A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho.

According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year.

The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”.

Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria.

However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species.

“It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

“Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.”

The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020.

The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian.

A wing under the US Department of Agriculture has stoked the fury of conservation groups after a report revealed that they were responsible for killing 1.75 million animals across the country in 2021— at a rate of around 200 creatures every hour, reported The Guardian. The killings were part of a federal wildlife program that targets wolves, coyotes, cougars, birds and other wild animals, primarily to benefit the agriculture industry in states like Texas, Colorado and Idaho. According to new data released by the program, the Wildlife Services has killed 324 gray wolves, 64,131 coyotes, 433 black bears, 200 mountain lions, 605 bobcats, 3,014 foxes, 24,687 beavers, and 714 river otters last year. The Wildlife Services has been slaughtering the animals “to protect agricultural output, threatened species and human health”. Wildlife Services says that it targets certain invasive species which it considers a threat to ecosystems, such as feral hogs and a type of giant swamp rodent called nutria. However, it has also controversially killed vast numbers of America’s native species. “It’s stomach-turning to see this barbaric federal program wiping out hundreds of thousands of native animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Killing carnivores like wolves and coyotes to supposedly benefit the livestock industry just leads to more conflicts and more killing. This is a truly vicious cycle, and we’ll continue to demand change from Wildlife Services.” The reported number of native animals killed in 2021 was similar to the 433,192 killed in 2020. The only it reported a sharp decline was in 2019 when approximately 1.3 million native animals were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

A ‘barbaric’ federal programme killed 1.75 million animals in US in 2021: Report

A 15-year-old Spanish boy was arrested on Saturday for allegedly shooting dead his parents and 10-year-old brother following a row over bad school grades, police said.

The incident took place on Tuesday evening in a rural area just outside Elche, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the southeastern port city of Alicante, reports AFP.

The police were informed only on Friday after a relative who came to check up on them discovered the three lying in a poll of blood near their house’s shed.

Local and national police officers, as well as a team of psychologists, arrived at the scene which was cordoned off on Friday, Spanish media reported.

"The woman’s sister came to the house because she had heard nothing from the family and that's when her nephew told her he'd killed his father, mother and brother," a police spokesperson told AFP.

Autopsies on the victims are scheduled to take place on Saturday.

The 15-year-old minor was then arrested by police after he was found alone in the house with the bodies for three days.

Spanish newspaper El Pais citing sources said that while confessing to the crime, the teenager displayed “unusual coldness, without expressing remorse” at any time.

He told them he had “argued with his mother over his school grades” and then used his father's hunting rifle to kill her, then his 10-year-old brother and lastly his father.

The mayor of the city has announced three-day mourning for the relatives of the deceased.

Spanish media reported on Friday that the teenager would be taken to the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office where he would be assigned a defence attorney. He will be placed in a reform centre for minors.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 15-year-old Spanish boy was arrested on Saturday for allegedly shooting dead his parents and 10-year-old brother following a row over bad school grades, police said.

A 15-year-old Spanish boy was arrested on Saturday for allegedly shooting dead his parents and 10-year-old brother following a row over bad school grades, police said. The incident took place on Tuesday evening in a rural area just outside Elche, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the southeastern port city of Alicante, reports AFP. The police were informed only on Friday after a relative who came to check up on them discovered the three lying in a poll of blood near their house’s shed. Local and national police officers, as well as a team of psychologists, arrived at the scene which was cordoned off on Friday, Spanish media reported. "The woman’s sister came to the house because she had heard nothing from the family and that's when her nephew told her he'd killed his father, mother and brother," a police spokesperson told AFP. Autopsies on the victims are scheduled to take place on Saturday. The 15-year-old minor was then arrested by police after he was found alone in the house with the bodies for three days. Spanish newspaper El Pais citing sources said that while confessing to the crime, the teenager displayed “unusual coldness, without expressing remorse” at any time. He told them he had “argued with his mother over his school grades” and then used his father's hunting rifle to kill her, then his 10-year-old brother and lastly his father. The mayor of the city has announced three-day mourning for the relatives of the deceased. Spanish media reported on Friday that the teenager would be taken to the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office where he would be assigned a defence attorney. He will be placed in a reform centre for minors. (With inputs from agencies)

15-year-old Spanish boy mercilessly kills parents, 10-year-old brother in argument over bad grades

An American man from Oregon took his life after he accidentally shot dead his brother while taking an aim at a black beer.

According to US media reports, the tragic incident took place in Sunny Valley in Josephine County near their house on early Tuesday morning.

The siblings’ identities have not yet been revealed by the police yet, and an investigation is ongoing into the incident.

The police said that after spotting a bear roaming near his house, the man grabbed the gun to protect himself.&nbsp;But he accidentally killed his brother.

According to police, they received a distress call from a man who told them he had “accidentally shot his brother while loading a gun” to use against a bear, reported the Daily Mail.

“Based upon the investigation, it is believed the caller took his own life after calling 911 to report the accidental shooting,” the sheriff’s office added.

The Sheriff's Office told DailyMail on Thursday that there is “no further information available” at this time.&nbsp;

Oregon is home to around 25,000 to 30,000 black bears and spotting a bear isn’t rare in the state, according to the Josephine County Parks Department, which calls Oregon 'Black Bear Country.'&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Parks Department said bear attacks are “uncommon” and the animals typically “avoid human contact,” but reminds the public that it is "never safe to approach a bear."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American man from Oregon took his life after he accidentally shot dead his brother while taking an aim at a black beer. According to US media reports, the tragic incident took place in Sunny Valley in Josephine County near their house on early Tuesday morning.

An American man from Oregon took his life after he accidentally shot dead his brother while taking an aim at a black beer. According to US media reports, the tragic incident took place in Sunny Valley in Josephine County near their house on early Tuesday morning. The siblings’ identities have not yet been revealed by the police yet, and an investigation is ongoing into the incident. The police said that after spotting a bear roaming near his house, the man grabbed the gun to protect himself. But he accidentally killed his brother. According to police, they received a distress call from a man who told them he had “accidentally shot his brother while loading a gun” to use against a bear, reported the Daily Mail. “Based upon the investigation, it is believed the caller took his own life after calling 911 to report the accidental shooting,” the sheriff’s office added. The Sheriff's Office told DailyMail on Thursday that there is “no further information available” at this time. Oregon is home to around 25,000 to 30,000 black bears and spotting a bear isn’t rare in the state, according to the Josephine County Parks Department, which calls Oregon 'Black Bear Country.' The Parks Department said bear attacks are “uncommon” and the animals typically “avoid human contact,” but reminds the public that it is "never safe to approach a bear." (With inputs from agencies)

Man takes aim at bear, accidentally shoots dead brother, then kills himself

People in Iran were left shocked after a video of a man roaming around the streets with his wife’s decapitated head went viral.

According to reports, Mona Heidari, 17, was killed by her husband and brother-in-law in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Saturday over suspicion of adultery.

According to Iranian media, the victim was just 12 when she was married and had a three-year-old son by the time she was killed.

Iran’s news agency IRNA said that the police officers arrested the two men “during a raid on their hideout”.

According to local media reports, the woman reportedly fled to Turkey after her family discovered that she had an affair.&nbsp;

But she was tracked to the country and brought back to Iran by her father and her husband this week.&nbsp;

The deeply disturbing incident forced Iran's vice president for women's affairs, Ensieh Khazali, to call on the parliament to take “urgent measures” and asked the authorities to raise awareness to prevent such cases.

Iranian newspapers and social media expressed rage over the killing, with many seeking urgent legal reforms.

Honour killings are prevalent in some parts of Iran, mostly due to societal beliefs and the Islamic Republic’s lax laws and light sentences that encourage the behaviour.

Article 630 of the Constitution exempts a husband from punishment if he kills after witnessing adultery.

According to Sharia law, only the “blood owners” (the immediate family members) are allowed to demand execution for the murder of their loved ones.

This means that most honour killings go unpunished since families do not demand heavy punishment for another family member.

(With inputs from agencies)

People in Iran were left shocked after a video of a man roaming around the streets with his wife’s decapitated head went viral. According to reports, Mona Heidari, 17, was killed by her husband and brother-in-law in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Saturday over suspicion of adultery.

People in Iran were left shocked after a video of a man roaming around the streets with his wife’s decapitated head went viral. According to reports, Mona Heidari, 17, was killed by her husband and brother-in-law in the southwestern city of Ahvaz on Saturday over suspicion of adultery. According to Iranian media, the victim was just 12 when she was married and had a three-year-old son by the time she was killed. Iran’s news agency IRNA said that the police officers arrested the two men “during a raid on their hideout”. According to local media reports, the woman reportedly fled to Turkey after her family discovered that she had an affair. But she was tracked to the country and brought back to Iran by her father and her husband this week. The deeply disturbing incident forced Iran's vice president for women's affairs, Ensieh Khazali, to call on the parliament to take “urgent measures” and asked the authorities to raise awareness to prevent such cases. Iranian newspapers and social media expressed rage over the killing, with many seeking urgent legal reforms. Honour killings are prevalent in some parts of Iran, mostly due to societal beliefs and the Islamic Republic’s lax laws and light sentences that encourage the behaviour. Article 630 of the Constitution exempts a husband from punishment if he kills after witnessing adultery. According to Sharia law, only the “blood owners” (the immediate family members) are allowed to demand execution for the murder of their loved ones. This means that most honour killings go unpunished since families do not demand heavy punishment for another family member. (With inputs from agencies)

Honour killing: Iran in shock after man roams around streets carrying decapitated wife’s head

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis on Friday announced a moratorium on no-knock warrants one day after the Police Department released body camera footage of its SWAT team fatally shooting a man who was lying on a couch under a blanket during an early-morning raid.

The man who was killed, Amir Locke, 22, had a gun in his hand, but it is unclear whether he was aware that police officers had entered the apartment shortly before 7 a.m.

Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, who led the prosecutions of former police officers in the killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, said his office would join a review of the police shooting. The mayor said no-knock warrants could not be requested or conducted while the city evaluated its current policy.

The graphic and brief video released by the Police Department on Thursday night shows the encounter from Wednesday morning, when its SWAT team had been carrying out a warrant for the St. Paul Police Department’s homicide unit.

In the video, an officer is seen quietly turning a key in the apartment door before officers file in and begin to yell.

“Police! Search warrant!” several officers are heard shouting.

“Hands, hands!” one officer says.

“Get on the ground!” another yells.

One officer kicked the back of the couch, jarring Locke and making a gun visible. The police fired at least three times in response.

The entire encounter took less than 10 seconds.

In a news release published the day of the shooting, the Police Department said officers had performed emergency aid on Locke, who died at a nearby hospital.

“I’m under no illusion that processing this video will be easy,” Amelia Huffman, the city’s interim police chief, said at a news conference Thursday. “It won’t be. It shouldn’t be. These are wrenching videos to watch. They’re painful, but it’s necessary.”

