A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said.

Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine.

Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said.

Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said.

“By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/know-more-about-smartwater-a-forensic-spray-which-is-helping-uk-police-with-women-safety-454510">Also read |&nbsp;Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety</a>

Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison.

Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges.

“The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.”

Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information.

Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said.

As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said.

Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said.

At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said.

Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.”

Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday. The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said. Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine. Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said. Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said. “By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. Also read | Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison. Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges. “The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.” Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information. Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said. As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said. Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said. At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said. Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.” Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

Man charged in Jan 6, 2021, riot sold forged vaccination cards, US says

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed.

The explosive document, released by the National Archives and obtained by Politico, has revealed the extreme measures Trump may have been willing to take to keep Joe Biden from being declared as the next president.

The three-page draft, dated December 16, 2020, ordered the Secretary of Defense to “seize, collect, retain and analyze all machines, equipment, electronically stored information, and material records required for retention.”

The order also sought to appoint a special counsel to bring charges on any fraud allegations that arose from the seizures, but it was never signed.

It is also unclear as to who drafted the order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-jerusalem-extremism-analyst-who-predicted-jan-6-riots-talks-to-wion-442914">Exclusive: Jerusalem extremism analyst who predicted Jan 6 riots talks to WION</a>

The draft is part of the 750-plus documents submitted by the National Archives to the House of Representatives select committee investigating the 2021 Capitol insurrection.

The then-president sought to block the release of the documents citing the “executive privilege” doctrine, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected his appeal.

Trump and his allies spent months pushing a false narrative of widespread electoral fraud, despite the government officials rebuffing the charges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jan-6-panel-subpoenas-giuliani-digging-into-false-vote-fraud-claims-445946">Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Giuliani, digging into false vote fraud claims</a>

The claims were also rejected by Trump-appointed attorney general Bill Barr, and Trump was eventually impeached for inciting the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters.

Meanwhile, the probe committee investigating on Thursday invited Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, to provide information and participate in a voluntary interview.

Ivanka was a senior White House advisor to her father. The committee wants to ask her about Trump’s actions, or inaction, and his state of mind on January 6, 2021, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol and temporarily stopped Congress from confirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

(With inputs from agencies)

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed.

After his defeat in the 2020 elections, Donald Trump allegedly drafted an executive order directing the US’ top military leader to seize voting machines, a report has revealed. The explosive document, released by the National Archives and obtained by Politico, has revealed the extreme measures Trump may have been willing to take to keep Joe Biden from being declared as the next president. The three-page draft, dated December 16, 2020, ordered the Secretary of Defense to “seize, collect, retain and analyze all machines, equipment, electronically stored information, and material records required for retention.” The order also sought to appoint a special counsel to bring charges on any fraud allegations that arose from the seizures, but it was never signed. It is also unclear as to who drafted the order. Also read | Exclusive: Jerusalem extremism analyst who predicted Jan 6 riots talks to WION The draft is part of the 750-plus documents submitted by the National Archives to the House of Representatives select committee investigating the 2021 Capitol insurrection. The then-president sought to block the release of the documents citing the “executive privilege” doctrine, but the Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected his appeal. Trump and his allies spent months pushing a false narrative of widespread electoral fraud, despite the government officials rebuffing the charges. Also read | Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Giuliani, digging into false vote fraud claims The claims were also rejected by Trump-appointed attorney general Bill Barr, and Trump was eventually impeached for inciting the attack on the Capitol by a mob of his supporters. Meanwhile, the probe committee investigating on Thursday invited Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, to provide information and participate in a voluntary interview. Ivanka was a senior White House advisor to her father. The committee wants to ask her about Trump’s actions, or inaction, and his state of mind on January 6, 2021, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol and temporarily stopped Congress from confirming President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump ordered to seize voting machines after electoral loss: Report

A new Axios-Momentive poll has revealed that over 40 per cent of Americans do not believe that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election. Also, nearly 57 per cent of people think that events similar to the January 6 Capitol riots are likely to happen again in the coming years.&nbsp;

This concern is alarmingly high among Democrats as 70 per cent of them&nbsp;think that something like January 6 will happen again. While only 47 per cent of Republicans think the same.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-of-us-capitol-riots-key-takeaways-and-prominent-faces-of-the-day-that-divided-america-442672">Also read |&nbsp;One year of US Capitol Riots: Key takeaways and prominent faces of the day that divided America</a>

About 37 per cent of people who were surveyed said that they had lost faith in American democracy. Out of this, 48 per cent were Republicans and 28 per cent were Democrats. On the other hand, 10 per cent said they had never had faith in the system. 49 per cent said that they did have faith.

Laura Wronski, senior manager for research science at Momentive, while speaking to Axios said, "It’s dispiriting to see that this shocking thing we all witnessed last year hasn’t changed people’s perceptions."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-capitol-riots-one-year-on-america-more-polarised-than-ever-442764/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The poll was released on the eve of the first anniversary of the US Capitol attack. This is when the US lawmakers were moving towards certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the election and pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the legitimate transfer. The horrifying scene forced Congress to put&nbsp;a sudden pause on the ceremonial event confirming Biden's sweeping win in the elections. In the aftermath, the doors of the Senate were locked and a citywide curfew was announced.&nbsp;

The polls were conducted from January 1 to 5 this year. Also, they surveyed nearly 2,700 adults.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new Axios-Momentive poll has revealed that over 40 per cent of Americans do not believe that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election. Also, nearly 57 per cent of people think that events similar to the January 6 Capitol riots are likely to happen again in the coming years.

A new Axios-Momentive poll has revealed that over 40 per cent of Americans do not believe that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election. Also, nearly 57 per cent of people think that events similar to the January 6 Capitol riots are likely to happen again in the coming years. This concern is alarmingly high among Democrats as 70 per cent of them think that something like January 6 will happen again. While only 47 per cent of Republicans think the same. Also read | One year of US Capitol Riots: Key takeaways and prominent faces of the day that divided America About 37 per cent of people who were surveyed said that they had lost faith in American democracy. Out of this, 48 per cent were Republicans and 28 per cent were Democrats. On the other hand, 10 per cent said they had never had faith in the system. 49 per cent said that they did have faith. Laura Wronski, senior manager for research science at Momentive, while speaking to Axios said, "It’s dispiriting to see that this shocking thing we all witnessed last year hasn’t changed people’s perceptions." Watch | Gravitas: Capitol riots: One year on, America more polarised than ever The poll was released on the eve of the first anniversary of the US Capitol attack. This is when the US lawmakers were moving towards certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the election and pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the legitimate transfer. The horrifying scene forced Congress to put a sudden pause on the ceremonial event confirming Biden's sweeping win in the elections. In the aftermath, the doors of the Senate were locked and a citywide curfew was announced. The polls were conducted from January 1 to 5 this year. Also, they surveyed nearly 2,700 adults. (With inputs from agencies)

A year after Capitol riots, 57% Americans think similar events are likely to happen

In Pics | Several vigils in US on the anniversary of the deadly Capitol riots

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil.

Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said.

Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force.

Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said.

The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 -&nbsp;60 percent more than capacity.

On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison.

Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority.

It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year -&nbsp;up from 103 in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes.

The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000.

The country has about 1,500 guards -&nbsp;a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts.

At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw.

The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us."

They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution.

Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members.

So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Four people were wounded and police were shot at on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot. Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil. Officers neutralized the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said. Elite police teams entered the facility, supported by soldiers and a military tank, according to video released by the force. Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500 - 60 percent more than capacity. On Saturday, at least 118 inmates were killed, six of them beheaded, as rival gangs armed with guns and grenades went to war at the prison. Another 86 wounded were wounded, six critically, according to Ecuador's prisons authority. It was the latest in a string of bloody clashes in Ecuador's broken prison system, with 237 inmates killed so far this year - up from 103 in 2020. Ecuador on Friday deployed thousands of police and soldiers to secure its prisons, in an attempt to prevent further clashes. The prison system has 65 facilities designed for about 30,000 inmates but houses 39,000. The country has about 1,500 guards - a shortfall of about 3,000, according to experts. At a neighboring prison on Saturday, inmates climbed up to the rooftops to wave white clothing and display signs calling for peace, AFP saw. The inmates held up signs that read "We want peace" and "The law is killing us." They have asked not to be transferred to other prisons because "there are no problems" in their current institution. Authorities are planning to relocate some of the Guayaquil prisoners after the riot, as relatives of the inmates continue to gather outside the complex, begging for information about their family members. So far, 101 bodies have been identified, 44 of which have been given to their families, police said.

Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates.

"I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Angelus prayer.

"May God helps us heal the plagues of crime that enslave the poorest and help those who work every day to make prison life more humane," the pontiff added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-wounded-in-fresh-inmate-clash-at-riot-hit-ecuador-prison-417827">Also read |&nbsp;Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison</a>

Meanwhile, four people were wounded and police were shot on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot.

Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil.

Officers neutralised the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said.

Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500, which is 60 per cent more than capacity.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates. "I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St.

Pope Francis offered his prayers to victims of a prison riot at one of Ecuador's largest prisons that killed 118 inmates. "I am very saddened by what has happened in recent days in the prison of Guayaquil, in Ecuador, where a terrible outbreak of violence between inmates belonging to rival gangs has killed more than 100 people and injured many", Francis told the gathered people in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Angelus prayer. "May God helps us heal the plagues of crime that enslave the poorest and help those who work every day to make prison life more humane," the pontiff added. Also read | Four wounded in fresh inmate clash at riot-hit Ecuador prison Meanwhile, four people were wounded and police were shot on Saturday in a new clash between prisoners at the Ecuadorian prison where 118 people were killed just days earlier in the country's deadliest inmate riot. Police commander Tannya Varela said there was a shootout between inmates at the prison in Guayaquil. Officers neutralised the confrontation and maintained control of the prison, the police force said. Two rifles, three pistols, ammunition and cell phones were seized in the prison, police said. The jail has space for 5,300 inmates, but it houses 8,500, which is 60 per cent more than capacity.

Pope Francis offers prayers for the victims of Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot

Capitol Police investigators have recommended disciplinary action against six police officers for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

Three officers were singled out for unbecoming conduct, one officer for failure to comply with directives, one officer for improper remarks and one officer for improper dissemination of information, the Capitol Police said in a statement Saturday.

None of the officers, or details about the recommended penalties, were identified. No criminal charges will be filed, after the U.S. attorney’s office did not find sufficient evidence to do so.

The internal inquiry, which was conducted by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility, covered 38 investigations, although investigators failed to identify 12 officers involved in the cases. One investigation, into an unidentified official who was “accused of unsatisfactory performance and conduct unbecoming,” remains open, according to the statement.

The security failures stemming from the Jan. 6 breach has cast scrutiny on the secretive agency, which is responsible for protecting the Capitol complex. Officer Brian Sicknick died in the hospital after fending off the mob, and at least 73 officers were hurt that day after being assaulted with flagpoles, fire extinguishers and hockey sticks, injuries that ranged from bruises to concussions and burns.

Even as the majority of the police force grapple with the trauma of the attack, videos widely circulating on social media appeared to show some officers treating the rioters sympathetically or doing little to stop them from entering the complex.

After the riot, the Capitol Police announced it would open an investigation, with at least six officers suspended with pay at the time. The agency made public the results of its internal investigation Saturday only after sharing details with the Justice Department, which in turn notified the lawyers representing clients charged in connection to the riot.

In its statement, the Capitol Police said it was “committed to accountability when officers fail to meet the standards governed by USCP policies and the congressional community’s expectations” and the six violations “should not diminish the heroic efforts” of most officers who defended the building.

Last month, agency leaders said they had cleared Lt. Michael Byrd, who fatally shot a rioter during the attack, of any wrongdoing after investigators found he had acted lawfully and potentially saved lawmakers, aides and others in the House chamber from harm or death.

J. Thomas Manger, a veteran police chief from the Washington region, took over the department in July after the Capitol Police chief at the time, Steven Sund, resigned along with the Senate and House sergeants-at-arms. The police union also issued a vote of no confidence in agency leadership.

Capitol Police investigators have recommended disciplinary action against six police officers for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.

Capitol Police investigators have recommended disciplinary action against six police officers for their actions during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. Three officers were singled out for unbecoming conduct, one officer for failure to comply with directives, one officer for improper remarks and one officer for improper dissemination of information, the Capitol Police said in a statement Saturday. None of the officers, or details about the recommended penalties, were identified. No criminal charges will be filed, after the U.S. attorney’s office did not find sufficient evidence to do so. The internal inquiry, which was conducted by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility, covered 38 investigations, although investigators failed to identify 12 officers involved in the cases. One investigation, into an unidentified official who was “accused of unsatisfactory performance and conduct unbecoming,” remains open, according to the statement. The security failures stemming from the Jan. 6 breach has cast scrutiny on the secretive agency, which is responsible for protecting the Capitol complex. Officer Brian Sicknick died in the hospital after fending off the mob, and at least 73 officers were hurt that day after being assaulted with flagpoles, fire extinguishers and hockey sticks, injuries that ranged from bruises to concussions and burns. Even as the majority of the police force grapple with the trauma of the attack, videos widely circulating on social media appeared to show some officers treating the rioters sympathetically or doing little to stop them from entering the complex. After the riot, the Capitol Police announced it would open an investigation, with at least six officers suspended with pay at the time. The agency made public the results of its internal investigation Saturday only after sharing details with the Justice Department, which in turn notified the lawyers representing clients charged in connection to the riot. In its statement, the Capitol Police said it was “committed to accountability when officers fail to meet the standards governed by USCP policies and the congressional community’s expectations” and the six violations “should not diminish the heroic efforts” of most officers who defended the building. Last month, agency leaders said they had cleared Lt. Michael Byrd, who fatally shot a rioter during the attack, of any wrongdoing after investigators found he had acted lawfully and potentially saved lawmakers, aides and others in the House chamber from harm or death. J. Thomas Manger, a veteran police chief from the Washington region, took over the department in July after the Capitol Police chief at the time, Steven Sund, resigned along with the Senate and House sergeants-at-arms. The police union also issued a vote of no confidence in agency leadership.

Capitol police inquiry into Jan 6 riot recommends disciplining six officers

A conspiracy theorist who became one of the most recognized rioters storming the US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;last January pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing congressional proceedings, a charge carrying a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Images of Jacob Anthony Chansley, who as a shirtless man carrying a spear and wearing a horned fur hat became known as the QAnon shaman, were beamed around the world when he and others invaded the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;building and took over the US Senate.

Chansley has been a subscriber to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory blamed for fueling Donald Trump's supporters who tried to halt Congress's certification of results of the 2020 election won by Joe Biden.

Speaking by videolink to federal Judge Royce Lambert in US District Court in Washington, Chansley said "yes your honor" to pleading guilty to the most serious charge in a six-count indictment.

Chansley, who in court acknowledged his "mental vulnerabilities," has undergone a psychiatric evaluation, with the judge saying he determined that Chansley was competent to stand trial.

Sentencing was scheduled for November 17. According to guidelines estimated by the prosecution, Chansley could face a sentence of between 41 and 51 months in prison.

His lawyer, Albert Watkins, sought leniency from the court.

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"Mr Chansley has zero criminal history, we do know that he was not a planner (of the unrest), he was not violent," Watkins said.

The lawyer also asked the court that his client be released from detention pending sentencing, a request that Lambert said would be considered.

Chansley, also known as Jacob Angeli, is among several hundred rioters arrested following the insurrection.

He and others have pleaded guilty after video footage showed them fighting officers, storming the&nbsp;Capitol, or making threats about lawmakers and then-vice president Mike Pence, who was overseeing the Electoral College certification process.

Prosecutors have said Chansley left a note for Pence at the Senate dais where the second-in-command had been standing just minutes before, which read: "it's only a matter of time, justice is coming."

