US re-imposes sanctions on Iran +++ Canada defends its human rights policy +++ Sex abuse case shocks Germany

7. September 2018, 02:00

US re-imposes sanctions on Iran

The United States has re-imposed trade and financial sanctions on Iran. They were discontinued after the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, but President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the agreement in May, a move which drew criticism from the European signatories. The first phase of the sanctions will target Iran’s purchase of US dollars, foreign cars and precious metals. US national security adviser John Bolton has outlined what Washington wants from Tehran: “They could take up the president’s offer to negotiate with them, to give up their ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, to stop their support for international terrorism, to give up their military activities in the region.”

Canada defends its human rights policy

Saudi Arabia has suspended flights to Toronto by the kingdom’s state-owned airline Saudia. The Saudis have also frozen trade ties and educational exchange programs, in addition to expelling Canada’s ambassador to Riyadh. The moves are a reaction to a Canadian appeal for the release of Saudi women’s rights activists and other civil society advocates. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland: “Let me be very clear: Canada will always stand up for human rights in Canada and around the world, and women’s rights are human rights.”

Sex abuse case shocks Germany

A court in Freiburg, Germany has sentenced a woman and a man to 12 years in prison for the repeated rape of the women’s young son and for selling the boy for sex on the internet. They were convicted of rape, sexual abuse and prostitution. Local authorities have been accused of failing to protect the boy who is now in foster care.

Fire at refugee home in Germany

Staying in Germany, a fire at a home for refugees has left eight people injured. A 29-year old resident of the home has been arrested. He is said to have strated the fire as part of a suicide attempt.

California sees largest wildfire ever

In the United States, two wildfires have merged in northern California to become the largest fire in the state’s history. Thousands have fled their homes and businesses. Firefighters say it will take another week to bring under control. There are currently 18 major fires in the state. California fire official Scott McClean: “We have over 14,000 individuals assigned to various fires in this state. That’s the most I’ve ever heard of. They comes from 17 states, the National Guard, Australia, New Zealand.”

Man found alive after Indonesian earthquake

On the Indonesian island of Lombok, soldiers have pulled a man alive from the rubble of Sunday’s massive earthquake. 98 people were killed. Thousands of locals are now homeless and stranded tourists are camping on beaches and in the lobbies of damaged hotels, waiting for boats and planes to take them off the island.

The weather

The afternoon will remain sunny and hot with scattered rain showers in the south and in the Alps. There will be windy conditions in the east. Highs today are ranging from 26 to 36 degrees.

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