Wall Street's main indexes closed sharply lower on Thursday, marking their deepest one-day dives in months as investors dumped the high-flying&nbsp;technology&nbsp;sector, while economic data highlighted concerns about a long and difficult recovery.

The&nbsp;technology-centric Nasdaq led the declines as its heavyweight stocks took a hit with the biggest drags from companies including Facebook Inc, Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Microsoft Inc and Google-parent Alphabet Inc.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e-commerce-giant-amazon-will-create-7000-jobs-in-the-united-kingdom-324991" hreflang="en">E-commerce giant Amazon will create 7,000 jobs in the United Kingdom</a>

The five stocks, deemed strong bets because of solid cash positions and continued growth despite the coronavirus crisis, also account for roughly a quarter of the S&amp;P 500's market value and have driven the stock market's narrow&nbsp;technology-led recovery from the pandemic lows hit in March.

The Philadelphia chip index and the S&amp;P tech sector also dropped more than 5 per cent&nbsp;each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-economy-will-take-12-trillion-hit-from-covid-19-international-monetary-fund-308349">Global economy will take $12 trillion hit from COVID-19: International Monetary Fund</a>

The pullback comes a day after the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at record levels and the Dow came within 1.5 per cent of its February peak, powered by fiscal and monetary support hopes for a swift economic recovery. But some participants said investors had become too optimistic.

Earlier in the day, data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, but remained extraordinarily high. The closely watched monthly payrolls report is set for Friday

Separately, a survey showed US&nbsp;services industry growth slowed in August, likely as the boost from the reopening of businesses and fiscal stimulus faded.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 807.77 points, or 2.78 per cent, to close at 28,292.73, the S&amp;P 500 lost 125.78 points, or 3.51 per cent, to 3,455.06 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 598.34 points, or 4.96 per cent, to 11,458.10.

Wall Street's main indexes closed sharply lower on Thursday, marking their deepest one-day dives in months as investors dumped the high-flying technology sector, while economic data highlighted concerns about a long and difficult recovery.

Wall Street's main indexes closed sharply lower on Thursday, marking their deepest one-day dives in months as investors dumped the high-flying technology sector, while economic data highlighted concerns about a long and difficult recovery. The technology-centric Nasdaq led the declines as its heavyweight stocks took a hit with the biggest drags from companies including Facebook Inc, Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Microsoft Inc and Google-parent Alphabet Inc. Also read: E-commerce giant Amazon will create 7,000 jobs in the United Kingdom The five stocks, deemed strong bets because of solid cash positions and continued growth despite the coronavirus crisis, also account for roughly a quarter of the S&P 500's market value and have driven the stock market's narrow technology-led recovery from the pandemic lows hit in March. The Philadelphia chip index and the S&P tech sector also dropped more than 5 per cent each. Also read: Global economy will take $12 trillion hit from COVID-19: International Monetary Fund The pullback comes a day after the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed at record levels and the Dow came within 1.5 per cent of its February peak, powered by fiscal and monetary support hopes for a swift economic recovery. But some participants said investors had become too optimistic. Earlier in the day, data showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, but remained extraordinarily high. The closely watched monthly payrolls report is set for Friday Separately, a survey showed US services industry growth slowed in August, likely as the boost from the reopening of businesses and fiscal stimulus faded. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 807.77 points, or 2.78 per cent, to close at 28,292.73, the S&P 500 lost 125.78 points, or 3.51 per cent, to 3,455.06 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 598.34 points, or 4.96 per cent, to 11,458.10.

Tech tumble jams Wall Street into reverse; sharpest fall since June

India recorded&nbsp;83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to&nbsp;ally to 39,36,747.

According to the&nbsp;Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated.

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India's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tally crosses 39-lakh mark with single-day spike of 83,341 new cases &amp; 1,096 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. 
 
The total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated &amp; 68,472 deaths: Ministry of Health <a href="https://t.co/YjinTx57DJ">pic.twitter.com/YjinTx57DJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1301736034342899712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-donation-to-various-causes-exceed-usd-14-million-sources-324993" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi donation to various causes exceed USD 14 million: Sources</a>

The death toll surged&nbsp;to 68,472 after&nbsp;single-day spike of 1,096 new fatalities were recorded on Thursday.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.74 per cent in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-taking-advantage-of-covid-19-outbreak-india-one-such-example-us-diplomat-324867" hreflang="en">China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat</a>

There are 8,31,124 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 21.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 4,66,79,145 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country as on September 3, including 11,69,765 on Thursday.

&nbsp;

India recorded 83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to ally to 39,36,747. According to the Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated.

India recorded 83,341 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours pushing the country's tally to ally to 39,36,747. According to the Ministry of Health, the total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated. India's #COVID19 tally crosses 39-lakh mark with single-day spike of 83,341 new cases & 1,096 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total case tally stands at 39,36,748 including 8,31,124 active cases, 30,37,152 cured/discharged/migrated & 68,472 deaths: Ministry of Health pic.twitter.com/YjinTx57DJ — ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2020 × Also read: PM Narendra Modi donation to various causes exceed USD 14 million: Sources The death toll surged to 68,472 after single-day spike of 1,096 new fatalities were recorded on Thursday. The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.74 per cent in the country. Also read: China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat There are 8,31,124 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 21.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 4,66,79,145 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country as on September 3, including 11,69,765 on Thursday.

India reports 83,341 new COVID-19 cases; tally crosses 39-lakh mark

Facebook&nbsp;Inc said on Thursday&nbsp;it ban&nbsp;new political ads the week before the US election&nbsp;in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote.

The social media giant vowed to fact check premature claims of victory, stating that if a candidate tries to declare himself the winner before final votes are tallied "we'll add a label to their posts directing people to the official results."

