A dozen&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;democracy activists were disqualified on Thursday from standing in September's legislative elections, a move decried by candidates as the most pressing assault yet on Beijing's critics in the city.

Disqualified candidates included pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, one of the city's best known activists, and some members of the Civic Party and others who won an unofficial "primary" vote held by the opposition camp earlier this month.

"Beijing shows a total disregard for the will of the Hongkongers, tramples upon the city's... autonomy and attempts to keep HK's legislature under its firm grip," Wong wrote in a tweet.

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4. Clealy, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing</a> shows a total disregard for the will of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hongkongers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hongkongers</a>, tramples upon the city’s last pillar of vanishing autonomy and attempts to keep <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HK</a>’s legislature under its firm grip.
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1288755157841444864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He described the move as "the biggest-ever crackdown" on the city's pro-democracy movement, saying authorities had disqualified "nearly all pro-democracy runners, from young progressive groups to traditional moderate parties".

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3. Despite 610,000+ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hongkongers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hongkongers</a> voting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HK</a>’s primary, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing</a> now staged the biggest-ever crackdowns on the city’s election, by disqualifying nearly all pro-democracy runners, from young progressive groups to traditional moderate parties. <a href="https://t.co/fW5yq1lHON">pic.twitter.com/fW5yq1lHON</a>
— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshuawongcf/status/1288755154934812672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Other prominent young activists like him who are staunchly critical of Beijing and were also disqualified included Gwyneth Ho, Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen and Fergus Leung.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/professor-who-criticised-xi-jinping-to-fight-prostitution-charges-lawyer-316882" hreflang="en">Professor who criticised XI Jinping to fight prostitution charges: Lawyer</a>

Critics say the move is aimed at curbing the ascendancy of a young generation of democrats after an overwhelming win in last year's lower-level district council elections.

The government said there could be more disqualifications.The Civic Party, one of the city's most prominent pro-democracy parties, said four of its members had been disqualified: Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Cheng Tat-hung.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is run by pro-Beijing appointees, but the city is due to hold elections in early September for the Legislative Council.

The 70-seat law-making body is deliberately weighted to return a pro-Beijing majority, with only half the seats elected by popular vote.&nbsp;

The rest are chosen by industry bodies and special interest groups who reliably vote for pro-Beijing figures.

But pro-democracy parties had been hoping to capitalise on seething resentment towards Beijing's rule after huge pro-democracy protests last year.

Prior to this election, authorities had barred 18 democrats from running in local polls, according to a report by the rights group Civil Rights Observer.

At least six young candidates were barred from the previous legislative poll in 2016, including pro-independence leader Edward Leung, who has since been jailed on a rioting charge.

A dozen Hong Kong democracy activists were disqualified on Thursday from standing in September's legislative elections, a move decried by candidates as the most pressing assault yet on Beijing's critics in the city.

A dozen Hong Kong democracy activists were disqualified on Thursday from standing in September's legislative elections, a move decried by candidates as the most pressing assault yet on Beijing's critics in the city. Disqualified candidates included pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, one of the city's best known activists, and some members of the Civic Party and others who won an unofficial "primary" vote held by the opposition camp earlier this month. "Beijing shows a total disregard for the will of the Hongkongers, tramples upon the city's... autonomy and attempts to keep HK's legislature under its firm grip," Wong wrote in a tweet. 4. Clealy, #Beijing shows a total disregard for the will of the #Hongkongers, tramples upon the city’s last pillar of vanishing autonomy and attempts to keep #HK’s legislature under its firm grip. — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) July 30, 2020 × He described the move as "the biggest-ever crackdown" on the city's pro-democracy movement, saying authorities had disqualified "nearly all pro-democracy runners, from young progressive groups to traditional moderate parties". 3. Despite 610,000+ #Hongkongers voting in #HK’s primary, #Beijing now staged the biggest-ever crackdowns on the city’s election, by disqualifying nearly all pro-democracy runners, from young progressive groups to traditional moderate parties. pic.twitter.com/fW5yq1lHON — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) July 30, 2020 × Other prominent young activists like him who are staunchly critical of Beijing and were also disqualified included Gwyneth Ho, Lester Shum, Tiffany Yuen and Fergus Leung. Also read: Professor who criticised XI Jinping to fight prostitution charges: Lawyer Critics say the move is aimed at curbing the ascendancy of a young generation of democrats after an overwhelming win in last year's lower-level district council elections. The government said there could be more disqualifications.The Civic Party, one of the city's most prominent pro-democracy parties, said four of its members had been disqualified: Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Cheng Tat-hung. Hong Kong is run by pro-Beijing appointees, but the city is due to hold elections in early September for the Legislative Council. The 70-seat law-making body is deliberately weighted to return a pro-Beijing majority, with only half the seats elected by popular vote. The rest are chosen by industry bodies and special interest groups who reliably vote for pro-Beijing figures. But pro-democracy parties had been hoping to capitalise on seething resentment towards Beijing's rule after huge pro-democracy protests last year. Prior to this election, authorities had barred 18 democrats from running in local polls, according to a report by the rights group Civil Rights Observer. At least six young candidates were barred from the previous legislative poll in 2016, including pro-independence leader Edward Leung, who has since been jailed on a rioting charge.

