Hours before Wednesday's decision, local publications were already announcing her dismissal from office based on the speeches of senators made throughout the trial. Many politicians had openly declared that they would oust her. Print editions of mainstream newspapers appeared with similar front covers on the day of the Senate vote. "Poll shows Dilma's departure", anticipated daily O Estado de Sao Paulo. "The Senate reaches majority to impeach Dilma; Temer prepares to be sworn in", read the headline of Folha de Sao Paulo. When the result was confirmed, news outlets largely focused on the score of 61 to 20 votes. Two-thirds of the house, or 54 senators, were needed to remove her. "Dilma Rousseff loses her presidential mandate," highlighted the website of daily Correio Braziliense. There was surprise, noted by local media, when the head of the Supreme Federal Court, Ricardo Lewandowski, who presided over the trial, agreed to a request made by the defence and split the vote in two. After deciding for removal, senators unexpectedly voted for the maintenance of Rousseff's political rights. "Dilma can still stand in elections and hold public office," reported the online edition of newspaper O Globo. The result provoked the ire of opposition senators who said they were ready "to appeal to the Supreme Court", according to a text published by website UOL. Some of Rousseff's supporters, such as Senator Lindbergh Farias, reacted from the Senate floor. "Angry political right is unable to revoke Dilma's rights, only the mandate. This is more proof that there was no crime. It is a coup," tweeted Farias. (@LindbergFarias) The "coup" argument was once again brought up during Ms Rousseff's first appearance after the vote. Speaking to the press, she called the senate's decision "the second time she faces a coup d'etat in her lifetime" and said that senators "tore up the constitution". Promising to "fight back", Ms Rousseff compared the impeachment process to an "indirect election", reported website G1. She has previously accused the former Speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha, of "conspiring" against her alongside now President Michel Temer. Local media emphasised Mr Temer's "quick" swearing-in ceremony at the Senate. Less than three hours after the vote, his interim title was gone and he became Brazil's new official president. Mr Temer is travelling to China later on Wednesday to attend a G20 meeting in China, The trip puts the country in a curious situation. Brazil removed a president and would welcome two others on the same day, O Globo noted. That's because the Speaker of the lower house, Congressman Rodrigo Maia, automatically becomes the acting commander-in-chief when Michel Temer is abroad. As reported by news magazine Veja, the country "no longer" has a vice-president. BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.

Summary: The removal of President Dilma Rousseff, at the end of nine-month impeachment process, has come as no surprise to Brazil's media.


Alan Blacker, known as Lord Harley in a trial last year, is said to have used titles which were "inaccurate". He also appeared with St John Ambulance medals and ribbons on his chest, despite not being a St John member. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal is investigating. Mr Blacker was defending minibus driver Andrzej Wojcicki, jailed for five years after being found guilty of causing the death of a cyclist by dangerous driving in Caerphilly county, when he was scolded by Judge David Wynn Morgan for his appearance. He told him: "If you want to look like something out of Harry Potter you can forget coming to this court ever again." Mr Blacker complained to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office about the comments, saying he was upset his "qualifications, status and offices were brought into disrepute". St John in Wales later said Mr Blacker was not a member of the Order of St John and it had contacted the police over the issue. Now, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal is looking into seven allegations, including that Mr Blacker: The allegations are subject to a hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and are as yet unproven.

Summary: A lawyer criticised by a judge for dressing "like something out of Harry Potter" is being investigated for allegedly misleading Cardiff Crown Court.


The suspects reportedly used automatic weapons and an anti-tank missile in the heist last September. Their colleagues in the police helped identify them to investigators, said Dragan Lukak, interior minister of Bosnia's Serb-run region. Two other people have been arrested for alleged involvement in the raid. Money on board the armoured vehicle belonged to a subsidiary of UniCredit, Italy's top bank. A security guard was injured in the robbery. Mr Lukak said the suspects, if found guilty, would have "disgraced... their unit and the whole police force". Bosnia is administered under two entities, the Muslim-Croat Federation and the Serb Republic, each with their own police force.

Summary: Five members of Bosnia's special police have been held over an armed raid on a bank van that netted 617,000 marka ($344,000; Â£241,000), officials say.


Every year temples in the state organise fireworks displays, often competing to stage the most spectacular ones. "The devotees burst firecrackers to appease the female deity," local MP NK Premachandran told the BBC. Now the Puttingal temple has earned worldwide infamy for Sunday's explosion and fire that killed more than 100 people. This is not the first incident of its kind in Kerala: the famous Sabarimala temple banned fireworks in 1952 after 68 people died in a firecracker explosion. The Puttingal temple is one of the oldest in the state, built on the site of what devotees say was an ant hill where a goddess appeared many centuries ago. On Sunday, two groups of devotees, defying a ban by authorities and opposition from nearby residents, set off fireworks intended to dazzle the thousands of other devotees who had participated in the temple festival. Local police say they were misled by the temple authorities, who claimed to have received oral permission from the district authorities. "Temples have become places of carnivals. There is no religious sanction for any of these actions like fireworks displays or competitions,'' activist and author Rahul Easwar says. "There are about 8,000 to 9,000 temples in Kerala out of which 2,500 are controlled by the government. Everyone likes a celebration." "So you have to do something to attract devotees. Fireworks are one way. Some temples even have cinema dances in the name of cultural programmes." "This is a serious issue. There is no teaching of any religious text or even yoga at the temples. There has to be some welfare activity otherwise you will get only floating devotees." But Prayar Gopalakrishnan, a senior temple official, does not agree that there is no religious sanction for fireworks festivities. "We are not interested in banning the custom. We cannot allow any fireworks competitions but the custom [of firework displays] as per Hindu tradition will go on."

Summary: Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly used at temple festivals in the southern Indian state of Kerala, and the Puttingal temple is no exception.


Ministers hope to have parallel talks about our future trading relationship during that period - but what happens if they take longer? To avoid a "cliff-edge" scenario, the chairman of the Brexit select committee in the Commons, Hilary Benn, is among those who has argued for a transitional agreement. What might that look like? One possibility would be for the UK to seek membership of the European Economic Area (EEA) like Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. That would allow the UK to trade goods and services freely with the EU in exchange for financial contributions and the continued acceptance of free movement of people. But it would take the UK out of the common agriculture and fisheries policies and the customs union, allowing it to strike its own trade deals with non-EU countries. To join the EEA, ministers would first need to apply for membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). At a meeting of EFTA countries in Geneva, the current chair, Iceland's foreign minister Lilja Alfredsdottir, told the BBC her country would be keen to see a UK membership application, even if only on a temporary basis. "From an Icelandic point of view, yes we would welcome that," she said, "because I believe EFTA would be stronger with the UK inside". Norway's trade minister, Monica Maeland, said there had been "no signal" from the UK that it would want to join EFTA. If the UK did submit an application, she said there would be a willingness in EFTA to discuss it. Ms Maeland also indicated that she had discussed the potential need for the UK to have transitional arrangements with Lord Price, who is a minister in Liam Fox's new Department for International Trade. "That was something Price was talking about... what are we going to do in the meantime? So, we are hoping to discuss several solutions." Yet the UK government has not yet formally acknowledged that forging new trading relationships might have to be achieved in phases. Downing Street declined to confirm if that's what the prime minister meant when she spoke of avoiding a "cliff-edge" in her address to the CBI.

Summary: When Brexit talks formally begin, the UK will have two years to negotiate its departure from the EU.


Top seed Murray, 29, can set up a potential second-round clash with Britain's Slovenia-born Aljaz Bedene if he defeats the world number 49. Bedene, 26, must first get past France's Benoit Paire after replacing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the main draw. Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka, 31, plays Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. British wildcards Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund face France's Paul-Henri Mathieu and eighth seed Gilles Simon respectively. Elsewhere in the first round, Australian Nick Kyrgios takes on Canadian third seed Milos Raonic and Britain's James Ward meets Luxembourg's Gilles Muller. Queen's is part of the ATP World Tour 500 series and finishes a week before Wimbledon, which runs from 27 June to 10 July. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: British number one Andy Murray will face France's Nicolas Mahut in the Aegon Championships first round at Queen's Club.


The crash was on the A96 Forres bypass. It took place early on Tuesday evening. The man's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Summary: A man has suffered serious injuries after his motorbike and a car collided.


The A9 drops from 150m (492ft) to 20m (65ft) as it enters a valley at the Berriedale Braes. Caithness Chamber of Commerce said it was taking too long starting construction work on the improvements and the problem was being ignored. Transport Scotland said it was continuing to progress the design work. The A9 provides a link to the far north mainland coast and the ferry services at Scrabster, Gills Bay and John O'Groats to Orkney. Chamber chief executive Trudy Morris said: "For too long, the Scottish government has ignored the impact the Berriedale Braes has on those living and working in the North of Scotland and Orkney Isles." She added: "While progress has been made in identifying a solution to this important issue, we are disappointed that the Scottish government is dragging its heels in moving towards a practical implementation of this. "The project as it stands is effectively shovel-ready - all that remains is for Scottish government to commit the funding." Last year, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce called for work to tackle the bend to be accelerated. Government agency Transport Scotland said a significant step in the project should be taken later this year. A spokeswoman said: "We are continuing to progress the design work for the Berriedale Braes improvement scheme following the publication of draft orders last year. "We are currently working to resolve objections to the scheme and subject to completion of the statutory process we will look to publish made orders later this year." Made orders mark the last stage in the development of a final design for a new road.

Summary: The Scottish government has been accused of "dragging its heels" on proposed improvements to a challenging hairpin bend on the A9 in Caithness.


