The Duke of York has "sought to falsely portray himself" as eager to co-operate with an inquiry into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the US prosecutor in charge of the investigation has said.

US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Prince Andrew "has repeatedly declined our request" to schedule an interview.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-may-loose-armed-protection-in-major-downgrade-of-security-274825">Prince Andrew may lose armed protection in major 'security downgrade'</a>

Prince Andrew has become embroiled in a war of words with US prosecutors investigating the disgraced financier and child sex offender&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein.

Lawyers for&nbsp;the Duke of York issued a statement on Monday accusing the American investigators of misleading the public and breaching their own confidentiality rules in their handling of the inquiry.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-andrew-vexed-over-fbis-allegation-of-zero-cooperation-277296">Prince Andrew 'vexed' over FBI's allegation of 'zero cooperation'</a>

Blackfords, the London-based criminal law specialists, alleged in a strongly worded two-page statement that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had effectively rejected three offers of help volunteered by the prince this year.

The firm noted that the DoJ had “advised us that the duke is not and has never been a ‘target’ of their criminal investigations into Epstein” and that they had instead sought his confidential, voluntary cooperation.

The Blackfords statement followed media reports that US authorities had formally requested the prince answer questions on the matter. On Monday the US attorney general, William Barr, stated there were no plans to extradite the prince.

Prince Andrew stepped away from royal duties last year after an interview he gave&nbsp;about his relationship with Epstein.

Epstein&nbsp;took his own life in a US jail cell in August,&nbsp;aged 66, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.

The duke has been heavily scrutinised for his friendship with Epstein, but he has said he did not witness any suspicious behaviour during visits to the US financier's homes.

The Duke of York has "sought to falsely portray himself" as eager to co-operate with an inquiry into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the US prosecutor in charge of the investigation has said.

The Duke of York has "sought to falsely portray himself" as eager to co-operate with an inquiry into sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the US prosecutor in charge of the investigation has said. US attorney Geoffrey Berman said Prince Andrew "has repeatedly declined our request" to schedule an interview. Also read: Prince Andrew may lose armed protection in major 'security downgrade' Prince Andrew has become embroiled in a war of words with US prosecutors investigating the disgraced financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Lawyers for the Duke of York issued a statement on Monday accusing the American investigators of misleading the public and breaching their own confidentiality rules in their handling of the inquiry. Also read: Prince Andrew 'vexed' over FBI's allegation of 'zero cooperation' Blackfords, the London-based criminal law specialists, alleged in a strongly worded two-page statement that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had effectively rejected three offers of help volunteered by the prince this year. The firm noted that the DoJ had “advised us that the duke is not and has never been a ‘target’ of their criminal investigations into Epstein” and that they had instead sought his confidential, voluntary cooperation. The Blackfords statement followed media reports that US authorities had formally requested the prince answer questions on the matter. On Monday the US attorney general, William Barr, stated there were no plans to extradite the prince. Prince Andrew stepped away from royal duties last year after an interview he gave about his relationship with Epstein. Epstein took his own life in a US jail cell in August, aged 66, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. The duke has been heavily scrutinised for his friendship with Epstein, but he has said he did not witness any suspicious behaviour during visits to the US financier's homes.

Prince Andrew 'falsely portraying himself as willing' says US prosecutors over Epstein

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday&nbsp;that he does not support some calls to&nbsp;"defund the police,"&nbsp;declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

"I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community,"&nbsp;Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-sets-1-million-bail-for-minneapolis-cop-no-dismantling-of-police-says-trump-304389" hreflang="en">Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump</a>

Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras.

Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis.

