Iranian official says reports that missiles downed Ukrainian passenger plane 'a big lie'
Updated 1059 GMT (1859 HKT) January 10, 2020
A spokesman for the Iranian government said reports that missiles downed the Ukraine International Airlines flight that crashed near Tehran Wednesday are "a big lie," state-run media reported.
The spokesman, Ali Rabiei, accused the United States of spreading misinformation about the crash, in which all 176 people on board were killed.
"No one will assume responsibility for such a big lie once it is known that the claim had been fraudulent," Rabiei said in a statement, according to Press TV.
India supreme court orders review of Kashmir internet shutdown
Judges say blackout infringes on freedom of speech and expression
India’s supreme court has ordered the government to review all restrictions in Indian-controlled Kashmir within a week, saying the indefinite suspension of people’s rights amounted to an abuse of power.
In a blow to the Hindu nationalist government of the prime minister, Narendra Modi, the country’s highest court said the expression of opposition to state policy could not justify the crackdown.
Last August, Modi revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy and split the state into two territories under the direct control of Delhi. The move was followed by a series of draconian measures including curfews, the detention of political leaders and the cutting off of all communications including phones and the internet.
As a doctor, I see the human cost of America's sanctions on Iran – and it can be as great as war
Sanctions usually have built-in humanitarian exemptions – yet America’s on Iran have rendered such exemptions meaninglessSalil Patel
The current Iranian-American conflict is complex. Even geopolitical experts have found themselves unable to predict the next move after the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian intelligence service, by the United States. Soleimani was the second most powerful person in Iran after supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Retaliation is expected; resolution is not.
Trump, in pubertal Twitter bursts, has oscillated between all-out war with Iran or harsher economic sanctions. Many in the international community advocate for increased sanctions in an understandable bid to avoid war. From a humanitarian perspective, this is much preferable. Theoretically, sanctions harm economies, not citizens. Yet the evidence suggests this is not the case.
Modern diplomatic sanctions usually have built-in humanitarian exemptions, allowing international organisations to provide medical aid, food, water and education. However, America’s imposition of so-called “secondary sanctions” on Iran have rendered such exemptions meaningless.
‘We won’t give up’: French protesters defiant on day 36 of pension strikes
Hundreds of defiant protesters took to the streets of Paris on Thursday for a fourth day of nationwide demonstrations against the French government’s controversial pension reform plans.
They came by bike, by scooter and on foot. There were train drivers, teachers, doctors and lawyers. Grey skies and rain showers did little to deter a sea of orange vests from the hardline CGT union, or Yellow Vests (Gilets Jaunes) who came to show “solidarity” with opponents of the government’s pension reform.
As the strikes against French President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension overhaul entered their record-breaking 36th day, the protesters’ resolve showed no sign of waning.
Sydney CBD climate protest attracts over 30,000 people
By Janek Drevikovsky and Matt Bungard
Updated first published at
More than 30,000 protesters brushed off hot and humid conditions to voice their displeasure at the federal government's handling of the bushfire crisis and its attitude towards climate change.
The event in Sydney's CBD was set up a few weeks ago by Uni Students for Climate Justice, in conjunction with Extinction Rebellion.
The marchers were moving from Town Hall to Parliament House. Organisers were hoping for a larger crowd than at the early December protests, which attracted roughly 20,000 to the same location.Why you might not see any athletes protest at this summer’s Olympics
The International Olympic Committee is the latest sports organization to crack down on athlete protests.By
There will be no athletes taking a knee on the field at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo. In fact, there won’t be any visible athlete protests if the International Olympic Committee gets its wish.
The IOC on Thursday became the latest athletic organization to crack down on political protests by its athletes, publishing new rules governing when and how competitors can express political opinions.
According to the new rules, athletes are barred from conducting protests or demonstrations on the field of play, in the Olympic Village, during medal ceremonies, or during the opening or closing ceremonies of the games. The rule gives several examples of prohibited protest, including messages on armbands or signs, hand gestures with political meaning, kneeling, or refusal to follow ceremony protocol. Athletes will be allowed to express political opinions in media gatherings, press conferences, and mixed-zone interviews, and on social media.
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