Hong Kong bars 12 prominent democracy activists from election

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday, offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence.

Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban, as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February.

"In order for our people to spend the three days of Eid in confidence and happiness, all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.

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Statement of Islamic Emirate regarding ceasefire during Eid-ul-Adha<a href="https://t.co/ENVPKeiuUM">https://t.co/ENVPKeiuUM</a> <a href="https://t.co/FhAWiKXeQq">pic.twitter.com/FhAWiKXeQq</a>
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1288121256881975298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces, they will retaliate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-push-to-control-private-companies-aid-agencies-in-afghanistan-316358" hreflang="en">Taliban push to control private companies, aid agencies in Afghanistan</a>

The Afghan president's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, said the government welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations.

Since the US-Taliban agreement, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech on Tuesday.

The U.N. Assistance Mission in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;(UNAMA) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban.

The US&nbsp;State Department said last week that US&nbsp;Special Representative for&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;Zalmay Khalilzad would travel to the region to push for an agreement on prisoner exchanges and a reduction in violence.

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday, offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence.

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday, offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence. Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban, as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February. "In order for our people to spend the three days of Eid in confidence and happiness, all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted. Statement of Islamic Emirate regarding ceasefire during Eid-ul-Adhahttps://t.co/ENVPKeiuUM pic.twitter.com/FhAWiKXeQq — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) July 28, 2020 × However, he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces, they will retaliate. Also read: Taliban push to control private companies, aid agencies in Afghanistan The Afghan president's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, said the government welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations. Since the US-Taliban agreement, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech on Tuesday. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban. The US State Department said last week that US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad would travel to the region to push for an agreement on prisoner exchanges and a reduction in violence.

Taliban declare three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan for Eid al-Adha

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, India had formed bilateral air bubbles with countries such as the UAE, the US, Germany and France. Under the pact whereby an air bubble is established between two countries, the airlines of both are allowed to operate special international charter flights during certain restrictions.

Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Civil aviation access is a matter of reciprocal bilateral arrangements. As far as flights to &amp; from Hong Kong are concerned, the problem is that HK is not allowing flights from certain places of origin including India. <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> has applied for permission with the authorities.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1288492621191684097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Significant progress made on aviation access between India &amp; Kuwait. Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moca_goi</a> &amp; President of <a href="https://twitter.com/Kuwait_DGCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kuwait_DGCA</a> had useful &amp; productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1288492735259803651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and President of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation had useful and&nbsp;productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon," the ministry said.

Since May 6, international charter flights have been operated by Air India under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission.

The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the coronavirus pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, leave-without-pay and firings of employees in order to conserve cash.

India resumed domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines have been allowed to operate only a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights.

However, occupancy rate in Indian domestic flights has been around just 50-60 per cent since May 25.

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday.

Hong Kong is not allowing flights from India and the Centre is in discussions with the Kuwait government to establish a bilateral air bubble, said the Civil Aviation Ministry on Wednesday. Earlier this month, India had formed bilateral air bubbles with countries such as the UAE, the US, Germany and France. Under the pact whereby an air bubble is established between two countries, the airlines of both are allowed to operate special international charter flights during certain restrictions. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Civil aviation access is a matter of reciprocal bilateral arrangements. As far as flights to & from Hong Kong are concerned, the problem is that HK is not allowing flights from certain places of origin including India. @airindiain has applied for permission with the authorities. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) July 29, 2020 × Significant progress made on aviation access between India & Kuwait. Secretary @moca_goi & President of @Kuwait_DGCA had useful & productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) July 29, 2020 × "Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and President of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation had useful and productive discussions on several issues related with bilateral access between our two countries which will be resolved soon," the ministry said. Since May 6, international charter flights have been operated by Air India under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission. The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the coronavirus pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, leave-without-pay and firings of employees in order to conserve cash. India resumed domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines have been allowed to operate only a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-COVID domestic flights. However, occupancy rate in Indian domestic flights has been around just 50-60 per cent since May 25.

