News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Sydney hostage crisis continues

The hostage crisis is continuing at a cafe in central Sydney where a gunman has now been holding an unknown number of people captive for over 12 hours. Five people have managed to flee the café. A black Islamic flag has been displayed at the café window, and the gunman has reportedly demanded he be given the flag of the Islamic State militant group. Much of city centre is in lockdown. Police say negotiations are continuing with the hostage taker and have refused to speculate on his motive. New South Wales police commissioner Andrew Scipione: “Our only goal tonight and for as long as this takes is to get those people that are currently caught in that building out of there safely, and we’re working to resolve this just as quickly as we can.” Reports say the gunman has been identified and is already known to police.

Belgium hostage taking “not political”

In Belgium, four armed men have reportedly held one man hostage at an apartment in the city of Ghent. Reports from the scene say up to three people have given themselves up but it is unclear whether they are suspects and whether the siege was continuing. Prosecutors have said the incident does not appear to have a political motive.

Belgium hit by strike

A general strike in Belgium against government austerity policies has closed schools and government offices and brought public transport to a standstill. Unions oppose government plans to raise the retirement age and restrict social services.

EU discusses Syria aid

European Union foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels are discussing EU assistance for a United Nations plan to bring about an end to fighting in Aleppo in northern Syria. The new UN envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura, has said he hopes to freeze the conflict in specific regions, including Aleppo, in the hope of getting humanitarian aid to the civilian population.

US and EU condemn Turkey raids

The United States and the European Union have strongly condemned a series of raids and arrests in Turkey targeting leading media outlets. At least 24 people were arrested in police raids on media outlets which reportedly have close links to the US-based cleric Fetullah Gulen.

Hong Kong protest site cleared

In Hong Kong police have cleared the last of three protest sites set up by pro-democracy activists. Over 100,000 people had joined the demonstrations at their peak two months ago, calling for China to allow free and open leadership elections in Hong Kong.

The Weather

Overcast with fog and cloud. Rain showers in the west and south. Top temps 1 to 12 degrees.

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