According to the count to which the defendant pleaded guilty, Chansley engaged in "disorderly and disruptive conduct" when he obstructed the congressional proceedings, and threatened congressional officials.

While Chansley publicly embraced QAnon,&nbsp;he was photographed holding a "Q Sent Me!" sign at previous rallies -- his attorney said Chansley has repudiated those beliefs.

A conspiracy theorist who became one of the most recognized rioters storming the US Capitol last January pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing congressional proceedings, a charge carrying a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

A conspiracy theorist who became one of the most recognized rioters storming the US Capitol last January pleaded guilty Friday to obstructing congressional proceedings, a charge carrying a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Images of Jacob Anthony Chansley, who as a shirtless man carrying a spear and wearing a horned fur hat became known as the QAnon shaman, were beamed around the world when he and others invaded the Capitol building and took over the US Senate. Chansley has been a subscriber to QAnon, the far-right conspiracy theory blamed for fueling Donald Trump's supporters who tried to halt Congress's certification of results of the 2020 election won by Joe Biden. Speaking by videolink to federal Judge Royce Lambert in US District Court in Washington, Chansley said "yes your honor" to pleading guilty to the most serious charge in a six-count indictment. Chansley, who in court acknowledged his "mental vulnerabilities," has undergone a psychiatric evaluation, with the judge saying he determined that Chansley was competent to stand trial. Sentencing was scheduled for November 17. According to guidelines estimated by the prosecution, Chansley could face a sentence of between 41 and 51 months in prison. His lawyer, Albert Watkins, sought leniency from the court. Also read | Joe Biden lashes out at US supreme court for Texas abortion law "Mr Chansley has zero criminal history, we do know that he was not a planner (of the unrest), he was not violent," Watkins said. The lawyer also asked the court that his client be released from detention pending sentencing, a request that Lambert said would be considered. Chansley, also known as Jacob Angeli, is among several hundred rioters arrested following the insurrection. He and others have pleaded guilty after video footage showed them fighting officers, storming the Capitol, or making threats about lawmakers and then-vice president Mike Pence, who was overseeing the Electoral College certification process. Prosecutors have said Chansley left a note for Pence at the Senate dais where the second-in-command had been standing just minutes before, which read: "it's only a matter of time, justice is coming." According to the count to which the defendant pleaded guilty, Chansley engaged in "disorderly and disruptive conduct" when he obstructed the congressional proceedings, and threatened congressional officials. While Chansley publicly embraced QAnon, he was photographed holding a "Q Sent Me!" sign at previous rallies -- his attorney said Chansley has repudiated those beliefs.

'Shaman' rioter pleads guilty over US Capitol unrest

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency.

President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison.&nbsp;

Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison.

Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-declares-emergency-after-22-killed-in-prison-riots-399886">Also read |&nbsp;Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots</a>

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll.

The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped.

The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country.

Ecuador on Friday raised to 27 the number of inmates killed in prison riots in two jails this week that forced the government to declare a state of emergency. President Guillermo Lasso had issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons after violence erupted on Wednesday at jails in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country. The SNAI prisons management body tweeted Friday that "19 inmates are reported dead, one of them by hanging" in the Cotopaxi prison. Eight inmates were reported killed at the Guayas prison. Authorities initially reported 22 deaths in the riots, which also saw 57 others wounded, among them eight police officers, one of whom was raped. Also read | Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel explained at a press conference the previously uncounted bodies had been recovered on Thursday night and were therefore not included in the first toll. The SNAI also said 86 escaped Cotopaxi inmates had been recaptured, without specifying how many had escaped. The two jails had previously experienced violent riots in February, when clashes between rival gangs vying for control of the country's main prisons left 79 inmates dead in a single day. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.

Ecuador prison riot death toll rises to 27

A man who joined the January 6 attack on the US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;and carried a large red Trump flag onto the floor of the Senate pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding, as the Justice Department begins chipping away at some 450 cases related to the uprising.&nbsp;

Paul Hodgkins, 38, was the second person to plead guilty in what has been called an insurrection by supporters of president Donald Trump that shut down the Congress and stunned the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/majority-of-people-charged-for-us-capitol-riots-arent-in-jail-new-analysis-reveals-388207">Majority of people charged for US Capitol riots aren't in jail, new analysis reveals</a>

The native of Tampa, Florida travelled alone to Washington on the day that President Joe Biden's election victory over Trump was to be certified by Congress.

Encouraged by statements from Trump, he and several hundred others stormed the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;and broke inside, injuring scores of police officers.

Wearing a "Trump 2020" T-shirt and waving a flag with the same slogan, he took selfies on the Senate floor along with several others.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senate-republicans-block-bill-on-probe-of-deadly-capitol-riot-388115">Senate Republicans block bill on probe of deadly Capitol riot</a>

But he was not accused of assault or similar charges levied against many of those who took part.

Hodgkins's crime brings up to 20 years in prison, but the court said based on his lack of a criminal record and other factors he could receive between 15 and 21 months in prison.

With more than 450 people charged in the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;assault, the Justice Department is reportedly seeking plea deals to clear out many cases. Most are facing relatively minor charges of disorderly conduct and illegally entering a federal building.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-egged-on-us-capitol-rioters-facebook-oversight-panel-co-chair-383955">Donald Trump 'egged on' US Capitol rioters: Facebook oversight panel co-chair</a>

Several dozen, though, are charged with conspiracy and armed attack on law enforcement officials.

The Justice Department is reportedly still considering whether to charge some, especially those affiliated with armed, violent groups like the Proud Boys, with sedition.

A man who joined the January 6 attack on the US Capitol and carried a large red Trump flag onto the floor of the Senate pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding, as the Justice Department begins chipping away at some 450 cases related to the uprising.

A man who joined the January 6 attack on the US Capitol and carried a large red Trump flag onto the floor of the Senate pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding, as the Justice Department begins chipping away at some 450 cases related to the uprising. Paul Hodgkins, 38, was the second person to plead guilty in what has been called an insurrection by supporters of president Donald Trump that shut down the Congress and stunned the country. Also Read | Majority of people charged for US Capitol riots aren't in jail, new analysis reveals The native of Tampa, Florida travelled alone to Washington on the day that President Joe Biden's election victory over Trump was to be certified by Congress. Encouraged by statements from Trump, he and several hundred others stormed the Capitol and broke inside, injuring scores of police officers. Wearing a "Trump 2020" T-shirt and waving a flag with the same slogan, he took selfies on the Senate floor along with several others. Also Read | Senate Republicans block bill on probe of deadly Capitol riot But he was not accused of assault or similar charges levied against many of those who took part. Hodgkins's crime brings up to 20 years in prison, but the court said based on his lack of a criminal record and other factors he could receive between 15 and 21 months in prison. With more than 450 people charged in the Capitol assault, the Justice Department is reportedly seeking plea deals to clear out many cases. Most are facing relatively minor charges of disorderly conduct and illegally entering a federal building. Also Read | Donald Trump 'egged on' US Capitol rioters: Facebook oversight panel co-chair Several dozen, though, are charged with conspiracy and armed attack on law enforcement officials. The Justice Department is reportedly still considering whether to charge some, especially those affiliated with armed, violent groups like the Proud Boys, with sedition.

Second rioter who took selfie in Senate chamber pleads guilty in US Capitol attack

Police officers defending the US Capitol against an attack by Donald Trump's supporters might have quelled the violence sooner had their leadership not blocked them from using weapons like sting-ball grenades, a watchdog testified on Thursday.

Michael Bolton, the US Capitol Police inspector general, told the House of Representatives Administration Committee that such equipment, which releases dozens of small, stinging balls, "would have provided a better posture to repel the attacks."

But he testified that a Capitol Police assistant deputy chief decided that such non-lethal grenades and launchers, could have been deployed in an unsafe manner, causing serious injuries. Protesters during last summer's anti-racism demonstrations were injured by such weapons.

Bolton said better training would have been the remedy to that concern.

Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren said investigators found that riot shields were locked in a bus too far away from police officers to quickly gain access to them during the Jan. 6 attack, forcing officers to face a violent, unruly mob with inadequate protective equipment.

Former President Donald Trump and some of his fellow Republicans have tried to downplay the attack, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt Congress' certification of Joe Biden's presidential election victory.

Five people, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, died in the violence, and many more officers suffered injuries. Lawmakers were forced to huddle in secure rooms while law enforcement battled the rioters.

Bolton also testified that police standard operating procedures were not followed and those officer training deficiencies contributed to rioters being able to breach security and storm their way through the iconic Capitol.

Republican Representative Bryan Steil asked Bolton whether past years' inspector general recommendations for improvements in intelligence operations and other areas were implemented.

Bolton replied that in some cases they were, but subsequently they sometimes "slid off."

He added that a recommendation that USCP officers receive security clearances so that they could receive detailed intelligence information -- allowing them to react to threats in a more nimble way -- were not implemented.

Bolton's reports to Congress found the Capitol Police Civil Disturbance Unit was operating on Jan. 6 "at a decreased level of readiness" and that the department needed to improve its management of weapons, ammunition and riot shields.

Internal investigations led to detailed recommendations that the Capitol Police immediately improve its intelligence operations and beef up the readiness of the civil disturbances unit.

Police officers defending the US Capitol against an attack by Donald Trump's supporters might have quelled the violence sooner had their leadership not blocked them from using weapons like sting-ball grenades, a watchdog testified on Thursday.

Police officers defending the US Capitol against an attack by Donald Trump's supporters might have quelled the violence sooner had their leadership not blocked them from using weapons like sting-ball grenades, a watchdog testified on Thursday. Michael Bolton, the US Capitol Police inspector general, told the House of Representatives Administration Committee that such equipment, which releases dozens of small, stinging balls, "would have provided a better posture to repel the attacks." But he testified that a Capitol Police assistant deputy chief decided that such non-lethal grenades and launchers, could have been deployed in an unsafe manner, causing serious injuries. Protesters during last summer's anti-racism demonstrations were injured by such weapons. Bolton said better training would have been the remedy to that concern. Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren said investigators found that riot shields were locked in a bus too far away from police officers to quickly gain access to them during the Jan. 6 attack, forcing officers to face a violent, unruly mob with inadequate protective equipment. Former President Donald Trump and some of his fellow Republicans have tried to downplay the attack, when hundreds of his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt Congress' certification of Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Five people, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, died in the violence, and many more officers suffered injuries. Lawmakers were forced to huddle in secure rooms while law enforcement battled the rioters. Bolton also testified that police standard operating procedures were not followed and those officer training deficiencies contributed to rioters being able to breach security and storm their way through the iconic Capitol. Republican Representative Bryan Steil asked Bolton whether past years' inspector general recommendations for improvements in intelligence operations and other areas were implemented. Bolton replied that in some cases they were, but subsequently they sometimes "slid off." He added that a recommendation that USCP officers receive security clearances so that they could receive detailed intelligence information -- allowing them to react to threats in a more nimble way -- were not implemented. Bolton's reports to Congress found the Capitol Police Civil Disturbance Unit was operating on Jan. 6 "at a decreased level of readiness" and that the department needed to improve its management of weapons, ammunition and riot shields. Internal investigations led to detailed recommendations that the Capitol Police immediately improve its intelligence operations and beef up the readiness of the civil disturbances unit.

Capitol Police leaders didn't allow use of some key equipment during Jan 6 riot: Official

Protests erupt in Portland! Anti-racism protesters clash with police forces and right-wing groups

The Seattle Police Department declared a riot on Saturday and said that protesters threw rocks at officers and caused multiple fires and damage to businesses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administration-arrests-18-during-week-of-chaotic-portland-protests-315857">US administration arrests 18 during week of chaotic Portland protests</a>

The department took to Twitter to declare it a riot. It said: "Due to the ongoing damage and public safety risks associated with this incident, SPD is declaring it a riot."

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Police have made at least 3 arrests and continue to work to disperse large crowd on Capitol Hill. Earlier incident was determined to be a life-safety issue/declared a riot. Individuals continue to throw explosives and fire mortars at police. At least 2 officers have been injured.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeattlePD/status/1287182380592033792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Protesters gathered in huge numbers near downtown Seattle to begin a rally and a peaceful march against racial injustices. The purpose of the gathering was also to show solidarity to demonstrators in Portland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-agents-use-tear-gas-to-try-to-disperse-portland-protests-315919" hreflang="en">US federal agents use tear gas to try to disperse Portland protests</a>

There were no signs of law enforcements near the Seattle march, in the beginning, however, the police department tweeted that a dozen people breached the construction site for the King County youth detention facility. The Seattle Police Department also said that protesters broke out windows at a King County court facility.

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Crowd continuing to throw large rocks, bottles, fireworks and other explosives at officers. <a href="https://t.co/3gTGJUonUt">pic.twitter.com/3gTGJUonUt</a>
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeattlePD/status/1287190242240237569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Department of Homeland Security has dispatched a team of officers as a precautionary measure to contain protests during the weekend.&nbsp;

The clashes in Portland have further inflamed the nation's political tensions and triggered a crisis over the limits of federal power.

Thousands of people gathered in Portland streets hours after a judge denied Oregon's request to restrict federal agents' actions when they arrest people during protests that have roiled the city.

Among various organised groups, including Healthcare Workers Protest, Teachers against Tyrants, Lawyers for Black Lives and the "Wall of Moms," was Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who spoke to protesters outside the Justice Center.

The flow of tear gas caused protesters to disperse, some becoming sick as others remained towards the front of the courthouse with leaf blowers directing the gas back to the courthouse. Federal agents had leaf blowers of their own to counteract.

Portland has been rocked by nearly two months of demonstrations for racial equality and against police brutality, part of a movement that has swept the United States since the May 25 death of George Floyd, an African American, in the custody of Minneapolis police.

The Seattle Police Department declared a riot on Saturday and said that protesters threw rocks at officers and caused multiple fires and damage to businesses. Also read: US administration arrests 18 during week of chaotic Portland protests The department took to Twitter to declare it a riot.

The Seattle Police Department declared a riot on Saturday and said that protesters threw rocks at officers and caused multiple fires and damage to businesses. Also read: US administration arrests 18 during week of chaotic Portland protests The department took to Twitter to declare it a riot. It said: "Due to the ongoing damage and public safety risks associated with this incident, SPD is declaring it a riot." Police have made at least 3 arrests and continue to work to disperse large crowd on Capitol Hill. Earlier incident was determined to be a life-safety issue/declared a riot. Individuals continue to throw explosives and fire mortars at police. At least 2 officers have been injured. — Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020 × Protesters gathered in huge numbers near downtown Seattle to begin a rally and a peaceful march against racial injustices. The purpose of the gathering was also to show solidarity to demonstrators in Portland. Also read: US federal agents use tear gas to try to disperse Portland protests There were no signs of law enforcements near the Seattle march, in the beginning, however, the police department tweeted that a dozen people breached the construction site for the King County youth detention facility. The Seattle Police Department also said that protesters broke out windows at a King County court facility. Crowd continuing to throw large rocks, bottles, fireworks and other explosives at officers. pic.twitter.com/3gTGJUonUt — Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020 × The Department of Homeland Security has dispatched a team of officers as a precautionary measure to contain protests during the weekend. The clashes in Portland have further inflamed the nation's political tensions and triggered a crisis over the limits of federal power. Thousands of people gathered in Portland streets hours after a judge denied Oregon's request to restrict federal agents' actions when they arrest people during protests that have roiled the city. Among various organised groups, including Healthcare Workers Protest, Teachers against Tyrants, Lawyers for Black Lives and the "Wall of Moms," was Portland Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who spoke to protesters outside the Justice Center. The flow of tear gas caused protesters to disperse, some becoming sick as others remained towards the front of the courthouse with leaf blowers directing the gas back to the courthouse. Federal agents had leaf blowers of their own to counteract. Portland has been rocked by nearly two months of demonstrations for racial equality and against police brutality, part of a movement that has swept the United States since the May 25 death of George Floyd, an African American, in the custody of Minneapolis police.