Hong Kong not allowing flights from India; discussions on with Kuwait on bilateral air bubble: Govt

A US government national security review of the social media app TikTok is nearly complete and will deliver a recommendation to the White House this week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

The comments marked the first time the US&nbsp;government has acknowledged that TikTok was under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which scrutinises deals by foreign acquirers for potential national security risks and is led by Treasury.

"TikTok is under CFIUS review and we'll be making a recommendation to the president on it this week," Mnuchin said. "We have lots of alternatives."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-republicans-worry-china-might-use-tiktok-to-meddle-in-election-316729" hreflang="en">US Republicans worry China might use TikTok to meddle in election</a>

The news comes amid increasing concerns voiced by US officials and lawmakers about TikTok's links to China and its potential use for espionage, an allegation consistently dismissed by the company.

In November last year, the app's Chinese parent company, Beijing ByteDance Technology Co was being probed by CFIUS over its $1 billion purchase of social media app Musical.ly, after lawmakers raised concerns over how it stores personal data as well as allegations of censorship.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-lawmakers-to-urge-government-to-put-curbs-on-tiktok-use-316682" hreflang="en">Japan lawmakers to urge government to put curbs on TikTok use</a>

A TikTok representative said the company could not comment on CFIUS matters, but added that TikTok was working to "develop a best-in-class security infrastructure" and promote a safe app experience.

The committee can force ByteDance to unwind the deal, or take other measures to mitigate the national security threat. Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday that ByteDance has received a proposal from some of its investors, including Sequoia and General Atlantic, to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to them. Some ByteDance investors are valuing the popular app at about $50 billion.

Flanked by Mnuchin, President Donald Trump said before leaving the White House on a trip to Texas that "we are looking at TikTok."

The company is under fire in Washington, as relations between the Trump administration and Beijing have grown chilly over the coronavirus and China's moves against Hong Kong. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the administration was considering banning the app, and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said earlier this month that action was coming in weeks.

A US government national security review of the social media app TikTok is nearly complete and will deliver a recommendation to the White House this week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday.

A US government national security review of the social media app TikTok is nearly complete and will deliver a recommendation to the White House this week, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday. The comments marked the first time the US government has acknowledged that TikTok was under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which scrutinises deals by foreign acquirers for potential national security risks and is led by Treasury. "TikTok is under CFIUS review and we'll be making a recommendation to the president on it this week," Mnuchin said. "We have lots of alternatives." Also read: US Republicans worry China might use TikTok to meddle in election The news comes amid increasing concerns voiced by US officials and lawmakers about TikTok's links to China and its potential use for espionage, an allegation consistently dismissed by the company. In November last year, the app's Chinese parent company, Beijing ByteDance Technology Co was being probed by CFIUS over its $1 billion purchase of social media app Musical.ly, after lawmakers raised concerns over how it stores personal data as well as allegations of censorship. Also read: Japan lawmakers to urge government to put curbs on TikTok use A TikTok representative said the company could not comment on CFIUS matters, but added that TikTok was working to "develop a best-in-class security infrastructure" and promote a safe app experience. The committee can force ByteDance to unwind the deal, or take other measures to mitigate the national security threat. Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday that ByteDance has received a proposal from some of its investors, including Sequoia and General Atlantic, to transfer majority ownership of TikTok to them. Some ByteDance investors are valuing the popular app at about $50 billion. Flanked by Mnuchin, President Donald Trump said before leaving the White House on a trip to Texas that "we are looking at TikTok." The company is under fire in Washington, as relations between the Trump administration and Beijing have grown chilly over the coronavirus and China's moves against Hong Kong. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the administration was considering banning the app, and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said earlier this month that action was coming in weeks.

National security recommendation on TikTok due this week: US Treasury

Russia said Wednesday that it plans to begin production of two "promising" coronavirus vaccines in September and October as Moscow races to develop a formula before Western countries.

At a meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova singled out two vaccines under development by a research institute in Moscow and a lab in Siberia.

