News | 27 February 2018

No halt to fighting in eastern Ghouta +++ Trump claims he would have confronted Florida gunman

No halt to fighting in eastern Ghouta +++ Trump claims he would have confronted Florida gunman +++ German court rules cities can ban diesel cars +++ EU demands justice for murdered Slovak journalist +++ 30-year prison term demanded for Park Geun-hye +++ The Weather

News | 27 February 2018

Rosie Waites

No halt to fighting in eastern Ghouta

The United Nations says fighting has continued in eastern Ghouta in Syria - despite a temporary ceasefire ordered by President al-Assad's ally Russia. There have been no signs of civilians leaving, and no aid has been brought into eastern Ghouta. The idea is that a truce will be observed daily, to allow civilians to leave. The International Committee of the Red Cross says it welcomes any measure that would allow medical evacuations, but spokeswoman Iolanda Jaquemet says people shouldn't be forced to evacuate: "Everything that can give respite to the people is of course welcome, given the desperate situation. People who want to leave of their free will should be allowed to do so, obviously, but in security and in dignity."

Trump claims he would have confronted Florida gunman

In the United States, President Trump claims he would have run into the Florida high school, where 17 people were shot dead this month - even if he had not been armed. He was referring to reports that officers failed to confront the suspect when the shooting broke out: "You know I really believe, you don't know until you test it - but I really believe I'd run in there, even if I didn't have a weapon. And I think most of the people in this room would have done that too. The way they performed was really a disgrace."

German court rules cities can ban diesel cars

A top court in Germany has ruled in favour of allowing cities to ban diesel cars, in a bid to lower air pollution. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig rejected an appeal by two German states against lower court rulings - that suggested driving bans for particularly dirty diesel cars should be considered. Environmental campaigners have sued dozens of German cities, arguing that they have a duty to cut excessive air pollution to protect people's health.

EU demands justice for murdered Slovak journalist

European Union officials are calling for the killers of the Slovakian journalist Jan Kuciak to be brought to justice. Kuciak was known for reporting on alleged fraud cases, often involving business people with connections to Slovakia's ruling party and other politicians. He and his girlfriend were found dead on Sunday at his home near Bratislava. They had both been shot in the head.

30-year prison term demanded for Park Geun-hye

Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking a 30-year jail sentence for the former president Park Geun-hye, who is standing trial on charges including bribery and abuse of power. She was removed from office last year, after being impeached over a massive corruption scandal.

The Weather

Extremely cold and frosty. Mostly cloudy with some snowfall. Highs today ranging between minus 13 and minus 4 degrees.

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