said, was strengthening its response and operational presence in South Africa to work with the government and other partners to help ensure the refugees' safety. "We are deploying additional staff and resources, including relief items, emergency shelter, psycho-social care, legal assistance and support with recovery of lost livelihoods," he said, adding that experts in child protection and sexual and gender-based violence were also being deployed. Authorities in South Africa must "take every possible measure to ensure people's safety and welfare," Yaxley said. "No effort should be spared to quell the violence and enforce rule of law," he said, insisting that perpetrators should be held to account. He also called on "those with a voice in the public domain ... to ensure their language does not further inflame the situation." Foreigners, he said, must "not become scapegoats for complex socio-economic challenges."

1,500 flee homes in South Africa amid xenophobic violence: UN

Global warming and pollution caused by humanity's carbon-heavy footprint are ravaging Earth's oceans and icy regions in ways that could unleash misery on a global scale, a landmark UN report to be unveiled next week will warn.

Diplomats and scientists from 195 nations will gather in Monaco from Friday to validate a summary for leaders of observed and projected impacts ranging from vanishing glaciers and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-oceans-are-heating-up-at-a-quickening-pace-study-189467">marine heatwaves</a>, to rising seas and unprecedented levels of forced migration, according to a draft seen by AFP.

The underlying 900-page scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the fourth such UN tome in less than a year, with others focused on a 1.5-Celsius cap on global warming, the decline of biodiversity, as well as the land use and the global food system.

All four conclude that humanity must overhaul how it produces, distributes, and consumes almost everything to avoid the worst ravages of global warming and environmental degradation.

The barrage of bad news from science and a newly alarmed public demanding decisive action are the backdrop for a key UN climate summit in New York on Monday designed to push countries into setting more ambitious carbon-cutting goals.

Current pledges -- if honoured -- would see Earth's surface heat up more than three degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The 2015 Paris Climate Treaty calls for capping global warming at "well below" 2 C, with 1.5 C&nbsp;possible.

A single degree of warming has already seen a crescendo of extreme weather, including killer heat waves and superstorms amped up by rising seas.

Melting Glaciers

"Some of the impacts of climate change on our oceans are now irreversible and others are looking increasingly inevitable", notes Greenpeace International's scientist, Melissa Wang.

"At current emissions rates, we are effectively dumping one million tonnes of CO2 into the oceans every hour", she added.

Oceans and the frozen zones comprising the cryosphere cover more than 80 percent of Earth's surface, yet more money has been spent to explore the Moon.

The IPCC report pulls together thousands of peer-reviewed studies detailing not only how mankind has degraded the planet's seas and ice, but the blowback humanity will suffer as a consequence. &nbsp;

Since the mid-19th century, oceans have absorbed more than 90 percent of excess heat generated by the greenhouse gases that humans have dumped in the atmosphere. &nbsp;

Without oceans, human emissions would likely have warmed the planet's surface by at least 10 C above today's temperature, according to a rough calculation by Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and Director of the Climate Center at Texas Tech University.

Mountain glaciers in Asia and South America provide water for drinking and agriculture to nearly two billion people, and the stable weather patterns to which northern hemisphere populations have adapted depend on sea ice and ocean currents destabilised by global warming.

As the 21st century unfolds, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/himalayan-glaciers-melting-doubled-since-2000-study-229032">melting glaciers</a> will first give too much and then too little to billions who depend on them for freshwater, according to the draft report.

Food Chain Disrupted

Without deep cuts to manmade emissions, 30 to 99 percent of the northern hemisphere's surface permafrost could melt by this century's end, unleashing billions of tonnes of planet-warming carbon.

By 2050, many low-lying megacities and small island nations will experience "extreme sea-level events" every year, even under the most optimistic emissions reduction scenarios.

And by 2100, "annual flood damages are expected to increase by two to three orders of magnitude", or 100 to 1,000 fold.

Even if the world manages to cap global warming at two degrees Celsius -- a big "if" -- the global ocean waterline will eventually rise enough to submerge areas inhabited today by more than a quarter of a billion people, the draft report says.

"The migration crises we are witnessing in North Africa and Central America would pale in comparison to the repercussions of a 1.2 metre rise in sea level", Belize's Carlos Fuller, lead climate negotiator for the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), told AFP.

Acidification is disrupting the ocean's basic food chain, and marine heatwaves (which have become twice as frequent since the 1980s) are creating vast oxygen-depleted dead zones.

The final advice to policymakers will be released on September 25.

While the underlying science cannot be modified, diplomats with scientists at their elbow will tussle over how to frame the findings, and what to leave in or out.