"Today there are two vaccines that are the most promising," Golikova said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intends-to-be-worlds-first-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-by-mid-august-316643" hreflang="en">Russia intends to be world's first approval of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-August</a>

Production of the first, which is being tested by the Moscow-based Gamaleya institute and the defence ministry, is set for September, Golikova said.

Another vaccine being developed by the Vektor State labratory near the Siberian city of Novosibirsk should be launched in October, she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/profit-above-human-lives-us-uk-and-europe-lock-vaccines-in-advance-316543" hreflang="en">Profit above human lives? US, UK and Europe lock vaccines in advance</a>

Russia, which has the world's fourth-largest coronavirus caseload, hopes to be the first country to produce a vaccine.

Scientists in the West have raised concerns about the speed of development of Russian vaccines, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners after coming under pressure from the authorities to deliver.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said it was important to achieve a finished product in a "careful and balanced way."

"One should be absolutely certain in a vaccine," he said.

Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund which is financing the Gamaleya trials, said the country hoped to be the first to approve a vaccine.

"It's a Sputnik moment," he told US broadcaster CNN, referring to the launch in 1957 of the world's first space satellite by Russia.&nbsp;

Russia said Wednesday that it plans to begin production of two "promising" coronavirus vaccines in September and October as Moscow races to develop a formula before Western countries.

Russia said Wednesday that it plans to begin production of two "promising" coronavirus vaccines in September and October as Moscow races to develop a formula before Western countries. At a meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova singled out two vaccines under development by a research institute in Moscow and a lab in Siberia. "Today there are two vaccines that are the most promising," Golikova said. Also read: Russia intends to be world's first approval of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-August Production of the first, which is being tested by the Moscow-based Gamaleya institute and the defence ministry, is set for September, Golikova said. Another vaccine being developed by the Vektor State labratory near the Siberian city of Novosibirsk should be launched in October, she added. Also read: Profit above human lives? US, UK and Europe lock vaccines in advance Russia, which has the world's fourth-largest coronavirus caseload, hopes to be the first country to produce a vaccine. Scientists in the West have raised concerns about the speed of development of Russian vaccines, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners after coming under pressure from the authorities to deliver. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said it was important to achieve a finished product in a "careful and balanced way." "One should be absolutely certain in a vaccine," he said. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund which is financing the Gamaleya trials, said the country hoped to be the first to approve a vaccine. "It's a Sputnik moment," he told US broadcaster CNN, referring to the launch in 1957 of the world's first space satellite by Russia.

Russia vows 'promising' coronavirus vaccines in September

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday.

Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany, some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 others will be moved to other NATO countries. The&nbsp;key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO's southeastern flank near the Black Sea, Esper said.

According to Esper some troops could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873">Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany</a>

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had&nbsp;ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany which raised concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region.

The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance.

In May, the then US ambassador to Germany,&nbsp;Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday.

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday. Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany, some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 others will be moved to other NATO countries. The key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO's southeastern flank near the Black Sea, Esper said. According to Esper some troops could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides. Also read: Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany Earlier, US President Donald Trump had ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany which raised concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region. The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance. In May, the then US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.

US to move 11,900 troops out from Germany says Pentagon

After the United States, Canada has also received mysterious packages of seeds&nbsp;that appears to have come&nbsp;from China.

The Canadian food inspection agency is warning Canadians not to plant packages of “unsolicited” seeds.

The agency said in a statement that these seeds can contain invasive species and can be harmful to agricultural and natural areas.

“Do not plant seeds from unknown origins,” the CFIA wrote in the statement. “Unauthorized seeds could be the seeds of invasive plants, or carry plant pests, which can be harmful when introduced into Canada.”

In a tweet, the Ontario provincial police said the foreign seeds are typically sent from China or Taiwan.

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If you receive an unsolicited shipment of foreign seeds in the mail from China or Taiwan DO NOT plant or dispose of them. Call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at 519 691-1306 or 1 800 442-2342. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive &amp; threaten our environment. ^kj <a href="https://t.co/n5hvlFS1W8">pic.twitter.com/n5hvlFS1W8</a>
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The CFIA is urging anyone who receives these seeds to contact their regional cfia office and keep the package until an inspector contacts you.

The US&nbsp;Department of Agriculture&nbsp; issued a similar warning on Tuesday, stating it’s believed the seeds are part of a “brushing scam,” in which a seller sends someone a cheap product or empty box, then uses that shipment information to create a fake review for the company, which can boost its rating on e-commerce sites.

