News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Europe-wide hunt for Berlin suspect

A Europe wide manhunt is underway for the Tunisian man, named as Anis Amri, who is a prime suspect in the attack on Monday evening on a Christmas market in Berlin. Media reports say the fingerprints of Amri have been found on the door of the truck used in the attack, where his residence permit was also found. Police have offered a 100,000 euro reward for information on Amri, but have cautioned that he may be armed and dangerous. German authorities have revealed that he had been under surveillance and was known to intelligence agencies for ties to Islamic extremists. Editor Julian Reichelt from Bild Online says surveillance was ended for lack of evidence: “This year from March to September apparently police had him under surveillance. They suspected him of trying to get money to then buy assault weapons for a potential terror attack. Because of lack of evidence they dropped that investigation.” Reports say Amri had served a prison sentence in Italy and moved to Germany last year where his asylum request was rejected. Efforts to deport him to Tunisia had failed as he lacked valid identity papers.

Evacuations continue from Aleppo

In Syria, United Nations officials say the evacuation of civilians and rebels from the east of Aleppo is still continuing, with hundreds of private cars leaving overnight. A rebel spokesman has said thousands of people are still waiting to be evacuated by bus.

Putin attends Karlov funeral

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended a state funeral in Moscow for Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, who was assassinated in Ankara on Monday. Karlov was shot dead by an off-duty Turkish police officer who claimed to be acting in revenge for Russian actions in Syria.

Italy approves bank rescue fund

In Italy, parliament has approved a 20 billion euro rescue fund for the banking sector allowing a bailout of the country’s third largest bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Attempts at a private rescue of what is the world’s oldest bank have reportedly failed.

Rights group warns over Congo unrest

Human Rights Watch says security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have killed at least 34 people during protests this week against President Joseph Kabila's failure to step down at the end of his term in office. No election has been held to choose his successor.

Trump appoints China critic

United States President-elect Donald Trump has appointed an outspoken critic of China, economist Peter Navarro, as the head of a new national trade body. Navarro has said he supports Trump's pledge to impose high tariffs on goods imported to the US from China. Addressing the appointment, China’s foreign ministry has emphasised the need to cooperate on trade and peace.

The weather

Mainly foggy in low lying regions, sunny in the mountains. Top temperatures minus 5 to plus 10 degrees.

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