Responding to a report that he had mishandled four cases involving the sexual abuse of minors while he was an archbishop in Germany decades ago, retired Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged Tuesday that “abuses and errors” had taken place under his watch, and asked for forgiveness, although he denied any misconduct.

“I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church,” Benedict said in a written response to the findings in the report commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church in Munich. “All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” he said in the response made public by the Vatican. “Each individual case of sexual abuse is appalling and irreparable.”

The report, and the accusations by investigators that Benedict had misled them, sent shocks through a Roman Catholic Church that has for a quarter century been devastated by revelations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The allegations related to Benedict’s time in Munich reached the very top of the church hierarchy, and they came not long after a separate report commissioned by the Vatican itself cast a shadow over Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II, for failing to root out abusers in his church.

Benedict, whose backers point out that as pope he did much to throw abusers out of the church, has sought to put himself in a better light. But critics have found his answers more legalistic than pastoral and short of what many victims of abuse and their advocates long to hear from the former head of the church.

“He is repeating words of apology that have fallen on deaf ears for decades,” said Mike McDonnell, communications manager with Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, a global association known as SNAP.

“True apologies are followed by true amends, and that is a concept that the church doesn’t seem able to grasp,” he said, adding that the letter issued Tuesday followed a pattern of abuse, institutional acknowledgement and lack of action that victims have long complained about.

On Tuesday, Benedict recalled again that he had met with dozens of abuse victims during his eight-year papacy and over many apostolic trips. He had, he said, “seen at first hand the effects of a most grievous fault.”

Benedict, 94, also expressed indignation that the Munich law firm that conducted the investigation had accused him of being less than honest in his initial answers, which he had provided in 82 written pages.

The lawyers had presented evidence in a news conference that the pontiff had participated in a meeting about the transfer of an abusive priest to his diocese for therapy, though he had claimed not to have attended. The discrepancy, Benedict insisted in the new response, was an honest mistake that emerged from the editing process of his answer.

“To me it proved deeply hurtful that this oversight was used to cast doubt on my truthfulness, and even to label me a liar,” Benedict said.

That defensive tone also ran through an analysis accompanying the letter by four legal experts who had assisted the retired pope. They wrote that the report “contains no evidence for an allegation of misconduct or conspiracy in any cover-up” on the part of Benedict.

Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, an advocacy group for victims, said Benedict’s response — which she described as “boilerplate” — was a “deep disappointment and missed opportunity.”

Instead, Benedict “conceded nothing,” Doyle said in a statement, and did not take meaningful responsibility for the abuse and a cover-up. “The church is poorer for it,” she added.

The report was commissioned by the German archdiocese that investigated how the church had handled cases of sexual abuse between 1945 and 2019. Benedict, at the time Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982.

The report said at least 497 victims of abuse had been identified over the 74-year period it examined, and found that Benedict had mishandled four cases during his nearly five years as archbishop. Benedict’s legal experts said in their analysis that the investigators had not shown that Benedict knew of the criminal history of any of the four priests in question.

The investigators had previously expressed doubt about that assertion.

Days after the report was issued, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict’s personal secretary, admitted Benedict was at the meeting about moving the abusive priest. But Benedict has maintained he did not know why the priest was being transferred to his diocese, only that he needed therapy.

Responding to a report that he had mishandled four cases involving the sexual abuse of minors while he was an archbishop in Germany decades ago, retired Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged Tuesday that “abuses and errors” had taken place under his watch, and asked for forgiveness, although he denied any misconduct.

Responding to a report that he had mishandled four cases involving the sexual abuse of minors while he was an archbishop in Germany decades ago, retired Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged Tuesday that “abuses and errors” had taken place under his watch, and asked for forgiveness, although he denied any misconduct. “I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church,” Benedict said in a written response to the findings in the report commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church in Munich. “All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate,” he said in the response made public by the Vatican. “Each individual case of sexual abuse is appalling and irreparable.” The report, and the accusations by investigators that Benedict had misled them, sent shocks through a Roman Catholic Church that has for a quarter century been devastated by revelations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The allegations related to Benedict’s time in Munich reached the very top of the church hierarchy, and they came not long after a separate report commissioned by the Vatican itself cast a shadow over Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II, for failing to root out abusers in his church. Benedict, whose backers point out that as pope he did much to throw abusers out of the church, has sought to put himself in a better light. But critics have found his answers more legalistic than pastoral and short of what many victims of abuse and their advocates long to hear from the former head of the church. “He is repeating words of apology that have fallen on deaf ears for decades,” said Mike McDonnell, communications manager with Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, a global association known as SNAP. “True apologies are followed by true amends, and that is a concept that the church doesn’t seem able to grasp,” he said, adding that the letter issued Tuesday followed a pattern of abuse, institutional acknowledgement and lack of action that victims have long complained about. On Tuesday, Benedict recalled again that he had met with dozens of abuse victims during his eight-year papacy and over many apostolic trips. He had, he said, “seen at first hand the effects of a most grievous fault.” Benedict, 94, also expressed indignation that the Munich law firm that conducted the investigation had accused him of being less than honest in his initial answers, which he had provided in 82 written pages. The lawyers had presented evidence in a news conference that the pontiff had participated in a meeting about the transfer of an abusive priest to his diocese for therapy, though he had claimed not to have attended. The discrepancy, Benedict insisted in the new response, was an honest mistake that emerged from the editing process of his answer. “To me it proved deeply hurtful that this oversight was used to cast doubt on my truthfulness, and even to label me a liar,” Benedict said. That defensive tone also ran through an analysis accompanying the letter by four legal experts who had assisted the retired pope. They wrote that the report “contains no evidence for an allegation of misconduct or conspiracy in any cover-up” on the part of Benedict. Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, an advocacy group for victims, said Benedict’s response — which she described as “boilerplate” — was a “deep disappointment and missed opportunity.” Instead, Benedict “conceded nothing,” Doyle said in a statement, and did not take meaningful responsibility for the abuse and a cover-up. “The church is poorer for it,” she added. The report was commissioned by the German archdiocese that investigated how the church had handled cases of sexual abuse between 1945 and 2019. Benedict, at the time Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was archbishop of Munich and Freising from 1977 to 1982. The report said at least 497 victims of abuse had been identified over the 74-year period it examined, and found that Benedict had mishandled four cases during his nearly five years as archbishop. Benedict’s legal experts said in their analysis that the investigators had not shown that Benedict knew of the criminal history of any of the four priests in question. The investigators had previously expressed doubt about that assertion. Days after the report was issued, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Benedict’s personal secretary, admitted Benedict was at the meeting about moving the abusive priest. But Benedict has maintained he did not know why the priest was being transferred to his diocese, only that he needed therapy.

Retired Pope Benedict XVI asks forgiveness over handling of abuse cases

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'Painkiller addiction': An epidemic affecting millions in the US

In a confession made by former Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, he admitted that he was present at a meeting in 1980 where an abusive priest was discussed. He further claimed that he mistakenly told German investigators he was not there.&nbsp;

He has been incriminated over his failure to act over four cases of child sexual abuse during his tenure as the Archbishop of Munich.&nbsp;

The confession came in a statement to the Catholic News Agency through his private secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein. He said that Benedict did attend the meeting but the omission "was the result of an oversight in the editing of the statement" and "not done out of bad faith."

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He further said that no decision was made at the 1980 meeting about a new assignment for the priest. There was only a request to provide him with accommodation during the treatment. "He is very sorry for this mistake and asks to be excused," Ganswein said.

Benedict planned to explain his error after he finishes examining the nearly 2,000-page report, Ganswein added.&nbsp;

"He is carefully reading the statements set down there, which fill him with shame and pain about the suffering inflicted on the victims. A complete review "will take some time due to his age and health."

Meanwhile, the Vatican has expressed shame and remorse for child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. The Vatican has assured that they are taking this document seriously and will make a comment once after the report has been examined.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a confession made by former Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, he admitted that he was present at a meeting in 1980 where an abusive priest was discussed. He further claimed that he mistakenly told German investigators he was not there.

In a confession made by former Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, he admitted that he was present at a meeting in 1980 where an abusive priest was discussed. He further claimed that he mistakenly told German investigators he was not there. He has been incriminated over his failure to act over four cases of child sexual abuse during his tenure as the Archbishop of Munich. The confession came in a statement to the Catholic News Agency through his private secretary Archbishop Georg Gänswein. He said that Benedict did attend the meeting but the omission "was the result of an oversight in the editing of the statement" and "not done out of bad faith." Also read | In Mexico, second journalist is murdered in less than a week He further said that no decision was made at the 1980 meeting about a new assignment for the priest. There was only a request to provide him with accommodation during the treatment. "He is very sorry for this mistake and asks to be excused," Ganswein said. Benedict planned to explain his error after he finishes examining the nearly 2,000-page report, Ganswein added. "He is carefully reading the statements set down there, which fill him with shame and pain about the suffering inflicted on the victims. A complete review "will take some time due to his age and health." Meanwhile, the Vatican has expressed shame and remorse for child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. The Vatican has assured that they are taking this document seriously and will make a comment once after the report has been examined. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Pope Benedict XVI confesses about faulty testimony in German abuse case

Former pope Benedict XVI failed to stop four clergymen accused of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Munich, the law firm that carried out a key probe said on Thursday.

Former Pope Benedict XVI failed to act against abusive priests in Germany

Three people have been arrested following an investigation into an app that apparently seemed to demean Muslim women by using their morphed pictures for an online fake auction.

While there was no actual ‘auction’ or ‘sale’ taking, the purpose of the app seemed to be to humiliate and intimidate the targeted women, many of whom are active social media users.

The action was taken following multiple complaints from prominent women who claimed that their morphed photos were used on an open source app called GitHub platform.

The app was called Bulli Bai, a derogatory term to describe Muslim women.

Ismat Ara, a journalist targeted by the app, said in a police complaint filed on Sunday that it was an attempt to harass Muslim women.

“The said ‘GitHub’ is violent, threatening and intending to create a feeling of fear and shame in my mind, as well as in the minds of women in general, and the Muslim community whose women are being targeted in this hateful manner," said the complaint, which Ara posted on social media.

Women victims had demanded the arrest of those behind such an act and Shiv Sena party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had also made a complaint to Mumbai Police's cyber wing.

Following the outrage, three people were arrested. The first arrest was made from India’s southern Bengaluru city where a 21-year-old engineering student, Vishal Jha, was taken into custody.

The second arrest was of a 19-year-old woman, Shweta Singh, from Uttarakhand state. According to the police, the girl was said to be the main culprit in the case.

Then in the early hours of Wednesday, another person, Mayank Rawal (21), was arrested.

Meanwhile, a similar case emerged on Thursday where the focus of the target veered towards the Hindu women.

A channel created on the cross-platform Telegram, showcases morphed photos of Hindu women.

Information and Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Twitter said, “Channel blocked. Government of India coordinating with police authorities of states for action.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Three people have been arrested following an investigation into an app that apparently seemed to demean Muslim women by using their morphed pictures for an online fake auction.

Three people have been arrested following an investigation into an app that apparently seemed to demean Muslim women by using their morphed pictures for an online fake auction. While there was no actual ‘auction’ or ‘sale’ taking, the purpose of the app seemed to be to humiliate and intimidate the targeted women, many of whom are active social media users. The action was taken following multiple complaints from prominent women who claimed that their morphed photos were used on an open source app called GitHub platform. The app was called Bulli Bai, a derogatory term to describe Muslim women. Ismat Ara, a journalist targeted by the app, said in a police complaint filed on Sunday that it was an attempt to harass Muslim women. “The said ‘GitHub’ is violent, threatening and intending to create a feeling of fear and shame in my mind, as well as in the minds of women in general, and the Muslim community whose women are being targeted in this hateful manner," said the complaint, which Ara posted on social media. Women victims had demanded the arrest of those behind such an act and Shiv Sena party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi had also made a complaint to Mumbai Police's cyber wing. Following the outrage, three people were arrested. The first arrest was made from India’s southern Bengaluru city where a 21-year-old engineering student, Vishal Jha, was taken into custody. The second arrest was of a 19-year-old woman, Shweta Singh, from Uttarakhand state. According to the police, the girl was said to be the main culprit in the case. Then in the early hours of Wednesday, another person, Mayank Rawal (21), was arrested. Meanwhile, a similar case emerged on Thursday where the focus of the target veered towards the Hindu women. A channel created on the cross-platform Telegram, showcases morphed photos of Hindu women. Information and Technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Twitter said, “Channel blocked. Government of India coordinating with police authorities of states for action.” (With inputs from agencies)

Bully Bai app case: Three arrested for online abuse of women in India

In a move to push back against china's Uyghur abuse, US President Joe Biden has signed a law virtually banning all imports from the Chinese region of Xinjiang.

Joe Biden signs the 'Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act' to ban all imports from China's Xinjiang

In October 2019, a prison officer who worked at a juvenile detention center in Central Texas was charged with sexual assault and accused of forcing a boy in custody to perform oral sex on him in his cell. The incident came to light the day after the alleged crime, when the boy tried to kill himself.

Two months before that, at another detention facility in Texas, a corrections officer was fired after a teenage girl said she was pregnant with his child. He was later charged in connection with that case. And in May of last year, another prison worker was arrested on charges that he had carried on a relationship with a teenager who was on parole.