Following multiple arrests, Seattle Police department declares Capitol Hill protest a 'riot'

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-avoidable-controversy-267862">Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA)</a> several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar &amp; West Bengal)&nbsp;of Northeast Frontier Railway&nbsp;will remain cancelled on Monday.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today.

The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cab-aftermath-northeast-india-hit-by-protests-1-dead-and-3-injured-267855">Protests </a>erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation.

The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/religious-persecution-violence-against-women-salient-features-of-pakistan-sindhi-american-activist-257729">Pakistan</a>, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-gives-nod-to-citizenship-amendment-bill-267991">assent </a>on November 12.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday.

Due to public agitation following the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, (CAA) several trains in the Katihar division (in parts of Bihar & West Bengal) of Northeast Frontier Railway will remain cancelled on Monday. The Chief Public Relations Officer, Eastern Railway, informed that the Shatabdi Express running from New Jalpaiguri to Howrah, and the Shatabdi Express from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri will remain cancelled today. The Coromandal Express from Howrah to Chennai, which was scheduled to leave Howrah today, was also cancelled. Protests erupted in several parts of the Northeast following the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Indian Army deployed 24 military columns in upper Assam and 12 military columns in lower Assam on Monday to control the situation. The Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed from Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with President Ram Nath Kovind giving his assent on November 12.

Several trains cancelled in West Bengal following protests against CAA

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-ends-sanction-waivers-for-fordow-nuclear-plant-in-iran-263035">Iranian</a> security forces' three members were allegedly stabbed to death by ''rioters'' near Tehran, AFP reported yesterday.

According to sources, the perpetrators had knives and machetes on them. They then proceeded to ambush a Revolutionary Guard and two members of the Basij militia, in the capital city.

A surprise 50 per cent hike in petrol price triggered strikes and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-guards-warn-protesters-of-decisive-action-if-unrest-continues-262988">violent demonstrations</a> all over Iran, after which five people have been killed by now.&nbsp;

The protests have subsided, an Iranian judiciary spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after the elite Revolutionary Guards warned of "decisive" action if anti-government protests do not cease.

One of the three was identified as Morteza Ebrahimi, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and father of a newborn child, according to Fars.

The other two were Majid Sheikhi, 22, and Mostafa Rezaie, 33. Both served in the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the establishment.

Watch: Iran hikes fuel price, angry protesters take to streets

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State television said a ceremony would be held for Ebrahimi and Rezaie in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon.

So far, 1000 rioters have been arrested by the security forces

"Calm has been restored in the country," Iran's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told a news conference.

Hundreds of young and working-class <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-developed-vast-influence-in-iraq-spy-agency-leaks-say-262919">Iranians expressed their anger</a> at squeezed living standards, state corruption and a deepening gap between rich and poor.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Iranian security forces' three members were allegedly stabbed to death by ''rioters'' near Tehran, AFP reported yesterday. According to sources, the perpetrators had knives and machetes on them.

Iranian security forces' three members were allegedly stabbed to death by ''rioters'' near Tehran, AFP reported yesterday. According to sources, the perpetrators had knives and machetes on them. They then proceeded to ambush a Revolutionary Guard and two members of the Basij militia, in the capital city. A surprise 50 per cent hike in petrol price triggered strikes and violent demonstrations all over Iran, after which five people have been killed by now. The protests have subsided, an Iranian judiciary spokesman said on Tuesday, a day after the elite Revolutionary Guards warned of "decisive" action if anti-government protests do not cease. One of the three was identified as Morteza Ebrahimi, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and father of a newborn child, according to Fars. The other two were Majid Sheikhi, 22, and Mostafa Rezaie, 33. Both served in the Basij militia, a volunteer force loyal to the establishment. Watch: Iran hikes fuel price, angry protesters take to streets State television said a ceremony would be held for Ebrahimi and Rezaie in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon. So far, 1000 rioters have been arrested by the security forces "Calm has been restored in the country," Iran's judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili told a news conference. Hundreds of young and working-class Iranians expressed their anger at squeezed living standards, state corruption and a deepening gap between rich and poor. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Iran claims peace has been reinstated after three security personnel were killed by 'rioters'

South Africa promised on Thursday to tackle the prejudice fuelling a wave of deadly riots and xenophobic attacks, as international anger over the violence overshadowed a pan-African economic conference in Cape Town.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said at least ten people had been killed during the past week, of whom two were foreigners.

"Our country has been deeply traumatised ...by acts of violence and criminality," he said in a televised address. "There can be no excuse for attacks on homes and businesses of foreign nationals ... (or) xenophobia."

Ramaphosa had hoped the three-day World Economic Forum would serve as a shop window for his efforts to revive South Africa's ailing economy and boost intra-African trade.

But the violence, which has also led to hundreds of arrests and which government officials had until now largely blamed on criminals, has all but eclipsed those proceedings.

While the foreign victims' nationalities have not been made public, the rioting - and reprisal attacks - have above all exposed tensions between the host country and Nigeria, the continent's two biggest economies.

On Thursday Jim Ovia, chairman of Nigeria's Zenith Bank and a co-chair of the whole Cape Town event, withdrew, citing the "hypersensitivity of the issues surrounding the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa."

Nigeria, whose vice president had boycotted the summit on Wednesday, also recalled its High Commissioner to South Africa.

Earlier in the day, Ramaphosa cancelled a scheduled appearance at a WEF plenary session to address a crowd protesting for a second day about violence against women.

He did address the summit in the afternoon but, flanked by several other African presidents, did not mention the anti-immigrant attacks, highlighting instead the need to root out corruption and strengthen institutions.

Walking out of a less than half-filled conference hall, he declined to be drawn on the impact of Nigeria's withdrawal as his security detail closed ranks and whisked him away.

Summit attendee Peter Attard Montalto, head of capital markets research at financial services research firm Intellidex, said that while private sector participation had been good, the government side "feels like a wasteland."

"That is obviously partly a function of the reaction to the xenophobic violence, but even the original guest list was not that big."

Earlier, on the sidelines of the conference, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor acknowledged some of the rioting was being driven by "Afrophobia" - resentment of other Africans living and working there.

The government was working to restore calm and was in constant contact with Nigerian authorities. It would also look at school curricula to tackle "problematic attitudes", she said.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni told the conference that politicians were partly responsible. "We have to go to our people politically to discuss what some of them are doing is wrong."

Riots, deaths

The riots began eight days ago in Pretoria before spreading to nearby Johannesburg. Both cities, in Gauteng province, have large immigrant populations.

Police on Thursday reported 15 associated deaths since then, of which Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela confirmed seven were directly linked to the violence. Police had also made 423 arrests. Asked about the victims' nationalities, he said that "has been taken to the pathologist."

South Africa also felt the brunt of reactions from abroad.

Tanzania's national carrier suspended flights from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg, citing ongoing violence it said was a risk to its passengers.

South African soccer authorities said they had called off an international scheduled for Saturday against Madagascar after the visitors withdrew from the match.

In neighbouring eSwatini, the National Agricultural Marketing Board said trucks that normally carry farm produce south across the border were standing idle after advice from Pretoria counterparts that it was not safe to travel.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that things will normalise by next week," said NAMBoard Agribusiness Manager Tammy Dlamini.

Official data on Thursday pointed to lingering economic weakness.

South Africa's trade balance swung to a deficit in the second quarter, while the current account deficit widened.

The economy grew more than forecast in the same period but it had contracted sharply in the previous three months, and the heads of two local financial firms said on Thursday that a meaningful recovery was years away.

South Africa promised on Thursday to tackle the prejudice fuelling a wave of deadly riots and xenophobic attacks, as international anger over the violence overshadowed a pan-African economic conference in Cape Town.

