bbc--2020-08-10--'We're happy to go to court' - Wolff challenges rivals to protest against Mercedes in 'copying' row

Last updated on .From the section Formula 1 Team principal Toto Wolff has challenged rivals to protest if they believe Mercedes have broken the rules in the Racing Point 'copying ' row .
Rivals have questioned whether Mercedes fully complied with rules that forbid the sharing of key parts .
Wolff said : `` If someone thinks we have done something wrong , they should protest .
We are happy to go to court . ''
Wolff said he believed both his team and Racing Point had fully complied with the rules .
`` We have not been protested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done nothing wrong ; I strongly believe Racing Point have done nothing wrong .
`` I believe if it goes to the international court of appeal , the lawyers have a strong opinion that this is a case that has very solid pillars and therefore everybody 's in a good place about that .
`` Our reputation is important but it is intact . ''
Racing Point have lodged an intention to appeal against the verdict , as have four of their rivals , Ferrari , McLaren , Renault and Williams .
Racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the four other teams are seeking to clarify issues that arise from the ruling .
Racing Point 's punishment was based on the stewards ' belief that they had broken a rule that says teams have to design certain key parts of the car , known as 'listed parts ' , themselves .
Brake ducts , which play an important role in the aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars , were added to this list of performance differentiators for this season .
Racing Point were legally supplied with the design details of Mercedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the stewards penalised them on the basis that they were not allowed to use the same design this year .
Stewards likened Racing Point 's design process to `` using tracing paper to copy a shape/drawing '' .
Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said the stewards were `` wrong in that assessment '' .
Among the points of contention for rivals teams are that the rule changing the status of listed parts for 2020 was sanctioned by governing body the FIA in April last year , yet Mercedes kept supplying the data after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Point with a set of brake ducts in January this year , after the rule on their status had come into force .
The FIA ruling said giving the brake ducts to Racing Point in January this year `` did not constitute a breach of the regulations worthy of censure as the parts in question were not used and did not expand the information that had previously passed from Mercedes to Racing Point quite legitimately '' .
But Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said : `` I am sure those questions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question are guilty of receiving , surely the team that has provided has been also in breach of the regulations .
But that is something for the FIA to deal with . ''
Wolff said : `` The rule came in place for the 2020 season .
So you were allowed to supply drawings and data in 2018 and 2019 ; it was permitted . ''
He added that it was not Mercedes ' responsibility to check how Racing Point used parts it had been legitimately supplied .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Point does , '' Wolff said , `` but I think even using them on the 2020 car was not something that was regulated . ''

Wolff joined Mercedes in 2013, having previously been executive director at Williams
Team principal Toto Wolff has challenged rivals to protest if they believe Mercedes have broken the rules in the Racing Point 'copying' row.
Racing Point have been docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros for illegally copying Mercedes' brake ducts.
Rivals have questioned whether Mercedes fully complied with rules that forbid the sharing of key parts.
Wolff said: "If someone thinks we have done something wrong, they should protest. We are happy to go to court."
Wolff said he believed both his team and Racing Point had fully complied with the rules.
"We have not been protested," he said. "We have done nothing wrong; I strongly believe Racing Point have done nothing wrong.
"I believe if it goes to the international court of appeal, the lawyers have a strong opinion that this is a case that has very solid pillars and therefore everybody's in a good place about that.
"Our reputation is important but it is intact."
Racing Point have lodged an intention to appeal against the verdict, as have four of their rivals, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and Williams.
Racing Point hope to clear their name, while the four other teams are seeking to clarify issues that arise from the ruling.
Racing Point's punishment was based on the stewards' belief that they had broken a rule that says teams have to design certain key parts of the car, known as 'listed parts', themselves.
Brake ducts, which play an important role in the aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars, were added to this list of performance differentiators for this season.
Racing Point were legally supplied with the design details of Mercedes' 2019 brake ducts last year, but the stewards penalised them on the basis that they were not allowed to use the same design this year.
Stewards likened Racing Point's design process to "using tracing paper to copy a shape/drawing".
Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said the stewards were "wrong in that assessment".
Among the points of contention for rivals teams are that the rule changing the status of listed parts for 2020 was sanctioned by governing body the FIA in April last year, yet Mercedes kept supplying the data after that; and that Mercedes supplied Racing Point with a set of brake ducts in January this year, after the rule on their status had come into force.
The FIA ruling said giving the brake ducts to Racing Point in January this year "did not constitute a breach of the regulations worthy of censure as the parts in question were not used and did not expand the information that had previously passed from Mercedes to Racing Point quite legitimately".
But Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: "I am sure those questions will get asked, because if the team in question are guilty of receiving, surely the team that has provided has been also in breach of the regulations. But that is something for the FIA to deal with."
Wolff said: "The rule came in place for the 2020 season. So you were allowed to supply drawings and data in 2018 and 2019; it was permitted."
He added that it was not Mercedes' responsibility to check how Racing Point used parts it had been legitimately supplied.
"I don't know what we should think what Racing Point does," Wolff said, "but I think even using them on the 2020 car was not something that was regulated."


bbc--2020-08-10--'It feels like harassment' - sportswomen share social media trolling stories

Elite British sportswomen are calling for help in tackling `` relentless '' online abuse after a BBC Sport survey uncovered almost a third had suffered social media trolling .
Three women have shared their experiences after 30 % of survey respondents said they had suffered trolling - a figure that has doubled in the past five years .
Here are the athletes ' stories in their own words .
Warning : Contains language some readers may find offensive .
Wales rugby union international Elinor Snowsill describes the constant private messages she gets from some men in response to her posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just a bit relentless .
It sometimes feels a bit like harassment .
It 's such a strong word but if that person was constantly coming up and reacting to everything you did in real life , it would feel a bit odd .
`` It 's emoji reactions with heart eyes or blowing kisses .
Or 'very nice ' , 'looking good ' .
Other ones are completely random like telling me something about themselves .
If it carries on , most of the time I block them .
`` About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who commented on something that made me think he was near and knew where I was .
I had posted and I was in a public place .
That did scare me a bit .
I blocked him and was quite careful with what I put up .
`` It 's never women who do it .
It feels more threatening because if there ever was a situation where someone took it to the extreme , generally men have more power in a situation than women because they 're stronger .
It just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What kind of mindset are they in that they would constantly do something without ever getting a response ?
`` It just makes you question where their limit is .
You do n't know them and they often do n't have pictures of their faces in their profiles .
You ca n't actually find out anything about them .
That 's what makes it more threatening . ''
• BBC Sport strengthens its stance on combating hate speech on its social media channels ' I was hacked and no-one knew how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medal-winning hockey player Susannah Townsend 's Instagram account was hacked and she describes the lack of control she felt as `` awful '' .
`` I could n't get into my account .
I tried to find it and it said it could n't find the user .
`` I searched and searched on the GB Women 's hockey account to find myself and my name had been changed to 'come in my face ' .
`` I could n't get it taken down for about a week .
There was n't anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't actually change my password on Instagram because the hacker put something in that I do n't have any control over .
I 'm trying to get on top of that right now because I 'm paranoid something else will happen .
`` They blocked about 3,000 followers .
I lost about 4,000 followers .
They deleted everything I 'd posted but they did n't post anything .
`` It was pretty awful because they had control over my account .
They had control over my messages .
They had control over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a blur because I was so panicked about how to get it sorted .
`` The thing I struggled with is that I felt like I was fighting this battle to do it myself .
No-one knew how to help me .
`` Giving athletes someone they can call if they get hacked or if something goes wrong is quite important .
`` Athletes are petrified of being hacked all the time - not because you 've got something to hide , it 's just your own privacy .
`` Every time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get people throwing abuse at you for being gay still .
People say : 'God will hate you .
You 're going to go to hell . '
All that stuff is quite common .
`` It 's hate stuff .
For some people who post that for the first time with that hashtag , then they get that ...
I can imagine they would n't post it again .
`` The implications could be that people will not openly be gay , or whatever preference they have .
People just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared of being laughed at , criticised , outed by other people . ''
'It 's never about the football' Northern Ireland and Charlton Athletic footballer Rachel Newborough mostly avoids social media because of the abuse sportswomen receive , but she knows this affects her sponsorship opportunities .
She is also familiar with the effects of trolling , having played with Renee Hector who sank into depression after suffering online abuse when she reported racist discrimination .
`` I do have social media accounts but I 'm not overly engaged with it because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to that is if you 're a real presence on social media , then you can get brilliant sponsorships and earn a side living from it .
It 's a great opportunity .
`` I know myself and a lot of girls get the odd random person private messaging you things .
It 's never about the football .
`` I find that frustrating .
If you go through a lot of female footballers , a lot of it is n't about the football - it 's about how pretty they are or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's great but you want to be told you 're great for your football .
`` When you go into women 's football from age 16 , you 're still quite vulnerable .
`` I know players in my team have really struggled off the back of it .
Renee Hector came to Charlton so I had the opportunity to speak to her .
I know her involvement with social media has been really difficult .
`` I do n't think any of us have been trained in how to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in once a year and says what not to put on social media , along with the talk of not betting on football and things like that .
Maybe at that point , they should also tell us how to deal with the backlash .
`` Mental health-wise as well , maybe the psychologists we have in women 's football - the clubs that are fortunate enough to have them - could do something to help us know how to deal with it or , in the younger teams , have a person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media trolling is one of many issues raised by the BBC Elite British Sportswomen 's Survey .
BBC Sport will be shining a spotlight on the others with coverage throughout the week on the BBC Sport website , BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC TV .
More information can be found here .

