Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday&nbsp;to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.N.&nbsp;warnings that the lives of Syrian civilians depend on the cross-border access.

Germany and Belgium, two of the council's non-permanent members, had drafted the resolution, which would have allowed aid to continue to pass through two points on the Turkish border without interference from Damascus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-russia-faces-chinas-ire-over-vladivostok-founding-day-celebrations-310368">Now, Russia faces China's ire over Vladivostok founding day celebrations</a>

The&nbsp;six-year long operation is currently authorized until Friday, so another draft resolution could still be put forward.

Beyond Russia and China, the other 13 council members voted to approve the draft, the diplomats said.

During negotiations, Moscow had asked that the extension be limited to six months, rather than a year, and that it only be allowed at one border crossing, not two, they said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-shows-greater-interest-in-syria-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-and-deteriorating-ties-with-the-us-305295">China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US</a>

"The draft resolution has not been adopted," Germany's UN ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the acting president of the body in July, confirmed in a letter to Council members.&nbsp;

Immediately after the vote, Russia proposed its own draft resolution.

Diplomats said Syrian allies Russia and China only want to approve one Turkish crossing for aid access for six months.

It repeats the call for a six-month extension, underlines the improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid under the control of the Syrian regime, and excludes one of the two entry points into Syria,&nbsp;Bab al-Salam, from the mechanism.

The results of a vote on that resolution will be known on Wednesday.

Authorization for cross-border humanitarian aid has existed since 2014, with periodic extensions.&nbsp;

Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.

Russia and China cast vetoes on Tuesday to block the U.N. Security Council from extending its approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey for a year, despite U.N. warnings that the lives of Syrian civilians depend on the cross-border access. Germany and Belgium, two of the council's non-permanent members, had drafted the resolution, which would have allowed aid to continue to pass through two points on the Turkish border without interference from Damascus. Also read: Now, Russia faces China's ire over Vladivostok founding day celebrations The six-year long operation is currently authorized until Friday, so another draft resolution could still be put forward. Beyond Russia and China, the other 13 council members voted to approve the draft, the diplomats said. During negotiations, Moscow had asked that the extension be limited to six months, rather than a year, and that it only be allowed at one border crossing, not two, they said. Also read: China shows greater interest in Syria amid coronavirus pandemic and deteriorating ties with the US "The draft resolution has not been adopted," Germany's UN ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the acting president of the body in July, confirmed in a letter to Council members. Immediately after the vote, Russia proposed its own draft resolution. Diplomats said Syrian allies Russia and China only want to approve one Turkish crossing for aid access for six months. It repeats the call for a six-month extension, underlines the improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid under the control of the Syrian regime, and excludes one of the two entry points into Syria, Bab al-Salam, from the mechanism. The results of a vote on that resolution will be known on Wednesday. Authorization for cross-border humanitarian aid has existed since 2014, with periodic extensions.

Russia, China veto UN extension of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey

Microsoft&nbsp;and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law.

Microsoft&nbsp;and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessing-user-data-311243" hreflang="en">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data</a>

"As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications,"&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;said.

"In the past, we've typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review."

Zoom a video-conferencing platform that has boom during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-security-a-red-line-hong-kong-leader-says-311354" hreflang="en">National security a 'red line', Hong Kong leader says</a>

"Zoom supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas," the company said. "We have paused processing any data requests from, and related to, Hong Kong SAR."

The pause at leading online social network Facebook and its popular messaging service WhatsApp will remain in place "pending further assessment" of the new national security law, and include "formal human rights due diligence and consultations with human rights experts," according to the Silicon Valley giant.

"We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions," the spokesman said.

Twitter and Google said that they too would not comply with information requests by Hong Kong authorities in the immediate future.

China last week imposed the security law on the city of around 7.5 million people, banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

The law stipulates that trials can be held behind closed doors without juries, with offenders subject to a maximum of a life sentence.

The legislation, which has sent a wave of fear through the territory, has criminalized dissenting opinions such as calls for independence or autonomy.

Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law.

Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong's government for information on users in the wake of China's imposition of a sweeping new security law. Microsoft and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter. Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data "As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications," Microsoft said. "In the past, we've typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review." Zoom a video-conferencing platform that has boom during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government. Also read: National security a 'red line', Hong Kong leader says "Zoom supports the free and open exchange of thoughts and ideas," the company said. "We have paused processing any data requests from, and related to, Hong Kong SAR." The pause at leading online social network Facebook and its popular messaging service WhatsApp will remain in place "pending further assessment" of the new national security law, and include "formal human rights due diligence and consultations with human rights experts," according to the Silicon Valley giant. "We believe freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and support the right of people to express themselves without fear for their safety or other repercussions," the spokesman said. Twitter and Google said that they too would not comply with information requests by Hong Kong authorities in the immediate future. China last week imposed the security law on the city of around 7.5 million people, banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. The law stipulates that trials can be held behind closed doors without juries, with offenders subject to a maximum of a life sentence. The legislation, which has sent a wave of fear through the territory, has criminalized dissenting opinions such as calls for independence or autonomy.

National security law: Now, Microsoft and Zoom pause requests for Hong Kong data

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.N. Health agency announced Wednesday.

This success is encouraging and demonstrates the importance of joint efforts&nbsp;in combating diseases as the world grapples with the coronavirus, WHO South-East Asia regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement.

A country is considered to have eliminated measles and rubella when there is no evidence of endemic transmission of the viruses for more than three years and there is a well- performing surveillance system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-admits-covid-19-may-be-airborne-though-didnt-confirmed-311594/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maldives reported its last endemic case of measles in 2009 and rubella in October 2015, while Sri Lanka reported its last endemic case of measles in May 2016 and rubella in March 2017.

WHO praised the efforts of countries in the region to continue vaccinating children while battling the coronavirus pandemic. It said all of the countries in recent years have introduced two doses of measles vaccine and at least one dose of rubella vaccine in their routine immunisation programmes.

First-dose coverage of measles vaccine is now 88 per cent and second-dose coverage 76 per cent&nbsp;in the region, WHO said. Since 2017, nearly 500 million more children in the region have been vaccinated for measles and rubella, it said.

Last September, the 11 countries in WHO's South-East Asia region set 2023 as a target for the elimination of measles and rubella. The countries in the WHO region are Bangladesh, Bhutan, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, North Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

WHO said Bhutan, East Timor and North Korea have succeeded in eliminating measles.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.

Sri Lanka and Maldives have become the first two countries in the World Health Organisation's South-East Asia region to eliminate both measles and rubella ahead of a 2023 target, the U.N. Health agency announced Wednesday. This success is encouraging and demonstrates the importance of joint efforts in combating diseases as the world grapples with the coronavirus, WHO South-East Asia regional director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said in a statement. A country is considered to have eliminated measles and rubella when there is no evidence of endemic transmission of the viruses for more than three years and there is a well- performing surveillance system. Maldives reported its last endemic case of measles in 2009 and rubella in October 2015, while Sri Lanka reported its last endemic case of measles in May 2016 and rubella in March 2017. WHO praised the efforts of countries in the region to continue vaccinating children while battling the coronavirus pandemic. It said all of the countries in recent years have introduced two doses of measles vaccine and at least one dose of rubella vaccine in their routine immunisation programmes. First-dose coverage of measles vaccine is now 88 per cent and second-dose coverage 76 per cent in the region, WHO said. Since 2017, nearly 500 million more children in the region have been vaccinated for measles and rubella, it said. Last September, the 11 countries in WHO's South-East Asia region set 2023 as a target for the elimination of measles and rubella. The countries in the WHO region are Bangladesh, Bhutan, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, North Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. WHO said Bhutan, East Timor and North Korea have succeeded in eliminating measles.

WHO says Sri Lanka and Maldives eliminate measles, rubella

A Pakistani court has dismissed three identical petitions challenging the construction of the first Hindu temple in the country's capital.

A single bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justice Aamer Farooq, delivered the judgement late on Tuesday, making it clear that there was no bar on the Institute of Hindu Panchayat (IHP), which was allotted the land for the construction of the temple, to build it using its own funds.

The court had on Monday reserved the judgement on the matter.

As per plans, the Krishna temple is supposed to come up in a 20,000 sq ft plot in the capital's H-9 administrative division.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-to-get-its-first-hindu-temple-and-crematorium-73-years-after-the-birth-of-pakistan-308191">Islamabad to get its first Hindu temple and crematorium 73 years after the birth of Pakistan</a>

The groundbreaking ceremony for the temple was performed recently by Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), a ruling ally of the Imran Khan government, has opposed the construction of the temple, asking its coalition partner to scrap the project as it is "against the spirit of Islam".

