bbc--2020-06-09--Malaysia detains 270 Rohingya refugees who had drifted at sea for weeks

Malaysia has detained nearly 270 Rohingya refugees whose boat had drifted offshore for nearly two months because of coronavirus lockdowns .
They fled southern Bangladesh in early April but had been unable to dock .
Dozens of those aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim to land when their damaged trawler was intercepted by the Malaysian coastguard on Monday .
In recent years , large numbers of Muslim Rohingya have fled Myanmar , where they face persecution .
Many have made their way to neighbouring Bangladesh , setting up camp in Cox 's Bazar , which is home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have attempted to make their way to Malaysia , a nearby Muslim country which has come to be seen as a safe haven in the region .
In previous years , smugglers have been able to bring tens of thousands of Rohingya illegally into Malaysia .
But Malaysia has now refused to allow refugee boats to land , citing the Covid-19 pendemic as a reason .
A Malaysian coastguard vessel on Monday spotted a suspected migrant boat off the holiday island of Langkawi and was set to push it out to international waters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But as the coastguard approached 53 of the Rohingya on board jumped into the sea .
According to a statement issued by a task force overseeing maritime patrols , another 216 Rohingya were found in the boat , along with the body of a dead woman .
Food and water was provided to the migrants and the boat was taken to Langkawi , where all 269 who had been aboard were detained .
The statement also said investigations had revealed that the boat - reportedly a fishing trawler - was damaged `` intentionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort being halted '' .
• 'The bodies were thrown out of the boat in the night' • What you need to know about the Rohingya crisis Human rights activists who had been in intermittent contact with those onboard the boat believe around 500 passengers were onboard when the boat left southern Bangladesh .
Slightly more than half that number have now been detained .
The others may have been able to evade the coastguard and reach land earlier .
It 's not clear how many boats carrying Rohingya have attempted to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but authorities say they have turned back 22 boats .
The vessels are often small and cramped , with hundreds of people unsafely packed in .
One Rohingya Muslim who attempted a similar journey earlier this year told the BBC that the boat she was in lacked basic facilities like water and sanitation .
Food and water were also in short supply , she said .
She also said crew members would try to conceal deaths on the boat by running both engines to hide the sound of splashing water when bodies were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 28 Rohingya refugees died on a boat crammed with hundreds of people .
The boat had been drifting at sea for weeks after failing to reach Malaysia .
The Rohingya , who numbered around one million in Myanmar at the start of 2017 , are one of the many ethnic minorities in the country and have faced persecution for generations .
The latest exodus of Rohingya escaping to Bangladesh began on in August 2017 after militants from a Rohingya insurgent group launched deadly attacks in Myanmar on more than 30 police @ @

It's not clear how many boats carrying Rohingya have attempted to make the trip to Malaysia this year, but authorities say they have turned back 22 boats. The vessels are often small and cramped, with hundreds of people unsafely packed in.


bbc--2020-06-08--Coronavirus: Transiting Europe's eerily quiet airports

During the coronavirus pandemic , international travel has virtually ground to a halt .
But as Europe starts to open @ @ @ @ @ to fly at the moment ?
The BBC ’ s Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has @ @ @ @ @ while reporting on coronavirus .
She documented her journey back to the UK last week @

During the coronavirus pandemic, international travel has virtually ground to a halt. But as Europe starts to open, what is it like to fly at the moment?
The BBC’s Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie has taken a number of flights while reporting on coronavirus. She documented her journey back to the UK last week.
Filmed and edited by Andy Smythe.


bbc--2020-06-09--'If you played the T20 World Cup in the USA, every venue would be sold out'

USA Cricket hopes the United States ' success in hosting the football World Cup in 1994 can help its bid to stage the T20 World Cup .
The US has joined forces with West Indies in an attempt to stage an International Cricket Council ( ICC ) tournament from 2023 onwards .
More than 3.5m fans attended matches at USA 94 , a World Cup record .
`` If you played in the USA , every venue would be sold out , '' said USA Cricket chief executive Iain Higgins .
`` Other sports have used their major events as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The US gained one-day international status at the beginning of 2019 and beat Scotland in December .
Higgins said the US wants to gain Test status within the next decade .
`` It 's our objective to have a team that 's competing with full members of the ICC in the short term , and it 's our objective to become a full member of the ICC in the next 10 years , '' he said .
`` On-field performance , as we saw with Ireland and Afghanistan , is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment as to whether we 're ready to play a role at that level . ''
Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill , Florida , has hosted six one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20s , and is scheduled to stage two T20s between West Indies and South Africa in August .
Higgins has identified several other areas where the US can prove itself worthy of a place at cricket 's top table .
`` One would be to persuade the ICC to be brave enough to bring a T20 World Cup to the USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am confident that we will have great quality venues that are capable of scaling up and scaling down for ICC events . ''
Those venues form part of plans for the introduction of a T20 league in the US .
`` The plan is to have at least six venues in this country that are capable of hosting international matches , '' said Higgins .
`` When you look at the number of travelling fans from the US to the last two World Cups , it shows an enormous appetite for cricket .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ T20 World Cup in the US - you could not build a venue big enough .
`` When we eventually get to present to the ICC , they will be pleased and we will be able to satisfy that they should be ready to entrust us with one of their significant world events . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
West Indies played India in Florida in 2019
USA Cricket hopes the United States' success in hosting the football World Cup in 1994 can help its bid to stage the T20 World Cup.
The US has joined forces with West Indies in an attempt to stage an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament from 2023 onwards.
More than 3.5m fans attended matches at USA 94, a World Cup record. external-link
"If you played in the USA, every venue would be sold out," said USA Cricket chief executive Iain Higgins.
"Other sports have used their major events as catalysts for growth in non-traditional markets."
The US gained one-day international status at the beginning of 2019 and beat Scotland external-link in December.
Higgins said the US wants to gain Test status within the next decade.
"It's our objective to have a team that's competing with full members of the ICC in the short term, and it's our objective to become a full member of the ICC in the next 10 years," he said.
"On-field performance, as we saw with Ireland and Afghanistan, is going to be a real critical part of the assessment as to whether we're ready to play a role at that level."
Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, has hosted six one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20s, and is scheduled to stage two T20s between West Indies and South Africa in August.
Higgins has identified several other areas where the US can prove itself worthy of a place at cricket's top table.
"One would be to persuade the ICC to be brave enough to bring a T20 World Cup to the USA," he said.
"I am confident that we will have great quality venues that are capable of scaling up and scaling down for ICC events."
Those venues form part of plans for the introduction of a T20 league in the US.
"The plan is to have at least six venues in this country that are capable of hosting international matches," said Higgins.
"When you look at the number of travelling fans from the US to the last two World Cups, it shows an enormous appetite for cricket.
"Imagine India playing Pakistan in a T20 World Cup in the US - you could not build a venue big enough.
"When we eventually get to present to the ICC, they will be pleased and we will be able to satisfy that they should be ready to entrust us with one of their significant world events."


bbc--2020-06-09--Brazil withdraws 2023 Women's World Cup bid

Brazil has withdrawn its bid to host the 2023 Women 's World Cup .
The Brazilian Football Confederation ( CBF ) said the government did not consider it wise to offer financial guarantees in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
Brazil will now support Colombia 's proposal , which is up against Japan and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host the 32-team tournament .
Fifa will vote to select the hosts on 25 June .
`` Because of the fiscal and economic austerity brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic , [ the government ] thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now sign the guarantees asked for by Fifa , '' said a CBF statement .
Brazil has hosted a number of major international sporting competitions in recent years , including the men 's World Cup in 2014 , the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Copa America in 2019 .
But the CBF felt it was an outsider to host yet another big event .
The country has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic , with more than 35,000 deaths and in excess of 640,000 confirmed infections , but the latter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of insufficient testing .