Elite British sportswomen are calling for help in tackling "relentless" online abuse after a BBC Sport survey uncovered almost a third had suffered social media trolling.
Three women have shared their experiences after 30% of survey respondents said they had suffered trolling - a figure that has doubled in the past five years.
Here are the athletes' stories in their own words.
Warning: Contains language some readers may find offensive.
'It feels like harassment'
Elinor Snowsill plays rugby for Wales and Bristol Bears Women
Wales rugby union international Elinor Snowsill describes the constant private messages she gets from some men in response to her posts as akin to harassment.
"It's just a bit relentless. It sometimes feels a bit like harassment. It's such a strong word but if that person was constantly coming up and reacting to everything you did in real life, it would feel a bit odd.
"It's emoji reactions with heart eyes or blowing kisses. Or 'very nice', 'looking good'. Other ones are completely random like telling me something about themselves. If it carries on, most of the time I block them.
"About four years ago, I had one who commented on something that made me think he was near and knew where I was. I had posted and I was in a public place. That did scare me a bit. I blocked him and was quite careful with what I put up.
"It's never women who do it. It feels more threatening because if there ever was a situation where someone took it to the extreme, generally men have more power in a situation than women because they're stronger. It just has that different edge to it.
"What kind of mindset are they in that they would constantly do something without ever getting a response?
"It just makes you question where their limit is. You don't know them and they often don't have pictures of their faces in their profiles. You can't actually find out anything about them. That's what makes it more threatening."
'I was hacked and no-one knew how to help me'
Susannah Townsend won Olympic hockey gold with Great Britain in 2016
In 2015, Olympic gold medal-winning hockey player Susannah Townsend's Instagram account was hacked and she describes the lack of control she felt as "awful".
"I couldn't get into my account. I tried to find it and it said it couldn't find the user.
"I searched and searched on the GB Women's hockey account to find myself and my name had been changed to 'come in my face'.
"I couldn't get it taken down for about a week. There wasn't anyone who could help me.
"I can't actually change my password on Instagram because the hacker put something in that I don't have any control over. I'm trying to get on top of that right now because I'm paranoid something else will happen.
"They blocked about 3,000 followers. I lost about 4,000 followers. They deleted everything I'd posted but they didn't post anything.
"It was pretty awful because they had control over my account. They had control over my messages. They had control over everything. It's all a bit of a blur because I was so panicked about how to get it sorted.
"The thing I struggled with is that I felt like I was fighting this battle to do it myself. No-one knew how to help me.
"Giving athletes someone they can call if they get hacked or if something goes wrong is quite important.
"Athletes are petrified of being hacked all the time - not because you've got something to hide, it's just your own privacy.
"Every time I put #LGBTQ on a post, you get people throwing abuse at you for being gay still. People say: 'God will hate you. You're going to go to hell.' All that stuff is quite common.
"It's hate stuff. For some people who post that for the first time with that hashtag, then they get that... I can imagine they wouldn't post it again.
"The implications could be that people will not openly be gay, or whatever preference they have. People just won't be open because you're scared of being laughed at, criticised, outed by other people."
'It's never about the football'
Rachel Newborough plays football for Northern Ireland and Charlton Athletic
Northern Ireland and Charlton Athletic footballer Rachel Newborough mostly avoids social media because of the abuse sportswomen receive, but she knows this affects her sponsorship opportunities. She is also familiar with the effects of trolling, having played with Renee Hector who sank into depression after suffering online abuse when she reported racist discrimination.
"I do have social media accounts but I'm not overly engaged with it because you open yourself up. The downside to that is if you're a real presence on social media, then you can get brilliant sponsorships and earn a side living from it. It's a great opportunity.
"I know myself and a lot of girls get the odd random person private messaging you things. It's never about the football.
"I find that frustrating. If you go through a lot of female footballers, a lot of it isn't about the football - it's about how pretty they are or whatever clothing item they're showing off. That's great but you want to be told you're great for your football.
"When you go into women's football from age 16, you're still quite vulnerable.
"I know players in my team have really struggled off the back of it. Renee Hector came to Charlton so I had the opportunity to speak to her. I know her involvement with social media has been really difficult.
"I don't think any of us have been trained in how to deal with that. The Football Association comes in once a year and says what not to put on social media, along with the talk of not betting on football and things like that. Maybe at that point, they should also tell us how to deal with the backlash.
"Mental health-wise as well, maybe the psychologists we have in women's football - the clubs that are fortunate enough to have them - could do something to help us know how to deal with it or, in the younger teams, have a person to report it to."
Social media trolling is one of many issues raised by the BBC Elite British Sportswomen's Survey. BBC Sport will be shining a spotlight on the others with coverage throughout the week on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC TV. More information can be found here.


bbc--2020-08-10--Social media trolls: BBC Sport strengthens stance against hateful messages

BBC Sport has a social media following of more than 33 million users worldwide , across Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
We have a responsibility to try to make our accounts and our community a safe place for discussion , debate and opinion .
BBC Sport online has conducted a survey of British elite sportswomen and found almost a third had experienced social media abuse - double the figure from the last survey five years ago .
We felt we could not report on this statistic without looking at what more we could do in the comments sections of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , within the limited powers social media companies provide for account holders to tackle hate speech on their platforms , and have drawn up a new policy for how we will respond to it .
The following statement outlines our stance and will be posted on all our channels from Monday , 10 August 2020 : The BBC exists for all of us , so it should represent all of us .
That means BBC Sport covers a wide range of sports and stories .
But , as we do that , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract hateful messages .
We want our platforms to be a respectful place for discussion , constructive criticism , debate and opinion .
We know the vast majority of you - our 33 million social media followers - want that too .
So here 's what we 're doing : • We will block people bringing hate to our comments sections ; • We will report the most serious cases to the relevant authorities ; • We will work to make our accounts kind and respectful places ; • We will keep growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep covering issues and discussions around equality in sport .
We also want your help .
If you see a reply to BBC Sport posts with an expression of hate on the basis of race , colour , gender , nationality , ethnicity , disability , religion , sexuality , sex , age or class please flag the URL to the post in question by emailing socialmoderation.sport @ bbc.co.uk Hate wo n't stop us in our goal of representing all of us .
Together we will strive to make our social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Three sportswomen speak about their experiences of social media trolling

Last updated on .From the section Sport
BBC Sport strengthens its response to hateful messages on social media
BBC Sport has a social media following of more than 33 million users worldwide, across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. We have a responsibility to try to make our accounts and our community a safe place for discussion, debate and opinion.
BBC Sport online has conducted a survey of British elite sportswomen and found almost a third had experienced social media abuse - double the figure from the last survey five years ago.
We felt we could not report on this statistic without looking at what more we could do in the comments sections of our posts.
We analysed our options, within the limited powers social media companies provide for account holders to tackle hate speech on their platforms, and have drawn up a new policy for how we will respond to it.
The following statement outlines our stance and will be posted on all our channels from Monday, 10 August 2020:
To all BBC Sport social media followers.
The BBC exists for all of us, so it should represent all of us.
That means BBC Sport covers a wide range of sports and stories.
But, as we do that, our comments sections on social media can often attract hateful messages.
We want our platforms to be a respectful place for discussion, constructive criticism, debate and opinion.
We know the vast majority of you - our 33 million social media followers - want that too.
So here's what we're doing:
We will block people bringing hate to our comments sections;
We will report the most serious cases to the relevant authorities;
We will work to make our accounts kind and respectful places;
We will keep growing our coverage of women's sports, and keep covering issues and discussions around equality in sport.
We also want your help.
If you see a reply to BBC Sport posts with an expression of hate on the basis of race, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, sex, age or class please flag the URL to the post in question by emailing socialmoderation.sport@bbc.co.uk
Hate won't stop us in our goal of representing all of us.
Together we will strive to make our social media accounts a safe space for everyone.