<img alt="Packages of unidentified seeds which appear to have been mailed from China " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcbca6d3-b78f-41d9-b81c-f1f64458f92d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2815%29_21.jpg" />

Packages of unidentified&nbsp;seeds&nbsp;which appear to have been mailed from China to US&nbsp;postal addresses are seen at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) in Olympia, Washington/&nbsp;Reuters

USDA&nbsp;said it is collecting the seeds from those who’ve received them for further testing.

Beijing's relations with Canada and Washington have deteriorated this year to what experts say is their lowest level in decades over issues ranging from trade and technology to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday China's postal service strictly abides by restrictions on sending&nbsp;seeds.

Records on the packages appear to have been falsified, according to checks by China's postal service, which has asked for them to be sent to China for investigation, he said at a daily news briefing.

US&nbsp;states, including Washington and Alabama, labeled the shipments as "agricultural smuggling." Photos distributed by state agriculture departments show&nbsp;seeds&nbsp;of different sizes, shapes and colors in white or yellow envelopes.

State officials said some packages were labeled as jewelry and may have contained Chinese writing. They asked recipients to keep the&nbsp;seeds&nbsp;in sealed plastic bags until authorities collect them.

After the United States, Canada has also received mysterious packages of seeds that appears to have come from China. The Canadian food inspection agency is warning Canadians not to plant packages of “unsolicited” seeds.

After the United States, Canada has also received mysterious packages of seeds that appears to have come from China. The Canadian food inspection agency is warning Canadians not to plant packages of “unsolicited” seeds. The agency said in a statement that these seeds can contain invasive species and can be harmful to agricultural and natural areas. “Do not plant seeds from unknown origins,” the CFIA wrote in the statement. “Unauthorized seeds could be the seeds of invasive plants, or carry plant pests, which can be harmful when introduced into Canada.” In a tweet, the Ontario provincial police said the foreign seeds are typically sent from China or Taiwan. If you receive an unsolicited shipment of foreign seeds in the mail from China or Taiwan DO NOT plant or dispose of them. Call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) at 519 691-1306 or 1 800 442-2342. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive & threaten our environment. ^kj pic.twitter.com/n5hvlFS1W8 — OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 28, 2020 × The CFIA is urging anyone who receives these seeds to contact their regional cfia office and keep the package until an inspector contacts you. The US Department of Agriculture issued a similar warning on Tuesday, stating it’s believed the seeds are part of a “brushing scam,” in which a seller sends someone a cheap product or empty box, then uses that shipment information to create a fake review for the company, which can boost its rating on e-commerce sites. Packages of unidentified seeds which appear to have been mailed from China to US postal addresses are seen at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) in Olympia, Washington/ Reuters USDA said it is collecting the seeds from those who’ve received them for further testing. Beijing's relations with Canada and Washington have deteriorated this year to what experts say is their lowest level in decades over issues ranging from trade and technology to the coronavirus pandemic. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday China's postal service strictly abides by restrictions on sending seeds. Records on the packages appear to have been falsified, according to checks by China's postal service, which has asked for them to be sent to China for investigation, he said at a daily news briefing. US states, including Washington and Alabama, labeled the shipments as "agricultural smuggling." Photos distributed by state agriculture departments show seeds of different sizes, shapes and colors in white or yellow envelopes. State officials said some packages were labeled as jewelry and may have contained Chinese writing. They asked recipients to keep the seeds in sealed plastic bags until authorities collect them.

After US, Canada receives mysterious packages of seeds from China

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe.

The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-deploys-disaster-teams-to-virus-hit-care-homes-316704" hreflang="en">Australia deploys disaster teams to virus-hit care homes</a>

“Naming a species is the first step to understanding that species,” said CSIRO entomologist Dr Bryan Lessard. “Without a scientific name, these species are invisible to science.”

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Morning <a href="https://twitter.com/chrishemsworth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chrishemsworth</a>! Check out your new assassin fly species 'bronteflavus', meaning blond thunder named by <a href="https://twitter.com/TheScienceRobin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheScienceRobin</a> from our team at <a href="https://twitter.com/CSIRO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSIRO</a>. <a href="https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ">https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/YR2LFeVYVD">pic.twitter.com/YR2LFeVYVD</a>
— Dr Bryan Lessard (@BrytheFlyGuy) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrytheFlyGuy/status/1288254952070995968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Stan Lee’s fly was named for characteristic markings that look like the comic titan’s sunglasses and white moustache, while the Deadpool’s fly has marks on its back that resemble the character’s red-and-black mask, CSIRO said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-australia-seek-new-military-cooperation-as-tensions-soar-with-china-316595">US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China</a>

“We chose the name Humorolethalis sergius,” Lessard said, referring to the Deadpool’s fly. “It sounds like lethal humour and is derived from the Latin words humorosus, meaning wet or moist, and lethalis meaning dead.”

