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<p>Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said on Thursday (Feb 22) that foreign ministers of G20 countries were nearly unanimous in supporting a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Vieira was speaking at the end of the two-day meeting of the foreign ministers.</p>

<p>"There was virtual unanimity in the two-state solution as the only solution to the conflict," said Mauro Vieira as quoted by Reuters. He further said that leaders of the world's largest economies expressed concerns about the ongoing Gaza conflict and the risk of the spread of hostilities into the wider Middle East region.</p>

<p>Vieira said that there were calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gazans. He also added that 'many' countries were critical of Israel's military offensive in Rafah.</p>

<p>Rafah is a city in southern Gaza where people from the northern part of the Palestinian enclave were coming in order to escape fighting in the north. But now, Israel has launched strikes on Rafah, drawing condemnation from the global community.</p>

<p>The meeting, which set the agenda for the G20 group presided over by Brazil this year, discussed current tensions in the world, mainly focused on the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine.</p>

<p>European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said earlier that there was consensus on the need for a two-state solution in Israel, supported by every speaker who addressed the conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-israel-seeking-palestinians-to-manage-civilian-affairs-in-gaza-strip-692805">Israel-Hamas war: Tel Aviv seeking Palestinians to manage civilian affairs in Gaza Strip</a></strong></p>

<p>"Everybody here, everybody, I haven't heard anyone against it. There was a strong request for a two-state solution," Borrell told reporters. "It is consensus among us."</p>

<p>"There is not going to be peace ... not going to be sustainable security for Israel unless the Palestinians have a clear political prospect to build their own state," he said.</p>

<p>Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu largely rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. The United States, Israel's biggest international backer, also maintains that a two-state solution is the feasible way to bring sustainable peace to the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said on Thursday (Feb 22) that foreign ministers of G20 countries were nearly unanimous in supporting a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said on Thursday (Feb 22) that foreign ministers of G20 countries were nearly unanimous in supporting a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Vieira was speaking at the end of the two-day meeting of the foreign ministers. "There was virtual unanimity in the two-state solution as the only solution to the conflict," said Mauro Vieira as quoted by Reuters. He further said that leaders of the world's largest economies expressed concerns about the ongoing Gaza conflict and the risk of the spread of hostilities into the wider Middle East region. Vieira said that there were calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gazans. He also added that 'many' countries were critical of Israel's military offensive in Rafah. Rafah is a city in southern Gaza where people from the northern part of the Palestinian enclave were coming in order to escape fighting in the north. But now, Israel has launched strikes on Rafah, drawing condemnation from the global community. The meeting, which set the agenda for the G20 group presided over by Brazil this year, discussed current tensions in the world, mainly focused on the fighting in Gaza and Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said earlier that there was consensus on the need for a two-state solution in Israel, supported by every speaker who addressed the conflict. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Tel Aviv seeking Palestinians to manage civilian affairs in Gaza Strip "Everybody here, everybody, I haven't heard anyone against it. There was a strong request for a two-state solution," Borrell told reporters. "It is consensus among us." "There is not going to be peace ... not going to be sustainable security for Israel unless the Palestinians have a clear political prospect to build their own state," he said. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu largely rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. The United States, Israel's biggest international backer, also maintains that a two-state solution is the feasible way to bring sustainable peace to the region. (With inputs from agencies)

G20 agrees two-state solution the only way to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict, says Brazil

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<p>A Taekwondo instructor in Australia's Sydney has been charged with three counts of murder for killing a seven-year-old student and his parents. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 22), police said that 49-year-old Kwang Kyung Yoo strangled his student and the boy’s mother to death at his Lion’s Taekwondo and Martial Arts Academy in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said that Yoo allegedly drove his student's mother's car to the family home where he fatally stabbed her husband Steven Cho. Yoo then drove himself to a hospital where he told medical staff and police he had been attacked in a supermarket car park.&nbsp;The Taekwondo instructor was later discharged from the hospital after medical aid.</p>

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<p>The report said that lawyers for Yoo appeared on his behalf in the Parramatta Local Court hearing but did not apply for the 49-year-old man to be released on bail or enter any plea to the charges.</p>

<h2><strong>Motive of crime not yet disclosed</strong></h2>

<p>The police have not yet disclosed the motive of the triple murders. It is also not known whether&nbsp;Yoo was injured in a struggle or if the wounds were self-inflicted. The man's only connections to family made public so far were that all four are from South Korea. The seven-year-old boy was a regular student at the academy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yoo&nbsp;must remain in custody either under police guard in the hospital or in prison until his case is due back in court on April 18. He is expected to appear on the next court date (April 18) via video link.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In New South Wales, the maximum penalty for a person convicted of murder in the state is life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 20 years for the murder of an adult and 25 years for the murder of a child.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Taekwondo instructor in Australia's Sydney has been charged with three counts of murder for killing a seven-year-old student and his parents. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 22), police said that 49-year-old Kwang Kyung Yoo strangled his student and the boy’s mother to death at his Lion’s Taekwondo and Martial Arts Academy in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, on Monday.