bbc--2020-08-10--Beirut explosion: Lebanon's government resigns as public anger mounts

Lebanon 's government has resigned amid mounting anger over the explosion on Tuesday that devastated parts of Beirut and left more than 200 people dead .
The announcement was made in a national TV address by Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Monday evening .
Many people have accused the country 's leaders of culpability through their alleged negligence and corruption .
Protesters have taken to the streets and clashed with police for a third straight day .
The massive blast was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port for years .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed .
What did the prime minister say ?
Mr Diab , who was appointed prime minister in January after months of deadlock , said his government had `` gone to great lengths to lay out a road map to save the country '' .
But corruption in Lebanon was `` bigger than the state '' itself , and `` a very thick and thorny wall separates us from change ; a wall fortified by a class that is resorting to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve its gains '' , he said .
• Why Lebanon is in crisis '' They knew that we pose a threat to them , and that the success of this government means a real change in this long-ruling class whose corruption has asphyxiated the country , '' he added .
`` Today we follow the will of the people in their demand to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster that has been in hiding for seven years , and their desire for real change , '' Mr Diab said .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself in the speech as a reforming leader blocked by endemic corruption dating back years , BBC Middle East correspondent Tom Bateman says .
Parliament will now have to decide on a new prime minister - a process involving the same sectarian politics at the root of protesters ' discontent , our correspondent adds .
It is unlikely to be a smooth or quick process due to the country 's complex political system .
Power in Lebanon is shared between leaders representing the country 's different religious groups .
Additionally , following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of warlords entered politics and still control large parts of the country 's political , economic and social sectors .
Many protesters blame this entrenched system for the country 's corruption .
On Monday police clashed with angry residents as protests continued in the capital following the government 's resignation .
Footage showed protesters gathering near barriers leading to the parliament building as security forces fired tear gas at them .
How has Beirut been affected by the blast ?
The death toll from last week 's explosion has risen to 220 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city governor Marwan Abboud was quoted by the al-Marsad Online news website as saying .
Many foreign workers and lorry drivers were among the missing , he told Al Jadeed TV channel .
The huge blast damaged buildings in a radius of several kilometres in Beirut , leaving more than 200,000 people homeless or living in homes with no windows or doors .
Officials estimate that the explosion caused more than $ 3bn ( £2.3bn ) of damage and that Lebanon 's collective economic losses may amount to $ 15bn .
The country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the explosion , with families pushed into poverty and hunger .
More on the explosion in Beirut • The inferno and the mystery ship • 'We do n't have dreams any more' • What we know about the blast What is the background to the government 's resignation ?
Discontent in Lebanon has been brewing for years .
In late 2019 , a plan to tax Whatsapp calls spilled over into mass protests against economic turmoil and corruption , which eventually led to the government 's resignation .
Coronavirus had curbed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to worsen and last Tuesday 's explosion was seen by many as the deadly result of years of corruption and mismanagement .
The government 's plans to investigate were not enough for many who have lost all faith in the political elite .
Before the cabinet 's resignation , a number of ministers had already offered to step down .
But the end of this government does not necessarily mean an end to the anger .
Last year 's protests led to the formation of the government which has now been forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of corruption .

But corruption in Lebanon was "bigger than the state" itself, and "a very thick and thorny wall separates us from change; a wall fortified by a class that is resorting to all dirty methods in order to resist and preserve its gains", he said.


bbc--2020-08-10--Trump says someone shot near White House

US President Donald Trump has said someone was shot near the White House , after he was abruptly led out of a news conference by a Secret Service agent .
Mr Trump told reporters the incident was `` very well under control '' .
A member of his security detail had walked on stage during his remarks to reporters and whispered in his ear .
Mr Trump was heard to say `` Oh ! ''
and `` What 's happening '' , as he left the briefing room .
The White House was placed on lockdown during the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agent at the podium during Monday 's incident .
When he returned about nine minutes later , Mr Trump told reporters he believed the Secret Service had shot a suspect , who was armed `` from what I understand '' .
He said that someone was taken to hospital after the incident .
Mr Trump acknowledged it was an unusual situation , but praised the professionalism of the Secret Service .
`` It was a shooting outside of the White House , '' the Republican president said .
`` It seems to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was an actual shooting , and somebody has been taken to the hospital .
I do n't know the condition of the person . ''
The US Secret Service meanwhile tweeted : `` The Secret Service can confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. '' Law enforcement officials are on the scene .
More information to follow . ''
Mr Trump told reporters he did not know if the suspect harboured any ill intentions towards him .
`` It might not have had anything to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A journalist asked Mr Trump if he was rattled by the incident .
`` Do I seem rattled ? ''
he replied .
The president added : `` It 's unfortunate that this is the world , but the world 's always been a dangerous place .
It 's not something that 's unique .
`` The world has been , if you look back over the centuries , the world has been a dangerous place , very dangerous place , and it will continue , I guess , for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists he was escorted to the Oval Office outside the briefing room during the incident .
Also led out of the news conference were Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought .
The doors were locked .
The District of Columbia fire department said a man suffered serious or possibly critical injuries , according to the Associated Press .
The news agency also reported that authorities were looking into whether the individual has a background of mental illness .

The Secret Service did not say whether the man was armed. It added that "both the officer and the suspect were then taken to hospital", and that "at no time during this incident was the White House complex breached".


bbc--2020-08-10--Chicago protests: Restrictions imposed after chaotic night of unrest

Chicago police will limit access to the city centre after a night of violence and looting following reports of a police shooting .
Police Superintendent David Brown said the area will be restricted from 20:00 to 06:00 and a `` heavy police presence '' will continue until further notice .
He said the `` shameful destruction '' was `` fuelled by misinformation '' about a suspect shot by police on Sunday .
As of Monday , Chicago police have arrested over 100 individuals for looting , disorderly conduct and battery against police , among other charges .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of gunfire with suspects in the early hours of Monday .
City officials had temporarily suspended transportation services to the downtown area and raised bridges .
A number of videos posted on social media show vandalism and damage to shops - some of it miles from the downtown area .
Some clips show individuals walking out of shops with items .
In one video , a police officer is struck in the face with an object apparently flung by an individual in the street .
Officials said 13 officers were injured throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a bottle .
A civilian and a security guard were also injured by gunfire .
In one incident , police said they were arresting a suspect carrying a cash register when a vehicle passed by the officers and fired shots .
According to the Associated Press news agency , looters left behind boxes of rocks they had brought to smash windows .
`` This was obviously very orchestrated , '' Roman Catholic priest and community activist Rev Michael Pfleger told television station WBBM-TV .
Chicago is one of several US cities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and homicides .
The city reported its deadliest day in 30 years in June .
The Trump administration has ordered federal agents to several cities , including Chicago , to help quell the crime wave .
What did officials say ?
Mr Brown on Monday told reporters the `` seeds for this shameful destruction we saw last night were sown ... on Sunday afternoon '' , when police responded to a report of a man with a gun .
Mr Brown said police attempted to interview the suspect , who fled and fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire , striking the individual , who Mr Brown described as a 20-year-old man with four prior arrests .
The suspect is in hospital and expected to survive .
`` After this shooting a crowd gathered on the South Side following the police action .
Tempers flared , fuelled by misinformation , as the afternoon turned into evening , '' Mr Brown said .
`` [ Chicago police ] became aware of several social media posts encouraging looting downtown . ''
He described `` car caravans '' heading into the downtown area on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispatched there .
`` Criminals took to the streets with confidence there would be no consequences for their actions , '' Mr Brown said .
`` I for one refuse to allow these cowardly acts to hold our city hostage . ''
Chicago police are looking into security footage from last night to identify the suspects and a heavy police presence will be in place until further notice .
Police will also work with other agencies .
including transportation officials and state law enforcement in `` a multi-layered plan '' , Mr Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violence on Monday , calling on justice officials to hold the individuals responsible for the damage accountable .
She highlighted the differences between Sunday 's unrest and the protests in the wake of George Floyd 's death .
• Why do some protests turn violent ?
`` These individuals engaged in what can only be described as brazen and extensive criminal looting and destruction - and to be clear , this had nothing to do with legitimate , protected First Amendment expression . ''
`` This was an assault on our city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also undermines Covid-19 recovery efforts .
She said small businesses and restaurants who were in the process of getting back to work were among the damaged storefronts .
The mayor added that the looters were not `` poor people engaged in petty theft to feed themselves and their family , this was straight-up felony criminal conduct '' .
Mayor Lightfoot also defended Chicago police , saying officers deserve to work `` without having to worry about shots being fired , projectiles being thrown , and being maced '' .
Addressing the individuals involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We are already at work finding you and intend to hold you accountable for your actions .
I do not care whatever justification was given for this .
There is no justification for criminal behaviour ever .
You have no right . ''

