News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

UN suspends Syria aid after deadly attack

The United Nations has suspended all aid deliveries in Syria, following an attack on a humanitarian convoy near the city of Aleppo, which left at least 12 people dead. The incident comes hours after the Syrian military declared an end to a US and Russian brokered ceasefire. UN spokesman David Swanson says it remains unclear who carried out the airstrike on the Red Crescent convoy. “Initial estimates indicate that of the 31 trucks in the convoy, at least 18 were hit, as well as the warehouse belonging to the Syrian Red Crescent in Beg Arap. We’re still trying to determine how the incident happened, how many people were killed, how many people were injured.” The UN's Humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien told reporters that if the attack was deliberate then it would amount to a war crime.

UN General Assembly begins in New York

World leaders are gathering in New York today for the start of the UN General Assembly. The conflict in Syria is expected to dominate the meeting, however leaders will also discuss other pressing issues such as global terrorism and the refugee crisis.

Unarmed black man shot dead by US police

Police in the US state of Oklahoma have released a video which shows an unarmed black man being tasered and shot dead by a white police officer in the city of Tulsa. 40 year old Terence Crutcher can be seen in the video walking towards his vehicle with his hands in the air. Police say shots were fired after Crutcher refused to obey officers’ commands. Chuck Jordan is the Tulsa police chief. “We brought the Justice Department in on it immediately, as is the US Attorney’s Office, Northern Districts Oklahoma. I want to assure our community, and I want to assure all of you and people across the nation who are going to be looking at this, we will achieve justice.”

Police deployed on Lesbos after camp fire

Extra police have been deployed on the Greek island of Lesbos, following a fire at an overcrowded migrant camp overnight that forced the evacuation of up to 4000 people. No-one was injured in the blaze but police are investigating whether the fire, which destroyed around 30 percent of the Moria camp, was deliberately lit. Tensions have reportedly been simmering in the camp, following rumours of mass deportations to Turkey.

Opposition headquarters torched in DRC

There are reports of continuing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the main headquarters of the opposition UDPS party being burnt down overnight. The opposition says more than 50 people were killed yesterday in clashes between police and protestors. The protestors accuse President Joseph Kabila of attempting to extend his term in office.

Activist convicted in Thailand over report

A court in Thailand has found a British activist guilty of defamation, for publishing a critical report about the treatment of migrant workers at a Thai fruit processing plant. Andy Hall was fined and given a three year suspended jail sentence. The ruling has been denounced by Finnish watchdog, Finnwatch, which published the report.

The weather

Partly sunny conditions have been forecast for most areas this afternoon. A few clearing showers are expected from the Inntal to the Mostviertel. Top temperatures will range from 13 to 21 degrees.

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