Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-corrects-users-post-under-new-singapore-fake-news-law-265378">Facebook</a> group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cyber-bullying-star-suicides-the-dark-side-of-south-koreas-k-pop-world-265173">cyber harassment</a> and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called.

On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. 
 
The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rape-survivor-set-ablaze-in-unnao-266330">safety of women</a> across the country.

Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women Empowerment on Thursday met representatives of the Facebook group at Parliament House Annexe building in view of rising crime against women on social media. The Committee chaired by Lok Sabha Heena Gavit will discuss cyber harassment and cyberbullying with representatives of the social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. A meeting of the committee was called on December 4 and 5 in which representatives of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been called. On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Committee met Twitter India representatives and had a detail discussion on cyber harassment and cyberbullying, sources said. The Parliamentary Committee has called the representatives of social media companies amidst the concerns raised on the safety of women across the country. Sources said, Twitter India has given presentations to the Parliamentary Committee on women safety, on how Twitter works, how to report on Twitter and on the basis of complaint how Twitter will take action against complaint.

Parliamentary panel meets Facebook group over rising crime against women on social media

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-impeachment-report-to-be-released-tuesday-adam-schiff-266202">impeachment charges against the US leader</a>.

But in a fiery start to the House Judiciary Committee's review of the evidence, Republicans countered that Democrats were trying to reverse the 2016 election that brought Trump to power and were pushing towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-us-public-opinion-has-evolved-on-impeachment-of-trump-266209">impeachment</a> without due process.

Trump "directly and explicitly invited foreign interference in our elections," said House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler, referring to Trump's effort to get dirt on his Democratic rivals from Ukraine.

"He used the powers of his office to try to make it happen. He sent his agents to make clear that this is what he wanted and demanded," Nadler said.&nbsp;

"He was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain."

Doug Collins, the senior Republican on the panel, countered with the suggestion the hearing was a partisan political effort to undermine a democratically elected president.

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"We're having a factless impeachment," he said, rejecting the final report on the investigation of Trump released on Tuesday.

"We have just a deep-seated hatred of a man who came to the White House and did what he said he was going to do," Collins said, referring to Trump.

"This is not an impeachment. This is just a simple railroad job. And today's is a waste of time."

On Tuesday, congressional Democrats made a forceful case that Trump should be removed from office for abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival.

The final report on the House Intelligence Committee's probe, led by lawmaker Adam Schiff, concluded that "the president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process and endangered US national security."

The report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of Congress.

Kicking of the next phase of impeachment, four constitutional scholars were called to testify Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in the first of a series of hearings to establish the gravity of Trump's alleged crimes.

In London for a NATO summit, President Donald Trump slammed the Democratic report presenting the case for his impeachment as a "joke" and lambasted his opponents for proceeding with hearings during his trip.

"What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country," Trump said when asked about the report. "It's a joke."

Democrats reportedly aim to have articles of impeachment presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives before Christmas on December 25.

If they pass as expected, Trump would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is expected to be exonerated.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up impeachment charges against the US leader.