Last updated on .From the section Women's Football
Brazilian star Marta is a six-time Fifa Player of the Year
Brazil has withdrawn its bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said the government did not consider it wise to offer financial guarantees in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Brazil will now support Colombia's proposal, which is up against Japan and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host the 32-team tournament.
Fifa will vote to select the hosts on 25 June.
"Because of the fiscal and economic austerity brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, [the government] thought it would not be recommended to right now sign the guarantees asked for by Fifa," said a CBF statement.
Brazil has hosted a number of major international sporting competitions in recent years, including the men's World Cup in 2014, the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Copa America in 2019. But the CBF felt it was an outsider to host yet another big event.
The country has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 35,000 deaths and in excess of 640,000 confirmed infections, but the latter number is believed to be much higher because of insufficient testing.


bbc--2020-06-09--Guilt, tiredness and stress - what it's like managing a La Liga team as football returns

Jose Bordalas is manager of Getafe , who are fifth in La Liga and outside the Champions League places only on goals scored .
The 56-year-old - in his fourth season in charge of the Madrid-based club - discusses the challenges of trying to prepare his team for their return to La Liga action on Friday .
When the coronavirus pandemic and confinement hit us so severely in Spain , there was great concern .
For a while there was much speculation that the league would be terminated and we were pessimistic , but little by little the population has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision was made to restart La Liga .
Training in very small groups was very strange at the beginning .
But gradually we have been getting to grips with it and at the beginning of last week we all trained together , albeit with strict controls .
We have gone from zero to 100 at breakneck speed .
We are building a new path as we walk on it .
We have had late nights , talking to players or meeting up with the president , looking at everything that is happening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay at in Madrid is not open , nor does it have any plans to open in the immediate future .
Nor can we install ourselves in just any hotel - it needs to have the correct facilities and the guarantee of the right food preparation that we are accustomed to eating before each game .
We have a multitude of things to sort out that seem insignificant , but are actually very important .
We have been left short of time and this causes us a lot of stress .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though at first it will all feel a bit strange for everyone , because without a crowd the atmosphere will be lost .
Our game relies very much on the support of our fans and the pattern of the game can change with fans ' help .
We have kept very close to the players and been concerned about their situation .
There were lads who were with their partners , families and their children but others were alone and with those in particular we have been more attentive .
The wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Nigeria and that left him confined on his own , so we tried to keep in regular contact with him .
He told us how sad and how lonely he was feeling , especially because he is a young man who has n't mastered the language yet .
I also felt a bit guilty in his case because just before the lockdown he asked me if he could go back to Nigeria and I told him he could n't .
The club had informed me that everyone should stay where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no-one knew when we would have to return .
We never thought that this was going to hit us so hard .
On occasions we have held joint video conferences to speak , hardly ever about football .
I am sure I do n't always get it right , but as coach and the person with the most experience at the club it is my responsibility to encourage not just my players but also my assistants , technical staff and all the employees and try to ensure that the mood does n't drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible frame of mind .
We have done our best to keep them in shape by assigning them a series of tasks .
Those who did not have a gym or workout facilities at home were provided with a treadmill , an exercise bike and different materials .
They have been well used .
They sent us videos and their weight on a daily basis - only a couple of players found it a little bit more difficult to keep the weight down .
When we returned to training the first few days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , really .
The emphasis was on physical tasks .
Our biggest concern has been about the physical side of things .
There have been overloads and as a result some muscle injuries .
We have to do constant assessments and medical and fatigue tests to try to gauge the condition of the players so we can prevent injuries or keep them to a minimum .
On a day-by-day basis we have modified many of the tasks we had originally programmed because we found out that when put into practice they needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do more technical details that prioritised the players familiarising themselves with the ball once again - touch , passing and shooting .
Players have finished training more tired than usual , and we have also put in place ice therapy for everyone because temperatures have risen considerably and we are going to have to play our matches in temperatures of around 30 degrees and even more in the months of June and July .
I am also finishing more tired because I know we are about to enter a very stressful period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already - when we are going to have to make absolutely sure that we take care of all the details and arrive back in the best possible condition .
As regards the five changes rule now in place we have an idea as to what we are going to do .
It 's true that with smaller teams such as ours your options are perhaps somewhat reduced by the fact that there is more of a difference between those players who usually start and those who do n't .
But everything will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what the level of fatigue is and what is required at the time .
The good news is - and I have been demanding it for a long time - we can now have 23 players available to us , which means that no-one is marginalised .
I have never understood why a squad list has to be made public a day , or even two days , before a game .
As we have seen in the Bundesliga , playing at home without fans mostly benefits the away team .
Having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest , some teams may well have changed their objectives now .
Athletic Bilbao , for example , will have had their minds firmly focused on the final of the Copa del Rey but that has now been postponed until next season , meaning that their focus now will be solely and exclusively on the league .
Teams fighting for relegation might see this new football as a chance to climb on the table .
I believe there will be a number of significant surprises in this final stages .

Jose Bordalas is manager of Getafe, who are fifth in La Liga and outside the Champions League places only on goals scored. The 56-year-old - in his fourth season in charge of the Madrid-based club - discusses the challenges of trying to prepare his team for their return to La Liga action on Friday.
When the coronavirus pandemic and confinement hit us so severely in Spain, there was great concern. For a while there was much speculation that the league would be terminated and we were pessimistic, but little by little the population has been recovering and in the end the decision was made to restart La Liga.
Training in very small groups was very strange at the beginning. But gradually we have been getting to grips with it and at the beginning of last week we all trained together, albeit with strict controls.
Can Getafe qualify for the Champions League?
We have gone from zero to 100 at breakneck speed. We are building a new path as we walk on it.
We have had late nights, talking to players or meeting up with the president, looking at everything that is happening. For instance, the hotel we plan to stay at in Madrid is not open, nor does it have any plans to open in the immediate future. Nor can we install ourselves in just any hotel - it needs to have the correct facilities and the guarantee of the right food preparation that we are accustomed to eating before each game.
We have a multitude of things to sort out that seem insignificant, but are actually very important.
We have been left short of time and this causes us a lot of stress. That said, we are keen to return even though at first it will all feel a bit strange for everyone, because without a crowd the atmosphere will be lost. Our game relies very much on the support of our fans and the pattern of the game can change with fans' help.
We have kept very close to the players and been concerned about their situation. There were lads who were with their partners, families and their children but others were alone and with those in particular we have been more attentive.
The wife and children of Peter Etebo had gone back to Nigeria and that left him confined on his own, so we tried to keep in regular contact with him.
Peter Etebo joined Getafe on loan from Stoke in January
He told us how sad and how lonely he was feeling, especially because he is a young man who hasn't mastered the language yet. I also felt a bit guilty in his case because just before the lockdown he asked me if he could go back to Nigeria and I told him he couldn't. The club had informed me that everyone should stay where they were and that no-one could leave because no-one knew when we would have to return. We never thought that this was going to hit us so hard.
On occasions we have held joint video conferences to speak, hardly ever about football. I am sure I don't always get it right, but as coach and the person with the most experience at the club it is my responsibility to encourage not just my players but also my assistants, technical staff and all the employees and try to ensure that the mood doesn't drop so we can return in the best possible frame of mind.
We have done our best to keep them in shape by assigning them a series of tasks. Those who did not have a gym or workout facilities at home were provided with a treadmill, an exercise bike and different materials. They have been well used. They sent us videos and their weight on a daily basis - only a couple of players found it a little bit more difficult to keep the weight down.
When we returned to training the first few days had precious little to do with football, really. The emphasis was on physical tasks. Our biggest concern has been about the physical side of things. There have been overloads and as a result some muscle injuries. We have to do constant assessments and medical and fatigue tests to try to gauge the condition of the players so we can prevent injuries or keep them to a minimum.
On a day-by-day basis we have modified many of the tasks we had originally programmed because we found out that when put into practice they needed to be altered. We have instead opted to do more technical details that prioritised the players familiarising themselves with the ball once again - touch, passing and shooting.
La Liga players returned to training at the end of May
Players have finished training more tired than usual, and we have also put in place ice therapy for everyone because temperatures have risen considerably and we are going to have to play our matches in temperatures of around 30 degrees and even more in the months of June and July.
I am also finishing more tired because I know we are about to enter a very stressful period - in fact, we're here already - when we are going to have to make absolutely sure that we take care of all the details and arrive back in the best possible condition.
As regards the five changes rule now in place we have an idea as to what we are going to do. It's true that with smaller teams such as ours your options are perhaps somewhat reduced by the fact that there is more of a difference between those players who usually start and those who don't. But everything will be controlled according to how the game goes, what the level of fatigue is and what is required at the time.
The good news is - and I have been demanding it for a long time - we can now have 23 players available to us, which means that no-one is marginalised. I have never understood why a squad list has to be made public a day, or even two days, before a game.
As we have seen in the Bundesliga, playing at home without fans mostly benefits the away team. Having that in mind and with the extra rest, some teams may well have changed their objectives now. Athletic Bilbao, for example, will have had their minds firmly focused on the final of the Copa del Rey but that has now been postponed until next season, meaning that their focus now will be solely and exclusively on the league. Teams fighting for relegation might see this new football as a chance to climb on the table.
I believe there will be a number of significant surprises in this final stages.
Bordalas was speaking to BBC Sport's Guillem Balague


bbc--2020-06-08--Who are the officers charged?

Who are the officers charged?