Huffman said that officers had a warrant for three locations in the apartment complex, and that Locke was not named in the original warrant.

Ellison, the state attorney general, said Friday that his office would partner with the Hennepin County attorney’s office to review the shooting.

“Amir Locke’s life mattered,” Ellison said in a statement, promising the Locke family “a fair and thorough review.”

Ellison led the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who pleaded guilty to federal crimes for the killing of Floyd, and Kimberly Potter, a former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Wright.

The Minneapolis Police Department said in a statement that one officer fired shots at Locke, and it released the personnel file of Officer Mark Hanneman.

Ben Crump, a lawyer representing Locke’s family, compared the shooting of Locke, who was Black, to the killing of Breonna Taylor, a Black medical worker who was fatally shot by Louisville, Kentucky, police officers in March 2020 during a botched raid on her apartment.

“If we learned anything from Breonna Taylor it is that no-knock warrants have deadly consequences for innocent, law-abiding Black citizens,” Crump said at a news conference Friday.

No-knock warrants allow police to enter property without first announcing their presence and are primarily used when there is concern that evidence will be destroyed or officers will be put in danger.

Tony Romanucci, another lawyer representing Locke’s family, said Locke had “no idea” who was in his apartment. “Had they announced who they were and why they were there, this tragedy could have been averted,” Romanucci said.

Frey said in a statement Friday that no-knock warrants would not be allowed while the city reviewed its policy with experts who helped create “Breonna’s Law,” an ordinance passed after Taylor’s death that bans no-knock warrants in Louisville.

During the moratorium, which the mayor said was “to ensure safety of both the public and officers,” the police must knock, announce their presence and wait a reasonable amount of time before entering with a warrant.

Locke’s father, Andre Locke, said at the news conference that his son was the third oldest of eight siblings. He said his son had been working for the food delivery service DoorDash and was “a week away” from moving to Dallas, where his mother, Karen Wells, lives. Andre Locke said that several of his cousins worked in law enforcement and that one of them was a mentor to Amir.

“It was hurtful, it hurt deep to see my son executed, to see our son executed,” Andre Locke said. “But the part that struck me the most was that he never got a chance to see or to know who killed him.”

Wells said she and her son would frequently talk on the FaceTime app when they were apart.

“I am going to miss just being able to see my son grow into a man, that’s what I am going to miss,” Wells said. “I am going to miss the fact that he didn’t, he won’t even get the chance to become a father and give us grandchildren.”

The Minneapolis Police Department has been under scrutiny since Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest in May 2020.

Floyd’s death generated widespread outrage, and protests across the country that summer called for social justice and police reform. An attempt to change policing in Minneapolis failed in November, when 56% of voters rejected a ballot measure that would have replaced the city’s Police Department with a public safety agency.

The release of the footage of Locke’s death came more quickly than in past cases, and after pressure from Rep. Ilhan Omar and state officials.

Ten members of the Minneapolis delegation of the state House of Representatives had called for the footage to be released immediately in a letter to Frey and Huffman.

“Minneapolis has a long path before us in establishing a trusting, effective and professional relationship between its Police Department and community,” the representatives wrote.

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis on Friday announced a moratorium on no-knock warrants one day after the Police Department released body camera footage of its SWAT team fatally shooting a man who was lying on a couch under a blanket during an early-morning raid.

Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis on Friday announced a moratorium on no-knock warrants one day after the Police Department released body camera footage of its SWAT team fatally shooting a man who was lying on a couch under a blanket during an early-morning raid. The man who was killed, Amir Locke, 22, had a gun in his hand, but it is unclear whether he was aware that police officers had entered the apartment shortly before 7 a.m. Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, who led the prosecutions of former police officers in the killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, said his office would join a review of the police shooting. The mayor said no-knock warrants could not be requested or conducted while the city evaluated its current policy. The graphic and brief video released by the Police Department on Thursday night shows the encounter from Wednesday morning, when its SWAT team had been carrying out a warrant for the St. Paul Police Department’s homicide unit. In the video, an officer is seen quietly turning a key in the apartment door before officers file in and begin to yell. “Police! Search warrant!” several officers are heard shouting. “Hands, hands!” one officer says. “Get on the ground!” another yells. One officer kicked the back of the couch, jarring Locke and making a gun visible. The police fired at least three times in response. The entire encounter took less than 10 seconds. In a news release published the day of the shooting, the Police Department said officers had performed emergency aid on Locke, who died at a nearby hospital. “I’m under no illusion that processing this video will be easy,” Amelia Huffman, the city’s interim police chief, said at a news conference Thursday. “It won’t be. It shouldn’t be. These are wrenching videos to watch. They’re painful, but it’s necessary.” Huffman said that officers had a warrant for three locations in the apartment complex, and that Locke was not named in the original warrant. Ellison, the state attorney general, said Friday that his office would partner with the Hennepin County attorney’s office to review the shooting. “Amir Locke’s life mattered,” Ellison said in a statement, promising the Locke family “a fair and thorough review.” Ellison led the prosecution of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer who pleaded guilty to federal crimes for the killing of Floyd, and Kimberly Potter, a former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Wright. The Minneapolis Police Department said in a statement that one officer fired shots at Locke, and it released the personnel file of Officer Mark Hanneman. Ben Crump, a lawyer representing Locke’s family, compared the shooting of Locke, who was Black, to the killing of Breonna Taylor, a Black medical worker who was fatally shot by Louisville, Kentucky, police officers in March 2020 during a botched raid on her apartment. “If we learned anything from Breonna Taylor it is that no-knock warrants have deadly consequences for innocent, law-abiding Black citizens,” Crump said at a news conference Friday. No-knock warrants allow police to enter property without first announcing their presence and are primarily used when there is concern that evidence will be destroyed or officers will be put in danger. Tony Romanucci, another lawyer representing Locke’s family, said Locke had “no idea” who was in his apartment. “Had they announced who they were and why they were there, this tragedy could have been averted,” Romanucci said. Frey said in a statement Friday that no-knock warrants would not be allowed while the city reviewed its policy with experts who helped create “Breonna’s Law,” an ordinance passed after Taylor’s death that bans no-knock warrants in Louisville. During the moratorium, which the mayor said was “to ensure safety of both the public and officers,” the police must knock, announce their presence and wait a reasonable amount of time before entering with a warrant. Locke’s father, Andre Locke, said at the news conference that his son was the third oldest of eight siblings. He said his son had been working for the food delivery service DoorDash and was “a week away” from moving to Dallas, where his mother, Karen Wells, lives. Andre Locke said that several of his cousins worked in law enforcement and that one of them was a mentor to Amir. “It was hurtful, it hurt deep to see my son executed, to see our son executed,” Andre Locke said. “But the part that struck me the most was that he never got a chance to see or to know who killed him.” Wells said she and her son would frequently talk on the FaceTime app when they were apart. “I am going to miss just being able to see my son grow into a man, that’s what I am going to miss,” Wells said. “I am going to miss the fact that he didn’t, he won’t even get the chance to become a father and give us grandchildren.” The Minneapolis Police Department has been under scrutiny since Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest in May 2020. Floyd’s death generated widespread outrage, and protests across the country that summer called for social justice and police reform. An attempt to change policing in Minneapolis failed in November, when 56% of voters rejected a ballot measure that would have replaced the city’s Police Department with a public safety agency. The release of the footage of Locke’s death came more quickly than in past cases, and after pressure from Rep. Ilhan Omar and state officials. Ten members of the Minneapolis delegation of the state House of Representatives had called for the footage to be released immediately in a letter to Frey and Huffman. “Minneapolis has a long path before us in establishing a trusting, effective and professional relationship between its Police Department and community,” the representatives wrote.

Minneapolis suspends no-knock warrants after police killing

Reports say 1 child was shot in America every hour in 2020. At least 2,200 children died. Numbers like these have not been seen in 20 years. Why is US doing nothing about it? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: 1 child is shot in America every hour

More than 30 years after the body of Scott Johnson, a 27-year-old mathematician from the United States, was found at the bottom of a Sydney cliff, the man accused in the death was convicted Thursday of murder.

A surprising admission from the defendant, Scott White, 50, earlier in the week cleared the way for the judge to convict him in the 1988 case, bringing to an end a decadeslong fight by his brother, Steve Johnson, to find the perpetrators behind his brother’s death.

“It’s over, finally,” said Steve Johnson, an American tech entrepreneur. “This 33-year odyssey has come to a conclusion.”

Scott Johnson, who was gay, was a doctoral student at the Australian National University in Canberra when he was killed Dec. 8, 1988. He had moved to Australia to be with his partner and had applied for permanent residency.

When his body was found in an area frequented by gay men, Australian police initially ruled the death a suicide. His brother was skeptical and he pressed officials to reopen the case. Former Australian officials have said the police at that time were often hostile toward gay men and did not properly investigate their deaths.

Steve Johnson hired an investigative journalist to look into his brother’s case after he became aware of a 2005 inquest into the deaths of three men from the same period under similar circumstances. He successfully petitioned for a second inquest in 2012, which overturned the suicide ruling and recommended police reinvestigate the case.

In 2017, a third inquest concluded that Scott Johnson was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime and fell off the cliff as a result of actual or threatened violence. The next year, the New South Wales police began an investigation, offering a reward of 1 million Australian dollars, currently the equivalent of about $730,000, for new information.

In May 2020, police charged White with Scott Johnson’s murder. White originally pleaded not guilty, but on Monday, Steve Johnson said, White stood up at a pretrial hearing and said “firmly and emphatically, ‘Guilty, I’m guilty, guilty.’”

“No one was prepared for that, including me,” said Steve Johnson, who had traveled to Sydney from the United States to attend the hearing.

The hearing was adjourned. In the following days, White’s attorneys tried to have his admission thrown out, arguing that their client suffered stress and anxiety and had an intellectual disability, local news media reported. But the court heard that White had noted his intent to change his plea on several earlier occasions, and the judge contended that he spoke in a determined and firm manner.

On Thursday, he was convicted of the murder, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.

At the time of his arrest, local media reported that White was from Sydney and lived alone with his dog in a small apartment. Police had been expected to say in court that he had met Scott Johnson at a hotel before they headed to the cliff together, local media reported.

White’s attorneys have indicated they will appeal, according to local news media. But in Steve Johnson’s mind, the case is over. “I’m grateful to Scott White for sparing us the trial, sparing us the months, sparing us more uncertainty,” he said.

A member of White’s defense team did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Steve Johnson said that one of the most touching moments during the hearing was to hear the judge refer to his brother as “Dr. Johnson.”

His brother had nearly completed his doctorate, but his degree was granted posthumously, so “to hear the judge pay him the honor of calling him doctor, it was wonderful,” he said.

Dozens of cases similar to Scott Johnson’s are still under review. Since 2013, police have been looking into the deaths of 88 men between 1976 and 2000 to determine if they should be classified as anti-gay hate crimes. About 30 remain unsolved.

In November, the New South Wales government announced it would conduct an inquiry into gay and transgender hate crimes between 1970 and 2010.