The comments came as President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

<aside>&nbsp;</aside>

&nbsp;

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said Monday that he does not support some calls to "defund the police," declining to embrace a rallying cry that has gained support among progressive activists and protesters demonstrating against police brutality. "I support conditioning federal aid to police based on whether or not they meet certain basic standards of decency and honorableness. And, in fact, are able to demonstrate they can protect the community and everybody in the community," Biden said in an interview excerpt aired Monday evening. Also read: Minneapolis cop set $1 million bail; no dismantling of police, says Trump Earlier in the day, the presumptive his campaign stressed the need for law enforcement reforms like community policing, increased diversity in police hiring and funding for body cameras. Yet Biden’s desire for “transformative change” in the criminal justice system falls short of what many progressive activists are calling for in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died last month in Minneapolis. The comments came as President Donald Trump and his campaign sought to tie Biden to calls to "defund the police," which have emerged in recent days at protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

Biden rejects calls to defund police, faces balancing act

A South Korean court on Tuesday denied an arrest warrant request for Samsung Group heir Jay Y. Lee after prosecutors accused him of accounting fraud and stock manipulation.

The ruling provided temporary relief for the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics. But he may face further pressure from the case at a time when the world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips contends with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand.

Prosecutors on Thursday asked the court to issue an arrest warrant against Lee, culminating a probe into accounting fraud and a controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates that they said helped facilitate Lee's plan to assume greater control of the group.

After the hearing, he is expected to head to a detention centre to await the judge's decision, expected on Monday or early Tuesday.

Misconduct Allegations

Samsung on Friday denied the allegation of stock-manipulation against Lee, saying it was "beyond common sense" to claim Lee was involved in the decision-making.

In a further statement over the weekend, the group said the lengthy probe is weighing on management, which is in a “crisis” at a time when the coronavirus pandemic and US-China trade disputes are adding to the uncertainty.

The company declined to make Lee available for comment.

This won’t be an unfamiliar process for Lee, nor will it be the end of his legal troubles if the prosecutors’ request is denied.&nbsp;

He served in jail for about one year until February 2018 for his role in a bribery scandal in which he was accused of giving horses as gifts to win support from the government of former President Park Geun-Hye for the merger.

The merger increased his control of the group, and of its crown jewel, Samsung Electronics Co, South Korea's biggest company. His father, Lee Kun-hee, has been ailing for some time.

"If he is arrested, this will further hurt the reputation of Lee and Samsung. There will more questions about his legitimacy as the CEO and successor of the company," Chang Sea-jin, a business professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science &amp; Technology.

"The public would think, 'Oh he may have done something wrong again."

A South Korean court on Tuesday denied an arrest warrant request for Samsung Group heir Jay Y. Lee after prosecutors accused him of accounting fraud and stock manipulation.

A South Korean court on Tuesday denied an arrest warrant request for Samsung Group heir Jay Y. Lee after prosecutors accused him of accounting fraud and stock manipulation. The ruling provided temporary relief for the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics. But he may face further pressure from the case at a time when the world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips contends with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand. Prosecutors on Thursday asked the court to issue an arrest warrant against Lee, culminating a probe into accounting fraud and a controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates that they said helped facilitate Lee's plan to assume greater control of the group. After the hearing, he is expected to head to a detention centre to await the judge's decision, expected on Monday or early Tuesday. Misconduct Allegations Samsung on Friday denied the allegation of stock-manipulation against Lee, saying it was "beyond common sense" to claim Lee was involved in the decision-making. In a further statement over the weekend, the group said the lengthy probe is weighing on management, which is in a “crisis” at a time when the coronavirus pandemic and US-China trade disputes are adding to the uncertainty. The company declined to make Lee available for comment. This won’t be an unfamiliar process for Lee, nor will it be the end of his legal troubles if the prosecutors’ request is denied. He served in jail for about one year until February 2018 for his role in a bribery scandal in which he was accused of giving horses as gifts to win support from the government of former President Park Geun-Hye for the merger. The merger increased his control of the group, and of its crown jewel, Samsung Electronics Co, South Korea's biggest company. His father, Lee Kun-hee, has been ailing for some time. "If he is arrested, this will further hurt the reputation of Lee and Samsung. There will more questions about his legitimacy as the CEO and successor of the company," Chang Sea-jin, a business professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology. "The public would think, 'Oh he may have done something wrong again."

South Korean court denies arrest warrant request for Samsung heir

Nepal's parliament will take up for discussion on Tuesday a controversial constitution amendment bill on a new map which includes parts of India territory.

