News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Pakistan hospital bombing kills dozens

Officials in Pakistan say 53 people have been killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack at a hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta. Dozens were wounded in the blast. It happened as lawyers gathered at the hospital to protest at the assassination of the president of the local Bar Association earlier in the day. Journalists are also among the dead. Gunfire reportedly followed the explosion. No-one has yet claimed responsibility.

Erdogan backs the return of capital punishment

The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told over a million supporters in Istanbul that he would approve the return of the death penalty if it was backed by parliament and the public. He was speaking at a rally to demonstrate unity and honour those who died in last month´s failed coup.

Japan´s Emperor sparks abdication debate

The Japanese Emperor Akihito says his age and deteriorating health mean he is finding it difficult to continue in his role. The revered 82-year-old emperor's comments came in a rare televised address. No legal procedures exist in Japan for an abdication. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: "When we think about the official roles of the emperor to be conducted, and by considering his age and the burden that the official duties impose on his physical condition, we must have thorough discussions on what we can do from here."

IS claims responsibility for Belgian machete attack

The so-called Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a machete attack that wounded two policewomen in the Belgian city of Charleroi on Saturday. The suspect, who was shot by police and later died, has been identified as a 33-year-old Algerian with a criminal record who prosecutors say "may have been inspired by a terrorist motive". He had been living illegally in Belgium and had twice been ordered to leave the country but failed to do so.

Syrian rebels pledge to retake Aleppo

An alliance of Syrian rebels and jihadists has announced the beginning of a battle to retake the entire city of Aleppo. They broke a month-long siege on rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo on Saturday and are now attacking further into government-held territory.

Thailand votes in favour of a new constitution

People in Thailand have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new, military-backed constitution. The military, which toppled the government in 2014, says it will curb political corruption and bring stability. But critics say it will cement the role of the armed forces in Thailand.

Russia is banned from the Paralympics

The International Paralympic Committee has banned the entire Russian Paralympic team from competing in the Rio games next month because of the widespread doping culture that it says has polluted sport in Russia. The Russian Paralympic Committee says it will appeal.

The Weather

Sunny and warm with highs today from 23 to 30.

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