News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Turkish police clear Taksim Square

Turkish riot police have used tear gas and water canon to disperse thousands of anti-government demonstrators who'd gathered on Taksim Square in Istanbul. Bulldozers moved into the square at dawn to clear away barricades and makeshift shelters. The German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, says the Turkish government is sending the wrong signal - both at home and abroad - with its reaction to the protests.

Greek public broadcaster shut down

The Greek government has shut down the country's public broadcaster as part of its austerity programme. Viewers watching the news on the main TV channel saw the screens go blank late last night. All employees have been suspended pending a re-organisation. In response to the move, thousands of people have held a protest against the decision outside ERT's headquarters and unions have called a 24-hour strike for tomorrow. Nefeli Lygerou, a journalist for the Greek newspaper Ependytis, says she's saddened by the development: "shutting down Greek public television is a direct threat to Greece's democracy and our right to quality and independent information. ERT is part of our history, it's part of our culture."

Austria starts Golan withdrawal

Austria's UN peacekeepers have begun their withdrawal from the Golan Heights. Between 60 and 80 Austrians are expected to return today - but it's unclear when the remainder will be pulled out. Austrian officials say the process could take around a month to complete. But in an interview with "Die Presse" newspaper, the head of the UN's peacekeeping operations Herve Ladsous said Vienna needs to give the UN more time so that it can organise replacements.

Legal challenge to US surveillance system

In the US, the American Civil Liberties Union - the ACLU - says it's going to challenge the National Security Agency's controversial telephone and internet surveillance programme in the courts. The surveillance programme came to light last week after a series of leaks by the former CIA emloyee Edward Snowden. Alex Abdo is a lawyer at the ACLU: "the goal is to put an end to the government's dragnet acquisition of the phone records of innocent Americans. The government shouldn't be targeting us, it shouldn't be targeting other innocent Americans when it doesn't have any reason to think that we're involved in any wrongdoing."

China starts fifth space mission

A Chinese spacecraft has blasted off on the country's fifth and longest manned space mission. It's taking three astronauts to an orbiting space laboratory. The mission is expected to last 15 days.

World's oldest person dies

And the world's oldest person has died at the age of 116. Jiroemon Kimura from Japan had been in hospital suffering from pneumonia.

The Weather

The west and central regions will see a mix of sun and cloud with brief isolated showers. The east and southeast will be mainly sunny. Highs will be ranging between 16 and 25 degrees.

Übersicht

• News In English