The Staffordshire Regiment Association said it paid Â£64,000 to buy a 10-year lease on The King's Head in Lichfield. The regiment was founded in 1705 when Col Luke Lillingston raised a force that later became the Staffords. Capt Dave Donnelly said: "It's brilliant. We believe we have bought a piece of history." He said the purchase was prompted by a "mad idea" by ex-warrant officer Derek Watts, from Wolverhampton, who went on social media to drum up support. Within a fortnight, he had managed to raise enough pledges to buy the pub. "We have reunions in the pub annually, so we didn't want it becoming a bed and breakfast or anything like that," said Capt Donnelly. "The support to get this off the ground has been immense. We don't know how many associations run pubs, but what is unique is that we were actually founded there." The pub will reopen - following a refurbishment - on March 25, 312 years to the day from when the regiment was formed. It will serve two ales created in honour of the regiment - one named Col Lillingston and the other named Watchman, after the association's mascot - and will be managed by a former regiment man. It will be opened by Lichfield's Lord Mayor and a descendent of Col Lillingston. The association will march from Lichfield Cathedral to the pub and will play the Last Post.

Summary: Veterans of a historical Army regiment have bought the lease on the pub where it was founded.


The Labour leader said a new law would allow family and friends of deceased men to seek the quashing of historical convictions for "gross indecency". Legislation would be known as "Turing's Law" in memory of Alan Turing, he said. The Enigma code-breaker was convicted of "gross indecency" in 1952 and was only given a posthumous pardon in 2013. Homosexuality was illegal until it was decriminalised in England in 1967. Mr Turing was convicted for gross indecency in 1952 in connection with an affair with a 19-year-old man, after which he was chemically castrated. The conviction meant he lost his security clearance and had to stop the code-cracking work that had proved vital to the Allies in World War Two. The mathematician was only given a royal pardon in 2013, nearly 60 years after his death by suicide in 1954. This followed an official apology by former prime minister Gordon Brown in 2009 for how Mr Turing had been treated. Relatives of Mr Turing have led a high-profile campaign to secure pardons for the 49,000 other men convicted under historical indecency laws. Announcing his support for the move, Mr Miliband said: "What was right for Alan Turing's family should be right for other families as well. "The next Labour government will extend the right individuals already have to overturn convictions that society now see as grossly unfair to the relatives of those convicted who have passed away." Asked whether David Cameron would back Mr Miliband's proposals, No 10 said the prime minister "will always continue to look carefully at what more can be done to right these wrongs". A spokesman pointed out that the coalition government had already passed legislation to allow individuals with historical convictions or cautions for certain homosexual activities to apply for them to be removed from criminal records. "It was this government that introduced that 2012 act," said the spokesman. "It was under this government that Mr Turing received the pardon through the use of the royal prerogative." A pardon is only normally granted when the person is innocent of the offence and where a request has been made by someone with a vested interest such as a family member. But, in Mr Turing's case, a pardon was issued without either requirement being met, after an intervention by Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling.

Summary: A future Labour government would pave the way for posthumous pardons for gay men convicted under historical indecency laws, Ed Miliband has said.


People in the multi-ethnic area of Yili will have to provide the samples before being allowed to go abroad. The Chinese government is trying to crack down on periodic violence, which it blames on Islamist militants. Many Muslims in Xinjiang say they are discriminated against. They say the Chinese authorities often refuse to issue documents allowing them to travel. Most of the Uighur ethnic minority, which makes up about 45% of Xinjiang's population, practise the Muslim faith. Over the years China's authorities have attributed violent attacks to Uighur militants, who they say are inspired or aided by overseas terror groups. Uighur leaders have denied being behind the violence. Why is there tension between China and the Uighurs? Did China's crackdown on terrorism work? The new restrictions on travel were announced in the Communist Party's newspaper in Yili and in advertisements posted by local travel agents. The announcements said that people would have to supply a blood sample, fingerprints, a voice recording and what police call a three-dimensional image. The policy came into force on 1 June, just before Ramadan started. Civil servants and children are banned from fasting for the Muslim holy month. Why is there tension between China and the Uighurs?

Summary: Police in China's north-western region of Xinjiang are asking some residents to provide DNA samples and other biological data when applying for travel documents.


Ms Deacon will succeed Ian McKay when he stands down as chairman at the IoD Scotland conference on Friday. She was elected as Labour MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh in 1999 and served as Scotland's first health minister following devolution. Ms Deacon stood down from elected office in 2007. She has since worked across the private, public and third sectors and is currently a professorial fellow at the University of Edinburgh. Ms Deacon is also a non-executive director of Scottish Power Ltd, Lothian Buses Ltd and the Institute of Occupational Medicine. Mr McKay said: "The future of the IoD is in excellent hands with Susan at the helm. "Her varied experience and approach to leadership will be of real benefit to the IoD at a time when boards are increasingly embracing change." Commenting on her appointment, Ms Deacon signalled her intention to build on IoD Scotland's work on promoting strong leadership and governance. She said: "Successful organisations need effective leaders - it's that simple. "If Scotland is to continue to grow and flourish on a world stage we need to support the leaders of today and to grow the leaders of tomorrow. "So too must our boardrooms have within them a diverse range of skills and experience and operate to the highest possible standards. "I am very proud to be taking on the role of chair of IoD Scotland, an organisation which has been at the forefront of promoting high standards of leadership and governance."

Summary: Former Scottish health minister Susan Deacon is set to become the first woman to chair the Institute of Directors in Scotland.


But then Steve Nash is not your average all-American, multi-millionaire NBA superstar. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, worth an estimated Â£75m, you wonder how life might have turned out for him had his parents not decided to emigrate many years ago. For the Californian surfer-style good looks of the sportsman, philanthropist, coach, motivational speaker, football club owner and businessman, belie a distinctly British heritage. "I have a huge soft spot for my Welsh heritage," he tells me. Nearly 10 years after tracking down and interviewing Nash's late grandfather in his flat in Swansea's St Helen's, I have finally caught up with the grandson whose framed photograph took pride of place on his bedside table. One of the least well known sons of Wales, Nash's journey to the NBA has been an interesting one. It goes back all the way to Swansea Bay where Nash's mother, Jean Hall, grew up before heading to the 'big smoke' where her father worked as a police constable. There she met and later married John, an aspiring advertising executive from Tottenham. The young couple embarked on a new life together emigrating to South Africa. Nash, their first child, was born in Johannesburg in 1974. But not keen on their family growing up under apartheid, the Nash's made their next move. This time to Canada. The family relocated to Regina, Saskatchewan, and finally Vancouver Island, welcoming two other children along the way. From a young age Nash, who now has the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers star Flea on speed dial, had dreamed of sporting greatness. But it had nothing to do with basketball. "I may have grown up on the west coast of Canada but in a British household and my dad was an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan just like his dad," Steve recalls. "Spurs are a way of life for me. Football was my first love but I was better at basketball. "I reckon my love of playing football and that competitive spirit definitely helped my basketball career." And how? He smashed records with university team Santa Clara, starting as he meant to go on. But there's more to Steve Nash than being the National Basketball Association's two-time most valuable player. As mentioned earlier, he has many strings to his bow - the Steve Nash foundation raises millions of dollars for disadvantaged children worldwide, closer to home he has set up a junior basketball league, then there's his media production company, his chain of gyms and the two football clubs he part owns. Undeniably the humanitarian focus of his work helped earn him a place alongside The Pope, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates in Time Magazine's Most Influential People in the World list in 2006. 'So what is the driving force behind Wales' un-sung son?' I wondered. It was a question I put to him during our chat during his most recent pilgrimage to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground. "My parents taught me about inequality," he says. "I was lucky to grow up where and how I did, there

Summary: Wales is not the first thing that comes to mind when talking about the all-American, multi-millionaire super stars of the NBA.


The lead exchanged hands on several occasions before Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans missed a last-minute drop-goal to win the game for the hosts. A crowd of more than 70,000 enjoyed a feast of points and four tries before half-time as Gloucester led 17-15. Quins' Ross Chisholm and Gloucester's Harry Trinder both scored twice, while Rob Cook grabbed the pick of the tries. Both sides go away with a bonus point but neither were able to get the decisive score on a day which saw England captain Chris Robshaw return to Twickenham for the first time since his team's disappointing World Cup campaign came to a premature end. In a side-plot to the main event, England winger Jonny May limped off for Gloucester in the second half with an apparent knee injury. Jeremy Thrush scored the opening try for the visitors after seven minutes before Gloucester open-side flanker Matt Kvesic, who produced a man-of-the-match performance, played a pivotal role in his side's second try, scored by fly-half James Hook. The Wales international then saw his fellow countryman Jamie Roberts inspire a Harlequins comeback on his first Premiership start for the club. Marland Yarde and Danny Care crossed in the first half for Conor O'Shea's men to put them back in contention. Trinder extended Gloucester's lead after the break with his first try before four action-filled second-half minutes produced three tries. Two went Harlequins' way, through Nick Easter and Chisholm, and then Trinder ran in his second, but pulled a hamstring in the process. Greig Laidlaw's penalty and Cook's dazzling run through the Harlequins defence seemed to make the win safe for Gloucester. But Evans kicked the home side to within a converted try and replacement Chisholm raced over once more to level it up again. Evans attempted a last-gasp drop-goal to win it, but his kick drifted just wide to the right. Harlequins: Brown; Yarde, Lowe, Roberts, Visser; Evans, Care (capt); Marler, Ward, Collier, Horwill, Matthews, Robshaw, Clifford, Easter. Replacements: Buchanan, Lambert, Sinckler, Merrick, Wallace, Dickson, Botica, Chisholm. Gloucester: Cook; Sharples, Meakes, Twelvetrees, May; Hook, Laidlaw (capt); McAllister, Hibbard, Afoa, Thrush, Galarza, Kalamafoni, Kvesic, Morgan. Replacements: Dawidiuk, Murphy, Doran-Jones, Savage, Rowan, Heinz, Burns, Trinder. For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.