Global warming and pollution caused by humanity's carbon-heavy footprint are ravaging Earth's oceans and icy regions in ways that could unleash misery on a global scale, a landmark UN report to be unveiled next week will warn.

Global warming and pollution caused by humanity's carbon-heavy footprint are ravaging Earth's oceans and icy regions in ways that could unleash misery on a global scale, a landmark UN report to be unveiled next week will warn. Diplomats and scientists from 195 nations will gather in Monaco from Friday to validate a summary for leaders of observed and projected impacts ranging from vanishing glaciers and marine heatwaves, to rising seas and unprecedented levels of forced migration, according to a draft seen by AFP. The underlying 900-page scientific report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the fourth such UN tome in less than a year, with others focused on a 1.5-Celsius cap on global warming, the decline of biodiversity, as well as the land use and the global food system. All four conclude that humanity must overhaul how it produces, distributes, and consumes almost everything to avoid the worst ravages of global warming and environmental degradation. The barrage of bad news from science and a newly alarmed public demanding decisive action are the backdrop for a key UN climate summit in New York on Monday designed to push countries into setting more ambitious carbon-cutting goals. Current pledges -- if honoured -- would see Earth's surface heat up more than three degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The 2015 Paris Climate Treaty calls for capping global warming at "well below" 2 C, with 1.5 C possible. A single degree of warming has already seen a crescendo of extreme weather, including killer heat waves and superstorms amped up by rising seas. Melting Glaciers "Some of the impacts of climate change on our oceans are now irreversible and others are looking increasingly inevitable", notes Greenpeace International's scientist, Melissa Wang. "At current emissions rates, we are effectively dumping one million tonnes of CO2 into the oceans every hour", she added. Oceans and the frozen zones comprising the cryosphere cover more than 80 percent of Earth's surface, yet more money has been spent to explore the Moon. The IPCC report pulls together thousands of peer-reviewed studies detailing not only how mankind has degraded the planet's seas and ice, but the blowback humanity will suffer as a consequence. Since the mid-19th century, oceans have absorbed more than 90 percent of excess heat generated by the greenhouse gases that humans have dumped in the atmosphere. Without oceans, human emissions would likely have warmed the planet's surface by at least 10 C above today's temperature, according to a rough calculation by Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and Director of the Climate Center at Texas Tech University. Mountain glaciers in Asia and South America provide water for drinking and agriculture to nearly two billion people, and the stable weather patterns to which northern hemisphere populations have adapted depend on sea ice and ocean currents destabilised by global warming. As the 21st century unfolds, melting glaciers will first give too much and then too little to billions who depend on them for freshwater, according to the draft report. Food Chain Disrupted Without deep cuts to manmade emissions, 30 to 99 percent of the northern hemisphere's surface permafrost could melt by this century's end, unleashing billions of tonnes of planet-warming carbon. By 2050, many low-lying megacities and small island nations will experience "extreme sea-level events" every year, even under the most optimistic emissions reduction scenarios. And by 2100, "annual flood damages are expected to increase by two to three orders of magnitude", or 100 to 1,000 fold. Even if the world manages to cap global warming at two degrees Celsius -- a big "if" -- the global ocean waterline will eventually rise enough to submerge areas inhabited today by more than a quarter of a billion people, the draft report says. "The migration crises we are witnessing in North Africa and Central America would pale in comparison to the repercussions of a 1.2 metre rise in sea level", Belize's Carlos Fuller, lead climate negotiator for the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), told AFP. Acidification is disrupting the ocean's basic food chain, and marine heatwaves (which have become twice as frequent since the 1980s) are creating vast oxygen-depleted dead zones. The final advice to policymakers will be released on September 25. While the underlying science cannot be modified, diplomats with scientists at their elbow will tussle over how to frame the findings, and what to leave in or out.

Climate change could turn oceans from friend to foe, UN report warns

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago.

A five-year-old boy in Laguna, south of the capital Manila, tested positive for the polio virus, the Health Department said, the second case this week after a three-year-old girl was confirmed to be infected on Monday in a province about 1,400 km away.

Health officials appealed to parents and caregivers of children to take part in the government's Polio Vaccination Programme, which comes as the Philippines grapples to tackle twin outbreaks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-suspends-worlds-first-dengue-vaccine-25587">dengue</a> and measles that have killed more than 1,000 people since January, most of them children.

"The polio vaccinations happen all year round, but our coverage dropped for the past five years", Rolando Enrique Domingo, an undersecretary of the Department of Health, told Reuters.