At five state juvenile detention centers, the day-to-day conditions are relentlessly violent and oppressive, with guards often resorting to force, according to a complaint filed to the Justice Department. In 2019, prison staff used force against incarcerated children almost 7,000 times&nbsp;equivalent to six times per child who was confined that year.

Over the years, nearly a dozen staff members have been arrested on charges of sexual abuse against juveniles, and complaints about mayhem inside the facilities gang wars, fights and suicide attempts — are common. Now the Justice Department has begun a wide-ranging investigation into the detention centers, part of a broader effort to overhaul the country’s most troubled prisons.

Taken together, the voluminous allegations by advocacy groups and families, lawsuits filed against the state, news media reports, and investigations at the state level present a portrait of a terrifying environment inside juvenile prisons in Texas, one that is rife with sexual abuse, violence and severe staffing shortages.

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The Justice Department’s investigation comes almost a year after two Texas advocacy groups — Disability Rights Texas and Texas Appleseed&nbsp; filed a complaint urging the federal government to intervene. The organisations have been working together since 2007 to push for reforms of the state’s juvenile justice system.

That document amounted to a devastating compilation of abuses, despite close attention by Gov. Greg Abbott, who ousted the head of the juvenile justice system in 2017 after an investigation by The Dallas Morning News revealed a litany of degradations, including staff members distributing pornography and paying children money and drugs to fight one another.

In a statement, Camille Cain, the executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which oversees one of the nation’s largest networks of youth correctional facilities, said her office intended to cooperate fully with investigators. “We all share the same goals for the youth in our care: providing for their safety, their effective rehabilitation, and the best chance for them to lead productive, fulfilling lives,” she said.

Despite reforms that began in 2007, with the closure of some facilities and a push to expand probation and reduce the number of children locked away, the groups found that violence and sexual abuse persisted within the five facilities that remain open and are now under investigation.

The problems, according to the complaint, have been exacerbated by severe staffing shortages, in part because of officers calling in sick during the coronavirus pandemic. This has led to a lack of supervision, the complaint said, which has allowed violence among the incarcerated children to flourish, as well as violence between staff members and the youths. On any given day, there are between 800 and 900 children in the state’s juvenile centers.

“The high staff turnover and lack of staffing in general both lead to a lack of programming and supervision, with kids often on lockdown in their dorms, which in turn leads to unrest and acting out by kids,” the complaint says.

Staff members have responded with beatings and pepper spray, the complaint explained, behavior that has created “a generally unsafe environment where rehabilitation, the primary goal of the juvenile justice system, is nearly impossible.”

Christie Dennis said her son was 15 when he entered one of the facilities at the center of the investigation, the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart, Texas.

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Dennis was horrified when she called one day in 2019 and learned that her son had been beaten and taunted as guards apparently stood by, she said. Her son was sent to the jail’s doctors on one occasion, she said, and she was later told that many guards did not intervene because they were afraid of the youths themselves.

“I was wondering, where are the guards? They didn’t have enough staff to handle the chaos,” Dennis said. “He was actually scared,” she said of her son.

Dennis said her son ended up at the center after taking her car without permission several times and money from her purse. After talking to the authorities, she was advised that if she “wanted to teach her son a lesson,” he needed to go to a juvenile facility, Dennis said, a decision she ended up regretting.

The attacks against her son escalated to the point where he begged guards to keep him in solitary confinement, Dennis said. Released in July 2020, months before his 17th birthday, he now works at a fast-food restaurant and is earning his general equivalency diploma with plans to pursue welding. But he is not the same as he was before his detention, she said. “He has PTSD,” she said. “He hears a noise and he panics.”

Her son’s experience was included in the complaint filed to the Justice Department. In the complaint, he was identified by the initials “M.C.” and described an environment in which “gangs ran the facility” and put out “hits” on children. Food was frequently stolen, he said, and staffing was so limited that officers resorted to the use of pepper spray to pacify groups of children who were fighting.

Sometimes parents were not notified when their children were transported to other facilities. A seasoned volunteer at Gainesville State School who did not want her name used because she was not authorised to speak publicly about an open investigation, said she witnessed instances in which mothers showed up to see their children only to learn they were no longer there. After nine years, she was let go in 2019 after she reported one such case, she said.

In announcing the investigation, Kristen Clarke, who leads the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, said the federal inquiry would examine the state’s use of isolation and chemicals like pepper spray, plus the allegations of physical violence, sexual abuse and mistreatment of children.

Three years ago, the Justice Department found that children in Texas detention centers suffered much higher rates of sexual victimisation than in other states. The department found that while 7% of youth in juvenile facilities across the country had reported being the victim of sexual abuse, complaints at three Texas facilities were significantly higher. For example, 14% of children at a detention center in Brownwood, Texas, were reportedly victims of sexual violence. At two other prisons, the rate was higher, with 1 in 6 children said to have been abused.

In one egregious case, in August 2019, a corrections officer was charged with having sex with a girl who was housed in the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex in Brownwood. The victim reportedly became pregnant, and the officer was later charged with sexual abuse and possession of child pornography. Last year, another staff member at the complex, a woman whose title was “youth development coach,” was accused of sexual misconduct with a child in custody.

The announcement of the Justice Department investigation was praised by advocates for criminal justice reform, families of those confined and former inmates as a move that could bring relief and better conditions to people held in the centers.

In October 2019, a prison officer who worked at a juvenile detention center in Central Texas was charged with sexual assault and accused of forcing a boy in custody to perform oral sex on him in his cell.

In October 2019, a prison officer who worked at a juvenile detention center in Central Texas was charged with sexual assault and accused of forcing a boy in custody to perform oral sex on him in his cell. The incident came to light the day after the alleged crime, when the boy tried to kill himself. Two months before that, at another detention facility in Texas, a corrections officer was fired after a teenage girl said she was pregnant with his child. He was later charged in connection with that case. And in May of last year, another prison worker was arrested on charges that he had carried on a relationship with a teenager who was on parole. At five state juvenile detention centers, the day-to-day conditions are relentlessly violent and oppressive, with guards often resorting to force, according to a complaint filed to the Justice Department. In 2019, prison staff used force against incarcerated children almost 7,000 times equivalent to six times per child who was confined that year. Over the years, nearly a dozen staff members have been arrested on charges of sexual abuse against juveniles, and complaints about mayhem inside the facilities gang wars, fights and suicide attempts — are common. Now the Justice Department has begun a wide-ranging investigation into the detention centers, part of a broader effort to overhaul the country’s most troubled prisons. Taken together, the voluminous allegations by advocacy groups and families, lawsuits filed against the state, news media reports, and investigations at the state level present a portrait of a terrifying environment inside juvenile prisons in Texas, one that is rife with sexual abuse, violence and severe staffing shortages. Also read | As schools shift back to classroom teaching, are students ready to be reintroduced to outer world? The Justice Department’s investigation comes almost a year after two Texas advocacy groups — Disability Rights Texas and Texas Appleseed filed a complaint urging the federal government to intervene. The organisations have been working together since 2007 to push for reforms of the state’s juvenile justice system. That document amounted to a devastating compilation of abuses, despite close attention by Gov. Greg Abbott, who ousted the head of the juvenile justice system in 2017 after an investigation by The Dallas Morning News revealed a litany of degradations, including staff members distributing pornography and paying children money and drugs to fight one another. In a statement, Camille Cain, the executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which oversees one of the nation’s largest networks of youth correctional facilities, said her office intended to cooperate fully with investigators. “We all share the same goals for the youth in our care: providing for their safety, their effective rehabilitation, and the best chance for them to lead productive, fulfilling lives,” she said. Despite reforms that began in 2007, with the closure of some facilities and a push to expand probation and reduce the number of children locked away, the groups found that violence and sexual abuse persisted within the five facilities that remain open and are now under investigation. The problems, according to the complaint, have been exacerbated by severe staffing shortages, in part because of officers calling in sick during the coronavirus pandemic. This has led to a lack of supervision, the complaint said, which has allowed violence among the incarcerated children to flourish, as well as violence between staff members and the youths. On any given day, there are between 800 and 900 children in the state’s juvenile centers. “The high staff turnover and lack of staffing in general both lead to a lack of programming and supervision, with kids often on lockdown in their dorms, which in turn leads to unrest and acting out by kids,” the complaint says. Staff members have responded with beatings and pepper spray, the complaint explained, behavior that has created “a generally unsafe environment where rehabilitation, the primary goal of the juvenile justice system, is nearly impossible.” Christie Dennis said her son was 15 when he entered one of the facilities at the center of the investigation, the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility in Mart, Texas. Also read | Tour of the neighbouring galaxy: NASA shares stunning video of the Andromeda Dennis was horrified when she called one day in 2019 and learned that her son had been beaten and taunted as guards apparently stood by, she said. Her son was sent to the jail’s doctors on one occasion, she said, and she was later told that many guards did not intervene because they were afraid of the youths themselves. “I was wondering, where are the guards? They didn’t have enough staff to handle the chaos,” Dennis said. “He was actually scared,” she said of her son. Dennis said her son ended up at the center after taking her car without permission several times and money from her purse. After talking to the authorities, she was advised that if she “wanted to teach her son a lesson,” he needed to go to a juvenile facility, Dennis said, a decision she ended up regretting. The attacks against her son escalated to the point where he begged guards to keep him in solitary confinement, Dennis said. Released in July 2020, months before his 17th birthday, he now works at a fast-food restaurant and is earning his general equivalency diploma with plans to pursue welding. But he is not the same as he was before his detention, she said. “He has PTSD,” she said. “He hears a noise and he panics.” Her son’s experience was included in the complaint filed to the Justice Department. In the complaint, he was identified by the initials “M.C.” and described an environment in which “gangs ran the facility” and put out “hits” on children. Food was frequently stolen, he said, and staffing was so limited that officers resorted to the use of pepper spray to pacify groups of children who were fighting. Sometimes parents were not notified when their children were transported to other facilities. A seasoned volunteer at Gainesville State School who did not want her name used because she was not authorised to speak publicly about an open investigation, said she witnessed instances in which mothers showed up to see their children only to learn they were no longer there. After nine years, she was let go in 2019 after she reported one such case, she said. In announcing the investigation, Kristen Clarke, who leads the Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department, said the federal inquiry would examine the state’s use of isolation and chemicals like pepper spray, plus the allegations of physical violence, sexual abuse and mistreatment of children. Three years ago, the Justice Department found that children in Texas detention centers suffered much higher rates of sexual victimisation than in other states. The department found that while 7% of youth in juvenile facilities across the country had reported being the victim of sexual abuse, complaints at three Texas facilities were significantly higher. For example, 14% of children at a detention center in Brownwood, Texas, were reportedly victims of sexual violence. At two other prisons, the rate was higher, with 1 in 6 children said to have been abused. In one egregious case, in August 2019, a corrections officer was charged with having sex with a girl who was housed in the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex in Brownwood. The victim reportedly became pregnant, and the officer was later charged with sexual abuse and possession of child pornography. Last year, another staff member at the complex, a woman whose title was “youth development coach,” was accused of sexual misconduct with a child in custody. The announcement of the Justice Department investigation was praised by advocates for criminal justice reform, families of those confined and former inmates as a move that could bring relief and better conditions to people held in the centers.

Complaints against Texas’ juvenile prisons include violence and sex abuse

The women were either arrested for speaking out or had gone to the authorities to report a crime. In each case, they said, they were sexually abused by the officials sworn to protect them.