Summary: Harlequins and Gloucester shared 10 tries in an epic 39-39 Premiership draw at Twickenham.


Bristow had posted on Twitter that darts players were "tough guys" and footballers "wimps". In a heated interview with host Piers Morgan on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Bristow initially defended his tweets, saying he was trying to encourage children to report abuse immediately. He later accepted he had offended people and said: "I am sorry for that." Bristow added: "I apologise, it was mis-worded. They are not wimps." In a statement issued later on Wednesday, Bristow described himself as a "bull in a China shop" and said he now "appreciated my wording was wrong and offended many people". "It makes me furious to think that an abuser can get away with it for so long, and to so many, when they should always be looking over their shoulder in fear, waiting to be confronted," he said. "I know why I've been vilified but if one child comes forward quicker or one abuser thinks twice about the likelihood of being confronted then it will have been worth it." The 59-year-old was dropped by Sky Sports on Tuesday after asking why victims did not "sort out" their abusers "when they got older and fitter". Newcastle United said they had dropped Bristow "immediately" from a scheduled appearance at St James' Park on 6 December and "will not work with Eric Bristow in the future". His manager asked for a £5,000 fee for Bristow to appear on the BBC to discuss his comments. GMB said it didn't disclose guest contracts - and Bristow later said any money received would be donated to charity. Nine police forces are now investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse, with more than 20 former footballers having made allegations to the Professional Footballers Association and a special NSPCC hotline receiving more than 100 calls. The Football Association has instructed independent leading counsel Kate Gallafent QC to oversee an internal review of what it knew and when. On Wednesday, the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme reported that the FA scrapped a major review of its child protection policies in 2003.

Summary: Ex-darts world champion Eric Bristow has apologised for suggesting football sex abuse victims are not "proper men".


The idea was discussed at a meeting between Justice Minister Caroline Dineage and parents who failed to receive the ashes of their dead babies. It followed an inquiry into failings at Shrewsbury crematorium. Glen Perkins, who formed the Action for Ashes campaign group, said Mrs Dineage had proposed a national consultation. It is expected to include affected families throughout England and Wales as well as industry experts. Mr Perkins - whose daughter Olivia died from sudden infant death syndrome in 2007 - described the meeting as "very positive" and said there was a willingness by the government to resolve the matter "sooner rather than later". He was joined in Westminster by parents from Leicester, Hull, Banbury and Stoke-on-Trent. They handed in a 61,000-signature petition calling for the return of ashes to be a legal requirement. Families were accompanied by Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury, who has secured a parliamentary debate on the issue on Wednesday. In a statement, Mrs Dineage said: "Having heard the experiences of some of the families affected, it is clear we must do all we can to make sure this never happens again. "No parent should have their grief compounded by a system that is supposed to help. The Emstrey report had a number of recommendations and it is imperative that we consider each one carefully." Last month, David Jenkins, who led the independent inquiry into failings in Shrewsbury, said he had been "struck by the absence of authoritative national guidance". He proposed the creation of a national inspector of crematoriums. About 60 families are believed to have been affected by failures at Shrewsbury's Emstrey crematorium between 1996 and 2012. Speaking at the time, Mr Jenkins said there was clearly "no more painful experience" than losing a child and that the issue of infant cremation should be treated as of "the utmost importance". A Freedom of Information inquiry by the BBC last year found the ashes of more than 1,000 babies were not handed to their parents between 2008 and 2013. In March, former Justice Minister Simon Hughes had suggested new national guidelines could be brought in by the end of the year. There was a real sense of positivity from the families that made the trip to London - a feeling they had done all they could to raise this issue. Now they are keeping a close eye on what happens next. I understand a consultation could start very soon and families are already being asked to register their details with the Ministry of Justice. Emotions were high when the campaigners handed in their petition. Five families carried boxes full to the brim with signatures. Glen Perkins, whose daughter Olivia died in 2007, was in tears on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street and that sums up the journey he and other families have been on. Other families put their arms around him as they posed for photos and then knocked on the door to hand in their petition. Of course it won't bring their child back and in many cases they will never know what

Summary: A consultation about baby cremations could be held across England and Wales with a view to changing legislation, bereaved families have said.


Repressive drug law enforcement is driving high rates of infection among injecting drug users, it said. Resources need to be redirected into treatment and prevention. The Commission estimated that of 16 million people worldwide who inject drugs, 10 million are living with hepatitis C. This puts them at risk of fatal and debilitating liver disease. The Global Commission called on governments to decriminalise drug use and provide schemes, such as those which give access to sterile needles, to halt the spread of the disease. The group, which includes seven former presidents, ex-UN chief Kofi Annan and other world leaders, has previously linked the "failed" war on drugs with the spread of HIV. In its latest report it says in some countries with the harshest drug policies more than 90% of people who inject drugs are living with hepatitis C. Eastern Europe and Central Asia have seen the fastest spread of infection and the highest number of infections has been reported in China, the Russian Federation and the USA. Strongly enforced policies criminalising drug use force users away from public health services and locking up vast numbers of injecting users perpetuates the spread of the infection, the Commission warned in the latest report. Hepatitis C is highly infectious and around a quarter of those with chronic infection will develop fatal liver disease. But the disease can go undetected for several years with no or few symptoms and many people are completely unaware they are infected. Governments "must immediately redirect resources away from the 'war on drugs' and into public health approaches that maximise hepatitis C prevention and care", the report recommended. "Hepatitis C has to be one of the most grossly miscalculated diseases by governments on the planet," said commissioner Michel Kazatchkine, who is also the UN secretary-general's special envoy on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. "It is a disgrace that barely a handful of countries can actually show significant declines in new infections of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs." The report highlighted Scotland's national Hepatitis C Action Plan as an example of best practice. Launched in 2006, the strategy has led to a four-to-six-fold increase in the provision of sterile injecting equipment and an increase in the number of people, mainly in drug services and prisons, being tested for the infection. The provisions put in place, which also include an eight-fold increase in the number of prisoners receiving treatment for hepatitis C, have led to falling rates of infection. The Commission also highlights the potential for dramatic savings to countries' health and welfare budgets in the long term from preventing cases of liver disease. "The war on drugs is a war on common sense," said commissioner Ruth Dreifuss, who is also the former president of Switzerland. "Repressive drug policies are ineffective, violate basic human rights, generate violence and expose individuals and communities to unnecessary risks. "The hepatitis C epidemic, totally preventable and curable, is yet another proof that the drug policy status quo has failed us all miserably." The World Hepatitis Alliance said: "It is incomprehensible that hepatitis

Summary: The global war on drugs is fuelling a hepatitis C pandemic causing millions of needless infections, the Global Commission on Drug Policy has warned.


Brondby supporters threw the rodents at Copenhagen defender Ludwig Augustinsson as he went to take a corner. Leaders Copenhagen won the match 1-0 to open up a 13-point lead over nearest rivals Brondby. "It's unfortunate that there are some visitors who could not figure out how to behave properly," said Brondby's sports director Troels Bech. Footage of the incident shows Slovenia international Benjamin Verbic helping team-mate Augustinsson clear at least two rats off the pitch at the 28,000-capacity Brondby Stadium. Brondby are 10-times champions of Denmark while FC Copenhagen, managed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Stale Solbakken, have won the title 11 times.

Summary: A Danish Superliga game between Brondby and FC Copenhagen was marred when home fans threw dead rats at a player.


The Virginia-based court said the president's broad immigration power was "not absolute" and the ban "intended to bar Muslims from this country". The decision upheld a lower Maryland court ruling that found the ban violated constitutional rights. The justice department said it would now seek a Supreme Court review of the appeals verdict. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the verdict thwarted Mr Trump's effort to protect US national security. Mr Trump's revised executive order would have placed a temporary ban on people from six mainly Muslim countries and the refugee programme. The US government argues federal immigration laws grant the president broad powers to stop foreigners from entering the country. But Chief Judge Roger L Gregory, who wrote the majority opinion for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, said on Thursday that Mr Trump's powers had limits. "It cannot go unchecked when, as here, the president wields it through an executive edict that stands to cause irreparable harm to individuals across this nation," said Judge Gregory. The court added that the government's national security argument was a "secondary justification for an executive order rooted in religious animus and intended to bar Muslims from this country". The decision means citizens from Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Libya can continue travelling to the US. The 10-3 ruling is the latest in a series of legal setbacks for an order the president insists is needed to stop terrorists from entering the country. Two lower court rulings blocked the ban just hours before it was due to begin in March. A Maryland judge ruled that the order was meant to be a ban on Muslims and violated the first amendment of the US constitution. A federal judge in Hawaii also sided with opponents that the ban was discriminatory and cited "questionable evidence" in the government's argument that the ban was a matter of national security. The justice department has appealed against the Hawaii decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which heard oral arguments for the case on 15 May. The Ninth Circuit is the same court that refused to lift a block on Mr Trump's initial travel ban signed on 27 January. That order took effect for seven days before a federal judge in Seattle halted it. Instead of appealing against the decision to the Supreme Court, Mr Trump issued a revised version on 6 March. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a statement after Thursday's ruling calling it an "important victory for the rule of law". "I will support challenges to this illegal and unconstitutional executive order as our own case against the travel ban continues in federal court here in Washington." Mr Sessions said in a statement that Mr Trump was abiding by the US constitution and was doing his "duty to protect our communities from terrorism". "This Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend the power and duty of the Executive Branch to protect the people of this country from danger", he added. The controversial ban has prompted protests and debate across the US. More recently, a North Carolina

Summary: A US federal appeals court has refused to lift a temporary block on President Donald Trump's revised travel ban.


