Brazil has detected its first-ever cases of H5N1 virus. The government has declared an animal health emergency. Will this lead to an outbreak? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Brazil records its first-ever spread of H5N1 virus cases

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen put forward a proposal on Monday saying that Denmark 'would like to host' a summit aimed at establishing peace between Ukraine and Russia in July. He further stated that for such a meeting, he would&nbsp;require&nbsp;engagement from India, China and Brazil.

During the G7 meeting in Japan on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought support for Kyiv's plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. He also further proposed to hold a global summit in July.

"If Ukraine finds that the time has come to have such a meeting, that would be fantastic. And then Denmark would obviously like to host the meeting," Lokke Rasmussen told reporters on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.

A proposal, that was put forward in the month of December by Ukraine to hold a peace summit in February 2023, was never substantiated.

"For starters, we need to put some effort into creating a global commitment to organise such a meeting," Lokke Rasmussen said, adding that a summit should not just be attended by Ukraine's allies.

"It is necessary to build interest and involvement from countries like India, Brazil and China," he said. "It is hard for me to see" Russia taking part, he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Denmark to help train Ukrainian pilots on US-made F-16 fighter jets</h2>

Denmark's defence minister on Friday said that the country will help train Ukrainian pilots on the US-made F-16 fighter jet after Washington released a statement saying that it would support the initiative.

"The country will now be able to move forward for a collective contribution to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s", said acting Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

<h2>‘Bakhmut not occupied,’ insists Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky despite Russia claiming victory</h2>

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to insist on Sunday that the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has “not been occupied”, despite Russia claiming victory.

"Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia today," Zelensky told a press conference during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, according to AFP news agency.

"They are in Bakhmut," he said, not clarifying if that referred to Russian or Ukrainian troops.

"I cannot share with you the tactical views of our military. The most difficult thing would be if there was some tactical mistake in Bakhmut and our people were surrounded," he said.

On Saturday, the chief of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group claimed that they have taken full control of Bakhmut following months of a protracted and bloody war with the Ukrainian troops.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen put forward a proposal on Monday saying that Denmark 'would like to host' a summit aimed at establishing peace between Ukraine and Russia in July.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen put forward a proposal on Monday saying that Denmark 'would like to host' a summit aimed at establishing peace between Ukraine and Russia in July. He further stated that for such a meeting, he would require engagement from India, China and Brazil. During the G7 meeting in Japan on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought support for Kyiv's plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. He also further proposed to hold a global summit in July. "If Ukraine finds that the time has come to have such a meeting, that would be fantastic. And then Denmark would obviously like to host the meeting," Lokke Rasmussen told reporters on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. A proposal, that was put forward in the month of December by Ukraine to hold a peace summit in February 2023, was never substantiated. "For starters, we need to put some effort into creating a global commitment to organise such a meeting," Lokke Rasmussen said, adding that a summit should not just be attended by Ukraine's allies. "It is necessary to build interest and involvement from countries like India, Brazil and China," he said. "It is hard for me to see" Russia taking part, he added. Denmark to help train Ukrainian pilots on US-made F-16 fighter jets Denmark's defence minister on Friday said that the country will help train Ukrainian pilots on the US-made F-16 fighter jet after Washington released a statement saying that it would support the initiative. "The country will now be able to move forward for a collective contribution to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s", said acting Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. ‘Bakhmut not occupied,’ insists Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky despite Russia claiming victory Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to insist on Sunday that the besieged Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has “not been occupied”, despite Russia claiming victory. "Bakhmut is not occupied by Russia today," Zelensky told a press conference during the G7 summit in Hiroshima, according to AFP news agency. "They are in Bakhmut," he said, not clarifying if that referred to Russian or Ukrainian troops. "I cannot share with you the tactical views of our military. The most difficult thing would be if there was some tactical mistake in Bakhmut and our people were surrounded," he said. On Saturday, the chief of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group claimed that they have taken full control of Bakhmut following months of a protracted and bloody war with the Ukrainian troops. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Denmark willing to host Ukraine peace summit, seeks engagement from India, China and Brazil

Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday.&nbsp;

The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.

The game was held up for several minutes and the referee wrote in his post-match report that shouts of "monkey" had been directed at Vinicius.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-deducted-10-points-after-initial-penalty-revised-595270">Juventus deducted 10 points after initial penalty revised</a>

The prosecutor's office in Valencia is investigating a possible hate crime, a judicial source told AFP.

Real Madrid said earlier it had filed a complaint "in order that the facts be investigated and those responsible be held accountable".

The club said the chants, in its view, "constitute a hate crime".

Brazil formally protested to the Spanish ambassador and will lodge an official complaint with authorities in Madrid.

There is growing anger in Brazil, where the lights of the Christ the Redeemer statue&nbsp;in Rio de Janeiro were turned off for one hour in solidarity with the player.&nbsp;

"Black and imposing," Vinicius tweeted of the darkened statue, saying he was moved and thanked followers for their support.&nbsp;

"But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our fight," he added.&nbsp;

Vinicius has been racially abused at several stadiums this season in Spain. On one occasion, an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico Madrid fans.

During the Valencia match, Vinicius stood in front of home fans behind one goal and pointed to an apparent culprit. Play was delayed for several minutes in the second half.

Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to Mestalla stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed 10 minutes later.

Spain's&nbsp;government sports council is analysing crowd images to root out the fan or fans responsible.

The body has in similar incidents in the past proposed a one-year stadium ban and fine of 4,000 euros ($4,300) for those found guilty.

<h2>'Serious problem'</h2>

On a day of recriminations and soul-searching, the head of Spain's football federation said the country had a "problem" with racism.

"As long as there is just one fan, a single undesirable, or group of undesirables who hurl insults over someone's sexual orientation, or skin colour, we have a serious problem," Luis Rubiales said.

But Real Madrid heavily criticised Rubiales, saying his refusal to ensure FIFA protocols -- which suggest matches should be halted when racist abuse is heard -- are upheld in Spain is exacerbating the problem.

"His inaction has resulted in the helplessness and defencelessness of our player Vinicius," said the club, which hit out at the federation for failing to "prevent the situation".

La Liga argues it has been "proactive" in previous cases of racism against Vinicius.

Vinicius was sent off in added time at the end of the game for hitting Valencia player Hugo Duro during a brawl.

Real said the match officials "made unfair decisions based on incomplete images" when Vinicius was shown a red card.

After the match, Vinicius issued a strongly worded statement saying that "today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists".

"The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Messi now belongs to racists," Vinicius added.

<h2>Solidarity</h2>

World football and beyond have rallied around Vinicius and demanded action.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse, telling a news conference at the close of the G7 summit in Hiroshima: "He was attacked. He was called a 'monkey'."

He called for the Spanish league to take "serious measures".

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Spanish football needed to be prepared to halt matches.

"The Spanish league has a problem, and Vinicius is not the problem. Vinicius is the victim," Ancelotti said on Sunday.

"What has happened today has happened before, but not like that, it's unacceptable," he told reporters.