The women were either arrested for speaking out or had gone to the authorities to report a crime. In each case, they said, they were sexually abused by the officials sworn to protect them. Whether they are victims of crimes, witnesses or the accused, women who encounter Egypt’s criminal justice system risk being taken aside and stripped, groped, prodded and violated. This treatment is illegal, but in this authoritarian and patriarchal country, there is almost nothing they can do about it. These women, in interviews with The New York Times, described sexual violations that they said were committed in police stations, prisons and hospitals. Some occurred during routine searches by the police or prison guards, the women said. Others were carried out by state-employed doctors ordered to conduct invasive physical exams, including so-called virginity tests. Also read | Boy Scouts reach $850 million settlement with sex abuse victims There is no public data on the number of these incidents, which rights groups say may amount to torture and sexual assault. And women in Egypt rarely report them because sexual assault victims are often shunned and disparaged. But civil society groups, experts, lawyers and therapists say there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that it happens frequently. The New York Times found a dozen women who recounted similar experiences. Most spoke anonymously, fearing arrest and worried about stigmatizing their families. Government officials have generally dismissed and denied accounts of systemic abuse, insisting that they are conducting standard searches that are lawful and necessary in investigations or to keep contraband out of prisons. Officials at the Ministry of the Interior, which oversees the police and prisons, and the Public Prosecutor’s office did not respond to requests for comment. One police officer, however, who worked for years in a police precinct and a prison, said that sexual abuse of women by legal authorities was “everywhere.” Speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was afraid of retribution, he said that the aim was not to gather evidence or search for contraband but to “humiliate your humanity.” Search as Punishment Asmaa Abdel Hamid, 29, was arrested in Cairo for protesting an increase in subway fares. She said she was subjected to invasive searches three times. The first was in police custody, when a female inspector forced her to strip, grabbed her breasts and watched her urinate. The second was in a public hospital, in front of a male doctor, with the curtain half drawn, exposing her naked body to a group of officers. The doctor told her to bend down and pull apart her buttocks. He then made her lie down and he looked between her legs. He said he was investigating whether she was a virgin. The third time was in prison, during intake. A guard penetrated Abdel Hamid anally using her finger wrapped in a plastic bag that she picked up off the floor. Arrested in 2018 for raising a sign objecting to the new ticket prices, Abdel Hamid was charged with joining a terrorist organization, disrupting the constitution and interrupting public transportation. Rights groups say these searches constitute cruel and inhumane treatment that is prohibited under international law. “Women are essentially describing being violated and being assaulted,” said Rothna Begum, a senior women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Strip searching can be considered OK in certain contexts as part of security measures but the intention here seems to be to degrade them.” In Abdel Hamid’s case, the intention also seems to be to quash dissent, even about an issue as minor as subway fares. Egypt has deployed sexual violence to intimidate political opposition before. After the military detained at least 18 women at a protest in 2011, strip-searched them and subjected them to virginity tests, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who was then the head of military intelligence, said he recognized the “need to change the culture of the security forces” and promised to “protect detainees against ill-treatment.” A decade later, and seven years into his presidency, that promise has yet to be fulfilled. She Was Seeking Justice Invasive searches are not limited to criminal suspects or activists. The Times spoke to two women and the lawyer for a third who said they came to the justice system as victims of sexual assault and were violated by state medical doctors. One woman said she had been raped. When the prosecution ordered her to go to the Forensic Medicine Authority, the office responsible for medical exams in criminal cases, she complied. It was a scorching summer day, and the door kept swinging open as more medical personnel joined the small crowd slowly forming around the lower half of her body. The bedsheet offered as a cover was filthy, so she opted to lie naked instead. The doctor, she said, asked her detailed questions about her sex life. Without explanation, she said, instruments were inserted into her vagina and then she was made to turn over, get on her knees and hug the bed while an invasive anal examination was conducted. By the time the exam ended, she was sweating profusely. She struggled to pull her pants up over her clammy skin. But just as she was set to leave, a new doctor walked in and told her to undress again. The inspection, they said, was inconclusive. They started over. Women in Egypt often avoid reporting sexual assault out of fear that they will be blamed. The justice system gives them another reason: that they will be violated again. There are valid reasons for forensic medical exams to search for evidence of assault. According to accepted protocols, they should be conducted by specialists trained to minimize trauma and with the sustained consent of the victim. But in Egypt, lawyers and experts say, forensic professionals are not sufficiently trained to deal with sexual assault victims, relying instead on discredited practices like virginity exams. Virginity tests involve examining a woman’s hymen to determine her sexual history, and are considered scientifically baseless. The World Health Organization condemns the practice, stating that the “appearance of a hymen is not a reliable indicator of intercourse.” But forensic doctors working under Egypt’s Justice Ministry operate under the assumption that it is. An Egyptian court ruled in 2011 that forced virginity tests “constitute a violation of women’s bodies and an assault on their human dignity.” But in August, Human Rights Watch reported that forced virginity tests were still in use. “Egypt is a party to all international agreements for human rights and women’s rights and we have brilliant constitutional articles and laws, but they’re all locked up in a drawer somewhere and the violations are of every color and stripe,” said Magda Adly, director of El Nadeem Center, an Egyptian organization that supports victims of torture. A senior doctor at the Forensic Medicine Authority, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give an interview, said the exams were carried out even in cases when a crime may have taken place months or years earlier and there was unlikely to be any physical evidence. But obtaining evidence of a crime is not always the point. “The point is to establish whether a girl was raped or if she was used habitually,” said Mostafa Foda, a former director of the Forensic Medicine Authority. “Used habitually” is the agency’s term for a woman who is sexually active. If the victim is sexually active, he said, the case will likely not be prosecuted. “Then she will get nothing,” he said. “How do you differentiate a woman like that from a prostitute?” Foda defended virginity testing but acknowledged that the agency’s staff lacked the training and resources to deal with victims of sexual assault. He also said that the system’s “conservative” and “Eastern” culture explained why forensic doctors may treat sexual assault victims with contempt. “They’re disgusted by them,” he said. Determining Her Sex Malak Elkashif was arrested in 2019 for protesting government negligence after a deadly train crash. Elkashif, an outspoken transgender woman, took to the street that day among dozens of other protesters. She was detained in a police station for two weeks, she said, as security officials tried to determine whether she should be held in a men’s or women’s prison. They sent her to a public hospital, handcuffed to a uniformed police officer, who insisted on attending the medical exam. She was told to undress, her private parts were inspected, and she was subjected to an invasive anal exam. Minutes later, as the same officer escorted her back to a police station, she said, he grabbed her thigh and quietly declared to her that he was aroused. Human rights experts say that there is no question that forced anal exams violate human rights and medical ethics. The practise, which often involves a doctor inserting his fingers or other objects into a person’s anus to try to determine whether the person regularly engaged in anal intercourse, is often used in cases of debauchery — a charge used to prosecute gay people. The practise has been condemned by the United Nations, Human Rights Watch and professional groups like the World Medical Association and Physicians for Human Rights. The consensus is that it has no scientific basis and could constitute torture and, in some cases, rape. “Our state is blind to justice and is motivated instead by a vendetta,” said Khaled Fahmy, an Egyptian professor of Middle East history at Cambridge University. “They use bodies to get at human souls.” In Elkashif’s case, because she had undergone hormone therapy and had begun transition surgery, the exam was deemed inconclusive. The prosecution sent her to the Forensic Medicine Authority for a second opinion and another exam. Finally, they resolved the problem by locking her in a solitary room in a men’s prison. “It was supposed to protect her,” said Hoda Nasralla, Elkashif’s lawyer. “But in reality they made her spend five months in solitary confinement.” Nasralla said she had represented at least two other clients who had undergone similar exams to determine their gender and sexual orientation. Silencing a Journalist One woman, an activist-turned-journalist, was working freelance for Al-Jazeera, a Qatari-owned TV channel. The Egyptian government considers the network a pulpit for the Muslim Brotherhood, a political group that has been banned and designated a terrorist organization. Anyone said to be affiliated with the group faces the possibility of arrest. In her case, she had broadcast reports of sporadic unrest in Egypt. One rainy April evening in 2018, with her laptop and camera tucked away in her backpack, she was stopped by two plainclothes officers. They drove her away blindfolded, she said and took her to a secure facility where she was interrogated. She was accused of joining a terrorist organization and spreading false news. During the first 24 hours of interrogation, she said, she was groped by a man whom she believed to be an officer (she was still blindfolded). She said she was groped a second time when she entered prison, where she spent about a year without trial. She complained to prison authorities. But nothing changed until 2019, when another prisoner in the same prison — Al Qanater, on the outskirts of Cairo — filed a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office that she had been sexually assaulted. The second woman’s account drew public attention to the problem and appears to have pushed the prison to introduce changes. A new corrections officer was assigned to search inmates, according to several former prisoners. And a hand-held scanner was introduced that precluded the need for physical contact. It is not clear, however, if the new procedure is always followed. In January, another inmate at Al Qanater said that she had been stripped and sexually violated during a search after refusing to cooperate with an interrogation. The Interior Ministry denied her account, saying on its Facebook page that the accusations were “devoid of any truth.” After about a year in prison, she was released, but banned from traveling. So she fled illegally, smuggling herself out across Egypt’s southern border. Two months later, she arrived in Turkey, where she now lives. She seems relieved and convinced that she had no choice but to abandon a country that she says had abandoned her.

Stripped, groped and violated: Egyptian women describe abuse by the state

Pictures from China-run factories in Zimbabwe reveal how local workers are systematically abused by their Chinese bosses. How are the workers reacting? Why is the Zimbabwean government silent? Palki Sharma tells you.

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'Game of Thrones'&nbsp;actor Esme Bianco filed a lawsuit against US goth rocker Marilyn Manson on Friday setting out graphic allegations of rape, sexual abuse and violence.

According to the papers filed at a California court, Bianco was twice invited to Los Angeles by Manson -- real name Brian Warner -- with the promise of paid work, only to be subjected to acts of sexual violence including being cut, whipped and electrocuted without her consent.

"Mr. Warner raped Ms. Bianco in or around May 2011," the lawsuit alleges.&nbsp; "Mr. Warner committed sexual acts with Ms. Bianco when she was unconscious or otherwise unable to consent" and "also committed sexual battery against Ms. Bianco on multiple occasions," it says.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-targaryens-are-back-new-set-photos-of-matt-smith--emma-d%E2%80%99arcy-from-house-of-the-dragon-filming-381416" hreflang="en">Targaryens are back! New set photos of Matt Smith &amp; Emma D’Arcy from 'House Of The Dragon' filming</a>

In a statement to AFP, Manson's lawyer Howard King described the claims as "provably false" and accused Bianco and her attorney of making "outrageous financial demands based on conduct that simply never occurred."

"We will vigorously contest these allegations in court and are confident that we will prevail," King added. Los Angeles police in February confirmed they were investigating domestic violence allegations against the singer between 2009 and 2011. The dates and location of their investigation coincide with Bianco's allegations.

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"Westworld" star Evan Rachel Wood has also accused Manson of years of abuse starting when she was a teenager -- allegations Manson called "horrible distortions of reality" in an Instagram post.

Bianco, who was a fan of Manson as a teenager, appeared in 14 episodes of the smash-hit fantasy series "Game of Thrones" between 2011 and 2013, playing a prostitute called Ros. The British 38-year-old said in a statement Friday she had spoken out to stop Manson "from shattering any more lives and empower other victims to seek their own small measure of justice."

According to Bianco's lawsuit, she first visited Manson in Los Angeles in 2009 for what she understood to be a music video shoot.

Over four days, she was allegedly told to wear lingerie, deprived of sleep, given drugs and alcohol without food, and "physically beaten by Mr Warner," including with a whip he told her "was utilized by the Nazis."

Later that year, he visited her in London and they began a consensual relationship, the papers state. In 2011, Bianco moved to Los Angeles and was told she would star in a feature film called "Phantasmagoria" with Manson before spending two and a half months "enduring constant abuse" under the threat of her visa process being damaged, the lawsuit alleges.

Manson, who has long cultivated a controversial image with his ghostly make-up and stage name evoking serial killer Charles Manson, has parted ways with Ciulla, as well as record label Loma Vista Recordings and Hollywood agency CAA since the allegations became public.

'Game of Thrones' actor Esme Bianco filed a lawsuit against US goth rocker Marilyn Manson on Friday setting out graphic allegations of rape, sexual abuse and violence.

'Game of Thrones' actor Esme Bianco filed a lawsuit against US goth rocker Marilyn Manson on Friday setting out graphic allegations of rape, sexual abuse and violence. According to the papers filed at a California court, Bianco was twice invited to Los Angeles by Manson -- real name Brian Warner -- with the promise of paid work, only to be subjected to acts of sexual violence including being cut, whipped and electrocuted without her consent. "Mr. Warner raped Ms. Bianco in or around May 2011," the lawsuit alleges. "Mr. Warner committed sexual acts with Ms. Bianco when she was unconscious or otherwise unable to consent" and "also committed sexual battery against Ms. Bianco on multiple occasions," it says. Targaryens are back! New set photos of Matt Smith & Emma D’Arcy from 'House Of The Dragon' filming In a statement to AFP, Manson's lawyer Howard King described the claims as "provably false" and accused Bianco and her attorney of making "outrageous financial demands based on conduct that simply never occurred." "We will vigorously contest these allegations in court and are confident that we will prevail," King added. Los Angeles police in February confirmed they were investigating domestic violence allegations against the singer between 2009 and 2011. The dates and location of their investigation coincide with Bianco's allegations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wiki Foxnews (@wikifoxnews) × "Westworld" star Evan Rachel Wood has also accused Manson of years of abuse starting when she was a teenager -- allegations Manson called "horrible distortions of reality" in an Instagram post. Bianco, who was a fan of Manson as a teenager, appeared in 14 episodes of the smash-hit fantasy series "Game of Thrones" between 2011 and 2013, playing a prostitute called Ros. The British 38-year-old said in a statement Friday she had spoken out to stop Manson "from shattering any more lives and empower other victims to seek their own small measure of justice." According to Bianco's lawsuit, she first visited Manson in Los Angeles in 2009 for what she understood to be a music video shoot. Over four days, she was allegedly told to wear lingerie, deprived of sleep, given drugs and alcohol without food, and "physically beaten by Mr Warner," including with a whip he told her "was utilized by the Nazis." Later that year, he visited her in London and they began a consensual relationship, the papers state. In 2011, Bianco moved to Los Angeles and was told she would star in a feature film called "Phantasmagoria" with Manson before spending two and a half months "enduring constant abuse" under the threat of her visa process being damaged, the lawsuit alleges. Manson, who has long cultivated a controversial image with his ghostly make-up and stage name evoking serial killer Charles Manson, has parted ways with Ciulla, as well as record label Loma Vista Recordings and Hollywood agency CAA since the allegations became public.

'Game of Thrones' star Esme Bianco sues Marilyn Manson for alleged rape, abuse

Facebook Inc's Instagram is rolling out a feature to prevent users from viewing possibly abusive messages by filtering offensive words, phrases and emojis on the photo-sharing app.

The company said on Wednesday that along with the filter option for abusive direct messages, it will also make it harder for people blocked by users to circumvent and contact them through new accounts.

Instagram has been pushing on its efforts to tackle hate speech and online abuse on its platform, which is more popular than Facebook's main app among teens and young adults.

The filter, which can be activated on Instagram in privacy settings, can be customized by users to include words, phrases and emojis that they wish to block or avoid receiving in their message requests.