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/making-hindu-temple-in-islamabad-is-against-the-spirit-of-islam-pakistani-politician-310028"> Making 'Hindu temple' in Islamabad is against the spirit of Islam: Pakistani politician</a>

The petitioners had asked the court to annul the construction of the temple and allotment of a piece of land by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for it in Islamabad, pleading that there was no provision for the same in the master plan of the national capital.

The court rejected it saying that it was up to the CDA to decide the purpose of land.

It also rejected the petitioners' claim that Rs 100 million was paid by the government for the construction of the temple and noted that the matter has rather been referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for opinion.

The CDA last week stopped the construction of the boundary wall on the plot meant for the temple citing legal reasons.

The CDA, during arguments, clarified that the plot was allotted after consultations with all departments but its construction was stopped as the builder failed to provide a detailed design.

The court, in its five-page judgment, also noted that according to the CDA, the land was allotted to the IHP in 2017 for the construction of a temple, community centre and crematorium in Sector H-9 where graveyards of other minority communities already exist.

The sub sector H-9/2 was designated by the authority for the purpose of allocating plots to minorities.

Since the construction was put on hold, ?hence the grievance of the petitioners on the specific issue stand allayed and has become infructuous, for the time being,? the court said.

A Pakistani court has dismissed three identical petitions challenging the construction of the first Hindu temple in the country's capital. A single bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justice Aamer Farooq, delivered the judgement late on Tuesday, making it clear that there was no bar on the Institute of Hindu Panchayat (IHP), which was allotted the land for the construction of the temple, to build it using its own funds.

A Pakistani court has dismissed three identical petitions challenging the construction of the first Hindu temple in the country's capital. A single bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), comprising Justice Aamer Farooq, delivered the judgement late on Tuesday, making it clear that there was no bar on the Institute of Hindu Panchayat (IHP), which was allotted the land for the construction of the temple, to build it using its own funds. The court had on Monday reserved the judgement on the matter. As per plans, the Krishna temple is supposed to come up in a 20,000 sq ft plot in the capital's H-9 administrative division. Also read: Islamabad to get its first Hindu temple and crematorium 73 years after the birth of Pakistan The groundbreaking ceremony for the temple was performed recently by Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi. The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), a ruling ally of the Imran Khan government, has opposed the construction of the temple, asking its coalition partner to scrap the project as it is "against the spirit of Islam". Also read| Making 'Hindu temple' in Islamabad is against the spirit of Islam: Pakistani politician The petitioners had asked the court to annul the construction of the temple and allotment of a piece of land by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for it in Islamabad, pleading that there was no provision for the same in the master plan of the national capital. The court rejected it saying that it was up to the CDA to decide the purpose of land. It also rejected the petitioners' claim that Rs 100 million was paid by the government for the construction of the temple and noted that the matter has rather been referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for opinion. The CDA last week stopped the construction of the boundary wall on the plot meant for the temple citing legal reasons. The CDA, during arguments, clarified that the plot was allotted after consultations with all departments but its construction was stopped as the builder failed to provide a detailed design. The court, in its five-page judgment, also noted that according to the CDA, the land was allotted to the IHP in 2017 for the construction of a temple, community centre and crematorium in Sector H-9 where graveyards of other minority communities already exist. The sub sector H-9/2 was designated by the authority for the purpose of allocating plots to minorities. Since the construction was put on hold, ?hence the grievance of the petitioners on the specific issue stand allayed and has become infructuous, for the time being,? the court said.

Pak court rejects petitions challenging construction of first Hindu temple in Islamabad

The French government&nbsp;said on Wednesday that any new lockdown will be targeted, and not imposed nationwide, if there is a major new coronavirus outbreak.

"My aim is to prepare&nbsp;France&nbsp;for an eventual second wave, while preserving our daily life, our economic and social life," new Prime Minister Jean Castex said in an interview.

"But we're not going to impose a lockdown like the one we did last March, because we've learned... that the economic and human consequences from a total lockdown are disastrous," he said.

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The previous French government enforced a strict nationwide lockdown from mid-March to May 11 to try to curb the spread of COVID-19, and some restrictions on public gatherings are still in place.

"We must be ready for a second wave, but we would not proceed to a general lockdown like in March, as that has terrible economic and human consequences. Any new lockdown would be targeted," Castex told BFM television.

Castex, who was a civil servant and used to be an adviser to former President Nicolas Sarkozy, was appointed prime minister on Friday. He has put together a new team for the remaining two years of centrist President Emmanuel Macron's mandate.