FIFA reiterated that stopping matches is permitted as well as players walking off the pitch in their three-step approach when racist abuse takes place.&nbsp;

"Full solidarity with Vinicius," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

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Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday. The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.

Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday. The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday. The game was held up for several minutes and the referee wrote in his post-match report that shouts of "monkey" had been directed at Vinicius. Also Read: Juventus deducted 10 points after initial penalty revised The prosecutor's office in Valencia is investigating a possible hate crime, a judicial source told AFP. Real Madrid said earlier it had filed a complaint "in order that the facts be investigated and those responsible be held accountable". The club said the chants, in its view, "constitute a hate crime". Brazil formally protested to the Spanish ambassador and will lodge an official complaint with authorities in Madrid. There is growing anger in Brazil, where the lights of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro were turned off for one hour in solidarity with the player. "Black and imposing," Vinicius tweeted of the darkened statue, saying he was moved and thanked followers for their support. "But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our fight," he added. Vinicius has been racially abused at several stadiums this season in Spain. On one occasion, an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico Madrid fans. During the Valencia match, Vinicius stood in front of home fans behind one goal and pointed to an apparent culprit. Play was delayed for several minutes in the second half. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to Mestalla stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed 10 minutes later. Spain's government sports council is analysing crowd images to root out the fan or fans responsible. The body has in similar incidents in the past proposed a one-year stadium ban and fine of 4,000 euros ($4,300) for those found guilty. 'Serious problem' On a day of recriminations and soul-searching, the head of Spain's football federation said the country had a "problem" with racism. "As long as there is just one fan, a single undesirable, or group of undesirables who hurl insults over someone's sexual orientation, or skin colour, we have a serious problem," Luis Rubiales said. But Real Madrid heavily criticised Rubiales, saying his refusal to ensure FIFA protocols -- which suggest matches should be halted when racist abuse is heard -- are upheld in Spain is exacerbating the problem. "His inaction has resulted in the helplessness and defencelessness of our player Vinicius," said the club, which hit out at the federation for failing to "prevent the situation". La Liga argues it has been "proactive" in previous cases of racism against Vinicius. Vinicius was sent off in added time at the end of the game for hitting Valencia player Hugo Duro during a brawl. Real said the match officials "made unfair decisions based on incomplete images" when Vinicius was shown a red card. After the match, Vinicius issued a strongly worded statement saying that "today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists". "The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Messi now belongs to racists," Vinicius added. Solidarity World football and beyond have rallied around Vinicius and demanded action. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse, telling a news conference at the close of the G7 summit in Hiroshima: "He was attacked. He was called a 'monkey'." He called for the Spanish league to take "serious measures". Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Spanish football needed to be prepared to halt matches. "The Spanish league has a problem, and Vinicius is not the problem. Vinicius is the victim," Ancelotti said on Sunday. "What has happened today has happened before, but not like that, it's unacceptable," he told reporters. FIFA reiterated that stopping matches is permitted as well as players walking off the pitch in their three-step approach when racist abuse takes place. "Full solidarity with Vinicius," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain opens official probe in Vinicius Junior racism case after official complaint from Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday that he was scheduled to meet Ukraine President in Japan on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit, however the meeting was cancelled because Volodymyr Zelenskyy&nbsp;was late, as per reports.&nbsp;

At the meeting that fell through, Lula said, "I had an interview, a bilateral one with Ukraine here in this room at 3:15 p.m. We waited and received the information that he was late." 
 
The Ukrainian president "did not show up ... clearly he had appointments and he couldn't come," Lula said adding, “I wasn’t disappointed. I was upset, because I’d like to meet him and discuss the matter” but “Zelensky is a grown-up. He knows what he’s doing."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gross-interference-china-summons-japanese-envoy-over-g7-communique-594902">'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique</a>

As per AFP, the Brazilian president was upset with the situation and also said that his Ukrainian counterpart was uninterested in negotiating peace with Russia. Lula said the same thing about Russian President Vladimir Putin, that he appeared to not want peace as well.

The Group of Seven leaders met in Japan where they also held bilateral meetings with Zelensky and laid emphasis on their support for Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky's reaction&nbsp;</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his reaction to the meeting with Brazil's Lula that didn't happen, said it is possible that the bilateral meeting did not happen due to&nbsp;scheduling issues.&nbsp;

“I met almost everyone, all the leaders. All of them have their own schedules, that is why we couldn’t meet with the Brazilian president,” the Ukrainian president told reporters on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-at-indias-delhi-cinema-67-people-inside-hall-safely-evacuated-594909">Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated</a>

In response to a media query seeking answers if the Ukrainian president is disappointed that the meeting did not happen, Zelensky in a news presser gave a roundabout answer. Instead of speaking on his own take on the meeting, Zelensky smirked, saying, "I think it disappointed him."

It drew a laughter from the reporters who were present at the news conference.&nbsp;

<h2>Non-G7 countries lend support to Zelensky</h2>

At the G7 summit, Zelensky received overwhelming support from the G7 leaders, including the US's long-sought support for access to F-16 fighter fighters.&nbsp;

Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support to Ukraine

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Additionally, he courted the non-G7 nations who were invited to the meeting, most notably getting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promise that his country will do "whatever we can" to stop the war. "I understand your pain," Modi told Zelensky.&nbsp;

Brazil didn't make any such show of support. Lula has advocated for the holding of peace negotiations and suggested that Brazil serve as a mediator with other "neutral" nations like China. However, Lula came under fire last month when he claimed that the US was "encouraging" the conflict.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday that he was scheduled to meet Ukraine President in Japan on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit, however the meeting was cancelled because Volodymyr Zelenskyy was late, as per reports.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday that he was scheduled to meet Ukraine President in Japan on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit, however the meeting was cancelled because Volodymyr Zelenskyy was late, as per reports. At the meeting that fell through, Lula said, "I had an interview, a bilateral one with Ukraine here in this room at 3:15 p.m. We waited and received the information that he was late." The Ukrainian president "did not show up ... clearly he had appointments and he couldn't come," Lula said adding, “I wasn’t disappointed. I was upset, because I’d like to meet him and discuss the matter” but “Zelensky is a grown-up. He knows what he’s doing." Also Read | 'Gross interference': China summons Japanese envoy over G7 communique As per AFP, the Brazilian president was upset with the situation and also said that his Ukrainian counterpart was uninterested in negotiating peace with Russia. Lula said the same thing about Russian President Vladimir Putin, that he appeared to not want peace as well. The Group of Seven leaders met in Japan where they also held bilateral meetings with Zelensky and laid emphasis on their support for Ukraine. Zelensky's reaction Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his reaction to the meeting with Brazil's Lula that didn't happen, said it is possible that the bilateral meeting did not happen due to scheduling issues. “I met almost everyone, all the leaders. All of them have their own schedules, that is why we couldn’t meet with the Brazilian president,” the Ukrainian president told reporters on Sunday. Also Read | Fire at India's Delhi cinema, 67 people inside hall safely evacuated In response to a media query seeking answers if the Ukrainian president is disappointed that the meeting did not happen, Zelensky in a news presser gave a roundabout answer. Instead of speaking on his own take on the meeting, Zelensky smirked, saying, "I think it disappointed him." It drew a laughter from the reporters who were present at the news conference. Non-G7 countries lend support to Zelensky At the G7 summit, Zelensky received overwhelming support from the G7 leaders, including the US's long-sought support for access to F-16 fighter fighters. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden vows unwavering support to Ukraine × Additionally, he courted the non-G7 nations who were invited to the meeting, most notably getting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promise that his country will do "whatever we can" to stop the war. "I understand your pain," Modi told Zelensky. Brazil didn't make any such show of support. Lula has advocated for the holding of peace negotiations and suggested that Brazil serve as a mediator with other "neutral" nations like China. However, Lula came under fire last month when he claimed that the US was "encouraging" the conflict. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Zelensky was late: Brazil's Lula on cancelled meet with Ukrainian counterpart

Is the next pandemic going to emerge from Brazil's Amazon? What is the link between bats and viruses? Molly Gambhir tells you what scientists are saying.