Four Minneapolis police officers have been sacked and charged over the killing of George Floyd , whose death spurred global protests .
The officers - Derek Chauvin , J Alexander Kueng , Thomas Lane and Tou Thao - arrested Mr Floyd for an alleged fake $ 20 ( 17.5 euros ; £16 ) bill .
Mr Floyd , an unarmed black man , died in custody on 25 May .
White officer Mr Chauvin was filmed pressing his knee on Mr Floyd 's neck for almost nine minutes before he died .
Mr Kueng and Mr Lane , two trainee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the incident happened .
Personal details about the four officers have been released by authorities in Minneapolis .
Here is what we know so far .
What was his role ?
Mr Chauvin , 44 , was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd 's neck while he was handcuffed on the floor repeatedly pleading `` I ca n't breathe '' .
What are the charges ?
Mr Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder .
He was initially charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter - two charges he still faces .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mr Floyd 's arrest , serving for almost 19 years with the Minneapolis Police Department .
His record of policing included both commendations and conduct complaints .
There were at least 15 conduct complaints against him , the Star Tribune reported , citing records from the Minneapolis Police Department 's Internal Affairs .
Most of the complaints were closed without discipline .
Mr Chauvin 's personal files were heavily redacted , but there are details of one complaint from 2007 .
The complaint concerns allegations Mr Chauvin pulled a woman from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught driving 10mph over the speed limit .
A report found Mr Chauvin did not record audio of the incident and failed to switch his dashcam on during the stop .
• Five pieces of context to understand protests • Why I decided not to watch Floyd 's video He was disciplined for this complaint and one other , receiving a letter of reprimand on both occasions , records show .
In 2006 , Mr Chauvin was recommended for a medal of valour for his role in the shooting of a man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his career in the police , Mr Chauvin served two stints in the US Army .
He was a member of the military police from September 1996 to February 1997 , and again from September 1999 to May 2000 .
His other previous jobs include security guard and McDonald 's employee .
Mr Chauvin is said to have worked in security at the same club as Mr Floyd in Minneapolis .
The former owner of the El Nuevo Rodeo said the pair might have `` crossed paths '' but she did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the venue .
The day after Mr Chauvin 's arrest , a lawyer for his wife Kellie said she had filed for divorce .
What was his role ?
Mr Lane , 37 , was one of the first two officers called to reports of a counterfeit $ 20 bill .
At the scene , he approached Mr Floyd 's car , pointed his gun at him and handcuffed him .
He later helped Mr Chauvin and Mr Kueng restrain Mr Floyd on the floor .
What are the charges ?
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter .
Mr Lane started working for the force just four days prior to Mr Floyd 's death .
He became a cadet at the police department in February 2019 .
A criminal complaint against Mr Lane said he had questioned Mr Chauvin 's tactics during the arrest of Mr Floyd , asking : `` Should we roll him on his side ? ''
Mr Chauvin , who was Mr Lane 's training officer , said no .
But despite Mr Floyd 's discomfort , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him '' , the criminal complaint says .
`` What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said ? ''
Mr Lane 's lawyer Earl Gray asked a judge in court .
Mr Lane had no track record of complaints .
A criminology graduate from the University of Minnesota , Mr Lane used to work as a guard at a juvenile detention centre and volunteered to mentor Somali school children .
What was his role ?
Mr Kueng , 26 , was first on the scene with Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Lane pin Mr Floyd to the floor .
What are the charges ?
He has been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter .
Like Mr Lane , Mr Kueng was relatively new to policing , entering the force in Minneapolis in February 2019 as a cadet .
He and Mr Lane , who graduated in the same recruit class , were promoted to officers in December last year , officials said .
The death of Mr Floyd happened on Mr Kueng 's third shift , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kueng checked Mr Floyd 's pulse during the arrest but did not move when he said he `` could n't find one '' , according to a criminal complaint .
There were no complaints against Mr Kueng during his time as an officer .
Mr Kueng , who also speaks Russian , attended the University of Minnesota , where he studied sociology .
What was his role ?
Mr Thao , 34 , stood near the other three officers while they restrained Mr Floyd .
He stood between bystanders and the officers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What are the charges ?
He has been charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter .
Mr Thao completed his police academy training in 2009 but was laid off when the force needed to make budget cuts .
He rejoined as an officer in 2012 .
Up to his sacking , Mr Thao had six conduct complaints made against him , his records show .
Only one of those complaints was open at the time of his firing .
The other five were closed without discipline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaints are public .
In 2017 , a lawsuit against Mr Thao and another officer accused them of excessive force .
The lawsuit alleged that , in 2014 , they beat up and broke the teeth of a man , who they said was the subject of an arrest warrant .
Authorities settled the lawsuit out of court for $ 25,000 .
Both officers denied liability in the settlement .
Food service and security are among the sectors Mr Thao previously worked in .

Judge Paul Magnuson questioned one juror on whether his daughter's involvement in protests in the wake of Mr Floyd's death would allow him to remain impartial. When the man said it would not affect his judgement, the judge responded that his granddaughter also "kind of got caught" up in the same thing, the newspaper reported.


bbc--2020-06-08--Ghana protest leader arrested over BLM event

Police in Ghana fired warning shots to break up a rally against police brutality after arresting the organiser .
Ernesto Yeboah was charged with failing to obtain a police permit for the protest on Saturday and for breaking the rules on public gatherings .
But his lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu said the charges were `` baseless '' .
More than 60 people attended the vigil in Accra , one of a wave of Black Lives Matter rallies across the world .
Demonstrators in dozens of countries are demanding an end to systemic racism and state-sponsored violence against black people following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African-American man who was killed in broad daylight by police last month in the US city of Minneapolis .
• What it 's like to be an African in the US • ' I moved to Ghana to escape US racism' • Why I decided not to watch Floyd 's video At Saturday 's rally in Ghana 's capital , Accra , the protesters were also highlighting police brutality in the West African country .
They chanted : `` We are not free until we are all free . ''
People in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite '' , `` Black Lives Matter '' , `` Police Brutality = Colonial Violence '' , and `` Justice for George '' .
They also honoured Ahmaud Arbery - an African-American man who was shot dead at point-blank range while jogging in his neighbourhood earlier this year , and the Taadi girls - three Ghanaian children who were abducted in 2018 and later declared dead by police but whose parents are demanding an independent investigation .
A joint police and military team forcibly dispersed the crowds on Saturday , then arrested Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his release , police fired warning shots .
According to Mr Yeboah 's lawyer , the protest leader did not break the law because police were notified in advance .
The BBC 's Thomas Naadi in Accra says public gatherings of fewer than 100 people are allowed in Ghana .
Only 67 people attended the rally on Sunday .
Our correspondent also reports that police are required by law to secure a court injunction if they plan to stop or break up such a gathering , but are not permitted to use force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil liberties pressure group Economic Fighters League ( EFL ) .
His campaigning last year led to Ghana 's parliament dropping plans to build a new parliamentary chamber , which had been branded a waste of public resources .
The EFL says some 20 people died in Ghana from police brutality in 2018 .
Ten people have been jailed in the country for protesting since coronavirus lockdown restrictions began at the end of March .

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bbc--2020-06-10--George Floyd's funeral hears calls for racial justice

The funeral of George Floyd , an African American whose death in police custody spawned global outrage , has heard impassioned pleas for racial justice .
Speakers in the church in Houston , Texas , lined up to remember a man whose `` crime was that he was born black '' .
Mr Floyd died in Minneapolis last month as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes , his final moments filmed on phones .
Four police officers involved have been sacked and charged over his death .
His coffin was taken from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Houston Memorial Gardens where he was to be buried beside his mother .
One of Mr Floyd 's nieces , Brooke Williams , called for a change in laws which , she argued , were designed to disadvantage black people .
`` Why must this system be corrupt and broken ? ''
she asked .
`` Laws were already put in place for the African-American system to fail .
And these laws need to be changed .
No more hate crimes , please !
Someone said 'Make America Great Again ' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Republican President Donald Trump 's Democratic opponent in the November presidential election , Joe Biden , addressed the service in a video message , saying : `` When there is justice for George Floyd , we will truly be on our way to racial justice in America . ''
Mr Biden has sharply criticised Mr Trump , accusing him at the weekend of making `` despicable '' speculative remarks about Mr Floyd .
But the Democratic politician was himself recently accused of taking black American votes for granted when he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they even considered voting for Mr Trump .
What did they say at the funeral ?
The service was held at the Fountain of Praise church , attended by some 500 guests including politicians and celebrities .
`` George Floyd was not expendable - this is why we 're here , '' said Al Green , the local Democratic congressman .
`` His crime was that he was born black . ''
Veteran civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton told the service : `` All over the world I see grandchildren of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statues . ''
Talking about Mr Floyd 's difficult life , he said : `` God took the rejected stone and made him the cornerstone of a movement that 's gon na change the whole wide world . ''
In Minnesota , Governor Tim Walz called on people to honour the funeral by observing silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds , the time Mr Floyd was pinned to the ground before he died .
Mr Floyd 's coffin was taken to a cemetery in Pearland , south of Houston for a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the procession it was conveyed in a horse-drawn carriage .
Barriers were erected along the route to allow members of the public to pay their respects safely as the procession passes .
His body was on display at the church for six hours on Monday .
Memorial services were also held in Minneapolis and North Carolina , where Mr Floyd was born .
What did Biden say about Floyd 's family ?
After visiting the family on Monday , the Democratic candidate told CBS : `` His little daughter was there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to change the world ' , and I think her daddy is going to change the world . ''
`` I think what happened here is one of the great inflection points in American history , for real , in terms of civil liberties , civil rights and just treating people with dignity . ''
Floyd family spokesman Benjamin Crump , who tweeted a photo of the meeting , said Mr Floyd 's relatives welcomed Mr Biden 's comments .
`` That compassion meant the world to this grieving family , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so powerful this time • WATCH : 'This is why we are protesting' • BACKGROUND : Five pieces of context to understand the protests • CRIME AND JUSTICE : How are African Americans treated ?
How have the protests spread ?
Anti-racism protests started by Mr Floyd 's death are now entering their third week in the US .
Huge rallies have been held in several cities , including Washington DC , New York , Chicago , Los Angeles and San Francisco .
Sensitivity to racism has grown in other Western countries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The mayor of London , Sadiq Khan , set up a commission to review the city 's landmarks to ensure they reflect its diversity , days after the statue of a slave trader was torn down in Bristol .
• In the Belgian city of Antwerp , a statue of King Leopold II , who ruled during a period of brutal colonisation in Africa , was taken down

