News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

US telephone surveillance ruled unconstitutional

A judge in the United States has ruled that the collection of vast quantities of telephone data by the National Security Agency is unconstitutional. District Court Judge Richard Leon said the practice of storing information about the times and dates of telephone calls, as exposed by ex NSA contractor Edward Snowden, was an arbitrary invasion, that contravened the fourth amendment. Larry Klayman is an activist and lawyer, who initiated the legal proceedings. “This is the largest violation of constitutional rights in our history. It’s outrageous. We, in effect, live in a police state, where no-one can make a telephone call, use the internet or go to social media without fear that they’re being monitored.”

Japan unveils new security strategy

The Japanese government has responded to fears about China's growing assertiveness by boosting defence spending, and announcing a new 5 year security strategy. The two countries are embroiled in a bitter row over a chain of islands in the East China Sea, which they both claim. Japan will invest in military hardware and form a new marine unit, which analysts say could be used to defend remote islands.

Kerry warns China over air zone expansion

US Secretary of State John Kerry has warned China not to declare a second air defence zone in the South China Sea. “China should refrain from taking similar unilateral actions elsewhere in the region and particularly over the South China Sea.” Speaking on a visit to the Philippines, Kerry sought however to play down tensions in the region, despite pledging to increase military aid.

Merkel is sworn in as German Chancellor

Angela Merkel has been sworn in for a third term as Chancellor of Germany, after being confirmed by a large majority in parliament. Merkel heads a grand coalition between her centre right CDU/CSU bloc and the centre left Social Democrats.

Ukraine and Russia hold talks as protests continue

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych is holding talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today, as protests continue in Ukraine over the government's decision to turn its back on a partnership deal with the EU. Activists fear that Yanukovych may now agree to join a customs union with Moscow in exchange for loans. The EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has sought to reassure Russia over the EU deal. “We think that Ukraine, having had years of negotiation with the European Union for the Association Agreement, should sign it, and that signing it would not have a detrimental effect on relationships with Russia in any way.”

High profile arrests in Turkish corruption probe

Officials in Turkey say several leading businessmen and the sons of three cabinet ministers have been arrested, as part of a corruption investigation. Police reportedly also searched the headquarters of the state run Halkbank in the capital Ankara.

The weather

Fog will persist in many lower lying areas this afternoon, with sunshine elsewhere. Top temperatures will range from -4 to +10 degrees.

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