All five species are robber flies, which are assassins of the insect world, according to CSIRO.

While two species are named after wise-cracking anti-hero Deadpool and another after superhero creator Stan Lee, the other three are named for Marvel characters Loki, Thor and Black Widow.

Naming new species is fun but can also be vital for saving human lives and species, said CSIRO bee and wasp expert Dr Juanita Rodriguez.

“We discovered a new species of spider wasp that is only found in an area badly impacted by bushfires this summer, so now we can carefully monitor its recovery,” Rodriguez said. “Spider wasps have venom that could be useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.”

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe. The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report.

Australian scientists said on Wednesday they have given five fly species scientific names that pay tribute to the Marvel comic universe. The five flies were part of 165 discoveries named by the scientists over the past year, which included two fish, three subspecies of bird, and even a mite that lives on a lizard, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said in a report. Also read: Australia deploys disaster teams to virus-hit care homes “Naming a species is the first step to understanding that species,” said CSIRO entomologist Dr Bryan Lessard. “Without a scientific name, these species are invisible to science.” Morning @chrishemsworth! Check out your new assassin fly species 'bronteflavus', meaning blond thunder named by @TheScienceRobin from our team at @CSIRO. https://t.co/DYzePzZruQ pic.twitter.com/YR2LFeVYVD — Dr Bryan Lessard (@BrytheFlyGuy) July 28, 2020 × The Stan Lee’s fly was named for characteristic markings that look like the comic titan’s sunglasses and white moustache, while the Deadpool’s fly has marks on its back that resemble the character’s red-and-black mask, CSIRO said. Also read: US, Australia seek new military cooperation as tensions soar with China “We chose the name Humorolethalis sergius,” Lessard said, referring to the Deadpool’s fly. “It sounds like lethal humour and is derived from the Latin words humorosus, meaning wet or moist, and lethalis meaning dead.” All five species are robber flies, which are assassins of the insect world, according to CSIRO. While two species are named after wise-cracking anti-hero Deadpool and another after superhero creator Stan Lee, the other three are named for Marvel characters Loki, Thor and Black Widow. Naming new species is fun but can also be vital for saving human lives and species, said CSIRO bee and wasp expert Dr Juanita Rodriguez. “We discovered a new species of spider wasp that is only found in an area badly impacted by bushfires this summer, so now we can carefully monitor its recovery,” Rodriguez said. “Spider wasps have venom that could be useful for treating Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.”

Australia names new species of flies after Marvel superheroes

A cafe&nbsp;on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its&nbsp;‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism.

While the African&nbsp;ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese&nbsp;lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes.

A July 20 tweet calling for a boycott of Le Poussin Bleu (The Blue Chick) in Saint-Rapha&nbsp;for its racist ice creams had by Tuesday got tens of thousands of likes and retweets.

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Restaurant le Poussin Bleu à St Raphaël et leur sélection de glaces, c’est particulièrement raciste... non ? <a href="https://t.co/rdwp6rO4Wi">pic.twitter.com/rdwp6rO4Wi</a>
— Stioucha (@stioucha) <a href="https://twitter.com/stioucha/status/1157250985674326017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a response on Facebook titled ''the African and the Chinese struck down by social networks,''&nbsp;the cafe&nbsp;owners said they were expunging the ice creams from their menu ''after this storm of violence and insults.''

The ice creams were already on the menu when the current owners in 1986 took over the cafe&nbsp;opened in 1947.

''We are not 'racist.'' We respect everyone!''&nbsp;they wrote in their Facebook post.

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Naively, we kept these ice creams as they were, without any bad thoughts. They surely date from the colonial era but past history has made the France of today."

''These ice creams have given pleasure to many generations of families of different origins. If they have bothered a few people recently we are sorry.''&nbsp;the owners added.

&nbsp;

A cafe on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism. While the African ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes.