Users can use their discretion to report, delete or open messages, which will be sorted into a hidden requests folder, Instagram said.

The feature, which is only applicable to direct message requests and not the inbox itself, will roll out in some countries in the coming weeks, said Instagram.

Starting in a few weeks, all users will also have the extended option to entirely block out people from contacting them on Instagram, after blocking their account.

Facebook's independent Oversight Board announced Tuesday it would start accepting requests to remove "harmful content" that users believe has been wrongly allowed to remain on the leading social network.

The move has the potential to vastly expand the work of the so-called "supreme court" of Facebook, which up to now had been tasked with reviewing instances of whether content was improperly taken down from Facebook or&nbsp;Instagram.

The announcement comes with Facebook and other social platforms facing intense pressure to act on misinformation and abusive content, ranging from election-related hoaxes to unproven Covid-19 treatments.

Users who feel that harmful posts, photos, videos, comments and shares remain online will be able to appeal to the panel to have them removed.

As part of the new process, the panel will establish procedures including privacy protections for users seeking takedown requests.

Instagram&nbsp;is also letting a small number of users around the world decide whether to show "like" counts on their posts or see them on content shared by other people.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook Inc's Instagram is rolling out a feature to prevent users from viewing possibly abusive messages by filtering offensive words, phrases and emojis on the photo-sharing app.

Facebook Inc's Instagram is rolling out a feature to prevent users from viewing possibly abusive messages by filtering offensive words, phrases and emojis on the photo-sharing app. The company said on Wednesday that along with the filter option for abusive direct messages, it will also make it harder for people blocked by users to circumvent and contact them through new accounts. Instagram has been pushing on its efforts to tackle hate speech and online abuse on its platform, which is more popular than Facebook's main app among teens and young adults. The filter, which can be activated on Instagram in privacy settings, can be customized by users to include words, phrases and emojis that they wish to block or avoid receiving in their message requests. Users can use their discretion to report, delete or open messages, which will be sorted into a hidden requests folder, Instagram said. The feature, which is only applicable to direct message requests and not the inbox itself, will roll out in some countries in the coming weeks, said Instagram. Starting in a few weeks, all users will also have the extended option to entirely block out people from contacting them on Instagram, after blocking their account. Facebook's independent Oversight Board announced Tuesday it would start accepting requests to remove "harmful content" that users believe has been wrongly allowed to remain on the leading social network. The move has the potential to vastly expand the work of the so-called "supreme court" of Facebook, which up to now had been tasked with reviewing instances of whether content was improperly taken down from Facebook or Instagram. The announcement comes with Facebook and other social platforms facing intense pressure to act on misinformation and abusive content, ranging from election-related hoaxes to unproven Covid-19 treatments. Users who feel that harmful posts, photos, videos, comments and shares remain online will be able to appeal to the panel to have them removed. As part of the new process, the panel will establish procedures including privacy protections for users seeking takedown requests. Instagram is also letting a small number of users around the world decide whether to show "like" counts on their posts or see them on content shared by other people. (With inputs from agencies)

Instagram rolls out feature to tackle hate speech, abuse

The University of Southern California announced on Thursday that it will pay more than $1.1 billion to the former patients of a campus gynecologist accused of preying sexually on hundreds of patients, marking what university officials called “the end of a painful and ugly chapter in the history of our university.”

The staggering sum — a combination of three sets of settlements with thousands of alleged victims of Dr. George Tyndall — sets a record for collegiate sex abuse payouts, compensating a generation of young USC women.

The USC claims — which arose from only one of several scandals to engulf the university in recent years — reflected a 2018 federal class action settled earlier for $215 million, a second group of several dozen cases in which the amount of the settlement was not made public and a third settlement for $852 million with about 700 plaintiffs, which the university said was reached with the aid of a private mediator and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.

“It’s a bittersweet victory,” said Ja’Mesha Morgan, who was among the plaintiffs in the settlement announced Thursday, adding that she was a law student at USC when she was abused by Tyndall in 2016.

“On one hand, it really exemplifies the gravity of what Tyndall’s survivors had to experience, and really set in stone our truth as to what occurred,” said Morgan, now a 27-year-old lawyer. “But it’s also a really grueling reminder of the price tag USC was willing to put on our safety and our mental health.”

John C. Manly, who represented the third group of plaintiffs, said that “the reason USC paid this money was that there was culpability — they knew early on, in the early ’90s and all the way through his tenure that this was happening.”

This week’s settlement, which he said would be distributed among the plaintiffs in awards ranging from about $250,000 to several million dollars, will provide by far the largest per-victim payout, he said. But combined, the outcome of the litigation sends a message, he added: “If you’re an institution of higher education, you will pay if you do this.”

The total settlement is huge by any measure and is an abject admission that the university failed its female students over many years, experts said. Such large settlements are seismic in the academic world, which has been reeling from sexual abuse and harassment claims against students, professors and now, on a grand scale, a campus gynecologist.

The settlement at USC is twice the size of the half-billion dollars won by victims of Larry Nassar, the Michigan State University physician who sexually abused young women under the guise of medical treatment. It dwarfs other payments, like those in the sex abuse scandal at Pennsylvania State University. And it is larger than many of the settlements that followed the child sex abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church.

“It is by far the largest sexual settlement ever,” said Brett Sokolow, president of the Association of Title IX Administrators, which deals with sexual harassment and abuse on campus.

“It’s a recognition of suffering, and it’s a pretty stunning mea culpa,” Sokolow said. “When you’re talking about this quantum of money, it’s an admission of liability.” He continued, “An admission that there were hundreds of cases where the university had knowledge or without much diligence could have known what was going on, and failed to put an end to it.”

Over many years, the complaints against Tyndall ranged from the merely inappropriate — like remarking on how nice a woman’s skin appeared — to overtly sexual comments, to abusive physical acts that were deeply traumatizing to the women he treated. One woman, who spoke to The New York Times in 2018, said she was still haunted by her encounters with Tyndall, saying it had affected her sex life through adulthood. Some women reported that during appointments, he showed off photographs he had of the genitals of other women.

Allison Rowland, 54 — who said she was a graduate student at USC in 1993 or 1994 when Tyndall called her in for a “painful and strange” examination that culminated in a display of Polaroid close-ups of the bodies of other patients — said that the university’s earlier settlement offers were “pitiful” amounts of money aimed at “making us go away cheap.”

She said she hopes the eye-popping size of this week’s payout will cause “their risk managers and their attorneys” to look back at older complaints “about the weird men — and they are all men — they have on staff and get serious.”

In a letter to students and alumni, the president of the university, Carol L. Folt said, “These events have been devastating for our entire community.”

Folt also said the university would fund the settlement over two years through a combination of “litigation reserves, insurance proceeds, deferred capital spending, sale of nonessential assets, and careful management of nonessential expenses.” She added that no philanthropic gifts, endowment funds or tuition would be redirected to pay the costs.

USC’s general counsel, Beong-Soo Kim, said that resolving the litigation “has been a top priority” for the university.

Revelations that Tyndall had abused students for years were first made public in 2018 in an exhaustive report published by the Los Angeles Times, for which the newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting.

While the allegations of misconduct were first brought to the university’s attention in the 1990s, USC did not immediately report him to the state medical board, and he was not suspended from his job until 2016. After an investigation that led to the first briefing on the allegations for senior leaders of the university, Tyndall was arrested in 2019 outside his apartment in Los Angeles and prosecutors charged him with 29 counts of sexual assault involving 16 women. Through his lawyers, he has continued to deny wrongdoing. He has pleaded not guilty to 35 counts of criminal sexual misconduct and is free on bond.

After the university set up a hotline and website to receive complaints, more misconduct allegations from students poured in. After the scandal became public in 2018, the university sent emails to more than 350,000 people associated with the university, including students and alumni, with directions on how to report complaints.

The scandal, which forced the university’s president at the time, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign under pressure, erupted a year after USC had been embroiled in another scandal, when the popular dean of the medical school was fired after being accused of using drugs and partying with prostitutes.

Even after Nikias was forced out, scandals, big and small, continued to engulf the university, once regarded as a party school for Los Angeles’ elite before it was transformed into a top-tier university with an endowment to rival Harvard’s and a faculty that included several Nobel laureates.

There was the dean of the business school who was forced out over his handling of workplace misconduct claims. And then 2019, USC was ensnared in a wide-scale college admissions scandal, one that involved universities across the country, in which wealthy parents were accused of paying thousands of dollars — bribes to be more succinct — to get their children, many of whom underperformed academically, into colleges with athletic scholarships. Four USC athletics officials were charged in federal court with taking bribes, and some parents went to prison.

In late 2018, USC settled a federal lawsuit stemming from the allegations against Tyndall for $215 million, although it was clear then that the university’s legal problems were not over, as nearly 500 women, at that time, were suing the university. The settlement announced Thursday compensated the more than 700 women who had filed cases in Los Angeles Superior Court, the university said.

“The behavior that was discovered shocks the conscience of the university to its core,” Rick Caruso, chair of the university’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “Our institution fell short by not doing everything it could to protect those who matter most — our students, and I am sorry for the pain this caused the very people we were obligated to protect.”

The University of Southern California announced on Thursday that it will pay more than $1.1 billion to the former patients of a campus gynecologist accused of preying sexually on hundreds of patients, marking what university officials called “the end of a painful and ugly chapter in the history of our university.

The University of Southern California announced on Thursday that it will pay more than $1.1 billion to the former patients of a campus gynecologist accused of preying sexually on hundreds of patients, marking what university officials called “the end of a painful and ugly chapter in the history of our university.” The staggering sum — a combination of three sets of settlements with thousands of alleged victims of Dr. George Tyndall — sets a record for collegiate sex abuse payouts, compensating a generation of young USC women. The USC claims — which arose from only one of several scandals to engulf the university in recent years — reflected a 2018 federal class action settled earlier for $215 million, a second group of several dozen cases in which the amount of the settlement was not made public and a third settlement for $852 million with about 700 plaintiffs, which the university said was reached with the aid of a private mediator and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. “It’s a bittersweet victory,” said Ja’Mesha Morgan, who was among the plaintiffs in the settlement announced Thursday, adding that she was a law student at USC when she was abused by Tyndall in 2016. “On one hand, it really exemplifies the gravity of what Tyndall’s survivors had to experience, and really set in stone our truth as to what occurred,” said Morgan, now a 27-year-old lawyer. “But it’s also a really grueling reminder of the price tag USC was willing to put on our safety and our mental health.” John C. Manly, who represented the third group of plaintiffs, said that “the reason USC paid this money was that there was culpability — they knew early on, in the early ’90s and all the way through his tenure that this was happening.” This week’s settlement, which he said would be distributed among the plaintiffs in awards ranging from about $250,000 to several million dollars, will provide by far the largest per-victim payout, he said. But combined, the outcome of the litigation sends a message, he added: “If you’re an institution of higher education, you will pay if you do this.” The total settlement is huge by any measure and is an abject admission that the university failed its female students over many years, experts said. Such large settlements are seismic in the academic world, which has been reeling from sexual abuse and harassment claims against students, professors and now, on a grand scale, a campus gynecologist. The settlement at USC is twice the size of the half-billion dollars won by victims of Larry Nassar, the Michigan State University physician who sexually abused young women under the guise of medical treatment. It dwarfs other payments, like those in the sex abuse scandal at Pennsylvania State University. And it is larger than many of the settlements that followed the child sex abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church. “It is by far the largest sexual settlement ever,” said Brett Sokolow, president of the Association of Title IX Administrators, which deals with sexual harassment and abuse on campus. “It’s a recognition of suffering, and it’s a pretty stunning mea culpa,” Sokolow said. “When you’re talking about this quantum of money, it’s an admission of liability.” He continued, “An admission that there were hundreds of cases where the university had knowledge or without much diligence could have known what was going on, and failed to put an end to it.” Over many years, the complaints against Tyndall ranged from the merely inappropriate — like remarking on how nice a woman’s skin appeared — to overtly sexual comments, to abusive physical acts that were deeply traumatizing to the women he treated. One woman, who spoke to The New York Times in 2018, said she was still haunted by her encounters with Tyndall, saying it had affected her sex life through adulthood. Some women reported that during appointments, he showed off photographs he had of the genitals of other women. Allison Rowland, 54 — who said she was a graduate student at USC in 1993 or 1994 when Tyndall called her in for a “painful and strange” examination that culminated in a display of Polaroid close-ups of the bodies of other patients — said that the university’s earlier settlement offers were “pitiful” amounts of money aimed at “making us go away cheap.” She said she hopes the eye-popping size of this week’s payout will cause “their risk managers and their attorneys” to look back at older complaints “about the weird men — and they are all men — they have on staff and get serious.” In a letter to students and alumni, the president of the university, Carol L. Folt said, “These events have been devastating for our entire community.” Folt also said the university would fund the settlement over two years through a combination of “litigation reserves, insurance proceeds, deferred capital spending, sale of nonessential assets, and careful management of nonessential expenses.” She added that no philanthropic gifts, endowment funds or tuition would be redirected to pay the costs. USC’s general counsel, Beong-Soo Kim, said that resolving the litigation “has been a top priority” for the university. Revelations that Tyndall had abused students for years were first made public in 2018 in an exhaustive report published by the Los Angeles Times, for which the newspaper won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. While the allegations of misconduct were first brought to the university’s attention in the 1990s, USC did not immediately report him to the state medical board, and he was not suspended from his job until 2016. After an investigation that led to the first briefing on the allegations for senior leaders of the university, Tyndall was arrested in 2019 outside his apartment in Los Angeles and prosecutors charged him with 29 counts of sexual assault involving 16 women. Through his lawyers, he has continued to deny wrongdoing. He has pleaded not guilty to 35 counts of criminal sexual misconduct and is free on bond. After the university set up a hotline and website to receive complaints, more misconduct allegations from students poured in. After the scandal became public in 2018, the university sent emails to more than 350,000 people associated with the university, including students and alumni, with directions on how to report complaints. The scandal, which forced the university’s president at the time, C.L. Max Nikias, to resign under pressure, erupted a year after USC had been embroiled in another scandal, when the popular dean of the medical school was fired after being accused of using drugs and partying with prostitutes. Even after Nikias was forced out, scandals, big and small, continued to engulf the university, once regarded as a party school for Los Angeles’ elite before it was transformed into a top-tier university with an endowment to rival Harvard’s and a faculty that included several Nobel laureates. There was the dean of the business school who was forced out over his handling of workplace misconduct claims. And then 2019, USC was ensnared in a wide-scale college admissions scandal, one that involved universities across the country, in which wealthy parents were accused of paying thousands of dollars — bribes to be more succinct — to get their children, many of whom underperformed academically, into colleges with athletic scholarships. Four USC athletics officials were charged in federal court with taking bribes, and some parents went to prison. In late 2018, USC settled a federal lawsuit stemming from the allegations against Tyndall for $215 million, although it was clear then that the university’s legal problems were not over, as nearly 500 women, at that time, were suing the university. The settlement announced Thursday compensated the more than 700 women who had filed cases in Los Angeles Superior Court, the university said. “The behavior that was discovered shocks the conscience of the university to its core,” Rick Caruso, chair of the university’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “Our institution fell short by not doing everything it could to protect those who matter most — our students, and I am sorry for the pain this caused the very people we were obligated to protect.”