Steve Johnson hoped his brother’s case could provide guidance for the inquiry.

“They now have a model to follow. They now have some hope that you can solve a 30-year-old case,” he said. “I feel like my brother would be really proud.”

More than 30 years after the body of Scott Johnson, a 27-year-old mathematician from the United States, was found at the bottom of a Sydney cliff, the man accused in the death was convicted Thursday of murder.

More than 30 years after the body of Scott Johnson, a 27-year-old mathematician from the United States, was found at the bottom of a Sydney cliff, the man accused in the death was convicted Thursday of murder. A surprising admission from the defendant, Scott White, 50, earlier in the week cleared the way for the judge to convict him in the 1988 case, bringing to an end a decadeslong fight by his brother, Steve Johnson, to find the perpetrators behind his brother’s death. “It’s over, finally,” said Steve Johnson, an American tech entrepreneur. “This 33-year odyssey has come to a conclusion.” Scott Johnson, who was gay, was a doctoral student at the Australian National University in Canberra when he was killed Dec. 8, 1988. He had moved to Australia to be with his partner and had applied for permanent residency. When his body was found in an area frequented by gay men, Australian police initially ruled the death a suicide. His brother was skeptical and he pressed officials to reopen the case. Former Australian officials have said the police at that time were often hostile toward gay men and did not properly investigate their deaths. Steve Johnson hired an investigative journalist to look into his brother’s case after he became aware of a 2005 inquest into the deaths of three men from the same period under similar circumstances. He successfully petitioned for a second inquest in 2012, which overturned the suicide ruling and recommended police reinvestigate the case. In 2017, a third inquest concluded that Scott Johnson was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime and fell off the cliff as a result of actual or threatened violence. The next year, the New South Wales police began an investigation, offering a reward of 1 million Australian dollars, currently the equivalent of about $730,000, for new information. In May 2020, police charged White with Scott Johnson’s murder. White originally pleaded not guilty, but on Monday, Steve Johnson said, White stood up at a pretrial hearing and said “firmly and emphatically, ‘Guilty, I’m guilty, guilty.’” “No one was prepared for that, including me,” said Steve Johnson, who had traveled to Sydney from the United States to attend the hearing. The hearing was adjourned. In the following days, White’s attorneys tried to have his admission thrown out, arguing that their client suffered stress and anxiety and had an intellectual disability, local news media reported. But the court heard that White had noted his intent to change his plea on several earlier occasions, and the judge contended that he spoke in a determined and firm manner. On Thursday, he was convicted of the murder, and the sentencing hearing is scheduled for May. At the time of his arrest, local media reported that White was from Sydney and lived alone with his dog in a small apartment. Police had been expected to say in court that he had met Scott Johnson at a hotel before they headed to the cliff together, local media reported. White’s attorneys have indicated they will appeal, according to local news media. But in Steve Johnson’s mind, the case is over. “I’m grateful to Scott White for sparing us the trial, sparing us the months, sparing us more uncertainty,” he said. A member of White’s defense team did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Steve Johnson said that one of the most touching moments during the hearing was to hear the judge refer to his brother as “Dr. Johnson.” His brother had nearly completed his doctorate, but his degree was granted posthumously, so “to hear the judge pay him the honor of calling him doctor, it was wonderful,” he said. Dozens of cases similar to Scott Johnson’s are still under review. Since 2013, police have been looking into the deaths of 88 men between 1976 and 2000 to determine if they should be classified as anti-gay hate crimes. About 30 remain unsolved. In November, the New South Wales government announced it would conduct an inquiry into gay and transgender hate crimes between 1970 and 2010. Steve Johnson hoped his brother’s case could provide guidance for the inquiry. “They now have a model to follow. They now have some hope that you can solve a 30-year-old case,” he said. “I feel like my brother would be really proud.”

Australian man convicted of killing gay American in 1980s

A former US police officer Kim Potter has been found guilty of manslaughter in killing of a young African-American man Daunte Wright. Potter said she mistook her gun for her taser during a routine traffic stop.

Ex-US cop Kim Potter guilty of manslaughter in the death of an African-American man Daunte Wright

Playing a game of truth or dare with friends can often lead to enjoyment, but the same is not the case with a 21-year-old British man, who has been sentenced to life in prison on Friday, as he allegedly confessed to killing an elderly grandmother during the game. &nbsp;

According to the Lancashire Constabulary, Tiernan Darnton was convicted this week. Darnton had killed 94-year-old Mary Gregor when he set afire her home on May 28, 2018. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grave-mistake-kurdish-politicians-wife-gets-jail-for-a-typo-in-miscarriage-form-in-turkey-428894" hreflang="en">Grave mistake? Kurdish politician’s wife gets jail for a typo in miscarriage form in Turkey</a>

On June 1, 2018, Gregory died and the cause of death was initially ruled as pneumonia and smoke inhalation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After a joint investigation by police and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, it was concluded that the fire started as the result of a discarded cigarette. In October 2018, her death was determined to have been accidental. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-former-advisor-steve-bannon-indicted-for-refusing-to-testify-for-capitol-riot-probe-428893" hreflang="en">Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to testify for Capitol riot probe</a>

A year later, the case was reopened after Darnton allegedly confessed to a counselor that he deliberately set the house on fire. In the investigation, it was also revealed that he made a similar confession weeks after Gregory's death during a game of truth or dare with friends, reported Sky News. &nbsp;

In the new probe, it was determined that the fire was set intentionally. Darnton was charged with murder in March. He will now have to serve at least 15 years in prison before he can give petition for parole. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Playing a game of truth or dare with friends can often lead to enjoyment, but the same is not the case with a 21-year-old British man, who has been sentenced to life in prison on Friday, as he allegedly confessed to killing an elderly grandmother during the game.

Playing a game of truth or dare with friends can often lead to enjoyment, but the same is not the case with a 21-year-old British man, who has been sentenced to life in prison on Friday, as he allegedly confessed to killing an elderly grandmother during the game. According to the Lancashire Constabulary, Tiernan Darnton was convicted this week. Darnton had killed 94-year-old Mary Gregor when he set afire her home on May 28, 2018. Also Read: Grave mistake? Kurdish politician’s wife gets jail for a typo in miscarriage form in Turkey On June 1, 2018, Gregory died and the cause of death was initially ruled as pneumonia and smoke inhalation. After a joint investigation by police and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, it was concluded that the fire started as the result of a discarded cigarette. In October 2018, her death was determined to have been accidental. Also Read: Trump’s former advisor Steve Bannon indicted for refusing to testify for Capitol riot probe A year later, the case was reopened after Darnton allegedly confessed to a counselor that he deliberately set the house on fire. In the investigation, it was also revealed that he made a similar confession weeks after Gregory's death during a game of truth or dare with friends, reported Sky News. In the new probe, it was determined that the fire was set intentionally. Darnton was charged with murder in March. He will now have to serve at least 15 years in prison before he can give petition for parole. (With inputs from agencies)

Truth or dare? 21-yr-old makes confession during game, gets jail for killing elderly woman

India will be raising the killing of an Indian fisherman&nbsp;with Islamabad. The incident took place off&nbsp;the coast in Gujarat. Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Saturday&nbsp;opened firing on Indian boats, killing one fisherman and injuring another.&nbsp;

The injured fisherman is being treated at a hospital in Okha, Gujarat. According to reports, the deceased fisherman was from Thane, Maharashtra.

Sources told WION that India has taken "serious note of the incident" and will be raising the matter with Islamabad diplomatically. Sources pointed out that the firing by Pakistan was "unprovoked."&nbsp;An investigation is underway.

The current incident comes at a time when relation between India and Pakistan remain&nbsp;tense.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strongly-condemn-assassination-attempt-on-iraqi-pm-india-427477">Also read |&nbsp;Strongly condemn assassination attempt on Iraqi PM: India</a>

New Delhi has reached out to Pakistan for an Afghanistan conference, which will take place later this week. However, the invite was rejected by Islamabad.&nbsp;

Recently, Pakistan also withdrew clearance for the Srinagar-Sharjah flight. While Pakistani authorities had granted overflight clearance for the Go First flights to operate at the Srinagar-Sharjah sector on October 23, 24, 26 and 28, the country had put clearance for the same flight on hold from October 31 to November 30.&nbsp;

Earlier, PMSA has been involved in attacking Indian fishing boats. In April 2020, there was an attack on the Indian fishing boats from the agency. Back then, the Ministry of external affairs termed the incident as a "deplorable and unprofessional act". PMSA is a branch of the Pakistani Navy.

India will be raising the killing of an Indian fisherman with Islamabad. The incident took place off the coast in Gujarat. Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Saturday opened firing on Indian boats, killing one fisherman and injuring another.

India will be raising the killing of an Indian fisherman with Islamabad. The incident took place off the coast in Gujarat. Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Saturday opened firing on Indian boats, killing one fisherman and injuring another. The injured fisherman is being treated at a hospital in Okha, Gujarat. According to reports, the deceased fisherman was from Thane, Maharashtra. Sources told WION that India has taken "serious note of the incident" and will be raising the matter with Islamabad diplomatically. Sources pointed out that the firing by Pakistan was "unprovoked." An investigation is underway. The current incident comes at a time when relation between India and Pakistan remain tense. Also read | Strongly condemn assassination attempt on Iraqi PM: India New Delhi has reached out to Pakistan for an Afghanistan conference, which will take place later this week. However, the invite was rejected by Islamabad. Recently, Pakistan also withdrew clearance for the Srinagar-Sharjah flight. While Pakistani authorities had granted overflight clearance for the Go First flights to operate at the Srinagar-Sharjah sector on October 23, 24, 26 and 28, the country had put clearance for the same flight on hold from October 31 to November 30. Earlier, PMSA has been involved in attacking Indian fishing boats. In April 2020, there was an attack on the Indian fishing boats from the agency. Back then, the Ministry of external affairs termed the incident as a "deplorable and unprofessional act". PMSA is a branch of the Pakistani Navy.

New Delhi to raise the killing of Indian fisherman with Islamabad

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-moscow-talks-are-a-chance-for-india-to-influence-afghan-situation-422413">Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation</a>

Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-the-battle-for-the-soul-of-islam-will-the-real-reformer-of-the-faith-stand-up-415259">Opinion | The Battle for the soul of Islam: Will the real reformer of the faith stand up?</a>

The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy.&nbsp;

The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/two-months-of-taliban-20-challenges-and-threats-420937">Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats</a>

Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds.&nbsp;

The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives.&nbsp;

It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg.

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves. Also Read | Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented. Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games. Also Read | Opinion | The Battle for the soul of Islam: Will the real reformer of the faith stand up? The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan. Also Read | Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds. The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives. It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | October 22, 1947, the black day of Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir

Gunmen killed at least 43 people in an attack in northern Nigeria's Sokoto state, the assault began at a weekly market on Sunday and continued till Monday morning.