"Why must this system be corrupt and broken?" she asked. "Laws were already put in place for the African-American system to fail. And these laws need to be changed. No more hate crimes, please! Someone said 'Make America Great Again', but when has America ever been great?"


bbc--2020-06-09--George Floyd's niece: 'This is not just murder, but a hate crime'

Brooke Williams , the niece of George Floyd , spoke at her uncle 's funeral in Houston , Texas .
@ @ @ @ @ spiritually grounded and an activist and said that 'justice would be served ' for him @ @ @ @ @ breathing .
Ms Williams added that the laws were designed to disadvantage black people .
@ @ @ @ @ in May as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly @ @ @ @ @ has made his first court appearance , where he faces charges of second-degree murder and @ @ @ @ @ officers are charged with aiding and abetting murder .
They have all since been fired @

Brooke Williams, the niece of George Floyd, spoke at her uncle's funeral in Houston, Texas.
She remembered Mr Floyd as spiritually grounded and an activist and said that 'justice would be served' for him as long as she is breathing.
Ms Williams added that the laws were designed to disadvantage black people.
Mr Floyd died in Minneapolis in May as a white police officer held a knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Derek Chauvin has made his first court appearance, where he faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other arresting officers are charged with aiding and abetting murder. They have all since been fired.


bbc--2020-06-09--Chicago sees deadliest day in decades amid protests and curfew

Chicago saw its deadliest day in at least 30 years last month , with 18 killings within a 24-hour period on 31 May .
The violence occurred as protests over George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis also spurred rioting and looting in the Windy City .
Over the last weekend in May - a three day holiday - 85 people were shot and 24 killed , according to the University of Chicago Crime Lab .
Most of the victims were black .
The dead and injured include students , parents and middle-aged workers , according to the data provided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never seen anything like it , at all , '' senior research director Max Kapustin told the newspaper , noting that the Crime Lab 's data only goes back as far as 1961 .
`` I do n't even know how to put it into context , '' he said .
`` It 's beyond anything that we 've ever seen before . ''
Mr Kapustin added that protests over Mr Floyd 's 25 May death in police custody may have distracted Chicago Police Department ( CPD ) resources from normal patrol duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its attention elsewhere and there 's suddenly this vacuum that opens up , you also unfortunately see a picture like you saw with [ last ] weekend where you see an absurd amount of carnage , people getting injured and killed , '' he said .
The second deadliest day in the city 's history was 4 August 1991 , when 13 people were killed , according to the data .
Researchers tell BBC News that 31 May could be the deadliest day in as many as 60 years , but caution that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the digital data that came afterwards .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said that on 31 May , the city 's 911 emergency call centre received 65,000 calls - 50,000 more than on an average day .
Police told the Sun-Times : `` The level of activity experienced over the last week has been unprecedented and the Department is actively investigating multiple incidents across the city and working to determine the motives in these cases . ''
It added that it `` is actively working to seek justice for all the residents impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or injured by these senseless acts of violence '' .
Angelo Bronson , a 36-year-old father of two , was shot in the Englewood neighbourhood while in town from Washington DC to see family .
John Tiggs , a 32-year-old father of three , was on his way to a cell phone store to pay his bill when he was killed , family say .
University students Lazarra Daniels and Keishanay Bolden - both 18-years-old - were also among Sunday 's victims .
Chicago 's murder rate , though among the highest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
In the 1990s , it was not unusual for the city to see more than 900 murders in a year .
In 2018 , Chicago recorded 561 murders , more than the two biggest US cities - New York and Los Angeles - combined .
In 2019 , there were 492 murders recorded .

"When CPD has to turn its attention elsewhere and there's suddenly this vacuum that opens up, you also unfortunately see a picture like you saw with [last] weekend where you see an absurd amount of carnage, people getting injured and killed," he said.


bbc--2020-06-09--George Floyd death: Seven solutions to US police problems

Protesters across the US have taken to the streets in the wake of George Floyd 's death to demand an end to police brutality and what they see as systemic racism .
In response , Democrats have proposed legislation to address inequities and reduce deaths in custody , including measures that would require police to wear body cameras , ban chokeholds and make it easier to prosecute officers .
Here 's a look at some of these proposed solutions , and other potential ways to reform policing .
Most police departments have a `` use of force '' policy which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .
These policies vary substantially from jurisdiction to jurisdiction .
For example , the type of `` neck restraint '' or chokehold that Officer Derek Chauvin used on George Floyd has been banned in New York City since 1993 .
After high-profile police killings , many departments are forced to re-examine and rewrite their use of force policies by federal consent decrees .
The city of Baltimore revamped its policy in 2019 as a part of its consent decree with the US Department of Justice after the death of Freddie Gray .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of force incidents and compels them to intervene if they see another officer improperly using force .
After Floyd 's death , the Minneapolis city council forced the police department 's hand by banning chokeholds and making it mandatory for officers to intervene if their colleagues are using improper force .
Advocates acknowledge that simply rewriting these policies would not effectively prevent deaths like Floyd 's , and that force is still disproportionately used against communities of colour .
A New York Times analysis showed that the Minneapolis police use force against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white residents .
Protesters believe that cities and states spend far too much money on their police departments without sufficiently funding education , mental health , housing and other community-based social services .
A growing demand is for political leaders to `` defund '' the police - that usually means reducing funding not cutting it altogether .
These calls have been heeded by the mayor of Los Angeles , who slashed $ 150m from a proposed budget increase for his city 's police .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also pledged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , though he did not cite a figure .
In Minneapolis , a group called the Black Visions Collective is asking the city council to pledge not to increase the police department 's budget , and to divert $ 45m of the force 's current budget to shore up the city 's coffers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Now is the time to invest in a safe , liberated future for our city , '' the group wrote .
`` We ca n't afford to keep funding MPD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council signed a pledge in front of a crowd of demonstrators promising to `` begin the process of ending the Minneapolis Police Department '' .
They vowed to create a `` new , transformative model for cultivating safety '' .
Earlier in the week , two council members used the word `` dismantle '' to describe their plans for the department , as did Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar .
The statement did not make it clear if the council is merely pledging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were heeding some demonstrators ' calls to `` abolish the police , '' which would obviously be the most radical course of action .
The council president said she could imagine a scenario where the department enters state receivership , and a team of medics and health care professionals respond to 911 calls instead of police .
• Five pieces of context to understand the protests • Huge protests against racism held across US A group called MPD 150 is calling for a `` police-free future '' in Minneapolis , in which mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders and other community-based advocates would do the work of police .
There is some historical precedent for a wholesale dismantling of a department .
In 2012 , the Camden , New Jersey , police department was fully disbanded and all of its officers lost their jobs .
However , it was certainly not abolition - a new , countywide police force was formed in its place , and about 100 former Camden officers applied for and regained their jobs .
The move actually put more police on the streets of Camden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of force policy and made it easier for the city to fire rogue officers .
The department has reported a steep decline in homicide and use of force complaints since .
Since the 1990s , the military has transferred over $ 5bn-worth of equipment , ranging from sleeping bags to ammunition and armoured vehicles , to local police departments through a special acquisitions programme with the US Department of Defense .
As a result , many advocates for police reform argue that police today function more like domestic soldiers , using techniques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community peacekeepers trying to keep people safe , and that this approach costs lives .
President Barack Obama put limits on how police could use the programme in 2015 , but most of those were overturned by the Trump administration a few years later .
Not only have police acquired more weapons over the past two decades , but many are taught military-style tactics .
This so-called `` warrior training '' often spins a narrative where police are heroes fending off danger at every turn , who must learn how to protect themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means killing civilians .
Critics say it teaches cops to be afraid , and to shoot first , think later .
In 2019 , Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey banned cops from attending `` warrior-style '' training , even on their own time with their own money .
But the local police union called the ban `` illegal '' and continued to offer the training .
There is research to show that militarisation leads to police violence .
In 2017 , a study published in Research and Politics found that the more military weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to use them .
Citizens who try to sue the police in civil court for excessive force frequently see their cases thrown out because of a legal doctrine known as `` qualified immunity '' .
It was designed by the Supreme Court to protect government employees from frivolous lawsuits and give police legal breathing room surrounding their split-second decisions .
In order for a case to move forward , the court directs that it must ask two questions : first , was excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment used ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` clearly established '' prior court ruling on the behaviour that would mean the officer knew his or her conduct was illegal ?
This second question is where advocates say courts give officers a free pass , throwing out cases if there has been no previous , precedent-setting case with an almost identical set of facts .
A Reuters analysis found that more than half of excessive force cases in the US get thrown out on `` qualified immunity '' grounds .
A portion of the sweeping Justice in Policing Act introduced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminate qualified immunity for police .
Supreme Court Justices Sonya Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas have both said they believe the doctrine needs to be revisited .
There are currently eight qualified immunity cases before the country 's highest court .
Sometimes , police violence against black people is attributed to a `` bad apple '' - an angry and racist cop who overreacts in the line of duty .
In an effort to keep them out , some forces have fired police officers who publicly admit to racist ideas .
Last July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who posted racist , violent messages on social media - but only after an advocacy group brought the messages to light But the reality is a bit more complicated than just one bad apple ruining the bunch .
Police work in what social researchers call a `` closed system '' where there is little external oversight and loyalty is highly prized .
If one officer crosses the line , others will back him or her up .
Without a video of the incident , it often comes down to just the word of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respected police officer .
That 's why many are pushing for police to be required to wear body cameras , to record police interactions .
They were adopted in New York a few years ago after the death of Eric Garner , and Congress is proposing making them mandatory nationally .
But there is little evidence that shows they reduce violence , according to a recent analysis of 70 studies looking at their efficacy .
Campaign Zero , the non-profit behind the # 8cantwait hashtag pushing for police reforms , says they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality has played a vital role in exposing the problem , most of it was filmed by citizens , not police .
Body cameras can easily be turned off , and the footage is more likely to be used by prosecutors against civilians during criminal trials , than as a means of proving police brutality .
There is no doubt that Black Americans are more likely to be killed by police and subjected to other forms of police violence .
But what 's still unclear is exactly how many victims there are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2014 , Obama signed into law the Death in Custody Reporting Act to force police departments to report every time a citizen dies in custody .
The law also required the data to be turned over to the attorney general , who would have to release a report on ways to reduce deaths every two years .
Four years later , the Department of Justice 's inspector general said the department still had no mechanism to collect data from the states and did n't expect to have one until 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Use-of-Force Data Collection project , to track not only people killed by police but every time a police officer uses force .
They began collecting this data in 2019 , but local law enforcement agencies are not required to participate and the information has yet to be made public .
In this vacuum , non-governmental organisations and journalists have had to fill in the gaps .
In 2015 , The Washington Post began to log every fatal shooting by an on-duty police officer in the US .
Since then , they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police , using a mixture of news reports , social media and police reports .
Their data , which is often used by policy researchers , shows that black people were almost 2.5 times more likely to be killed than white people .