The bill was tabled by Nepalese Law Minister Shivamaya Tumbahangphe in the parliament on May 31.

The Amendment Proposal seeks to incorporate updated political map in the Constitution of Nepal- 2072, depicting areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura within its own borders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-set-to-adopt-constitutional-amendment-on-june-9-to-give-legal-status-to-new-map-303865" hreflang="en">Nepal set to adopt constitutional amendment on June 9 to give legal status to new map</a>

The government had registered the bill at the Parliament on May 22, seeking to amend Schedule 3 of the constitution to update Nepal`s political map in the national emblem.

As the constitution amendment requires a two-thirds majority, the ruling Nepal Communist Party, which holds a two-thirds majority in upper House, fell short of dominance in the lower House compelling it to seek support from other parties.

The main opposition Nepali Congress party sought time for discussion on the issue and the KP Sharma Oli government deferred on May 27 its plan to move the constitutional amendment.

On May 30, the Nepali Congress which has 63 seats, decided to support the amendment proposal which would allow Nepal Communist Party with its 174 seats to muster the required two-thirds majority.

Nepal's parliament will take up for discussion on Tuesday a controversial constitution amendment bill on a new map which includes parts of India territory. The bill was tabled by Nepalese Law Minister Shivamaya Tumbahangphe in the parliament on May 31.

Nepal's parliament will take up for discussion on Tuesday a controversial constitution amendment bill on a new map which includes parts of India territory. The bill was tabled by Nepalese Law Minister Shivamaya Tumbahangphe in the parliament on May 31. The Amendment Proposal seeks to incorporate updated political map in the Constitution of Nepal- 2072, depicting areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura within its own borders. Also read: Nepal set to adopt constitutional amendment on June 9 to give legal status to new map The government had registered the bill at the Parliament on May 22, seeking to amend Schedule 3 of the constitution to update Nepal`s political map in the national emblem. As the constitution amendment requires a two-thirds majority, the ruling Nepal Communist Party, which holds a two-thirds majority in upper House, fell short of dominance in the lower House compelling it to seek support from other parties. The main opposition Nepali Congress party sought time for discussion on the issue and the KP Sharma Oli government deferred on May 27 its plan to move the constitutional amendment. On May 30, the Nepali Congress which has 63 seats, decided to support the amendment proposal which would allow Nepal Communist Party with its 174 seats to muster the required two-thirds majority.

Nepal to table controversial constitutional amendment for new map today

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed&nbsp;heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election.&nbsp;

If the head of any state institution, director board member or any other official wishes to support a political party or engage in any political activity, the President insisted that they should first resign from their post, the President's Media Division (PMD) said today.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-holds-mock-poll-to-test-covid-19-guidelines-for-parliamentary-election-304008" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka holds mock poll to test COVID-19 guidelines for parliamentary election</a>

The PMD added that President Rajapaksa never expects heads of state&nbsp;institutions or any other government official to engage in politics on behalf of the government. Their task is to ensure that their institution works efficiently, is free of corruption, disciplined and is profitable. State institutions run on public funds. Therefore, they should not be a burden to the people, he stressed.&nbsp;

Accordingly, the President insisted that physical resources such as vehicles and equipment belonging to ministries, departments, corporations, statutory boards or financial resources belonging to them should not be used for political activities of any party during the upcoming parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Stern legal action will be taken against any official who is found to have disregarded these instructions, the PMD stressed.&nbsp;

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed heads of all state institutions, including corporations and statutory boards as well as members of the director boards, not to support any political party or engage in political activity at the upcoming parliamentary election. If the head of any state institution, director board member or any other official wishes to support a political party or engage in any political activity, the President insisted that they should first resign from their post, the President's Media Division (PMD) said today. Also read: Sri Lanka holds mock poll to test COVID-19 guidelines for parliamentary election The PMD added that President Rajapaksa never expects heads of state institutions or any other government official to engage in politics on behalf of the government. Their task is to ensure that their institution works efficiently, is free of corruption, disciplined and is profitable. State institutions run on public funds. Therefore, they should not be a burden to the people, he stressed. Accordingly, the President insisted that physical resources such as vehicles and equipment belonging to ministries, departments, corporations, statutory boards or financial resources belonging to them should not be used for political activities of any party during the upcoming parliamentary election. Stern legal action will be taken against any official who is found to have disregarded these instructions, the PMD stressed.