Addressing the individuals involved in last night's unrest, she said: "We are already at work finding you and intend to hold you accountable for your actions. I do not care whatever justification was given for this. There is no justification for criminal behaviour ever. You have no right."


bbc--2020-08-10--Biden VP pick: Susan Rice, the diplomat and lightning rod

A former Obama White House official , Susan Rice , is a top contender to be Joe Biden 's running mate .
Even if she is not chosen as the vice-presidential nominee , she is likely to be a key player if he wins .
So who is she ?
Speaking at a White House cocktail party shortly before Donald Trump moved in , Susan Rice looked wistful .
`` You 'll miss us , '' she tells a journalist .
Today Ms Rice , the 55-year-old former national security adviser , is hoping for a return to power .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates to become the Democratic vice-presidential nominee .
If she is not chosen as vice-president and Mr Biden wins the election , she could potentially become secretary of state .
Ms Rice 's name is being floated as Mr Biden is under increasing pressure to select not just a woman - which he has committed to do - but a black woman as a running mate .
Senator Kamala Harris is frequently mentioned as a possibility , as are congresswomen Karen Bass and Val Demings , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rice 's biography makes her seem like a natural choice for a top slot .
But she has never run for office , and some analysts question whether she is the best candidate for the ticket .
They say she does not have the political chops needed to win a close election .
They also wonder about the baggage that she would bring to the race for the White House .
While working for Mr Obama , Ms Rice became a lightning rod for controversy .
After US outposts in Benghazi , Libya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Rice spoke about the melee on television , describing the attacks as `` spontaneous violence '' rather than as assaults that had been organised by militant groups .
Ambassador J Christopher Stevens and three other US citizens were killed in those attacks .
Republicans lashed out at her , criticising her televised remarks , and said that she had misled the public about the nature of the assaults .
Ms Rice said that she had been providing the public with the information that was available to her and other White House officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , the controversy still haunts her .
It could remain as a liability for Democrats during the campaign .
Michael S Smith II , a terrorism analyst who is a Johns Hopkins University lecturer , says that conservatives would remind people of Ms Rice 's remarks about Benghazi .
These conservatives , he says , would use her remarks to show that , in their view , Democrats are dishonest about the threat posed by terrorist groups and that progressives are weak on national security .
• Who will Biden pick as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who could be Biden 's VP pick Says Mr Smith : `` She was the poster child for conservatives who said that Obama was lying to the public about threats posed by al-Qaeda '' and other groups that have carried out attacks .
Yet many Democrats believe that she is the right person for the job of vice-president and that she would add lustre to the ticket .
She worked with Mr Biden and other White House officials on the Iran nuclear deal of 2015 , and she helped with the US efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump 's leadership , the US has pulled back from international agreements .
David Litt , a former speechwriter for the Obama White House and the author of Democracy in One Book or Less , says that the US lost its standing on the global stage because of Mr Trump 's presidency .
`` I can remember when our allies were upset with America , but I ca n't remember a time when allies pitied America , '' Mr Litt says .
Mr Litt believes that Ms Rice would be an excellent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience in the global arena : she would be able to re-establish strong relationships with allies of the United States , he says , and would help `` restore America 's place in the world '' .
Among the dozen or so leading candidates to become Mr Biden 's running mate , Ms Rice has the strongest background in international issues .
At age 32 , she became an assistant secretary of state and later served as ambassador to the UN .
Since leaving the White House , she has written a memoir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recounts her Washington childhood and her life with her husband , Ian Cameron , a television producer who was born in Canada , and two children .
She also describes her family history : Her great-great grandfather was born a slave , and part of her family was originally from Jamaica .
In her memoir , she said that she had little interest in electoral politics for herself , explaining she `` did n't have the patience or obsequiousness to run for office and was not keen on compromising my principles '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around to the idea .
During an interview on CBS This Morning , she said that she would bring decades of experience in the executive branch to the job of vice-president .
She helped fight Ebola and other pandemics during her time at the White House , she explained , and said that she knows what diseases can do to individuals and society .
She described the economic impact of the current pandemic `` I understand deeply the economic repercussions for Americans who are suffering , '' she said , adding that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected communities of colour '' .
She said her lack of experience as a candidate matters less today since campaigning is done `` remotely '' .
Still it is a tall order : running for office is more personal - and in some ways more difficult - than serving in office , say those who have done both .
A former assistant secretary of state for human rights , Tom Malinowski made the transition to street-level politics himself .
He is now a Democratic congressman from New Jersey .
He met Ms Rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxford and says that she has what it takes to win : `` She has extraordinary poise and self-confidence and intelligence that comes across in a genuine way . ''
Mr Biden is expected to make his announcement about a vice-presidential candidate in the coming days .
Ms Rice has the courage of her convictions .
But the question remains : will she convince others that she is the right person for the ticket ?

Recently, though, she has come around to the idea. During an interview on CBS This Morning, she said that she would bring decades of experience in the executive branch to the job of vice-president. She helped fight Ebola and other pandemics during her time at the White House, she explained, and said that she knows what diseases can do to individuals and society.


bbc--2020-08-10--Belarus election: Second night of clashes over disputed poll

Police in Belarus 's capital Minsk have fired rubber bullets for a second night to quash protests following Sunday 's disputed presidential elections .
Officials say one demonstrator died when an explosive device went off in his hands - the first confirmed casualty since the clashes began .
His main rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya refused to accept the results , saying she was the real winner .
A lack of scrutiny - no observers were present - has led to allegations of widespread vote-rigging in the poll .
The election was held amid growing frustration at Mr Lukashenko 's leadership , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The preceding days saw a crackdown on activists and journalists .
Mr Lukashenko , in power since 1994 , has described opposition supporters as `` sheep '' controlled from abroad , and vowed not to allow the country to be torn apart .
Mr Lukashenko won 80.23 % of the vote , according to election officials , with Ms Tikhanovskaya receiving 9.9 % .
Ms Tikhanovskaya entered the election in place of her jailed husband and went on to lead large opposition rallies .
Riot police fired rubber bullets , tear gas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallying in the capital .
Polish-based broadcaster Belsat TV aired footage of the police charging into the crowds .
Reports say some of the demonstrators fought back , throwing Molotov cocktails .
Protesters also tried to build barricades .
A number of people were arrested .
One journalist was injured , her colleagues and eyewitnesses said .
Later on Monday , the interior ministry said a protester died when he `` tried to throw an unidentified explosive device at members of law enforcement '' .
`` It exploded in his hand , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several metro stations in the city had been closed and the internet was mostly unavailable for a second day .
Protests were also being held in other Belarusian cities .
What did Ms Tikhanovskaya say ?
The opposition candidate said that the election results published on Monday morning `` completely contradict common sense '' and the authorities should think about how to peacefully hand over power .
`` We have seen that the authorities are trying to hold on to their positions by force , '' she said .
`` No matter how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their own people , we were not listened to . ''
Her campaign said it would challenge `` numerous falsifications '' in the vote .
`` The election results announced by the Central Electoral Commission do not correspond to reality and completely contradict common sense , '' her spokeswoman Anna Krasulina said .
The president said : `` So Lukashenko , who is at the top of the power structure and the head of state , after getting 80 % of the vote , must voluntarily hand over power to them ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ abroad ] . ''
`` Our response will be robust , '' he added .
`` We will not allow the country to be torn apart . ''
What has the international reaction been ?
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his Belarusian counterpart on his victory , despite friction over accusations of a Russian plot , which Mr Lukashenko has tried to link to the opposition .
The leaders of China , Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Moldova and Azerbaijan have sent messages of support .
But the German government said it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that minimum standards were not met .
The US said it was `` deeply concerned '' by the election and urged the government to `` respect the right to peacefully assemble and to refrain from the use of force '' .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the election results to be published .
`` Harassment and violent repression of peaceful protesters has no place in Europe , '' she said .
President Lukashenko , 65 , was first elected in 1994 .
In the last vote in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the vote .
There were no serious challengers and election observers reported problems in the counting and tabulation of votes .
The campaign saw the rise of Ms Tikhanovskaya , 37 , a former teacher who became a stay-at-home mother until she was thrust into the political spotlight .
After her husband was arrested and blocked from registering for the vote , she stepped in to take his place .
President Lukashenko has dismissed Ms Tikhanovskaya as a `` poor little girl '' , manipulated by foreign `` puppet masters '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet service was `` significantly disrupted '' , according to online monitor NetBlocks .
Opposition supporters say this makes it harder for evidence of election fraud to be collected and shared .
There were already concerns over a lack of scrutiny because observers were not invited to monitor the election and more than 40 % of votes were cast ahead of the election .
Tens of thousands defied an escalating crackdown on the opposition last month to attend a protest in Minsk , the largest such demonstration in a decade .
Anger towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part fuelled by its response to coronavirus .
The president has downplayed the outbreak , advising citizens to drink vodka and use saunas to fight the disease .
Belarus , which has a population of 9.5 million , has reported nearly 70,000 cases and almost 600 deaths .