A Taekwondo instructor in Australia's Sydney has been charged with three counts of murder for killing a seven-year-old student and his parents. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 22), police said that 49-year-old Kwang Kyung Yoo strangled his student and the boy’s mother to death at his Lion’s Taekwondo and Martial Arts Academy in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, on Monday. Police said that Yoo allegedly drove his student's mother's car to the family home where he fatally stabbed her husband Steven Cho. Yoo then drove himself to a hospital where he told medical staff and police he had been attacked in a supermarket car park. The Taekwondo instructor was later discharged from the hospital after medical aid. Also read | Man in Australia jams batteries into his penis for 'sexual gratification', leaves doctors baffled The report said that lawyers for Yoo appeared on his behalf in the Parramatta Local Court hearing but did not apply for the 49-year-old man to be released on bail or enter any plea to the charges. Motive of crime not yet disclosed The police have not yet disclosed the motive of the triple murders. It is also not known whether Yoo was injured in a struggle or if the wounds were self-inflicted. The man's only connections to family made public so far were that all four are from South Korea. The seven-year-old boy was a regular student at the academy. Yoo must remain in custody either under police guard in the hospital or in prison until his case is due back in court on April 18. He is expected to appear on the next court date (April 18) via video link. In New South Wales, the maximum penalty for a person convicted of murder in the state is life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 20 years for the murder of an adult and 25 years for the murder of a child. (With inputs from agencies)

Taekwondo instructor in Australia's Sydney charged for killing student, his family

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<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a post-war plan for Gaza, which according to the Israeli media reports foresees local Palestine officials without any links to Hamas or its international confederates governing the territory.</p>

<p>In the first official proposal that Netanyahu submitted to his security cabinet late on Thursday (Feb 22), the document sees the Israeli army persisting in its war on Hamas until it achieves key goals.</p>

<p>These include dismantling Hamas and Islamic Jihad and safeguarding the release of all hostages that are held captive in Gaza.</p>

<p>After the war comes to an end, Gaza's civil affairs would be run by "local officials with administrative experience" who are "not linked to countries or entities that support terrorism", the Times of Israel newspaper reported citing key elements of Netanyahu's plan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-israel-seeking-palestinians-to-manage-civilian-affairs-in-gaza-strip-692805">Israel-Hamas war: Tel Aviv seeking Palestinians to manage civilian affairs in Gaza Strip</a></p>

<p>Even after the war, the Israeli military would have "indefinite freedom" to function throughout Gaza to contain any resurgence of terror activity, as per the plan.</p>

<p>"The plan states that Israel will move forward with its already-in-motion project to establish a security buffer zone on the Palestinian side of the strip's border," the report said, adding the zone would remain "as long as there is a security need for it".</p>

<p>It also envisions Israeli security control "over the entire area west of Jordan" from the land, sea and air "to prevent the strengthening of terrorist elements in the (occupied West Bank) and the Gaza Strip and to thwart threats from them towards Israel," stated the report.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu sends Israeli team to Paris for hostage talks</strong></p>

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<p>The proposal puts forward Gaza's "complete demilitarisation... beyond what is required for the needs of maintaining public order".</p>

<p>It seeks to elevate "de-radicalisation in all religious, educational and welfare institutions in Gaza".</p>

<p>A most significant element of the plan, as per the report, was the dismantling of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, stated the report.</p>

<p>Israel has alleged that several UNRWA employees took part in the October 7 attack on Israel that claimed the lives of nearly 1,160 people, mostly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a post-war plan for Gaza, which according to the Israeli media reports foresees local Palestine officials without any links to Hamas or its international confederates governing the territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a post-war plan for Gaza, which according to the Israeli media reports foresees local Palestine officials without any links to Hamas or its international confederates governing the territory. In the first official proposal that Netanyahu submitted to his security cabinet late on Thursday (Feb 22), the document sees the Israeli army persisting in its war on Hamas until it achieves key goals. These include dismantling Hamas and Islamic Jihad and safeguarding the release of all hostages that are held captive in Gaza. After the war comes to an end, Gaza's civil affairs would be run by "local officials with administrative experience" who are "not linked to countries or entities that support terrorism", the Times of Israel newspaper reported citing key elements of Netanyahu's plan. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Tel Aviv seeking Palestinians to manage civilian affairs in Gaza Strip Even after the war, the Israeli military would have "indefinite freedom" to function throughout Gaza to contain any resurgence of terror activity, as per the plan. "The plan states that Israel will move forward with its already-in-motion project to establish a security buffer zone on the Palestinian side of the strip's border," the report said, adding the zone would remain "as long as there is a security need for it". It also envisions Israeli security control "over the entire area west of Jordan" from the land, sea and air "to prevent the strengthening of terrorist elements in the (occupied West Bank) and the Gaza Strip and to thwart threats from them towards Israel," stated the report. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu sends Israeli team to Paris for hostage talks × The proposal puts forward Gaza's "complete demilitarisation... beyond what is required for the needs of maintaining public order". It seeks to elevate "de-radicalisation in all religious, educational and welfare institutions in Gaza". A most significant element of the plan, as per the report, was the dismantling of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, stated the report. Israel has alleged that several UNRWA employees took part in the October 7 attack on Israel that claimed the lives of nearly 1,160 people, mostly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu proposes first official post-war Gaza plan

Russia invaded Ukraine from three fronts in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. Tens of thousands flee. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine.

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidUp2dZhfF4BW4" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force said on Friday (Feb 23) that they seized 5.7 tonnes of cocaine from a port in southern England, which is believed to be the biggest-ever seizure of class A drugs in the United Kingdom (UK). In a statement, the NCA said the consignment of cocaine was found in a container at Southampton Port on February 8.</p>

<p>"Specialist Border Force officers were called in to carry out the search by the NCA, who identified the shipment through its Near Europe Task Force. The blocks of drugs were found hidden within a cargo of bananas which had been transported from South America," the statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bag-of-cocaine-found-near-trinidad-shipwreck-sparks-investigation-691938">Bag of cocaine found near Trinidad shipwreck sparks investigation</a></strong></p>

<p>"NCA officers believe the haul was heading to the Port of Hamburg in Germany for onward delivery. Enquiries are ongoing with international partners across Europe with a view to identifying the criminal networks involved," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the price of the seized drugs?</strong></h2>

<p>The NCA said on Friday that based on UK street-level prices the cocaine would likely have had an estimated value in excess of $570 million (£450 million). The agency's director Chris Farrimond said that this record-breaking seizure would represent a huge hit to the international organised crime cartels involved, denying them massive profits.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;British couple convicted for smuggling cocaine</strong></p>