But occasionally I also have to take issue with the use of much bigger surveys, such as the country's biggest household one, the Labour Force Survey (LFS). One of its main uses is in the production of the unemployment figures every month. It used to be that the headline unemployment figure was the number of people claiming out-of-work benefits, but that meant the figures were vulnerable to changes in who was allowed to claim such benefits, so instead the country switched to the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment, which is people out of work and seeking a job, whether or not they are claiming benefits. As I reported a few weeks ago, the claimant count has lost its national statistic designation, because the introduction of universal credit has made it more difficult to calculate. But our headline unemployment figure comes from the LFS, in which the Office for National Statistics (ONS) speaks to 60,000 households once a quarter. It's a big survey, but it's still a survey. The ONS is very clear in its monthly releases about its limitations. Two weeks ago we had the unemployment figures for the three months from March to May, which it turned out had risen by 15,000 compared with the previous three months. But lower down in the release, readers were warned that the ONS was 95% confident that the actual figure was within plus or minus 80,000 of that mark, so between a rise of 95,000 and a fall of 65,000. Which may make you question our top line, that unemployment had risen for the first time in two years. Unemployment is not the only figure taken from the LFS, and there was some interesting analysis done by Migration Watch last week using the survey. The group said its research showed that groups of migrants with weaker economic characteristics (based on level of employment, rates of pay and likelihood to claim benefits) outnumbered those with stronger economic characteristics by two to one. The House of Commons Library has been looking at this analysis and questioning whether the LFS is a robust enough source to make such claims. As an example, it considers the figure given for the gap in likelihood to claim benefits between UK residents born in the UK, and those born in Pakistan or Bangladesh, between the ages of 40 and 44. It says that despite its huge sample size, the LFS is only likely to have interviewed about 27 people who fall into the category of 40 to 44 year-old benefit claimants born in Pakistan or Bangladesh. The Library suggests: "a nuanced narrative might be more appropriate than broad statements about migrants' likelihood to claim".

Summary: A lot of the stories I am asked to look at involve organisations trying to make big claims based on surveys of tiny numbers of people with questionable methodology.


Dons manager Derek McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty opted to stay with Aberdeen despite talks this week with Championship club Sunderland. "I was fairly confident he would stay," Milne told BBC Scotland on Friday. "He phoned yesterday morning and said he was absolutely committed to the club. It would have been a massive wrench for him to walk away." McInnes, 45, took over from Craig Brown in 2013 and the following year led the club to League Cup success, beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the final for the Dons' first trophy in 19 years. Last season, McInnes and Docherty guided the Dons to second place in the Premiership behind Celtic, and were runners-up to Celtic in the Scottish Cup and League Cup. "He sees Aberdeen Football Club as his," said Milne of McInnes who, along with Docherty, is contracted to the Pittodrie club until 2019. "I've built up a very close relationship with Derek over the last three or four years and we have been in constant dialogue over the past four or five days. I believed it was 50-50 (whether he would leave). "He has always said how happy he is at Aberdeen. He feels he gets the backing of the board, he has been very successful here, any move entails risk and he knows what he's got here. "Last year was probably the best season in the last three decades and he believes that he can better last year. "I'm absolutely delighted. I've always said we had one of the best management teams in the whole of the UK here." Milne revealed that the club had "reshaped" McInnes's contract in the "past week or so" and that fans can expect to see a few new players coming to Aberdeen when McInnes returns to work on Tuesday. Milne also says he would be surprised if the club don't make a few signings before the end of next week.

Summary: Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne thinks the club have retained "one of the best management teams in the UK".


Investigators have found signs of metal fatigue in components from the aircraft that crashed off Norway in April, killing 13 people. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said both H225 and AS332 (L2) variants should cease flying. Iain Stuart from Aberdeenshire was among those killed in the crash. Mr Stuart, 41, from Laurencekirk, was working for the oil field services company Halliburton and was a passenger on the helicopter. The Airbus Super Puma 225 was travelling from the Gullfaks field to Bergen when it crashed near the small island of Turoey on 29 April. The pilots had no time to issue a mayday and the main rotor is believed to have become detached before impact. On Wednesday a preliminary report issued by the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) said it had found "features strongly consistent with fatigue" in parts of the main gearbox (MGB). It added: "It cannot be ruled out that this signifies a possible safety issue that can affect other MGBs of the same type. "The nature of the catastrophic failure of the LN-OJF main rotor system indicates that the current means to detect a failure in advance are not effective." The Super Puma H225 helicopter had already grounded in the UK and Norway since the crash but the latest EASA directive includes the other main variant of the Super Puma and extends the ban across Europe. An online petition calling for all Super Puma 225s to be "permanently removed from service" has attracted nearly 30,000 signatures. Tommy Campbell, chair of the Offshore Coordinating Group (OCG) of trade unions said: "The Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) report is a further development in the investigation process, but it is just part of that process. "The OCG will await the outcome of investigations aimed at providing proof around what caused the tragedy in Norway and thereafter we will react to those findings. "The OCG accepts and fully understands the concerns of our respective members and their families, and the OCG trade unions will continue to support members during this period. "There is no question of this aircraft type coming back into service anytime soon as a consequence of these latest findings. "If that position changes, we will engage with our members to determine a position".

Summary: European aviation safety officials have extended the grounding of Super Puma helicopters amid concerns about its gearbox.


Ryan Craig Preston, 23, was also accused of drink driving, failing to stop for a uniformed constable and failing to report an accident. He was arrested after a 22-year-old man was struck by a car as he left the EQHQ nightclub in Livingston on Saturday. The victim was treated in hospital but his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. Mr Preston was also charged with failing to give police his name and address and other details. A Crown Office spokesman said Mr Preston, from Kirknewton, West Lothian, made no plea or declaration during his appearance on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court. He was committed for further examination and released on bail. The date of his next court appearance has not yet been set.

Summary: A man has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after an incident outside a West Lothian nightclub.


The firm's progress is seen as a good indicator of global trade, as shipping carries about nine tenths of the world's trade, and Maersk Line is the world's biggest container carrier. Maersk will probably book $3.4bn in profit for 2015, it said. The company's shares fell 6.5% in early trading. Shipping companies were charging about $233 to move 20-foot containers from Asia to Northern Europe, a loss-making rate according to analysis by Reuters. Maersk blamed the drop in earnings on slender container shipping margins. It makes about half its profit from running the Maersk Line. "Maersk Line has been hit harder than expected by low capacity utilisation due to the low volume growth in the global container transportation market," Sydbank analyst Jacob Pedersen said.

Summary: Maersk, the Danish shipping and oil firm, said it will probably make $600m (£389m) less profit than previously thought, as global demand dropped.


The star, whose hits include Orinoco Flow and Book of Days, famously creates complex vocal arrangements, in which her voice is layered hundreds of times. She told the BBC that, when she first became famous in 1988, replicating those songs on stage "wouldn't really have been possible." "But now it is very, very possible. You see wonderful concerts. "There are orchestras there, choirs there, so it's a different time." But, the star added: "I don't know if that's something I would do." Enya is one of the most-successful folk singers of all time, selling more than 75 million records worldwide. Yet she has never played a solo concert, and tends to disappear for years between albums. She said the decision not to tour with her music had initially arisen out of necessity. "We actually had in my [record] contract that we would have two to three years between each album, " she said, explaining that the painstaking construction of her songs required several years of work. "So that's why I ended up not touring. The success of [my debut album] Watermark caught them by surprise, as it did me. They were worried that if I went on tour and then had three years to work on the next album, it would be too much of a gap." Enya admitted that, had she become famous in this decade, "the focus would have been to tour". "A lot of artists now are touring because sales are not what they were in 1988." And she will perform some of the material from her latest record, Dark Sky Island, on US television later this year, "because they insist". The album is her first in seven years, and is preceded by a single - Echoes In Rain - which has been described as a companion piece to her breakthrough hit, Orinoco Flow. A full interview with Enya will be published in coming weeks.

Summary: Irish folk singer Enya says it would be "very possible" to perform her songs on tour for the first time.


Tonia Antoniazzi polled 22,727 votes compared with the Tories' Byron Davies on 19,458 in what was the tightest marginal seat in the UK. Labour's Nia Griffith retained Llanelli while the party's Carolyn Harris kept Swansea East. Shadow defence secretary Ms Griffith polled 21,568 votes with Conservative Stephen Davies on 9,544 in second. Labour's Christina Rees also held on to Neath, Geraint Davies retained Swansea West and Stephen Kinnock kept Aberavon. Meanwhile, the Conservatives' Simon Hart held on to Carmarthenshire West and Pembrokeshire South with 46.8% of the vote, and former Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb retained Preseli Pembrokeshire by just 314 votes for the Tories. Plaid Cymru's Jonathan Edwards retained Carmarthen East and Dinefwr with 16,127, ahead of Labour's David Darkin on 12,219. Ms Antoniazzi said she though the key moment for the Labour campaign was when Prime Minister Theresa May "did a U-turn" on the Tories' social care policy. "But also we have a strong manifesto and moving forward, on the doorstep that's what we were hearing," she added. Mr Crabb said: "The motivations for doing this election were entirely right and proper, to strengthen the position of the United Kingdom before going into what will prove to be the most difficult set of international negotiations we've faced since the Second World War. "Clearly something has gone wrong because the country has wanted to talk about other issues at this election time. "They wanted to raise other concerns and there are a whole lot of new voters who were less concerned about Brexit and more concerned about issues to do with quality of life and their economic security into the future." Stephen Kinnock, re-elected in Aberavon, said Labour had presented "radical but realistic policies" and common sense which reached out into the centre ground to appeal to voters. He said Jeremy Corbyn had shown leadership and judgement in the manifesto put forward.