Democrats accused President Donald Trump of a readiness to sell out US national security to bolster his 2020 reelection effort as hearings opened Wednesday to draw up impeachment charges against the US leader. But in a fiery start to the House Judiciary Committee's review of the evidence, Republicans countered that Democrats were trying to reverse the 2016 election that brought Trump to power and were pushing towards impeachment without due process. Trump "directly and explicitly invited foreign interference in our elections," said House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler, referring to Trump's effort to get dirt on his Democratic rivals from Ukraine. "He used the powers of his office to try to make it happen. He sent his agents to make clear that this is what he wanted and demanded," Nadler said. "He was willing to compromise our security and his office for personal, political gain." Doug Collins, the senior Republican on the panel, countered with the suggestion the hearing was a partisan political effort to undermine a democratically elected president. × "We're having a factless impeachment," he said, rejecting the final report on the investigation of Trump released on Tuesday. "We have just a deep-seated hatred of a man who came to the White House and did what he said he was going to do," Collins said, referring to Trump. "This is not an impeachment. This is just a simple railroad job. And today's is a waste of time." On Tuesday, congressional Democrats made a forceful case that Trump should be removed from office for abusing his powers by pressuring Ukraine for dirt on a Democratic election rival. The final report on the House Intelligence Committee's probe, led by lawmaker Adam Schiff, concluded that "the president placed his personal political interests above the national interests of the United States, sought to undermine the integrity of the US presidential election process and endangered US national security." The report is expected to form the basis for the Judiciary Committee to draw up formal charges -- articles of impeachment -- that could include bribery, abuse of power, obstruction and contempt of Congress. Kicking of the next phase of impeachment, four constitutional scholars were called to testify Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee in the first of a series of hearings to establish the gravity of Trump's alleged crimes. In London for a NATO summit, President Donald Trump slammed the Democratic report presenting the case for his impeachment as a "joke" and lambasted his opponents for proceeding with hearings during his trip. "What they are doing is a very bad thing for our country," Trump said when asked about the report. "It's a joke." Democrats reportedly aim to have articles of impeachment presented for a vote to the entire House of Representatives before Christmas on December 25. If they pass as expected, Trump would then stand trial for removal in the Republican-controlled Senate, where he is expected to be exonerated.

Trump 'willing to compromise US security': Impeachment hearing chair

US&nbsp;Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday. Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US envoy to rejoin Doha talks with Taliban after Kabul visit: State Department

Former England cricket captain and 1981 Ashes hero Bob Willis has died aged 70 after a short illness, his family said in a statement on Wednesday.

The fast-bowler played in 90 tests and 64 one-day internationals for England over more than a decade after his debut in 1971, retiring in 1984.

"We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly," Sky Sports television quoted the family as saying in a statement.

Willis, who finished his test career with 325 wickets despite bowling with pain from 1975 after surgery on both knees, worked for the broadcaster as a cricket expert after his retirement.

He remains fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers after Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ian Botham.

Willis's aggressive performance in the 1981 Ashes series against Australia, where he took eight wickets for 43 runs in the third Test at Headingley, became part of cricket lore along with Botham's match-saving batting.

Known for a long run-up, the seamer was last year named in England's greatest Test XI by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Former England cricket captain and 1981 Ashes hero Bob Willis has died aged 70 after a short illness, his family said in a statement on Wednesday. The fast-bowler played in 90 tests and 64 one-day internationals for England over more than a decade after his debut in 1971, retiring in 1984.

Former England cricket captain and 1981 Ashes hero Bob Willis has died aged 70 after a short illness, his family said in a statement on Wednesday. The fast-bowler played in 90 tests and 64 one-day internationals for England over more than a decade after his debut in 1971, retiring in 1984. "We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly," Sky Sports television quoted the family as saying in a statement. Willis, who finished his test career with 325 wickets despite bowling with pain from 1975 after surgery on both knees, worked for the broadcaster as a cricket expert after his retirement. He remains fourth on the all-time list of England wicket-takers after Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ian Botham. Willis's aggressive performance in the 1981 Ashes series against Australia, where he took eight wickets for 43 runs in the third Test at Headingley, became part of cricket lore along with Botham's match-saving batting. Known for a long run-up, the seamer was last year named in England's greatest Test XI by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Former England captain Bob Willis dies at 70

WION – the international English News Channel of Zee Media, is hosting an exclusive event 'WION World Order: Talking Diplomacy'&nbsp;on December 5th. The event will see ambassadors, diplomats and strategic stakeholders discuss India's growing diplomatic might and the need to balance environment and economic growth.

‘WION World Order- Talking Diplomacy’ marks an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track 2 forum on diplomacy.

The event is a year-end culmination of the WION World Order Series for 2019 which is a platform for mutual dialogue on foreign policies to keep abreast of all the latest that is happening globally and understand the power dynamics, security issues, trade and business.&nbsp;

Shri. Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the BJP will be the ‘guest of honour’ for the event which will be attended by an array of serving ambassadors and expert panellists. The event will be hosted and moderated by WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma.