But the US said it was "deeply concerned" by the election and urged the government to "respect the right to peacefully assemble and to refrain from the use of force".


bbc--2020-08-10--'Crazy' Baltimore gas explosion destroys homes

How to spot fake news about the Beirut blast This week has seen a huge explosion in Lebanon which has @ @ @ @ @ the country .
There 's been a lot of information shared online , but how @ @ @ @ @ can trust ?

'They told me he was alive - it wasn’t him' Video, 00:02:23'They told me he was alive - it wasn’t him'


bbc--2020-08-10--Fixing the scars of Beirut's explosion

Fixing the scars of Beirut's explosion

One woman whose face was torn apart by the Beirut explosion , says free plastic surgery will help her forget @ @ @ @ @ Lauret , 30 , was driving near the port with her husband when the blast @ @ @ @ @ , a plastic surgeon in Beirut , has been offering free surgery to victims like @ @

One woman whose face was torn apart by the Beirut explosion, says free plastic surgery will help her forget the day.
Romy Zahour Lauret, 30, was driving near the port with her husband when the blast hit.
Dr Joe Baroud, a plastic surgeon in Beirut, has been offering free surgery to victims like Romy.
Filmed and edited by Rachael Thorn


bbc--2020-08-10--McDonald's sues ex-boss Easterbrook over alleged sexual relationships

McDonald 's has taken new legal action against former chief executive Steve Easterbook , accusing him of lying about sexual relationships with staff .
The company fired Mr Easterbrook last year after finding he had a consensual relationship with an employee .
But the firm says further investigation found the British executive had three additional relationships with staff , about which he lied to the board .
McDonald 's is suing to recover his pay-off , reportedly worth $ 40m ( £35m ) .
The fast food giant prohibits `` any kind of intimate relationship between employees in a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of Mr Easterbrook 's removal in November , McDonald 's said it had evidence of only of a non-physical , consensual relationship , consisting of intimate text messages and video calls .
It agreed to terminate Mr Easterbrook 's contact `` without cause '' , fearing a protracted legal battle , according to the firm 's legal filing .
But after receiving a tip from an employee in July , the fast food giant started a second investigation , which uncovered `` undisputable evidence '' of three other sexual relationships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Mr Easterbrook 's company email account as well as messages showing that he approved a grant of company shares worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to one of the employees `` shortly after their first sexual encounter '' .
McDonald 's said that had it been aware of this information , it would not have approved his multi-million dollar pay-off .
McDonald 's said it did not initially find the photos and messages because Mr Easterbrook had deleted them from his phone .
The second investigation also searched company servers .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company by lying when asked about his behaviour in an effort to secure a bigger severance package , committing fraud .
Mr Easterbrook , who is divorced , could not immediately be reached for comment .
At the time of his dismissal , he acknowledged a relationship in an email to staff , calling it a `` mistake '' .
`` Given the values of the company , I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on , '' he wrote .
Mr Easterbrook , a UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hertfordshire , led McDonald 's from March 2015 to November 2019 , after previously leading its UK operations .
He was widely credited with revitalising the firm 's menus , remodelling stores and using better ingredients .
The value of its shares more than doubled during his tenure in the US .
Last year , he received more than $ 17m in total compensation .
The size of Mr Easterbrook 's severance package had drawn earlier pushback , including from a shareholder advisory group .
The firm has also faced accusations that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In April , US workers filed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald 's , accusing the fast food giant of fostering `` systemic sexual harassment '' .
A global coalition of labour unions filed a similar complaint with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in May .
At the time , one of the organisers , Sue Longley , general secretary of the International Union of Foodworkers , said the firm had a `` culture rotten from the top '' .

It says investigators found nude photographs sent from Mr Easterbrook's company email account as well as messages showing that he approved a grant of company shares worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to one of the employees "shortly after their first sexual encounter".


bbc--2020-08-10--Mauritius oil spill: Fears vessel may 'break in two' as cracks appear

Large cracks have reportedly appeared in the hull of a cargo ship leaking oil in Mauritius , prompting the prime minister to warn it may `` break in two '' .
The MV Wakashio , believed to have been carrying 4,000 tonnes of fuel oil , ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on 25 July .
Despite bad weather , Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth said 500 tonnes had been safely pumped out on Monday .
But he warned the country was preparing for the `` worst-case scenario '' .
Mauritius is home to world-renowned coral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of its economy .
• Africa Live : News and views from the continent Fuel has been transferred to shore by helicopter and to another ship owned by the same Japanese firm , Nagashiki Shipping .
France has sent a military aircraft with pollution control equipment from its nearby island of Réunion , while Japan has sent a six-member team to assist the French efforts .
The Mauritius coast guard and several police units are also at the site in the south-east of the island .
Since the weekend , volunteers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacks to make barriers against the oil .
Others have made their own tubes with tights and hair to add to the effort , and some have been cleaning up the island 's beaches .
Their actions went against an order from the government asking people to leave the clean-up to local authorities .
`` People have realised that they need to take things into their hands .
We are here to protect our fauna and flora , '' environmental activist Ashok Subron told AFP news agency on Sunday .
Mitsui OSK Lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday it had tried to place its own containment booms around the vessel but had not been successful owing to rough seas .
It is thought that the bulk carrier , registered in Panama , had some 4,000 tonnes of fuel aboard when it ran aground .
All crew were evacuated .
More than 1,000 tonnes of oil is thought to have leaked into the waters surrounding the island nation .
Environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the country 's ecosystem .
The MV Wakashio ran aground at Pointe d'Esny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The area also contains wetlands designated as a site of international importance by the Ramsar convention on wetlands .
Happy Khamule from Greenpeace Africa warned that `` thousands '' of animal species were `` at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution , with dire consequences for Mauritius ' economy , food security and health '' .
Mauritius has `` world-important populations of reptiles with unique genetic make-up '' , which could be among the species threatened , said Vikash Tataya , conservation director with the Mauritian Wildlife Organisation .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive vice-president of Mitsui OSK Lines `` profusely '' apologised for the spill and for `` the great trouble we have caused '' .
He vowed that the company would do `` everything in their power to resolve the issue '' .
Police in Mauritius say they have been granted a search warrant , allowing them to board the vessel take away items of interest such as the ship 's log book in order to help with an investigation .
The ship 's captain will assist officers with their search .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state of emergency and appealed for help .

Police in Mauritius say they have been granted a search warrant, allowing them to board the vessel take away items of interest such as the ship's log book in order to help with an investigation. The ship's captain will assist officers with their search.