Sri Lankan President tells state officials not to get involved in political campaigning

At least four people were killed and as many injured after a huge fire broke out at an oil depot in central Pakistan's Faisalabad city, an official said on Tuesday.

The bodies of the workers killed in the fire, which broke out on Monday, have been retrieved, while the injured have been shifted to a local hospital.

Rescue teams along with 16 fire engines had reached the spot to extinguish the fire.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-more-than-100-coronavirus-deaths-in-single-day-cases-cross-108000-304513" hreflang="en">Pakistan reports more than 100 coronavirus deaths in single day, cases cross 108,000</a>

"Neither the district administration nor police were aware of this depot working in the area," District Emergency Officer Ahtisham Wahla told the media.

More than 30 employees were working at the facility which was operating illegally. Majority of them remained unhurt, the official said.

He also said that the owner of the facility had not taken any safety measures or installed equipment at the depot to protect the property and the workers from an accident.

The owner of the oil depot reportedly managed to escape after the fire.

The incident would be probed and the guilty would be punished, the official said.

At least four people were killed and as many injured after a huge fire broke out at an oil depot in central Pakistan's Faisalabad city, an official said on Tuesday.

At least four people were killed and as many injured after a huge fire broke out at an oil depot in central Pakistan's Faisalabad city, an official said on Tuesday. The bodies of the workers killed in the fire, which broke out on Monday, have been retrieved, while the injured have been shifted to a local hospital. Rescue teams along with 16 fire engines had reached the spot to extinguish the fire. Also read: Pakistan reports more than 100 coronavirus deaths in single day, cases cross 108,000 "Neither the district administration nor police were aware of this depot working in the area," District Emergency Officer Ahtisham Wahla told the media. More than 30 employees were working at the facility which was operating illegally. Majority of them remained unhurt, the official said. He also said that the owner of the facility had not taken any safety measures or installed equipment at the depot to protect the property and the workers from an accident. The owner of the oil depot reportedly managed to escape after the fire. The incident would be probed and the guilty would be punished, the official said.

4 killed and several injured in fire at oil depot in Pakistan

Pakistan for the first time has recorded more than 100 deaths in a single day due to the deadly coronavirus which has infected over 108,000 people in the country, health officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 105 deaths were reported on Monday as the total number of fatalities reached 2,172 in the country.

It also showed that at least 35,018 patients have fully recovered from the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-expected-to-peak-by-end-of-july-august-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-304385" hreflang="en">Coronavirus cases expected to peak by end of July, August: Pakistan PM Imran Khan</a>

Another 4,646 new patents were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally of patients to 108,317.

Punjab has registered 40,819 cases, Sind 39,555, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 14,006, Balochistan 6,788, Islamabad 5,785, Gilgit-Baltistan 952 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 412.

The authorities conducted a record 24,620 tests in the last 24 hours, taking the number of total tests done so far to 730,453 across the country.

As the number soared, the worst fear may come true about the capacity of hospitals across the country to accommodate the patients. Though, the government still claimed that there was enough space available.

But the resources would be spread thin in the coming days as peak time would come by the end of July or beginning of August.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb was tested positive a day after she confirmed that former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was tested positive. 
Marriyum's mother and PML-N lawmaker Tahira Aurangzeb was also tested positive. Both mother and daughter have quarantined themselves.

Pakistan for the first time has recorded more than 100 deaths in a single day due to the deadly coronavirus which has infected over 108,000 people in the country, health officials said on Tuesday.