Gravitas: The next pandemic to emerge from Brazil's amazon?

The world battled two long years of Covid pandemic and it has finally gotten a breather or has it? Now, scientists say that in the depths of Amazon's rainforests are caves that are home to thousands of bats. That is a concern that Brazil is home to so many bats - the animal that was allegedly the cause for Covid-19.

Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA

The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices. President Lula had earlier referred to the old policy being aimed to "please investors, to the detriment of the Brazilian people."

<h2>New policy announcement by Petrobas</h2>

The earlier policies adopted by the oil company had delivered record profits of $36 billion last year due to the global surge in fuel prices following the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp; 
Faced by resistance from investors in Petrobras, the company has still gone ahead with policy changes that would use ‘market references’ for setting fuel prices.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA

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<h2>New policy ends subordination to the import parity prices</h2>

The new policy which puts an end to “the mandatory subordination (of prices) to the import parity price” in US dollars was welcomed by everyone.&nbsp; 
Petrobras has announced hefty price cuts to meet the new policy changes; 12.6 percent for gasoline, 12.7 percent for diesel and 21.4 percent for cooking gas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccination-forgery-case-ex-brazil-prez-bolsonaro-questioned-by-cops-denies-tampering-records-593126">Also Read:&nbsp;Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records</a>

<h2>A welcoming policy change</h2>

President Lula posted a video on his social media handle where he can be seen applauding the new policy adapted by Petrobas.&nbsp; 
"I am particularly happy, and I think the people will be too. More than a campaign commitment, it is a victory of the people... And it is only the beginning. We are going to invest in industry and the generation of jobs”: President Lula.

Jean Paul Prates, Petrobras chief executive also commented on the issue by saying that "We will continue to be the market reference, without abdicating the company's competitive advantages".

<h2>Rise in share prices</h2>

The share prices of Petrobas rose to more than four percent on the Sao Paulo stock exchange on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, before setting back at 2.2 percent at the close. 
The rise in share prices was an unexpected but yet a welcome occurrence. Oil industry analyst, Israel Rodrigues of Genial Investimentos expected “the market to be something much worse,” perhaps a direct intervention.&nbsp;

<h2>A happy ending for everyone?&nbsp;</h2>

The Russia-Ukraine war that spiked the fuel prices around the globe had become an important issue in President Lula’s election campaign for his third term.&nbsp; 
The promise made by President Lula during his election campaigns to regulate the fuel prices had earlier caused anxiousness amongst investors.&nbsp; 
However, with the new policy changes adopted by Petrobas while maintaining its stock prices seem to be setting the tone for the fuel prices in Brazil right.&nbsp;

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The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices.

The Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, ended its policy of pegging fuel prices to the international market. Keeping his promise during his election campaigns to "Brazilianize" Petrobras’ pricing policy for the benefit of the local Brazilian people, President Lula da Silva has succeeded in putting an end to the pegging fuel prices. President Lula had earlier referred to the old policy being aimed to "please investors, to the detriment of the Brazilian people." New policy announcement by Petrobas The earlier policies adopted by the oil company had delivered record profits of $36 billion last year due to the global surge in fuel prices following the Russia-Ukraine war. Faced by resistance from investors in Petrobras, the company has still gone ahead with policy changes that would use ‘market references’ for setting fuel prices. Watch: Is Brazil the next pandemic hot-spot? | Why do bats have so many viruses? | World DNA × New policy ends subordination to the import parity prices The new policy which puts an end to “the mandatory subordination (of prices) to the import parity price” in US dollars was welcomed by everyone. Petrobras has announced hefty price cuts to meet the new policy changes; 12.6 percent for gasoline, 12.7 percent for diesel and 21.4 percent for cooking gas. Also Read: Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records A welcoming policy change President Lula posted a video on his social media handle where he can be seen applauding the new policy adapted by Petrobas. "I am particularly happy, and I think the people will be too. More than a campaign commitment, it is a victory of the people... And it is only the beginning. We are going to invest in industry and the generation of jobs”: President Lula. Jean Paul Prates, Petrobras chief executive also commented on the issue by saying that "We will continue to be the market reference, without abdicating the company's competitive advantages". Rise in share prices The share prices of Petrobas rose to more than four percent on the Sao Paulo stock exchange on Tuesday, 16 May, 2023, before setting back at 2.2 percent at the close. The rise in share prices was an unexpected but yet a welcome occurrence. Oil industry analyst, Israel Rodrigues of Genial Investimentos expected “the market to be something much worse,” perhaps a direct intervention. A happy ending for everyone? The Russia-Ukraine war that spiked the fuel prices around the globe had become an important issue in President Lula’s election campaign for his third term. The promise made by President Lula during his election campaigns to regulate the fuel prices had earlier caused anxiousness amongst investors. However, with the new policy changes adopted by Petrobas while maintaining its stock prices seem to be setting the tone for the fuel prices in Brazil right. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazilian oil company Petrobas scraps international price peg

New York Republican Congressman George Santos&nbsp;agreed to a deal with Brazilian public prosecutors on Thursday in order to escape punishment for forging two stolen cheques in 2008. This comes a day after he pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges on Wednesday. It included counts of wire fraud, lying to the US House, money laundering and theft of public funds.&nbsp;

Santos was charged with a crime in Brazil, according to court documents originally unearthed by the New York Times, for using two stolen cheques to make purchases, including a pair of sneakers he gave to a friend, at a store in the city of Niteroi.&nbsp;

Santos would have been 19 years old at the time. Prosecutors charged in 2011 that the entire cost of the transaction was 2,144 Brazilian reais, which at the time was equivalent to roughly $1,350.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/adani-enterprises-to-consider-fundraising-after-scrapped-fpo-591483">Adani Enterprises to consider fundraising after scrapped FPO</a>

According to the court documents viewed by the Associated Press, that came after an investigation started in 2008 and Santos' signed a confession, in which he admitted to having stolen the chequebook of his mother's former employer from her purse and made purchases, including in the store, and recognised the fraudulent cheques as the ones he had signed.