Castex appointed some ministers on Monday. He said he would complete the formation of his government with the nomination of junior ministers next week.

He also said that talks with unions and employers about Macron's wide-ranging pension reforms - which were halted during the lockdown - would resume before July 20.

He said the delay was not necessarily a bad thing.

"Sometimes, when you lose two or three months, that is actually time won ... we need to reopen the dialogue," he said.

Castex confirmed his government would commit 7.5 billion euros to raise the wages of hospital workers but said he would resist union calls to boost that to 9 billion, saying that state finances are under stress because of the coronavirus crisis.

The French government said on Wednesday that any new lockdown will be targeted, and not imposed nationwide, if there is a major new coronavirus outbreak. "My aim is to prepare France for an eventual second wave, while preserving our daily life, our economic and social life," new Prime Minister Jean Castex said in an interview.

The French government said on Wednesday that any new lockdown will be targeted, and not imposed nationwide, if there is a major new coronavirus outbreak. "My aim is to prepare France for an eventual second wave, while preserving our daily life, our economic and social life," new Prime Minister Jean Castex said in an interview. "But we're not going to impose a lockdown like the one we did last March, because we've learned... that the economic and human consequences from a total lockdown are disastrous," he said. The previous French government enforced a strict nationwide lockdown from mid-March to May 11 to try to curb the spread of COVID-19, and some restrictions on public gatherings are still in place. "We must be ready for a second wave, but we would not proceed to a general lockdown like in March, as that has terrible economic and human consequences. Any new lockdown would be targeted," Castex told BFM television. Castex, who was a civil servant and used to be an adviser to former President Nicolas Sarkozy, was appointed prime minister on Friday. He has put together a new team for the remaining two years of centrist President Emmanuel Macron's mandate. Castex appointed some ministers on Monday. He said he would complete the formation of his government with the nomination of junior ministers next week. He also said that talks with unions and employers about Macron's wide-ranging pension reforms - which were halted during the lockdown - would resume before July 20. He said the delay was not necessarily a bad thing. "Sometimes, when you lose two or three months, that is actually time won ... we need to reopen the dialogue," he said. Castex confirmed his government would commit 7.5 billion euros to raise the wages of hospital workers but said he would resist union calls to boost that to 9 billion, saying that state finances are under stress because of the coronavirus crisis.

France rules out 'total lockdown' in case of new COVID-19 spike

Organizers of a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

At a virtual meeting that included&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-google-twitter-block-hong-kong-govt-from-accessing-user-data-311243">Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data</a>

Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment."

Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table."

The meeting was seen by&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebooks-zuckerberg-to-meet-activists-wont-act-on-boycott-310747">Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott</a>

"They want&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census.

"We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement."

The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity.

"This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by&nbsp;Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing."

Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them."

Some of the activists say&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness.

Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence.

Facebook&nbsp;has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders.

But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy."

Earlier Tuesday,&nbsp;Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content.

Organizers of a Facebook ad boycott vowed to press on with their campaign, saying the social network's top executives had failed to offer meaningful action on curbing hateful content. At a virtual meeting that included Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, the #StopHateForProfit coalition leaders "didn't hear anything... to convince us that Zuckerberg and his colleagues are taking action," said Jessica Gonzalez of the activist group Free Press, a coalition member. Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessing user data Rashad Robinson, president of the activist group Color of Change, told reporters on a conference call the meeting was "a disappointment." Robinson said the executives "showed up to the meeting expecting an A for attendance," but that "we did not get answers to questions we put on the table." The meeting was seen by Facebook as an opportunity to hear from boycott organizers and "reaffirm" a commitment to combating hate on the platform, a spokesperson said. Also read: Facebook's Zuckerberg to meet activists, won't act on boycott "They want Facebook to be free of hate speech and so do we," the spokesperson said, noting steps the social network has taken to ban white supremacist groups and fight interference with voting or the census. "We know we will be judged by our actions not by our words and are grateful to these groups and many others for their continued engagement." The meeting took place during a boycott which has grown to nearly 1,000 advertisers pressing for more aggressive action from Facebook on toxic and inflammatory content which promotes violence and hate -- spurred by the wave of protests calling for social justice and racial equity. "This isn't over. We will continue to expand the boycott until Facebook takes our demands seriously. We won't be distracted by Facebook's spin today or any day," Gonzalez said. Anti-Defamation League CEO Johnathan Greenblatt said of the meeting: "We saw little and heard just about nothing." Greenblatt said the organizers had 10 specific demands for Facebook but "got no commitment or clear outcomes to any of them." Some of the activists say Facebook should do more to curb disinformation from political leaders including President Donald Trump, and limit his comments which critics say promote violence and divisiveness. Among posts which particularly roiled activists was Trump's comment during widespread protests that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts," which critics said was an incitement to violence. Facebook has steadfastly refused to fact-check political speech and has a largely hands-off policy on comments from world leaders. But it has said it will take down comments that could lead to imminent harm, and recently updated a policy to label a post which violates its rules, even if it is allowed to remain online for being "newsworthy." Earlier Tuesday, Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg pledged further steps to remove toxic and hateful content ahead of the discussions with the boycott organizers, led by the NAACP, Color of Change and the Anti-Defamation League.

