News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Migrant boat captain charged

Italian officials say the captain and another crew member of the boat that capsized off Libya on Sunday killing hundreds of migrants have been arrested. The two were among 27 survivors who arrived in Sicily late last night. The captain has been charged with reckless homicide. The United Nations says it fears 800 people drowned in the disaster but some reports say the death toll could be closer to 900. The EU has announced a package of measures in the wake of the crisis including stepping up search-and-rescue operations. An emergency meeting of ministers has been set for Thursday. EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini: "only through European policies can we try to respond to the tragedies of people dying at sea, working together to save lives at sea - but also fighting the organisations that are smuggling human beings and trafficking human beings, making profit out of the desperation of people."

Morsi sentenced to 20 years

A court in Egypt has sentenced former President Mohammed Morsi to 20 years in prison for ordering the arrest and torture of protestors during his time in office. Today's ruling is the first of several trials facing him. Morsi was deposed by the army nearly 2 years ago following mass street demonstrations. Since then the authorities have banned his Muslim Brotherhood movement and arrested thousands of his supporters.

Auschwitz trial starts in Germany

A former member of the SS in Nazi Germany who worked in the Auschwitz concentration camp has gone on trial in Germany charged with being an accessory to more than 300,000 murders. Prosecutors say 93-year old defendant Oskar Gröning helped to collect money as part of his job dealing with the belongings stolen from camp victims.

South Korea's prime minister offers to resign

The prime minister of South Korea has offered to resign in the wake of a corruption scandal. Lee Wan Koo has been in the post for two months. The controversy flared up after a businessman killed himself earlier this month, leaving a note listing the names of 8 high-profile figures - including Lee - that he claimed to have bribed. Lee has denied the allegation.

3 die in storms in Australia

In Australia, 3 people have died in a severe storm which has battered the country's east coast. The storm - with winds of up to 135 kilometres per hour - has washed away houses, flooded roads and torn roofs off buildings. There've also been power cuts, and transport around Sydney has been disrupted.

Japanese train sets new speed record

A Japanese train has set a new world record for speed. The magnetic levitation train broke its own record, reaching 603 kilometres per hour in a test run near Mount Fuji.

The weather

There’ll be frequent sunshine and a lively to strong wind. Highs ranging between 14 and 22 degrees.

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