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The world's biggest social network also said it was creating a label for posts by candidates or campaigns that try to claim victory before the election results are official, and widening the criteria for content to be removed as voter suppression.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/russian-influence-campaign-targeted-left-wing-voters-in-us-and-uk-says-facebook-324614" hreflang="en">Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook</a>

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post announcing the changes that he was concerned about the unique challenges voters would face due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted a surge in voting by mail.

"I'm also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country," he said.

Facebook also started limiting its Messenger service to allow users to&nbsp;forward missives to no more than five people or groups at a time "to help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information."

The moves follow sharp criticism of Facebook's handling of the 2016 presidential election, when it failed to restrict disinformation from Russian operatives that spread conspiracy theories and discouraged voting in some cases.

Facebook&nbsp;has been battered by criticism, including from its own employees, since allowing several inflammatory posts by President Donald Trump to remain untouched earlier this summer, including one which contained misleading claims about mail-in ballots.

Disinformation experts have also raised the alarm, echoed in threat assessments by&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;executives, about false claims and conspiracy theories spreading in the increasingly likely scenario that official results are not immediately available on election night.

Zuckerberg said&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;was "increasingly seeing attempts to undermine the legitimacy of our elections from within our own borders" in addition to foreign influence campaigns, like the one it and U.S. intelligence agencies determined Russia carried out to meddle in the 2016 vote.

The US is gearing up for what is expected to be a bruising campaign season against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and mass protests for racial justice that have led to violent conflict in some cities between civil rights groups and armed right-wing vigilantes.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it ban new political ads the week before the US election in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote.

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it ban new political ads the week before the US election in November, bowing to concern that its loose approach to free speech could once again be exploited to interfere with the vote. The social media giant vowed to fact check premature claims of victory, stating that if a candidate tries to declare himself the winner before final votes are tallied "we'll add a label to their posts directing people to the official results." The world's biggest social network also said it was creating a label for posts by candidates or campaigns that try to claim victory before the election results are official, and widening the criteria for content to be removed as voter suppression. Also read: Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US and UK, says Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post announcing the changes that he was concerned about the unique challenges voters would face due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted a surge in voting by mail. "I'm also worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or even weeks to be finalized, there could be an increased risk of civil unrest across the country," he said. Facebook also started limiting its Messenger service to allow users to forward missives to no more than five people or groups at a time "to help curb the efforts of those looking to cause chaos, sow uncertainty or inadvertently undermine accurate information." The moves follow sharp criticism of Facebook's handling of the 2016 presidential election, when it failed to restrict disinformation from Russian operatives that spread conspiracy theories and discouraged voting in some cases. Facebook has been battered by criticism, including from its own employees, since allowing several inflammatory posts by President Donald Trump to remain untouched earlier this summer, including one which contained misleading claims about mail-in ballots. Disinformation experts have also raised the alarm, echoed in threat assessments by Facebook executives, about false claims and conspiracy theories spreading in the increasingly likely scenario that official results are not immediately available on election night. Zuckerberg said Facebook was "increasingly seeing attempts to undermine the legitimacy of our elections from within our own borders" in addition to foreign influence campaigns, like the one it and U.S. intelligence agencies determined Russia carried out to meddle in the 2016 vote. The US is gearing up for what is expected to be a bruising campaign season against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic and mass protests for racial justice that have led to violent conflict in some cities between civil rights groups and armed right-wing vigilantes.

Facebook to halt new political ads on cusp of US election

September 4 in history: Inauguration of the first commercial electric power plant, canonization of Mother Teresa and more

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will&nbsp;scrap&nbsp;a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca.

It also&nbsp;delayed the purchase of two Yuan-class S26T submarines worth $724 million highlighting&nbsp;China's losing grip on its key allies in Indo-Pacific Region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-india-bans-apps-china-says-it-violates-legal-interests-of-chinese-investors-324934" hreflang="en">After India bans apps, China says 'legal interests' of investors violated</a>

Thailand took the step after facing intense pressure from its arch-rival Pheu Thai Party and the public who had raised concerns that the&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;120-kilometre mega canal&nbsp;would undermine the independence of poor Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference.

<img alt="Thai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29ff2e4-771d-4a6c-bdd7-b6853d3cde2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2895%29.jpg" />

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, fourth from left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, fourth from right, during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing/Afp

After the&nbsp;the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline&nbsp;vessels along the&nbsp;Malacca Straits, a strategic chokepoint&nbsp;between the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans and&nbsp;the Malay Peninsula.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-at-line-of-actual-control-direct-result-of-action-by-china-india-325035" hreflang="en">Situation at Line of Actual Control direct result of action by China: India</a>

Cutting through the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, the&nbsp;KRA canal project,&nbsp;could have been a crucial strategic asset for China, allowing the Chinese navy to move freely and quickly between its newly constructed bases in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

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Through the project,&nbsp;China could have put an&nbsp;end to the Malacca dilemma by&nbsp;bypassing the Strait of Malacca,&nbsp;a narrow chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca.

In a big blow to China, Thailand on Thursday announced it will scrap a Chinese led-KRA canal project under which Beijing wanted to build a bypass to the Strait of Malacca. It also delayed the purchase of two Yuan-class S26T submarines worth $724 million highlighting China's losing grip on its key allies in Indo-Pacific Region. Also read| After India bans apps, China says 'legal interests' of investors violated Thailand took the step after facing intense pressure from its arch-rival Pheu Thai Party and the public who had raised concerns that the proposed 120-kilometre mega canal would undermine the independence of poor Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar and Cambodia, which have comparatively weak civil societies that are highly vulnerable to Chinese interference. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, fourth from left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping, fourth from right, during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing/Afp After the the Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh, the Indian Navy had deployed its frontline vessels along the Malacca Straits, a strategic chokepoint between the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Malay Peninsula. Also read| Situation at Line of Actual Control direct result of action by China: India Cutting through the Isthmus of Kra in Thailand, the KRA canal project, could have been a crucial strategic asset for China, allowing the Chinese navy to move freely and quickly between its newly constructed bases in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. × Through the project, China could have put an end to the Malacca dilemma by bypassing the Strait of Malacca, a narrow chokepoint between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra that divides the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Big blow to China as Thailand scraps KRA canal project

An alligator-skin&nbsp;designer handbag worth&nbsp;$19,000&nbsp;is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but&nbsp;its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit.