The event will be aired live on WION, Wionews.com and its social media pages from 2 pm to 4:30 pm (IST) on December 5, 2019.

WION – the international English News Channel of Zee Media, is hosting an exclusive event 'WION World Order: Talking Diplomacy' on December 5th. The event will see ambassadors, diplomats and strategic stakeholders discuss India's growing diplomatic might and the need to balance environment and economic growth.

WION – the international English News Channel of Zee Media, is hosting an exclusive event 'WION World Order: Talking Diplomacy' on December 5th. The event will see ambassadors, diplomats and strategic stakeholders discuss India's growing diplomatic might and the need to balance environment and economic growth. ‘WION World Order- Talking Diplomacy’ marks an important milestone in the roadmap towards creating a strong and credible track 2 forum on diplomacy. The event is a year-end culmination of the WION World Order Series for 2019 which is a platform for mutual dialogue on foreign policies to keep abreast of all the latest that is happening globally and understand the power dynamics, security issues, trade and business. Shri. Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the BJP will be the ‘guest of honour’ for the event which will be attended by an array of serving ambassadors and expert panellists. The event will be hosted and moderated by WION's Executive Editor, Palki Sharma. The event will be aired live on WION, Wionews.com and its social media pages from 2 pm to 4:30 pm (IST) on December 5, 2019.

WION hosts ambassadors and experts at WION 'World Order – Talking Diplomacy' event in Delhi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extremely-relieved-says-karti-after-chidambaram-gets-bail-in-inx-media-case-266183">Former Union Minister P Chidambaram</a> was released from the Tihar jail here on Wednesday evening after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-to-attend-parliament-from-thursday-karti-chidambaram-266188">Supreme Court granted him bail</a> earlier today in the INX Media case registered by the ED.

A large number of Congress workers had reached the Tihar Jail to receive former Union Finance Minister Chidambaram.

"I will address a press conference tomorrow. I am happy that I stepped out and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days," Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

The apex court set aside the Delhi High Court's order which had refused to grant bail to Chidambaram and directed him not to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case.

Chidambaram's son Karti, while expressing happiness, said the Congress MP will attend the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament on Thursday.

"I am very happy that he is going to be back home. I am extremely relieved," Karti told ANI.

He shall not give a press interview and not make public statements with regard to this case, the court ordered, while directing him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh plus two sureties of the same amount.

Chidambaram had sought the bail in a case pertaining to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as the Finance Minister.

The CBI had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case against him.

The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 this year in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later.

He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16.&nbsp;

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram was released from the Tihar jail here on Wednesday evening after the Supreme Court granted him bail earlier today in the INX Media case registered by the ED.

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram was released from the Tihar jail here on Wednesday evening after the Supreme Court granted him bail earlier today in the INX Media case registered by the ED. A large number of Congress workers had reached the Tihar Jail to receive former Union Finance Minister Chidambaram. "I will address a press conference tomorrow. I am happy that I stepped out and breathing the air of freedom after 106 days," Chidambaram said. The apex court set aside the Delhi High Court's order which had refused to grant bail to Chidambaram and directed him not to tamper with evidence and influence witnesses in the case. Chidambaram's son Karti, while expressing happiness, said the Congress MP will attend the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament on Thursday. "I am very happy that he is going to be back home. I am extremely relieved," Karti told ANI. He shall not give a press interview and not make public statements with regard to this case, the court ordered, while directing him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 2 lakh plus two sureties of the same amount. Chidambaram had sought the bail in a case pertaining to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 during his tenure as the Finance Minister. The CBI had registered a corruption case in this regard in May 2017. Later that year, the ED also lodged a money laundering case against him. The Congress leader was first arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 21 this year in the INX Media corruption case but was granted bail by the Supreme Court two months later. He was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on October 16.

Happy that I stepped out, breathing air of freedom after 106 days: P Chidambaram

At least 18 Indians are among the 23 people killed in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-23-killed-over-130-injured-as-massive-fire-engulfs-factory-in-sudan-266029">LPG tanker blast at a ceramic factory in Sudan</a>'s capital Khartoum, the Indian embassy here said on Wednesday.