The case was halted in 2013 after a court accepted the allegations against Santos in 2011. Subsequent subpoenas for him to personally appear or submit a written defence remained unanswered, and officials were constantly unable to find him.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pti-leader-shireen-mazaris-arrested-cctv-footage-shows-armed-cops-entering-her-islamabad-house-591491">PTI leader Shireen Mazari arrested, CCTV footage shows armed cops entering her Islamabad house</a>

It all changed when he was elected to the US Congress, sparking a media frenzy that highlighted his questionable credentials. Then, Rio state prosecutors requested that the case be reopened.

The daily Folha de S.Paulo said that Santos will pay 24,000 reais (about $5,000) in accordance with the conditions of the non-prosecution agreement, with the bulk going to the shopkeeper who was given the faulty cheques and the remaining amount going to charity. The publication did not specify how it acquired this information. According to the newspaper, Santos virtually attended the meeting.

The resolution of the case eliminates the potential that Santos would have had to fly to another nation to settle outstanding charges; this may have been challenging given that he had recently been charged in the US and had to turn in his passport.

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“What would have been the start of a case was ended today,” Santos’ lawyer in Brazil, Jonymar Vasconcelos, told AP news agency.&nbsp;

“As such, my client is no longer the subject of any case in Brazil.”

Vasconcelos declined to answer questions regarding the specifics of the non-prosecution agreement, citing the fact that the case was conducted under seal. The Rio de Janeiro state public prosecutor's office likewise declined to respond. 
 
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New York Republican Congressman George Santos agreed to a deal with Brazilian public prosecutors on Thursday in order to escape punishment for forging two stolen cheques in 2008.

New York Republican Congressman George Santos agreed to a deal with Brazilian public prosecutors on Thursday in order to escape punishment for forging two stolen cheques in 2008. This comes a day after he pleaded not guilty to 13 federal charges on Wednesday. It included counts of wire fraud, lying to the US House, money laundering and theft of public funds. Santos was charged with a crime in Brazil, according to court documents originally unearthed by the New York Times, for using two stolen cheques to make purchases, including a pair of sneakers he gave to a friend, at a store in the city of Niteroi. Santos would have been 19 years old at the time. Prosecutors charged in 2011 that the entire cost of the transaction was 2,144 Brazilian reais, which at the time was equivalent to roughly $1,350. Also Read | Adani Enterprises to consider fundraising after scrapped FPO According to the court documents viewed by the Associated Press, that came after an investigation started in 2008 and Santos' signed a confession, in which he admitted to having stolen the chequebook of his mother's former employer from her purse and made purchases, including in the store, and recognised the fraudulent cheques as the ones he had signed. The case was halted in 2013 after a court accepted the allegations against Santos in 2011. Subsequent subpoenas for him to personally appear or submit a written defence remained unanswered, and officials were constantly unable to find him. Also Read | PTI leader Shireen Mazari arrested, CCTV footage shows armed cops entering her Islamabad house It all changed when he was elected to the US Congress, sparking a media frenzy that highlighted his questionable credentials. Then, Rio state prosecutors requested that the case be reopened. The daily Folha de S.Paulo said that Santos will pay 24,000 reais (about $5,000) in accordance with the conditions of the non-prosecution agreement, with the bulk going to the shopkeeper who was given the faulty cheques and the remaining amount going to charity. The publication did not specify how it acquired this information. According to the newspaper, Santos virtually attended the meeting. The resolution of the case eliminates the potential that Santos would have had to fly to another nation to settle outstanding charges; this may have been challenging given that he had recently been charged in the US and had to turn in his passport. Watch | Gravitas: Israeli attacks kill 4 Islamic Jihad members in Gaza strip × “What would have been the start of a case was ended today,” Santos’ lawyer in Brazil, Jonymar Vasconcelos, told AP news agency. “As such, my client is no longer the subject of any case in Brazil.” Vasconcelos declined to answer questions regarding the specifics of the non-prosecution agreement, citing the fact that the case was conducted under seal. The Rio de Janeiro state public prosecutor's office likewise declined to respond. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New York Republican Congressman George Santos signs deal to avoid prosecution over stolen cheques in Brazil

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he will lay out the need to defend Ukraine in the war with Russia on Tuesday when he meets Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been critical of arming the Ukrainians.

Dutch PM to discuss defence of Ukraine with Brazil's Lula

A Brazilian city is on the brink of being completely swallowed up by the earth as it battles environmental problems.

Gully erosion threatens houses in Amazon city

Brazilian police on Wednesday raided former President Jair Bolsonaro's home and arrested two personal aides as part of an investigation into falsified COVID-19 vaccination records, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Ex-Brazil President Bolsonaro's house raided, phone seized

Brazilian police raided former President Jair Bolsonaro's home and arrested two personal aides as part of an investigation into falsified Covid-19 vaccination records.

Brazilian police raid ex-President Bolsonaro's home in Covid vaccine data probe

Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform.&nbsp;

The judge in his decision stated that complete suspension of the app “is not reasonable, given the broad impact throughout the national territory on the freedom of communication of thousands of people who are absolutely strangers to the facts under investigation.”

However, Judge Lucas did impose a daily fine of one million reais ($200,553) on the company for failing to provide the requested data.

<h2>Telegram's CEO says complying with Brazil 'technologically impossible'</h2>

Earlier this week, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov had said that the company will appeal the Brazilian judge’s decision to suspend the encrypted messaging app for failing to provide data on neo-Nazi activity.

He said that the "requested data" the Brazil court has asked them to hand over is "technologically impossible" for them to obtain, as per AP reports.

The federal police had requested the countrywide suspension order after its parent organisation failed to provide data sought by authorities on neo-Nazi groups operating on the network, accused of instigating violence in schools.

<h2>App previously prohibited in country over failing to stop spread of fake news&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content.

“Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision.

The app had then been offline for less than 48 hours till the company chose to collaborate with Brazilian regulators.

The encrypted messaging application, Telegram has been suspended in the past by other governments, including Iran, China and Russia.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)
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Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform.

Brazil lifted the suspension of the encrypted messaging app Telegram on Saturday after Flávio Lucas, a judge from Brazil's Federal Regional Court of the Second Region, partially revised a ruling which suspended the social media application over its non-compliance in sharing information about extremist and neo-Nazi groups using the platform. The judge in his decision stated that complete suspension of the app “is not reasonable, given the broad impact throughout the national territory on the freedom of communication of thousands of people who are absolutely strangers to the facts under investigation.” However, Judge Lucas did impose a daily fine of one million reais ($200,553) on the company for failing to provide the requested data. Telegram's CEO says complying with Brazil 'technologically impossible' Earlier this week, Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov had said that the company will appeal the Brazilian judge’s decision to suspend the encrypted messaging app for failing to provide data on neo-Nazi activity. He said that the "requested data" the Brazil court has asked them to hand over is "technologically impossible" for them to obtain, as per AP reports. The federal police had requested the countrywide suspension order after its parent organisation failed to provide data sought by authorities on neo-Nazi groups operating on the network, accused of instigating violence in schools. App previously prohibited in country over failing to stop spread of fake news Last year, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of messaging app Telegram over its hosting of misinformation and fabricated news content. “Telegram’s disrespect for Brazilian law and repeated failure to comply with countless court decisions … is completely incompatible with the rule of law,” Moraes wrote in his decision. The app had then been offline for less than 48 hours till the company chose to collaborate with Brazilian regulators. The encrypted messaging application, Telegram has been suspended in the past by other governments, including Iran, China and Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Brazil lifts suspension of Telegram, imposes fine over noncompliance of order

Thousands of indigenous Brazilians marched in downtown Brasilia to call on their government to take action on climate change and to demand the creation of new reserves on their ancestral lands.