The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth&nbsp;on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adolf-hitlers-rumoured-alligator-dies-in-moscow-300749">Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow</a>

The handbag shopper had arranged a CITES export permit from France, but didn’t make an application for an import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly&nbsp;regulates and monitors products derived from alligator are allowed into Australia&nbsp;to protect species that might be adversely affected by illicit markets.

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences in Australia is 10 years in prison and over $160,000&nbsp;fine.

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</ul>

Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley called it a “costly reminder” to apply for the correct paperwork and the citizens of the country&nbsp;should take the time to think about ethical fashion choices.&nbsp;<cite> </cite>

<img alt="Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24597491-b4ef-431a-bb19-c216032c13a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6277152-3x2-940x627.jpg" />

In picture: Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley/Reuters

"We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species," she added.

"Aside from the rules themselves, it is important that people take the time to think about ethical fashion choices."

Governments across the globe have been clamping down on the trade of over-exploited species such as alligators, which&nbsp;critics say are fuelled by the fashion industry.

An alligator-skin designer handbag worth $19,000 is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit. The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

An alligator-skin designer handbag worth $19,000 is to be destroyed after a woman imported it into Australia but its would-be owner failed to buy a $51 permit. The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade. Also read: Adolf Hitler's 'rumoured' alligator dies in Moscow The handbag shopper had arranged a CITES export permit from France, but didn’t make an application for an import permit from the Australian CITES Management Authority. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly regulates and monitors products derived from alligator are allowed into Australia to protect species that might be adversely affected by illicit markets. The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences in Australia is 10 years in prison and over $160,000 fine. Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley called it a “costly reminder” to apply for the correct paperwork and the citizens of the country should take the time to think about ethical fashion choices. In picture: Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley/Reuters "We all need to be aware of what we're purchasing online as restricting the trade of animal products is crucial to the long-term survival of endangered species," she added. "Aside from the rules themselves, it is important that people take the time to think about ethical fashion choices." Governments across the globe have been clamping down on the trade of over-exploited species such as alligators, which critics say are fuelled by the fashion industry.

Customs to destroy alligator skin bag worth $19,000 over $51 missing permit

China on Friday told UN experts to stop "meddling" in its affairs after the agency's special advisors published a letter raising fears for Hong Kong's freedoms after the enactment of a draconian new security law.

"Some people disregard facts and... crudely interfere in China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters, urging the UN advisors to stop "meddling" in its business.

UN&nbsp;human rights experts had told China that&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's&nbsp;new security law&nbsp;"infringes on certain fundamental rights" and voiced concerns that it could be used to prosecute political activists in the former British colony.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-no-legal-authority-to-enact-security-law-for-hong-kong-bar-association-301040">China has no legal authority to enact security law for Hong Kong: Bar Association</a>

Beijing has faced a barrage of criticism over the law, which was imposed in late June after pro-democracy protests rocked the semi-autonomous city last year.

The law, which criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces, carries a maximum life sentence and has intimidated many protesters into silence.

In a rare joint letter made public on Friday,&nbsp;the UN advisers warned parts of the legislation "appear to criminalise freedom of expression or any form of criticism" of China.

"The National Security Law... poses a serious risk that those fundamental freedoms and due process protections may be infringed upon," the rapporteurs said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/national-security-law-and-end-of-hong-kong-as-we-know-it-311585">National Security Law and end of Hong Kong as we know it</a>

The letter warned the legislation may "impinge impermissibly on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression and of peaceful assembly."

The rapporteurs had urged China's "reconsideration" of the legislation and for a fully independent reviewer to be appointed to ensure it complies with China's international human rights obligations.

They also expressed concern over one of the most controversial points of the law, which allows cases can be transferred from the jurisdiction of Hong Kong to mainland China, and warned it could undermine the right to a fair trial.

48 hours after it was sent to the Chinese government, they also said provisions of the new law appear to undermine the independence of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's judges and lawyers, and the right to freedom of expression.

The "open letter" reflected a detailed legal analysis of the national security law imposed in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on June 30, which had already drawn UN&nbsp;criticism before its adoption.

The 14-page letter, posted on the website of the UN&nbsp;human rights office, was sent by Fionnuala Ni Aolain, UN&nbsp;special rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, and six other UN&nbsp;experts.

The broadly worded law criminalised certain political speech overnight, such as advocating sanctions, and greater autonomy or independence for Hong Kong.

Lawyers acting for some of the more than 20 people arrested under the law so far say police are trawling through historic actions of pro-democracy activists to beef-up their cases.

China on Friday told UN experts to stop "meddling" in its affairs after the agency's special advisors published a letter raising fears for Hong Kong's freedoms after the enactment of a draconian new security law.