As per a detailed list issued by the embassy, as many as 16 Indians remain missing after the incident, while seven have been hospitalised, three of which are in critical condition.

"As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead," the Indian Embassy said in a release.

"Some of the missing may be in the list of the dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt," it added.

The explosion occurred while a gas tanker was unloading its cargo at the factory, as per a statement by Sudan's Council of Ministers, as cited by Xinhua news agency.

"A huge fire took place at Salomi Ceramic Factory in the industrial area at Kober neighbourhood of Bahry town. At least 23 people were killed and more than 130 others injured who are currently under medical treatment in hospitals," the statement read.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief over the incident and said that the Indian embassy in Sudan has set up a 24-hour emergency hotline.

"Have just received the tragic news of a major blast in a ceramic factory "Saloomi" in the Bahri area of the capital Khartoum in Sudan. Deeply grieved to learn that some Indian workers have lost their lives while some others have been seriously injured," Jaishankar tweeted.

"The Embassy representative has rushed to the site. A 24-hour emergency hotline +249-921917471 has been set up by @EoI_Khartoum. Embassy is also putting out updates on social media. Our prayers are with the workers and their families," the following tweet read.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

At least 18 Indians are among the 23 people killed in an LPG tanker blast at a ceramic factory in Sudan's capital Khartoum, the Indian embassy here said on Wednesday.

At least 18 Indians are among the 23 people killed in an LPG tanker blast at a ceramic factory in Sudan's capital Khartoum, the Indian embassy here said on Wednesday. As per a detailed list issued by the embassy, as many as 16 Indians remain missing after the incident, while seven have been hospitalised, three of which are in critical condition. "As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead," the Indian Embassy said in a release. "Some of the missing may be in the list of the dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt," it added. The explosion occurred while a gas tanker was unloading its cargo at the factory, as per a statement by Sudan's Council of Ministers, as cited by Xinhua news agency. "A huge fire took place at Salomi Ceramic Factory in the industrial area at Kober neighbourhood of Bahry town. At least 23 people were killed and more than 130 others injured who are currently under medical treatment in hospitals," the statement read. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief over the incident and said that the Indian embassy in Sudan has set up a 24-hour emergency hotline. "Have just received the tragic news of a major blast in a ceramic factory "Saloomi" in the Bahri area of the capital Khartoum in Sudan. Deeply grieved to learn that some Indian workers have lost their lives while some others have been seriously injured," Jaishankar tweeted. "The Embassy representative has rushed to the site. A 24-hour emergency hotline +249-921917471 has been set up by @EoI_Khartoum. Embassy is also putting out updates on social media. Our prayers are with the workers and their families," the following tweet read.

18 Indians among 23 dead in LPG tanker blast in Sudan

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday approved the setting up of a fast-track court in Mahabubnagar to hear the case pertaining to the rape and murder of the veterinarian in Shadnagar.

"In the circumstances reported by the Registrar General, High Court for the State of Telangana at Hyderabad in the letter 2nd read above, government after careful examination of the proposal, hereby designates the Court of I Additional District and Session Judge, Mahabubnagar, as a Special Court for speedy trial of the rape and murder case of Disha (name changed) in Cr. No. 784/2019 of Shadnagar Station," reads an official order.

It said that the Registrar General of the High Court will take further necessary actions accordingly. The accused identified as Mohammad Areef, Jollu Shiva, Jollu Naveen and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu were sent to 14-day judicial custody by Ranga Reddy court on Saturday.

A veterinarian was allegedly gang-raped and killed by four persons who burnt her body under the limits of Shadnagar police station in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district on the intervening night of November 27 and 28.

Hyderabad police had, on November 29, arrested four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday approved the setting up of a fast-track court in Mahabubnagar to hear the case pertaining to the rape and murder of the veterinarian in Shadnagar.