"We've learned our lesson. It is time to move on and really start vaccinating all kids and make sure we sustain this every year", he added.

The polio virus was detected in the sewage systems of Davao in a nearby province two months ago, and in Tondo, a rundown area of Metro Manila notorious for slum communities, Domingo said.

Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the last three countries where the disease is endemic. The last known case in the Philippines had been in 1993, the World Health Organization says.

Immunisation coverage in the Philippines is at 70%, below the recommended rate of 95%, Domingo said, as trust in vaccines declines.

The boy who tested positive in Laguna has been discharged from hospital already, officials said on Friday. The other case was confirmed on Monday and reported on Thursday in Lanao del Sur, one of the country's poorest provinces.

Vaccination teams will aim to administer polio drops to every child younger than five, he added.

There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines.

The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited.

Children nationwide are at risk as long as a single child remains infected, the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has said.

The Philippines has faced a challenge recently in convincing parents to vaccinate children after it scrapped a dengue immunisation programme using Sanofi's Dengvaxia in late 2017, following its linkage to child deaths.

More than 800,000 children received the vaccine. The records of 119 dead children are being examined to determine if Dengvaxia was to blame, a panel of medical experts said in March.

The inquiry continues and Sanofi has repeatedly said that its vaccine is safe.

A vaccine campaign that started in August in the historic heart of Manila will be expanded to cover more than 5 million children and will go nationwide next year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a speech on Friday.

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago.

The Philippines recorded its second case of polio on Friday, as it prepared to vaccinate millions of children against a disease believed to have been eradicated two decades ago. A five-year-old boy in Laguna, south of the capital Manila, tested positive for the polio virus, the Health Department said, the second case this week after a three-year-old girl was confirmed to be infected on Monday in a province about 1,400 km away. Health officials appealed to parents and caregivers of children to take part in the government's Polio Vaccination Programme, which comes as the Philippines grapples to tackle twin outbreaks of dengue and measles that have killed more than 1,000 people since January, most of them children. "The polio vaccinations happen all year round, but our coverage dropped for the past five years", Rolando Enrique Domingo, an undersecretary of the Department of Health, told Reuters. "We've learned our lesson. It is time to move on and really start vaccinating all kids and make sure we sustain this every year", he added. The polio virus was detected in the sewage systems of Davao in a nearby province two months ago, and in Tondo, a rundown area of Metro Manila notorious for slum communities, Domingo said. Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the last three countries where the disease is endemic. The last known case in the Philippines had been in 1993, the World Health Organization says. Immunisation coverage in the Philippines is at 70%, below the recommended rate of 95%, Domingo said, as trust in vaccines declines. The boy who tested positive in Laguna has been discharged from hospital already, officials said on Friday. The other case was confirmed on Monday and reported on Thursday in Lanao del Sur, one of the country's poorest provinces. Vaccination teams will aim to administer polio drops to every child younger than five, he added. There is no cure for polio, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, but it can be prevented with vaccines. The virus spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in underdeveloped or war-torn regions where healthcare access is limited. Children nationwide are at risk as long as a single child remains infected, the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has said. The Philippines has faced a challenge recently in convincing parents to vaccinate children after it scrapped a dengue immunisation programme using Sanofi's Dengvaxia in late 2017, following its linkage to child deaths. More than 800,000 children received the vaccine. The records of 119 dead children are being examined to determine if Dengvaxia was to blame, a panel of medical experts said in March. The inquiry continues and Sanofi has repeatedly said that its vaccine is safe. A vaccine campaign that started in August in the historic heart of Manila will be expanded to cover more than 5 million children and will go nationwide next year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said in a speech on Friday.

Philippines to vaccinate millions as Polio virus resurfaces in two children

Twitter said on Friday that it has closed down thousands of accounts across the world for spreading fake news as well as pro-government propaganda in places like the United Arab Emirates, China, and Spain.

Accounts coming from China seeking to sow discord among protesters in Hong Kong were closed down, as were accounts amplifying a pro-Saudi message coming from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates directed at Qatar and Yemen, Twitter said.&nbsp;

Fake news accounts were also suspended in Spain and Ecuador.

The information release is part of the company's push to improve understanding of how its platform is used by state actors to manipulate public opinion.

Twitter said they had identified 4,302 accounts based in China "attempting to sow discord about the protest movement in Hong Kong".&nbsp;

This follows the identification in August of more than 200,000 fake accounts in China engaged in fueling public discord in Hong Kong.

The announcement follows <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/facebook-shuts-dozens-of-myanmar-social-media-accounts-over-inauthentic-behavior-244753">Facebook's removal of fake accounts</a> based in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE last month for posting misinformation about regional hotspots including Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.