China on Friday told UN experts to stop "meddling" in its affairs after the agency's special advisors published a letter raising fears for Hong Kong's freedoms after the enactment of a draconian new security law. "Some people disregard facts and... crudely interfere in China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters, urging the UN advisors to stop "meddling" in its business. UN human rights experts had told China that Hong Kong's new security law "infringes on certain fundamental rights" and voiced concerns that it could be used to prosecute political activists in the former British colony. Also read| China has no legal authority to enact security law for Hong Kong: Bar Association Beijing has faced a barrage of criticism over the law, which was imposed in late June after pro-democracy protests rocked the semi-autonomous city last year. The law, which criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and colluding with foreign forces, carries a maximum life sentence and has intimidated many protesters into silence. In a rare joint letter made public on Friday, the UN advisers warned parts of the legislation "appear to criminalise freedom of expression or any form of criticism" of China. "The National Security Law... poses a serious risk that those fundamental freedoms and due process protections may be infringed upon," the rapporteurs said. Also read: National Security Law and end of Hong Kong as we know it The letter warned the legislation may "impinge impermissibly on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression and of peaceful assembly." The rapporteurs had urged China's "reconsideration" of the legislation and for a fully independent reviewer to be appointed to ensure it complies with China's international human rights obligations. They also expressed concern over one of the most controversial points of the law, which allows cases can be transferred from the jurisdiction of Hong Kong to mainland China, and warned it could undermine the right to a fair trial. 48 hours after it was sent to the Chinese government, they also said provisions of the new law appear to undermine the independence of Hong Kong's judges and lawyers, and the right to freedom of expression. The "open letter" reflected a detailed legal analysis of the national security law imposed in Hong Kong on June 30, which had already drawn UN criticism before its adoption. The 14-page letter, posted on the website of the UN human rights office, was sent by Fionnuala Ni Aolain, UN special rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism, and six other UN experts. The broadly worded law criminalised certain political speech overnight, such as advocating sanctions, and greater autonomy or independence for Hong Kong. Lawyers acting for some of the more than 20 people arrested under the law so far say police are trawling through historic actions of pro-democracy activists to beef-up their cases.

China warns UN of 'meddling' in affairs after it denounced Hong Kong security law

President Donald Trump strongly denied on Thursday a magazine report saying he had spoken disparagingly about fallen US&nbsp;military personnel buried in Europe and declined to visit an American cemetery during a trip to France because he thought it unimportant.

"The Atlantic" reported that Trump, a Republican who is running for re-election and who has touted his record helping US&nbsp;veterans, had referred to marines buried in an American cemetery near Paris as "losers" and declined to visit in 2018 because of concern that the rain that day would mess up his hair.

Trump slammed the report late Thursday, after his aides earlier called the allegations "disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-the-way-biden-wears-his-mask-encourages-supporters-to-try-to-vote-twice-325086" hreflang="en">Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice</a>

"To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what I've done," for the US&nbsp;armed forces, Trump said. "It's a total lie ... It's a disgrace."

The president said he did not go to the cemetery because weather prevented a helicopter flight. The alternative, a long drive, would have meant going through very busy areas of Paris and the Secret Service objected, he said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/shocking-revelations-about-donald-trump-made-in-his-nieces-tell-all-book-311546#bully-311531">Shocking revelations about Donald Trump made in his niece's tell-all book</a>

"The Secret Service told me, 'you can't do it.' I said, 'I have to do it. I want to be there.' They said, 'you can't do it,'" Trump said.

"The Atlantic" did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular business hours.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who is leading Trump in national polls ahead of the November&nbsp;3 election, emphasized his own commitment to helping members of the military in a response to the report.

"If the revelations in today’s&nbsp;Atlantic&nbsp;article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States," Biden said in a statement released by his campaign.

"And if I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice — always."

As a presidential candidate, Trump made negative comments about now deceased Senator John McCain for having been captured during the Vietnam war.

“He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured," Trump said in 2015 when he was running for the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump said on Thursday he disagreed with McCain but still respected him.

"I was never a fan. I will admit that openly," Trump said. "I disagreed with John McCain. But I still respected him."

President Donald Trump strongly denied on Thursday a magazine report saying he had spoken disparagingly about fallen US military personnel buried in Europe and declined to visit an American cemetery during a trip to France because he thought it unimportant.

President Donald Trump strongly denied on Thursday a magazine report saying he had spoken disparagingly about fallen US military personnel buried in Europe and declined to visit an American cemetery during a trip to France because he thought it unimportant. "The Atlantic" reported that Trump, a Republican who is running for re-election and who has touted his record helping US veterans, had referred to marines buried in an American cemetery near Paris as "losers" and declined to visit in 2018 because of concern that the rain that day would mess up his hair. Trump slammed the report late Thursday, after his aides earlier called the allegations "disgusting, grotesque, reprehensible lies." Also read: Trump mocks the way Biden wears his mask; encourages supporters to try to vote twice "To think that I would make statements negative to our military and fallen heroes when nobody has done what I've done," for the US armed forces, Trump said. "It's a total lie ... It's a disgrace." The president said he did not go to the cemetery because weather prevented a helicopter flight. The alternative, a long drive, would have meant going through very busy areas of Paris and the Secret Service objected, he said. Also see: Shocking revelations about Donald Trump made in his niece's tell-all book "The Secret Service told me, 'you can't do it.' I said, 'I have to do it. I want to be there.' They said, 'you can't do it,'" Trump said. "The Atlantic" did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment outside regular business hours. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who is leading Trump in national polls ahead of the November 3 election, emphasized his own commitment to helping members of the military in a response to the report. "If the revelations in today’s Atlantic article are true, then they are yet another marker of how deeply President Trump and I disagree about the role of the President of the United States," Biden said in a statement released by his campaign. "And if I have the honor of serving as the next commander in chief, I will ensure that our American heroes know that I will have their back and honor their sacrifice — always." As a presidential candidate, Trump made negative comments about now deceased Senator John McCain for having been captured during the Vietnam war. “He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured," Trump said in 2015 when he was running for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump said on Thursday he disagreed with McCain but still respected him. "I was never a fan. I will admit that openly," Trump said. "I disagreed with John McCain. But I still respected him."

Donald Trump denies calling US Marines killed in World War I battle 'losers'

Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus, has been hospitalised "as a precaution", a statement from his entourage said Friday.