Gunmen kills at least 43 people in an attack in northern Nigeria

Police searched for answers Sunday about what might have motivated a 25-year-old British man of Somali heritage, the suspect in the brutal slaying of a Conservative Party lawmaker during a meeting with his constituents that has shaken Britain’s political establishment.

Scotland Yard has not yet publicly named the suspect, though British news organisations, including the BBC, have identified him as Ali Harbi Ali. Ali’s father, Harbi Ali Kullane, told The Times of London that his son was being held in custody and described himself as “very traumatised” by the accusations.

Referring to the accusations, Kullane, who once served as an adviser to Somalia’s prime minister, said in the interview with The Times, “It’s not something that I expected or even dreamt of.”

The BBC reported that several years ago, Ali had been referred to a government program known as Prevent, which aims to keep people from being drawn to extremist ideas on social media. But his name has not been on any terrorism watch lists, according to the broadcaster.

The Metropolitan Police said Saturday that they had been granted a warrant under the Terrorism Act to keep the suspect in detention for six extra days in connection with the killing of the lawmaker, David Amess, on Friday in Leigh-on-Sea, England.

On Sunday, police guarded a red-brick row house on a tree-lined street in North London where the suspect is believed to live with his family. It was one of three addresses in London that were being searched by police.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservative-mp-dies-after-getting-stabbed-multiple-times-suspect-arrested-421026">Also read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested</a>

A next-door neighbor, Tilly Gerrard, said three young men and a woman lived in the second-floor apartment. She described them as a neighborly presence in a community where most residents recognize one another and that recently threw a street party.

The sudden and very public nature of the attack evoked memories of previous lone-wolf assaults that rattled Britain. Last year, an extremist stabbed pedestrians on a busy London street, and in 2019, a man went on a stabbing spree on London Bridge before being shot and killed by police.

Counterterrorism experts said the attack Friday differed from those in that, according to news reports, the assailant did not harm anyone else in the room, waited for police to arrive and arrest him, and made no attempt to confront the officers.

“It doesn’t feel like anything we have seen before,” said David Videcette, a former counterterrorism detective at Scotland Yard.

Under the terms of the Prevent program, teachers, health workers and others can notify police of potentially radicalised individuals, and authorities then decide whether to intervene. The program is voluntary and does not result in a legal record.

Political leaders expressed outrage about the attack but insisted that it should not endanger a tradition of accessibility and face-to-face contact with members of Parliament that is deeply ingrained in Britain’s political system.

“This is an attack on democracy,” Gordon Brown, a former prime minister, said Sunday in an interview on Sky News, “so the answer cannot be less democracy.”

Still, the killing, at midday and in full public view, has rekindled questions about the security of members of Parliament, who routinely make themselves available to constituents in monthly meetings that are advertised in advance and that can become tense when voters show up with lists of grievances.

Two other lawmakers have been attacked at such meetings in little more than a decade. One, Jo Cox, a Labour Party lawmaker, died after she was stabbed and shot by a right-wing extremist a few days before the Brexit referendum in 2016. The other, Stephen Timms, also a Labour lawmaker, was seriously wounded after being stabbed in the abdomen by an Islamic extremist in 2010.

Britain’s home secretary, Priti Patel, said the government would review security policies for lawmakers, particularly as they relate to constituent meetings, known as surgeries. But she cautioned that these measures should not prevent voters from having face-to-face access to their elected representatives.

“We’re here to serve, we’re here to be accessible to the British public,” Patel said in an interview with the BBC.

Members of the public are usually asked to sign up in advance to attend surgeries, and news reports said the suspect had done so before Friday’s meeting, which was held in a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea.

In an interview with Sky News, Patel said the government would also consider tightening laws on social media to cut down on abusive behavior, including by removing the right of people to post material anonymously.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-will-beef-up-mps-security-after-mp-killed-421531">Also read |&nbsp;UK says will beef up MPs' security after MP killed</a>

In the neighborhood where the suspect is believed to live, residents expressed bewilderment about why someone would target a lawmaker in a town 40 miles away. A man passing on the street said that his younger brother had attended primary school with the suspect and that he was shocked to hear the reports.

The motive for targeting Amess, who was 69, was not clear. A soft-spoken, well-liked backbencher in the House of Commons, he was known for his staunch support of Brexit and his advocacy for animal welfare.

A Catholic and social conservative, Amess was also a strong supporter of Israel and of an Iranian opposition group, Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, or MEK, which campaigns for the overthrow of Iran’s government.

In London’s close-knit Somali community, reports of the attack stirred shock and unease, with some people voicing anxiety about a backlash. Though many Somali immigrants were displaced in the 1990s by the country’s civil war, the roots of the community in Britain go back generations.

“It’s very much people that are born here and raised here,” said Kahiye Alim, director of the Council of Somali Organisations, an umbrella group.

Police searched for answers Sunday about what might have motivated a 25-year-old British man of Somali heritage, the suspect in the brutal slaying of a Conservative Party lawmaker during a meeting with his constituents that has shaken Britain’s political establishment.

Police searched for answers Sunday about what might have motivated a 25-year-old British man of Somali heritage, the suspect in the brutal slaying of a Conservative Party lawmaker during a meeting with his constituents that has shaken Britain’s political establishment. Scotland Yard has not yet publicly named the suspect, though British news organisations, including the BBC, have identified him as Ali Harbi Ali. Ali’s father, Harbi Ali Kullane, told The Times of London that his son was being held in custody and described himself as “very traumatised” by the accusations. Referring to the accusations, Kullane, who once served as an adviser to Somalia’s prime minister, said in the interview with The Times, “It’s not something that I expected or even dreamt of.” The BBC reported that several years ago, Ali had been referred to a government program known as Prevent, which aims to keep people from being drawn to extremist ideas on social media. But his name has not been on any terrorism watch lists, according to the broadcaster. The Metropolitan Police said Saturday that they had been granted a warrant under the Terrorism Act to keep the suspect in detention for six extra days in connection with the killing of the lawmaker, David Amess, on Friday in Leigh-on-Sea, England. On Sunday, police guarded a red-brick row house on a tree-lined street in North London where the suspect is believed to live with his family. It was one of three addresses in London that were being searched by police. Also read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested A next-door neighbor, Tilly Gerrard, said three young men and a woman lived in the second-floor apartment. She described them as a neighborly presence in a community where most residents recognize one another and that recently threw a street party. The sudden and very public nature of the attack evoked memories of previous lone-wolf assaults that rattled Britain. Last year, an extremist stabbed pedestrians on a busy London street, and in 2019, a man went on a stabbing spree on London Bridge before being shot and killed by police. Counterterrorism experts said the attack Friday differed from those in that, according to news reports, the assailant did not harm anyone else in the room, waited for police to arrive and arrest him, and made no attempt to confront the officers. “It doesn’t feel like anything we have seen before,” said David Videcette, a former counterterrorism detective at Scotland Yard. Under the terms of the Prevent program, teachers, health workers and others can notify police of potentially radicalised individuals, and authorities then decide whether to intervene. The program is voluntary and does not result in a legal record. Political leaders expressed outrage about the attack but insisted that it should not endanger a tradition of accessibility and face-to-face contact with members of Parliament that is deeply ingrained in Britain’s political system. “This is an attack on democracy,” Gordon Brown, a former prime minister, said Sunday in an interview on Sky News, “so the answer cannot be less democracy.” Still, the killing, at midday and in full public view, has rekindled questions about the security of members of Parliament, who routinely make themselves available to constituents in monthly meetings that are advertised in advance and that can become tense when voters show up with lists of grievances. Two other lawmakers have been attacked at such meetings in little more than a decade. One, Jo Cox, a Labour Party lawmaker, died after she was stabbed and shot by a right-wing extremist a few days before the Brexit referendum in 2016. The other, Stephen Timms, also a Labour lawmaker, was seriously wounded after being stabbed in the abdomen by an Islamic extremist in 2010. Britain’s home secretary, Priti Patel, said the government would review security policies for lawmakers, particularly as they relate to constituent meetings, known as surgeries. But she cautioned that these measures should not prevent voters from having face-to-face access to their elected representatives. “We’re here to serve, we’re here to be accessible to the British public,” Patel said in an interview with the BBC. Members of the public are usually asked to sign up in advance to attend surgeries, and news reports said the suspect had done so before Friday’s meeting, which was held in a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea. In an interview with Sky News, Patel said the government would also consider tightening laws on social media to cut down on abusive behavior, including by removing the right of people to post material anonymously. Also read | UK says will beef up MPs' security after MP killed In the neighborhood where the suspect is believed to live, residents expressed bewilderment about why someone would target a lawmaker in a town 40 miles away. A man passing on the street said that his younger brother had attended primary school with the suspect and that he was shocked to hear the reports. The motive for targeting Amess, who was 69, was not clear. A soft-spoken, well-liked backbencher in the House of Commons, he was known for his staunch support of Brexit and his advocacy for animal welfare. A Catholic and social conservative, Amess was also a strong supporter of Israel and of an Iranian opposition group, Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, or MEK, which campaigns for the overthrow of Iran’s government. In London’s close-knit Somali community, reports of the attack stirred shock and unease, with some people voicing anxiety about a backlash. Though many Somali immigrants were displaced in the 1990s by the country’s civil war, the roots of the community in Britain go back generations. “It’s very much people that are born here and raised here,” said Kahiye Alim, director of the Council of Somali Organisations, an umbrella group.

Police search for motive in British lawmaker’s killing

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Saturday said the alleged killing of a man near the Singhu border was "unfortunate", but it will not affect the farmers' protest against the Centre's three farm laws.

"Whatever happened is wrong and unfortunate. Someone killed him and later the police arrested the killer. The matter is subject to investigation. It will not affect our protest," said Tikait.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-power-crisis-eases-on-account-of-increased-coal-supply-onset-of-winter-421204">India’s power crisis eases on account of increased coal supply, onset of winter</a>

On Friday, a corpse of a man, with hands and legs chopped off, was found hanging on a police barricade at the farmers' protest site near the Singhu border, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hansraj.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plea-seeks-early-hearing-of-pil-in-indias-supreme-court-on-removing-protesting-farmers-from-delhi-borders-421212">Plea seeks early hearing of PIL in India's Supreme Court on removing protesting farmers from Delhi borders</a>

"An FIR has been registered in the case," said the DSP.

The man has been identified as Lakhbir Singh resident of village Cheema Khurd in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. The deceased, about 35-36 years old, who used to work as a labourer, has no criminal record or affiliation with any political party, informed the police.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Saturday said the alleged killing of a man near the Singhu border was "unfortunate", but it will not affect the farmers' protest against the Centre's three farm laws.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait on Saturday said the alleged killing of a man near the Singhu border was "unfortunate", but it will not affect the farmers' protest against the Centre's three farm laws. "Whatever happened is wrong and unfortunate. Someone killed him and later the police arrested the killer. The matter is subject to investigation. It will not affect our protest," said Tikait. Also Read | India’s power crisis eases on account of increased coal supply, onset of winter On Friday, a corpse of a man, with hands and legs chopped off, was found hanging on a police barricade at the farmers' protest site near the Singhu border, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hansraj. Also read | Plea seeks early hearing of PIL in India's Supreme Court on removing protesting farmers from Delhi borders "An FIR has been registered in the case," said the DSP. The man has been identified as Lakhbir Singh resident of village Cheema Khurd in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. The deceased, about 35-36 years old, who used to work as a labourer, has no criminal record or affiliation with any political party, informed the police.