There is some historical precedent for a wholesale dismantling of a department. In 2012, the Camden, New Jersey, police department was fully disbanded and all of its officers lost their jobs. However, it was certainly not abolition - a new, countywide police force was formed in its place, and about 100 former Camden officers applied for and regained their jobs. The move actually put more police on the streets of Camden. The new department adopted a very strict use of force policy and made it easier for the city to fire rogue officers.


bbc--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Brazil resumes publishing Covid-19 data after court ruling

Brazil has restored a website that lists the full data on Covid-19 in the country , just hours after it was ordered to do so by the Supreme Court .
The health ministry stopped releasing cumulative totals for deaths and cases on Saturday , provoking uproar .
On Tuesday a Supreme Court judge ordered the government to release the figures amid accusations of censorship .
Brazil has the world 's second-highest number of cases - and has now more daily deaths than any other nation .
Earlier , President Jair Bolsonaro said the change in policy was a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The health ministry said it would only report cases and deaths that had occurred in the past 24 hours .
But critics accused the far-right president 's government of data manipulation , with Brazil 's national council of state health secretaries describing the move as `` authoritarian , insensitive , inhuman and unethical '' .
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes told the ministry to `` fully re-establish '' the publication of Covid-19 data in the interests of public health .
• In pictures : Indigenous nurse on frontline in virus fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases , and has recently had more new deaths than any other nation .
The Latin American country has recorded more than 700,000 infections , but because of insufficient testing , the number is believed to be much higher .
More than 37,000 people have died , the third-highest toll in the world .
Using data from alternative sources , Brazilian media outlets started publishing their own coronavirus figures to keep the public informed .
They criticised President Bolsonaro for his handling of the pandemic , during which he has opposed lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little flu '' .
On Tuesday , the president reiterated his threat to withdraw Brazil from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , accusing it of not acting responsibly during the pandemic .
Last week , Mr Bolsonaro branded the health agency a `` partisan political organisation '' , echoing comments made by US President Donald Trump , an ally of his .
The president has repeatedly joined supporters in protests in recent months , ignoring social-distancing advice .
What did the judge say ?
In a statement on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fully re-establish the daily divulgation of epidemiological data on the Covid-19 pandemic '' , including on its website .
The judge made the ruling on Monday night in response to a legal challenge from three political parties .
Mr Moraes gave Mr Bolsonaro 's government 48 hours to release the full figures again , O Global newspaper reported .
He said the health emergency in Brazil was so serious , it required all government agencies to `` put into effect public health protection '' .
The judge `` highlighted the disastrous consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not adopted , such as the collection , analysis , storage and dissemination of relevant epidemiological data '' .
What is the situation in Brazil ?
Only the US has more coronavirus infections than Brazil , the most populous country in Latin America .
Health experts say infections are expected to rise even further , as the outbreak is still weeks away from its peak , putting more strain on hospitals .
Last month , Brazil 's death toll surpassed that of Italy 's , placing the nation third in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Mr Bolsonaro has played down the risks of the virus , comparing it to `` a bit of a cold '' .
Two health ministers have left the post since the outbreak began in disagreement with the president 's handling of the pandemic .
The president has continued to call for lockdown measures imposed by local authorities to be lifted , arguing that they will wreck the economy .
The president has also accused state governors and mayors of using the issue for political gain , as many who have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

The Latin American country has recorded more than 700,000 infections, but because of insufficient testing, the number is believed to be much higher. More than 37,000 people have died, the third-highest toll in the world.


bbc--2020-06-09--Remains found in Idaho missing children case

Police investigating the disappearance of two children in Idaho last year have found what they believe to be human remains .
Joshua `` JJ '' Vallow , who was then seven , and his sister Tylee Ryan , 17 , have not been seen since September 2019 .
Their mother , Lori Daybell , was arrested in Hawaii in February .
The remains were discovered at the home of Mrs Daybell 's current husband , Chad Daybell , but have not yet been identified .
Mr Daybell is an author who has written several apocalyptic novels loosely based on Mormon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been involved in a group that promotes preparing for the apocalypse .
The organisation , Preparing A People , has denied being a `` cult '' .
Three suspicious deaths have also been linked to the case .
The children 's mother Lori moved to Idaho from Arizona in late August 2019 after her then-husband , Charles Vallow , was shot dead by her brother , Alex Cox .
Cox claimed the shooting had been in self-defence .
He died of unknown causes in December .
In November , police were called by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to check on the family at their home in Rexburg , Idaho .
Officials say they later learned that Joshua `` JJ '' Vallow and Tylee Ryan had not been seen for months .
Authorities say Mrs Daybell gave misleading answers to investigators ' questions and outright lied about their whereabouts and even their existence .
She left town the following day .
Authorities searched a nearby storage unit , and found clothes and toys that appeared to belong to her children .
According to divorce documents filed by her late husband before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` a god assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ 's second coming in July 2020 '' .
She also allegedly threatened to kill him if he got in her way , claiming she had `` an angel there to help her dispose of the body '' .
He took out a protection order following the threat , court documents show .
He described her as `` infatuated and , at times , obsessive about near-death experiences and spiritual visions '' , and said she refused to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she is a translated being '' .
Mrs Daybell remarried - to Chad Daybell - in October , just two weeks after the death of his wife .
According to her obituary , Tammy Daybell died of natural causes , but police ordered that her body be exhumed after Mr Daybell 's quick remarriage .
Lori Daybell was arrested in Hawaii on charges including child abandonment and contempt of court in February , after missing a January deadline to deliver her children to authorities .
Police at the time warned that the @ @ @ @ @

In November, police were called by the grandparents of one of the children to check on the family at their home in Rexburg. Officials say they later learned that Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan had not been seen for months.