bbc--2020-08-10--Trump's WeChat ban shocks Chinese abroad

For the global Chinese community , WeChat is more than a chat app : it is often the primary means of staying in touch with friends and family back home .
So the decision last week by US President Donald Trump to order American firms to stop doing business with WeChat has sent shockwaves rippling out .
`` WeChat has become the 'it ' tool for Chinese-speaking people , no matter where you are around the world , '' one Shanghai resident told the BBC .
The billion-user app is primarily a social networking platform but can be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gaming and even dating .
But WeChat has a less innocent side , and is seen a key instrument of China 's internal surveillance apparatus .
A Wuhan doctor , Li Wenliang , was reprimanded by police last December after he sent messages to colleagues on the app , warning them about China 's initial coronavirus outbreak .
Toronto-based research group Citizen Lab also found WeChat had been censoring information about Covid-19 .
WeChat 's success is partly owed , as well , to a ban on American-made apps like WhatsApp and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order , President Trump labelled WeChat a threat to US national security and accused it of gathering `` vast swathes '' of user data , threatening Americans ' personal and proprietary information .
WeChat 's owner , TenCent , has been ordered to sell the app by mid-September or face a ban on US operations .
The move to block WeChat , a prominent example of China 's tech innovation , is seen by many Chinese as an attack on their culture , its people and state .
In response to President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America of using national security as a cover to exert hegemony .
The Chinese diaspora in the US has been shocked by the move , and many people are worried - not just about keeping in touch with loved ones , but what this means for China-US relations .
Jennie , 21 , is a student at the University of California , and learned about the order while browsing WeChat .
`` At first I did n't believe that it is true , '' she told the BBC .
`` Then I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around four hours a day on WeChat , using it to contact people in the US and China .
It is also a vital source of information and she spends a lot of time reading articles published on the public accounts of Chinese media , content creators and businesses .
• Is the US about to split the internet ?
On the anniversary day of Tiananmen Massacre , Jennie made a one-sentence post of commemoration .
It was quickly removed , and her entire public account vanished .
She told the BBC she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will share her information with the Chinese government , but strongly opposes America blocking the app .
`` It 'd be similar to what China does - to censor , '' said Jennie .
She used to publish on her own public account , until it was censored by WeChat two years ago .
Jennie believes that there should be alternatives to manage threats posed by WeChat , rather than banning it outright .
`` I wanted to study in the US because of its openness , but this move has burst my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is shared by other Chinese immigrants in the US .
`` I used to think America is culturally inclusive , '' says Miley Song , a Chinese immigrant in California .
Washington 's move sends `` an unwelcome signal '' to Chinese immigrants in the country , she believes .
The 30-year-old stay-at-home mum often uses the app to connect with her parents in China , who were in a panic after hearing about Mr Trump 's executive order .
But Ms Song says she is cautiously optimistic .
`` The ban seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be difficult to ban WeChat entirely , '' she says , `` We 'll wait and see . ''
While not particularly worried about the ban , she is concerned about what it means for her future in the America .
In the midst of a pandemic , and with presidential elections on the way , Ms Song thinks the Trump administration is trying to divert attention away from rising death tolls and falling polling numbers .
`` Otherwise , why has Trump focused on cracking down Chinese apps now ? ''
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to China after living and studying in America .
Rachel spent 10 years in the US , many of them as a student in the capital , Washington , DC .
Now home in Shanghai , WeChat has become `` fully embedded into people 's daily lives , '' she told the BBC .
`` If you live in China , you can not go anywhere without two major apps : one is WeChat , the other is AliPay , '' said Rachel .
`` If you want to buy a bottle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pay or Alipay to scan the QR code and pay , and most stores do n't accept cash . ''
• Are you one of the WeChat billion ?
WeChat is also being used as a tracking tool to help the government with containing the spread of coronavirus .
`` If , say , I 'm going to a department store , at the door usually the guard will ask you to show your QR code , '' said Rachel .
`` If it 's a green code , which shows you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 14 days , yes you can come in , but if it 's a yellow or red code , you can not . ''
While President Trump 's order will have little impact on her daily activities in China , Rachel said it may become harder to connect with people in the US .
As a result , she said some are exploring alternatives like communication app Line , or VPNs - virtual private networks which mask your computer 's location .
`` It 's sad that it 's going down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I see both sides , there is always good and bad in both societies , and I want to be neutral but it 's harder and harder to become neutral . ''

"If you live in China, you cannot go anywhere without two major apps: one is WeChat, the other is AliPay," said Rachel. "If you want to buy a bottle of milk, you open your WeChat Pay or Alipay to scan the QR code and pay, and most stores don't accept cash."


bbc--2020-08-10--Downfall: BP worker sacked after Hitler meme wins payout

A BP refinery worker in Australia who was sacked for parodying the company via a well-known Hitler meme has been awarded a $ 200,000 ( £109,000 ) payout .
Scott Tracey used the popular meme , from 2004 film Downfall , to portray scenes from company wage negotiations , posting it on a closed Facebook group .
He was sacked by the company .
However , after a two-year legal battle , he won an unfair dismissal case and returned to work .
The meme uses a dramatic scene in Downfall - in which Hitler angrily confronts his generals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with alternative dialogue as a joke .
• The rise , rise and rise of the Downfall Hitler parody BP had said it was `` highly offensive and inappropriate '' and dismissed Mr Tracey .
The refinery worker first took his case to a tribunal , arguing unfair dismissal , but lost .
Mr Tracey then appealed , insisting he had not intended to offend anyone and that the video was meant to be humorous .
He added that it did not identify BP or anyone specifically .
The federal court ruled it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likened BP managers to Nazis and Mr Tracey was allowed to return to work .
On Monday , he was awarded $ 177,325 in wages and lost bonuses , minus tax , and also $ 24,070 in superannuation or pension payments .
BP had argued that Mr Tracey should be paid $ 150,000 , less than what he would have earned if he had not been dismissed .
The company wanted money to be deducted because the video was shared among colleagues , which BP said was misconduct , according to the Sydney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money should be deducted as Mr Tracey could have found work during the trial .
The Fair Work Commission said there was no evidence to argue that Mr Tracey had not searched for employment .
Brad Gandy , secretary at Australian Workers Union , said that Mr Tracey had been through `` unnecessary drama '' .
`` To dig in and drag an honest worker through nearly two years of stress and uncertainty , all because a few stuffed shirts did n't get a joke , is poor corporate behaviour , '' Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Mr Tracey then appealed, insisting he had not intended to offend anyone and that the video was meant to be humorous. He added that it did not identify BP or anyone specifically.


bbc--2020-08-10--Climate change: Satellites record history of Antarctic melting

Twenty-five years of satellite observations have been used to reconstruct a detailed history of Antarctica 's ice shelves .
These ice platforms are the floating protrusions of glaciers flowing off the land , and ring the entire continent .
As a whole , they 've shed close to 4,000 gigatons since 1994 - an amount of meltwater that could all but fill America 's Grand Canyon .
But the innovation here is not so much the fact that the shelves are losing mass - we already knew that ; relatively warm ocean water is eating their undersides .
Rather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be made about exactly where and when the wastage has been occurring , and where also the meltwater has been going .
Some of this cold , fresh water has been entering the deep sea around Antarctica where it is undoubtedly influencing ocean circulation .
And this could have implications for the climate far beyond the polar south .
`` For example , there 've been a couple of studies that showed that including the effect of Antarctic ice melt into models slows global ocean temperature rise , and that can actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , '' explained Susheel Adusumilli from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego .
Mr Adusumilli and colleagues analysed all of the observations made by Esa 's long series of radar altimeter missions - ERS-1 , ERS-2 , EnviSat and CryoSat-2 .
These spacecraft have tracked the change in thickness in Antarctica 's ice shelves since the early 1990s .
Combining their data with ice velocity information from other sources , and the outputs of computer models - the Scripps group has gained a high-resolution view of the pattern of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be expected , there 's been quite a lot of variation , with mass loss and gain , even within the same individual shelf .
And the rate of mass loss over time has also gone up and down .
But the overall picture is clear : the shelves are wasting .
`` We see that melting is always above the steady state values , '' Mr Adusumilli told BBC News .
`` You need some amount of melting just to keep the ice sheet in balance .
But what we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ocean that is more than is needed to keep it in balance . ''
The fascinating aspect to this study is that the scientists can also now trace precisely where at depth the melting is occurring .
Some of these floating platforms of ice ( the biggest is the size of France ) extend many hundreds of metres below the sea surface .
The researchers can tell from the satellites ' data whether the wastage is happening close to the thinnest parts of the shelves or at their fronts , or deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice coming off land first becomes buoyant and starts to float .
`` That kind of information can tell us a lot about the melting processes involved , how they 're working - and the effects that meltwater can have , '' said Scripps ' Prof Helen Fricker .
`` So , it 's not just that the shelves are melting .
It 's how they 're melting - and where their meltwater is being injected into the ocean . ''
Thinning ice shelves do not contribute directly to sea-level rise .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displaced its equivalent volume of water .
But there is an indirect consequence .
If the shelves are weakened , the land ice behind can flow more quickly into the ocean , and this will lead to sea-level rise .
This is happening , and has been measured by other satellites .
Prof David Vaughan is the director of science at the British Antarctic Survey .
He was not connected with the study which is published in Nature Geoscience .
He told BBC News : `` The Scripps team has produced a map @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin in a strip of mottled red and blue colours .
The detail at the coastline is absolutely phenomenal .
`` We really can now identify the parts of ice shelves that are most crucial to the story of thinning .
There 'll be a lot of oceanographers spending a lot of time looking at where the melting and the thinning is actually occurring , and trying to work out exactly why those areas have been affected . ''
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

But the innovation here is not so much the fact that the shelves are losing mass - we already knew that; relatively warm ocean water is eating their undersides. Rather, it's the finessed statements that can now be made about exactly where and when the wastage has been occurring, and where also the meltwater has been going.


bbc--2020-08-10--Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong media tycoon held amid sweep of arrests