Facebook boycott leaders 'disappointed' after meeting with CEO Zuckerberg

Dutch police announced Tuesday that they arrested six men after discovering ''torture chambers'' and cells inside shipping containers being used as a makeshift prison.

The items found the shipping containers include&nbsp;dentist chairs,&nbsp;handcuffs, and other tools such as hedge cutters, pliers and&nbsp;scalpels&nbsp;"likely intended to torture victims or at least put them under pressure".

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They were&nbsp;located in a warehouse in Wouwse Plantage, a small village in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, close to the border with Belgium. &nbsp;

The police were tipped by messages and photos from EncroChat, which is an&nbsp;encrypted platform where users could speak privately between specially-designed handsets.

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The platform, which was recently decoded by French police, is used by criminals to communicate.

The kidnappers were apparently quite meticulous planners, with several ''teams'' preparing to snatch up their victims and one ''observation team.''

They used to refer to the warehouse as ''treatment room'' and ''ebi'', a reference to the top Dutch police.

The authorities conducted the raid, codenamed 26Lemont, on June 22. In the investigation, they seized&nbsp;dozens of firearms, more than 8,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1,200 kilograms of crystal meth, as well as the dismantled&nbsp;19 synthetic drug labs.

Dutch police announced Tuesday that they arrested six men after discovering ''torture chambers'' and cells inside shipping containers being used as a makeshift prison.

Dutch police announced Tuesday that they arrested six men after discovering ''torture chambers'' and cells inside shipping containers being used as a makeshift prison. The items found the shipping containers include dentist chairs, handcuffs, and other tools such as hedge cutters, pliers and scalpels "likely intended to torture victims or at least put them under pressure". Also read| Denmark: Little Mermaid statue vandalised; branded 'racist fish' in graffiti attack They were located in a warehouse in Wouwse Plantage, a small village in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, close to the border with Belgium. The police were tipped by messages and photos from EncroChat, which is an encrypted platform where users could speak privately between specially-designed handsets. Also read| That's a first! Danish Cup final interrupted as fans refuse to keep distance The platform, which was recently decoded by French police, is used by criminals to communicate. The kidnappers were apparently quite meticulous planners, with several ''teams'' preparing to snatch up their victims and one ''observation team.'' They used to refer to the warehouse as ''treatment room'' and ''ebi'', a reference to the top Dutch police. The authorities conducted the raid, codenamed 26Lemont, on June 22. In the investigation, they seized dozens of firearms, more than 8,000 kilograms of cocaine and 1,200 kilograms of crystal meth, as well as the dismantled 19 synthetic drug labs.

Six arrested in Denmark after discovery of 'torture chambers'

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

"This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview.

"It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-security-law-is-not-doom-and-gloom-city-leader-says-311269" hreflang="en">Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says</a>

Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment.

"The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;criticised the security law.

On&nbsp;Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs."

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Britain&nbsp;has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship.

Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests.

The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party.

Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab rejected on Tuesday China's accusation that Britain had indulged in "gross interference" over Beijing's imposition of new security legislation in Hong Kong. "This isn't a gross interference in domestic affairs," Raab told Reuters in an interview. "It's a matter of trust and lots of countries around the world are asking this question: does China live up to its international obligations?" Also read: Hong Kong security law is not 'doom and gloom,' city leader says Earlier on Monday, China's ambassador to London accused Britain of making unwarranted accusations about the new security legislation in Hong Kong which he said could damage future Chinese investment. "The UK government keeps making irresponsible remarks on Hong Kong affairs," Ambassador Liu Xiaoming told reporters in the strongest rebuke Beijing has issued to London since Britain criticised the security law. On Britain's offer to give British National Overseas (BNO) passport-holders in Hong Kong a path to British citizenship, he said: "This move constitutes gross interference in China's internal affairs." Also read: Facebook, Google, Twitter block Hong Kong govt from accessessing user data Britain has said that China's imposition of a security law on Hong Kong was a "clear and serious" violation of the 1984 Joint Declaration and that London would offer around 3 million residents of the former colony a path to British citizenship. Critics of the law have slammed the lack of transparency around it ahead of its publication and the speed at which it was pushed through. Beijing unveiled details of the legislation late on June 30 and the law came into effect the following day, sparking protests. The new law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. It will also see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. Hong Kong's government has repeatedly said the security law won't affect freedom of speech and other rights in the city.

Britain rejects China's criticism of 'gross interference' over Hong Kong

July 7 in history: Screening of first soundless film, Nelson Mandela steps down as South African President and more

The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her&nbsp;life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York.

Amy Cooper has been accused of filing a false report, punishable up to one year in jail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-killed-eight-wounded-after-us-nightclub-shooting-310946" hreflang="en">Two killed, eight wounded after US nightclub shooting</a>

The actions of the 41-year-old were&nbsp;recorded on video&nbsp;that went viral and were widely criticized as an example of everyday racism.&nbsp;

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Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. <a href="https://t.co/3YnzuATsDm">pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm</a>
— Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) <a href="https://twitter.com/melodyMcooper/status/1264965252866641920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The incident occured on May 25 the same day on which George Floyd died in police custody triggering global anti-racism protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbus-statue-toppled-by-race-protesters-in-us-city-of-baltimore-310847" hreflang="en">Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore</a>

She was heavily criticised and was fired from her job even after she publicly apologised.

Cy Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement, ''Today our office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.''

''We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable,'' he added.

Cooper's lawyer did not respond to the statment. She is expected to be arrained on October 14.

&nbsp;

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The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York.

The white woman who called police against an African American birdwatcher by falsely accusing him of threatening her life after he asked her to leash her dog, has been criminally charged for the incident in New York. Amy Cooper has been accused of filing a false report, punishable up to one year in jail. Also read: Two killed, eight wounded after US nightclub shooting The actions of the 41-year-old were recorded on video that went viral and were widely criticized as an example of everyday racism. Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm — Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) May 25, 2020 × The incident occured on May 25 the same day on which George Floyd died in police custody triggering global anti-racism protests. Also read: Columbus statue toppled by race protesters in US city of Baltimore She was heavily criticised and was fired from her job even after she publicly apologised. Cy Vance, Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement, ''Today our office initiated a prosecution of Amy Cooper for falsely reporting an incident in the third degree.'' ''We are strongly committed to holding perpetrators of this conduct accountable,'' he added. Cooper's lawyer did not respond to the statment. She is expected to be arrained on October 14.

Charge filed against white woman who called 911 against African American birdwatcher

Russia&nbsp;said on Monday it had stepped up patrols to stop people hunting marmots near its border China and Mongolia after the countries reported possible cases of bubonic plague, which can be carried by the animals.

Authorities in Bayan Nur, a city in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, issued a warning on Sunday after a hospital reported a suspected case of the deadly disease.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bubonic-plague-yet-another-plague-originating-from-china-311196" hreflang="en">Bubonic plague: Yet another plague originating from China</a>

The Chinese region forbade the hunting and eating of the large rodents and asked the public to report any suspected cases, as well as any sick or dead marmots.

Neighbouring Mongolia also reported two cases of bubonic plague linked to people eating marmot meat in its western Khovd province last week.

Authorities in&nbsp;Russia's Altai region, which borders Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia, said officials were patrolling the area to enforce a ban on hunting marmots and to warn people about the dangers, TASS news agency reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

The local branch of Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer health watchdog, said the cases across the border did not pose a threat to people in Altai, TASS reported.

The bubonic plague, known as the "Black Death" in the Middle Ages, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents. Bubonic plague outbreaks have become increasingly rare.

Russia said on Monday it had stepped up patrols to stop people hunting marmots near its border China and Mongolia after the countries reported possible cases of bubonic plague, which can be carried by the animals.