A cafe on France's Cote d'Azur is now pulling its ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts from its menu, responding to accusations of racism. While the African ice cream dessert was topped by a chocolate-covered meringue ball decorated with thick red lips, the Chinese lemon sorbet had a yellow meringue head, with thinly drawn eyes. A July 20 tweet calling for a boycott of Le Poussin Bleu (The Blue Chick) in Saint-Rapha for its racist ice creams had by Tuesday got tens of thousands of likes and retweets. Restaurant le Poussin Bleu à St Raphaël et leur sélection de glaces, c’est particulièrement raciste... non ? pic.twitter.com/rdwp6rO4Wi — Stioucha (@stioucha) August 2, 2019 × In a response on Facebook titled ''the African and the Chinese struck down by social networks,'' the cafe owners said they were expunging the ice creams from their menu ''after this storm of violence and insults.'' The ice creams were already on the menu when the current owners in 1986 took over the cafe opened in 1947. ''We are not 'racist.'' We respect everyone!'' they wrote in their Facebook post. Naively, we kept these ice creams as they were, without any bad thoughts. They surely date from the colonial era but past history has made the France of today." ''These ice creams have given pleasure to many generations of families of different origins. If they have bothered a few people recently we are sorry.'' the owners added.

Racist ice cream? French cafe pulls ‘Chinese’ and ‘African’ desserts after outcry

A triptych of a Mediterranean shipwreck donated by British street artist Banksy raised nearly $3 million on Tuesday at a Sotheby's auction held to raise funds for a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank.

The trio of highly stylised paintings by the mysterious artist shows orange life vests and an oar washed up on a rocky shore.

They first appeared in the Walled Off Hotel that Banksy helped set up in the Israeli-occupied city of Bethlehem in 2017.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-arrests-six-over-banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-309045">France arrests six over Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan</a>

The "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" was seen as Bansky's stern judgement on Europe's hesitant response to the migrant crisis that peaked some five years ago.

Tens of thousands are thought to have died as European countries on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas turned away people fleeing violent conflicts across North Africa and the Middle East.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-paints-mural-on-tube-to-encourage-people-to-wear-masks-313386">Banksy paints mural on Tube to encourage people to wear masks</a>

"This work juxtaposes an historic fine art genre with grim contemporaneity," Sotheby's said in its sales listing for the work.

"Though posing as eighteenth or nineteenth-century paintings of the 'Natural Sublime', the present work undermines and subverts the viewer's expectations to broach a difficult contemporary issue."

It officially raised $2.9 million or&nbsp;2.5 million euros, well shy of the record £9.9 million set for a Banksy in October when his "Devolved Parliament" painting went under the hammer in the middle of Britain's Brexit struggle with the EU.

Banksy donated the triptych to raise money for a new stroke unit and to buy children's rehabilitation equipment at the Bethlehem hospital.

"We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources, but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian immigrant," he said in a rare public comment on the piece.

"Apple is the world's most profitable company... and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs".

Banksy depicted Jobs in a work entitled "The Son of a Migrant from Syria" that showed him carrying a knapsack and an Apple computer.

The sale came in the middle of a broader virtual auction Sotheby's was staging from its London gallery entitled "Rembrandt to Richter Evening Sale".

One of only three self-portraits by Rembrandt still in private hands sold for £14.5 million, a record for one of the Dutch master's famous depictions of himself.

A triptych of a Mediterranean shipwreck donated by British street artist Banksy raised nearly $3 million on Tuesday at a Sotheby's auction held to raise funds for a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank.

A triptych of a Mediterranean shipwreck donated by British street artist Banksy raised nearly $3 million on Tuesday at a Sotheby's auction held to raise funds for a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank. The trio of highly stylised paintings by the mysterious artist shows orange life vests and an oar washed up on a rocky shore. They first appeared in the Walled Off Hotel that Banksy helped set up in the Israeli-occupied city of Bethlehem in 2017. Also read: France arrests six over Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan The "Mediterranean Sea View 2017" was seen as Bansky's stern judgement on Europe's hesitant response to the migrant crisis that peaked some five years ago. Tens of thousands are thought to have died as European countries on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas turned away people fleeing violent conflicts across North Africa and the Middle East. Also read: Banksy paints mural on Tube to encourage people to wear masks "This work juxtaposes an historic fine art genre with grim contemporaneity," Sotheby's said in its sales listing for the work. "Though posing as eighteenth or nineteenth-century paintings of the 'Natural Sublime', the present work undermines and subverts the viewer's expectations to broach a difficult contemporary issue." It officially raised $2.9 million or 2.5 million euros, well shy of the record £9.9 million set for a Banksy in October when his "Devolved Parliament" painting went under the hammer in the middle of Britain's Brexit struggle with the EU. Banksy donated the triptych to raise money for a new stroke unit and to buy children's rehabilitation equipment at the Bethlehem hospital. "We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources, but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian immigrant," he said in a rare public comment on the piece. "Apple is the world's most profitable company... and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs". Banksy depicted Jobs in a work entitled "The Son of a Migrant from Syria" that showed him carrying a knapsack and an Apple computer. The sale came in the middle of a broader virtual auction Sotheby's was staging from its London gallery entitled "Rembrandt to Richter Evening Sale". One of only three self-portraits by Rembrandt still in private hands sold for £14.5 million, a record for one of the Dutch master's famous depictions of himself.