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<p>"While the destination for the consignment was continental Europe in this case, I have no doubt that a significant proportion would have ended up back here in the UK, being peddled by UK criminal gangs," Farrimond said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, UK's Minister for Legal Migration and the Border Tom Pursglove said the seizure sent a clear message to criminals that they would be caught. "Our Border Force officers continue to work relentlessly to protect our borders and ensure the safety and security of the public,”&nbsp;Pursglove said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous record-breaking seizures?</strong></h2>

<p>The previous<strong>&nbsp;</strong>largest UK seizure was 3.7 tonnes of cocaine also found at Southampton in 2022. In 2015, 3.2 tonnes were found on board the tug boat MV Hamal in Scotland. The NCA said that the domestic cocaine market is dominated by criminal gangs that make around $5 billion a year in the UK alone.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force said on Friday (Feb 23) that they seized 5.7 tonnes of cocaine from a port in southern England, which is believed to be the biggest-ever seizure of class A drugs in the United Kingdom (UK).

Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force said on Friday (Feb 23) that they seized 5.7 tonnes of cocaine from a port in southern England, which is believed to be the biggest-ever seizure of class A drugs in the United Kingdom (UK). In a statement, the NCA said the consignment of cocaine was found in a container at Southampton Port on February 8. "Specialist Border Force officers were called in to carry out the search by the NCA, who identified the shipment through its Near Europe Task Force. The blocks of drugs were found hidden within a cargo of bananas which had been transported from South America," the statement said. Also read | Bag of cocaine found near Trinidad shipwreck sparks investigation "NCA officers believe the haul was heading to the Port of Hamburg in Germany for onward delivery. Enquiries are ongoing with international partners across Europe with a view to identifying the criminal networks involved," it added. What is the price of the seized drugs? The NCA said on Friday that based on UK street-level prices the cocaine would likely have had an estimated value in excess of $570 million (£450 million). The agency's director Chris Farrimond said that this record-breaking seizure would represent a huge hit to the international organised crime cartels involved, denying them massive profits. Also watch | British couple convicted for smuggling cocaine × "While the destination for the consignment was continental Europe in this case, I have no doubt that a significant proportion would have ended up back here in the UK, being peddled by UK criminal gangs," Farrimond said. Meanwhile, UK's Minister for Legal Migration and the Border Tom Pursglove said the seizure sent a clear message to criminals that they would be caught. "Our Border Force officers continue to work relentlessly to protect our borders and ensure the safety and security of the public,” Pursglove said. Previous record-breaking seizures? The previous largest UK seizure was 3.7 tonnes of cocaine also found at Southampton in 2022. In 2015, 3.2 tonnes were found on board the tug boat MV Hamal in Scotland. The NCA said that the domestic cocaine market is dominated by criminal gangs that make around $5 billion a year in the UK alone.

UK authorities make record-breaking 5.7 tonnes cocaine seizure; drugs were found hidden in cargo of bananas

North Korean missiles fired by Russia against Ukraine, as per reports

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<p>Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;her father following his death. In an Instagram&nbsp;post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him. This post marks the first public statement from Navalnaya, aged 23, since her father's demise in a Siberian penal colony.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3rgWltrcq6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dasha Navalnaya (@dasha_navalnaya)</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Biden meets Navalny's wife and daughter in US</strong></h2>

<p>President Joe Biden met privately with Alexei Navalny's wife and daughter in California on Thursday (Feb 22), offering support as his administration imposed new sanctions against Russia following the Kremlin critic's death.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss.<br />
<br />
Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights. <a href="https://t.co/aiCcgTrws3">pic.twitter.com/aiCcgTrws3</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1760752933866512580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The emotional meeting, held in San Francisco, saw Biden embracing Yulia Navalnaya and engaging in discussions with her and Navalny's daughter, Dasha.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-wife-yulias-x-social-media-account-suspended-692033">Also read |&nbsp;Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended</a></p>

<p>The president,&nbsp;praised the women for their bravery, echoing Navalny's courage. Yulia Navalnaya, committed to continuing her late husband's opposition to Putin, received Biden's encouragement.</p>

<p>The US announced new sanctions against over 500 targets in Russia, citing Navalny's death and the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, sparked protests against corruption and government malfeasance.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Protests across Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been detained in Russia in the past few days&nbsp;while attending gatherings to honour Navalny.</p>

<p>Following the announcement of her son's death, Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled&nbsp;to Russia's Far North in a bid to reclaim his body. Despite her efforts, officials initially denied her access, prompting her to issue a direct appeal to Putin.</p>

<p>Eventually, she was permitted to view Navalny's body in a morgue near the remote prison in Salekhard.</p>

<p>However, she revealed in a social media video released by Navalny's team that investigators were pressuring her to agree to a secretive burial arrangement, depriving loved ones of the chance to bid farewell.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russian officials not releasing Navalny's body: Navalny's team&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-officials-not-releasing-navalnys-body-navalnys-team-alexei-navalny-death-mystery-691256/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Looking me in the eye, they said that if I do not agree to a secret funeral they'll do something with my son's body... I ask for my son's body to be given to me immediately," she said.</p>

<p>Despite being informed of the cause of death by investigators, Navalny's mother asserted that they did not disclose it. While the Kremlin has not specified a timeline for releasing the body, Western condemnation has intensified. The US National Security Council urged Russia to return Navalny's body to his mother, while Putin has refrained from commenting on the matter. Navalny's spokesperson revealed that the medical report provided to Lyudmila Navalnaya cited natural causes as the reason for Navalny's death.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her father following his death. In an Instagram post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him.

Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of Putin critic Alexei Navalny, recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her father following his death. In an Instagram post, she uploaded a childhood photo featuring herself, her mother, and her father, accompanied by a message expressing her love and longing for him. This post marks the first public statement from Navalnaya, aged 23, since her father's demise in a Siberian penal colony. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dasha Navalnaya (@dasha_navalnaya) × Biden meets Navalny's wife and daughter in US President Joe Biden met privately with Alexei Navalny's wife and daughter in California on Thursday (Feb 22), offering support as his administration imposed new sanctions against Russia following the Kremlin critic's death. Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss. Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights. pic.twitter.com/aiCcgTrws3 — President Biden (@POTUS) February 22, 2024 × The emotional meeting, held in San Francisco, saw Biden embracing Yulia Navalnaya and engaging in discussions with her and Navalny's daughter, Dasha. Also read | Alexei Navalny’s wife Yulia’s X social media account briefly suspended The president, praised the women for their bravery, echoing Navalny's courage. Yulia Navalnaya, committed to continuing her late husband's opposition to Putin, received Biden's encouragement. The US announced new sanctions against over 500 targets in Russia, citing Navalny's death and the anniversary of Ukraine's invasion. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, sparked protests against corruption and government malfeasance. Protests across Russia Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been detained in Russia in the past few days while attending gatherings to honour Navalny. Following the announcement of her son's death, Lyudmila Navalnaya travelled to Russia's Far North in a bid to reclaim his body. Despite her efforts, officials initially denied her access, prompting her to issue a direct appeal to Putin. Eventually, she was permitted to view Navalny's body in a morgue near the remote prison in Salekhard. However, she revealed in a social media video released by Navalny's team that investigators were pressuring her to agree to a secretive burial arrangement, depriving loved ones of the chance to bid farewell. Also watch | Russian officials not releasing Navalny's body: Navalny's team "Looking me in the eye, they said that if I do not agree to a secret funeral they'll do something with my son's body... I ask for my son's body to be given to me immediately," she said. Despite being informed of the cause of death by investigators, Navalny's mother asserted that they did not disclose it. While the Kremlin has not specified a timeline for releasing the body, Western condemnation has intensified. The US National Security Council urged Russia to return Navalny's body to his mother, while Putin has refrained from commenting on the matter. Navalny's spokesperson revealed that the medical report provided to Lyudmila Navalnaya cited natural causes as the reason for Navalny's death. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's daughter Dasha Navalnaya offers tribute to late father in first public statement

Russian forces threaten to shoot down French Pilots patrolling international airspace over the Black Sea. The French defense minister said the incident signals increasingly aggressive behaviour from Moscow.

France's defence minister Lecornu slams Moscow

<p>In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.</p>

<p>Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious.</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue.</p>

<h2><strong>What is IVF, and what are embryos?</strong></h2>

<p>IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos.</p>

<p>Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception.</p>

<p>IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus.</p>

<h2><strong>Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a></strong></p>

<p>Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics".</p>

<p>The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death.</p>

<h2><strong>Nikki Haley's comments&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies."</p>

<p>"When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley.</p>

<p>However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embryos-are-babies-nikki-haley-agrees-with-alabama-supreme-court-ivf-ruling-692583">'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling</a></strong></p>

<p>In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs."</p>

<p>Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns over the court ruling</strong></h2>

<p>The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has&nbsp;temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision</strong></p>

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<p>The&nbsp;decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF.</p>

<p>"We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters.</p>

<p>On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This decision is outrageous—and it is already robbing women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family. <a href="https://t.co/N04pReaM2B">https://t.co/N04pReaM2B</a></p>
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1760417615019757924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women.</p>

<p>"This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabamas-largest-hospital-pauses-ivf-after-sc-says-frozen-embryos-are-children-692515">Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children</a></strong></p>

<p>In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies.

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court. Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious. Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue. What is IVF, and what are embryos? IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos. Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception. IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus. Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children. Also read | US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics". The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death. Nikki Haley's comments On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies." "When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley. However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it." Also read | 'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling. "I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs." Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue. Concerns over the court ruling The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments. Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments." Watch | Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision × The decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF. "We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters. On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family." This decision is outrageous—and it is already robbing women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family. https://t.co/N04pReaM2B — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 21, 2024 × Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women. "This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added. Also read | Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden. His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell. (With inputs from agencies)

WION Explains: The 'embryos are babies' debate and how it will affect 2024 US Presidential elections

<p>A family from Indiana experienced a tragic incident when a large hole, dug by the two young children, collapsed, burying them alive, at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Tuesday (Feb 22), according to officials.</p>

<p>The Broward Sheriff’s Office identified the children as 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly and her 9-year-old brother, Maddox. Despite paramedics managing to extricate Sloan with&nbsp;pulse, she&nbsp;succumbed to the injuries&nbsp;in the hospital. Fortunately, Maddox, who was also buried, survived.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukrainian-kids-who-lost-loved-ones-to-conflict-to-address-unsc-says-report-693054">Ukraine war: Ukrainian kids who lost loved ones to conflict to address UNSC</a></p>

<p>Experts in ocean rescue suggest that Sloan’s death might have been prevented&nbsp;if the beach had lifeguards on duty.</p>

<p>In neighboring coastal towns, lifeguards typically inform beachgoers about the dangers of digging in the sand and restrict the depth to knee-height, around 2 feet. The hole the siblings were digging exceeded this limit, reaching between 5 and 6 feet, as per officials.</p>

<p>Notably, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea lacks lifeguards, as confirmed by Pompano Beach spokesperson Sandra King. Pompano Beach's fire and ocean rescue services responded to the incident after it was reported.</p>

<p>Jim McCrady, Vice President and Lifesaving Academies director of the US Lifesaving Association Southeast Region, emphasised the importance of lifeguards, stating that such incidents are routinely prevented on guarded beaches.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-beach-chucks-up-a-weird-80-feet-object-what-it-is-remains-a-mystery-540812" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-beach-chucks-up-a-weird-80-feet-object-what-it-is-remains-a-mystery-540812&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixko7RpMGEAxVwhlYBHe2eBZYQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2hAo21Rvo4xnU7SfqlrdF4" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-beach-chucks-up-a-weird-80-feet-object-what-it-is-remains-a-mystery-540812" target="_blank"><b>Florida</b>&nbsp;beach chucks up a weird 80 feet object</a></p>