Thousands gather in Brasilia for new reserves

Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, appeared before federal police on Wednesday and categorically denied any role in the anti-government Jan 6-style riots in&nbsp;the Brazilian capital.&nbsp;

On 8 January, a week after Brazilian president Lula da Silva took office, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters attacked Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace in Brasilia.

An inquiry into Bolsonaro's suspected involvement in the January 8 rampage was launched on 13 January by Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes. During the riots, protesters breached the security perimeter and stormed the government buildings.&nbsp;

Investigations are being conducted on the far-right Bolsonaro's suspected involvement in organising the riots.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="Also Read | Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency">Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency</a>

After spending three months in the US state of Florida, Bolsonaro returned to Brazil in late March.

He was interrogated for more than two hours at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia before leaving in a car with tinted windows. He left without speaking to the media personnel present there.

However, according to Bolsonaro's spokesperson Fabio Wajngarten, who spoke to the media shortly after, former president Bolsonaro "repudiated all the unfortunate events that happened in Brasilia" on the day of the violence.&nbsp;

One of the reasons the probe was started was because Bolsonaro posted a video to social media two days after the riot. In the video, a prosecutor questioned the legitimacy of Lula's win.

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According to Bolsonaro's attorney Paulo Bueno, the president had just been brought to the hospital and was on medication at the time he released the video. "The sharing was so accidental that he did not mention it afterwards and soon deleted it," said Bueno after the hearing.

In a contentious election in October, Lula, who previously served as president of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, narrowly secured victory over Bolsonaro.

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The riots were similar to 6 January, 2021 riots that took place in Washington and was spearheaded by Bolsonaro's political hero, former President Donald Trump's supporters.

On 8 January, Bolsonaro's supporters vandalised artwork, offices, and shattered windows while demanding that the military step in to remove Lula. Nearly 1,800 people have been arrested so far, as per the AFP news agency.

To shed light on the events of January 8, Congress will establish a legislative committee of investigation.

But the riots are not controversy Bolsonaro is surrounded with. Police earlier questioned former army captain Bolsonaro on 5 April in connection with a charge that he attempted to unlawfully import jewellery given to him by Saudi Arabia worth millions of dollars. According to a source close to the former president, he disputed the charge.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro is the focus of at least 16 investigations. If he is found guilty, he may get a prison term or lose his right to run for office.

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Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, appeared before federal police on Wednesday and categorically denied any role in the anti-government Jan 6-style riots in the Brazilian capital.

Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, appeared before federal police on Wednesday and categorically denied any role in the anti-government Jan 6-style riots in the Brazilian capital. On 8 January, a week after Brazilian president Lula da Silva took office, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters attacked Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidential palace in Brasilia. An inquiry into Bolsonaro's suspected involvement in the January 8 rampage was launched on 13 January by Supreme Court justice Alexandre de Moraes. During the riots, protesters breached the security perimeter and stormed the government buildings. Investigations are being conducted on the far-right Bolsonaro's suspected involvement in organising the riots. Also Read | Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency After spending three months in the US state of Florida, Bolsonaro returned to Brazil in late March. He was interrogated for more than two hours at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia before leaving in a car with tinted windows. He left without speaking to the media personnel present there. However, according to Bolsonaro's spokesperson Fabio Wajngarten, who spoke to the media shortly after, former president Bolsonaro "repudiated all the unfortunate events that happened in Brasilia" on the day of the violence. One of the reasons the probe was started was because Bolsonaro posted a video to social media two days after the riot. In the video, a prosecutor questioned the legitimacy of Lula's win. Also Read | Singapore doubles stamp duty for foreigners buying home According to Bolsonaro's attorney Paulo Bueno, the president had just been brought to the hospital and was on medication at the time he released the video. "The sharing was so accidental that he did not mention it afterwards and soon deleted it," said Bueno after the hearing. In a contentious election in October, Lula, who previously served as president of Brazil from 2003 to 2010, narrowly secured victory over Bolsonaro. Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur × The riots were similar to 6 January, 2021 riots that took place in Washington and was spearheaded by Bolsonaro's political hero, former President Donald Trump's supporters. On 8 January, Bolsonaro's supporters vandalised artwork, offices, and shattered windows while demanding that the military step in to remove Lula. Nearly 1,800 people have been arrested so far, as per the AFP news agency. To shed light on the events of January 8, Congress will establish a legislative committee of investigation. But the riots are not controversy Bolsonaro is surrounded with. Police earlier questioned former army captain Bolsonaro on 5 April in connection with a charge that he attempted to unlawfully import jewellery given to him by Saudi Arabia worth millions of dollars. According to a source close to the former president, he disputed the charge. Bolsonaro is the focus of at least 16 investigations. If he is found guilty, he may get a prison term or lose his right to run for office. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Trump of the Tropics' Bolsonaro denies role in Jan 6-style attack on Brazilian capital

The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal.&nbsp;

What did Lula say in Lisbon?

The statement came after he arrived a day prior, in Portugal, and was faced with protests as many stood waving Ukrainian flags and holding photographs depicting conflict atrocities outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon.&nbsp;

Lula’s stance has not only angered the people in Lisbon but also the West and Kyiv for suggesting Ukraine and Russia are to blame for the conflict that began over a year ago. Addressing the press&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Portuguese capital, on Saturday, beginning his first visit to Europe after&nbsp;being elected president he called for a “negotiated” settlement between Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;

“While my government condemns the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, we support a negotiated political solution to the conflict,” said Lula, following a meeting with the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He added, “Brazil does not want to take part in this war. Brazil wants to create peace.”

Last week, the Brazilian president faced criticism&nbsp;after he said the United States and its European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine as they are prolonging the war. “If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war,” said Lula.&nbsp; 
 
Subsequently, the White House accused him&nbsp;of “parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda”, while the Ukrainian government has criticised the Brazilian president for treating "the victim and the aggressor” the same way.

Protests in Lisbon over Lula’s visit

Portugal is a founding member of NATO and also sent military aid to Ukraine while the country’s president has previously said that Kyiv had the right to defend itself. On Saturday, Rebelo de Sousa also acknowledged that Portugal has a “different position” on the ongoing conflict adding that “for a road to peace to become a possibility, Ukraine must first have the right to respond to the invasion.”

The capital city of Portugal witnessed protests, on Friday, after many gathered outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon over Lula’s recent remarks. 
 