Pakistan for the first time has recorded more than 100 deaths in a single day due to the deadly coronavirus which has infected over 108,000 people in the country, health officials said on Tuesday. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 105 deaths were reported on Monday as the total number of fatalities reached 2,172 in the country. It also showed that at least 35,018 patients have fully recovered from the coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus cases expected to peak by end of July, August: Pakistan PM Imran Khan Another 4,646 new patents were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally of patients to 108,317. Punjab has registered 40,819 cases, Sind 39,555, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 14,006, Balochistan 6,788, Islamabad 5,785, Gilgit-Baltistan 952 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 412. The authorities conducted a record 24,620 tests in the last 24 hours, taking the number of total tests done so far to 730,453 across the country. As the number soared, the worst fear may come true about the capacity of hospitals across the country to accommodate the patients. Though, the government still claimed that there was enough space available. But the resources would be spread thin in the coming days as peak time would come by the end of July or beginning of August. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb was tested positive a day after she confirmed that former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was tested positive. Marriyum's mother and PML-N lawmaker Tahira Aurangzeb was also tested positive. Both mother and daughter have quarantined themselves.

Pakistan reports more than 100 coronavirus deaths in single day, cases cross 108,000

The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel rejected claims made by the opposition on Monday that the British government had ignored racial discrimination by describing her own personal experiences of racial and religious prejudice.

During an exchange in the Commons, Patel, Britain's first Home Secretary of Indian origin, recounted experiences at school in which she had been referred to as a ''Paki.''&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-starts-mandatory-self-quarantine-for-arrivals-304150">Britain starts mandatory self-quarantine for arrivals</a>

Following a weekend of protests across the UK as part of the&nbsp;Black Lives Matter&nbsp;campaign,&nbsp;Patel&nbsp;condemned a "lawless minority" who "regrettably turned to violence" during the demonstrations.

She denounced the "hooliganism" towards "courageous" police officers in central London.

<img alt="Black Lives Matter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="238b11fa-3979-4851-8280-14073e08b51b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/0_Black-Lives-Matter-Protest-In-Bristol_0.jpg" /> 
Protest in Bristol

In a statement to the House of Commons, the home secretary revealed 200 protests took place across the country, with more than 137,500 people in attendance and 135 arrests as of Monday morning.

She urged the public not to attend future protests amid the continuing&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic and claimed it was "not for mobs" to tear down statues, following the toppling of a monument to a&nbsp;slave trader in Bristol.

Patel had been responding to Labour MP Flo Eshalomi, who asked if the government understood the anger that led to the destruction of the statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston, which was pulled down by protesters in Bristol on Sunday.

"I will not take lectures from the other side of the House. I have already said repeatedly there is no place for racism in our country or in society," said Patel.

The pulling down of the 18-foot&nbsp;bronze statue during a Black Lives Matter protest on Sunday has sparked a debate in Britain about racism, history and memory.

The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel rejected claims made by the opposition on Monday that the British government had ignored racial discrimination by describing her own personal experiences of racial and religious prejudice.

The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel rejected claims made by the opposition on Monday that the British government had ignored racial discrimination by describing her own personal experiences of racial and religious prejudice. During an exchange in the Commons, Patel, Britain's first Home Secretary of Indian origin, recounted experiences at school in which she had been referred to as a ''Paki.'' Also read: Britain starts mandatory self-quarantine for arrivals Following a weekend of protests across the UK as part of the Black Lives Matter campaign, Patel condemned a "lawless minority" who "regrettably turned to violence" during the demonstrations. She denounced the "hooliganism" towards "courageous" police officers in central London. Protest in Bristol In a statement to the House of Commons, the home secretary revealed 200 protests took place across the country, with more than 137,500 people in attendance and 135 arrests as of Monday morning. She urged the public not to attend future protests amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic and claimed it was "not for mobs" to tear down statues, following the toppling of a monument to a slave trader in Bristol. Patel had been responding to Labour MP Flo Eshalomi, who asked if the government understood the anger that led to the destruction of the statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston, which was pulled down by protesters in Bristol on Sunday. "I will not take lectures from the other side of the House. I have already said repeatedly there is no place for racism in our country or in society," said Patel. The pulling down of the 18-foot bronze statue during a Black Lives Matter protest on Sunday has sparked a debate in Britain about racism, history and memory.