Twitter said on Friday that it has closed down thousands of accounts across the world for spreading fake news as well as pro-government propaganda in places like the United Arab Emirates, China, and Spain.

Twitter said on Friday that it has closed down thousands of accounts across the world for spreading fake news as well as pro-government propaganda in places like the United Arab Emirates, China, and Spain. Accounts coming from China seeking to sow discord among protesters in Hong Kong were closed down, as were accounts amplifying a pro-Saudi message coming from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates directed at Qatar and Yemen, Twitter said. Fake news accounts were also suspended in Spain and Ecuador. The information release is part of the company's push to improve understanding of how its platform is used by state actors to manipulate public opinion. Twitter said they had identified 4,302 accounts based in China "attempting to sow discord about the protest movement in Hong Kong". This follows the identification in August of more than 200,000 fake accounts in China engaged in fueling public discord in Hong Kong. The announcement follows Facebook's removal of fake accounts based in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE last month for posting misinformation about regional hotspots including Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.

Twitter closes thousands of accounts worldwide in a bid to curb fake news

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-planning-bigger-attack-than-balakot-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-243024">Imran Khan</a> donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a&nbsp;burqa from head to toe. Both were seen holding hands while performing Umrah.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan preformed Umrah, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were also opened for PM Imran and his delegation. 
PM Khan and his delegation were bestowed with the opportunity of going inside Holy Kaaba, they prayed for the people of Kashmir and Muslim world there. <a href="https://t.co/1AndkPSbvw">pic.twitter.com/1AndkPSbvw</a>
— PTI Multan (@PTIOfficialMTN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIOfficialMTN/status/1174984179127345152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-little-to-cheer-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-first-year-238649">Pakistan Prime Minister</a> is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue.

In Saudi Arabia, Khan met the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment, and economic relations.

This is the second time that Khan and his third wife have performed Umrah. Last year, the cricketer-turned-politician married his spiritual advisor.

In May, Khan went on an 'Umrah' pilgrimage to Mecca with the First Lady during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the 14th Summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi. While Imran Khan donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a burqa from head to toe.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday performed Umrah with his wife Bushra Bibi. While Imran Khan donned an ihram (the sacred dress of Muslim pilgrims), Bibi was seen covered in a burqa from head to toe. Both were seen holding hands while performing Umrah. Prime Minister Imran Khan preformed Umrah, the doors of the Holy Kaaba were also opened for PM Imran and his delegation. PM Khan and his delegation were bestowed with the opportunity of going inside Holy Kaaba, they prayed for the people of Kashmir and Muslim world there. pic.twitter.com/1AndkPSbvw — PTI Multan (@PTIOfficialMTN) September 20, 2019 × The Pakistan Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia to muster support from the Islamic nation on the Kashmir issue. In Saudi Arabia, Khan met the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed Kashmir apart from trade, investment, and economic relations. This is the second time that Khan and his third wife have performed Umrah. Last year, the cricketer-turned-politician married his spiritual advisor. In May, Khan went on an 'Umrah' pilgrimage to Mecca with the First Lady during his visit to Saudi Arabia for the 14th Summit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan visits Mecca, performs Umrah with wife

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government reached a deal Friday on a broad climate plan for Germany, a coalition source said, as tens of thousands of protesters rallied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-strike-against-climate-change-kicks-off-in-australia-250731">demanding more environmental protection</a>.

Germany will pledge at least 100 billion euros ($110 billion) on climate action by 2030, said a summary of a sweeping environmental protection plan agreed by Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition Friday.

"By 2030, a total of ... a three-digit billion euro figure will be made available for climate protection and the energy transition," according to the document seen by AFP.

After marathon overnight talks dragging more than 18 hours, the coalition reached "an agreement with many measures and an annual monitoring mechanism" on meeting climate targets, said a government source.

The plan, which covers a slew of measures from tackling emissions in the energy and industrial sectors, to incentives for zero-emission electric vehicles or public transport, was due to be unveiled at a press conference later Friday.

As the politicians emerged red-eyed from the session, across Germany, protesters were out in the streets with colourful banners and posters with slogans like "make rainforests great again" or "I want a hot date, not a hot planet".

In the biggest international wave of Fridays for Future climate strikes to date started by Swedish teen Greta Thunberg, a major bridge in central Berlin was blocked off by demonstrators who strung red and white tape across the streets, while in the financial capital Frankfurt, sit-ins were underway.