South Africa promised on Thursday to tackle the prejudice fuelling a wave of deadly riots and xenophobic attacks, as international anger over the violence overshadowed a pan-African economic conference in Cape Town. President Cyril Ramaphosa said at least ten people had been killed during the past week, of whom two were foreigners. "Our country has been deeply traumatised ...by acts of violence and criminality," he said in a televised address. "There can be no excuse for attacks on homes and businesses of foreign nationals ... (or) xenophobia." Ramaphosa had hoped the three-day World Economic Forum would serve as a shop window for his efforts to revive South Africa's ailing economy and boost intra-African trade. But the violence, which has also led to hundreds of arrests and which government officials had until now largely blamed on criminals, has all but eclipsed those proceedings. While the foreign victims' nationalities have not been made public, the rioting - and reprisal attacks - have above all exposed tensions between the host country and Nigeria, the continent's two biggest economies. On Thursday Jim Ovia, chairman of Nigeria's Zenith Bank and a co-chair of the whole Cape Town event, withdrew, citing the "hypersensitivity of the issues surrounding the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa." Nigeria, whose vice president had boycotted the summit on Wednesday, also recalled its High Commissioner to South Africa. Earlier in the day, Ramaphosa cancelled a scheduled appearance at a WEF plenary session to address a crowd protesting for a second day about violence against women. He did address the summit in the afternoon but, flanked by several other African presidents, did not mention the anti-immigrant attacks, highlighting instead the need to root out corruption and strengthen institutions. Walking out of a less than half-filled conference hall, he declined to be drawn on the impact of Nigeria's withdrawal as his security detail closed ranks and whisked him away. Summit attendee Peter Attard Montalto, head of capital markets research at financial services research firm Intellidex, said that while private sector participation had been good, the government side "feels like a wasteland." "That is obviously partly a function of the reaction to the xenophobic violence, but even the original guest list was not that big." Earlier, on the sidelines of the conference, Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor acknowledged some of the rioting was being driven by "Afrophobia" - resentment of other Africans living and working there. The government was working to restore calm and was in constant contact with Nigerian authorities. It would also look at school curricula to tackle "problematic attitudes", she said. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni told the conference that politicians were partly responsible. "We have to go to our people politically to discuss what some of them are doing is wrong." Riots, deaths The riots began eight days ago in Pretoria before spreading to nearby Johannesburg. Both cities, in Gauteng province, have large immigrant populations. Police on Thursday reported 15 associated deaths since then, of which Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela confirmed seven were directly linked to the violence. Police had also made 423 arrests. Asked about the victims' nationalities, he said that "has been taken to the pathologist." South Africa also felt the brunt of reactions from abroad. Tanzania's national carrier suspended flights from Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg, citing ongoing violence it said was a risk to its passengers. South African soccer authorities said they had called off an international scheduled for Saturday against Madagascar after the visitors withdrew from the match. In neighbouring eSwatini, the National Agricultural Marketing Board said trucks that normally carry farm produce south across the border were standing idle after advice from Pretoria counterparts that it was not safe to travel. "We are keeping our fingers crossed that things will normalise by next week," said NAMBoard Agribusiness Manager Tammy Dlamini. Official data on Thursday pointed to lingering economic weakness. South Africa's trade balance swung to a deficit in the second quarter, while the current account deficit widened. The economy grew more than forecast in the same period but it had contracted sharply in the previous three months, and the heads of two local financial firms said on Thursday that a meaningful recovery was years away.

South Africa tries to contain 'Afrophobia' fallout as riots upstage summit

Three people were killed and at least 10 injured in riots Saturday night before a football match between rival teams after suspected fans attacked a bus carrying one of the two teams to the game, wounding three players, officials and the team said.

Fans of the Olimpia and Motagua football teams, bitter local opponents, rioted outside Tegucigalpa’s National Stadium after a crowd of people believed to be rival supporters intercepted and vandalized a bus transporting Motagua players, police said.

“Three people died and seven were shot and stabbed. One of them is a boy. Three of the injured adults are in critical condition,” Laura Schoenherr, a spokeswoman for the state University School Hospital, told Reuters.

The riot broke out after crowds threw stones at the bus carrying members of the Motagua team, sending shards of window glass at the players inside, according to the Motagua club, which blamed members of the Ultra-Faithful Olimpia fan club.

“This has to be severely sanctioned by the corresponding authorities,” the Motagua club said in a tweet. “Reprehensible and lamentable,” it added in another tweet.

Three of the players - Emilio Izaguirre, Roberto Moreira, and Jonathan Rougier - were transferred to a hospital with facial wounds, the Motagua club said.&nbsp;

Accompanying video purported to show players in blue uniforms standing in the still-moving bus beside smashed windows and a glass bottle rolling on a seat. “A rock! A rock! There! There!” someone shouts as a siren blares.

A statement from the Ministry of Security confirmed the bus attack and said its perpetrators wore the uniforms of the rival Olimpia team. The ministry added in the statement that it had set up “five rings of security” ahead of the game.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-players-at-greater-risk-of-premature-death-than-baseball-players-study-221388">The National Football League</a> suspended the game after the incident. It had expected some 20,000 fans to attend.

The president of the Olympia club, Rafael Villeda, told the local press that he would meet with the leadership of the National League and Motagua to decide on the future of the game.

Three people were killed and at least 10 injured in riots Saturday night before a football match between rival teams after suspected fans attacked a bus carrying one of the two teams to the game, wounding three players, officials and the team said.

Three people were killed and at least 10 injured in riots Saturday night before a football match between rival teams after suspected fans attacked a bus carrying one of the two teams to the game, wounding three players, officials and the team said. Fans of the Olimpia and Motagua football teams, bitter local opponents, rioted outside Tegucigalpa’s National Stadium after a crowd of people believed to be rival supporters intercepted and vandalized a bus transporting Motagua players, police said. “Three people died and seven were shot and stabbed. One of them is a boy. Three of the injured adults are in critical condition,” Laura Schoenherr, a spokeswoman for the state University School Hospital, told Reuters. The riot broke out after crowds threw stones at the bus carrying members of the Motagua team, sending shards of window glass at the players inside, according to the Motagua club, which blamed members of the Ultra-Faithful Olimpia fan club. “This has to be severely sanctioned by the corresponding authorities,” the Motagua club said in a tweet. “Reprehensible and lamentable,” it added in another tweet. Three of the players - Emilio Izaguirre, Roberto Moreira, and Jonathan Rougier - were transferred to a hospital with facial wounds, the Motagua club said. Accompanying video purported to show players in blue uniforms standing in the still-moving bus beside smashed windows and a glass bottle rolling on a seat. “A rock! A rock! There! There!” someone shouts as a siren blares. A statement from the Ministry of Security confirmed the bus attack and said its perpetrators wore the uniforms of the rival Olimpia team. The ministry added in the statement that it had set up “five rings of security” ahead of the game. The National Football League suspended the game after the incident. It had expected some 20,000 fans to attend. The president of the Olympia club, Rafael Villeda, told the local press that he would meet with the leadership of the National League and Motagua to decide on the future of the game.

The old grudge between Honduras football fans sparks a riot that kills three

Rioting continued in the streets of Buenos Aires after the second leg of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/libertadores-final-postponed-after-boca-bus-attacked-players-hurt-179328">Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors</a> was delayed on Saturday (November 24).

The delay was announced after Boca players were hurt when their bus was attacked on its way into the stadium, organizers said.

Some reports said Argentine police fired tear gas at River fans who were throwing missiles at the Boca bus and the gas got into the vehicle while others reported that the damage was caused by River fans.

Boca officials told reporters some of their players were not fit to play in the match.

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Clarin said six players had vomited in the dressing-room after gas drifted into bus windows smashed by River fans outside the stadium.

Boca and River drew the first leg 2-2 on November 11.

The incident comes three years after a Copa Libertadores last-16 tie between the same teams was abandoned at halftime after Boca fans attacked the River players with pepper spray in the tunnel.

River were given a bye into the quarter-finals and Boca were kicked out the competition.

Rioting continued in the streets of Buenos Aires after the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors was delayed on Saturday (November 24).