Priti Patel recalls childhood racial slurs as she condemns 'hooliganism' towards police

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent.&nbsp;

According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.&nbsp;

The bill has passed both houses of Congress and is nearing finalisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-extrajudicial-killings-near-impunity-for-police-part-of-philippines-war-on-drugs-un-303258">'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN</a>

The United Nations is protesting against it and has released a scathing report with details of human rights violations under President Duterte including the extrajudicial killing of more than 8,000 people.

Even after years of international and domestic criticism, Duterte appears unfazed and wants to give the police a free-hand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-duterte-threatens-martial-law-like-virus-crackdown-293127">Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown</a>

This anti-terrorism legislation is so broadly written that it is concerning because the police can arrest and detain people without a warrant and hold them in custody without charges for 24 days.

Duterte's notorious methods are well known. He won the Presidential election in 2016 after he pledged to kill 100,000 criminals in the first six months of his term.

He also promised to dump bodies in the Manila bay.&nbsp;The United Nations report has evidence to show Duterte did what he promised. Since mid-2016, thousands of people have been killed in the guise of war on drugs.

Many claim the police may have interpreted Duterte's high-level rhetoric as a license to kill.&nbsp;Suspects are forced to make self-incriminating statements or risk facing custodial torture.

Most victims in the drug war are young, poor, urban males. Duterte calls the Philippines a narco state.

The UN&nbsp;disagrees and&nbsp;says&nbsp;the prevalence of illegal drugs is lower than the global average.

Activists say&nbsp;the anti-terrorism law will only make it&nbsp;bloodier.&nbsp;They fear Duterte will appoint the anti-terrorism council which&nbsp;will suppress free speech and harass critics.

In the first four months of the year, during the pandemic,&nbsp;political opponents and NGO&nbsp;workers were charged for sedition and perjury and a major media network was forced to stop broadcasting.

In the government's defence, extremism was a problem in the country.

For five months in 2017, Islamic State militants had seized the southern city of Marawi. The government says it wants to avoid a repeat of that but Duterte's authoritarian ways are worrying.

During the pandemic, he wanted to impose martial law after failing to enforce a lockdown. Martial law has a horrifying history in the Philippines.

Thirteen years of martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos denied them basic freedoms.&nbsp;Duterte admires Marcos and&nbsp;calls him his idol. He&nbsp;is now walking in his footsteps.&nbsp;

For critics, the message is clear: face arrest without a warrant&nbsp;and, be labelled a terrorist. 
&nbsp;

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is likely to sign the bill that will give powers to his administration to stifle dissent. According to the bill that was passed by the Senate in February, authorities will be given the freedom to detain suspects without a warrant for up to 24 days, arrest without warrant and detain people critical of the administration on the basis of social media posts. The bill has passed both houses of Congress and is nearing finalisation. Also read | 'Systematic extrajudicial killings', 'near impunity’ for police part of Philippines’ war on drugs: UN The United Nations is protesting against it and has released a scathing report with details of human rights violations under President Duterte including the extrajudicial killing of more than 8,000 people. Even after years of international and domestic criticism, Duterte appears unfazed and wants to give the police a free-hand. Also read | Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown This anti-terrorism legislation is so broadly written that it is concerning because the police can arrest and detain people without a warrant and hold them in custody without charges for 24 days. Duterte's notorious methods are well known. He won the Presidential election in 2016 after he pledged to kill 100,000 criminals in the first six months of his term. He also promised to dump bodies in the Manila bay. The United Nations report has evidence to show Duterte did what he promised. Since mid-2016, thousands of people have been killed in the guise of war on drugs. Many claim the police may have interpreted Duterte's high-level rhetoric as a license to kill. Suspects are forced to make self-incriminating statements or risk facing custodial torture. Most victims in the drug war are young, poor, urban males. Duterte calls the Philippines a narco state. The UN disagrees and says the prevalence of illegal drugs is lower than the global average. Activists say the anti-terrorism law will only make it bloodier. They fear Duterte will appoint the anti-terrorism council which will suppress free speech and harass critics. In the first four months of the year, during the pandemic, political opponents and NGO workers were charged for sedition and perjury and a major media network was forced to stop broadcasting. In the government's defence, extremism was a problem in the country. For five months in 2017, Islamic State militants had seized the southern city of Marawi. The government says it wants to avoid a repeat of that but Duterte's authoritarian ways are worrying. During the pandemic, he wanted to impose martial law after failing to enforce a lockdown. Martial law has a horrifying history in the Philippines. Thirteen years of martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos denied them basic freedoms. Duterte admires Marcos and calls him his idol. He is now walking in his footsteps. For critics, the message is clear: face arrest without a warrant and, be labelled a terrorist.