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday approved the setting up of a fast-track court in Mahabubnagar to hear the case pertaining to the rape and murder of the veterinarian in Shadnagar. "In the circumstances reported by the Registrar General, High Court for the State of Telangana at Hyderabad in the letter 2nd read above, government after careful examination of the proposal, hereby designates the Court of I Additional District and Session Judge, Mahabubnagar, as a Special Court for speedy trial of the rape and murder case of Disha (name changed) in Cr. No. 784/2019 of Shadnagar Station," reads an official order. It said that the Registrar General of the High Court will take further necessary actions accordingly. The accused identified as Mohammad Areef, Jollu Shiva, Jollu Naveen and Chintakunta Chennakeshavulu were sent to 14-day judicial custody by Ranga Reddy court on Saturday. A veterinarian was allegedly gang-raped and killed by four persons who burnt her body under the limits of Shadnagar police station in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district on the intervening night of November 27 and 28. Hyderabad police had, on November 29, arrested four accused involved in the alleged rape and murder case.

Telangana: High Court sets up fast track court to hear vet's rape-murder case

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday.

Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens.

Union Information and Broadcasting (I&amp;B) Minister Prakash Javadekar said that it was a very important Bill and deals with the data protection of citizens.

The Central government had constituted a committee of experts on data protection, chaired by Justice (retd) BN Srikrishna to study various issues relating to data protection and come out with the Data Protection Bill.

The Bill is likely to be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens.

The Union Cabinet approved the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. Moreover, the Cabinet approved the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, that deals with the privacy and security of data of Indian citizens. Union Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar said that it was a very important Bill and deals with the data protection of citizens. The Central government had constituted a committee of experts on data protection, chaired by Justice (retd) BN Srikrishna to study various issues relating to data protection and come out with the Data Protection Bill. The Bill is likely to be introduced in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Cabinet approves withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States. John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

Indications Iranian 'aggression' could occur: Pentagon official

Lawyers representing victims of the Afghanistan conflict on Wednesday urged the International Criminal Court to allow a war crimes investigation that would include scrutinizing the actions of US&nbsp;forces.

ICC judges in April rejected the request of prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to examine atrocities allegedly committed in the conflict between 2003 and 2004, including by US&nbsp;troops, Afghan forces and the Taliban.

Judges argued that a successful prosecution was unlikely.

The prosecution has appealed that decision and is arguing the case in three days of hearings before a panel of appeals judges in The Hague.

Lawyer Fergal Gaynor called the hearings "a historic day for accountability in Afghanistan". The 82 victims he represented were "united" in wanting an investigation, he said.

US&nbsp;forces and other foreign troops intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 following the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and overthrew the Taliban government, which had been protecting al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. In what has become the United States' longest war, about 13,000 US&nbsp;troops remain there.

More than 32,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict, according to the United Nations.

Later on Wednesday, one of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's personal lawyers will address the court.

Counsel Jay Sekulow, who was allowed to file a "friend of the court" brief as an independent expert, said in a statement that he intends to defend the interests of members of the US&nbsp;military "who sacrifice everything to defend us".

Trump has denounced the ICC, the world's only permanent war crimes court, for its "broad, unaccountable, prosecutorial powers". Washington revoked US&nbsp;travel visas for ICC personnel in response to its work on Afghanistan.

Another legal representative of victims, Katherine Gallagher, who acts for two Guantanamo Bay detainees, stressed that so far no high-level US&nbsp;official has been held accountable for alleged violations of the rules of war in Afghanistan or at CIA "black" sites.

"The opening of an investigation into the US&nbsp;torture program would make clear that no one is above the law," she told judges.

Prosecutors have cited preliminary evidence suggesting that international forces in Afghanistan, including employees of the US&nbsp;Central Intelligence Agency, mentally and physically abused detainees, which could constitute a war crime.

The ICC, which opened in 2002, has jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity if they have been committed by nationals of a signatory state or if they took place on the territory of one of its members. Afghanistan is a member, the United States is not.