It said the media tycoon was taken to San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Thursday night after suffering "certain symptoms", but there was "no cause for concern."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-former-pm-berlusconi-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-324829">Italy's former PM Berlusconi tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The AGI news agency said Berlusconi, who turns 84 at the end of this month, was hospitalised in a room that he often occupies when he stays at the facility. AGI said this indicates that his condition is not serious, or he would be in intensive care.

Licia Ronzulli, a senator with Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, said the former prime minister "spent the night in hospital to check on his condition... but he is fine."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-but-not-out-berlusconi-could-hold-key-to-italian-governments-future-311918">Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future</a>

Berlusconi announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home.

Two of his children - daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 - have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina.

Berlusconi, who once owned AC Milan, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities.

"I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on televisions and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference of Forza Italia's women's movement.

He recognised "the limitations imposed on my activities by testing positive for the coronavirus... but I will continue the battle."

Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians.

Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus, has been hospitalised "as a precaution", a statement from his entourage said Friday.

Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus, has been hospitalised "as a precaution", a statement from his entourage said Friday. It said the media tycoon was taken to San Raffaele hospital in Milan on Thursday night after suffering "certain symptoms", but there was "no cause for concern." Also read: Italy's former PM Berlusconi tests positive for coronavirus The AGI news agency said Berlusconi, who turns 84 at the end of this month, was hospitalised in a room that he often occupies when he stays at the facility. AGI said this indicates that his condition is not serious, or he would be in intensive care. Licia Ronzulli, a senator with Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, said the former prime minister "spent the night in hospital to check on his condition... but he is fine." Also read: Down but not out: Berlusconi could hold key to Italian government's future Berlusconi announced Wednesday that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and was in quarantine at home. Two of his children - daughter Barbara, 36, and son Luigi, 31 - have also contracted the virus, as has his companion Marta Fascina. Berlusconi, who once owned AC Milan, had insisted on Wednesday that he would continue his political activities. "I will be present in the electoral campaign with interviews on televisions and in newspapers," he said during a video-conference of Forza Italia's women's movement. He recognised "the limitations imposed on my activities by testing positive for the coronavirus... but I will continue the battle." Regional elections are due to take place in two weeks as well as a referendum on reducing the number of Italian parliamentarians.

Berlusconi hospitalised as 'precaution' after positive COVID-19 test

A black man who had run naked through the streets of a western New York city died of asphyxiation after a group of police officers put a hood over his head, then pressed his face into the pavement for two minutes, according to video and records released on by the man's family.

Daniel Prude died March 30 after he was taken off life support, seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester. His death received no public attention until Wednesday, when his family held a news conference and released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request.

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Joseph Prude, brother of Daniel Prude: My brother was murdered by police officers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/roc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#roc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DandC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DandC</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fhr62hn8RA">pic.twitter.com/Fhr62hn8RA</a>
— Will Cleveland (@WillCleveland13) <a href="https://twitter.com/WillCleveland13/status/1301175033268666370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''I placed a phone call for my brother to get help. Not for my brother to get lynched,''&nbsp;Prude's brother, Joe Prude, said at a news conference Wednesday.

''How did you see him and not directly say, 'The man is defenseless, buck naked on the ground. He's cuffed up already. Come on.' How many more brothers gotta die for society to understand that this needs to stop?"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-did-an-incredible-job-trump-cuts-off-black-pastors-when-asked-about-police-violence-324735" hreflang="en">'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence</a>

The videos show Prude, who had taken off his clothes, complying when police ask him to get on the ground and put his hands behind his back. Prude is agitated and shouting as officers let him writhe as he sits on the pavement in handcuffs for a few moments as a light snow falls.

''Give me your gun, I need it''&nbsp;he shouts. Then, they put a white 'spit hood'&nbsp;over his head, a device intended to protect officers from a detainee's saliva. At the time, New York was in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prude demands they remove it. ''Trying to kill me!?'' he says before making muffled, anguished sounds under the hood.

Then the officers slam Prude's head into the street. One officer holds his head down against the pavement with both hands, saying ''stop spitting''&nbsp;as Prude's shouts turn to whimpers and grunts.

Another officer places a knee on his back. The officers appear to become concerned when they notice water coming out of Prude's mouth.

Medics can then be seen performing CPR before he's loaded into an ambulance. Spit hoods have been scrutinized as a factor in the deaths of several prisoners in the US and other countries in recent years.

A medical examiner concluded that Prude's death was a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint.

The report lists excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. Prude was from Chicago and had just arrived in Rochester for a visit with his brother. He was kicked off the train before it got to Rochester, in Depew, due to his unruly behavior,&nbsp;according to an internal affairs investigator's report.

Rochester police officers took Prude into custody for a mental health evaluation around 7 pm on March 22 for suicidal thoughts,&nbsp;about eight hours before the encounter that led to his death. But his brother said he was only at the hospital for a few hours, according to the reports. Police responded again after Joe Prude called 911 at about 3 am to report that his brother had left his house.

The city halted its investigation into Prude's death when state Attorney General Letitia James office began its own investigation in April. Under New York law, deaths of unarmed people in police custody are often turned over to the attorney general's office, rather than handled by local officials.

James said on Wednesday that investigation is continuing.

''I want everyone to understand that at no point in time did we feel that this was something that we wanted not to disclose,'' Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said at a press briefing.

''We are precluded from getting involved in it until that agency (the AG's office) has completed their investigation.''

One officer wrote that they put the hood on Prude because he was spitting continuously in the direction of officers and they were concerned about coronavirus.

Still, activists demanded that officers involved with Prude's death be prosecuted on murder charges and that they be removed from the department while the investigation proceeds.