Summary: Labour has won back Gower from the Conservatives, a seat the party won by 27 votes in 2015.


They show that in 1987, faced by mounting losses and missed deadlines, the Secretary of State, Tom King, recommended the closure of the shipyard. At the same time, however, a confidential memo from the NIO warned of the possibility of serious political unrest in the Protestant community if the 3,000-strong workforce was paid off. The problems at the yard surfaced in a memo from D J Watkins of the NIO to David Fell of the Stormont Department of Economic Development (DED) on 24 June, 1987. The official reported that the Secretary of State "was deeply disturbed to hear your report of increased cash difficulties [at] Harland and Wolff." Mr King understood that the company was in need of an immediate injection of Â£10m and wanted to know why the need for additional cash had not been identified earlier. In a confidential memo on 30 June, 1987, Peter Viggers, the Stormont Industry Minister ascribed the difficulties at the firm to its failure to complete a stage in the construction of a Swops oil tanker (designed to draw oil from submerged sea wells). More serious, in Mr Viggers' view, was the breach by the company of its annual budget. He added: "I believe we have now reached crisis point in our dealings with Harland and Wolff." It was essential that the government acted decisively as cash flow problems at the firm had become "a recurring problem". This suggested "a reversal of our current hands-off approach of leaving management to manage and of market forces to determine the size of the yard". One option was to place the company in receivership, he wrote. At a follow-up meeting between the minister and John Parker, the Harland and Wolff managing director, on 2 July, 1987, Mr Parker was "shaken" by the minister's determination to send in a firm of accountants "to let the government know the true position". On 4 September, 1987 Mr Viggers received the report from Deloitte, Haskins and Sells on the financial problems of the yard. It warned the DED that it could no longer accept the "over-optimistic assumptions" of management. It was Deloitte's understanding that another major vessel, the AOR was also behind schedule. In their view, Harland and Wolff had adopted unusual commercial practices: for example, earlier that year, a director, close to retirement, had been made technically redundant, enabling him to receive a redundancy payment of Â£40,000. In November 1987, the Northern Ireland Secretary noted the lack of "acceptable orders" for Harland and Wolff and the danger of the firm accepting a "potentially catastrophic" order for a holiday liner. While acknowledging that the closure of the yard would have "a profound impact on morale in Northern Ireland" he nonetheless felt that "the yard should be closed after the AOR tanker was completed". Moves to shut down the Belfast shipyard elicited a plaintive memo from F G McConnell of the NIO to Secretary of State Tom King on 9 September, 1987. This warned of the political and security implications of any phased-down closure of Harland and Wolff in view of its symbolic

Summary: The government recommended the closure of the former shipbuilding giant, Harland and Wolff, in 1987, according to newly declassified files.


Bowie received posthumous nominations for best British male and best album, for his haunting swansong Blackstar. After a row over diversity at last year's ceremony, the rest of the best male category comprises artists from BAME backgrounds. Craig David, Kano, Michael Kiwanuka and Skepta, who beat Bowie at the Mercury Prize, are all up for the title. Skepta has three nominations in total, with additional nods in the best breakthrough and best album categories. Girl band Little Mix also have three - including best group and best single, for their song Shout Out To My Ex. Meanwhile, Beyonce and her younger sister Solange Knowles are both up for best international female, after releasing albums about race and politics last year. Brit Awards 2017: Nominations in full There were calls for a boycott of last year's Brits, after BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) artists were absent from all but the international categories. Organisers later overhauled the voting system, improving the representation of both women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Grime star Stormzy, who called the Brits "embarrassing" in his single One Take Freestyle, this year receives a nomination in the best British breakthrough category. Craig David said he felt grime, urban and R&B artists had excelled themselves in the past year. "What they're doing for British music is pivotal, and it's moving a whole scene forward," he told BBC News. "Diversity is the key," added Michael Kiwanuka. "I don't think it's about just skin colour. "When you put a record on, it's about seeing things from a different perspective. It's deeper than what someone looks like, and I think the Brits are reflecting that." However, David said it would be hard for his fellow best male nominees to compete against Bowie. "His career has been so epic. He influenced me and so many other artists. There's no competition." The best female category sees competition between Ellie Goulding, Lianne La Havas, Emeli Sande, NAO and Anohni - who formerly performed under the name Antony and the Johnsons. In the international categories, there was also recognition for Leonard Cohen, who died late last year. For the first time, the nominations were revealed in a live programme on ITV1. The show included performances from best international female nominee Christine & The Queens and Britain's Got Talent contestant Callum Scott, whose cover of Dancing On My Own was a major international hit last year. Blues singer Rag 'N' Bone Man also performed, after being presented with the Brits Critics' Choice Award, singling him out as one to watch in 2017. The prize, which has previously gone to the likes of Adele, Sam Smith and Florence + The Machine, is one of only two awards to be announced in advance. The other - the Brits Icon award - will be given to Robbie Williams. It is the 18th Brit he has won, either as a solo artist or as a member of Take That. Little Mix, Emeli Sande and The 1975 will all perform at the event, at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday, 22 February, with

Summary: David Bowie, Skepta and Craig David are up for some of the biggest prizes at the 2017 Brit Awards.


Helen Hinks, of Talybont, and her son William, aged three, discovered the boat while walking along Borth beach. It had been launched by youngsters at St Andrew's School of Math and Science in Charleston, South Carolina, in May 2015 as part of a school project. Ms Hinks said it was "magical" to find the boat nine months later, while the school said it was "over the moon". The boat, named the Carolina Dreamer, had been fitted with a GPS tracker and had sailed for less than a week before washing up on Bermuda. There, it was relaunched and although initially heading towards Ireland, it made a detour towards the west Wales coast - a journey of about 4,000 miles. Pupils at St Andrew's had contacted Welsh harbour masters and marinas in the hope it had been sighted and rescued. Explaining the moment they found the boat, Ms Hinks said: "I was waiting to pick my two daughters up from school and normally take my little boy to the beach if the weather's nice. "We were looking across the waves when it literally sailed right to us. It was magical." Ms Hinks said she did not realise the significance of the boat until seeing media reports a week later. "When we contacted the school they were really excited. My children's school is hoping to relaunch it back to America," she said. On hearing the news, St Andrew's pupil Paris said: "When I heard somebody had found our boat...I jumped up and down" while Dhyeya said: "Thank you for saving our boat, we appreciate it". Fourth grade teacher Amy McMahon said: "We cannot tell you how excited and elated we are to hear that our beloved boat has been recovered and has found its way to a nearby school. "We are over the moon."

Summary: A toy boat set sail by American school pupils has been found thousands of miles away by a family in Ceredigion.


It is understood that the Indian owners of the plant fear that the current UK political uncertainty could derail efforts linked to the planned sale. Concerns centre on proposed changes to the pension scheme which are crucial to securing the future of the business. The government says its consultation on the scheme is closed, and it will respond in due course. Tata announced in March that it was considering selling its UK steel business, putting 11,000 jobs at risk. But buyers are reluctant to take on the huge steelworkers' pension scheme, which has 130,000 members. Including spouses and children, hundreds of thousands of people depend upon it. The scheme also has a deficit of about Â£700m. In May, the business secretary Sajid Javid launched a consultation outlining options to resolve the pensions issue. But it is understood that Tata now has concerns that the political uncertainty surrounding the Tory leadership battle could derail the process. "It's clearly an incredibly busy time in UK politics," a source close to the company said. "Nevertheless, the company still hopes that the hundreds of thousands of people in Britain who are dependent on a steel pension will not be left worse off by the current political leadership uncertainties." The consultation on Tata's pension scheme is being handled by the Department of Work and Pensions. On Wednesday the Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb announced his intention to run for the leadership of the Conservative Party. He is being backed by Sajid Javid, who hopes to become chancellor if Mr Crabb wins. Mr Javid has led efforts to resolve the crisis in the steel industry which has intensified under his watch. That's led to concerns that the leadership race could take priority over efforts to resolve the pensions issue. The consultation on the scheme closed on 23 June, with a government response due four weeks later, just before the summer parliamentary recess. The Tata Steel pension consultation included a plan to base the scheme's annual increase on the CPI measure of inflation rather than RPI, a move expected to save billions of pounds. While reducing payouts, the plan would leave most pensions holders either better off or no worse off compared with entering the Pension Protection Fund - the industry lifeboat for pension schemes that go under. But the plans have been criticised for setting a precedent that could lead other employers to attempt to dilute their pensions promises. A DWP spokesman said: "Our consultation into the British Steel Pensions Scheme has now closed. We have received over 5,000 responses and will respond in due course." You can follow John at @JohnMoylanBBC

Summary: Fresh concerns have emerged over the future of Tata Steel's UK assets, which include the huge Port Talbot works.


Its survey of manufacturers, retailers and the services sector showed a balance of 6% reporting increased business, the lowest since May 2013. The economy has had a "tough start to the year", said Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI's director of economics. Official figures last week put UK growth at 0.5% in the last quarter of 2015, the slowest for three years. Ms Newton-Smith said: "Manufacturing and business and professional services have struggled to make a mark, but a healthier picture can be seen in the household-focused consumer services and retail sectors." Output from professional services firms - including telecoms, computing and legal services - slowed down the most, according to the CBI Growth Indicator. The CBI figures signalled only "modest" growth in the next three months. Reports have suggested the Bank of England will this week cut its UK economic growth forecasts to around 2.3% for 2016, compared with 2.5% in November. The central bank will release its latest inflation report on Thursday, when it will also keep interest rates unchanged amid concerns about global economic volatility. A Treasury spokesperson said: "Despite turbulence in the global economy, Britain is pushing ahead and continues to grow steadily."