Singhu border killing 'unfortunate', would not affect protest, says India's farmer leader Rakesh Tikait

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s.

In an interview with Washington based outlet NPR, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi has refuted the claims that the new government in Afghanistan is "moderate" in any way.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-teachers-face-uncertain-future-after-taliban-bans-them-from-schools-417874">Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools</a>

Quraishi on Friday&nbsp;that nothing has changed from how the outfit ruled that country in the 1990s."I don't know why they promised that they're going to be moderate, but I don't think so," Quraishi told NPR.

"According to what I'm noticing, what I'm witnessing here in Afghanistan, they are the Taliban.

There is nothing changed between the Taliban in the '90s and between the Taliban in 2021."According to Quraishi, the Taliban have reinstated harsh punishments in the country.

Kabul fell to the Taliban in August and since then people are in a state of terror with increasing cases of human rights abuses being reported from several parts of the country.

Recently, the United Nations and other rights groups have received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/displaced-families-in-kabul-to-return-home-taliban-419096">Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban</a>

Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan's Daykundi province, a rights group said earlier this week.

The killings happened in Kahor village of Khidir district on 30 August.

Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), and two were civilians, a new investigation by Amnesty International has revealed.

According to eyewitness testimony gathered by Amnesty International, the Taliban extrajudicially executed nine of the ANDSF members after they had surrendered, killings that appear to be war crimes.

Two civilians were killed as they attempted to flee, including a 17-year-old girl shot when the Taliban opened fire on a crowd of people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-ransack-kabuls-gurdwara-karte-parwan-break-cctv-camera-and-locks-418481">Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks</a>

The rights group verified photographs and video evidence taken in the aftermath of the killings, and identified the location of Kahor village, where they happened.

"These cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule of Afghanistan," said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International`s Secretary-General."

They repeatedly violate the rights of those they perceive as their adversaries, even killing those who have already surrendered. The Taliban say they are not targeting former employees of the previous government, but these killings contradict such claims," Callamard said.

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s.

More than a month has passed since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan but the state of affairs in the troubled country doesn't appear to be any different from what was witnessed in the 1990s. In an interview with Washington based outlet NPR, veteran Afghan journalist Najibullah Quraishi has refuted the claims that the new government in Afghanistan is "moderate" in any way. Also Read | Women teachers face uncertain future after Taliban bans them from schools Quraishi on Friday that nothing has changed from how the outfit ruled that country in the 1990s."I don't know why they promised that they're going to be moderate, but I don't think so," Quraishi told NPR. "According to what I'm noticing, what I'm witnessing here in Afghanistan, they are the Taliban. There is nothing changed between the Taliban in the '90s and between the Taliban in 2021."According to Quraishi, the Taliban have reinstated harsh punishments in the country. Kabul fell to the Taliban in August and since then people are in a state of terror with increasing cases of human rights abuses being reported from several parts of the country. Recently, the United Nations and other rights groups have received harrowing and credible reports of the impact on civilians of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights. Also Read | Displaced families in Kabul to return home: Taliban Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan's Daykundi province, a rights group said earlier this week. The killings happened in Kahor village of Khidir district on 30 August. Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), and two were civilians, a new investigation by Amnesty International has revealed. According to eyewitness testimony gathered by Amnesty International, the Taliban extrajudicially executed nine of the ANDSF members after they had surrendered, killings that appear to be war crimes. Two civilians were killed as they attempted to flee, including a 17-year-old girl shot when the Taliban opened fire on a crowd of people. Also Read | Taliban ransack Kabul’s Gurdwara Karte Parwan, break CCTV camera and locks The rights group verified photographs and video evidence taken in the aftermath of the killings, and identified the location of Kahor village, where they happened. "These cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule of Afghanistan," said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International`s Secretary-General." They repeatedly violate the rights of those they perceive as their adversaries, even killing those who have already surrendered. The Taliban say they are not targeting former employees of the previous government, but these killings contradict such claims," Callamard said.

Nothing changed between Taliban of 1990s and 2021: Report

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy.

Haji Najibullah, who is already in US custody on the initial indictment, has been charged with 13 crimes including kidnapping, providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, according to a statement US Department of Justice.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-claim-secondary-schools-in-kunduz-province-open-for-girls-418528">Taliban claim secondary schools in Kunduz province open for girls</a>

He was earlier charged with kidnapping an American journalist and two Afghan civilians.In addition to those charges, the superseding indictment charges Najibullah with attacks on US troops conducted by him and the Taliban fighters under his command, including a June 26, 2008, attack on an American military convoy that killed three US&nbsp;Army servicemembers and their Afghan interpreter.

He is also charged with an attack that resulted in the shooting down of a US military helicopter&nbsp;on October 2008.

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that Najibullah will answer for his heinous acts in an American courtroom.

"As alleged, during one of the most dangerous periods of the conflict in Afghanistan, Haji Najibullah led a vicious band of Taliban insurgents who terrorized part of Afghanistan and attacked US&nbsp;troops, Strauss said.

"One of these lethal attacks resulted in the deaths of three brave American service members and their Afghan interpreter, and another attack brought down a US&nbsp;helicopter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/1-million-afghan-children-at-risk-of-dying-due-to-acute-malnutrition-un-officials-418603">1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials</a>

Najibullah also arranged to kidnap at gunpoint an American journalist and two other men, and held them hostage for more than seven months. Neither time nor distance can weaken our resolve to hold terrorists accountable for their crimes and to see justice done for their victims." Strauss added.

Around 2007, Najibullah was the Taliban commander responsible for the Jaghato district in Afghanistan's Wardak Province, which borders Kabul.

In this role, he commanded more than a thousand fighters, at times acted as a spokesperson for the Taliban, and reported to senior leadership in the Taliban.

During that time, Najibullah and the Taliban fighters under his command conducted attacks intended to kill and which did kill American and NATO troops and their Afghan allies, using automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices ("IEDs"), rocket-propelled grenades ("RPGs"), and other anti-tank weapons, including an attack that destroyed an Afghan Border Patrol outpost in or about September 2008.

Meanwhile, in 2008, Taliban fighters under Najibullah command attacked a US military convoy in the vicinity of Sayed Abad, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, with IEDs, RPGs, and automatic weapons, killing three U.S. Army servicemembers - Sergeants First Class Matthew L. Hilton and Joseph A. McKay, and Sergeant Mark Palmateer - and their Afghan interpreter.&nbsp;

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy.

US prosecutors have charged a former Taliban commander with terrorism-related offences related to attacks on US troops in Afghanistan including the 2008 attack on an American military convoy. Haji Najibullah, who is already in US custody on the initial indictment, has been charged with 13 crimes including kidnapping, providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, according to a statement US Department of Justice. Also Read | Taliban claim secondary schools in Kunduz province open for girls He was earlier charged with kidnapping an American journalist and two Afghan civilians.In addition to those charges, the superseding indictment charges Najibullah with attacks on US troops conducted by him and the Taliban fighters under his command, including a June 26, 2008, attack on an American military convoy that killed three US Army servicemembers and their Afghan interpreter. He is also charged with an attack that resulted in the shooting down of a US military helicopter on October 2008. Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that Najibullah will answer for his heinous acts in an American courtroom. "As alleged, during one of the most dangerous periods of the conflict in Afghanistan, Haji Najibullah led a vicious band of Taliban insurgents who terrorized part of Afghanistan and attacked US troops, Strauss said. "One of these lethal attacks resulted in the deaths of three brave American service members and their Afghan interpreter, and another attack brought down a US helicopter. Also Read | 1 million Afghan children at risk of dying due to acute malnutrition: UN officials Najibullah also arranged to kidnap at gunpoint an American journalist and two other men, and held them hostage for more than seven months. Neither time nor distance can weaken our resolve to hold terrorists accountable for their crimes and to see justice done for their victims." Strauss added. Around 2007, Najibullah was the Taliban commander responsible for the Jaghato district in Afghanistan's Wardak Province, which borders Kabul. In this role, he commanded more than a thousand fighters, at times acted as a spokesperson for the Taliban, and reported to senior leadership in the Taliban. During that time, Najibullah and the Taliban fighters under his command conducted attacks intended to kill and which did kill American and NATO troops and their Afghan allies, using automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices ("IEDs"), rocket-propelled grenades ("RPGs"), and other anti-tank weapons, including an attack that destroyed an Afghan Border Patrol outpost in or about September 2008. Meanwhile, in 2008, Taliban fighters under Najibullah command attacked a US military convoy in the vicinity of Sayed Abad, Wardak Province, Afghanistan, with IEDs, RPGs, and automatic weapons, killing three U.S. Army servicemembers - Sergeants First Class Matthew L. Hilton and Joseph A. McKay, and Sergeant Mark Palmateer - and their Afghan interpreter.

US prosecutors charge ex-Taliban commander with killing American troops

Mohib Ullah, a top Rohingya community leader was shot dead on Wednesday in Bangladesh's resort district of Cox's Bazar.

As per police spokesman of Cox's Bazar, Mohib Ullah was talking with other refugee leaders outside his office after evening prayers when four assailants shot him dead.

"Four to five unidentified assailants shot him from close range. He was declared dead at a MSF hospital in the camp," said Rafiqul Islam, police spokesperson.

He said police and the Armed Police Battalion, which is tasked with ensuring security for the country's 34 Rohingya camps, have stepped up security, deploying hundreds more armed officers.

No arrest has been made as yet.

"We are conducting raids in the area," he said, adding Ullah had not alerted police of any threats from any group.&nbsp;

Ullah was outside ARPSH office at Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee settlement when he was killed.

"He was in a pool of blood. He was brought dead to the nearby MSF hospital," Nowkhim said from a hideout, adding that many Rohingya leaders have gone into hiding after Ullah's killing.

No one has claimed responsibility, but a Rohingya leader told AFP that Ullah was killed by the extremist group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which was behind several attacks on Myanmar security posts in recent years 
"It is a work of ARSA," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Mohib Ullah, a top Rohingya community leader was shot dead on Wednesday in Bangladesh's resort district of Cox's Bazar. As per police spokesman of Cox's Bazar, Mohib Ullah was talking with other refugee leaders outside his office after evening prayers when four assailants shot him dead.