Russia said on Monday it had stepped up patrols to stop people hunting marmots near its border China and Mongolia after the countries reported possible cases of bubonic plague, which can be carried by the animals. Authorities in Bayan Nur, a city in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, issued a warning on Sunday after a hospital reported a suspected case of the deadly disease. Also read| Bubonic plague: Yet another plague originating from China The Chinese region forbade the hunting and eating of the large rodents and asked the public to report any suspected cases, as well as any sick or dead marmots. Neighbouring Mongolia also reported two cases of bubonic plague linked to people eating marmot meat in its western Khovd province last week. Authorities in Russia's Altai region, which borders Kazakhstan, China and Mongolia, said officials were patrolling the area to enforce a ban on hunting marmots and to warn people about the dangers, TASS news agency reported. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world The local branch of Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer health watchdog, said the cases across the border did not pose a threat to people in Altai, TASS reported. The bubonic plague, known as the "Black Death" in the Middle Ages, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents. Bubonic plague outbreaks have become increasingly rare.

Russia cracks down on marmot hunting after outbreaks trigger bubonic plague alert

Canadian Prime Minister Justin&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;has snubbed the NAFTA&nbsp;meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday.

"Despite recent discussions about Canada's possible participation, the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week to hold scheduled cabinet meetings and take part in a long-planned&nbsp;meeting of parliament," his office said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-row-now-china-issues-travel-warning-against-canada-311150" hreflang="en">Hong Kong row: Now, China issues travel warning against Canada</a>

The Mexican president had earlier said on Twitter that&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;would not be attending the event on Wednesday, but said that he had agreed to visit Mexico "as soon as possible."

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Conversamos con Justin Trudeau, primer ministro de Canadá. Coincidimos en la importancia del T-MEC. No podrá acompañarnos en Washington, pero aceptó visitar México tan pronto sea posible. Tenemos muy buena relación. <a href="https://t.co/yRsSM3VsnE">pic.twitter.com/yRsSM3VsnE</a>
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) <a href="https://twitter.com/lopezobrador_/status/1280161345305018369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The trip to Washington will be Lopez Obrador's first official overseas visit, and he will meet Trump on Wednesday.&nbsp;

On Friday,&nbsp;Trudeau&nbsp;hinted that he was in two minds about the visit in part because of concerns about the US reimposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-trade-accord-with-mexico-canada-next-week-276253">Donald Trump to sign trade accord with Mexico, Canada next week</a>

Another cause for concern for the Canadian leader was "the health situation and the coronavirus" which is still sweeping through all three countries, with the US the worst-hit country in the world with 2.8 million cases diagnosed by Monday, and more than 130,000 deaths.&nbsp;

The new trade pact, known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came into effect last Wednesday, when the borders between the three countries were partially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which came into effect in 1994.

In June 2018, while the trade pact was being renegotiated, Trump slapped punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum, stunning the US's historic ally.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has snubbed the NAFTA meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has snubbed the NAFTA meeting invite from Washington this week to celebrate a new North American trade pact with his US and Mexican counterparts Donald Trump and Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, his office Monday. "Despite recent discussions about Canada's possible participation, the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week to hold scheduled cabinet meetings and take part in a long-planned meeting of parliament," his office said. Also read| Hong Kong row: Now, China issues travel warning against Canada The Mexican president had earlier said on Twitter that Trudeau would not be attending the event on Wednesday, but said that he had agreed to visit Mexico "as soon as possible." Conversamos con Justin Trudeau, primer ministro de Canadá. Coincidimos en la importancia del T-MEC. No podrá acompañarnos en Washington, pero aceptó visitar México tan pronto sea posible. Tenemos muy buena relación. pic.twitter.com/yRsSM3VsnE — Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) July 6, 2020 × The trip to Washington will be Lopez Obrador's first official overseas visit, and he will meet Trump on Wednesday. On Friday, Trudeau hinted that he was in two minds about the visit in part because of concerns about the US reimposing tariffs on Canadian aluminum. Also read| Donald Trump to sign trade accord with Mexico, Canada next week Another cause for concern for the Canadian leader was "the health situation and the coronavirus" which is still sweeping through all three countries, with the US the worst-hit country in the world with 2.8 million cases diagnosed by Monday, and more than 130,000 deaths. The new trade pact, known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came into effect last Wednesday, when the borders between the three countries were partially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which came into effect in 1994. In June 2018, while the trade pact was being renegotiated, Trump slapped punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum, stunning the US's historic ally.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declines Trump's meeting invitation

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