Summary: The UK economy grew at its slowest rate since mid-2013 in the three months to January, according to the CBI.


Sirigu, who spent last season on loan in Spain with Sevilla and Osasuna, moves on a free transfer after ending his PSG contract by mutual consent. England international Joe Hart was Torino's first-choice keeper last season, but has returned to Manchester City after completing a loan spell. "The club and the president made me feel important and I thank them for that," said Sirigu, 30. Sirigu, capped 17 times by Italy, joined PSG from Palermo in 2011, but lost his place to Kevin Trapp at the start of the 2015-16 season.

Summary: Torino have signed Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu from Paris St-Germain.


It follows concerns highlighted in a recent UN committee report about race discrimination. It also recognises the recent sharp increase in racist hate crime following the EU referendum. The report also calls for better accommodation for the traveller community in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland's traveller community still faces problems with health, education, housing and employment, adds the UN report. NIHRC chief Les Allamby welcomed the call supporting Northern Ireland's travellers. "The committee has highlighted the disparity in equality protection between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, calling for a Single Equality Bill to address this problem," he said. "We raised these concerns directly with the committee in July and welcome that they have been incorporated into the UN report. "We now need action to be taken by the Northern Ireland Executive to tackle these important issues and improve the quality of life and experiences of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in Northern Ireland."

Summary: The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has called on the Executive to do more to improve life for people from minority ethnic backgrounds.


Kenya's government said Mohamed Kuno was behind the attack in April 2015 that killed 148 people. Regional forces in Somalia said he was one of 16 people killed in an overnight raid on their convoy in Kismayo, a port city in southern Somalia. Four of those who died were reportedly senior members of the al-Shabab Islamist militant group. The BBC's Africa security correspondent, Tomi Oladipo, said the news comes as a huge boost for Somalia and its allies in the fight against al-Shabab. However, at least 10 people were killed on Wednesday by a car bomb outside a hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, that was claimed by al-Shabab. The news of Kuno's death was confirmed in a press conference held by Abdirashid Janan, the security minister in the Somali region of Jubaland. Mohamed Kuno: Kenya's most wanted Africa Live: Latest updates After the Garissa attack, Kenya's government put up a $215,000 (Â£149,000) reward for Kuno's capture. A Kenyan-Somali, he was a headmaster at a madrassa, or Islamic school, in Garissa until 2007. But then he crossed the border into Somalia to join the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC), which at one point controlled much of the country. When the UIC collapsed, he joined the militant group Hizbul Islam, which in 2010 merged with al-Shabab. He had several aliases but was best known as Mohamed Dulyadin, which means ambidextrous in the Somali language. He was thought to be in mid-30s. Attack as it happened Who were Garissa victims? Why does al-Shabab target Kenya? In the university attack on 2 April last year, four al-Shabab militants shot students in their dormitories before rounding up and killing dozens more. The four gunmen were killed during the siege but it took 16 hours for anti-terrorism forces to bring the attack to an end. It was the deadliest attack in Kenya since al-Qaeda's bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi in 1998, which killed 213 people. It also came a year and half after al-Shabab fighters targeted the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, killing 67 people. Kuno is alleged to have been behind several attacks on Kenyan soldiers who are fighting al-Shabab in Jubaland. He was also blamed for attacks on Kenyan civilians in Kenya itself. Al-Shabab says it is retaliating for acts by Kenya's security forces, which are part of the African Union's mission in Somalia against the group. 1. Militants enter the university grounds, two guards are shot dead 2. Shooting begins within the campus 3. Students attacked in their classrooms while preparing for exams 4. Gunmen believed isolated in the female dormitories 5. Some students make an escape through the fence

Summary: The leader of the attack on Garissa University in Kenya has been killed, officials in Somalia say.


Phillip Monk, 61, of Penycoedcae, Pontypridd, went on trial at Newport Crown Court accused of 23 counts of indecent assault of a person under the age of 14, relating to seven girls. He was found not guilty of assaulting pupils at Maesybryn Primary School, near Pontypridd, between 1984 and 1995. No evidence was offered on six similar charges relating to two girls. He was also cleared of these. Judge Daniel Williams formally found Mr Monk not guilty of these charges after at a hearing on Monday after being told no evidence would be offered by the prosecution.

Summary: A primary school teacher accused of indecently assaulting his pupils has been cleared of all charges.


Phoenix has launched a mandatory bid for Hornby, after offering to buy a stake from another investor that would gave it a 55% holding in the firm. The offer, of 32.375p per share, values Hornby - which also owns the Scalextric and Airfix brands - at £27.4m. Hornby has advised investors to take "no action for the time being". The toymaker also said it had appointed David Adams as its interim chairman, replacing Roger Canham who resigned from Hornby's board on Wednesday. Mr Canham is also the non-executive chairman of Phoenix Asset Management. On Wednesday, Hornby had reported falling revenues and deepening annual losses. The company is struggling to revive its fortunes, which has led to it cut back the number of products it sells. In the year to 31 March, revenues fell to £47.4m from £55.8m, while underlying losses widened to £6.3m from a £5.7m deficit last year.

Summary: Model toymaker Hornby has said a takeover offer from its largest shareholder, Phoenix Asset Management, "significantly undervalues" the firm.


Garita, 20, plays for Chateauroux in France's third tier and was at Ashton Gate on trial in November. "Arnie is a £50,000 punt that will play in our under-21s," Cotterill told BBC Radio Bristol. "We don't have anyone who is as physically strong as he is. He's raw, big, strong, tough and hungry." The Robins are currently short of options up front, with Jonathan Kodjia, signed from French side Angers last summer, starting all but one of their matches in the Championship this season. Cotterill says that Garita will train with City's first team, and could force his way into the senior XI as his search for new players continues. "In the first training session he clattered Nathan Baker, and then Nathan clattered him back, and he had a big smile on his face," said Cotterill, who had been hoping to extend Elliott Bennett's stay with the club before he joined Blackburn from Norwich on Tuesday. "He endeared himself to all the lads by working hard and we have to see where that one goes. If he ends up in the first team it'll be one hell of a story." On the type of player he is hoping to sign in January, Cotterill added: "Good ones if we can - the trouble is there is a lack of good ones available. "We need some players that can go in and help the younger ones. "We are doing our best. My phone is having to be charged two or three times a day - we just want a few good ones. We don't want the wrong ones, we've got a lot going for us."

Summary: Bristol City are closing in on the signing of striker Arnold Garita, a player that manager Steve Cotterill has described as a "£50,000 punt".


His election ends a period of uncertainty as he replaces Chabur Goc Alei, who was suspended by the SSFA's general assembly last year. Amin beat former international referee Lual Maluk Lual in the polls which were overseen by delegates from Fifa and the Confederation of African Football. "Let's forget our differences but be united by the beautiful game of football," Amin said. "I welcome all my opponents to come and join hands so that we develop football in our beloved country South Sudan." Alei was forced out of office amid allegations of mismanagement. Amin is a well-known businessman in Juba and is a former board member with local club Atlabara. Venasio Deng Amun will be Amin's deputy after he beat Sestilio Juba Leriba in the polls for vice-president.

Summary: Francis Amin Michael Paul has been elected as the new president of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA).


Mageean's time of 2:00.79 cut 2.05 seconds off her previous best but she was passed in the closing 15 metres by England's Alex Bell who won in 2:00.53. The Portaferry woman had been tipped to challenge Rose-Anne Galligan's Irish record of 2:00.58. Pacemaker Sinead Denny went to the bell in 59.45 with Mageean just in arrears. When European Championship 400m semi-finalist Denny dropped out after 450 metres, it left Mageean with a two-metre lead but Bell, a quality athlete who just missed on Olympic qualification, stayed in touch before unleashing her late run to pass the Northern Irishwoman. Yorkshire athlete Bell's winning time cut 0.76 seconds off her previous personal best. After her first run on home soil since winning her European bronze medal two weeks ago, Mageean made no attempt to hide her frustration after being pipped by the 23-year-old. "I'm very disappointed. I had to do a lot of the work in that race and just got run down in the last few metres," said Mageean, who will head to the Ireland pre-Olympic training camp in Rio early next week. "I'll be back to win the 800m and the mile at the Morton Games in the future." There were American winners in both mile races with Katie Mackey setting a new women's meeting record of 4:25.48 and John Gregorek also improving his personal best as he pipped compatriot Kyle Merber to win the men's event in 3:55.57. The quality of the race was such that even 11th-placed Irishman Paul Robinson, back in action after a long injury spell, broke four minutes as he clocked 3:58.75. The men's 400m produced the tightest of finishes with Sudanese athlete Sadam Koumi given the verdict as he was given the same time as Guyana's Winston George. With Britain's Jared Dunn (46.28) in third, Brian Gregan finished fourth in 46.59 to edge out David Gillick (46.93) in the battle of the Irish athletes. There was a predictable American one-two in the men's 100m as US Olympic trials semi-finals Joe Morris (10.27) pipped Dentarius Locke (10.27) who finished eighth in the final in Eugene. With Amy Foster, like Jason Smyth, a late withdrawal from the meeting, Nigeria's Stephani Kalu won the women's 100m in 11.60 which left her ahead of Irish pair Niamh Whelan (11.72) and Joan Healy (11.73). Meanwhile, Mark English showed encouraging form as he battles for form after injury as he clocked a big season's best of 1:45.36 at the Diamond League meeting at London's Olympic Stadium. English, who only recently return to action after a stress fracture, was 1.48 seconds behind French winner Pierre-Ambroise Bosse but it was still a very encouraging run for the Donegal man ahead of the Olympics.