A Ukrainian refugee named Yana Kolomiiets who was among the protesters and had been in Portugal for four months and said she felt “terrible” after hearing Lula’s comments last week, reported Reuters. The 27-year-old also said, “It has made me so upset because I don't know how the president of Brazil can support (Russian President Vladimir) Putin…this killer.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal.

The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal. What did Lula say in Lisbon? The statement came after he arrived a day prior, in Portugal, and was faced with protests as many stood waving Ukrainian flags and holding photographs depicting conflict atrocities outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon. Lula’s stance has not only angered the people in Lisbon but also the West and Kyiv for suggesting Ukraine and Russia are to blame for the conflict that began over a year ago. Addressing the press in the Portuguese capital, on Saturday, beginning his first visit to Europe after being elected president he called for a “negotiated” settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. “While my government condemns the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, we support a negotiated political solution to the conflict,” said Lula, following a meeting with the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He added, “Brazil does not want to take part in this war. Brazil wants to create peace.” Last week, the Brazilian president faced criticism after he said the United States and its European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine as they are prolonging the war. “If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war,” said Lula. Subsequently, the White House accused him of “parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda”, while the Ukrainian government has criticised the Brazilian president for treating "the victim and the aggressor” the same way. Protests in Lisbon over Lula’s visit Portugal is a founding member of NATO and also sent military aid to Ukraine while the country’s president has previously said that Kyiv had the right to defend itself. On Saturday, Rebelo de Sousa also acknowledged that Portugal has a “different position” on the ongoing conflict adding that “for a road to peace to become a possibility, Ukraine must first have the right to respond to the invasion.” The capital city of Portugal witnessed protests, on Friday, after many gathered outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon over Lula’s recent remarks. A Ukrainian refugee named Yana Kolomiiets who was among the protesters and had been in Portugal for four months and said she felt “terrible” after hearing Lula’s comments last week, reported Reuters. The 27-year-old also said, “It has made me so upset because I don't know how the president of Brazil can support (Russian President Vladimir) Putin…this killer.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon

Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009.&nbsp;

Here is a timeline of the series of events related to the case:

June 2009

On June 1, 2009, Air France flight AF447 took off from Rio in Brazil and was en route to Paris before disappearing off the radar in the middle of a storm. It took a little over four minutes for the plane to fall 11,500 metres out of the sky. &nbsp;Days later, the wreckage was found of the Airbus A330 which was crossing the night sky during a storm over the Atlantic between Brazil and Senegal and vanished without a Mayday sign.&nbsp;

May 2011

After two years and a multi-million-dollar search, the aircraft’s “black boxes” or flight recorders were found nearly 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) below sea level. The search effort involved combing 17,000 square kilometres of the ocean bed at depths of up to 4,000 metres for nearly 22 months.&nbsp;

October 2011&nbsp;

Lawyers and victims’ families were allowed to listen to the in-flight voice recording of the pilots’ final minutes for the first time. “We’ve lost our speeds,” said one pilot, as recorded warning sounds of “stall, stall, stall” were heard and the aircraft began to plunge towards the sea. In the same year, the two aviation giants were being investigated for manslaughter.&nbsp;

Findings and reports from the retrieved black box

Over the next couple of years, sporadic findings and reports emerged about the crash. One of them said the plane had entered what is called an “intertropical convergence zone” which is said to often produce volatile storms with heavy precipitation.&nbsp;

Reports indicated that the plane’s speed sensors had been iced up and errors were made and the pilots were disoriented because of this. The “stall” warning was sounded in the cockpit at least 75 times.&nbsp;

 
Subsequently, the pilot took manual control after the autopilot system shut down and the wrong navigational data set off a catastrophic chain of events due to which the plane went into an “aerodynamic stall,” the nose pitched upward and the plane plunged into the ocean.&nbsp;

French investigators from the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), found that the pilots had mishandled the temporary loss of data from iced-up sensors and pushed the 205-tonne jet into a freefall, without responding to alerts, at speed of around 200 kilometres per hour.

The plane was flying through a storm over South Atlantic ocean when it entered a blackspot between air traffic control towers in Brazil and Senegal. However, it kept sending automatic communication “pings” every 10 minutes. It was four minutes and 23 seconds after its last ping, and it vanished, said the report.&nbsp; 
 
July 2019

In 2019, the prosecutors recommended dropping charges against Airbus and&nbsp; that Air France face trial for manslaughter and negligence over the crash.&nbsp;

The French prosecutors concluded that Air France was aware of technical problems with a key speed-measuring instrument or pilot tubes but failed to inform or train pilots on how to resolve the issue. However, this ruling was overturned two years later.&nbsp;

October 2022

After nearly 13 years the trial for Airbus and Air France over the crash began in Paris. The hearing opened with the judge reading out the names of all 228 victims. The chief executives of both Air France and Airbus who were present pleaded not guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter.&nbsp;

Air France claims that it was the complicated alarms that confused the pilots, whereas Airbus argues that it was the pilots’ fault. Air France has been accused of not properly training their pilots in the event of icing of the pilot probes despite knowing the risks.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Airbus has been accused of knowing that pilot tubes on Flight 447 were faulty and not doing enough to inform airlines and their crew about the issue which would help ensure training to mitigate the risk. &nbsp;

The pilot tubes&nbsp;

The case of the pilot tubes, on board the Airbus A330 were at the centre of the recent hearings. The instrument in question is used to measure the flight speed of aircraft. The court heard about how the malfunction with the tubes, which became blocked with ice crystals during a mid-Atlantic storm, was the reason for the alarms blaring in the cockpit and the autopilot system switching off.

April 2023

The Paris court acquitted both companies, maintaining that even though “errors” had been committed, “no certain link of causality” between those shortcomings and the accident “could be proven.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009.

