News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Boris Johnson is the UK’s new foreign minister

In a surprise move, Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May has appointed Boris Johnson as foreign secretary. Johnson led the Brexit campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. However, the negotiations with Brussels will be led not by Johnson, but another conservative politician, David Davis. Johnson, who has made controversial comments in the past, said Britain now has an opportunity to reshape its relations with Europe: "Clearly now we have a massive opportunity in this country to make a great success of our new relationship with Europe, and with the world... and I'm very excited to be asked to play a part in that."

Jihad recruiter sentenced to 20 years

A court in Graz has sentenced a Muslim preacher to twenty years in prison for recruiting young men to fight for the so-called Islamic State group in Syria. Mirsad O. was arrested in Vienna in 2014. The prosecutor said he was guilty of inciting terrorist attacks and was a key figure in promoting Islamic State propaganda. A second man was sentenced to ten years, for his involvement in recruiting fighters.

Austria to begin deporting failed asylum seekers

Austria is to begin deporting migrants whose applications for asylum have been rejected. Next week, fourteen men will be sent to Bulgaria on board a Hercules military transport plane. Meanwhile, Austria is helping Hungary seal its border with Serbia to stop the flow of migrants and refugees, most of whom are now stuck in limbo on the southern side of the frontier. The Hungarian government has rejected claims by the United Nations Refugee Agency of using excessive force and inhuman treatment to expel illegal migrants back into Serbia. More than 600 people have been deported since new legislation came into force last week.

Zimbabwe pastor calls for more protests

A Zimbabwean pastor, who was briefly detained after organising a nationwide strike last week, has called for further protests. Evan Mawarire again urged people to stay at home, as part of a campaign against corruption and economic mismanagement: "We need changes in very simple things, in very simple areas. And our protest: non-violent, stay at home, non-inciting, non-insulting - it's the best because it's within the confines of the law, and within the confines of the constitution."

The weather

Drier conditions in the east and south this afternoon, but from Vorarlberg to Upper Austria it will remain cloudy and rainy. Strong winds across the country. Highs ranging from 10 to 23 degrees.

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