Summary: European medallist Ciara Mageean was left "disappointed" as she was edged out over 800m at the Morton Games despite setting a big personal best.


In the past year, the combined pensions deficit of firms on the UK's FTSE 100 index has increased 13%, according to JLT Employee Benefits. That could cause problems when some firms carry out pension re-valuations in the coming months, JLT said. Tesco and Lloyds bank are among those re-valuing their pension schemes. UK companies have to measure the deficit or surplus of their defined benefit pension schemes every three years. "With many pension schemes now embarking on their triennial actuarial valuations and deficits likely to be much bigger than three years ago there are going to be some difficult discussions between companies and pension scheme trustees," said Charles Cowling, a director at JLT. Companies could be forced to put much more money into their pension schemes to reduce the deficits, he said. JLT found that the combined pension funds deficit of FTSE 100 companies was Â£60bn in April, up from Â£53bn a year ago. The deficit of all UK private sector pension schemes was unchanged at Â£182bn, JLT found. They "remain high due to quantitative easing and record low interest rates," Mr Cowling said.

Summary: Some of the UK's biggest companies face "difficult discussions" over their growing pension deficits, according to a pensions consultancy.


The midfielder has only started two games since joining from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in September, but he hopes to become a regular next term. "I'm hoping to hit the ground running," 21-year-old Christie said. "We've got a lot of big games before the leagues starts, so it's important to impress the manager straight away." Christie was sold to Celtic last summer but immediately sent back to Caley Thistle on a season-long loan cut short by a knee injury in November. Now the manager who signed him, Ronny Deila, has been replaced with Rodgers. "I've been really looking forward to working with him ever since he was announced," said Christie of the former Liverpool and Swansea City boss. "I think this kind of appointment shows how big a club Celtic really is, with the manager we can still attract. "I think in terms of the way the club wants to go, it's shows we're very very positive. "My mindset going into training next week is it's like a clean slate and your job to impress him every day in training and try to get in his thoughts of the season ahead." Christie is unconcerned by the recent comments by Rangers' new signing, Joey Barton, who has already stirred up the rivalry ahead of the first Old Firm fixture of the season on 10 September. Barton said Celtic captain Scott Brown was "not in my league" as a player. "He likes to build it up a bit more, maybe make it more exciting," Christie said of the former Burnley midfielder. "But, to be fair, it's not anything that's going to effect us, or any of our camp. "He can focus on Rangers and we'll focus on us. "It doesn't really affect me. I think the way he goes about his publicity is probably good because it attracts attention. "Maybe that's what he wants, or Rangers wants, but for us, it's nothing really."

Summary: Ryan Christie hopes to make an immediate impression on new manager Brendan Rodgers and force his way into the Celtic team for the coming season.


The Taiwanese researcher found files left behind by the other intruder on a neglected Facebook server. The former hacker was using tools to scoop up login names of Facebook's net admin staff. Facebook said the traces were left by another security researcher also seeking loopholes in its systems. In a blog post, security researcher Orange Tsai detailed the way he found the vulnerable server and his realisation that someone else had been there before him. The earlier intruder had set up scripts to grab the login names and other credentials for Facebook employees. At first glance, he said it looked like a "pretty serious security incident". Mr Tsai, who works for security firm Devcore, reported his findings to Facebook so it could harden the server and clean out the login-sniffing scripts. He won a $10,000 (Â£7,000) bug bounty from Facebook for finding the vulnerable server. In a statement on the Hacker News site, Facebook said it was "really glad" that Mr Tsai reported his findings. "After incident response, we determined that the activity Orange detected was in fact from another researcher who participates in our bounty program," it said. Facebook described the discovery of the vulnerable server as a "double win" as it involved two competent researchers assessing its systems. Neither was able to get further than the server to get full access to the site's internal networks, it added. Paul Ducklin, writing on the blog of security firm Sophos, said anyone planning to do similar work on other net firms should be more careful. "We recommend that you don't go as far as either hacker in this case." he wrote. "Orange stretched the rules a bit; the earlier mystery hacker stretched them a lot." Going too far might introduce new weaknesses, warned Mr Ducklin. "You don't make security stronger by weakening it," he said.

Summary: A hacker looking for ways to breach Facebook's internal network has uncovered traces of another hacker who got there first.


"The joke has worn thin. I'm tired of having your opinions ascribed to me. Pls tweet under your own name. Thanks", the author had tweeted to the account. The handle with more than 30,000 followers adopted a "faux Rushdie persona" and engaged in debates with right-wing accounts. The owner immediately capitulated and changed his handle to @IndiaExplained. "It gave me a chance to pay homage to Rushdie and other writers while being able to reflect and comment on things that matter to me", the owner of the account, Rohit Chopra told Indian news website Scroll.in. But many Indians online have taken exception to Sir Salman's stance, accusing him of both lacking a sense of humour and clamping down on freedom of expression. With its new name, the account has promised to provide "satirical and political commentary on India". It is just one among a number of Indian parody Twitter accounts which have courted controversy with those tried to send up. In one instance, the office of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked Twitter to block the account of @PM0India (which used a zero instead of a 'O') because of "objectionable content", which "could be mistaken as the official account of the PMO and have serious ramifications."

Summary: Salman Rushdie has been pilloried by Indian tweeters after confronting a parody account @RushdieExplains.


Held at the city's Eden Court, the line-up includes 34 films from 21 countries. Five of the features are UK premieres and 17 will get their Scottish premiere during the event, which runs from the 5-9 November. Documentary, The Possibilities are Endless, follows Scots singer Edwyn Collins' recovery from a stroke in 2005 with the help of his wife Grace. Collins will perform songs after the screening of the film. Foreign films are a key feature of the festival. This year's include Difret about a teenage girl in Ethiopia who is charged with murdering a 29 year old man after he abducts her. Winter Sleep, set in a small hotel in central Anatolia, will be given its Scottish premiere at Eden Court. Another feature that will be give its Scottish premiere in Inverness will be Fantail, a story about a white New Zealand woman who was raised as a Maori. The foreign language offerings also include Firestorm. Another is The Tribe. Festival director Paul Taylor said: "The Tribe is my pick of the festival, it's a unique and original film from Ukraine without words or subtitles or translation and is the most exciting and powerful film that you will see all year. "It's a true one of a kind, which after 120 years of cinema doesn't happen very often." Drama on and under water appear in a number of the films to be shown, including Kon-Tiki which is about Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 bid to cross the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft. Angel Azul tells of the creation of an artificial coral reef by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Also on an aquatic theme is Once in Your Lifetime. It explores the idea that all keen anglers should try fishing on Scotland's lochs and rivers.

Summary: The programme for the 12th Inverness Film Festival has been announced.


Han, Job, Kukin and Fabiana were poorly and hadn't had enough to eat or drink when they were found. They were rescued by marine biologists and spent two months at a special rehabilitation centre in Peru in South America. Carlos Yaipen, one of the experts who helped make the the creatures better, says he's found lots of sick sea lions and believes changing sea temperatures are to blame. He said: "These sea lions are survivors of various illnesses which they contracted off the coast of Peru caused by the phenomenon of El Nino.'' The little creatures were taken by boat to Palomino island, in Callao, Peru for their release, which is home to over three thousand other sea lions.

Summary: Four sea lions have returned to the ocean after being nursed back to health.


Over the last four years, a total of 165 individuals on North Uist, South Uist and Benbecula have been diagnosed with the disease. In that same period, Lewis and Harris have recorded just one case and Barra three. NHS Western Isles is developing an awareness campaign for Uist. Lyme disease can cause arthritis and neurological problems if untreated. The infection can be transmitted to humans through a bite from a tick. The figures for incidence of Lyme disease on the Western Isles were provided by medical practices across the islands. The reason of the higher numbers on Uist has still to be fully understood. NHS Western Isles and other groups are investigating. Lyme disease and ticks Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans by infected ticks. Flu-like symptoms and fatigue are often the first noticeable signs of infection. An untreated bite often shows as a distinctive red circle-like mark on a person's skin. Diagnosed cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, but, if left untreated, neurological problems and joint pain can develop months or years later. Ticks are small arthropods related to spiders, mites and scorpions and Britain has a number of different species. People are most likely to come across sheep ticks, which feed on mammals and birds, in open spaces with long grass or bracken. Hillwalkers and climbers organisation, Mountaineering Scotland, regularly issues advice on how to avoid and deal with ticks. It suggests people can protect themselves better by tucking trousers into socks or wearing gaiters, and also by making thorough checks of their bodies once back home. It recommends that these checks should be repeated over several days. If a tick is found attached to a person's skin, it can be removed with a tick hook. If in doubt, seek advice from a doctor, Mountaineering Scotland says. NHS Western Isles said: "We are aware of the difference in prevalence across the islands and, as geographically separate islands, we are not surprised that the patterns are different. "There is different land use in North and South Uist as opposed to Benbecula and this may be related. "We know that some people have expressed their concerns and views about the changing patterns of deer roaming, and the overlap in certain areas of deer and croft animals." The health board already supports efforts to raise awareness of ticks, their presence and how to remove and treat them. But a spokeswoman added: "However, we are developing a targeted campaign for the Uists that will focus on prevention of bites, tick removal and identification and treatment of tick-related disease in people. "As tick bites tend to reduce in frequency in the winter, this will be in place prior to the spring rise in tick prevalence." Scottish Natural Heritage, a public body with a responsibility for managing wild deer numbers, said it was also aware of islanders' concerns about the link between ticks and red deer. A spokesman said: "We recognise that the deer population in Uist has increased and has been gradually using agricultural land more and

Summary: The incidence of Lyme disease on Uist is far greater than that on neighbouring islands, according to figures gathered by BBC Gaelic News.


