News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Bahrain cuts ties with Saudi Arabia

Bahrain has followed Saudi Arabia in severing diplomatic ties with Iran, in a sharp escalation of tensions in the region following the execution by Saudi Arabia of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr. Saudi Arabia has given all Iranian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. The execution of Nimr al-Nimr on Saturday along with 46 others convicted on terror-related offences has led to days of protest and the burning of the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Iran has called the sheikh a martyr who had advocated only peaceful protests. Saudi justice ministry spokesman Sheikh Mansour al Ghefary, speaking in a simultaneous translation, defended the execution: “As a judicial power, or judicial branch, we execute or we apply the Sharia law according to the acts we see in front of us, irrespective of other influences.” Iraqi officials say a Sunni imam has been killed and at least two Sunni Muslim mosques have been attacked in Hilla, south of Baghdad, in apparent retaliation for the execution.

Denmark imposes border controls

Denmark has imposed controls on its border to Germany, after Sweden imposed identity checks on all travellers from Denmark entering the country by train, bus or ferry, to try to reduce the flow of refugees. Denmark has said more and more countries may be forced to introduce temporary border controls if the European Union cannot control the external border.

China closes stock exchange

In China share trading has been suspended after price falls of 7% triggered an automatic closedown of the stock exchange, on the first day the shutdown mechanism was in operation. Investors are concerned about data showing further contraction in China’s manufacturing sector among other issues.

New purported IS video

British intelligence agencies are trying to establish the identity of a masked man with a British accent and a young boy who have appeared in a new propaganda video purportedly put out by the terror group Islamic State. The video appears to show the murder of five hostages accused of being British spies and threatens attacks in Britain.

Quake strikes South Asia

At least ten people have been killed and dozens injured in an earthquake that struck in northeast India. The 6.7 magnitude quake was felt across the region. Three of those who died were in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Mexico governor acts after mayor murder

The governor of Mexico's Morelos state, Graco Ramirez, has taken command of police services in 15 towns and cities after the murder of a newly-elected mayor on Saturday. Ramirez said the murder was a threat to other mayors not to sign up to his proposals to remove power from local police.

The weather

Mainly overcast with scattered snow falls, rain in low lying areas in the west. Top temperatures minus 9 in the east to plus 7 degrees in the west.

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