<p>He highlighted lifeguards' role in educating beachgoers about potential hazards and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.</p>

<p>Despite attempts to reach out to the town's spokesperson for comments on the lifeguard situation, there was no immediate response on Wednesday. However, they stated that the beach remained open, and the sand had been leveled.</p>

<p>Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to find Maddox buried up to his chest, with Sloan completely buried beneath him. Witness cellphone videos captured the desperate efforts of bystanders trying to dig them out.</p>

<p>Fire rescue teams employed shovels and supportive boards to prevent further sand collapse as they worked to rescue the girl.</p>

<p>The exact duration of time the children were buried before extraction was not immediately known, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office did not disclose the children's parents' identity or provide an update on Maddox's condition.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A family from Indiana experienced a tragic incident when a large hole, dug by the two young children, collapsed, burying them alive, at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Tuesday (Feb 22), according to officials.

A family from Indiana experienced a tragic incident when a large hole, dug by the two young children, collapsed, burying them alive, at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea on Tuesday (Feb 22), according to officials. The Broward Sheriff’s Office identified the children as 7-year-old Sloan Mattingly and her 9-year-old brother, Maddox. Despite paramedics managing to extricate Sloan with pulse, she succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. Fortunately, Maddox, who was also buried, survived. Also read: Ukraine war: Ukrainian kids who lost loved ones to conflict to address UNSC Experts in ocean rescue suggest that Sloan’s death might have been prevented if the beach had lifeguards on duty. In neighboring coastal towns, lifeguards typically inform beachgoers about the dangers of digging in the sand and restrict the depth to knee-height, around 2 feet. The hole the siblings were digging exceeded this limit, reaching between 5 and 6 feet, as per officials. Notably, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea lacks lifeguards, as confirmed by Pompano Beach spokesperson Sandra King. Pompano Beach's fire and ocean rescue services responded to the incident after it was reported. Jim McCrady, Vice President and Lifesaving Academies director of the US Lifesaving Association Southeast Region, emphasised the importance of lifeguards, stating that such incidents are routinely prevented on guarded beaches. Also read: Florida beach chucks up a weird 80 feet object He highlighted lifeguards' role in educating beachgoers about potential hazards and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. Despite attempts to reach out to the town's spokesperson for comments on the lifeguard situation, there was no immediate response on Wednesday. However, they stated that the beach remained open, and the sand had been leveled. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to find Maddox buried up to his chest, with Sloan completely buried beneath him. Witness cellphone videos captured the desperate efforts of bystanders trying to dig them out. Fire rescue teams employed shovels and supportive boards to prevent further sand collapse as they worked to rescue the girl. The exact duration of time the children were buried before extraction was not immediately known, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office did not disclose the children's parents' identity or provide an update on Maddox's condition. (With inputs from agencies)

Sand hole collapse claims life of 7-Year-old girl in Florida

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata spoke about the 75 years of friendship between Italy and India. He also spoke of&nbsp;the importance of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the excerpts from the interview:</p>

<p><strong>WION: How do you see India-Italy relationship?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Terzi:</strong>&nbsp;It is a great pleasure and an honour to be here. ...Let me focus on why I felt this year is not only useful, but necessary for me, and for the institution I am representing here and especially the fourth committee of the Senate of the Italian Republic.</p>

<p>The fourth committee is the committee which is entitled to deal with European Union policies. And therefore, it is strictly in line with the general purpose of Italian foreign security policy nowadays to connect with the Indo-Pacific that is a major point of European strategy and of the Italian strategy.</p>

<p>Last year, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it was really a landmark event for our country.</p>

<p>I believe, certainly for our bilateral relationship, a Strategic Partnership was signed after many years of partnership, but there was really a further step, a very important step in the relationship between the two countries, focusing on the major geopolitical concerns that our countries are facing together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And from that meeting and the number of very important commitments which have already been implemented over the last few months - commitment in trade and economic commitment in scientific space co-operation, connectivity, construction of infrastructure and possibility.</p>

<p>Also, that is given to both countries to focus on IMEC. It is a fantastic objective to reach which means really connectivity. Connectivity about trade, and business, but also the most advanced reality which pertains to the high technology.</p>

<p>Data and artificial intelligence also...is something which entails a strong participation and common vision between our two countries.</p>

<p>So, it is a fantastic situation for the political national policies and also from the geopolitical point of view of our countries.</p>

<p>Italy individually as a nation, is very friendly with India and 75 years of diplomatic relations were celebrated last year.</p>

<p>Italy is a very close friend, and always more connected to India. But also Italy as a prominent member of the European Union, the role that Italy is playing in the Mediterranean and the connection, [in]&nbsp;geopolitical sense but also in human terms. From the point of view of history, the connection between the Mediterranean space and the Indo-Pacific then tells a lot about what we are doing now and what we are discussing here in the Raisina Dialogue.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-i-india-an-attractive-investment-destination-for-austria-says-labour-minister-martin-kocher-693098">Exclusive I 'India an attractive investment destination for Austria', says Labour Minister Martin Kocher</a></p>

<p><strong>WION: India-Italy relationship has grown by leaps and bounds but when it comes to China, China is one country which is seen as an aggressor, in the region, with India as well. How do you see China? I'm asking this as well because Italy recently withdrew from the BRI as well.</strong></p>