The former England international, 34, has signed on a free transfer after winning friends on and off the field in his three months at the Ricoh Arena. "He's great to have around the dressing room," said City manager Tony Mowbray. "The rest of the squad feed off his experience. I'm sure it'll have a positive impact on our young players." Cole scored a cracking free-kick in a 4-3 win over Barnsley after arriving on 19 October, but has only made seven appearances in total because of injury niggles. "Our staff have worked hard to build up his fitness and physicality, and we've seen Joe really buy into what we're trying to do here," added Mowbray. "I only see his performances for the club getting better. He is a fantastic option to have from now until the end of the season." Cole began his career at West Ham before moving in 2003 to Chelsea, for whom he made 183 league appearances, scoring 28 goals. After seven years at Stamford Bridge and two Premier League titles, he moved to Liverpool, but had a loan spell with French Ligue 1 side Lille before returning to boyhood club West Ham in 2013. He made 31 appearances in a one-year spell at Upton Park, scoring five goals, before switching to Villa, for whom he made four starts. Cole scored 10 goals in 56 international appearances for England. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Coventry City's on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has completed a move to the Ricoh Arena on a deal until the end of the season.


The 21-year-old joined the Millers on loan in January and has made two appearances so far. Bray never played a first-team game for the Swans but did appear five times for the club's under-21 side in the EFL Trophy this season. Rotherham are bottom of the Championship, 19 points adrift of safety. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Rotherham United have signed Swansea winger Alex Bray for an undisclosed fee until the end of the 2018-19 season.


To mark this moment, Polish photographer Piotr Malecki has flown into London and is making his way from the outskirts of the capital to the centre, capturing the mood and the thoughts of some of those he meets. "I think Brexit is sad and I feel sorry for those people who don't really know what's happening, who are thinking they should leave the country. There are some mums at school who are really lovely, really involved with the school, great kids - and they're just thinking that they might have to move. They don't know whether they should get ahead of the game or stay, which is sad for the community." "Personally, I'm sad for my children that they can't be a part of Europe as I grew up. It's a shame." "As long as I can work, I don't see any problem. "You know, we work legally, we pay taxes. I hope they won't see any problem in us being here, why would they? I came here to work, in 2010. "As long as they won't close the borders, it's OK." "I felt insecure three months ago and I still do. I don't understand it, I don't know what they're fighting for, I don't know what's going to happen. I think they're just trying to scare us, but, in reality, nothing will change. "They can't just get rid of us, because who's going to work here? Who? Tell me. And who's going to pay taxes? All this big business, shops, services, they are Polish. "What will happen in the future?" "I just finished nights so I'm just going to sleep a little bit and then later on I'll go and pick up my children from school. "If we're in the EU or not, nothing changes for me." "I voted to stay. "We should be making bridges, not demolishing bridges. That's my view on life. You know, we're all the same. We may have different beliefs, different views. But at the end of the day, we want the same thing in life which is to raise our families in peace an harmony. "What else do we want in life? Care, a little bit of consideration to our health service, our roads, our infrastructure. You know, these things are important but we allow silly prejudice to blind us from what we really need in life. What else can I add to that really." "Well, I think the country is a bit undecided - still. But we'll see how it goes. You know, we're an ambitious country. We like to put our first foot forward and see where we land. "We're still not sure, we're undecided. But we made a statement, to see what's going to progress, maybe by not going in. That's what I can tell you for the meantime." "My wife works. I'm looking after the kids. "I know it's Brexit, but I'm not really sure what that means for anyone. I don't think it'll really affect me much." "When I was new in this country I didn't see that many people

Summary: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May has signed the letter that will formally begin the UK's departure from the European Union, following June's referendum which resulted in a vote to leave the EU.


Norrie and Claire Aitchison said that Liam's killers should have been kept in custody before and during their trial. The Aitchisons said they will campaign to have the rules changed. On Monday, Johnathan MacKinnon and Stefan Millar, both 22, were convicted of murdering Liam. The two men had lived on Lewis. Following their arrests in December 2011, Millar was allowed bail and moved to Inverness. MacKinnon was bailed in February 2012. A jury at the High Court in Glasgow convicted the two men of murder. The court had heard that Liam was beaten, stabbed and stripped his of clothing during an attack on 23 November 2011. The body of the 16-year-old, from South Uist, was later found in a derelict property in Steinish on Lewis. Following the conviction of the two men, Mr and Mrs Aitchison have spoken out against the right of murder suspects to bail. They said the knowledge that MacKinnon and Millar were out on bail had caused their family distress. Mr Aitchison said his youngest son, Steven, eight, had shared a room with Liam when he stayed at home and was terrified after his older brother was murdered. He said: "The wee fellow wouldn't sleep and thought he was next - we had to move him from the downstairs room to the upstairs room because the downstairs room was by the front door. "He had to watch us lock the door and if I wasn't in he had to wait until I was before he would go to sleep" "We want to head up a campaign to keep anyone that is charged with murder on remand until proven innocent or guilty." The Aitchisons said that they also hope to set up a memorial garden for Liam.

Summary: The father and step-mother of murdered Western Isles teenager Liam Aitchison have called for bail to be refused to people who are charged with murder.


Sir Nigel dedicated his career to combating human rights violations through his involvement with the United Nations and Amnesty International. Colleagues described him as "brilliant and unpretentious" and an "inspiring and generous human being". In 1998 he was knighted for services to human rights and international law. Sir Nigel worked as a legal adviser at Amnesty International from 1973 onwards and collaborated with universities including the London School of Economics and the University of Essex. From 1993 to 2001 he served as United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture. An international lawyer and professor, Sir Nigel was a prominent member of the UN Human Rights Committee between 2001 and 2016. He served as its chairman from 2012 to 2014. He helped found the University of Essex Human Rights Centre where staff said he would be greatly missed. Centre director Dr Clara Sandoval said: "The human rights movement has lost one of its founding fathers. "The School of Law and the Human Rights Centre have lost a brilliant and unpretentious colleague, an inspiring and generous human being and a wonderful mentor and friend." University of Essex Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster added: "Professor Sir Nigel Rodley was a global champion of human rights - writing influential books on international human rights law while also undertaking incredibly important work on behalf of the United Nations. "He was an inspiration to many, many students and colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time." Wilder Tayler, secretary general of the International Commission of Jurists, of which Sir Nigel was president, said: "Sir Nigel was a stalwart of the human rights movement. "His firm commitment to the promotion of human rights and rule of law has had a deep and lasting impact that will continue in his absence."

Summary: One of the "founding fathers" of the humans rights movement, Professor Sir Nigel Rodley, has died at the age of 75.


He is to be prosecuted in relation to the internet broadcast of a sermon he delivered at the Whitewell Tabernacle, Belfast in May 2014. He told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme: "I don't want to go to jail, but I am prepared to go. Pastor McConnell said he was defending the right to free speech. "I believe passionately in the word of the Lord Jesus Christ and I am fighting for a principle." In May 2014, the pastor delivered a sermon in which he described Islam as "heathen" and "satanic". After the sermon was posted online, complaints led to a police investigation. The evangelical preacher later issued a public apology for any offence caused. The Public Prosecution Service says Pastor McConnell was offered an informed warning but he refused it. While an informed warning is not a conviction, it is recorded on a person's criminal record for 12 months. Anyone who refuses to accept it can be prosecuted.

Summary: Pastor James McConnell says he is prepared to go to jail to defend his right to free speech.


Michael Slager, who is white, could face decades in jail despite the state dropping the murder charge in a deal. Walter Scott was killed after Slager shot him in the back five times in North Charleston, South Carolina. A bystander filmed the 2015 incident on a mobile phone camera and Slager's actions were widely condemned. It came as the US grappled with a series of police killings that sparked a debate about the use of force against African Americans. Slager was fired by the force shortly after the video came to light. The incident was viewed millions of times online, and led to calls for the officer to face severe punishment. The plea deal does not carry a specific punishment, so Slager could face no prison time or life behind bars. He entered a guilty plea in front of his family, Scott's relatives and about 50 people who had gathered in the court. As part of the plea, he admitted to deprivation of rights under the colour of law, lying to state investigators, and using a firearm in a violent crime. "Today is a victory for Walter," said Judy Scott, Walter Scott's mother. "We got justice," she continued, adding that she forgave Slager for her son's death. Andy Savage, a lawyer for Slager, said: "We hope that Michael's acceptance of responsibility will help the Scott family as they continue to grieve their loss." Slager had maintained that he shot Scott after he had taken his stun-gun during a tussle that broke out after he pulled over Mr Scott for having a broken tail light. An earlier murder trial in the state court ended in mistrial. In March, a judge ruled that jurors could view the video, despite Slager's defence team trying to prevent that. The plea deal makes no reference to Walter Scott's race. "The defendant wilfully used deadly force even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances," according to the plea agreement. "The defendant acknowledges that during the time he used deadly force, he knew that the use of deadly force was unnecessary and excessive, and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances." Slager's sentence is not expected to be handed down for several more weeks.

Summary: An ex-police officer has admitted violating the civil rights of a black man he was filmed shooting to death, in a case that sparked a national outcry.