USC agrees to pay $1.1 billion to patients of gynecologist accused of abuse

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country.

“Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said.

The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-setback-for-gay-catholics-vatican-says-church-cannot-bless-same-sex-unions-370686" hreflang="en">In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions</a>

“Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said.

It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/in-another-archaeological-discovery-ancient-churches-rooms-found-in-egypt-370443" hreflang="en">In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt</a>

The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions.

The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country. “Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said. The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims. Also read: In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions “Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said. It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history. Also read: In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions. The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse

The Archbishop of Cologne outlined steps on Tuesday to help victims report abuse, improve priests' training and keep better records to prevent future misconduct after a report on the handling of sexual abuse was released last week.&nbsp;

The 800-page report into the archdiocese of Cologne between 1975 and 2018 found 202 abusers and 314 victims, and said Church officials had failed in their duties in some 75 cases.&nbsp;

It prompted the Archbishop of Hamburg to offer his resignation to the Vatican and Cologne Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki has suspended three other officials.&nbsp;

In his official public response to the report, Woelki, who was himself cleared, acknowledged many mistakes had been made and that victims had not been heard.&nbsp;

"The reputation of the church was given higher priority than the pain of the victims," he told reporters, adding that administrative chaos, unclear areas of responsibility and negligence had led to a cover-up caused by the system.&nbsp;

"This should never have been allowed to happen and it is high time we tackle it," he said. "I want to and I will listen," said Woelki, widely criticised for not publishing an earlier report and commissioning a new one instead.&nbsp;

He acknowledged that he had also made mistakes.&nbsp;

"Moral responsibility lies with me," Woelki said, adding that although he had not broken any laws, he had not done everything possible in the clearing up of cases.&nbsp;

The Archdiocese will set up a commission to work through abuse cases, introduce more rigorous procedures for investigating reports of abuse and be more meticulous in keeping records.&nbsp;

The report comes as the Catholic Church in Germany discusses a Synodal Path reform project on issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women and sexual morality.&nbsp;

Launched a year ago by the bishops and laypeople, the project is aimed at rebuilding trust lost in the decade-old abuse scandal but some Catholics warn it could cause a schism.&nbsp;

An unprecedented number of people are leaving the Church in Cologne which with its landmark Gothic cathedral has the largest membership of any diocese in the German-speaking world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Archbishop of Cologne outlined steps on Tuesday to help victims report abuse, improve priests' training and keep better records to prevent future misconduct after a report on the handling of sexual abuse was released last week.

The Archbishop of Cologne outlined steps on Tuesday to help victims report abuse, improve priests' training and keep better records to prevent future misconduct after a report on the handling of sexual abuse was released last week. The 800-page report into the archdiocese of Cologne between 1975 and 2018 found 202 abusers and 314 victims, and said Church officials had failed in their duties in some 75 cases. It prompted the Archbishop of Hamburg to offer his resignation to the Vatican and Cologne Archbishop Rainer Maria Woelki has suspended three other officials. In his official public response to the report, Woelki, who was himself cleared, acknowledged many mistakes had been made and that victims had not been heard. "The reputation of the church was given higher priority than the pain of the victims," he told reporters, adding that administrative chaos, unclear areas of responsibility and negligence had led to a cover-up caused by the system. "This should never have been allowed to happen and it is high time we tackle it," he said. "I want to and I will listen," said Woelki, widely criticised for not publishing an earlier report and commissioning a new one instead. He acknowledged that he had also made mistakes. "Moral responsibility lies with me," Woelki said, adding that although he had not broken any laws, he had not done everything possible in the clearing up of cases. The Archdiocese will set up a commission to work through abuse cases, introduce more rigorous procedures for investigating reports of abuse and be more meticulous in keeping records. The report comes as the Catholic Church in Germany discusses a Synodal Path reform project on issues such as homosexuality, the ordination of women and sexual morality. Launched a year ago by the bishops and laypeople, the project is aimed at rebuilding trust lost in the decade-old abuse scandal but some Catholics warn it could cause a schism. An unprecedented number of people are leaving the Church in Cologne which with its landmark Gothic cathedral has the largest membership of any diocese in the German-speaking world. (With inputs from agencies)

Cologne Archbishop outlines steps to prevent abuse in future 

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols.

Image and video evidences from 19 fur farms from China's northern and north-eastern regions have revealed that animals&nbsp;such as foxes and raccoon dogs are packed into the small compartments, making it impossible for animals to live peacefully.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-should-crack-down-on-firms-using-forced-labour-in-chinas-xinjiang-mps-say-371037">&nbsp;UK should crack down on firms using forced labour in China's Xinjiang, MPs say</a>

The animals are also being electrocuted in ways that cause&nbsp;them extreme pain before death. These animals are also made to suffer in front of other animals, who are subjected to the same torture a few minutes later.

Investigations were conducted by Humane Society International (HSI) between the time period of November 2020 to December 2020 at nearly 19 fur farms.

The investigations also revealed that several of these farms were selling carcasses to restaurants, which directly violates China's rule that forbids consumption of meat from wildlife. The rule was imposed last year, fearing coronavirus emerged from wildlife in Wuhan. Considering this, trade of carcasses also makes disregard of coronavirus restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-labour-schemes-are-aimed-at-cutting-uighur-population-density-report-says-367729">Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says</a>

HSI believes the fur farms are being treated in a manner which can lead them to contracting the deadly coronavirus.

"Our investigators witnessed an almost total lack of disease control and health protection measures on fur farms, which is extremely worrying considering that mink, raccoon dogs and foxes are all capable of contracting coronaviruses," HSI executive director Claire Bass said.

To prove the inhumane behavior, HSI also provided video evidence in which the care-takers can be seen repeatedly stabbing animals with double-pronged lance which paralyses the animals. This technique is being used to torture animals overnight, rather than killing them quickly by using electrocution devices to deliver shock to their brains.

"The animals in this video are being subjected to violent and chaotic electrocution in the body and not the brain, which means they are highly likely to have experienced several minutes of extreme physical pain and suffering, like heart attack symptoms," HSI veterinary adviser Prof Alastair MacMillan explained.

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols.

Several campaigners have got together to urge the United Kingdom to ban fur imports from China after investigations revealed animal abuse and non-compliance of coronavirus-related health protocols. Image and video evidences from 19 fur farms from China's northern and north-eastern regions have revealed that animals such as foxes and raccoon dogs are packed into the small compartments, making it impossible for animals to live peacefully. Also read | UK should crack down on firms using forced labour in China's Xinjiang, MPs say The animals are also being electrocuted in ways that cause them extreme pain before death. These animals are also made to suffer in front of other animals, who are subjected to the same torture a few minutes later. Investigations were conducted by Humane Society International (HSI) between the time period of November 2020 to December 2020 at nearly 19 fur farms. The investigations also revealed that several of these farms were selling carcasses to restaurants, which directly violates China's rule that forbids consumption of meat from wildlife. The rule was imposed last year, fearing coronavirus emerged from wildlife in Wuhan. Considering this, trade of carcasses also makes disregard of coronavirus restrictions. Also read | Chinese labour schemes are aimed at cutting Uighur population density, report says HSI believes the fur farms are being treated in a manner which can lead them to contracting the deadly coronavirus. "Our investigators witnessed an almost total lack of disease control and health protection measures on fur farms, which is extremely worrying considering that mink, raccoon dogs and foxes are all capable of contracting coronaviruses," HSI executive director Claire Bass said. To prove the inhumane behavior, HSI also provided video evidence in which the care-takers can be seen repeatedly stabbing animals with double-pronged lance which paralyses the animals. This technique is being used to torture animals overnight, rather than killing them quickly by using electrocution devices to deliver shock to their brains. "The animals in this video are being subjected to violent and chaotic electrocution in the body and not the brain, which means they are highly likely to have experienced several minutes of extreme physical pain and suffering, like heart attack symptoms," HSI veterinary adviser Prof Alastair MacMillan explained.

Animal activists urge UK to ban fur import from China over animal abuse allegations

NBA on Monday said that Los Angeles Clippers star Patrick Beverley has been fined $25,000 for verbally abusing a game official during the match against Denver Nuggets.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/boston-celtics-dominate-nba-champions-toronto-raptors-as-they-win-111-89-325893" hreflang="en">Boston Celtics' dominate NBA champions Toronto Raptors as they win 111-89</a>

According to NBA vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe's statement, Beverley was fined for his conduct during Saturday's 110-101 loss to the Nuggets.

Beverley's verbal volley saw him assessed with two technical fouls and ejected late in the fourth quarter.

However, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Nuggets 113-107 in the third game that took place in Orlando on Monday.&nbsp;

Clippers lead the best-of-seven series against the Nuggets by 2-1.&nbsp;

"The game came down to one of the two teams was going to play some defense," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said.&nbsp;

"For three and a half quarters both teams were basically scoring and the last six minutes it was our defense."

NBA on Monday said that Los Angeles Clippers star Patrick Beverley has been fined $25,000 for verbally abusing a game official during the match against Denver Nuggets.

NBA on Monday said that Los Angeles Clippers star Patrick Beverley has been fined $25,000 for verbally abusing a game official during the match against Denver Nuggets. Also read: Boston Celtics' dominate NBA champions Toronto Raptors as they win 111-89 According to NBA vice president Kiki VanDeWeghe's statement, Beverley was fined for his conduct during Saturday's 110-101 loss to the Nuggets. Beverley's verbal volley saw him assessed with two technical fouls and ejected late in the fourth quarter. However, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Nuggets 113-107 in the third game that took place in Orlando on Monday. Clippers lead the best-of-seven series against the Nuggets by 2-1. "The game came down to one of the two teams was going to play some defense," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "For three and a half quarters both teams were basically scoring and the last six minutes it was our defense."

LA Clippers star Patrick Beverley $25,000 for verbally abusing game official: NBA

Former team mates of a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean triathlete found dead last month after alleging she had been abused by her coaching staff said on Monday athletes endured a living "hell" and were habitually beaten and verbally abused.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/seven-womens-nba-players-positive-fever-delays-trip-311167" hreflang="en">Seven Women's NBA players positive, Fever delays trip</a>

Choi Suk-hyeon, a member of the national triathlon team, died at her team dorm after leaving a message to her mother asking her to "reveal the sins" of her abusers. She was 22.

Choi did not reveal names in the message, which was released by a lawmaker last week, but her family and team mates said she had suffered years of physical and verbal abuse from her coach, physiotherapist and captain of her Gyeongju City team.

Her coach and captain denied any wrongdoing at a parliamentary hearing on Monday.

A sports ministry official told the hearing that the physiotherapist was a friend of the coach and was working with the team despite not having a license.

He is no longer with the team and Reuters was unable to contact him.

One of Choi's former team mates, who did not give her name and wore a mask to conceal her identity, told a news conference before the hearing that the team was "a kingdom built only for the coach and certain members".

"The coach and the captain habitually beat and verbally abused Suk-hyeon and us," she added.

In one instance, the coach forced them to eat 200,000 won ($167.00) worth of bread and then throw it all back up as a penalty for drinking a cup of cola and gaining weight, she said.

Another team mate described life in the athletes dorm as the "abyss of hell" but said she believed this was the world athletes had to live in.

The lawmaker who arranged the news conference said it took courage from the athletes to come forward as they were afraid of reprisals.

Choi's death sparked a nationwide uproar, especially after she was found to have filed complaints with the police, national sports bodies and a human rights watchdog.