bbc--2020-06-09--Georgia: Chaos engulfs voting in White House battleground

The US state of Georgia has ordered an inquiry after its primary election was marred by claims of voter suppression .
Within minutes of polls opening on Tuesday long queues formed in Atlanta as volunteers struggled with the state 's new election system .
Nevada , South Carolina , West Virginia and North Dakota also voted on Tuesday amid the coronavirus pandemic and unrest unseen since the 1960s .
The vote is being seen as a preview of November 's presidential election .
US President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden are expected to compete hotly for Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
Voting sites saw queues grow immediately after opening on Tuesday , in part because of social distancing .
But the delays were also due to severe technical issues that made it impossible for some locations to cast any ballots .
Atlanta 's Democratic Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms took to Twitter in the morning to report that residents across the city and some suburbs were turning up to find that voting machines `` are not working '' .
`` If you are in line , PLEASE do not allow your vote to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid reports that frustrated residents were leaving .
`` PLEASE stay in line . ''
Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath also alleged `` voter suppression '' was the reason for the massive delays , tweeting : `` Unacceptable .
Our citizens have a right to vote .
Plain and simple . ''
What did voting officials say ?
Before voting was finished for the day , Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , who is in charge of state elections , opened an investigation into the way voting was conducted in Fulton and DeKalb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he called the situation `` unacceptable '' and promised `` to determine what these counties need to do to resolve these issues before November 's election '' .
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston , who is like Mr Raffensperger is a Republican , has also called the state legislature to investigate the voting issues .
What was the problem ?
Mr Raffensperger said the problems are due to a variety of factors , including the lack of experienced poll workers who have kept away over fears of the coronavirus .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 104m ( £81m ) voting system , which introduces paper ballots to the state 's elections for the first time in 18 years , according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper .
The system uses touchscreen computers to print out paper ballots .
Earlier on Tuesday , Statewide Voting Implementation Manager Gabriel Sterling who is responsible for the new system , said in a statement through the secretary of state 's office : `` So far we have no reports of any actual equipment issues . ''
`` We do have reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and delivered late .
We have reports of poll workers not understanding setup or how to operate voting equipment , '' he continued , adding that over 2,000 precincts across the state have not reported problems .
`` While these are unfortunate , they are not issues of the equipment but a function of counties engaging in poor planning , limited training , and failures of leadership . ''
Mr Sterling also took to Twitter to accuse Fulton County - where Atlanta is located - of chronic voting problems .
Hundreds of volunteer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the age of 70 - quit in the weeks before the election due to fears of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic .
`` Even the poll workers do n't know what to do , '' DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson told the Journal-Constitution .
`` These are new machines and you expect people to run them in less than a couple of months ?
If this is a preview of November , then we 're in trouble . ''
Basketball superstar LeBron James tweeted that the chaos indicated that `` how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly one million absentee ballots were cast even before Tuesday 's election , officials say .
The record high is believed to be due to residents fears of the coronavirus .
In 2018 , Georgia was again plagued by voting scandal , after gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams refused to concede to then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp claiming that the vote was hampered by suppression efforts from Republicans .

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bbc--2020-06-09--Why were US Democrats wearing Ghana’s kente cloth?

When US Democrats in Congress proposed legislation to reform the police following weeks of protests over the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of a white officer , commenters on social media only wanted to talk about one thing : what they were wearing .
Nancy Pelosi , the Speaker of the House of Representatives , and other Democratic lawmakers were draped in scarves made from a cloth of colourful geometric Ghanaian designs called kente .
It turned out to be quite a controversial sartorial choice .
Why were they wearing it ?
The kente scarves were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Congressional Black Caucus , according to NBC News reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell .
This congressional group meets to pursue legislative goals around greater equality for black people .
`` The significance of the kente cloth is our African heritage and for those of you without that heritage who are acting in solidarity , '' Karen Bass , chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus , told reporters on Monday .
`` That is the significance of the kente cloth - our origins and respecting our past . ''
Members of the Congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions , including events last year to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans to America and President Donald Trump 's State of the Union address in 2018 .
Over the years , kente has been used in the US to reflect a pride in African heritage , including at graduation ceremonies for students in historically black fraternities or sororities .
What is kente and where it from ?
Modern kente is characterised by intricately woven and richly colourful geometric designs .
You are most likely to see it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ green , red and orange .
It is associated with the Ashanti people in central Ghana and is linked with special occasions as it is expensive to make .
The skills of the finest weavers are reserved for the use of Ashanti royalty - and certain patterns are reserved for the king .
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the current king , or Asantehene , who ascended to the throne in 1999 .
A revered figurehead , he adjudicates in disputes and is closely involved in local issues .
However , like other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the constitution from taking part in Ghanaian politics .
What has the reaction been ?
The word `` kente '' was trending on Twitter in the US on Monday , prompting laughter from some celebrities .
The drummer for the Roots , Questlove , tweeted his disbelief , saying at first he thought he was being pranked when he was told about it : The singer John Legend was particularly tickled about how life had imitated art as last month he had taken part in a comedy sketch in the US about Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song about adding kente cloth to your outfit .
The reaction in Ghana has not been as noticeable , reports the BBC 's Thomas Naadi from the Ghanaian capital , Accra .
Instead , he suspects Ghanaians will be happy with the opportunity to promote the cloth .
However , Kenyan writer Nanjala Nyabola saw the Democrats ' use of kente as an insult to Africans , saying : `` We are not your props . ''
Others in the US complained that talk about the cloth was diverting attention from proposed reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now is NOT the time to learn the history of kente cloth .
I assure this too is a distraction . ''
What are the proposed reforms ?
The Democrats want sweeping legislation to reform the police in America to make it easier to prosecute officers for misconduct , ban chokeholds and addresses racism .
As she unveiled the bill , Mrs Pelosi read the names of black men and women who have died at the hands of police in recent years .
However , it is unclear whether Republicans , who control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 .
US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter that `` the Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police .
Sorry , I want LAW & ORDER ! ''
• WATCH : 'This is why we are protesting' • BACKGROUND : Five pieces of context to understand the protests • CRIME AND JUSTICE : How are African Americans treated ?

Why were US Democrats wearing Ghana’s kente cloth? Published 9 June 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Democrats kneel in moment of silence for George Floyd
When US Democrats in Congress proposed legislation to reform the police following weeks of protests over the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of a white officer, commenters on social media only wanted to talk about one thing: what they were wearing.
Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other Democratic lawmakers were draped in scarves made from a cloth of colourful geometric Ghanaian designs called kente.
It turned out to be quite a controversial sartorial choice.
Why were they wearing it?
The kente scarves were given out to the congressmen and women by the Congressional Black Caucus, according to NBC News reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell.
This congressional group meets to pursue legislative goals around greater equality for black people.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, For the Democrats kente cloth is about African heritage
"The significance of the kente cloth is our African heritage and for those of you without that heritage who are acting in solidarity," Karen Bass, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, told reporters on Monday.
"That is the significance of the kente cloth - our origins and respecting our past."
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have worn kente at other occasions, including events last year to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans to America and President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in 2018.
Over the years, kente has been used in the US to reflect a pride in African heritage, including at graduation ceremonies for students in historically black fraternities or sororities.
What is kente and where is it from?
Modern kente is characterised by intricately woven and richly colourful geometric designs. You are most likely to see it in bold shades of yellow, blue, green, red and orange.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kente is often woven from silk and cotton
It is associated with the Ashanti people in central Ghana and is linked with special occasions as it is expensive to make.
The skills of the finest weavers are reserved for the use of Ashanti royalty - and certain patterns are reserved for the king.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Kente cloth is reserved for special occasions
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the current king, or Asantehene, who ascended to the throne in 1999.
A revered figurehead, he adjudicates in disputes and is closely involved in local issues. However, like other traditional leaders, he is barred by the constitution from taking part in Ghanaian politics.
What has the reaction been?
The word "kente" was trending on Twitter in the US on Monday, prompting laughter from some celebrities.
The drummer for the Roots, Questlove, tweeted his disbelief, saying at first he thought he was being pranked when he was told about it:
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The singer John Legend was particularly tickled about how life had imitated art as last month he had taken part in a comedy sketch in the US about Black History Month, which included a satirical song about adding kente cloth to your outfit.
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The reaction in Ghana has not been as noticeable, reports the BBC's Thomas Naadi from the Ghanaian capital, Accra.
Instead, he suspects Ghanaians will be happy with the opportunity to promote the cloth.
However, Kenyan writer Nanjala Nyabola saw the Democrats' use of kente as an insult to Africans, saying: "We are not your props."
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Others in the US complained that talk about the cloth was diverting attention from proposed reforms, with one tweeter saying, "Now is NOT the time to learn the history of kente cloth. I assure this too is a distraction."
What are the proposed reforms?
The Democrats want sweeping legislation to reform the police in America to make it easier to prosecute officers for misconduct, ban chokeholds and addresses racism.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, It is unclear whether the Democrats will get the support for their proposals
As she unveiled the bill, Mrs Pelosi read the names of black men and women who have died at the hands of police in recent years.
However, it is unclear whether Republicans, who control the US Senate, will support the proposed Justice in Policing Act of 2020.
US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter that "the Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police. Sorry, I want LAW & ORDER!"
More on George Floyd's death