After two blistering summers and thousands of youths joining school strikes week after week, climate has shot to the top of the political agenda in the EU's biggest economy.&nbsp;

For Merkel's coalition government, the stakes are also rising.

With the economy already projected to slide into recession in the third quarter, balancing the interests of its crucial export industries while not alienating young voters with their green demands was proving to be a tough balancing act.

'Life-destroying crisis'

The EU's biggest economy is set to miss climate targets for next year but has committed itself to meeting the 2030 goal of a 55-per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.

Export powerhouse Germany accounts for around two per cent of the worldwide emissions blamed for heating the Earth's atmosphere, melting ice caps, rising sea levels and intensifying violent weather events.

Merkel, a scientist by profession, was once known as the "climate chancellor" as she pushed forward a green energy transition that vastly increased clean renewables such as wind and solar power.

However, many of those gains have been eroded by an increased reliance on dirty coal, in part to offset the phase-out by 2022 of nuclear power that Merkel decided after Japan's 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Her government this year announced a coal phase-out by 2038, but faces local opposition from mining regions, especially in the ex-communist east, where the far-right AfD party has capitalised on fears over job losses.

Car-mad Germany has also lagged badly behind in the transport sector, where state-coddled auto giants VW, Daimler and BMW have long focused on gas-guzzling SUVs more than hybrid or zero-emission electric cars.

Mindful of the 800,000 jobs tied to the auto sector, Merkel's government is also cautious that new environment taxes could set off the type of "yellow-vest" anti-government protests that have plagued neighbouring France.

But the young warn that delaying action is not an option, calling the threat existential with devastating consequences during their lifetimes.

"We are heading for a life-destroying crisis and so far nothing has happened," said Linus Steinmetz of the student movement.

"That's why we're raising the pressure -- together we're strong."

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government reached a deal Friday on a broad climate plan for Germany, a coalition source said, as tens of thousands of protesters rallied demanding more environmental protection.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government reached a deal Friday on a broad climate plan for Germany, a coalition source said, as tens of thousands of protesters rallied demanding more environmental protection. Germany will pledge at least 100 billion euros ($110 billion) on climate action by 2030, said a summary of a sweeping environmental protection plan agreed by Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition Friday. "By 2030, a total of ... a three-digit billion euro figure will be made available for climate protection and the energy transition," according to the document seen by AFP. After marathon overnight talks dragging more than 18 hours, the coalition reached "an agreement with many measures and an annual monitoring mechanism" on meeting climate targets, said a government source. The plan, which covers a slew of measures from tackling emissions in the energy and industrial sectors, to incentives for zero-emission electric vehicles or public transport, was due to be unveiled at a press conference later Friday. As the politicians emerged red-eyed from the session, across Germany, protesters were out in the streets with colourful banners and posters with slogans like "make rainforests great again" or "I want a hot date, not a hot planet". In the biggest international wave of Fridays for Future climate strikes to date started by Swedish teen Greta Thunberg, a major bridge in central Berlin was blocked off by demonstrators who strung red and white tape across the streets, while in the financial capital Frankfurt, sit-ins were underway. After two blistering summers and thousands of youths joining school strikes week after week, climate has shot to the top of the political agenda in the EU's biggest economy. For Merkel's coalition government, the stakes are also rising. With the economy already projected to slide into recession in the third quarter, balancing the interests of its crucial export industries while not alienating young voters with their green demands was proving to be a tough balancing act. 'Life-destroying crisis' The EU's biggest economy is set to miss climate targets for next year but has committed itself to meeting the 2030 goal of a 55-per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels. Export powerhouse Germany accounts for around two per cent of the worldwide emissions blamed for heating the Earth's atmosphere, melting ice caps, rising sea levels and intensifying violent weather events. Merkel, a scientist by profession, was once known as the "climate chancellor" as she pushed forward a green energy transition that vastly increased clean renewables such as wind and solar power. However, many of those gains have been eroded by an increased reliance on dirty coal, in part to offset the phase-out by 2022 of nuclear power that Merkel decided after Japan's 2011 Fukushima disaster. Her government this year announced a coal phase-out by 2038, but faces local opposition from mining regions, especially in the ex-communist east, where the far-right AfD party has capitalised on fears over job losses. Car-mad Germany has also lagged badly behind in the transport sector, where state-coddled auto giants VW, Daimler and BMW have long focused on gas-guzzling SUVs more than hybrid or zero-emission electric cars. Mindful of the 800,000 jobs tied to the auto sector, Merkel's government is also cautious that new environment taxes could set off the type of "yellow-vest" anti-government protests that have plagued neighbouring France. But the young warn that delaying action is not an option, calling the threat existential with devastating consequences during their lifetimes. "We are heading for a life-destroying crisis and so far nothing has happened," said Linus Steinmetz of the student movement. "That's why we're raising the pressure -- together we're strong."