Banksy altered sea view triptych fetches $2.9 million at auction

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud.

Li Shengwu, an academic at Harvard University, was also fined $11,000&nbsp;by the High Court over the 2017 post in which he described the Singapore government as "very litigious and has a pliant court system".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-anti-viral-drug-for-covid-19-patients-304800">Singapore approves anti-viral drug for COVID-19 patients</a>

Shengwu's case involved a private Facebook post in 2017 in which he said the Singapore government was "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Earlier this year, he said he had opted not to participate in the proceedings against him.

His 2017 post came amid a bitter public feud among the children of the island’s founding father,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Kuan Yew, including the current prime minister,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Loong, and Li's father,&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Yang.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/singapore-to-test-all-above-13-with-respiratory-issues-for-covid-19-from-july-1-308799">Singapore to test all above 13 with respiratory issues for COVID-19 from July 1</a>

"Apparently the court has rendered judgement on my case today ... I disagree with the judgement," Li said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Li is the eldest son of business executive&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Yang, who has been at loggerheads with his brother, Prime Minister&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Hsien&nbsp;Loong, over their father's legacy.

He made the Facebook post as the family feud raged publicly following the death of the&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;patriarch in 2015. The spat pitted his father and aunt against his prime minister uncle.

The Attorney-General's Chambers had described his post as "an egregious and baseless attack on the Singapore Judiciary" and lodged contempt proceedings against him.

A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court confirmed there had been a judgement in the case on Wednesday but could not immediately provide details.

He will have to serve a week's jail if he does not pay, Justice Kannan Ramesh said in the judgement, although Li is currently living in the United States.

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud.

A grandson of Singapore's founding leader Lee Kuan Yew and nephew of the current prime minister was convicted Wednesday of contempt of court over a Facebook post criticising the judiciary during a bitter family feud. Li Shengwu, an academic at Harvard University, was also fined $11,000 by the High Court over the 2017 post in which he described the Singapore government as "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Also read: Singapore approves anti-viral drug for COVID-19 patients Shengwu's case involved a private Facebook post in 2017 in which he said the Singapore government was "very litigious and has a pliant court system". Earlier this year, he said he had opted not to participate in the proceedings against him. His 2017 post came amid a bitter public feud among the children of the island’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, including the current prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, and Li's father, Lee Hsien Yang. Also read: Singapore to test all above 13 with respiratory issues for COVID-19 from July 1 "Apparently the court has rendered judgement on my case today ... I disagree with the judgement," Li said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Li is the eldest son of business executive Lee Hsien Yang, who has been at loggerheads with his brother, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, over their father's legacy. He made the Facebook post as the family feud raged publicly following the death of the Lee patriarch in 2015. The spat pitted his father and aunt against his prime minister uncle. The Attorney-General's Chambers had described his post as "an egregious and baseless attack on the Singapore Judiciary" and lodged contempt proceedings against him. A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court confirmed there had been a judgement in the case on Wednesday but could not immediately provide details. He will have to serve a week's jail if he does not pay, Justice Kannan Ramesh said in the judgement, although Li is currently living in the United States.

Singapore PM's nephew found guilty of contempt, fined $11,000

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated."

In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a>

Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols.&nbsp;

The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-countries-where-environmental-activism-could-get-you-killed-316724" hreflang="en">Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed</a>

In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said.&nbsp;

In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims.

"Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch.

The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul. "The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated." In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia". Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols. The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report. Also see: Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said. In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts. Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims. "Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police

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