Mohib Ullah, a top Rohingya community leader was shot dead on Wednesday in Bangladesh's resort district of Cox's Bazar. As per police spokesman of Cox's Bazar, Mohib Ullah was talking with other refugee leaders outside his office after evening prayers when four assailants shot him dead. "Four to five unidentified assailants shot him from close range. He was declared dead at a MSF hospital in the camp," said Rafiqul Islam, police spokesperson. He said police and the Armed Police Battalion, which is tasked with ensuring security for the country's 34 Rohingya camps, have stepped up security, deploying hundreds more armed officers. No arrest has been made as yet. "We are conducting raids in the area," he said, adding Ullah had not alerted police of any threats from any group. Ullah was outside ARPSH office at Kutupalong, the world's largest refugee settlement when he was killed. "He was in a pool of blood. He was brought dead to the nearby MSF hospital," Nowkhim said from a hideout, adding that many Rohingya leaders have gone into hiding after Ullah's killing. No one has claimed responsibility, but a Rohingya leader told AFP that Ullah was killed by the extremist group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which was behind several attacks on Myanmar security posts in recent years "It is a work of ARSA," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Top Rohingya community leader shot dead in Bangladesh

As investigation for Sabina Nessa murder continues, the detectives believe that the murderer was carrying “reflective red item” on the night of her death may have been used in the attack.

A CCTV footage shows him looking over his shoulder, putting up his hood and attempting to conceal the red item on the night of Nessa’s death.&nbsp;

Detective chief inspector Neil John, from the Metropolitan police’s specialist crime command, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "People in the Kidbrooke area may recall seeing this man carrying a red reflective object, and possibly trying to conceal it up his sleeve. If so, please call police. He must be traced.”

As of now, two men have been arrested on suspicion of Nessa’s killing but have.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-police-arrest-suspect-in-murder-of-teacher-415504">Also read |&nbsp;British police arrest suspect in murder of teacher</a>

Nessa was making a five-minute walk from her home to meet a friend at a pub when she was killed.

She left her home in south London just before 8:30 pm on September 17, as she went towards The Depot Bar on Pegler Square in Kidbrooke Village.

However, she never arrived and her body was found in the park the next afternoon.

"Sabina's journey should have taken just over five minutes but she never made it to her destination," said Detective Inspector Joe Garrity.

A postmortem was also carried out on Monday. However, the police said that it was inconclusive.

As investigation for Sabina Nessa murder continues, the detectives believe that the murderer was carrying “reflective red item” on the night of her death may have been used in the attack.

As investigation for Sabina Nessa murder continues, the detectives believe that the murderer was carrying “reflective red item” on the night of her death may have been used in the attack. A CCTV footage shows him looking over his shoulder, putting up his hood and attempting to conceal the red item on the night of Nessa’s death. Detective chief inspector Neil John, from the Metropolitan police’s specialist crime command, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "People in the Kidbrooke area may recall seeing this man carrying a red reflective object, and possibly trying to conceal it up his sleeve. If so, please call police. He must be traced.” As of now, two men have been arrested on suspicion of Nessa’s killing but have. Also read | British police arrest suspect in murder of teacher Nessa was making a five-minute walk from her home to meet a friend at a pub when she was killed. She left her home in south London just before 8:30 pm on September 17, as she went towards The Depot Bar on Pegler Square in Kidbrooke Village. However, she never arrived and her body was found in the park the next afternoon. "Sabina's journey should have taken just over five minutes but she never made it to her destination," said Detective Inspector Joe Garrity. A postmortem was also carried out on Monday. However, the police said that it was inconclusive.

Sabina Nessa killing: Suspect was carrying “reflective red item” item

Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer.

The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein is believed to be the first in Germany linked to the government's coronavirus rules.

The row started when the cashier, a student, told the customer to put on a face mask, as required in all German shops. After a brief argument, the man left.

The suspect then returned about an hour and a half later, this time wearing a mask. But as he brought his six-pack of beer to the till, he took off the mask and another discussion ensued.&nbsp;

"The perpetrator then pulled out a revolver and shot him straight in the head," prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann told reporters on Monday.

The suspect, a 49-year-old German man, walked to a police station the following day to turn himself in. He was arrested and has confessed to the murder.

He told police he felt "cornered" by the coronavirus measures, which he perceived as an "ever-growing infringement on his rights" and he had seen "no other way out", Fuhrmann said.

Idar-Oberstein mayor Frank Fruehauf called it "an unfathomable, terrible act", and residents have laid flowers and candles outside the petrol station.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-claims-more-american-lives-than-1918-flu-data-shows-414638">Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows</a>

The murder comes just days before Germans head to the polls for a general election on September 26 that will see Chancellor Angela Merkel bow out after 16 years.

Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the centre-left Social Democrats, the current frontrunner to succeed Merkel, said he was "shocked" by the murder of someone who only wanted "to protect himself and others".

"As a society, we must resolutely stand up to hatred," he tweeted.

Annalena Baerbock, the Green party's candidate for the chancellery, said she was "shaken" by the murder and "very concerned" about growing radicalisation in the anti-mask community.

Paul Ziemiak, general secretary of Merkel's CDU party, said the victim was "practically executed" in an act that showed "an inconceivable level of radicalisation".

<h2>'Growing aggressiveness'</h2>

The Tagesspiegel newspaper said far-right chat groups on Telegram were applauding the murder, with one user writing "Here we go!!!" while others posted thumbs-up emojis.

Germany has seen repeated protests from anti-mask demonstrators throughout the pandemic, some of them attracting tens of thousands of people.

The "Querdenker" (Lateral Thinkers) movement has emerged as the loudest voice against the government's coronavirus curbs and regulations. Its marches have drawn a wide mix of people, including vaccine sceptics, neo-Nazis and members of Germany's far-right AfD party.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the "hatred and incitement" of Querdenker "divides our community and kills people". "They have no place in our society," he wrote on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-officer-reports-havana-syndrome-symptoms-on-india-trip-reports-414634">CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports</a>

Germany's domestic intelligence agency announced in April that it would start monitoring leading Querdenker figures over concerns they were trying to undermine the state and had ties to right-wing extremism.

Stephan Kramer, head of the domestic intelligence agency in the eastern state of Thuringia, told Germany's RND media group he was saddened but not surprised by the killing.

"The escalation of right-wing conspiracy fantasies among aggressive and violence-prone citizens has been obvious for months," he said.&nbsp;

"The growing aggressiveness is palpable in everyday life."

Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer.

Germany reacted with shock and outrage on Tuesday after a 20-year-old petrol station worker was shot dead by a customer angry about being asked to put on a mask while buying beer. The killing on Saturday evening in the western town of Idar-Oberstein is believed to be the first in Germany linked to the government's coronavirus rules. The row started when the cashier, a student, told the customer to put on a face mask, as required in all German shops. After a brief argument, the man left. The suspect then returned about an hour and a half later, this time wearing a mask. But as he brought his six-pack of beer to the till, he took off the mask and another discussion ensued. "The perpetrator then pulled out a revolver and shot him straight in the head," prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann told reporters on Monday. The suspect, a 49-year-old German man, walked to a police station the following day to turn himself in. He was arrested and has confessed to the murder. He told police he felt "cornered" by the coronavirus measures, which he perceived as an "ever-growing infringement on his rights" and he had seen "no other way out", Fuhrmann said. Idar-Oberstein mayor Frank Fruehauf called it "an unfathomable, terrible act", and residents have laid flowers and candles outside the petrol station. Also read | Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows The murder comes just days before Germans head to the polls for a general election on September 26 that will see Chancellor Angela Merkel bow out after 16 years. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz from the centre-left Social Democrats, the current frontrunner to succeed Merkel, said he was "shocked" by the murder of someone who only wanted "to protect himself and others". "As a society, we must resolutely stand up to hatred," he tweeted. Annalena Baerbock, the Green party's candidate for the chancellery, said she was "shaken" by the murder and "very concerned" about growing radicalisation in the anti-mask community. Paul Ziemiak, general secretary of Merkel's CDU party, said the victim was "practically executed" in an act that showed "an inconceivable level of radicalisation". 'Growing aggressiveness' The Tagesspiegel newspaper said far-right chat groups on Telegram were applauding the murder, with one user writing "Here we go!!!" while others posted thumbs-up emojis. Germany has seen repeated protests from anti-mask demonstrators throughout the pandemic, some of them attracting tens of thousands of people. The "Querdenker" (Lateral Thinkers) movement has emerged as the loudest voice against the government's coronavirus curbs and regulations. Its marches have drawn a wide mix of people, including vaccine sceptics, neo-Nazis and members of Germany's far-right AfD party. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the "hatred and incitement" of Querdenker "divides our community and kills people". "They have no place in our society," he wrote on Twitter. Also read | CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports Germany's domestic intelligence agency announced in April that it would start monitoring leading Querdenker figures over concerns they were trying to undermine the state and had ties to right-wing extremism. Stephan Kramer, head of the domestic intelligence agency in the eastern state of Thuringia, told Germany's RND media group he was saddened but not surprised by the killing. "The escalation of right-wing conspiracy fantasies among aggressive and violence-prone citizens has been obvious for months," he said. "The growing aggressiveness is palpable in everyday life."

Covid rage: Asked to put on mask, angry customer kills petrol station worker in Germany

Iran’s top nuclear scientist woke up an hour before dawn, as he did most days, to study Islamic philosophy before his day began. That afternoon, he and his wife would leave their vacation home on the Caspian Sea and drive to their country house in Absard, a bucolic town east of Tehran, where they planned to spend the weekend.

The scientist and the AI-assisted, remote-control killing machine

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children.

Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-conducted-drone-strikes-in-panjshir-report-411027">Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report</a>

These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country.

Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime.

Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province. Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children. Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities. Also Read | Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country. Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime. Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban shoot pregnant Afghan policewoman dead in front of her family

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle.

Nick Cannon is now the father of 12 children. Cannon and his girlfriend, Alyssa Scott, welcomed their second child, a baby girl, on December 14. On December 29th, Scott shared the good news with the world via her Instagram handle. Sharing a heartwarming video in which the model remembered her late son Zen, Scott penned a touching note as she revealed the name of their baby girl, i.e., Halo Marie Cannon. Vivienne Westwood dies, Victoria Beckham, Claudia Schiffer and others pay tribute: 'A talented dame' ''December 14, 2022, Our lives are forever changed. Zen is in every breath I take. I know his spirit was with us in the room that morning. I know he is watching down on us; he shows me signs every day. I will hold on to this memory forever. I will remember the sound of Nick's voice saying "It’s a girl" and the look of everything we’ve been through flashing across his face. I will remember the sound of her crying out with her first breath and feeling her heartbeat against mine. My sweet girl, I got my surprise!! We love you, Halo Marie Cannon!" Alyssa captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Nick and Alyssa's first child, Zen, died in December 2021 due to a brain tumour. Scott is also a mother of a four-year-old daughter Zeela. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × In November, Alyssa revealed that she was expecting her second child with Nick. Sharing a photo from their maternity shoot, Alyssa wrote: "This is a MIRACLE & a BLESSING.'' Nick Cannon welcomed his 11th child, a baby girl, in November this year. The 'Masked Singer' announced the birth of his baby girl, Beautiful Zeppelin Cannon, with model Abby De La Rosa. Cannon and Rosa are already parents of twins, Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alyssa (@itsalyssaemm) × Andy Cohen will still be drinking on-air during New Year's Eve telecast despite drinking ban In September, Brittany Bell gave birth to her third child and Nick's 10th, Rise Messiah Cannon. Bell and Nichol also share a son, Golden, and a daughter, Powerful Queen. This year, Cannon also welcomed a daughter, Onyx, with model Lanisha Cole. This year, in July, Nick welcomed his eighth child, a baby boy with model Bre Tiesi. He was previously married to singer Mariah Carey from 2008 to 2016, and with her, he has two children: a son, Moroccan, and a daughter, Monroe.