bbc--2020-06-09--Martin Gugino: Donald Trump's police scanner tweet fact-checked

President Donald Trump has suggested a man pushed over by police during protests in the US city of Buffalo last week was trying to `` scan police communications in order to black out the equipment '' .
But is this even possible ?
Footage of 75-year-old Martin Gugino shows him approaching police lines holding up what appears to be a mobile phone .
One of the police officers then pushes Mr Gugino over , who was later taken to hospital .
He left hospital today but was not well enough to comment .
From the clip , it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the phone .
We 've seen no evidence to suggest he was trying to scan police devices .
It is also not clear how police equipment could be interfered with in this way .
There are plenty of apps claiming to be able to listen into police audio that have been popular during the recent wave of protests in the United States .
But these apps would n't allow you to interfere with a police device - or to `` black out police equipment '' as the president suggested .
Buffalo police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and there are even websites that broadcast police calls .
If you were attempting to jam police radio signals , you would n't need to be physically close to an officer .
However , most modern radio systems used by emergency services have defences against such jamming , says Professor Alan Woodward , a cyber security expert at Surrey University .
`` In any event , even if you were attempting to scan police radios in order to jam them using a mobile phone , which is what the man appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment you would use .
You would need much more sophisticated scanning equipment .
`` In terms of interfering with police communications frequencies , mobile phones simply do n't have components that work at those frequencies , '' he adds .
In a statement to the Washington Post , a lawyer for Mr Gugino said his family was at a loss as to why Mr Trump had made `` a dark , dangerous and untrue accusation '' against him .
`` Martin has always been a peaceful protester because he cares about today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No one from law enforcement has suggested otherwise , '' she added .
The post gave no evidence of a link between Mr Gugino and antifa , a loose affiliation of anti-fascist and mostly left-wing activists which Mr Trump has blamed , without providing proof , for acts of violence during the protests .
Twitter , which has censored previous tweets by the president , said this tweet did not violate its rules .
The claim appeared to first gain traction from a widely shared conservative blog post published on 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this technique to track police movements or `` black out '' communication .
These then appeared on conservative outlet One America News Network ( OANN ) before ending up on the president 's social media profiles .
Many people responded angrily to the president 's suggestion the incident which led to Mr Gugino 's injury was `` a set up '' and accused him of promoting a conspiracy theory .

From the clip, it's not possible to tell what he was doing with the phone. We've seen no evidence to suggest he was trying to scan police devices. It is also not clear how police equipment could be interfered with in this way.


bbc--2020-06-09--Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza dies of 'cardiac arrest' at 55

Burundi 's President Pierre Nkurunziza , aged 55 , has died after suffering a cardiac arrest , the government says .
He was admitted to hospital on Saturday after feeling unwell , his condition improved but on Monday he had a cardiac arrest and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful , officials say .
After 15 years in power , Mr Nkurunziza was due to step down in August .
In 2015 , the announcement that he would run for a third term plunged the country into chaos .
It sparked anger as some questioned the legality of a third-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt , hundreds of people died in clashes and tens of thousands fled the country .
After a change in the constitution , he was able to run for a further term in last month 's election but he decided to retire and was to be known as the `` supreme guide to patriotism '' .
He was also due to receive a $ 540,000 ( £440,000 ) retirement pay-out and a luxury villa .
Pierre Nkurunziza was loved and feared in equal measure - loved by those who felt he lived up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the civil war , and feared by his political opponents .
When the former rebel leader took office in 2005 , at the age of 40 , the country that had been brutally torn apart by an ethnic conflict that had killed about 300,000 over a decade .
Young , optimistic and charismatic , he managed to live up to everyone 's expectations by uniting people and rebuilding the economy .
Between 2006 and 2011 , the president - known for his preaching and love of football - received seven international awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade in power , his reputation took a nose dive and the unity he had built collapsed when he organised a referendum to allow him to stand for a third term .
Deadly protests erupted , there was a coup attempt and hundreds of thousands of people fled the country .
After this he only left the country officially once - by car to neighbouring Tanzania .
The UN accused him of oppressing the opposition and killing and abducting opponents , accusations vehemently denied by Burundi 's government .
Despite suspicions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth term , he did not stand in elections in May , which were held despite coronavirus .
He and his wife Denise , who had five children together and adopted several others , regularly organised prayer gatherings - and the man who was to become Burundi 's `` supreme guide to patriotism '' put all his successes down to God , including what he said the country 's success against Covid-19 .
What happened to the president ?
The official statement announcing the president 's death said he was taken ill in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volleyball match in Ngozi , northern Burundi , on Saturday .
He went to hospital , but appeared to be recovering on Sunday and was able to communicate with the people surrounding him , the government says .
His condition , however , rapidly changed on Monday .
What was his role in the civil war ?
Before the civil war , Mr Nkurunziza , who had graduated in sports education , was a teacher and assistant lecturer at the University of Burundi .
He survived the killings of 1993 when ethnic Hutus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Forces for the Defence of Democracy ( FDD ) rebel group .
He emerged as its leader and after the 2003 peace deal , Mr Nkurunziza was named minister of interior before parliament elected him president in August 2005 .
You may also be interested in : • What Burundi could teach Rwanda about reconciliation Outside of politics , he was well known for his love of football .
At one time he was the coach of the army football team and as president had his own side - Hallelujah FC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , Denise Nkurunziza , has been receiving medical treatment in Kenya .
She was rumoured to have tested positive for coronavirus - a disease Mr Nkurunziza had appeared to downplay , holding an election in the midst of the outbreak , and even expelling World Health Organization representatives from the country .
The government has announced seven days of national mourning .
According to the constitution , if the head of state dies in office then the president of the national assembly , currently Pascal Nyabenda , should succeed him .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evariste Ndayishimiye , is due to be sworn in as president in August .

He and his wife Denise, who had five children together and adopted several others, regularly organised prayer gatherings - and the man who was to become Burundi's "supreme guide to patriotism" put all his successes down to God, including what he said the country's success against Covid-19.


bbc--2020-06-09--Honda's global operations hit by cyber-attack

Honda has said it is dealing with a cyber-attack that is impacting its operations around the world .
`` Honda can confirm that a cyber-attack has taken place on the Honda network , '' the Japanese car-maker said in a statement .
It added that the problem was affecting its ability to access its computer servers , use email and otherwise make use of its internal systems .
`` There is also an impact on production systems outside of Japan , '' it added .
`` Work is being undertaken to minimise the impact and to restore full functionality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The firm - which makes motorcycles , cars , generators and lawn mowers , among other products - said one of its internal servers was attacked externally .
It added that `` the virus had spread '' throughout its network , but did not provide further details .
Honda currently runs a factory in Swindon , where it makes its Civic cars , which is due to close in 2021 .
The company has confirmed that work at the UK plant has been halted alongside a suspension of other operations in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it added that it hoped some of the affected sites would go back online this afternoon or later this week .
Some cyber-security experts have said it looks like a ransomware attack , which means that hackers might have encrypted data or locked Honda out of some of its IT systems .
'It looks like a case of Ekans ransomware being used , ' said Morgan Wright , chief security advisor at security firm Sentinel One .
'Ekans , or Snake ransomware , is designed to attack industrial control systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put production on hold and sent factory workers home points to disruption of their manufacturing systems . '
The company has insisted no data has been breached and added that `` at this point , we see minimal business impact '' .
Honda employs nearly 220,000 people worldwide across more than 400 group affiliate companies .
It is not known how the criminals infiltrated Honda 's computer system but research suggests that ransomware attacks are on the rise with hackers using Covid-19 related lures to trick victims into downloading booby-trapped documents and files @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 % spike in clients being hit by ransomware in the first quarter of 2020 compared to last year .
Katherine Keefe , from the firm said : `` Cyber criminals are preying on people 's heightened anxiety during this pandemic , tricking them into clicking and sharing links that steal information .
`` Organisations must ensure their security systems and protocols are up to date and ensure that colleagues working from home are extra vigilant . ''