Germany to commit at least 100 billion euros on climate action

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Greta Thunberg</a> understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause.

In just over a year the 16-year-old Swede's humble "climate strike" has become a global movement and set her up as a potential 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Thunberg's struggle began quietly in August 2018 when she skipped school for the first three weeks, and then on Fridays to spend the day outside Sweden's Parliament with a sign labelled "School strike for climate".

Swedish media, at the time, preoccupied with&nbsp;the upcoming parliamentary elections, didn't pay much attention to the young girl's message.

Most often seen wearing her hair in tightly knit braids, Greta diligently pursued her weekly sit-ins even as temperatures plunged.

"I'm planning to continue until Sweden is in line with the Paris agreement and that might take a while", she told AFP TV in late 2018.

Her demands have attracted worldwide attention -- she has been asked to address global leaders and adorned the cover of international magazines such as Time and Vogue.

Earlier this week, Greta and her Fridays For Future movement received Amnesty International's highest human rights award.

In August, she crossed the Atlantic to New York in a two-week journey on a sailboat. She refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by airplanes.

Around the world, young activists have heeded the call and modelled protests of their own after Greta's, leading to both praise and criticism.

"We are after all just children. You don't have to listen to us", she told France's National Assembly in July, responding to critics who had dismissed her as a 'prophetess in shorts' and the 'Justin Bieber of ecology'.

On Wednesday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-protests-at-white-house-249544">Washington</a>, she addressed a joint hearing of two House committees.

"I don't want you to listen to me, I want you to listen to the scientists", she said.

"I want you to then unite behind the science -- and then I want you to take real action", she added.

On Friday, she was expected to take part in a vast school strike for the climate in New York -- one of the many organised around the world -- before attending the UN Climate Summit with world leaders kicking off Monday.

Climate Conscious Family

It was in school, when Greta Thunberg was eight or nine, that her interest in climate issues was first piqued.

"My teachers told me that I should save paper and turn off the lights. I asked them why and they said because there's something called climate change and global warming, caused by humans", Greta told AFP.

The notion was strange to the young girl, who felt that if that was the case, "then we would not be talking about anything else".

Since then she has stopped eating meat, drinking milk and buying new things, unless "absolutely necessary".

Greta's family, who live in a spacious but cosy Stockholm apartment, has also made changes to their lifestyle.

Her mother Malena Ernman; father Svante Thunberg - an actor turned producer; and younger sister Beata became aware of how much the troubled climate weighed on Greta's shoulders when she became depressed.

As an opera singer, her mother used to travel the world, but she has bowed to her daughter and now performs only in Nordic countries.

At the age of 11, Greta stopped eating, started missing school and even stopped talking as the "existential threat" of climate change loomed, her father said.

'It was worth it'

When she was 12, Greta was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism.

"My brain works a bit differently so I see the world from a different perspective", Greta explained to AFP.

"I am very direct, I say it the way it is, and when I decide to do something, I do it without doubt," she said, adding that she considers her condition a strength.

Greta has taken a sabbatical from school this year after graduating from ninth grade in June with mostly A's.

"We have to take the opportunity to act now because it may be too late in just a year", she warned in December.

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but Greta Thunberg understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause.