The head of the national triathlon association apologised at the parliamentary hearing for "only believing the coach".

South&nbsp;Korea's elite sports community is notorious for its "win-at-all-costs" culture, with its brutal training regimes and a strong hierarchical relationship between coaches and older and younger athletes.

Last year, several female athletes accused their male coaches of sexual and verbal abuse amid the #MeToo movement, including two-time Olympic champion short track speed skater Shim Suk-hee, who said she was repeatedly raped by her coach.

The sports ministry and&nbsp;Korean Sport and Olympic Committee pledged a thorough investigation on Monday.

Former team mates of a South Korean triathlete found dead last month after alleging she had been abused by her coaching staff said on Monday athletes endured a living "hell" and were habitually beaten and verbally abused.

Former team mates of a South Korean triathlete found dead last month after alleging she had been abused by her coaching staff said on Monday athletes endured a living "hell" and were habitually beaten and verbally abused. Also read: Seven Women's NBA players positive, Fever delays trip Choi Suk-hyeon, a member of the national triathlon team, died at her team dorm after leaving a message to her mother asking her to "reveal the sins" of her abusers. She was 22. Choi did not reveal names in the message, which was released by a lawmaker last week, but her family and team mates said she had suffered years of physical and verbal abuse from her coach, physiotherapist and captain of her Gyeongju City team. Her coach and captain denied any wrongdoing at a parliamentary hearing on Monday. A sports ministry official told the hearing that the physiotherapist was a friend of the coach and was working with the team despite not having a license. He is no longer with the team and Reuters was unable to contact him. One of Choi's former team mates, who did not give her name and wore a mask to conceal her identity, told a news conference before the hearing that the team was "a kingdom built only for the coach and certain members". "The coach and the captain habitually beat and verbally abused Suk-hyeon and us," she added. In one instance, the coach forced them to eat 200,000 won ($167.00) worth of bread and then throw it all back up as a penalty for drinking a cup of cola and gaining weight, she said. Another team mate described life in the athletes dorm as the "abyss of hell" but said she believed this was the world athletes had to live in. The lawmaker who arranged the news conference said it took courage from the athletes to come forward as they were afraid of reprisals. Choi's death sparked a nationwide uproar, especially after she was found to have filed complaints with the police, national sports bodies and a human rights watchdog. The head of the national triathlon association apologised at the parliamentary hearing for "only believing the coach". South Korea's elite sports community is notorious for its "win-at-all-costs" culture, with its brutal training regimes and a strong hierarchical relationship between coaches and older and younger athletes. Last year, several female athletes accused their male coaches of sexual and verbal abuse amid the #MeToo movement, including two-time Olympic champion short track speed skater Shim Suk-hee, who said she was repeatedly raped by her coach. The sports ministry and Korean Sport and Olympic Committee pledged a thorough investigation on Monday.

Late South Korea triathlete's team mates detail abuse allegations

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces.

“The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady.&nbsp;

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a46e3b-cfeb-42c6-9627-f4e2fbce268c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_28.jpg" /> 
A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns.

“Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added.

Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor.

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/egypt-extends-state-of-emergency-to-three-years-275532" hreflang="en">Egypt extends state of emergency to three years</a>

“Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit.

“Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added.

Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months.&nbsp;

A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied.

<img alt="p" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7671e0c9-e525-4f66-a949-68248371e340" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_30.jpg" />

Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts.

A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for.

According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”.

The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place.

Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults.

A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children.

According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing.

(With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse.

The Egyptian police force, in tandem with the National Security Agency has been accused of forced disappearances, torture of children. Human Rights Watch and Belady: An Island for Humanity in report which was released today claim that the legal system ignored the abuse. The report titled “No one cared he was a child: Egyptian Security Forces’ Abuse of Children in Detention” claims 20 children aged 12-17 were arrested and abused by forces. “The harrowing accounts of these children and their families reveal how Egypt’s machinery of repression has subjected children to grave abuses,” said Aya Hijazi, co-director of Belady. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Based on the account mentioned on the Human Rights Watch website, 15 out of 20 children claim to have been tortured during interrogation. A child was also badly assaulted during the process. A picture taken during a guided tour organised by Egypt's State Information Service on February 11, 2020, shows Egyptian policemen at the entrance of the Tora prison in the Egyptian capital Cairo | AFP As many as seven children claim that they were tortured using sophisticated electricity driven tools like stun guns. “Egyptian authorities act as though they are above all laws when it comes to children in detention”, Hijazi added. Many children were tied with arms behind their backs which led to the dislocation of their shoulders. A 14-year-old boy claimed that his joints had be put back into place with manipulation from another prison, who is allegedly a doctor. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. Also read: Egypt extends state of emergency to three years “Children are describing being waterboarded and electrocuted on their tongues and genitals, and yet Egypt’s security forces are facing no consequences,” said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch. Many human rights abuses have been reported under the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Even though most abuse was allegedly committed by the National Security Agency’s officers, the police and army have also been complicit. “Governments that want to end these horrors should end support to Egyptian security services and condition any future agreements on there being real reforms”, Esveld added. Even though children were put into detention, their families were not informed. Many of them were missing in action for over 13 months. A child was given the death sentence, which is in direct violation of international human rights protocols in place. Additionally, three were indefinitely put in solitary confinement. When families tried to reach out to their kids, their requests were denied. Many narratives claim that there was not enough room for everybody to sleep, owing to which most kids slept in shifts. A harrowing account released by Human Rights Watch suggests that kids were threatened were re-detention if they didn’t confess to the crime they were being held for. According to Egyptian law, all detainees have to be presented in front of a prosecutor within 24 hours of taking them into custody. However, the authorities circumvented this law by claiming that the kids were “arrested”. The law states that children cannot be tried before criminal courts, however, two kids were tried in military courts, which clearly disregards the law in place. Under the 1996 Child Law and the subsequent amendments, special protection is accorded to children, and they cannot be detained and penalised along the same lines as adults. A loophole in the Child Law enables officers to send children to criminal courts if their accomplices were adults, which is abused to prosecute children. According to the human rights group, the allies of Egypt, including the US and many European countries need to end their support to the country in order for them to be held accountable for their trespassing. (With inputs from the report released by Human Rights Watch)

Egyptian security forces allegedly torture, detain children in direct violation of law

An emaciated lion in Colombia was transported on Thursday (February 27) to be closer to its 'mother' in a bid to save his life. Jupiter was rescued at a young age from a circus after a life of abuse. Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after video of him hugging his carer Ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Malnourished lion returns to woman who rescued him from circus abuse

Lenin Moreno, the President of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-resumes-oil-exports-curbed-by-protests-257143">Ecuador</a> recently apologised for his earlier comments about victims of sexual assault.

He had said that women complain about harassment only when the perpetrators are ''ugly''.

During a speech on Friday in the port city of Guayaquil, Moreno claimed that men faced denouncement for harassment, and claimed that ''at times, with harassment, they torment ugly people''.

"That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person," he added. "But if the person looks good according to the standards, they tend not to think necessarily that it is harassment."

The words of the president infuriated people on social media and invited scorn from women's right activists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-to-probe-rights-abuses-in-ecuador-after-deadly-protests-256780">UN to probe rights abuses in Ecuador after deadly protests</a>

"We, men, at permanently risk of the danger of being accused of harassment. Harassment. And I see that women, many times, denounce harassment, that's true, and it's good that they do so. But at times, with harassment, they torment ugly people. That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person. But if the person looks good according to the standards, they tend not to think necessarily that it is harassment. And at my age, it would not be harassment, but sexual harassment", the president said.

The congresswoman of the ruling party, Soleda Buendía alluded to the comment on Twitter and said that ''Moreno justifies and reproduces violence against women. You can't joke about harassment, rape, femicide, trafficking, sexual exploitation.... Nothing justifies expressions that revictimise us!

The Women for Change, an equal rights organisation added to the conversation. ''It is not that everything now looks to women like harassment, it is that to machos like you it has never seemed bad to harass!'', they tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
En mi comentario sobre el acoso, no pretendí minimizar un asunto tan grave como la violencia o los abusos. Me disculpo si se entendió así. ¡Rechazo la violencia contra la mujer en todas sus formas!
— Lenín Moreno (@Lenin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lenin/status/1223419716926046209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After facing backlash online, Moreno seeked an apology on Twitter and wrote, ''In my comment about harassment, I did not intend to minimize such a grave topic as violence or abuses. I apologise if it was understood that way. I reject violence against women in all forms!''

(With inputs from Reuters)

Lenin Moreno, the President of Ecuador recently apologised for his earlier comments about victims of sexual assault. He had said that women complain about harassment only when the perpetrators are ''ugly''.

Lenin Moreno, the President of Ecuador recently apologised for his earlier comments about victims of sexual assault. He had said that women complain about harassment only when the perpetrators are ''ugly''. During a speech on Friday in the port city of Guayaquil, Moreno claimed that men faced denouncement for harassment, and claimed that ''at times, with harassment, they torment ugly people''. "That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person," he added. "But if the person looks good according to the standards, they tend not to think necessarily that it is harassment." The words of the president infuriated people on social media and invited scorn from women's right activists. Also read: UN to probe rights abuses in Ecuador after deadly protests "We, men, at permanently risk of the danger of being accused of harassment. Harassment. And I see that women, many times, denounce harassment, that's true, and it's good that they do so. But at times, with harassment, they torment ugly people. That is to say, that the harassment is when it comes from an ugly person. But if the person looks good according to the standards, they tend not to think necessarily that it is harassment. And at my age, it would not be harassment, but sexual harassment", the president said. The congresswoman of the ruling party, Soleda Buendía alluded to the comment on Twitter and said that ''Moreno justifies and reproduces violence against women. You can't joke about harassment, rape, femicide, trafficking, sexual exploitation.... Nothing justifies expressions that revictimise us! The Women for Change, an equal rights organisation added to the conversation. ''It is not that everything now looks to women like harassment, it is that to machos like you it has never seemed bad to harass!'', they tweeted. En mi comentario sobre el acoso, no pretendí minimizar un asunto tan grave como la violencia o los abusos. Me disculpo si se entendió así. ¡Rechazo la violencia contra la mujer en todas sus formas! — Lenín Moreno (@Lenin) February 1, 2020 × After facing backlash online, Moreno seeked an apology on Twitter and wrote, ''In my comment about harassment, I did not intend to minimize such a grave topic as violence or abuses. I apologise if it was understood that way. I reject violence against women in all forms!'' (With inputs from Reuters)

Ecuador president suggests women report abuse only from 'ugly' men; apologises after backlash

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-prepare-for-trilateral-summit-amid-tensions-269632">Chinese authorities</a> today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour.&nbsp;

According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card. Allegedly, it came from inmates at Shanghai's Qingpu Prison.&nbsp;

Tesco, the supermarket giant, recently announced the end of production at its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-should-abandon-their-double-standards-china-slams-eurpopean-union-parliament-over-uighur-sanctions-resolution-269347">factory in China</a> after a similar debacle. A charity card from Tesco contained a cry for help from a prisoner, as reported by the Sunday Times newspaper.

China has continuously denied the claims, referring to them as fictitious.&nbsp;

"I can tell you responsibly that, after seeking clarification from relevant departments, Shanghai Qingpu prison does not at all have ... forced labour by foreign convicts" said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Shuang also took the opportunity to attack former journalist Peter Humphrey who had written the article. He called the story a ''farce'' to ''hype himself up''.

Humphrey was detained in Qinqpu prison until his release in 2015.

Watch:&nbsp;U.S. blacklists China &amp; Pak, both languish in the blacklist

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-blacklists-china-pak-both-languish-in-the-blacklist-269482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-next-hong-kongers-rally-for-chinas-uighurs-269572">China</a>," said the message, in a charity card featuring a kitten in a Santa hat

"Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation."

According to the Sunday Times, the note inside the card requested the finder to report the concerns to Humphrey, which the schoolgirl's father did, after which it was made public.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese authorities today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour. According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card.

Chinese authorities today denied the allegations of prisoners being forced into physical labour. According to a British newspaper, a schoolgirl in London received a message in a Christmas card. Allegedly, it came from inmates at Shanghai's Qingpu Prison. Tesco, the supermarket giant, recently announced the end of production at its factory in China after a similar debacle. A charity card from Tesco contained a cry for help from a prisoner, as reported by the Sunday Times newspaper. China has continuously denied the claims, referring to them as fictitious. "I can tell you responsibly that, after seeking clarification from relevant departments, Shanghai Qingpu prison does not at all have ... forced labour by foreign convicts" said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Shuang also took the opportunity to attack former journalist Peter Humphrey who had written the article. He called the story a ''farce'' to ''hype himself up''. Humphrey was detained in Qinqpu prison until his release in 2015. Watch: U.S. blacklists China & Pak, both languish in the blacklist "We are foreign prisoners in Shanghai Qingpu Prison China," said the message, in a charity card featuring a kitten in a Santa hat "Forced to work against our will. Please help us and notify human rights organisation." According to the Sunday Times, the note inside the card requested the finder to report the concerns to Humphrey, which the schoolgirl's father did, after which it was made public. (With inputs from agencies)

'Made up': China denies allegations of forced labour at Shanghai prison

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-awakened-graffiti-across-shattered-city-reflects-protest-intensity-264674">Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations"</a> as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests.

The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago.

"We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco.

The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">a series of reforms</a> to help prevent police misconduct.

Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-security-forces-intentionally-attacked-protesters-to-punish-them-amnesty-263950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders."

Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training.

"We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights.

She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force. HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests. The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago. "We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco. The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending a series of reforms to help prevent police misconduct. Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders." Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training. "We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights. She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

'Serious' human rights violations occurred during Chile protests: Human Rights Watch

Google on Wednesday updated how it handles political ads as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/now-have-a-news-host-in-your-devices-google-assistant-263271">online platforms</a> remain under pressure to avoid being used to spread misleading information intended to influence voters.

The internet company said its rules already ban any advertiser, including those with political messages, from lying in ads. But it is making its policy more clear and adding examples of how that prohibits content such as doctored or manipulated images or video.

"It's against our policies for any advertiser to make a false claim,&nbsp;whether it's a claim about the price of a chair or a claim that you can vote by text message, that election day is postponed, or that a candidate has died," Google ads product management vice president Scott Spencer said in an online post.

Examples of banned ad material included ads or links to information making demonstrably false claims that could undermine voter trust or participation in elections.

"Of course, we recognize that robust political dialogue is an important part of democracy, and no one can sensibly adjudicate every political claim, counterclaim, and insinuation," Spencer said.

"So we expect that the number of political ads on which we take action will be very limited - but we will continue to do so for clear violations."

Google's main formats for political advertising are ads posted along with search query results, those shown at video viewing service YouTube, and display ads that appear on websites.

Google will also limit the targeting of political ads to general categories such as age, gender, or postal code level location.

"Political advertisers can, of course, continue to do contextual targeting, such as serving ads to people reading or watching a story about, say, the economy," Spencer said/.

"This will align our approach to election ads with long-established practices in media such as TV, radio, and print, and result in election ads being more widely seen and available for public discussion."

Google will begin enforcing the changes in Britain within a week and throughout the EU by the end of the year, then in the rest of the world starting January 6, according to Spencer.

Watch: Google claims quantum supremacy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/google-claims-quantum-supremacy-257905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Speech vs Truth

Snap this week confirmed that it checks political ads at Snapchat to make sure they are not deceptive or misleading and thus enforce its ban on such material.

The strategy seems to be a middle ground between Facebook's controversial tolerance of proven lies in political ads and Twitter's decision to ban them altogether.

Snap policies prohibit political ads that are deceptive or misleading, with an in-house team reviewing such paid messages to make sure they don't break the rules.

Twitter last week said its ban on political ads will exempt "cause-based" messages on topics related to social or environmental issues.

The San Francisco-based messaging platform plans to bar all paid political messages starting Friday, while addressing concerns expressed by activists for social causes.

"Ads that educate, raise awareness, and/or call for people to take action in connection with civic engagement, economic growth, environmental stewardship, or social equity causes are allowed," Twitter said in its new policy.

"However, they may not reference prohibited political advertisers or political content."

Twitter said the move was aimed at countering the spread of misinformation by politicians.

The political ban has drawn mixed reactions: some argue it puts pressure on Facebook to follow suit or take other steps to curb the spread of misinformation from politicians; others say a ban will be difficult to enforce.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-begins-rolling-out-rich-communication-services-to-do-more-with-messages-262225">Social media platforms</a> have been challenged by President Donald Trump's campaign and its use of ads that contain claims which critics say have been debunked by independent fact-checkers.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said political advertising is not a major source of revenue but adds that he believes it is important to allow everyone a "voice," and that banning political ads would favour incumbents.

Google on Wednesday updated how it handles political ads as online platforms remain under pressure to avoid being used to spread misleading information intended to influence voters.

Google on Wednesday updated how it handles political ads as online platforms remain under pressure to avoid being used to spread misleading information intended to influence voters. The internet company said its rules already ban any advertiser, including those with political messages, from lying in ads. But it is making its policy more clear and adding examples of how that prohibits content such as doctored or manipulated images or video. "It's against our policies for any advertiser to make a false claim, whether it's a claim about the price of a chair or a claim that you can vote by text message, that election day is postponed, or that a candidate has died," Google ads product management vice president Scott Spencer said in an online post. Examples of banned ad material included ads or links to information making demonstrably false claims that could undermine voter trust or participation in elections. "Of course, we recognize that robust political dialogue is an important part of democracy, and no one can sensibly adjudicate every political claim, counterclaim, and insinuation," Spencer said. "So we expect that the number of political ads on which we take action will be very limited - but we will continue to do so for clear violations." Google's main formats for political advertising are ads posted along with search query results, those shown at video viewing service YouTube, and display ads that appear on websites. Google will also limit the targeting of political ads to general categories such as age, gender, or postal code level location. "Political advertisers can, of course, continue to do contextual targeting, such as serving ads to people reading or watching a story about, say, the economy," Spencer said/. "This will align our approach to election ads with long-established practices in media such as TV, radio, and print, and result in election ads being more widely seen and available for public discussion." Google will begin enforcing the changes in Britain within a week and throughout the EU by the end of the year, then in the rest of the world starting January 6, according to Spencer. Watch: Google claims quantum supremacy Speech vs Truth Snap this week confirmed that it checks political ads at Snapchat to make sure they are not deceptive or misleading and thus enforce its ban on such material. The strategy seems to be a middle ground between Facebook's controversial tolerance of proven lies in political ads and Twitter's decision to ban them altogether. Snap policies prohibit political ads that are deceptive or misleading, with an in-house team reviewing such paid messages to make sure they don't break the rules. Twitter last week said its ban on political ads will exempt "cause-based" messages on topics related to social or environmental issues. The San Francisco-based messaging platform plans to bar all paid political messages starting Friday, while addressing concerns expressed by activists for social causes. "Ads that educate, raise awareness, and/or call for people to take action in connection with civic engagement, economic growth, environmental stewardship, or social equity causes are allowed," Twitter said in its new policy. "However, they may not reference prohibited political advertisers or political content." Twitter said the move was aimed at countering the spread of misinformation by politicians. The political ban has drawn mixed reactions: some argue it puts pressure on Facebook to follow suit or take other steps to curb the spread of misinformation from politicians; others say a ban will be difficult to enforce. Social media platforms have been challenged by President Donald Trump's campaign and its use of ads that contain claims which critics say have been debunked by independent fact-checkers. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said political advertising is not a major source of revenue but adds that he believes it is important to allow everyone a "voice," and that banning political ads would favour incumbents.

Google to make stricter regulatory policy for political ads to curb abuse

Police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-free-nearly-150-from-school-in-northern-nigeria-257051">Nigeria</a> said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse.

Detectives "stormed a prayer house used as a detention camp" on Wednesday evening and discovered 15 men and women aged between 19 and 50 chained by the legs, Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkana said.

The pastor of the church, "prophet" Sunday Joseph Ojo, and 10 others were&nbsp;arrested, Elkana said late Thursday.

The victims "were brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases," he added.

"The prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986, (and) that he chained them in order to prevent escape."

Some of the victims had spent five years in the church, he said, adding that further investigations were taking place.

Non-government organisations first alerted police to Ojo's "Blessing of Goodness Healing Church" in the Ijegun area of Nigeria's most populous city, according to local reports.

The raid was the first on a church during a wider police crackdown on religious institutions,&nbsp;the majority of which have been Islamic schools,&nbsp;where inmates have been tortured, chained and sexually abused.

Hundreds of victims, mostly children, have been rescued in a series of raids over the past month, mainly across northern Nigeria.

Last week police rescued 108 "unfed and sick" inmates from a so-called reform centre in Kwara State, central Nigeria.&nbsp;

Religious institutions offering to "reform" victims of mental illness and drug abuse are common in Africa's most populous country in the absence of state support.

Police in Nigeria said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse.

Police in Nigeria said they rescued 15 people chained up in a church in Lagos during the latest raid in a nationwide crackdown on religious institutions accused of abuse. Detectives "stormed a prayer house used as a detention camp" on Wednesday evening and discovered 15 men and women aged between 19 and 50 chained by the legs, Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkana said. The pastor of the church, "prophet" Sunday Joseph Ojo, and 10 others were arrested, Elkana said late Thursday. The victims "were brought by their families to seek spiritual help from mental illness and other diseases," he added. "The prophet said he has been in the healing ministry since 1986, (and) that he chained them in order to prevent escape." Some of the victims had spent five years in the church, he said, adding that further investigations were taking place. Non-government organisations first alerted police to Ojo's "Blessing of Goodness Healing Church" in the Ijegun area of Nigeria's most populous city, according to local reports. The raid was the first on a church during a wider police crackdown on religious institutions, the majority of which have been Islamic schools, where inmates have been tortured, chained and sexually abused. Hundreds of victims, mostly children, have been rescued in a series of raids over the past month, mainly across northern Nigeria. Last week police rescued 108 "unfed and sick" inmates from a so-called reform centre in Kwara State, central Nigeria. Religious institutions offering to "reform" victims of mental illness and drug abuse are common in Africa's most populous country in the absence of state support.

Nigerian police rescue 15 people chained up in Lagos church

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints.

The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family.

When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day.

He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour.

After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft.&nbsp;

While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess.

With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility.

The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority.

It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to.

The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered."

It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice.

"It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement.&nbsp;

The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation.

The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child.

A UN committee has ordered Nepal to compensate a man blocked from seeking justice after suffering years of forced labour, as well as alleged torture in custody as a child. In a decision published Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Committee also called on Nepal to remove all existing obstacles hindering victims of forced labour and torture from filing complaints. The ruling came in response to an individual case brought by a Nepali man, using the pseudonym Bholi Pharaka, who from the age of nine had worked as a domestic worker in Kathmandu to help provide for his impoverished, indigenous family. When he was around 12, he moved to a new family, headed by an officer in the Nepali army, where he says he was forced to work from 4:00 am until 10:00 pm each day. He maintains he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and never received compensation for his labour. After two years, he escaped back to his home village in 2012, but was soon arrested, after his employer filed a police complaint accusing him of theft. While in custody, Pharaka, who was 14 at the time, says he suffered beatings and other torture to force him to confess. With his family unable to pay bail or legal fees, he was held in a severely overcrowded adult jail for months, where he says the torture continued, before being transferred to a juvenile facility. The UN committee faulted Nepal's judiciary for failing to investigate the boy's claims in court that he had been tortured, and for failing to protect him as a minor and a member of a recognised vulnerable minority. It also decried that authorities had ignored multiple complaints filed by the boy's family regarding his treatment in custody and the forced labour he was subjected to. The committee called on Nepal to provide Pharaka with an "effective remedy", including "adequate compensation, proportional to the violations suffered." It also urged the country to remove "legal, practical and administrative obstacles" blocking victims of torture and child and forced labour from accessing justice. "It is our hope that Nepal will take all necessary measures to protect and help victims of such acts regain their lives," committee member Helene Trigroudja said in a statement. The committee has given Nepal six months to report back on measures it is taking to rectify the situation. The team of 18 independent experts monitors whether countries adhere to their human rights commitments, but does not have enforcement powers.

UN committee faults Nepal in child labour, abuse case

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-says-doubts-remain-over-dr-congo-election-result-191647&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiJw5rh6_7fAhXEsI8KHXjUBbgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1fkcT7sfCia_Q3VyY2QMf9">The EU</a> on Monday warned <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/nicaragua-expels-international-human-rights-missions-185454&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjd6-_z6_7fAhVKL48KHZDlC7cQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Lq_EJw85fVdRDGFom2STX">Nicaragua</a> it was ready to impose sanctions over the crisis-hit country's crackdown on media and civil society groups, saying fundamental rights were being abused.

The government of President Daniel Ortega has revoked human rights groups' permits, raided the offices of independent media and thrown out international inspection missions.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels condemned the moves, which follow a tough clampdown launched in response to street protests.

"Recent measures targeting civil society organisations and independent media constitute another blow to democracy, human rights and civic freedoms aggravating the political and social crisis," the 28 ministers said.

The recent actions by the Ortega government were creating an environment where basic rights such as freedom of expression and fair trials were under threat, they said.

"The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely and underlines its readiness to use all its policy instruments to contribute to a peaceful negotiated way out of the current crisis and react to further deterioration of human rights and rule of law," the statement said — paving the way for possible future sanctions.

Rights groups say that since anti-government protests began in Managua in April, more than 320 people have been killed in the crackdown, and 600 arrested, while thousands more have fled the country.

Last week a group of young protesters defied a government ban on demonstrations to take to the streets but were rapidly dispersed by police.

And on Friday, leading newspaper La Prensa ran a blank front page in protest at the government blocking deliveries of paper and ink. 
&nbsp;

The EU on Monday warned Nicaragua it was ready to impose sanctions over the crisis-hit country's crackdown on media and civil society groups, saying fundamental rights were being abused.

The EU on Monday warned Nicaragua it was ready to impose sanctions over the crisis-hit country's crackdown on media and civil society groups, saying fundamental rights were being abused. The government of President Daniel Ortega has revoked human rights groups' permits, raided the offices of independent media and thrown out international inspection missions. EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels condemned the moves, which follow a tough clampdown launched in response to street protests. "Recent measures targeting civil society organisations and independent media constitute another blow to democracy, human rights and civic freedoms aggravating the political and social crisis," the 28 ministers said. The recent actions by the Ortega government were creating an environment where basic rights such as freedom of expression and fair trials were under threat, they said. "The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely and underlines its readiness to use all its policy instruments to contribute to a peaceful negotiated way out of the current crisis and react to further deterioration of human rights and rule of law," the statement said — paving the way for possible future sanctions. Rights groups say that since anti-government protests began in Managua in April, more than 320 people have been killed in the crackdown, and 600 arrested, while thousands more have fled the country. Last week a group of young protesters defied a government ban on demonstrations to take to the streets but were rapidly dispersed by police. And on Friday, leading newspaper La Prensa ran a blank front page in protest at the government blocking deliveries of paper and ink.