The ICC is also only empowered to act when a country is found to be unable or unwilling to examine misdeeds by its own military and leaders. It has struggled due to opposition from the United States, Russia and China.

Lawyers representing victims of the Afghanistan conflict on Wednesday urged the International Criminal Court to allow a war crimes investigation that would include scrutinizing the actions of US forces.

Lawyers representing victims of the Afghanistan conflict on Wednesday urged the International Criminal Court to allow a war crimes investigation that would include scrutinizing the actions of US forces. ICC judges in April rejected the request of prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to examine atrocities allegedly committed in the conflict between 2003 and 2004, including by US troops, Afghan forces and the Taliban. Judges argued that a successful prosecution was unlikely. The prosecution has appealed that decision and is arguing the case in three days of hearings before a panel of appeals judges in The Hague. Lawyer Fergal Gaynor called the hearings "a historic day for accountability in Afghanistan". The 82 victims he represented were "united" in wanting an investigation, he said. US forces and other foreign troops intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 following the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States and overthrew the Taliban government, which had been protecting al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. In what has become the United States' longest war, about 13,000 US troops remain there. More than 32,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict, according to the United Nations. Later on Wednesday, one of US President Donald Trump's personal lawyers will address the court. Counsel Jay Sekulow, who was allowed to file a "friend of the court" brief as an independent expert, said in a statement that he intends to defend the interests of members of the US military "who sacrifice everything to defend us". Trump has denounced the ICC, the world's only permanent war crimes court, for its "broad, unaccountable, prosecutorial powers". Washington revoked US travel visas for ICC personnel in response to its work on Afghanistan. Another legal representative of victims, Katherine Gallagher, who acts for two Guantanamo Bay detainees, stressed that so far no high-level US official has been held accountable for alleged violations of the rules of war in Afghanistan or at CIA "black" sites. "The opening of an investigation into the US torture program would make clear that no one is above the law," she told judges. Prosecutors have cited preliminary evidence suggesting that international forces in Afghanistan, including employees of the US Central Intelligence Agency, mentally and physically abused detainees, which could constitute a war crime. The ICC, which opened in 2002, has jurisdiction over war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity if they have been committed by nationals of a signatory state or if they took place on the territory of one of its members. Afghanistan is a member, the United States is not. The ICC is also only empowered to act when a country is found to be unable or unwilling to examine misdeeds by its own military and leaders. It has struggled due to opposition from the United States, Russia and China.

Afghan victims ask ICC to open Afghan war crimes investigation on appeal

European stocks opened higher on Wednesday, recovering some of the losses made in the previous session when US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a> surprised world markets by saying a trade deal with China could wait until after the 2020 presidential election.

US&nbsp;stocks sold off for a third consecutive session overnight, while Asian shares extended losses as hopes for a quick preliminary agreement between the world's two biggest economies were dashed.

A full-blown global trade war is currently seen as the biggest threat to world markets. Fresh US tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, plus a threaten to impose duties on French goods, are fuelling fears that risks are tilting towards an escalation of the crisis.

"Any doubts about the vulnerability of equity markets to the mood of the US&nbsp;President should have been dispelled, as his recent tweets and comments have nearly wiped out the entirety of November's gains," said Ian Williams, economics &amp; strategy analyst at Peel Hunt.

The pan-European equity index STOXX 600, which had slumped 2.2 per cent&nbsp;since the beginning of the month, rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;but futures markets were still pointing to a slightly negative open on Wall Street.

The mood on the European trading floor is subject to change, with investors awaiting a salvo of surveys on the health of the service sector of major European countries.

"For some months now there has been a concern that the weakness in the manufacturing sector might start to weigh on services activity and there has been some evidence of that in recent months, though not quite to the same extent," wrote Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, to clients.

The latest trade war scare has put the brakes on a rally that had lifted the S&amp;P 500 since early October when top diplomats from China and the United States met and outlined an initial agreement that Trump said he hoped could be sealed within weeks.

US&nbsp;Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that if no substantial progress was made soon, another round of duties on Chinese imports including cell phones, laptops and toys would take effect on December 15.