bbc--2020-06-09--IBM abandons 'biased' facial recognition tech

Tech giant IBM is to stop offering facial recognition software for `` mass surveillance or racial profiling '' .
The announcement comes as the US faces calls for police reform following the killing of a black man , George Floyd .
In a letter to the US Congress , IBM said AI systems used in law enforcement needed testing `` for bias '' .
One campaigner said it was a `` cynical '' move from a firm that has been instrumental in creating technology for the police .
In his letter to Congress , IBM chief executive Arvind Krishna said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent as ever '' , setting out three areas where the firm wanted to work with Congress : police reform , responsible use of technology , and broadening skills and educational opportunities .
`` IBM firmly opposes and will not condone the uses of any technology , including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors , for mass surveillance , racial profiling , violations of basic human rights and freedoms , '' he wrote .
`` We believe now is the time to begin a national dialogue on whether and how facial recognition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agencies '' .
Instead of relying on potentially biased facial recognition , the firm urged Congress to use technology that would bring `` greater transparency '' , such as body cameras on police officers and data analytics .
Data analytics is more integral to IBM 's business than facial recognition products .
It has also worked to develop technology for predictive policing , which has also criticised for potential bias .
Privacy International 's Eva Blum-Dumontet said the firm had coined the term `` smart city '' .
`` All around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urbanisation which relied on CCTV cameras and sensors processed by police forces , thanks to the smart policing platforms IBM was selling them , '' she said .
`` This is why is it is very cynical for IBM to now turn around and claim they want a national dialogue about the use of technology in policing . ''
She added : `` IBM are trying to redeem themselves because they have been instrumental in developing the technical capabilities of the police through the development of so-called smart policing techniques .
But let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move .
`` First of all , their announcement was ambiguous .
They talk about ending 'general purpose ' facial recognition , which makes me think it will not be the end of facial recognition for IBM , it will just be customised in the future . ''
The Algorithmic Justice League was one of the first activist groups to indicate that there were racial biases in facial recognition data sets .
A 2019 study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that none of the facial recognition tools from Microsoft , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it came to recognising men and women with dark skin .
And a study from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology suggested facial recognition algorithms were far less accurate at identifying African-American and Asian faces compared with Caucasian ones .
Amazon , whose Rekognition software is used by police departments in the US , is one of the biggest players in the field , but there are also a host of smaller players such as Facewatch , which operates in the UK .
Clearview AI , which has been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter and YouTube , also sells its software to US police forces .
Maria Axente , AI ethics expert at consultancy firm PwC , said facial recognition had demonstrated `` significant ethical risks , mainly in enhancing existing bias and discrimination '' .
She added : `` In order to build trust and solve important issues in society , purpose as much as profit should be a key measure of performance . ''

Amazon, whose Rekognition software is used by police departments in the US, is one of the biggest players in the field, but there are also a host of smaller players such as Facewatch, which operates in the UK. Clearview AI, which has been told to stop using images from Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, also sells its software to US police forces.


bbc--2020-06-09--Hope for pangolins as protection boosted in China

China has removed pangolins from its official list of traditional Chinese medicine treatments , according to reports .
The move , reported by China 's Health Times newspaper , comes after China raised the animal 's protected status to the highest level last week .
The scaly mammals have been pushed to the brink by illegal hunting for their scales and meat .
All eight species are threatened with extinction .
Conservation charities have welcomed the move towards greater protection .
Paul Thomson of Save Pangolins said it was a breakthrough moment for pangolins .
`` China 's move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be the game changer we have been waiting for , '' he said .
`` We hope China 's next move will be to enforce the regulations and work to change consumer behaviour . ''
And Katheryn Wise of animal welfare campaign group , World Animal Protection , said it was `` great news '' that China had upgraded pangolins to the highest level of protection and removed them from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia .
She called for this to be extended to all wild animals , `` who , like pangolins , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed in squalid , cramped cages , creating a lethal hotbed of disease '' .
Pangolins are covered with a layer of scales , which are designed to protect them against predators .
The scales are highly coveted by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners , while pangolin meat has been seen as a delicacy .
China banned the consumption of live wild animals for food in the wake of the outbreak , but there are certain exemptions , such as for medicine or fur .
Pangolins are in the spotlight as they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Covid-19 .
Scientists are investigating whether trafficked pangolins might have played a role in the virus moving from animals to humans , but the evidence is unclear .

She called for this to be extended to all wild animals, "who, like pangolins, are poached from the wild and often placed in squalid, cramped cages, creating a lethal hotbed of disease".


bbc--2020-06-09--Munroe Bergdorf: Model rejoins L'Oreal after racism row

Model Munroe Bergdorf has rejoined L'Oreal Paris after she was sacked by the brand in 2017 for posting about `` the racial violence of white people '' .
Last week , she criticised L'Oreal after it posted a support message for Black Lives Matter , saying the brand `` threw me to the wolves '' when it fired her .
Bergdorf said the brand 's new president Delphine Viguier had apologised for the way the situation was handled .
She will now join the company 's UK diversity and inclusion advisory board .
On 1 June , the transgender model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me from a campaign in 2017 and threw me to the wolves for speaking out about racism and white supremacy .
With no duty of care , without a second thought .
`` I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world 's press because YOU did n't want to talk about racism .
You do NOT get to do this .
This is NOT okay , not even in the slightest . ''
After speaking to Viguier , she wrote that she believes in `` accountability and progress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` While what happened three years ago was extremely traumatic for me personally and professionally , sitting on a board to provide a voice and a champion for black , trans and queer voices in the beauty industry is important for me .
`` It feels good to finally have closure on this matter and I look forward to new beginnings with the L'Oreal team . ''
On L'Oreal Paris 's Instagram page , Viguier said she had had `` an honest , transparent and vulnerable conversation '' with Bergdorf .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her : Three years ago , Munroe felt silenced by a brand , L'Oreal Paris , that had the power to amplify her voice .
`` While we both agree today that negative labels should not be used to define all individuals in any group , I understand much better the pain and trauma that were behind Munroe 's words back then and the urgency she felt to speak in defence of the black community against systemic racism .
`` I regret the lack of dialogue and support the company showed Munroe around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have also done more to create a conversation for change as we are now doing .
`` We support Munroe 's fight against systemic racism and as a company we are committed to work to dismantle such systems . ''
Viguier said L'Oreal would also donate to causes that support social justice .

"I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world's press because YOU didn't want to talk about racism. You do NOT get to do this. This is NOT okay, not even in the slightest."


bbc--2020-06-09--Coronavirus: Asymptomatic transmission still an 'open question'

How much coronavirus transmission comes from people with no symptoms is still a `` big unknown '' , a World Health Organization scientist has clarified .
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said on Monday it was `` very rare '' for asymptomatic people to pass the disease on .
But she has now stressed this observation was based on a relatively small set of studies .
Evidence suggests people with symptoms are most infectious , but the disease can be passed on before they develop .
Although a proportion of people test positive with no symptoms , it is not known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to infect others .
Dr Van Kerkhove said the evidence she had been discussing came from countries that had carried out `` detailed contact tracing '' , Looking at investigations of clusters of infections from various countries , she said that where an asymptomatic case had been followed up it was `` very rare '' to find secondary infections among their contacts .
But she it was still a `` big open question '' as to whether the same was true globally .
The uncertainties involved emphasise the importance of lockdown measures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of people infected , '' said Prof Liam Smeeth , an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
He said he had been `` surprised '' by the WHO statement but had not seen the data it was based on .
Director of the WHO 's health emergencies programme , Dr Michael Ryan , said he was `` absolutely convinced '' asymptomatic transmission was occurring , `` the question is how much '' .
Dr Van Kerkhove , the WHO 's head of emerging diseases , made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who test positive when they do n't yet have symptoms - but go on to develop them ( pre-symptomatic ) • People with very mild or atypical symptoms who do not realise they have coronavirus Some reports distinguish between these categories while others do not and she said this , along with the relatively small groups of people studied , make it difficult to draw firm conclusions .
But Dr Van Kerkhove said the weight of evidence suggested people who never develop symptoms did not play a significant role in passing on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which tested samples of the population to find asymptomatic cases , and then traced their contacts , found far fewer secondary infections than in the contacts of people who 'd had symptoms .
This led the WHO , in guidance on wearing masks published at the weekend , to conclude : `` The available evidence from contact tracing reported by member states suggests that asymptomatically-infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms '' • What is the k number ?
In England , the Office for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly testing a sample of the population .
It has found that , of those who have so far tested positive for Covid-19 , only 29 % reported `` any evidence of symptoms '' at the time they were tested , or at the previous or following visits .
Contact-tracing studies from a number of countries suggest that while `` true '' asymptomatic cases `` rarely transmit '' infection , transmission can occur before or on the day symptoms first appear when they may be very mild , according to Prof Babak Javid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Cambridge .
People can have detectable amounts of the virus in their system roughly three days before developing symptoms and appear to be capable to passing it on during this period , especially the day before or on the day symptoms begin .
Pre-symptomatic transmission has `` important implications '' for track , trace and isolation measures , Prof Javid said .
Under the terms of the contact-tracing schemes now operational across the UK , someone who passed on the infection while pre-symptomatic could still have their contacts traced once they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms would n't trigger the same process .
While people without symptoms do seem to be capable of infecting others , current evidence still suggests people with symptoms are the highest risk .
A positive result alone does n't tell you how much of the virus someone has in their system .
And this - what is known as the viral load - along with whether an infected person is sneezing and coughing and what kind of contact they are having with other people , influences how likely they are to pass the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out since coronavirus mainly `` passes through infectious droplets '' , it is when people are coughing or sneezing that they are most able to transmit the disease .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

A positive result alone doesn't tell you how much of the virus someone has in their system. And this - what is known as the viral load - along with whether an infected person is sneezing and coughing and what kind of contact they are having with other people, influences how likely they are to pass the illness on.