''The police have shown us over and over again that they are not equipped to handle individuals with mental health concerns. These officers are trained to kill, and not to deescalate. These officers are trained to ridicule, instead of supporting Mr. Daniel Prude,''&nbsp;Ashley Gantt of Free the People ROC said at the news conference with Prude's family.

Protesters gathered on Wednesday outside Rochester's Public Safety Building, which serves as police headquarters. Demonstrators remained as night fell.

Free the People ROC said several of its organizers were briefly taken into custody after they entered the building while Warren was speaking to the media.

They were released on appearance tickets, said Iman Abid, regional director of the NYCLU, who was among those taken into custody.

Prude, known to his big Chicago-based family by the nickname Rell,&nbsp;was a father of five adult children and had been working at a warehouse within the last year, said his aunt Letoria Moore.&nbsp;

A black man who had run naked through the streets of a western New York city died of asphyxiation after a group of police officers put a hood over his head, then pressed his face into the pavement for two minutes, according to video and records released on by the man's family.

A black man who had run naked through the streets of a western New York city died of asphyxiation after a group of police officers put a hood over his head, then pressed his face into the pavement for two minutes, according to video and records released on by the man's family. Daniel Prude died March 30 after he was taken off life support, seven days after the encounter with police in Rochester. His death received no public attention until Wednesday, when his family held a news conference and released police body camera video and written reports they obtained through a public records request. Joseph Prude, brother of Daniel Prude: My brother was murdered by police officers. #roc @DandC pic.twitter.com/Fhr62hn8RA — Will Cleveland (@WillCleveland13) September 2, 2020 × ''I placed a phone call for my brother to get help. Not for my brother to get lynched,'' Prude's brother, Joe Prude, said at a news conference Wednesday. ''How did you see him and not directly say, 'The man is defenseless, buck naked on the ground. He's cuffed up already. Come on.' How many more brothers gotta die for society to understand that this needs to stop?" Also read: 'Police did an incredible job': Trump cuts off Black pastors when asked about police violence The videos show Prude, who had taken off his clothes, complying when police ask him to get on the ground and put his hands behind his back. Prude is agitated and shouting as officers let him writhe as he sits on the pavement in handcuffs for a few moments as a light snow falls. ''Give me your gun, I need it'' he shouts. Then, they put a white 'spit hood' over his head, a device intended to protect officers from a detainee's saliva. At the time, New York was in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. Prude demands they remove it. ''Trying to kill me!?'' he says before making muffled, anguished sounds under the hood. Then the officers slam Prude's head into the street. One officer holds his head down against the pavement with both hands, saying ''stop spitting'' as Prude's shouts turn to whimpers and grunts. Another officer places a knee on his back. The officers appear to become concerned when they notice water coming out of Prude's mouth. Medics can then be seen performing CPR before he's loaded into an ambulance. Spit hoods have been scrutinized as a factor in the deaths of several prisoners in the US and other countries in recent years. A medical examiner concluded that Prude's death was a homicide caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint. The report lists excited delirium and acute intoxication by phencyclidine, or PCP, as contributing factors. Prude was from Chicago and had just arrived in Rochester for a visit with his brother. He was kicked off the train before it got to Rochester, in Depew, due to his unruly behavior, according to an internal affairs investigator's report. Rochester police officers took Prude into custody for a mental health evaluation around 7 pm on March 22 for suicidal thoughts, about eight hours before the encounter that led to his death. But his brother said he was only at the hospital for a few hours, according to the reports. Police responded again after Joe Prude called 911 at about 3 am to report that his brother had left his house. The city halted its investigation into Prude's death when state Attorney General Letitia James office began its own investigation in April. Under New York law, deaths of unarmed people in police custody are often turned over to the attorney general's office, rather than handled by local officials. James said on Wednesday that investigation is continuing. ''I want everyone to understand that at no point in time did we feel that this was something that we wanted not to disclose,'' Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said at a press briefing. ''We are precluded from getting involved in it until that agency (the AG's office) has completed their investigation.'' One officer wrote that they put the hood on Prude because he was spitting continuously in the direction of officers and they were concerned about coronavirus. Still, activists demanded that officers involved with Prude's death be prosecuted on murder charges and that they be removed from the department while the investigation proceeds. ''The police have shown us over and over again that they are not equipped to handle individuals with mental health concerns. These officers are trained to kill, and not to deescalate. These officers are trained to ridicule, instead of supporting Mr. Daniel Prude,'' Ashley Gantt of Free the People ROC said at the news conference with Prude's family. Protesters gathered on Wednesday outside Rochester's Public Safety Building, which serves as police headquarters. Demonstrators remained as night fell. Free the People ROC said several of its organizers were briefly taken into custody after they entered the building while Warren was speaking to the media. They were released on appearance tickets, said Iman Abid, regional director of the NYCLU, who was among those taken into custody. Prude, known to his big Chicago-based family by the nickname Rell, was a father of five adult children and had been working at a warehouse within the last year, said his aunt Letoria Moore.

Daniel Prude: Video shows black man suffocating after cops put hood on his head in US

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole,&nbsp;the oldest ever detected,&nbsp;that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Born of a merger between two other&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass"&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole&nbsp;ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies.

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"This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference.&nbsp;"It is a whole new world."

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In picture: The European VIRGO laser lab is based in Italy's province of Pisa/(Image:Ligo-Virgo collaboration)

A so-called stellar-class&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole&nbsp;forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supermassive&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of&nbsp;solar masses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asteroid-bigger-than-great-pyramid-of-giza-to-hit-earths-orbit-this-week-324461">Asteroid bigger than Great Pyramid of Giza to hit Earth's orbit this week</a>

Up to now,&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found.

"This is the first evidence of a&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole&nbsp;in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration.&nbsp;

"It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes."&nbsp;

The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies.&nbsp;

What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes of 85 and 65 solar masses.

When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;

Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later.

Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light.

Challenge to current models&nbsp;

GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth.

According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because, at that size,&nbsp;the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse.

And yet, the two&nbsp;black&nbsp;holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range.

"This event is a challenge for the current models of&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole&nbsp;formation," said Mapelli.

It is also a hint of how much is still not known.

"This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment.

"We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole."

But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable.

"Our ability to find a&nbsp;black&nbsp;hole&nbsp;a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added.

The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole, the oldest ever detected, that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull.

Scientists announced Wednesday the discovery of a black hole, the oldest ever detected, that shouldn't even exist according to the current understanding of cosmic monsters so dense not even light can escape their gravitational pull. Born of a merger between two other black holes, GW190521 weighs in at 142 times the mass of our Sun and is the first "intermediate mass" black hole ever observed, two consortiums of some 1,500 scientists reported in a pair of studies. "This event is a door opening into the cosmic process for the formation of black holes," co-author Stavros Katsanevas, an astrophysicist at the European Gravitational Observatory, said in an online press conference. "It is a whole new world." In picture: The European VIRGO laser lab is based in Italy's province of Pisa/(Image:Ligo-Virgo collaboration) A so-called stellar-class black hole forms when a dying star collapses, and is typically three to ten solar masses in size. Supermassive black holes found at the centre of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, range from millions to billions of solar masses. Also read: Asteroid bigger than Great Pyramid of Giza to hit Earth's orbit this week Up to now, black holes with mass 100 to 1,000 times that of our Sun had never been found. "This is the first evidence of a black hole in this mass range," said co-author Michaela, an astrophysicist at the University of Padova and a member of the Europe-based Virgo Collaboration. "It may lead to a paradigm shift in the astrophysics of black holes." The findings, she added, support the idea that supermassive black holes could be formed through the repeated merger of these mid-sized bodies. What scientists actually observed were gravitational waves produced more than seven billion years ago when GW190521 was formed by the collision of two smaller black holes of 85 and 65 solar masses. When they smashed together, eight solar masses worth of energy was released, creating one of the most powerful events in the Universe since the Big Bang. Gravitational waves were first measured in September 2015, earning the lead researchers a physics Nobel two years later. Albert Einstein anticipated gravitational waves in his general theory of relativity, which theorised that they spread through the Universe at the speed of light. Challenge to current models GW190521 was detected on May 21, 2019 by three interferometers, which can measure a change thousands of times smaller than an atomic nucleus as gravitational waves pass Earth. According to current knowledge, the gravitational collapse of a star cannot form black holes in the range of 60 to 120 solar masses because, at that size, the stars are completely blown apart by the supernova explosion that accompanies collapse. And yet, the two black holes that gave rise to GW190521 were both in the range. "This event is a challenge for the current models of black hole formation," said Mapelli. It is also a hint of how much is still not known. "This detection confirms that there is a vast universe that has remained invisible to us," said Karan Jani, an astrophysicist with the Nobel-winning LIGO gravitational wave experiment. "We have very limited theoretical and observational understanding of this elusive class of intermediate black hole." But the very fact it could be detected is itself remarkable. "Our ability to find a black hole a few hundred kilometres-wide from half-way across the Universe is one of the most striking realisations of this discovery," Jani added. The two studies were published in Physical Review Letters, and Astrophysical Journal Letters. The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) consortium is led by scientists at MIT and Caltech, while the Virgo collaboration includes more than 500 scientists across Europe.

Astronomers detect most powerful black hole explosion ever

"Women in Pakistan are really, really strong. We have a voice. We just don’t have enough spaces to use that voice," says Kanwal Ahmed, an agony aunt to some 260,000, determined to change the situation.&nbsp;

Her female-only online hub sees traditionally taboo topics such as sex, divorce, and domestic violence discussed freely in a conservative country where there are few avenues for women to discuss personal problems. &nbsp;

"I wanted it to be the kind of place where women really opened up without the fear of being attacked or harassed or judged," Ahmed, explains of her Soul Sisters Pakistan network on Facebook.&nbsp;

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In picture: Soul Sisters Pakistan network on Facebook

The former make-up artist spotted the need for a safe space after spending time soothing nervous brides as they confided in her from the salon chair.

The 31-year-old says her group is somewhere women can "talk about things that they weren't supposed to talk about in society" because they are deemed inappropriate or shameful.

In 2018, Facebook selected Ahmed as one of 115 "Community Leaders" using the social network to help others. Chosen from a pool of 6,000 applicants, she received a grant to further develop her project.

Soul Sisters Pakistan members say they can speak openly about issues,&nbsp;such as maternal and mental health, body image and reproductive rights,&nbsp;with a candour that is impossible in the real world.

No excuse for abuse

One of the most discussed topics is domestic violence, which is common in the patriarchal country.

Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences suggests 90 percent of women in Pakistan have experienced some form of domestic abuse.

Ahmed says many people do not take the problem seriously -- even when wives confide in other family members about abuse.

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"It is very common for them to be told that they are being too sensitive or to compromise. They aren't given other options," Ahmed explains, adding that women should not have to bear abuse for any reason.

According to the UN, Pakistan has a lack of access to affordable services in "sectors such as health, police, justice and social support" to ensure female safety and protection.&nbsp;

Soul Sisters offers informal help to users, ranging from legal advice to emotional support from other members, who call themselves Soulies.

A recent thread, #MyBodyIsNotASecret, underlines the changing norms of a generation that has seen the global impact of the #MeToo movement, progress in body positivity, and a backlash against traditional beauty standards and colourism.

"There is a lot of shame associated with a woman's body, with the general bodily functions even. They are not talked about," Ahmed says.&nbsp;

One member shared her struggle with the medical condition vaginismus, which helped others identify their own symptoms.&nbsp;

Ahmed says she lost a family friend to breast cancer after the disease went undiagnosed and untreated for too long because she was "too ashamed to talk about her body with anyone."