The Hong Kong business tycoon Jimmy Lai has been arrested along with other pro-democracy and media figures , raising fears of a broad crackdown by China .
Mr Lai 's Apple Daily newspaper offices were raided on Monday over allegations of collusion with foreign forces .
His case is the most high-profile arrest so far under a controversial security law imposed by China in June .
Mr Lai has been a prominent pro-democracy voice and a supporter of protests that erupted last year .
In February the 71-year-old , who also holds UK citizenship , was charged with illegal assembly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail .
• Hong Kong security law : What is it and is it worrying ?
• The Hong Kong residents ready to leave for the UK Chinese state media outlet the Global Times on Monday described Mr Lai as `` riot supporter '' and his publications as having been `` instigating hatred , spreading rumours and smearing Hong Kong authorities and the mainland for years '' .
Scores of police were seen entering the offices Apple Daily and Mr Lai was led through the offices in handcuffs .
According to the Global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as two senior executives of Next Digital , a media company founded by Mr Lai , were also arrested .
Hong Kong police confirmed that they had arrested 10 people - nine men and one woman - aged between 23 and 72 .
Reports said that police gathered hours later on Monday at the house of prominent pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow .
Fellow activist Nathan Law wrote in a post on Twitter that Ms Chow had been arrested .
`` Agnes Chow is arrested under National Security Law and we are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests .
Horrible day , '' he wrote .
And UK-based ITV News reported that Wilson Li , a freelance journalist who worked with the channel , had been arrested , also on suspicion of collusion with foreign powers .
Another activist , Andy Li , was also arrested , ITV said in a statement .
The sweep of arrests has raised fears that China will use its newly implemented security law to undertake a broad crackdown on Hong Kong 's pro-democracy activists and media figures .
Mr Law said on Twitter that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realised , adding that the arrests represented the `` end of freedom of press in Hong Kong '' .
`` The national security law is quashing the freedom of our society , spreading politics of fear , '' he said .
The sight of nearly 200 police officers raiding the newsroom of Apple Daily , the biggest pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong , is a shocking one for many here and a sign that things are changing rapidly .
One Apple Daily employee told me that his colleagues were calm and had seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was passed .
Mr Lai has been a very vocal critic of both the Hong Kong government and of Beijing 's increasingly assertive presence in the territory .
For that , China 's official news media have often branded him the leader of the `` Gang of Four '' which incites unrest in the city .
Beijing was also infuriated when he met US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last year .
But while Next Media has often been criticised for its sensationalism , it remains one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner who has no business interest in mainland China .
The newspaper , which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year , is already under financial strain .
The paper has said it will get today 's issue out on time but if its flamboyant owner is silenced it is unclear whether it will survive .
The businessman is estimated to be worth more than $ 1bn ( £766m ) .
Having made his initial fortune in the clothing industry , he later ventured into media and founded the newspaper Apple Daily , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainland Chinese leadership .
In 2019 the daily was the most-read paid newspaper in the territory , both in print and online , according to the Chinese University of Hong Kong .
Mr Lai has also been an activist against Beijing 's increasingly tight grip on Hong Kong .
In 2019 he supported the reform protests and participated in the demonstrations .
On 30 June , when the security law was passed , Mr Lai told the BBC that this `` spells the death knell for Hong Kong '' .
He warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainland China because `` without the rule of law , people who do business here will have no protection '' .
In a separate interview with the AFP news agency , Mr Lai said : `` I 'm prepared for prison .
If it comes , I will have the opportunity to read books I have n't read .
The only thing I can do is to be positive . ''
What has the reaction been ?
Unnamed sources within Apple Daily are cited as saying the company was `` arranging lawyers '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment '' .
Steven Butler , Asia programme co-ordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists , said the arrest `` bears out the worst fears that Hong Kong 's national security law would be used to suppress critical pro-democracy opinion and restrict press freedom '' .
`` Jimmy Lai should be released at once and any charges dropped , '' he said .
Wang Dan , dissident and exiled student leader of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests , said on social media that the arrest `` was expected '' but `` very outrageous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was obviously an attempt by the authorities to destroy Lai 's will through family ties '' .
`` I call on the international community to take immediate action . ''
What is the new security law ?
Hong Kong has had a high degree of autonomy since it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997 , and its residents have had a far higher level of freedom of speech and media than people on the mainland .
But the law 's key provisions include that crimes of secession , subversion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison .
It makes it easier to punish protesters , and reduces Hong Kong 's autonomy .
The law also gives Beijing powers to shape life in the former British colony in a way it has never had before .
Critics say it effectively curtails protest and freedom of speech .
China has said the new law will return stability to the territory after a year of unrest .
There have been two previous waves of arrests since the law was passed by Beijing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several protesters arrested the next day , as they staged a demonstration .
On 30 July , four students and former pro-independence activists were arrested under the law .
Other activists , like Mr Law , fled the city before the security law came into force .
Mr Law is currently in the UK but media reports are suggesting that Chinese authorities are seeking the arrest of him and other activists in exile .

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bbc--2020-08-10--Nigerian singer sentenced to death for blasphemy in Kano state

A musician in Nigeria 's northern state of Kano has been sentenced to death by hanging for blaspheming against the Prophet Muhammad .
An upper Sharia court in the Hausawa Filin Hockey area of the state said Yahaya Sharif-Aminu , 22 , was guilty of committing blasphemy for a song he circulated via WhatsApp in March .
Mr Sharif-Aminu did not deny the charges .
Judge Khadi Aliyu Muhammad Kani said he could appeal against the verdict .
States across Muslim-majority northern Nigeria use both secular law and Sharia law , which does not apply to non-Muslims .
Only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Sharia courts has been carried out since they were reintroduced in 1999 .
• Africa Live : Updates on this and other stories The singer who is currently in detention , had gone into hiding after he composed the song .
Protesters had burnt down his family home and gathered outside the headquarters of the Islamic police , known as the Hisbah , demanding action against him .
Critics said the song was blasphemous as it praised an imam from the Tijaniya Muslim brotherhood to the extent it elevated him above the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deterrent to others' The leader of the protesters that called for the musician 's arrest in March , Idris Ibrahim , told the BBC that the judgement will serve as a warning to others `` contemplating toeing Yahaya 's path '' .
`` When I heard about the judgment I was so happy because it showed our protest was n't in vain .
`` This [ judgement ] will serve as a deterrent to others who feel they could insult our religion or prophet and go scot-free , '' he said .
Few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest in March .
An Islamic gospel musician , he is not well-known in northern Nigeria and his songs were not popular outside his Tjjaniya sect , who have many such musicians within their ranks .
How common are death sentences in Sharia courts ?
Several sentences have been passed , including for women convicted of having extramarital sex - cases which have caused widespread condemnation .
But only one has been carried out - a man convicted of killing a woman and her two children who was hanged in 2002 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a death sentence was in 2016 when Abdulazeez Inyass , was sentenced to death for blaspheming against Islam during after a secret trial in Kano .
He was alleged to have said that Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse , the Senegalese founder of the Tijaniya sect , which has a large following across West Africa , `` was bigger than Prophet Muhammad '' .
The sentence has not been carried out as a death penalty in Nigeria requires the sign-off of the state governor .
Mr Inyass is still in detention .
Twelve states in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system of justice , but only Muslims can be tried in its courts .
The Sharia system , which also has its own Court of Appeal , handles both civil and criminal matters involving Muslims and its judgements can also be challenged in Nigeria 's secular Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court .
The Sharia judges , known as alkalis , are learned in both Islamic and secular laws .
If a case involves a Muslim and a non-Muslim , the non-Muslim has the option of choosing where they want the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only hear the case if the non-Muslim gives written consent .
Sentences handed down by the courts include floggings , amputations and the death penalty .

The leader of the protesters that called for the musician's arrest in March, Idris Ibrahim, told the BBC that the judgement will serve as a warning to others "contemplating toeing Yahaya's path"."When I heard about the judgment I was so happy because it showed our protest wasn't in vain.


bbc--2020-08-10--Chicago imposes restrictions after night of unrest

Obama : I want you to know that you matter The ex-US president has been giving his first video address @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd .

More than 100 people were arrested for looting, battery against police and other charges. Crowds gathered following reports of a police shooting involving a 20-year-old man.


bbc--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Does your mask need an upgrade?

French designer Anne Sophie Cochevelou has been designing extravagant face coverings from her London home since lockdown , adorning them @ @ @ @ @ , from Barbies to Pokemon toys .
She says the disposable surgical mask can make @ @ @ @ @ to inspire people to get more fun and creative with their masks .

French designer Anne Sophie Cochevelou has been designing extravagant face coverings from her London home since lockdown, adorning them with anything she can find, from Barbies to Pokemon toys.
She says the disposable surgical mask can make people anxious, and wants to inspire people to get more fun and creative with their masks.
Video Journalist: Olivia Lang
Photography: Anthony Lycett


bbc--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Keeping the virus at bay on S Korea's beaches

South Korea 's beaches are always popular in the summer , but this year things look a little different .
@ @ @ @ @ of safety measures to try and keep visitors safe amid the coronavirus pandemic .

