News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Turkey says it’s captured coup soldiers

Turkey's special forces are reported to have captured a group of soldiers suspected of trying to seize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the start of the failed coup last month. At the time, the president was staying in a hotel in a resort in southwestern Turkey. In another development, Turkish officials have summoned a senior German diplomat to protest against a German court decision to stop Erdogan addressing a rally held yesterday in Cologne via video link. Erdogan had wanted to hold the speech during a demonstration attended by many of his supporters who were protesting against the attempted coup in Turkey.

Russian helicopter downed in Syria

The Russian Defence Ministry says one of its helicopters has been shot down in Syria and that all 5 people on board have died. The aircraft came down in the province of Idlib. According to Russian officials, it was returning to Russia's main air base in Latakia after delivering humanitarian goods to the city of Aleppo.

Taliban attack in Kabul

In Afghanistan, a compound housing foreign contractors in the capital Kabul has come under attack from Taliban fighters. A lorry bomb exploded at the entrance to the site and two gunmen then went inside. Officials say 3 people have been killed including the two gunmen.

Investigations continue into France church attack

French prosecutors say two men have been placed under formal investigation over the murder of a Catholic priest in a church in Normandy last month. One of them is a cousin of one of the two killers who were both shot dead by police. Judicial officials say the 30-year old man had been fully aware of his relative's intention to carry out an act of violence.

Concerns over new security law in Malaysia

Concerns are being raised about a new security law which has come into force in Malaysia. The legislation gives Prime Minister Najib Razak sweeping new powers including the ability to declare a state of emergency anywhere that is considered to be at risk. Najib says it's necessary to combat terrorism. But critics say the law could restrict human rights. Political analyst Ibrahim Suffian: "the new national security council bill has struck some fear particularly among the legal fraternity as well as civil society here. In part it's because it gives sweeping powers to the Prime Minister to declare security zones and also allows the suspension of some constitutional liberties in those areas that are declared security zones."

The Weather

The west and south will be cloudy with showers. Elsewhere quite sunny. There'll be a fresh wind. Highs are mostly ranging between 18 and 26 degrees, but cooler in areas which are overcast.

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