Taliban kill Afghan folk singer days after having tea with him

Flordelis&nbsp;dos&nbsp;Santos&nbsp;de&nbsp;Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity.

Flordelis, as she is widely known in Brazil, was charged with murder a year ago along with 10 alleged co-conspirators in the&nbsp;death of her husband, pastor Anderson do Carmo. He was shot 30 times in the garage of their home.

But her position as a federal&nbsp;deputy representing Rio&nbsp;de&nbsp;Janeiro state had shielded her from prosecution.

On Wednesday, Brazil's lower house voted to remove her from office. A judge ordered that she be arrested shortly thereafter at the request of state prosecutors.

Flordelis' lawyer, Anderson Rollemberg, criticised the arrest and vowed to appeal on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-new-terrorism-threat-warning-ahead-of-911-anniversary-405276">Also read |&nbsp;US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary</a>

"Totally arbitrary," he wrote in a WhatsApp message. "She went to all the hearings and she was wearing an ankle bracelet."

The&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;case has fascinated Brazil for several reasons including the&nbsp;defendant's unusual profile. A former evangelical pastor and singer,&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;rose to fame by adopting dozens of children in need, some of whom later accused her of running a cult-like organization.

The brutal murder of her husband struck a chord in a state where powerful organised crime groups and evangelical power brokers have&nbsp;developed close links in recent years.

Police have alleged Carmo's murder came amid a power struggle within the sprawling family.

Television images on Friday evening showed Rio&nbsp;de&nbsp;Janeiro police escorting&nbsp;Flordelis&nbsp;from her home into a police car, clutching a Bible.

Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity.

Flordelis dos Santos de Souza, a former Brazilian congresswoman accused of orchestrating the execution of her husband in June 2019, was arrested on Friday evening after being stripped of her parliamentary immunity. Flordelis, as she is widely known in Brazil, was charged with murder a year ago along with 10 alleged co-conspirators in the death of her husband, pastor Anderson do Carmo. He was shot 30 times in the garage of their home. But her position as a federal deputy representing Rio de Janeiro state had shielded her from prosecution. On Wednesday, Brazil's lower house voted to remove her from office. A judge ordered that she be arrested shortly thereafter at the request of state prosecutors. Flordelis' lawyer, Anderson Rollemberg, criticised the arrest and vowed to appeal on Monday morning. Also read | US issues new terrorism threat warning ahead of 9/11 anniversary "Totally arbitrary," he wrote in a WhatsApp message. "She went to all the hearings and she was wearing an ankle bracelet." The Flordelis case has fascinated Brazil for several reasons including the defendant's unusual profile. A former evangelical pastor and singer, Flordelis rose to fame by adopting dozens of children in need, some of whom later accused her of running a cult-like organization. The brutal murder of her husband struck a chord in a state where powerful organised crime groups and evangelical power brokers have developed close links in recent years. Police have alleged Carmo's murder came amid a power struggle within the sprawling family. Television images on Friday evening showed Rio de Janeiro police escorting Flordelis from her home into a police car, clutching a Bible.

Former Brazil congresswoman goes to jail on charges of killing husband

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade.

"This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018.

Also read:<a href="Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic">&nbsp;Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

"It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament.

Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added.

The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner.

But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats.

Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail.

Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish.

"We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television.

He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero.

"All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said.

Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom".

Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real.

He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. 
"Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats.

Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Monday she had received a knife covered in red stains by post, days after senior security officials and a left-wing party leader were sent death threats. The ministry released a photo showing a small, wood-handled folding knife with a series of red stains running up the blade. "This is serious...We should be concerned as I'm not a controversial person," said Maroto, a socialist who has served as minister of industry, trade and tourism since 2018. Also read: Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic "It gives us more strength to defend democracy... Hatred and threats will not silence us," she told reporters outside the house of parliament. Police are investigating the package, which arrived at the ministry on Friday and included a return address, she added. The Spanish government is led by the Socialist Party (PSOE), with the far-left Unidas Podemos as its junior coalition partner. But a chorus of voices from across the political spectrum - including the far-right Vox party - condemned the threats. Last week, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Pablo Iglesias of Unidas Podemos, and Maria Gamez, who heads the Guardia Civil police force, also received death threats in the mail. Without suggesting who might be behind the letters, Marlaska on Monday blamed a culture of political polarisation for allowing hate speech to flourish. "We have a certain anti-democratic political discourse that we must confront forcefully," he told La Sexta television. He linked the threats to the recent vandalism of a feminist mural in Madrid and the defacement of a statue of former socialist Prime Minister Francisco Largo-Caballero. "All this generates a belief that it is OK to discriminate... against certain groups," he said. Tension between right and left has ratcheted up in recent weeks ahead of a regional election in Madrid, where conservative incumbent Isabel Diaz Ayuso is running with the slogan "Communism or Freedom". Iglesias, who is standing against her for Unidas Podemos, walked out of a debate on Friday after Rocio Monasterio, his opponent from Vox, questioned whether the threats were real. He had earlier posted the letter on Twitter alongside a photo of four bullets he said came in the envelope. "Your wife, your parents and you are sentenced to capital punishment, your time is running out," the letter read.

Spanish Tourism Minister gets knife in post

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials.

Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death.

Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home.

Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn.

No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity.

"It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA).

PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions.

Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018.

Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.&nbsp;

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road.

A journalist was shot and killed during a robbery bid in the Bank Colony area of Quetta on Saturday evening, said police officials. Police said the journalist, Abdul Wahid Raisani, was going home from his office yesterday evening when robbers tried to snatch his motorcycle near Qambrani Road. During the ensuing struggle, the robbers fired shots, one of which struck Raisani`s chest, they added according to Dawn. The Balochistan Union of Journalists strongly condemned the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for Raisani`s death. Earlier this week, senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Authority (Pemra), Absar Alam, was shot in Islamabad. In a video shared by journalist Asad Toor, Alam could be heard saying he was shot at while walking outside his home. Dawn further reported that earlier this month, a local journalist, Waseem Alam, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa`s Karak. At least 10 journalists were murdered and several others threatened, kidnapped, tortured and arrested in Pakistan on trumped-up charges while discharging their professional responsibilities in 2020 alone, according to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors` (CPNE) Media Freedom Report 2020, according to Dawn. No action has so far been taken against those responsible for torturing and killing journalists and it seems that such persons enjoy impunity. "It is a matter of grave concern that the legal system of the country has become useless in protecting and providing justice to journalists," said the report.Pakistan continues to remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, and more and more scribes are being arrested for criticising the country`s Army under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016 (PECA). PECA, which is seen as the draconian tool to silence free speech, criminalises any speech considered to be "blasphemous" and even those who criticise state institutions. Recently, a new section was added in PECA stating that those who intentionally ridicule, bring into disrepute or defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan will be sentenced up to two years and be fined over USD 3,018. Pakistan has been ranked 145th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders`s (RSF) 2020 World Press Freedom Index, three places lower than in 2019.

Pakistan journalist shot dead during robbery bid

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday.

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri before storming the nearby base, the two sources said.

The attack was the deadliest this year against Nigeria's army which has been battling a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report">Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report</a>

"We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the terrorists," a military officer said about the attack which happened around 1100 GMT.

The convoy was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it came under attack, said a second military source who gave a similar toll.

"The terrorists came in several trucks, including four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce battle," the second source said.

The militants overwhelmed soldiers, leading to the "colossal loss" of troops, he said.

"We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way."

The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the attack before overrunning and partially burning the base outside the town, the two sources said.

Mainok, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists.

ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe state on which Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers.&nbsp;

ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the northeast as Nigeria's conflict has spilt over borders into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neighbouring Yobe state fled their homes after a separate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town Friday, local officials said.

On Sunday residents fled, crossing to the other side of the river to escape militants who have been in control since they attacked the town.

"Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now under the control of the insurgents," Ali Koko Kachalla, Geidam's political administrator, said.

Late on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning stores in the town.

At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occupants, according to residents.

The exodus was prompted by targeted killings of residents by the insurgents, according to fleeing residents.

"Everybody is running away because the insurgents have started killing people who are Christians and those with western education," resident Babagana Kyari said.

"So far they have killed two Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They went to their homes and slaughtered them," said another resident Ari Sanda.

The army issued a statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local officials said militants were still around.

Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons known as "super camps" in an attempt to better resist militant attacks.&nbsp;

But critics say the "super camp" strategy has also allowed militants more freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vulnerable to kidnapping.

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday.

At least 31 Nigerian soldiers were killed when IS-aligned jihadists ambushed a military convoy escorting weapons and overran a base in northeast Nigeria's Borno state, military sources said on Monday. Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the convoy with rocket-propelled grenades on Sunday in the town of Mainok outside the regional capital Maiduguri before storming the nearby base, the two sources said. The attack was the deadliest this year against Nigeria's army which has been battling a decade-long jihadist insurgency in the region that has killed 36,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes. Also read: Nigeria: Jihadist ambush kills 19 troops, says report "We lost 31 soldiers, including their commander who was a lieutenant colonel, in the ambush by the terrorists," a military officer said about the attack which happened around 1100 GMT. The convoy was transporting weapons to Maiduguri when it came under attack, said a second military source who gave a similar toll. "The terrorists came in several trucks, including four MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) and engaged the convoy in a fierce battle," the second source said. The militants overwhelmed soldiers, leading to the "colossal loss" of troops, he said. "We lost a lot of men in very gruesome way." The jihadists seized weapons and two MRAPs in the attack before overrunning and partially burning the base outside the town, the two sources said. Mainok, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Maiduguri, has been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists. ISWAP has frequently set up bogus checkpoints along the 120-km highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe state on which Mainok lies, killing and abducting travellers. ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram faction in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force in the northeast as Nigeria's conflict has spilt over borders into neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Around 2,000 residents of Geidam in neighbouring Yobe state fled their homes after a separate attack by ISWAP who invaded the town Friday, local officials said. On Sunday residents fled, crossing to the other side of the river to escape militants who have been in control since they attacked the town. "Our people are fleeing Geidam which is now under the control of the insurgents," Ali Koko Kachalla, Geidam's political administrator, said. Late on Friday ISWAP jihadists took control of Geidam after a gunfight with troops, looting and burning stores in the town. At least 11 civilians were killed in the fight after a projectile hit two adjoining homes, killing all occupants, according to residents. The exodus was prompted by targeted killings of residents by the insurgents, according to fleeing residents. "Everybody is running away because the insurgents have started killing people who are Christians and those with western education," resident Babagana Kyari said. "So far they have killed two Christians and two Muslim school teachers. They went to their homes and slaughtered them," said another resident Ari Sanda. The army issued a statement on Saturday, claiming to have taken back Geidam from the jihadists. But residents and local officials said militants were still around. Since 2019, soldiers have closed up some smaller bases and moved into larger fortified garrisons known as "super camps" in an attempt to better resist militant attacks. But critics say the "super camp" strategy has also allowed militants more freedom in rural areas and left travellers more vulnerable to kidnapping.