Philippines President Duterte set to sign bill aimed at stifling dissent

How Arctic turned red after Russia caused worst fuel spill

Winging it: Paris gallery keeps visitors apart with extension hats

US first daughter Ivanka Trump&nbsp;hit out at “cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination” after plans for her to give a virtual commencement speech to students in Kansas were canceled amid criticism of Donald Trump’s response to anti-police brutality protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

Administrators at Wichita State University and WSU Tech announced their decision just hours after they had said the US president’s daughter would be speaking to WSU Tech graduates. Administrators of both universities, which are affiliated, said Saturday’s graduation for the technical university would be “refocused” on students, with a nursing graduate as the only speaker.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-gears-up-for-major-protest-as-us-officials-move-to-rein-in-police-303848" hreflang="en">Washington gears up for major protest as US officials move to rein in police</a>

The move clearly angered Ivanka Trump, who is a top adviser in the White House and whose husband, Jared Kushner, is one of the most influential figures in the Trump administration.

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Our nation’s campuses should be bastions of free speech. Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia. 
 
Listening to one another is important now more than ever!<a href="https://t.co/VW6W8TIL9c">https://t.co/VW6W8TIL9c</a>
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The announcement of her speech drew immediate criticism, led by Jennifer Ray, an associate professor of photo media at Wichita State, who sent a letter asking school administrators to cancel it. It circulated on social media and garnered 488 signatures from faculty, students and alumni before the speech was canceled, the Wichita Eagle reported.

But others said the event should not have been canceled. Republican congressman Ron Estes said in a statement he was “disappointed” and added: “As Kansas faces many challenges recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic to get back to our booming economy, now is the time for us to be working together.”

Protests have broken out around the world since Floyd, who was black, died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Much of the response to the protests by American police has been brutal and acts of violence against demonstrators and media have been common.

US first daughter Ivanka Trump hit out at “cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination” after plans for her to give a virtual commencement speech to students in Kansas were canceled amid criticism of Donald Trump’s response to anti-police brutality protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

US first daughter Ivanka Trump hit out at “cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination” after plans for her to give a virtual commencement speech to students in Kansas were canceled amid criticism of Donald Trump’s response to anti-police brutality protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. Administrators at Wichita State University and WSU Tech announced their decision just hours after they had said the US president’s daughter would be speaking to WSU Tech graduates. Administrators of both universities, which are affiliated, said Saturday’s graduation for the technical university would be “refocused” on students, with a nursing graduate as the only speaker. Also read: Washington gears up for major protest as US officials move to rein in police The move clearly angered Ivanka Trump, who is a top adviser in the White House and whose husband, Jared Kushner, is one of the most influential figures in the Trump administration. Our nation’s campuses should be bastions of free speech. Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia. Listening to one another is important now more than ever!https://t.co/VW6W8TIL9c — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 5, 2020 × The announcement of her speech drew immediate criticism, led by Jennifer Ray, an associate professor of photo media at Wichita State, who sent a letter asking school administrators to cancel it. It circulated on social media and garnered 488 signatures from faculty, students and alumni before the speech was canceled, the Wichita Eagle reported. But others said the event should not have been canceled. Republican congressman Ron Estes said in a statement he was “disappointed” and added: “As Kansas faces many challenges recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic to get back to our booming economy, now is the time for us to be working together.” Protests have broken out around the world since Floyd, who was black, died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes even after he stopped moving and pleading for air. Much of the response to the protests by American police has been brutal and acts of violence against demonstrators and media have been common.

Ivanka Trump cribs about 'cancel culture' after university cancels her speech

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