She has sparked both hope and controversy around the planet, but Greta Thunberg understood climate change at an early age and has rallied youth and parents worldwide to her cause. In just over a year the 16-year-old Swede's humble "climate strike" has become a global movement and set her up as a potential 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Thunberg's struggle began quietly in August 2018 when she skipped school for the first three weeks, and then on Fridays to spend the day outside Sweden's Parliament with a sign labelled "School strike for climate". Swedish media, at the time, preoccupied with the upcoming parliamentary elections, didn't pay much attention to the young girl's message. Most often seen wearing her hair in tightly knit braids, Greta diligently pursued her weekly sit-ins even as temperatures plunged. "I'm planning to continue until Sweden is in line with the Paris agreement and that might take a while", she told AFP TV in late 2018. Her demands have attracted worldwide attention -- she has been asked to address global leaders and adorned the cover of international magazines such as Time and Vogue. Earlier this week, Greta and her Fridays For Future movement received Amnesty International's highest human rights award. In August, she crossed the Atlantic to New York in a two-week journey on a sailboat. She refuses to fly because of the carbon emissions caused by airplanes. Around the world, young activists have heeded the call and modelled protests of their own after Greta's, leading to both praise and criticism. "We are after all just children. You don't have to listen to us", she told France's National Assembly in July, responding to critics who had dismissed her as a 'prophetess in shorts' and the 'Justin Bieber of ecology'. On Wednesday in Washington, she addressed a joint hearing of two House committees. "I don't want you to listen to me, I want you to listen to the scientists", she said. "I want you to then unite behind the science -- and then I want you to take real action", she added. On Friday, she was expected to take part in a vast school strike for the climate in New York -- one of the many organised around the world -- before attending the UN Climate Summit with world leaders kicking off Monday. Climate Conscious Family It was in school, when Greta Thunberg was eight or nine, that her interest in climate issues was first piqued. "My teachers told me that I should save paper and turn off the lights. I asked them why and they said because there's something called climate change and global warming, caused by humans", Greta told AFP. The notion was strange to the young girl, who felt that if that was the case, "then we would not be talking about anything else". Since then she has stopped eating meat, drinking milk and buying new things, unless "absolutely necessary". Greta's family, who live in a spacious but cosy Stockholm apartment, has also made changes to their lifestyle. Her mother Malena Ernman; father Svante Thunberg - an actor turned producer; and younger sister Beata became aware of how much the troubled climate weighed on Greta's shoulders when she became depressed. As an opera singer, her mother used to travel the world, but she has bowed to her daughter and now performs only in Nordic countries. At the age of 11, Greta stopped eating, started missing school and even stopped talking as the "existential threat" of climate change loomed, her father said. 'It was worth it' When she was 12, Greta was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. "My brain works a bit differently so I see the world from a different perspective", Greta explained to AFP. "I am very direct, I say it the way it is, and when I decide to do something, I do it without doubt," she said, adding that she considers her condition a strength. Greta has taken a sabbatical from school this year after graduating from ninth grade in June with mostly A's. "We have to take the opportunity to act now because it may be too late in just a year", she warned in December.

Greta Thunberg: The world's youthful climate conscience

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week.

The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair.

On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308"> Indonesia</a>, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs.

"After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing.

"The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added.

Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled.

A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth.

An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration.

"It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers.

The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past.

They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech.

People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes.

There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18.

The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers.

"Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter.

"I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual." 
&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday called for a delay in passing a new law that would outlaw gay and pre-marital sex after the controversial plan sparked a public outcry. The proposed criminal code overhaul should get a closer look given the backlash, Widodo said, as he asked that parliament scrap a planned vote on the revisions before its session ends next week. The mooted changes could affect millions in the world's biggest Muslim majority country, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock, or having an affair. On Friday, the Australian embassy in Jakarta issued a fresh travel advisory for Indonesia, warning that the legislation could put unmarried foreign tourists in the crosshairs. "After hearing from various groups with objections to aspects of the law, I've decided that some of it needs further deliberation," the recently re-elected Widodo said in a televised press briefing. "The justice minister has been told to convey my views to parliament and that ratification of the criminal code should be postponed and not passed" in the current session, he added. Updating Indonesia's criminal code -- which stretches back to the Dutch colonial era -- has been debated for decades and appeared set to pass in 2018 before it fizzled. A renewed push this year, backed by conservative Islamic groups, was met with a tidal wave of criticism from rights groups and ordinary citizens furious over what many saw as a draconian law that invaded the bedrooms of a nation with some 260 million people -- the fourth most populous on Earth. An online petition calling for the bill to be scrapped garnered half a million signatures while hundreds of thousands took to social media to vent their frustration. "It's crazy if this bill is passed, crazy! What is this country turning into?" movie director Joko Anwar tweeted to his 1.7 million followers. The sweeping proposals call for a wider interpretation of Indonesia's blasphemy law, which has seen members of religious minority groups, including Christians and Buddhists, prosecuted in the past. They also sought to criminalise "insulting" the president or vice president, which critics said would be a blow to free speech. People who have pre-marital or extramarital sex could face between six months and one year in jail, as well as fines, under the mooted changes. There were also penalties for anyone "showing or offering" contraception to minors under 18. The revisions appeared to bar parents from teaching their children about sex or contraception in favour of authorised government workers. "Sex education is important. Period," one woman wrote on Twitter. "I'd rather go to jail than see my daughter raped by her boyfriend just because she doesn't know that sex has to be consensual."

Indonesia president delays law criminalising sex outside of marriage

Amnesty International accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-push-us-congress-to-pass-hong-kong-bill-250392">Hong Kong </a>police on Friday of torture and other abuses in their handling of more than three months of pro-democracy protests, but the police say they have shown restraint on the street in the face of increased violence.