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives' passage of a bill proposing a stronger response to a crackdown on Muslims in China's west also added yet another layer of tension, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing on Wednesday.

Beijing's handling of civil unrest in Hong Kong has also drawn criticism from Washington.

"The market was too complacent, thinking both superpowers would be able to compartmentalize these issues away from the broader trade narrative," Stephen Innes chief&nbsp;Asia market strategist at AxiTrader,&nbsp;said in a note.

In currency markets, the euro was flat against the dollar at 1.1081. The Japanese yen and Swiss franc, seen as safe havens stood during market storms were making gains, up 0.17 per cent and 0.13 per cent&nbsp;respectively.

European yields continued their descent on Wednesday as investors continued to fret about the impact of America's trade war, falling between one and two basis points.

The yield on benchmark 10-year US&nbsp;Treasuries fell as low as 1.6930 per cent&nbsp;overnight, the sharpest fall since May and was trading at 1.7105 per cent&nbsp;on Wednesday.

Gold XAU= rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1,482.9 per ounce.

Brent crude futures were up 0.58 per cent at $61.17 a barrel while US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.52 per cent&nbsp;to $56.39 per barrel.

European stocks opened higher on Wednesday, recovering some of the losses made in the previous session when US President Donald Trump surprised world markets by saying a trade deal with China could wait until after the 2020 presidential election.

European stocks opened higher on Wednesday, recovering some of the losses made in the previous session when US President Donald Trump surprised world markets by saying a trade deal with China could wait until after the 2020 presidential election. US stocks sold off for a third consecutive session overnight, while Asian shares extended losses as hopes for a quick preliminary agreement between the world's two biggest economies were dashed. A full-blown global trade war is currently seen as the biggest threat to world markets. Fresh US tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, plus a threaten to impose duties on French goods, are fuelling fears that risks are tilting towards an escalation of the crisis. "Any doubts about the vulnerability of equity markets to the mood of the US President should have been dispelled, as his recent tweets and comments have nearly wiped out the entirety of November's gains," said Ian Williams, economics & strategy analyst at Peel Hunt. The pan-European equity index STOXX 600, which had slumped 2.2 per cent since the beginning of the month, rose 0.4 per cent but futures markets were still pointing to a slightly negative open on Wall Street. The mood on the European trading floor is subject to change, with investors awaiting a salvo of surveys on the health of the service sector of major European countries. "For some months now there has been a concern that the weakness in the manufacturing sector might start to weigh on services activity and there has been some evidence of that in recent months, though not quite to the same extent," wrote Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, to clients. The latest trade war scare has put the brakes on a rally that had lifted the S&P 500 since early October when top diplomats from China and the United States met and outlined an initial agreement that Trump said he hoped could be sealed within weeks. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that if no substantial progress was made soon, another round of duties on Chinese imports including cell phones, laptops and toys would take effect on December 15. The US House of Representatives' passage of a bill proposing a stronger response to a crackdown on Muslims in China's west also added yet another layer of tension, drawing swift condemnation from Beijing on Wednesday. Beijing's handling of civil unrest in Hong Kong has also drawn criticism from Washington. "The market was too complacent, thinking both superpowers would be able to compartmentalize these issues away from the broader trade narrative," Stephen Innes chief Asia market strategist at AxiTrader, said in a note. In currency markets, the euro was flat against the dollar at 1.1081. The Japanese yen and Swiss franc, seen as safe havens stood during market storms were making gains, up 0.17 per cent and 0.13 per cent respectively. European yields continued their descent on Wednesday as investors continued to fret about the impact of America's trade war, falling between one and two basis points. The yield on benchmark 10-year US Treasuries fell as low as 1.6930 per cent overnight, the sharpest fall since May and was trading at 1.7105 per cent on Wednesday. Gold XAU= rose 0.4 per cent to $1,482.9 per ounce. Brent crude futures were up 0.58 per cent at $61.17 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.52 per cent to $56.39 per barrel.

Stocks in tentative rebound after Trump's trade war scare

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