Rioting continued in the streets of Buenos Aires after the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors was delayed on Saturday (November 24). The delay was announced after Boca players were hurt when their bus was attacked on its way into the stadium, organizers said. Some reports said Argentine police fired tear gas at River fans who were throwing missiles at the Boca bus and the gas got into the vehicle while others reported that the damage was caused by River fans. Boca officials told reporters some of their players were not fit to play in the match. × Clarin said six players had vomited in the dressing-room after gas drifted into bus windows smashed by River fans outside the stadium. Boca and River drew the first leg 2-2 on November 11. The incident comes three years after a Copa Libertadores last-16 tie between the same teams was abandoned at halftime after Boca fans attacked the River players with pepper spray in the tunnel. River were given a bye into the quarter-finals and Boca were kicked out the competition.

Riots break out in Argentina after Boca Juniors bus is attacked

A prison riot in northern Venezuela left at least 11 people dead, an NGO said Friday, days ahead of presidential elections in the crisis-hit country.

"There was an uprising resulting in 11 deaths, including two guards and nine prisoners," and 28 wounded on Thursday, Carlos Nieto, the director of prisoners' rights group A Window on Freedom, told AFP.

A group of inmates in the prison in the town of Irribarren snatched the gun from a guard, sparking a 20-minute shootout, the NGO said, quoting family members of the victims.

Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed.

The riot came after 68 prisoners died in a fire in a police station's jail in the northern city of Valencia in March.

The fire was started by the detainees to force the guards to unlock the cells in a bid to escape.

Last month, five police officials were charged with homicide over the fire, one of the deadliest in Venezuela's long history of prison disasters.

The South American country's prisons suffer from dire overcrowding and a shortage of basic supplies, struggling under the deepening economic crisis that is gripping the once-wealthy oil-producing country.

Socialist President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a second six-year term in a controversial election on Sunday that is being boycotted by the opposition.

Maduro is the clear favorite, despite trailing in opinion polls to his main rival Henri Falcon, and a low approval rating among Venezuelans fed up with hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, rising crime and broken water, power and transportation networks.

Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed

A prison riot in northern Venezuela left at least 11 people dead, an NGO said Friday, days ahead of presidential elections in the crisis-hit country. "There was an uprising resulting in 11 deaths, including two guards and nine prisoners," and 28 wounded on Thursday, Carlos Nieto, the director of prisoners' rights group A Window on Freedom, told AFP. A group of inmates in the prison in the town of Irribarren snatched the gun from a guard, sparking a 20-minute shootout, the NGO said, quoting family members of the victims. Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed. The riot came after 68 prisoners died in a fire in a police station's jail in the northern city of Valencia in March. The fire was started by the detainees to force the guards to unlock the cells in a bid to escape. Last month, five police officials were charged with homicide over the fire, one of the deadliest in Venezuela's long history of prison disasters. The South American country's prisons suffer from dire overcrowding and a shortage of basic supplies, struggling under the deepening economic crisis that is gripping the once-wealthy oil-producing country. Socialist President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a second six-year term in a controversial election on Sunday that is being boycotted by the opposition. Maduro is the clear favorite, despite trailing in opinion polls to his main rival Henri Falcon, and a low approval rating among Venezuelans fed up with hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, rising crime and broken water, power and transportation networks.

Riot in Venezuela prison leaves 11 dead: Report

Nine inmates were killed, 14 were injured, and dozens escaped in a prison riot on Monday, national news media reported, in the latest example of Brazil&#39;s continuing difficulties maintaining control over its notoriously violent penal system.

According to newspaper O Estado de S&atilde;o Paulo, 106 prisoners escaped the prison in the city of Goi&acirc;nia, near the capital of Brasilia. Authorities recaptured 27 of the escapees, but the rest remained at large.

One of the nine killed in the mayhem was decapitated, news media reported, sparking memories of a prison riot that occurred one year ago today in the Amazon in which 56 people died, several of whom were decapitated and thrown over prison walls.

That riot, which was rooted in a long-standing gang rivalry, came at the beginning of a January marred by widespread prison violence, with 130 prisoners dying in the first 20 days of 2017.

Brazil&#39;s prisons, which suffer endemic violence, are often severely overcrowded. Rights group call prison conditions medieval, with food scarce and cells often so packed inmates have no space to lie down.

In comments on Monday to newspaper Folha de S&atilde;o Paulo, the head of Brazil&#39;s prison guard union, Jorimar Bastos, criticized the amount of resources allocated for oversight at the Goi&acirc;nia prison, saying only five guards were assigned to watch over 900 prisoners.

One of the nine killed in the mayhem was decapitated, sparking memories of a prison riot that occurred one year ago today in the Amazon in which 56 people died, several of whom were decapitated and thrown over prison walls

Nine inmates were killed, 14 were injured, and dozens escaped in a prison riot on Monday, national news media reported, in the latest example of Brazil's continuing difficulties maintaining control over its notoriously violent penal system. According to newspaper O Estado de São Paulo, 106 prisoners escaped the prison in the city of Goiânia, near the capital of Brasilia. Authorities recaptured 27 of the escapees, but the rest remained at large. One of the nine killed in the mayhem was decapitated, news media reported, sparking memories of a prison riot that occurred one year ago today in the Amazon in which 56 people died, several of whom were decapitated and thrown over prison walls. That riot, which was rooted in a long-standing gang rivalry, came at the beginning of a January marred by widespread prison violence, with 130 prisoners dying in the first 20 days of 2017. Brazil's prisons, which suffer endemic violence, are often severely overcrowded. Rights group call prison conditions medieval, with food scarce and cells often so packed inmates have no space to lie down. In comments on Monday to newspaper Folha de São Paulo, the head of Brazil's prison guard union, Jorimar Bastos, criticized the amount of resources allocated for oversight at the Goiânia prison, saying only five guards were assigned to watch over 900 prisoners.

Nine dead in latest outbreak of Brazilian prison violence

More than 80 people were arrested on Sunday (September 17) night as protests in St. Louis over the acquittal of a white policeman who had shot a black man turned violent for a third night running.

Police in riot gear used pepper spray and arrested the demonstrators who had defied orders to disperse following a larger, peaceful protest.

After nightfall, a small group remained and the scene turned to one of disorder, following the pattern of Friday and Saturday. Protesters smashed windows and attempted to block a ramp to an interstate highway, police and witnesses said. Officers tackled some protesters who defied police orders and used pepper spray before starting the mass arrests.

The protests in St. Louis followed the acquittal on Friday of former police officer Jason Stockley, 36, of first-degree murder in the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith, 24. Smith was shot in his car after Stockley and his partner chased him following what authorities said was a drug deal. Prosecutors argued that Stockley planted a weapon in Smith&#39;s car, but the judge believed the gun belonged to Smith.

Police in riot gear used pepper spray and arrested the demonstrators who had defied orders to disperse following a larger, peaceful protest.

More than 80 people were arrested on Sunday (September 17) night as protests in St. Louis over the acquittal of a white policeman who had shot a black man turned violent for a third night running. Police in riot gear used pepper spray and arrested the demonstrators who had defied orders to disperse following a larger, peaceful protest. After nightfall, a small group remained and the scene turned to one of disorder, following the pattern of Friday and Saturday. Protesters smashed windows and attempted to block a ramp to an interstate highway, police and witnesses said. Officers tackled some protesters who defied police orders and used pepper spray before starting the mass arrests. The protests in St. Louis followed the acquittal on Friday of former police officer Jason Stockley, 36, of first-degree murder in the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Lamar Smith, 24. Smith was shot in his car after Stockley and his partner chased him following what authorities said was a drug deal. Prosecutors argued that Stockley planted a weapon in Smith's car, but the judge believed the gun belonged to Smith.

US: Over 80 arrested as riot police break up St. Louis protest

Rio&#39;s top security official vowed yesterday to review security for the Olympic torch after rioting protesters blocked the relay ceremony and apparently extinguished the flame. 
 