European Union warns Nicaragua of sanctions over rights abuses

Facebook's rather questionable proposal to combat revenge porn which was first introduced in Australia in November will now move to the US, Canada, and the UK, reports said.&nbsp;

The request: asking users to send their intimate pictures to Facebook in order for it to register and block them from ever being posted by other users.&nbsp;

The program is called the Non-Consensual Intimate Image Pilot, and as described by Facebook, which is an “emergency option” for people who are worried their images might be shared in the future.

The idea received a lot of flak in Australia. No further information was revealed on how the trial went in the country.&nbsp;

In the UK, if you suspect that an image of you could be leaked on the social media website, Facebook says you should contact its partners for the trial - Revenge Porn Helpline.&nbsp;

The staff there will then get in touch with Facebook and you'll get sent a link to upload the photo. The idea is that Facebook can then digitally fingerprint the submitted image and block its potential future spread.

So, who will the photos be sent to on Facebook? Facebook's Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis told local media that the photos will only be viewed by a small group comprising of five specially trained reviewers who will give the photo a unique digital fingerprint which will be stored on the database.&nbsp;

If anyone in future tries to upload an intimate picture of a person, the system will recognise the code and block it from appearing on Facebook, messenger, and Instagram.&nbsp;

However, it's unclear if this idea would be a hit. The problem is not the technology but&nbsp;what's bizarre is Facebook's fuzzy proposal and the fact that anyone submitting their photo to Facebook would still be vulnerable to potentially having that image be exploited.

One in eight American social media users has been a target of non-consensual pornography, according to a 2017 study conducted by the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.

&nbsp;

The program is called the Non-Consensual Intimate Image Pilot, and as described by Facebook, which is an 'emergency option' for people who are worried their images might be shared in the future.

Facebook's rather questionable proposal to combat revenge porn which was first introduced in Australia in November will now move to the US, Canada, and the UK, reports said. The request: asking users to send their intimate pictures to Facebook in order for it to register and block them from ever being posted by other users. The program is called the Non-Consensual Intimate Image Pilot, and as described by Facebook, which is an “emergency option” for people who are worried their images might be shared in the future. The idea received a lot of flak in Australia. No further information was revealed on how the trial went in the country. In the UK, if you suspect that an image of you could be leaked on the social media website, Facebook says you should contact its partners for the trial - Revenge Porn Helpline. The staff there will then get in touch with Facebook and you'll get sent a link to upload the photo. The idea is that Facebook can then digitally fingerprint the submitted image and block its potential future spread. So, who will the photos be sent to on Facebook? Facebook's Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis told local media that the photos will only be viewed by a small group comprising of five specially trained reviewers who will give the photo a unique digital fingerprint which will be stored on the database. If anyone in future tries to upload an intimate picture of a person, the system will recognise the code and block it from appearing on Facebook, messenger, and Instagram. However, it's unclear if this idea would be a hit. The problem is not the technology but what's bizarre is Facebook's fuzzy proposal and the fact that anyone submitting their photo to Facebook would still be vulnerable to potentially having that image be exploited. One in eight American social media users has been a target of non-consensual pornography, according to a 2017 study conducted by the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative.

Facebook is now asking users to send their intimate pictures to combat revenge porn

The entire USA Gymnastics board of directors will resign in the wake of a sex abuse scandal, as part of the organization&#39;s decision Friday to comply with US Olympic Committee requirements to avoid decertification.

After former US Olympic team doctor, Larry Nassar was jailed for up to 175 years for sexual abuse of girls and young women under the guise of treatment, USA Gymnastics promised to meet six requirements outlined by the USOC to remain the sport&#39;s&nbsp;national governing body.

&quot;USA Gymnastics will comply with the USOC requirements,&quot; read the organization&#39;s statement.

Nassar&#39;s victims included Olympic champions Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney. More than 150 women spoke out over a sentencing hearing in Michigan that lasted more than a week.

A trio of USA Gymnastics board of directors top executives -- chairman Paul Parilla, vice chairman Jay Binder and treasurer Bitsy Kelley -- already stepped down Monday following stinging criticism by victims of the organization&#39;s handling of the Nassar case.

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun&nbsp;outlined Thursday what USA Gymnastics must do to remain a governing body, the first of those mandates being for the entire board to resign by the end of the month or face &quot;immediate termination proceedings.&quot;

An interim board including athlete representatives, and not including any ousted directors, would be appointed in its place, with a permanent board elected within 12 months.&nbsp;

USA Gymnastics must invite a USOC liaison to attend every board meeting.

The USOC is already conducting an independent inquiry into the scandal, although some of the victims have criticized the USOC as well for inaction that allowed Nassar to abuse girls and women unabated for so long.

&quot;Every athlete connected in any way with USAG must feel safe, supported and encouraged to speak freely about threats to their safety,&quot; Blackmun wrote. &quot;USAG&#39;s culture must foster this in all ways.&quot;

Other steps included full cooperation with the independent investigation into the Nassar scandal. All staff and board members of USA Gymnastics would also need to complete training courses at the US Center for Safe Sport.

Within six months, staff and board members would also need to complete a course in ethics training.

&quot;We do not base these requirements on any knowledge that any individual USAG staff or board members had a role in fostering or obscuring Nassar&#39;s actions,&quot; Blackmun wrote.

&quot;Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding.&quot;

&nbsp;

An interim board including athlete representatives would be appointed with a permanent board elected within 12 months

The entire USA Gymnastics board of directors will resign in the wake of a sex abuse scandal, as part of the organization's decision Friday to comply with US Olympic Committee requirements to avoid decertification. After former US Olympic team doctor, Larry Nassar was jailed for up to 175 years for sexual abuse of girls and young women under the guise of treatment, USA Gymnastics promised to meet six requirements outlined by the USOC to remain the sport's national governing body. "USA Gymnastics will comply with the USOC requirements," read the organization's statement. Nassar's victims included Olympic champions Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber and McKayla Maroney. More than 150 women spoke out over a sentencing hearing in Michigan that lasted more than a week. A trio of USA Gymnastics board of directors top executives -- chairman Paul Parilla, vice chairman Jay Binder and treasurer Bitsy Kelley -- already stepped down Monday following stinging criticism by victims of the organization's handling of the Nassar case. USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun outlined Thursday what USA Gymnastics must do to remain a governing body, the first of those mandates being for the entire board to resign by the end of the month or face "immediate termination proceedings." An interim board including athlete representatives, and not including any ousted directors, would be appointed in its place, with a permanent board elected within 12 months. USA Gymnastics must invite a USOC liaison to attend every board meeting. The USOC is already conducting an independent inquiry into the scandal, although some of the victims have criticized the USOC as well for inaction that allowed Nassar to abuse girls and women unabated for so long. "Every athlete connected in any way with USAG must feel safe, supported and encouraged to speak freely about threats to their safety," Blackmun wrote. "USAG's culture must foster this in all ways." Other steps included full cooperation with the independent investigation into the Nassar scandal. All staff and board members of USA Gymnastics would also need to complete training courses at the US Center for Safe Sport. Within six months, staff and board members would also need to complete a course in ethics training. "We do not base these requirements on any knowledge that any individual USAG staff or board members had a role in fostering or obscuring Nassar's actions," Blackmun wrote. "Our position comes from a clear sense that USAG culture needs fundamental rebuilding."

Entire USA Gymnastics directors board to quit over abuse scandal

A Beijing kindergarten teacher used sewing needles to punish children for not sleeping, police said, but other abuse claims have been rejected by an investigation into a scandal that sparked national outrage.

Authorities opened the probe into RYB Education New World kindergarten last week after parents said toddlers were given mysterious pills and had apparent needle marks.

The 22-year-old female teacher from Hebei province surnamed Liu &quot;was detained as soon as suspicions of abuse arose&quot;, the public security bureau of Beijing&#39;s Chaoyang district said late Tuesday on its official social media account.

The statement did not give further information on the use of needles, such as details of children&#39;s injuries or their age.

Classroom surveillance footage was &quot;damaged&quot; because a staff member often turned off the building&#39;s electricity after school, according to the statement.&nbsp;

&quot;Following review of 113 hours of restored surveillance footage, we have not found evidence of other child abuse,&quot; police said, adding that the investigation was ongoing.

China&#39;s state-run Xinhua news agency had earlier reported that children at the kindergarten were also &quot;reportedly sexually molested&quot;.

An examination of a girl involved in the case on her parents&#39; request found &quot;no abnormality&quot;, police said, adding that claims children had been collectively molested were &quot;rumours&quot; started by two women.

One woman was detained and the other was given a warning, according to police, who did not specify the pair&#39;s relation to the school.

Police had said Saturday that a 31-year-old woman was detained for disseminating &quot;fake news&quot; on the internet, and she expressed &quot;repentance&quot; for fabricating the story that military personnel were abusing children.

It is unclear if police have fully investigated claims that children were given mysterious pills to take.&nbsp;

The statement said that it is the school&#39;s policy for parents to give written permission before children can take medication at school.&nbsp;

Addressing a television report showing a clip of a student saying he was fed pills by teachers at the school, police said the child&#39;s father had admitted to &quot;instructing&quot; the child to say so.

The case prompted Chinese authorities to call for an &quot;immediate&quot; investigation into all kindergartens across the country.&nbsp;

RYB Education directly operates 80 kindergartens and has franchised another 175 in 130 cities across China for children ranging from newborns to six-year-olds, according to its Nasdaq listing.

RYB already apologised in April and suspended the head of a Beijing kindergarten after admitting that teachers committed &quot;severe mistakes&quot;. The Beijing News had obtained videos showing teachers throwing a child on a bed and kicking another in the back.

The People&#39;s Court Daily reported that two teachers from a RYB kindergarten in northeast Jilin province were sentenced to 34 months in prison for jabbing children in the head, inside their mouths, and on their legs and buttocks with sewing needles in October 2016.

A Beijing kindergarten teacher used sewing needles to punish children for not sleeping, police said, but other abuse claims have been rejected by an investigation into a scandal that sparked national outrage

A Beijing kindergarten teacher used sewing needles to punish children for not sleeping, police said, but other abuse claims have been rejected by an investigation into a scandal that sparked national outrage. Authorities opened the probe into RYB Education New World kindergarten last week after parents said toddlers were given mysterious pills and had apparent needle marks. The 22-year-old female teacher from Hebei province surnamed Liu "was detained as soon as suspicions of abuse arose", the public security bureau of Beijing's Chaoyang district said late Tuesday on its official social media account. The statement did not give further information on the use of needles, such as details of children's injuries or their age. Classroom surveillance footage was "damaged" because a staff member often turned off the building's electricity after school, according to the statement. "Following review of 113 hours of restored surveillance footage, we have not found evidence of other child abuse," police said, adding that the investigation was ongoing. China's state-run Xinhua news agency had earlier reported that children at the kindergarten were also "reportedly sexually molested". An examination of a girl involved in the case on her parents' request found "no abnormality", police said, adding that claims children had been collectively molested were "rumours" started by two women. One woman was detained and the other was given a warning, according to police, who did not specify the pair's relation to the school. Police had said Saturday that a 31-year-old woman was detained for disseminating "fake news" on the internet, and she expressed "repentance" for fabricating the story that military personnel were abusing children. It is unclear if police have fully investigated claims that children were given mysterious pills to take. The statement said that it is the school's policy for parents to give written permission before children can take medication at school. Addressing a television report showing a clip of a student saying he was fed pills by teachers at the school, police said the child's father had admitted to "instructing" the child to say so. The case prompted Chinese authorities to call for an "immediate" investigation into all kindergartens across the country. RYB Education directly operates 80 kindergartens and has franchised another 175 in 130 cities across China for children ranging from newborns to six-year-olds, according to its Nasdaq listing. RYB already apologised in April and suspended the head of a Beijing kindergarten after admitting that teachers committed "severe mistakes". The Beijing News had obtained videos showing teachers throwing a child on a bed and kicking another in the back. The People's Court Daily reported that two teachers from a RYB kindergarten in northeast Jilin province were sentenced to 34 months in prison for jabbing children in the head, inside their mouths, and on their legs and buttocks with sewing needles in October 2016.

Chinese teacher used needles to 'discipline' children: Police

Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. 
 
More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. 
 
Immigration minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse, and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. 
 
&quot;I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country,&quot; Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio.&nbsp;&quot;Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations.&quot; 
 
Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. 
 
The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments.&nbsp;Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. 
 
Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia&#39;s offshore detention policy, and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. 
 
Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an &quot;absolute insult&quot; to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. 
 
&quot;All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand,&quot; Ballinger told Reuters. 
 
(Reuters)

Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and self-immolation in an effort to get to Australia: Immigration minister

Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. Immigration minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse, and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. "I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country," Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio. "Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations." Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments. Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia's offshore detention policy, and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an "absolute insult" to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. "All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand," Ballinger told Reuters. (Reuters)

Australia accuses refugees of falsely reporting sexual abuse

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