<p><strong>Terzi: </strong>From the major organisations to which Italy belongs- the European Union and NATO, but also other organisations, and regional organisations-&nbsp; there is no doubt that China over the last few years has been considered a very important partner and at the same time, a competitor, from which our countries sometimes the impression to be considered as adversity, in geopolitical terms... The fact is that the international order has to be revisited, reviewed, and reformed, but must not be disrupted in any possible way.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch Here:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/senator-giulio-terzi-di-santagata-speaks-to-wion-on-india-italy-relationship-692883/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The international order means not an order higher than somebody who directs other countries.</p>

<p>It happens in certain circumstances in other parts of the world. But the international order means respect for the treaties that our countries have ratified.</p>

<p>Respect for the multilateral organisation to which we belong, respect for the rule of law, human rights, equality and freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of media and so on.</p>

<p>So in that sense, the fact that both our leaders and our countries are strongly committed through every initiative they are undertaking now in every region, they are deeply engaged in implementing international law.</p>

<p>The implementation of legality tells a lot about a person of our common adventure in the future.</p>


In an exclusive interview with WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata spoke about the 75 years of friendship between Italy and India.

In an exclusive interview with WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata spoke about the 75 years of friendship between Italy and India. He also spoke of the importance of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Here are the excerpts from the interview: WION: How do you see India-Italy relationship? Terzi: It is a great pleasure and an honour to be here. ...Let me focus on why I felt this year is not only useful, but necessary for me, and for the institution I am representing here and especially the fourth committee of the Senate of the Italian Republic. The fourth committee is the committee which is entitled to deal with European Union policies. And therefore, it is strictly in line with the general purpose of Italian foreign security policy nowadays to connect with the Indo-Pacific that is a major point of European strategy and of the Italian strategy. Last year, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it was really a landmark event for our country. I believe, certainly for our bilateral relationship, a Strategic Partnership was signed after many years of partnership, but there was really a further step, a very important step in the relationship between the two countries, focusing on the major geopolitical concerns that our countries are facing together. And from that meeting and the number of very important commitments which have already been implemented over the last few months - commitment in trade and economic commitment in scientific space co-operation, connectivity, construction of infrastructure and possibility. Also, that is given to both countries to focus on IMEC. It is a fantastic objective to reach which means really connectivity. Connectivity about trade, and business, but also the most advanced reality which pertains to the high technology. Data and artificial intelligence also...is something which entails a strong participation and common vision between our two countries. So, it is a fantastic situation for the political national policies and also from the geopolitical point of view of our countries. Italy individually as a nation, is very friendly with India and 75 years of diplomatic relations were celebrated last year. Italy is a very close friend, and always more connected to India. But also Italy as a prominent member of the European Union, the role that Italy is playing in the Mediterranean and the connection, [in] geopolitical sense but also in human terms. From the point of view of history, the connection between the Mediterranean space and the Indo-Pacific then tells a lot about what we are doing now and what we are discussing here in the Raisina Dialogue. Also Read: Exclusive I 'India an attractive investment destination for Austria', says Labour Minister Martin Kocher WION: India-Italy relationship has grown by leaps and bounds but when it comes to China, China is one country which is seen as an aggressor, in the region, with India as well. How do you see China? I'm asking this as well because Italy recently withdrew from the BRI as well. Terzi: From the major organisations to which Italy belongs- the European Union and NATO, but also other organisations, and regional organisations- there is no doubt that China over the last few years has been considered a very important partner and at the same time, a competitor, from which our countries sometimes the impression to be considered as adversity, in geopolitical terms... The fact is that the international order has to be revisited, reviewed, and reformed, but must not be disrupted in any possible way. Watch Here: The international order means not an order higher than somebody who directs other countries. It happens in certain circumstances in other parts of the world. But the international order means respect for the treaties that our countries have ratified. Respect for the multilateral organisation to which we belong, respect for the rule of law, human rights, equality and freedom, freedom of religion, freedom of media and so on. So in that sense, the fact that both our leaders and our countries are strongly committed through every initiative they are undertaking now in every region, they are deeply engaged in implementing international law. The implementation of legality tells a lot about a person of our common adventure in the future.

Exclusive: India-Middle East Europe Corridor an opportunity to establish real connectivity, says ex-Italy FM

<p>Pakistan's Supreme Court has defended its top judge after a ruling he issued related to blasphemy that sparked an online backlash and led to thinly veiled death threats.</p>

<p>The campaign targeting Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa began after he ordered the release of a man from the Ahmadi religious sect, considered heretical by hardline Muslim scholars.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-petitioner-absent-pakistan-top-court-postpones-hearing-on-case-seeking-to-annul-feb-8-election-results-691620">Pakistan top court postpones hearing on case seeking to annul Feb 8 election results</a></p>

<p>The man had been accused of disseminating a forbidden Ahmadi text, which firebrand clerics consider tantamount to blasphemy –- a hot-button issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan where even unproven allegations of offending Islam have sparked violence.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court issued a statement on Thursday evening defending the ruling, denying that it went against the Islamic constitution.</p>

<p>"This impression is absolutely wrong," it said. "The organised campaign against judiciary and judges is unfortunate."</p>

<p>Isa's ruling first went unnoticed two weeks ago, before it was highlighted by social media accounts linked to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party behind violent anti-blasphemy protests.</p>

<p>The Pakistani chapter of the Taliban militant group -- known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- called Isa "an enemy of Islam" and "a damned man".</p>

<p>But the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said his ruling "protects the constitutional right of all religious minorities to freedom of religion or belief".</p>

<p>"Those political leaders and sections of the media that are responsible for this campaign must be restrained," the organisation said on social media platform X.</p>

<p>Ahmadis have been discriminated against and persecuted for decades in Pakistan, because of their belief in a 19th century prophet after Muhammad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-upholds-general-musharrafs-death-sentence-a-year-after-his-death-678768">&nbsp;Pakistan supreme court upholds General Musharraf’s death sentence, a year after his death</a></p>