Anti-government protesters, many masked and wearing black, have thrown petrol bombs at police and central government offices, stormed the Legislative Council, blocked roads to the airport, trashed metro stations and lit fires on the streets of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/stand-up-to-beijing-hong-kong-singer-tells-us-lawmakers-companies-250172"> Chinese-ruled city</a>.

Police have responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and several live rounds fired in the air, warning the crowds beforehand with a series of different coloured banners.

They have also been seen beating protesters on the ground with batons, with footage of one such attack on cowering passengers on an MTR subway train going viral online and prompting widespread anger.

"The evidence leaves little room for doubt – in an apparent thirst for retaliation, Hong Kong’s security forces have engaged in a disturbing pattern of reckless and unlawful tactics against people during the protests," Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia director at Amnesty International, said in a report following a field investigation. "This has included arbitrary arrests and retaliatory violence against arrested persons in custody, some of which has amounted to torture.”

In one instance, police shone green lasers into the eyes of detainees, Amnesty said, employing a tactic previously used by many protesters against police.

Responding to the Amnesty report, police said they have respected the "privacy, dignity and rights" of those in custody according to regulations, allowing detainees transport to hospitals and communication with lawyers and their families.

"The force to be used by police shall be the minimum force necessary for achieving a lawful purpose," police said in an emailed statement.

The official police Facebook page earlier noted that almost 240 police had been wounded in the violent protests as they exercised "a high level of restraint ... to restore public order."

The recent round of protests in Hong Kong, a former British colony that was returned to China under a "one country, two systems" arrangement in 1997, was sparked by planned legislation that would have allowed people accused of breaking Chinese laws to be sent to the mainland for trial.

The legislation was withdrawn but the protests have broadened into calls for universal suffrage, including an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, with demonstrators angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing.

China has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that ensures freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including right of assembly and an independent judiciary, and denies interfering. It has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the unrest and told them to mind their own business.

In a direct challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing, some protesters on Sunday threw bricks at police outside the Chinese People's Liberation Army base and set fire to a red banner proclaiming the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Amnesty International accused Hong Kong police on Friday of torture and other abuses in their handling of more than three months of pro-democracy protests, but the police say they have shown restraint on the street in the face of increased violence.

Amnesty International accused Hong Kong police on Friday of torture and other abuses in their handling of more than three months of pro-democracy protests, but the police say they have shown restraint on the street in the face of increased violence. Anti-government protesters, many masked and wearing black, have thrown petrol bombs at police and central government offices, stormed the Legislative Council, blocked roads to the airport, trashed metro stations and lit fires on the streets of the Chinese-ruled city. Police have responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and several live rounds fired in the air, warning the crowds beforehand with a series of different coloured banners. They have also been seen beating protesters on the ground with batons, with footage of one such attack on cowering passengers on an MTR subway train going viral online and prompting widespread anger. "The evidence leaves little room for doubt – in an apparent thirst for retaliation, Hong Kong’s security forces have engaged in a disturbing pattern of reckless and unlawful tactics against people during the protests," Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia director at Amnesty International, said in a report following a field investigation. "This has included arbitrary arrests and retaliatory violence against arrested persons in custody, some of which has amounted to torture.” In one instance, police shone green lasers into the eyes of detainees, Amnesty said, employing a tactic previously used by many protesters against police. Responding to the Amnesty report, police said they have respected the "privacy, dignity and rights" of those in custody according to regulations, allowing detainees transport to hospitals and communication with lawyers and their families. "The force to be used by police shall be the minimum force necessary for achieving a lawful purpose," police said in an emailed statement. The official police Facebook page earlier noted that almost 240 police had been wounded in the violent protests as they exercised "a high level of restraint ... to restore public order." The recent round of protests in Hong Kong, a former British colony that was returned to China under a "one country, two systems" arrangement in 1997, was sparked by planned legislation that would have allowed people accused of breaking Chinese laws to be sent to the mainland for trial. The legislation was withdrawn but the protests have broadened into calls for universal suffrage, including an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality, with demonstrators angry about what they see as creeping interference by Beijing. China has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that ensures freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including right of assembly and an independent judiciary, and denies interfering. It has accused foreign powers, particularly the United States and Britain, of fomenting the unrest and told them to mind their own business. In a direct challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing, some protesters on Sunday threw bricks at police outside the Chinese People's Liberation Army base and set fire to a red banner proclaiming the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Amnesty accuses Hong Kong police of abuses, torture of protestors

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