Two France-based aviation giants went on trial last October over the crash of Air France Flight 447 some 13 years ago. On Monday (April 17), a Paris court acquitted the two companies that have been blamed for one of the worst aviation disasters which killed 228 passengers and crew in 2009. Here is a timeline of the series of events related to the case: June 2009 On June 1, 2009, Air France flight AF447 took off from Rio in Brazil and was en route to Paris before disappearing off the radar in the middle of a storm. It took a little over four minutes for the plane to fall 11,500 metres out of the sky. Days later, the wreckage was found of the Airbus A330 which was crossing the night sky during a storm over the Atlantic between Brazil and Senegal and vanished without a Mayday sign. May 2011 After two years and a multi-million-dollar search, the aircraft’s “black boxes” or flight recorders were found nearly 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) below sea level. The search effort involved combing 17,000 square kilometres of the ocean bed at depths of up to 4,000 metres for nearly 22 months. October 2011 Lawyers and victims’ families were allowed to listen to the in-flight voice recording of the pilots’ final minutes for the first time. “We’ve lost our speeds,” said one pilot, as recorded warning sounds of “stall, stall, stall” were heard and the aircraft began to plunge towards the sea. In the same year, the two aviation giants were being investigated for manslaughter. Findings and reports from the retrieved black box Over the next couple of years, sporadic findings and reports emerged about the crash. One of them said the plane had entered what is called an “intertropical convergence zone” which is said to often produce volatile storms with heavy precipitation. Reports indicated that the plane’s speed sensors had been iced up and errors were made and the pilots were disoriented because of this. The “stall” warning was sounded in the cockpit at least 75 times. Subsequently, the pilot took manual control after the autopilot system shut down and the wrong navigational data set off a catastrophic chain of events due to which the plane went into an “aerodynamic stall,” the nose pitched upward and the plane plunged into the ocean. French investigators from the Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA), found that the pilots had mishandled the temporary loss of data from iced-up sensors and pushed the 205-tonne jet into a freefall, without responding to alerts, at speed of around 200 kilometres per hour. The plane was flying through a storm over South Atlantic ocean when it entered a blackspot between air traffic control towers in Brazil and Senegal. However, it kept sending automatic communication “pings” every 10 minutes. It was four minutes and 23 seconds after its last ping, and it vanished, said the report. July 2019 In 2019, the prosecutors recommended dropping charges against Airbus and that Air France face trial for manslaughter and negligence over the crash. The French prosecutors concluded that Air France was aware of technical problems with a key speed-measuring instrument or pilot tubes but failed to inform or train pilots on how to resolve the issue. However, this ruling was overturned two years later. October 2022 After nearly 13 years the trial for Airbus and Air France over the crash began in Paris. The hearing opened with the judge reading out the names of all 228 victims. The chief executives of both Air France and Airbus who were present pleaded not guilty to the charges of involuntary manslaughter. Air France claims that it was the complicated alarms that confused the pilots, whereas Airbus argues that it was the pilots’ fault. Air France has been accused of not properly training their pilots in the event of icing of the pilot probes despite knowing the risks. On the other hand, Airbus has been accused of knowing that pilot tubes on Flight 447 were faulty and not doing enough to inform airlines and their crew about the issue which would help ensure training to mitigate the risk. The pilot tubes The case of the pilot tubes, on board the Airbus A330 were at the centre of the recent hearings. The instrument in question is used to measure the flight speed of aircraft. The court heard about how the malfunction with the tubes, which became blocked with ice crystals during a mid-Atlantic storm, was the reason for the alarms blaring in the cockpit and the autopilot system switching off. April 2023 The Paris court acquitted both companies, maintaining that even though “errors” had been committed, “no certain link of causality” between those shortcomings and the accident “could be proven.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Air France, Airbus trial over the 2009 Rio-Paris crash. Here's what happened

Brazilian soccer player&nbsp;Dani&nbsp;Alves&nbsp;will testify before a Spanish judge on Monday (April 17) over an alleged sexual assault in a Barcelona night club. Alves&nbsp;has been in jail on remand without bail since late January while the investigation continues after a local woman filed a complaint about an event at the exclusive Sutton nightclub in the city centre.

Alves&nbsp;is testifying on his own request and denies wrongdoing. The court in February rejected a request by the soccer star to be released from jail on remand as the investigation over the alleged sexual assault takes place.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-have-never-done-anything-to-obtain-some-type-of-sporting-advantage-confirms-joan-laporta-583312">Barcelona have never 'done anything to 'obtain some type of sporting advantage, confirms Joan Laporta</a>

Alves&nbsp;has played for the Brazil national team since 2006, making 126 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves will testify before a Spanish judge on Monday (April 17) over an alleged sexual assault in a Barcelona night club. Alves has been in jail on remand without bail since late January while the investigation continues after a local woman filed a complaint about an event at the exclusive Sutton nightclub in the city centre.

Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves will testify before a Spanish judge on Monday (April 17) over an alleged sexual assault in a Barcelona night club. Alves has been in jail on remand without bail since late January while the investigation continues after a local woman filed a complaint about an event at the exclusive Sutton nightclub in the city centre. Alves is testifying on his own request and denies wrongdoing. The court in February rejected a request by the soccer star to be released from jail on remand as the investigation over the alleged sexual assault takes place. Also Read: Barcelona have never 'done anything to 'obtain some type of sporting advantage, confirms Joan Laporta Alves has played for the Brazil national team since 2006, making 126 appearances and scoring eight goals.

Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves to arrive in court over alleged sexual assault claim

Following his visit to China on Saturday, UAE President Muhammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan met with Brazilian President Lula de Silva to explore a potential cooperative mediation effort for Russia's conflict in Ukraine with China.

Brazilian President Lula Da Silva slams US and Europe for fueling war

On his way back from a trip to China, Brazilian President Lula de Silva stopped in the West Asian nation and met with UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During their discussion, the two leaders addressed a variety of topics, including trade, technology, defence, air travel and food safety.

Brazilian President Lula Da Silva meets UAE's Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi

Former President Jair Bolsonaro will be questioned about the riots that occurred in the capital city of Brasilia one week after President Lula da Silva entered office, according to an order from the Brazilian Supreme Court.

Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro ordered to testify by Supreme Court judge

Four people were dead and 13 others were injured after a fire broke out in a shelter for children and adolescents in northeastern Brazil on Friday (April 14), the news agency Reuters reported, citing the local fire department. Fire personnel were called to douse the fire at the Lar Paulo de Tarso charity institution in Recife, Pernambuco state, at around 4.20 am.&nbsp;

The personnel said a boy and a woman had died, adding other two victims succumbed on the way to the hospital. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Recife Mayor Joao Campos offered his condolences.&nbsp;

"The moment is one of pain and solidarity. The NGO has been providing shelter to children and adolescents in situations of social risk for more than 30 years. We remain mobilised to provide full support in this very difficult time," Campos tweeted.&nbsp;

Pernambuco governor Raquel Lyra also mourned the tragedy. "Pernambuco is in mourning with what happened this early morning in Recife. Firefighters and police are already working, as well as our health teams. I leave here my condolences to the families of the victims in this moment of pain," Lyra tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four people were dead and 13 others were injured after a fire broke out in a shelter for children and adolescents in northeastern Brazil on Friday (April 14), the news agency Reuters reported, citing the local fire department.

Four people were dead and 13 others were injured after a fire broke out in a shelter for children and adolescents in northeastern Brazil on Friday (April 14), the news agency Reuters reported, citing the local fire department. Fire personnel were called to douse the fire at the Lar Paulo de Tarso charity institution in Recife, Pernambuco state, at around 4.20 am. The personnel said a boy and a woman had died, adding other two victims succumbed on the way to the hospital. Further details are awaited. Taking to Twitter, Recife Mayor Joao Campos offered his condolences. "The moment is one of pain and solidarity. The NGO has been providing shelter to children and adolescents in situations of social risk for more than 30 years. We remain mobilised to provide full support in this very difficult time," Campos tweeted. Pernambuco governor Raquel Lyra also mourned the tragedy. "Pernambuco is in mourning with what happened this early morning in Recife. Firefighters and police are already working, as well as our health teams. I leave here my condolences to the families of the victims in this moment of pain," Lyra tweeted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire at shelter for children and adolescents

After Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's President Lula Da Silva is in China. Is this an indication that China's diplomatic blitz is succeeding? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Why is the world heading to China's doorstep?