<p>The second amendment of Pakistan's constitution, made in 1974, declares Ahmadis non-Muslims.</p>

<p>The law also prohibits them from professing to be Muslims or spreading their faith, and allows the death penalty for those found guilty of insulting Islam.</p>

<p>In his judgement, Isa ruled that according to the constitution, "every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion".</p>

<p>"Freedom of faith is one of the fundamental tenets of Islam. But sadly, in matters of religion, tempers flare up and the Qur'anic mandate is forsaken," he added.</p>

<p>He also said the book allegedly disseminated by the accused had not been outlawed at the time of the alleged crime in 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan Supreme Court's second senior-most judge resigns</strong></p>

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<p>Cleric Fazlur Rehman, the influential leader of the conservative religious party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, said Isa's reasoning was "false and based on bad intentions".</p>

<p>In 2011, the governor of eastern Punjab province was killed by his bodyguard after calling for reforms to the stringent blasphemy laws that Ahmadis frequently fall foul of.</p>


Pakistan's Supreme Court has defended its top judge after a ruling he issued related to blasphemy that sparked an online backlash and led to thinly veiled death threats.

Pakistan's Supreme Court has defended its top judge after a ruling he issued related to blasphemy that sparked an online backlash and led to thinly veiled death threats. The campaign targeting Supreme Court Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa began after he ordered the release of a man from the Ahmadi religious sect, considered heretical by hardline Muslim scholars. Also read: Pakistan top court postpones hearing on case seeking to annul Feb 8 election results The man had been accused of disseminating a forbidden Ahmadi text, which firebrand clerics consider tantamount to blasphemy –- a hot-button issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan where even unproven allegations of offending Islam have sparked violence. The Supreme Court issued a statement on Thursday evening defending the ruling, denying that it went against the Islamic constitution. "This impression is absolutely wrong," it said. "The organised campaign against judiciary and judges is unfortunate." Isa's ruling first went unnoticed two weeks ago, before it was highlighted by social media accounts linked to the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party behind violent anti-blasphemy protests. The Pakistani chapter of the Taliban militant group -- known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) -- called Isa "an enemy of Islam" and "a damned man". But the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said his ruling "protects the constitutional right of all religious minorities to freedom of religion or belief". "Those political leaders and sections of the media that are responsible for this campaign must be restrained," the organisation said on social media platform X. Ahmadis have been discriminated against and persecuted for decades in Pakistan, because of their belief in a 19th century prophet after Muhammad. Also read: Pakistan supreme court upholds General Musharraf’s death sentence, a year after his death The second amendment of Pakistan's constitution, made in 1974, declares Ahmadis non-Muslims. The law also prohibits them from professing to be Muslims or spreading their faith, and allows the death penalty for those found guilty of insulting Islam. In his judgement, Isa ruled that according to the constitution, "every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion". "Freedom of faith is one of the fundamental tenets of Islam. But sadly, in matters of religion, tempers flare up and the Qur'anic mandate is forsaken," he added. He also said the book allegedly disseminated by the accused had not been outlawed at the time of the alleged crime in 2019. Watch: Pakistan Supreme Court's second senior-most judge resigns × Cleric Fazlur Rehman, the influential leader of the conservative religious party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, said Isa's reasoning was "false and based on bad intentions". In 2011, the governor of eastern Punjab province was killed by his bodyguard after calling for reforms to the stringent blasphemy laws that Ahmadis frequently fall foul of.

Pakistan Supreme Court defends ruling on minorities after backlash

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<p>More than 100 cars collided with each other on an icy stretch of an expressway in the Chinese city of Suzhou, injuring several people, reported&nbsp;news agency Reuters on Friday (Feb 23), citing state media. Footage shared on social media showed several cars piled up haphazardly on the highway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on WeChat, Suzhou Industrial Park traffic police said that three people were injured and hospitalised, while six suffered minor scratches. The police said the reason behind the pile-up was being investigated, adding that road traffic had been restored.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></h3>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: 🚗⚠️ Some 100 hundred cars pile-up seen on the elevated loop line to eastern China’s Suzhou New District featuring hi-tech manufacturers due to icy roads as the cold snap warnings issued across the most part of the country <a href="https://t.co/ZZwLFuEhnt">pic.twitter.com/ZZwLFuEhnt</a></p>
— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShanghaiEye/status/1760849798784258326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reuters reported that over the past few weeks, large parts of China have been hit by cold waves, blizzards, and icy rain. The weather conditions have impacted transportation at a time when people are rushing home for the Lunar New Year holiday celebrations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-issues-highest-weather-alert-amid-cold-wave-highways-closed-in-beijing-after-heavy-snowfall-692351">China issues highest weather alert amid cold wave; highways closed in Beijing after heavy snowfall</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this week, the government raised its emergency response to freezing temperatures and also started several plans for transportation flow, supplies and electricity in provinces and cities including Beijing, Hebei, and Shanxi, local media reported.</p>

<p>Eight highways had been shut in Beijing, and almost 200 road sections were closed across the country due to severe weather.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Orange alert renewed for some southern regions</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Chinese authorities renewed an orange weather alert for some southern regions. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has forecast subzero temperatures for the days ahead around the country's central region, in the east, north and northwest as well as in parts of the south.</p>

<p>The NMC called on local governments to take precautions against the cold weather. It also advised people to keep warm and called for necessary measures to protect crops and aquatic products.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


More than 100 cars collided with each other on an icy stretch of an expressway in the Chinese city of Suzhou, injuring several people, reported news agency Reuters on Friday (Feb 23), citing state media.

