News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

FBI probes Boston marathon bombings

The FBI has launched a massive hunt for whoever was behind two explosions at the Boston Marathon which killed three people and wounded at least 140, some seriously. The explosions took place where hundreds of spectators were gathered at the finish line and many runners were still completing the course. Officials said the bombs were packed with gunpowder and shrapnel to maximise injuries. The White House has said the attack would be treated as an act of terror. President Barack Obama: “We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake, any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice.” A search thought to be related to the FBI inquiry has taken place at an apartment in a Boston suburb.

UN agencies demand action to end war in Syria

The heads of five major United Nations agencies have issued a direct appeal to political leaders to break the diplomatic deadlock around Syria and end the violence. The aid agencies say there is an insufficient sense of urgency among governments and parties that could stop the cruelty and carnage in Syria. They said the UN is facing an acute shortage of funding to help millions of Syrian refugees.

European court halts terror suspect extradition

The European Court of Human Rights has blocked the extradition of a terrorism suspect from Britain to the United States because he is a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic. The suspect, Haroon Aswat, allegedly tried to establish a terror training camp in Oregon with the radical cleric Abu Hamza, who was extradited to the US last year.

Venezuelan authorities reject election recount

Venezuela's election authority has refused to hold a recount of votes from Sunday’s presidential election, narrowly won by Socialist candidate Nicolas Maduro, the successor to the late president Hugo Chavez. Maduro and opposition leader Henrique Capriles have called on their supporters to hold peaceful rallies of support after clashes broke out between protesters and police.

Horsemeat inquiry results

The European Commission today presents the results of three months of random tests for horse DNA in beef products, after the recent scandal over contaminated ready-made meals. The problem is reportedly most prevalent in France, where one in 8 tests proved positive for horse DNA.

The weather

Partly sunny, with scattered showers and thunder storms. Generally dry and windy in the east. Top temperatures 15 to 23 degrees.

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