Gravitas: Why is world heading to China's doorstep?

This week, dozens of dead stingrays washed up on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, raising questions and alarm in the community.&nbsp;

The first sightings were reported by local fishermen early on Tuesday. A resident of the fishing community claimed that just after dawn, she noticed&nbsp;the incident, which brought vultures to the area.

“This made us all sad. We’ve never seen the death of stingrays like this here,”&nbsp;fisherman Renato dos Reis Oliveira told Reuters.&nbsp;

The absence of other dead species on the beach, according to Mar Urbano Institute biologist Ricardo Gomes, suggests the incidence was probably not brought on by contaminants or a deficiency in oxygen in the sea.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Dozens of dead stingrays found on Brazil beach

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“This makes the hypothesis of trawling more evident in the cases of these stingrays,” he told Reuters.&nbsp;

Trawling is a form of fishing when one or more boats pull a net through the water.

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_1C2C08AC-39B2-967E-708E-75254FC6B3FF@published">“This is not (the stingray’s natural) place, so this is strange even for the people who are here and who live off fishing,” environmentalist Isabeli Delois told Reuters.

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A month ago, several&nbsp;videos did the rounds on social media &nbsp;showing&nbsp;hundreds of dead fish washed onto a beach in Barefoot Beach Preserve in Florida.

The video was shot on Tuesday by Tom&nbsp;

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This week, dozens of dead stingrays washed up on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, raising questions and alarm in the community. The first sightings were reported by local fishermen early on Tuesday.

This week, dozens of dead stingrays washed up on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, raising questions and alarm in the community. The first sightings were reported by local fishermen early on Tuesday. A resident of the fishing community claimed that just after dawn, she noticed the incident, which brought vultures to the area. “This made us all sad. We’ve never seen the death of stingrays like this here,” fisherman Renato dos Reis Oliveira told Reuters. The absence of other dead species on the beach, according to Mar Urbano Institute biologist Ricardo Gomes, suggests the incidence was probably not brought on by contaminants or a deficiency in oxygen in the sea. ALSO WATCH | Dozens of dead stingrays found on Brazil beach “This makes the hypothesis of trawling more evident in the cases of these stingrays,” he told Reuters. Trawling is a form of fishing when one or more boats pull a net through the water. “This is not (the stingray’s natural) place, so this is strange even for the people who are here and who live off fishing,” environmentalist Isabeli Delois told Reuters. “Something very bad happened,” she added. A month ago, several videos did the rounds on social media showing hundreds of dead fish washed onto a beach in Barefoot Beach Preserve in Florida. The video was shot on Tuesday by Tom (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Several dead stingrays found on Brazil beach, environmentalists dig into its root cause

Once a scenic coastal town, Brazil Atafona turns apocalyptic. Climate experts say global warming is making the issue worse by forcing existential losses in the town.

Sea swallows town in Brazil

Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping, the president of China. He will start his postponed trip to China this week with the goal of fostering closer ties in trade. Prior to flying to Beijing, where the Brazilian President will meet with his Chinese counterpart on Friday.

Brazil's Lula set to visit China to meet Xi Jinping; bilateral ties and Ukraine on focus

Brazil's President Lula da Silva will pay a four-day state visit to China this week. He is expected to arrive in Shanghai late Tuesday and later travel to Beijing where he will meet his counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday.

Brazil's President Lula to kick start China visit from Shanghai

Brazilian President Lula da Silva to pay four-day visit to China

Four children were killed by a 25-year-old at a pre-school in Santa Catarina State. The attacker also injured four other children who have been admitted in the hospital. The attacker has been arrested by the officials and said that he has multiple past run-ins with the police.

Brazil: Attacker kills four children in pre-school, President Silva calls attack a 'monstrosity'

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (April 5) called the attack with an axe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-preschool-attack-leaves-four-children-dead-one-critically-injured-579473">at a pre-school in Santa Catarina </a>a 'monstrosity', a report by the news agency Reuters said. During a meeting with government ministers and governors in Brasilia, President Lula said, "Today is a day that leaves us human beings angry because of a figure that seems to be a human: it has a head, arms, legs, and eyes, but that committed a monstrosity that all of us who are fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles would never imagine could happen."

Lula said the attacker must have come from another planet, a hate planet and had the stupidity to kill four children with an axe.

“I don’t have words to comfort the families; whoever has lost a relative knows there are no words. But I think it is important for us to do a gesture, so let’s have a minute of silence in honour of those children who were victims of that barbarity,” the president added.&nbsp;

The attacker, a 25-year-old man, armed with a small axe climbed over a wall into the Cantinho do Bom Pastor&nbsp;daycare centre in the city of Blumenau, killing four children and injuring five others.

According to the police, said three boys - two aged 4 and one aged 5 - and one girl aged 7 were killed. The police added that four of the injured children between the ages of 3 to 5 were hospitalised, and the fifth child had minor injuries.&nbsp;

Local security chief Marcio Alberto Filippi told reporters the attacker turned himself in to police after the rampage.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, residents in Blumenau gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn the children killed. Visuals shared by the news agency Reuters showed family and friends of the victims and survivors praying, leaving flowers, and lighting candles outside the school.&nbsp;

This attack came nearly a week after a 13-year-old student stabbed a teacher to death and wounded five others in a school in Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (April 5) called the attack with an axe at a pre-school in Santa Catarina a 'monstrosity', a report by the news agency Reuters said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday (April 5) called the attack with an axe at a pre-school in Santa Catarina a 'monstrosity', a report by the news agency Reuters said. During a meeting with government ministers and governors in Brasilia, President Lula said, "Today is a day that leaves us human beings angry because of a figure that seems to be a human: it has a head, arms, legs, and eyes, but that committed a monstrosity that all of us who are fathers, mothers, grandparents, uncles would never imagine could happen." Lula said the attacker must have come from another planet, a hate planet and had the stupidity to kill four children with an axe. “I don’t have words to comfort the families; whoever has lost a relative knows there are no words. But I think it is important for us to do a gesture, so let’s have a minute of silence in honour of those children who were victims of that barbarity,” the president added. The attacker, a 25-year-old man, armed with a small axe climbed over a wall into the Cantinho do Bom Pastor daycare centre in the city of Blumenau, killing four children and injuring five others. According to the police, said three boys - two aged 4 and one aged 5 - and one girl aged 7 were killed. The police added that four of the injured children between the ages of 3 to 5 were hospitalised, and the fifth child had minor injuries. Local security chief Marcio Alberto Filippi told reporters the attacker turned himself in to police after the rampage. Meanwhile, residents in Blumenau gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn the children killed. Visuals shared by the news agency Reuters showed family and friends of the victims and survivors praying, leaving flowers, and lighting candles outside the school. This attack came nearly a week after a 13-year-old student stabbed a teacher to death and wounded five others in a school in Sao Paulo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazilian President Lula calls attack in pre-school a 'monstrosity'

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