More than 100 cars collided with each other on an icy stretch of an expressway in the Chinese city of Suzhou, injuring several people, reported news agency Reuters on Friday (Feb 23), citing state media. Footage shared on social media showed several cars piled up haphazardly on the highway. In a post on WeChat, Suzhou Industrial Park traffic police said that three people were injured and hospitalised, while six suffered minor scratches. The police said the reason behind the pile-up was being investigated, adding that road traffic had been restored. Here's a look at the video: BREAKING: 🚗⚠️ Some 100 hundred cars pile-up seen on the elevated loop line to eastern China’s Suzhou New District featuring hi-tech manufacturers due to icy roads as the cold snap warnings issued across the most part of the country pic.twitter.com/ZZwLFuEhnt — ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) February 23, 2024 × Reuters reported that over the past few weeks, large parts of China have been hit by cold waves, blizzards, and icy rain. The weather conditions have impacted transportation at a time when people are rushing home for the Lunar New Year holiday celebrations. Also read | China issues highest weather alert amid cold wave; highways closed in Beijing after heavy snowfall Earlier this week, the government raised its emergency response to freezing temperatures and also started several plans for transportation flow, supplies and electricity in provinces and cities including Beijing, Hebei, and Shanxi, local media reported. Eight highways had been shut in Beijing, and almost 200 road sections were closed across the country due to severe weather. Orange alert renewed for some southern regions On Wednesday, Chinese authorities renewed an orange weather alert for some southern regions. The National Meteorological Center (NMC) has forecast subzero temperatures for the days ahead around the country's central region, in the east, north and northwest as well as in parts of the south. The NMC called on local governments to take precautions against the cold weather. It also advised people to keep warm and called for necessary measures to protect crops and aquatic products. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 100 cars collide on icy expressway in China's Suzhou. Watch

US charges 4 foreign nationals with shipping Iranian-made weapons to Houthis

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview published on Sunday that his country was not Russia' ally in its war against Ukraine, but stressed its military cooperation projects were not directed against any single country.

Armenia abandons Russia-led regional military bloc CSTO

<p>Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son. Navalny died last week in an Arctic prison.</p>

<p>In a video published by Navalny's team on Thursday (Feb 22) , her mother said, "They are blackmailing me, they put conditions for where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal. They want it to be done in secret."&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the Russian investigators have not responded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-putin-takes-flight-on-nuclear-capable-tu-160m-strategic-bomber-692838">WATCH | Russian President Putin takes flight on nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Russia's state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that Lyudmila filed a lawsuit in the Arctic city of Salekhard, challenging the refusal to release her son's body. Citing court officials, it reported that a closed-door hearing is scheduled for March 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, she had urged Putin to hand over her son's body. Her message to Putin came after she travelled to the remote IK-3 prison where her son had died, but she was prevented from seeing his body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 47-year-old Putin critic died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony, and the West accused Putin of direct involvement. His aides and family have alleged that the Kremlin murdered him, an allegation the Kremlin has rejected.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-uk-announces-new-sanctions-against-russia-to-mark-conflicts-anniversary-692835">Ukraine war: UK announces new sanctions against Russia to mark conflict's anniversary</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Lyudmila saw her body and death certificate</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>According to Lyudmila, she has been shown a death certificate and his body. She was taken to a morgue on Wednesday evening to see his body. Navalny's aides said the death certificate stated that the opposition politician had died of natural causes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The investigators claim that they know the cause of death, they have all the medical and legal documents ready, which I saw, and I signed the medical death certificate," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"According to the law, they should have given me Alexei’s body right away, but they have not done so until now. Instead, they are blackmailing me, setting conditions on where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;In focus: Russia-Iran arms trade&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Navalny's mother said: "I'm recording this video because they started threatening me. Looking into my eyes, they say that if I don't agree to a secret funeral, they will do something with my son's body."</p>

<p>She quoted one of the investigators as saying: "Time is not on your side, corpses decompose."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "I don't want special conditions. I just want everything to be done according to the law. I demand that my son's body be returned to me immediately."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son.

Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, has seen the body of the Russian opposition figure who died in prison, and accused officials of pressuring her into having a "secret" burial for her son. Navalny died last week in an Arctic prison. In a video published by Navalny's team on Thursday (Feb 22) , her mother said, "They are blackmailing me, they put conditions for where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal. They want it to be done in secret." So far, the Russian investigators have not responded. Also read: WATCH | Russian President Putin takes flight on nuclear-capable Tu-160M strategic bomber Russia's state news agency TASS reported on Wednesday that Lyudmila filed a lawsuit in the Arctic city of Salekhard, challenging the refusal to release her son's body. Citing court officials, it reported that a closed-door hearing is scheduled for March 4. Previously, she had urged Putin to hand over her son's body. Her message to Putin came after she travelled to the remote IK-3 prison where her son had died, but she was prevented from seeing his body. The 47-year-old Putin critic died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony, and the West accused Putin of direct involvement. His aides and family have alleged that the Kremlin murdered him, an allegation the Kremlin has rejected. Also read: Ukraine war: UK announces new sanctions against Russia to mark conflict's anniversary Lyudmila saw her body and death certificate According to Lyudmila, she has been shown a death certificate and his body. She was taken to a morgue on Wednesday evening to see his body. Navalny's aides said the death certificate stated that the opposition politician had died of natural causes. "The investigators claim that they know the cause of death, they have all the medical and legal documents ready, which I saw, and I signed the medical death certificate," she said. "According to the law, they should have given me Alexei’s body right away, but they have not done so until now. Instead, they are blackmailing me, setting conditions on where, when and how Alexei should be buried. This is illegal." Watch: In focus: Russia-Iran arms trade × Navalny's mother said: "I'm recording this video because they started threatening me. Looking into my eyes, they say that if I don't agree to a secret funeral, they will do something with my son's body." She quoted one of the investigators as saying: "Time is not on your side, corpses decompose." She added, "I don't want special conditions. I just want everything to be done according to the law. I demand that my son's body be returned to me immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Navalny's mother sees his body, accuses Russian officials of pressuring her into 'secret burial'

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