"This isn't a new story. This is something that happens to a lot of women," Ahmed insists.

Shattering stereotypes

The group provides a welcome respite for its members, who frequently face online abuse when they post publicly, and encourages women to share success stories as well as problems.

But the diverse narratives have also brought a range of criticism.&nbsp;

Ahmed has been accused of promoting divorce and "wild" behaviour, even as more progressive voices have slammed the group for allowing conservative views to be shared.

Her work is challenged from "almost every angle", Ahmed says, pointing to an element of internalised misogyny among some members.&nbsp;

But she says her aim is not to "serve a small niche", rather to shatter stereotypes and break norms.

"If people were already well aware, we wouldn't need spaces like this. It's exhausting, frustrating and takes every drop of my strength to keep continuing.&nbsp;

"But every time someone changes their mind or we get success stories -- instant gratification!" she tweeted recently.

Ahmed and her team try to handle conflicts sensitively -- allowing a wide range of views to foster dialogue and debate -- an approach that has seen membership swell.

We "just try to tell the women to be who they are, to not be ashamed of being themselves, to speak their minds," she says.&nbsp;

Splinter groups have struggled to achieve a fraction of Soul Sisters Pakistan's success or reach -- she says there are three to six million conversations on the site each month.&nbsp;

Ahmed used her Facebook grant to launch an online talk show in a bid to win a wider audience -- with each episode getting hundreds of thousands of viewers.

The coronavirus pandemic has halted production and Ahmed recently moved to Canada so the programme is on hiatus.

But she is committed to challenging a society "scared of women with a voice".&nbsp;

She adds: "The lack of acknowledgement about issues women face in society is horrific."

"Women in Pakistan are really, really strong. We have a voice. We just don’t have enough spaces to use that voice," says Kanwal Ahmed, an agony aunt to some 260,000, determined to change the situation.

"Women in Pakistan are really, really strong. We have a voice. We just don’t have enough spaces to use that voice," says Kanwal Ahmed, an agony aunt to some 260,000, determined to change the situation. Her female-only online hub sees traditionally taboo topics such as sex, divorce, and domestic violence discussed freely in a conservative country where there are few avenues for women to discuss personal problems. "I wanted it to be the kind of place where women really opened up without the fear of being attacked or harassed or judged," Ahmed, explains of her Soul Sisters Pakistan network on Facebook. In picture: Soul Sisters Pakistan network on Facebook The former make-up artist spotted the need for a safe space after spending time soothing nervous brides as they confided in her from the salon chair. The 31-year-old says her group is somewhere women can "talk about things that they weren't supposed to talk about in society" because they are deemed inappropriate or shameful. In 2018, Facebook selected Ahmed as one of 115 "Community Leaders" using the social network to help others. Chosen from a pool of 6,000 applicants, she received a grant to further develop her project. Soul Sisters Pakistan members say they can speak openly about issues, such as maternal and mental health, body image and reproductive rights, with a candour that is impossible in the real world. No excuse for abuse One of the most discussed topics is domestic violence, which is common in the patriarchal country. Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences suggests 90 percent of women in Pakistan have experienced some form of domestic abuse. Ahmed says many people do not take the problem seriously -- even when wives confide in other family members about abuse. × "It is very common for them to be told that they are being too sensitive or to compromise. They aren't given other options," Ahmed explains, adding that women should not have to bear abuse for any reason. According to the UN, Pakistan has a lack of access to affordable services in "sectors such as health, police, justice and social support" to ensure female safety and protection. Soul Sisters offers informal help to users, ranging from legal advice to emotional support from other members, who call themselves Soulies. A recent thread, #MyBodyIsNotASecret, underlines the changing norms of a generation that has seen the global impact of the #MeToo movement, progress in body positivity, and a backlash against traditional beauty standards and colourism. "There is a lot of shame associated with a woman's body, with the general bodily functions even. They are not talked about," Ahmed says. One member shared her struggle with the medical condition vaginismus, which helped others identify their own symptoms. Ahmed says she lost a family friend to breast cancer after the disease went undiagnosed and untreated for too long because she was "too ashamed to talk about her body with anyone." "This isn't a new story. This is something that happens to a lot of women," Ahmed insists. Shattering stereotypes The group provides a welcome respite for its members, who frequently face online abuse when they post publicly, and encourages women to share success stories as well as problems. But the diverse narratives have also brought a range of criticism. Ahmed has been accused of promoting divorce and "wild" behaviour, even as more progressive voices have slammed the group for allowing conservative views to be shared. Her work is challenged from "almost every angle", Ahmed says, pointing to an element of internalised misogyny among some members. But she says her aim is not to "serve a small niche", rather to shatter stereotypes and break norms. "If people were already well aware, we wouldn't need spaces like this. It's exhausting, frustrating and takes every drop of my strength to keep continuing. "But every time someone changes their mind or we get success stories -- instant gratification!" she tweeted recently. Ahmed and her team try to handle conflicts sensitively -- allowing a wide range of views to foster dialogue and debate -- an approach that has seen membership swell. We "just try to tell the women to be who they are, to not be ashamed of being themselves, to speak their minds," she says. Splinter groups have struggled to achieve a fraction of Soul Sisters Pakistan's success or reach -- she says there are three to six million conversations on the site each month. Ahmed used her Facebook grant to launch an online talk show in a bid to win a wider audience -- with each episode getting hundreds of thousands of viewers. The coronavirus pandemic has halted production and Ahmed recently moved to Canada so the programme is on hiatus. But she is committed to challenging a society "scared of women with a voice". She adds: "The lack of acknowledgement about issues women face in society is horrific."

Pakistan's online agony aunt tearing down taboos

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vyomica Berry

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