Jihadists kill 31 soldiers in northeast Nigeria

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives.

"Too many Americans are dying every single day from gun violence. It stains our character and pierces the very soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement, noting that he'd ordered flags at half-staff just weeks ago after another shooting.

Late on Thursday (local time) a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. The gunman died apparently from a self-inflicted wound.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Genae Cook said that when officers arrived at the FedEx facility, they found an "active shooter incident,"&nbsp;

Joe Biden said that he and US Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the killings

"Today's briefing is just the latest in a string of tragedies, following closely after gunmen firing bullets in broad daylight at spas in and around Atlanta, Georgia, a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and so many other shootings," Biden said.

The Democrat is pushing for tighter controls on people buying firearms and says he would like to see an end to availability of military style rifles. There is little chance so far of major legislation in Congress, with Republicans fiercely opposed to new laws.

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives.

US President Joe Biden on Friday ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast at White House and all US givernment building as a sign of mourning for Indianapolis mass shootout that claimed 8 lives. "Too many Americans are dying every single day from gun violence. It stains our character and pierces the very soul of our nation," Biden said in a statement, noting that he'd ordered flags at half-staff just weeks ago after another shooting. Late on Thursday (local time) a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis. The gunman died apparently from a self-inflicted wound. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Genae Cook said that when officers arrived at the FedEx facility, they found an "active shooter incident," Joe Biden said that he and US Vice President Kamala Harris had been briefed on the killings "Today's briefing is just the latest in a string of tragedies, following closely after gunmen firing bullets in broad daylight at spas in and around Atlanta, Georgia, a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and so many other shootings," Biden said. The Democrat is pushing for tighter controls on people buying firearms and says he would like to see an end to availability of military style rifles. There is little chance so far of major legislation in Congress, with Republicans fiercely opposed to new laws.

Indianapolis shooting: Biden orders flags to be lowered to half-mast

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack.&nbsp;

Luca Attanasio, 43, died on Monday after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed in a dangerous part of eastern DRC.&nbsp;

The envoy's Italian bodyguard, Vittorio Iacovacci, and a Congolese driver, who has not been identified also died on the field trip.&nbsp;

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The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed the killings on 'members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)', Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for more than a quarter of a century.&nbsp;

But the FDLR rejected the allegation, blaming the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the attack in a statement received on Tuesday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It said the ambassador's convoy was attacked near the Rwandan border, 'not far from a position of the FARDC'.&nbsp;

"The responsibility for this despicable killing is to be found in the ranks of these two armies and their sponsors, who have forged an unnatural alliance to perpetuate the pillaging of eastern DRC," it said.&nbsp;

The FDLR called on Kinshasa and UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO to 'shed light' on the killings 'instead of resorting to hasty accusations'.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-ambassador-luca-attanasio-killed-in-dr-congo-during-kidnapping-attempt-365444">Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio killed in DR Congo during kidnapping attempt</a>

The DRC and Rwanda authorities have not reported the presence of any regular Rwandan troops in the DRC.&nbsp;

But an expert at the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a US monitor, said the Hutu rebel group has a known presence in the region. &nbsp;

"The FDLR are near the place where the attack took place. It's in the realm of possibility that the Rwandan rebels are responsible for this attack," the expert said, speaking on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack.

Rwandan Hutu rebels on Tuesday denied accusations they were behind the killing of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and instead blamed the armies of the DRC and Rwanda, as further details emerged about the attack. Luca Attanasio, 43, died on Monday after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed in a dangerous part of eastern DRC. The envoy's Italian bodyguard, Vittorio Iacovacci, and a Congolese driver, who has not been identified also died on the field trip. × The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed the killings on 'members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)', Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for more than a quarter of a century. But the FDLR rejected the allegation, blaming the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the attack in a statement received on Tuesday. It said the ambassador's convoy was attacked near the Rwandan border, 'not far from a position of the FARDC'. "The responsibility for this despicable killing is to be found in the ranks of these two armies and their sponsors, who have forged an unnatural alliance to perpetuate the pillaging of eastern DRC," it said. The FDLR called on Kinshasa and UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO to 'shed light' on the killings 'instead of resorting to hasty accusations'. Also Read: Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio killed in DR Congo during kidnapping attempt The DRC and Rwanda authorities have not reported the presence of any regular Rwandan troops in the DRC. But an expert at the Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a US monitor, said the Hutu rebel group has a known presence in the region. "The FDLR are near the place where the attack took place. It's in the realm of possibility that the Rwandan rebels are responsible for this attack," the expert said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Hutu rebels blame DRC, Rwanda armies for Italian ambassador's killing

Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari was executed on Saturday after being convicted of stabbing a security guard to death during anti-government protests in 2018, state media said, in a case that has sparked international outcry.

Afkari was executed "this morning after legal procedures were carried out at the insistence of the parents and the family of the victim," the media quoted the head of the justice department in southern Fars province, Kazem Mousavi, as saying.

Afkari was convicted of killing Hassan Turkman, a water company security guard, and other charges. Iran`s Supreme Court rejected a review of the case in late August.

Afkari, a 27-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler, had said he was tortured into making a false confession, according to his family and activists, and his attorney says there is no proof of his guilt. Iran`s judiciary has denied Afkari`s claims.7 
Afkari`s attorney accused authorities of denying his client a family visit before the execution, as required by law.

"Were you in so much hurry to execute the sentence that you also deprived Navid of a last meeting?," Hassan Younesi said on Twitter.

There was no immediate reaction by Iranian officials to the attorney`s accusation.

A global union representing 85,000 athletes called on Tuesday for Iran`s expulsion from world sport if it executed Afkari. 
Afkari`s case had sparked an outcry from Iranians on social media and human rights groups. U.S. President Donald Trump also called on Iran this month not to execute the wrestler.

The killing of the security guard took place during some of the worst unrest in a decade over economic hardships. Iran`s clerical rulers have blamed the street protests what they call "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United States and Israel.

Iranian state television aired a video last week in which Afkari appeared to confess to Turkman’s killing. The television also showed what appeared to be written confessions by Afkari, but he said in a recording circulated on social media that he was coerced into signing the documents.

“I hit twice, once and then again,” Afkari was shown saying with a stabbing gesture during a police reconstruction of the killing.

Human rights groups frequently accuse Iran`s state media of airing coerced confessions. Iran denies the accusation.

Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari was executed on Saturday after being convicted of stabbing a security guard to death during anti-government protests in 2018, state media said, in a case that has sparked international outcry.

Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari was executed on Saturday after being convicted of stabbing a security guard to death during anti-government protests in 2018, state media said, in a case that has sparked international outcry. Afkari was executed "this morning after legal procedures were carried out at the insistence of the parents and the family of the victim," the media quoted the head of the justice department in southern Fars province, Kazem Mousavi, as saying. Afkari was convicted of killing Hassan Turkman, a water company security guard, and other charges. Iran`s Supreme Court rejected a review of the case in late August. Afkari, a 27-year-old Greco-Roman wrestler, had said he was tortured into making a false confession, according to his family and activists, and his attorney says there is no proof of his guilt. Iran`s judiciary has denied Afkari`s claims.7 Afkari`s attorney accused authorities of denying his client a family visit before the execution, as required by law. "Were you in so much hurry to execute the sentence that you also deprived Navid of a last meeting?," Hassan Younesi said on Twitter. There was no immediate reaction by Iranian officials to the attorney`s accusation. A global union representing 85,000 athletes called on Tuesday for Iran`s expulsion from world sport if it executed Afkari. Afkari`s case had sparked an outcry from Iranians on social media and human rights groups. U.S. President Donald Trump also called on Iran this month not to execute the wrestler. The killing of the security guard took place during some of the worst unrest in a decade over economic hardships. Iran`s clerical rulers have blamed the street protests what they call "thugs" linked to exiles and foreign foes - the United States and Israel. Iranian state television aired a video last week in which Afkari appeared to confess to Turkman’s killing. The television also showed what appeared to be written confessions by Afkari, but he said in a recording circulated on social media that he was coerced into signing the documents. “I hit twice, once and then again,” Afkari was shown saying with a stabbing gesture during a police reconstruction of the killing. Human rights groups frequently accuse Iran`s state media of airing coerced confessions. Iran denies the accusation.

Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari executed over 2018 security guard killing

'Killing Eve', 'Sadak 2': What to stream this August

A 22-year-old youth was killed in Wadgaon Maval area of Pune district on Friday night for having a "provocative" WhatsApp status message, police said on Sunday.

Yash Awale was killed in Takwe village while out on a walk and seven people have been arrested in connection with the crime, an official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sex-on-false-promise-of-marriage-not-rape-orissa-high-court-300761">Also read:&nbsp;Sex on false promise of marriage not rape: Orissa High Court</a>

"At around 10:15pm, seven to eight people came on three motorcycles and four of them attacked Awale on the head with a sharp-edged weapon. We have arrested seven people in the 19-23 age group for the crime on Saturday," he said.

The Wadgaon Maval police station official said the accused and the deceased have previous enmity.

"Apparently, the deceased kept a provocative status message on WhatsApp which irked the accused and the murder could be a result of this. We are probing all angles including this one,' he added.

A 22-year-old youth was killed in Wadgaon Maval area of Pune district on Friday night for having a "provocative" WhatsApp status message, police said on Sunday. Yash Awale was killed in Takwe village while out on a walk and seven people have been arrested in connection with the crime, an official said.

A 22-year-old youth was killed in Wadgaon Maval area of Pune district on Friday night for having a "provocative" WhatsApp status message, police said on Sunday. Yash Awale was killed in Takwe village while out on a walk and seven people have been arrested in connection with the crime, an official said. Also read: Sex on false promise of marriage not rape: Orissa High Court "At around 10:15pm, seven to eight people came on three motorcycles and four of them attacked Awale on the head with a sharp-edged weapon. We have arrested seven people in the 19-23 age group for the crime on Saturday," he said. The Wadgaon Maval police station official said the accused and the deceased have previous enmity. "Apparently, the deceased kept a provocative status message on WhatsApp which irked the accused and the murder could be a result of this. We are probing all angles including this one,' he added.

Pune: 22-year-old killed for provocative WhatsApp status message

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