The violent clashes on late Wednesday in Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort south of Rio, cast a shadow over final preparations for South America`s first Olympics, which start August 5. 
 
In another worry for organisers, Rio metro employees threatened yesterday to go on strike on the eve of the Games if they do not get a 9.83 per cent salary raise, raising the possibility of transport chaos for some 500,000 tourists expected to attend.&nbsp;Rio de Janeiro state security secretary Jose Mariano Beltrame said that policing during the torch relay - which will have visited more than 300 Brazilian cities by the time of the opening ceremony in Rio`s Maracana stadium - needs improving. 
 
&quot;There has never been a problem,&quot; he was quoted as saying by G1 news site. &quot;Yesterday there was one. This needs to be reevaluated and we will be paying more attention to this question.&quot; 
 
&quot;Extinguishing the torch is a crime,&quot; he warned.The crowd, protesting a lack of public transport and the late payment of salaries by the nearly bankrupt Rio state, attacked the procession in Angra dos Reis before being driven off by police using tear gas and rubber bullets. 
 
In footage of the clashes shared online and on Globo television, someone can be heard shouting triumphantly: &quot;The torch has been put out!&quot; as the torch bearer, carrying an unlit torch, is hustled into the safety of a bus. 
 
The Rio organising committee said in a statement that the torch relay &quot;had to be temporarily interrupted&quot;.&nbsp;However, &quot;out of consideration to the inhabitants of the city who wanted to attend the relay,&quot; it was restarted at the next stage &quot;after an evaluation by the security team.&quot; 
 
Organisers portray the torch`s nationwide journey as a chance to ignite public enthusiasm for the Olympics.&nbsp;But repeated security incidents have turned the torch into a symbol of organisational glitches and social discontent. 
 
Highlight reels of torch mishaps have gone viral online, including several attempts to extinguish the flame, runners falling over, a police motorbike crashing into the parade, a man attempting to seize the torch, and political protests. 
 
In June, a rare, captive jaguar - the same animal chosen as Brazil`s Olympic mascot - was shot dead after escaping handlers at a torch ceremony.There was better news for Rio organizers in the arrival overnight of Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, who hopes to defend his multiple gold medals. 
 
Wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes, sunglasses and headphones, Bolt was in a hurry to leave the airport. &quot;I didn`t sleep on the flight,&quot; he told a welcoming committee of journalists and officials. 
 
A more controversial set of arrivals were expected later in the day, with some 70 Russian athletes due to arrive in the early evening, their team slashed by bans in a scandal over state-sponsored doping. 
 
Rio organizers were also still racing to complete emergency repairs to the athletes` Village, where some 19,000 team members will live. 
 
Half of the buildings had problems ranging from blocked toilets to faulty wiring when teams began moving in over the weekend. 
 
Although these glitches were expected to be ironed out by the end of yesterday, new controversy was brewing over allegations by government labor inspectors that the approximately 600 workers are being made to work nearly around the clock without legal contracts. Meanwhile, officials said that a Brazilian man was arrested at his home in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro state, on terrorism charges. However, no details of the allegations were given. 
 
The justice department said the indictment against Chaer Kalaun, 28, a Brazilian of Lebanese descent, was sealed, but had been filed under anti-terrorism laws. 
 
His lawyer, Edson Ferreira, said the allegations lacked substance.&nbsp;&quot;There`s nothing more than suspicions that he put posts on Facebook,&quot; the lawyer said.&nbsp;&quot;He did not pledge allegiance, he was not recruiting, or bringing people or collaborating or encouraging any projects of the Islamic State.&quot; 
 
Ferreira said his client is a Muslim and lived in Lebanon when he was an adolescent. 
 
Unconfirmed Brazilian media reports said police suspect Kalaun of recruiting for extremist organisations in Brazil. He was also arrested during the 2014 World Cup on charges of illegal firearms possession. 
 
The arrest came a week after 12 other Brazilian men were arrested for allegedly trying to form a terrorism cell. Officials downplayed the seriousness of the group, calling them &quot;amateur&quot; and &quot;disorganised.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

The crowd protested late payment of salaries by the Rio state. Employees also threatened metro strike for a 9.83% salary raise yesterday

Rio's top security official vowed yesterday to review security for the Olympic torch after rioting protesters blocked the relay ceremony and apparently extinguished the flame. The violent clashes on late Wednesday in Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort south of Rio, cast a shadow over final preparations for South America`s first Olympics, which start August 5. In another worry for organisers, Rio metro employees threatened yesterday to go on strike on the eve of the Games if they do not get a 9.83 per cent salary raise, raising the possibility of transport chaos for some 500,000 tourists expected to attend. Rio de Janeiro state security secretary Jose Mariano Beltrame said that policing during the torch relay - which will have visited more than 300 Brazilian cities by the time of the opening ceremony in Rio`s Maracana stadium - needs improving. "There has never been a problem," he was quoted as saying by G1 news site. "Yesterday there was one. This needs to be reevaluated and we will be paying more attention to this question." "Extinguishing the torch is a crime," he warned.The crowd, protesting a lack of public transport and the late payment of salaries by the nearly bankrupt Rio state, attacked the procession in Angra dos Reis before being driven off by police using tear gas and rubber bullets. In footage of the clashes shared online and on Globo television, someone can be heard shouting triumphantly: "The torch has been put out!" as the torch bearer, carrying an unlit torch, is hustled into the safety of a bus. The Rio organising committee said in a statement that the torch relay "had to be temporarily interrupted". However, "out of consideration to the inhabitants of the city who wanted to attend the relay," it was restarted at the next stage "after an evaluation by the security team." Organisers portray the torch`s nationwide journey as a chance to ignite public enthusiasm for the Olympics. But repeated security incidents have turned the torch into a symbol of organisational glitches and social discontent. Highlight reels of torch mishaps have gone viral online, including several attempts to extinguish the flame, runners falling over, a police motorbike crashing into the parade, a man attempting to seize the torch, and political protests. In June, a rare, captive jaguar - the same animal chosen as Brazil`s Olympic mascot - was shot dead after escaping handlers at a torch ceremony.There was better news for Rio organizers in the arrival overnight of Jamaican sprinting superstar Usain Bolt, who hopes to defend his multiple gold medals. Wearing a black tracksuit with white stripes, sunglasses and headphones, Bolt was in a hurry to leave the airport. "I didn`t sleep on the flight," he told a welcoming committee of journalists and officials. A more controversial set of arrivals were expected later in the day, with some 70 Russian athletes due to arrive in the early evening, their team slashed by bans in a scandal over state-sponsored doping. Rio organizers were also still racing to complete emergency repairs to the athletes` Village, where some 19,000 team members will live. Half of the buildings had problems ranging from blocked toilets to faulty wiring when teams began moving in over the weekend. Although these glitches were expected to be ironed out by the end of yesterday, new controversy was brewing over allegations by government labor inspectors that the approximately 600 workers are being made to work nearly around the clock without legal contracts. Meanwhile, officials said that a Brazilian man was arrested at his home in Nova Iguacu, in Rio de Janeiro state, on terrorism charges. However, no details of the allegations were given. The justice department said the indictment against Chaer Kalaun, 28, a Brazilian of Lebanese descent, was sealed, but had been filed under anti-terrorism laws. His lawyer, Edson Ferreira, said the allegations lacked substance. "There`s nothing more than suspicions that he put posts on Facebook," the lawyer said. "He did not pledge allegiance, he was not recruiting, or bringing people or collaborating or encouraging any projects of the Islamic State." Ferreira said his client is a Muslim and lived in Lebanon when he was an adolescent. Unconfirmed Brazilian media reports said police suspect Kalaun of recruiting for extremist organisations in Brazil. He was also arrested during the 2014 World Cup on charges of illegal firearms possession. The arrest came a week after 12 other Brazilian men were arrested for allegedly trying to form a terrorism cell. Officials downplayed the seriousness of the group, calling them "amateur" and "disorganised." (AFP)

Brazil reviews Olympic torch security after protesters extinguish flame

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