South Korea's beaches are always popular in the summer, but this year things look a little different.
Authorities have implemented a number of safety measures to try and keep visitors safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.


bbc--2020-08-10--'Fake background office chatter helps me work from home'

Being forced to work from home during lockdown has been isolating for many .
Some , like statistician Paul Hewson , have turned to websites providing artificial office noise to help .
The sites , which provide background noises of things like printers and coffee machines , as well as people chatting , have attracted millions of hits during the crisis .
`` Having the background office chatter means when I really need to concentrate I can , '' Mr Hewson told the BBC .
`` I do n't know whether it is the office sound that works or just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Hewson has worked in a wide variety of settings in the past , from open plan offices to his own private office in academia .
However , lockdown has been his first `` extended experience of isolated working '' and he has found it harder to concentrate being in the same environment all the time .
A friend suggested he try one of the increasingly popular `` soundboards '' available online , which offer a range of ambient noises and let you to control which sounds you put higher in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office Noise Generator which he says helped .
`` After about a week I found the photocopier noise was annoying me , so I mixed that out .
And voila , when I really need to concentrate I can . ''
When lockdown hit , a number of experts set up office noise websites , largely as a bit of fun or entertainment .
But many workers have found them useful and the response has surprised the people behind the free sites .
Belgium research engineer Stéphane Pigeon , who created Office Noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the pandemic hit and people started to work from home , I released an office noise generator , really as a joke .
I did n't think anyone would listen . ''
But many people did and he says his page has racked up 200,000 views since April .
The Sound of Colleagues has done even better , attracting more than a million page views , including 164,000 from the UK .
It was set up by Swedish sound design company Red Pipe studios when they had no work at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to return to the office • What 's the future for the office ?
`` It was a reaction to a new reality that was every bit as real for us in Sweden as anywhere else , '' head of production Tobias Norman told the BBC .
`` Initially , we thought of it more as a light-hearted distraction during a very serious situation .
`` We speculated people might actually enjoy the relative peacefulness of their home offices , but as it turned out it was quite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss The Office was set up by the Kids Creative Agency in Berlin .
Fred Wordie , who created the noise generator , told the BBC : `` As of this morning , we have had 1.2 million visits .
From the UK we have had 50,000 visits . ''
How does it work ?
According to Mr Pigeon , noise generators are designed to mask a sound you do n't want to hear - silence , for example - with a pleasant one .
`` The trick is for the pleasant noise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will filter it out from your conscious perception , '' he said .
`` After a couple of minutes , you wo n't actively hear it anymore - especially if you are doing something else , like working on your computer - but this noise will still block the nuisance you did n't want to hear in first place . ''
He says he was surprised to learn the website was also helping workers to be more productive .
`` It 's like if the brain associated that sonic environment with work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enter its 'comfort zone ' , '' he said .
Mr Norman thinks it also helps people feel less lonely when working from home .
`` People seem to really enjoy the 'company ' provided by office sounds .
It takes away the feeling of isolation .
`` We as humans feel more comfortable together than alone , even if we are not actively engaging with the group that surrounds us .
`` And with sounds , we can trick the mind into thinking you are actually physically together with other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's an added benefit .
`` It 's also another way of demarcating work from home .
Office noise on , you 're working .
Office noise off , you are at home . ''

"After a couple of minutes, you won't actively hear it anymore - especially if you are doing something else, like working on your computer - but this noise will still block the nuisance you didn't want to hear in first place."


bbc--2020-08-11--Menstrual health and mentoring in Nepal lockdown

In rural areas of Nepal where menstruation is widely stigmatised , volunteers have been helping women and girls overcome the additional barriers of lockdown , so that they can maintain their period in a safe and dignified way .
Where menstrual taboo - or chhaupadi - exists , women and girls may be forbidden from touching communal household objects , and exiled to makeshift huts for the duration of their period .
Volunteers with Voluntary Service Overseas ' Sisters for Sisters ' Education project have provided guidance during the pandemic , and distributed hygiene packs to nearly 3,000 girls in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts of Nepal .
One of the project mentees - a 'little sister ' - shared some of her experiences of maintaining menstrual health during lockdown , alongside her 'big sister ' mentor .
`` When I was 10 years old , I would rarely go to school as I was occupied with house chores , '' said Anjali .
`` My parents also did n't find it important for me as a daughter going to school .
`` It was big sister Muni who came and talked with my parents about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education .
`` The impact of coronavirus started to affect my education following the nationwide lockdown and it has hugely changed our lives , '' continued Anjali .
`` We were told to live inside our homes and not to have face-face contact with my friends and big sisters .
`` Through mobile mentoring , Muni informed us that if we take the proper precaution of washing hands and not going out from home without any urgency , we will stay protected from coronavirus .
`` During the lockdown , I was unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were in school we would get it there , but during the lockdown we were unable to go to school .
`` Thankfully , Muni came to my home - as she lives in my neighbourhood - and taught me to make home-made sanitary pad .
`` This helped me and my mother to access pads during the height of lockdown . ''
A volunteer and mentor of 11 girls in her community , Muni helps to spread awareness about the coronavirus , and how young girls can maintain menstrual hygiene under lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am regularly in contact with all of my little sisters through mobile phone , '' explained Muni .

"During the lockdown, I was unable to buy sanitary pads. When we were in school we would get it there, but during the lockdown we were unable to go to school.


bbc--2020-08-11--Beirut explosion: Where else is ammonium nitrate being stored?

Following the destruction caused by ammonium nitrate exploding at Beirut 's port , there are concerns globally about its storage .
The chemical is widely used around the world , as a fertiliser or for explosives in mining .
But there are strict regulations about where it can be kept and for how long .
And its location is often kept secret because of its potential for making bombs .
Nearly 740 tonnes were stored in 37 containers 700m ( half a mile ) from a residential area about 20km outside Chennai , one of India 's major cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the southern state of Tamil Nadu fought a legal battle against a company that had imported it from South Korea , in 2015 , claiming it was for agricultural purposes .
And the investigation revealed the company had : • acquired the substance under an invalid license • been selling it on to `` unidentified private individuals '' and companies previously involved in mining A small amount was disposed of after being damaged by floods in 2015 .
And the remaining 697 tonnes have now been auctioned and transported to the neighbouring state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war-torn Yemen has ordered an investigation into media reports alleging more than 100 containers of ammonium nitrate are being kept at the southern port of Aden .
They say the chemical was imported three years ago and seized by Saudi-led forces backing the UN-recognised government .
Aden Governor Tariq Salam said : `` The forces deployed in this port are responsible for storing this dangerous cargo , which is estimated to include 4,900 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored at 130 shipping containers . ''
But the government 's Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to store `` organic urea , used as agricultural fertilisers '' .
`` They are neither explosive nor radioactive materials , '' it said .
`` And it 's not banned to manage or store them . ''
The Iraqi government has ordered an immediate review of hazardous materials at ports and airports and found ammonium nitrate had been stored at Baghdad international airport .
`` The Military Engineering Directorate of the Iraqi Defence Ministry ... safely transported highly dangerous materials from the air-cargo section at Baghdad airport ... to their destination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Directorate , '' a military official tweeted on 9 August .
Even before the explosion in Beirut , people in Newcastle , New South Wales , were asking for a large stockpile of ammonium nitrate in a warehouse 3km from the city centre to be moved or reduced .
But Orica , a company that supplies explosives to the mining industry , said it was being stored safely in areas that were `` fire resistant and built exclusively from non-flammable materials '' .
And South Australia 's workplace safety watchdog , SafeWork SA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 170 heavily regulated and monitored sites across the region .
An investigation has been launched into the storage of ammonium nitrate at a large port in Lincolnshire , Immingham , as well as at other sites in the Humber region .
Associated British Ports ( ABP ) , which runs the sites , said UK ports had to follow strict regulations and ensure the substance was stored and handled safely .
Meanwhile , a company based at Portsmouth 's port , Portico , has withdrawn an application to store ammonium nitrate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the site .
Although the announcement came shortly after the Beirut blast , the company said it was for business reasons only .
International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association head Richard Brough said ammonium nitrate `` is regulated because it 's a registered dangerous substance '' .
`` On its own , it 's a relative safe substance , '' he said .
`` But where it becomes a problem is when it becomes contaminated , for example with oil . ''

Nearly 740 tonnes were stored in 37 containers 700m (half a mile) from a residential area about 20km outside Chennai, one of India's major cities, for five years while the authorities in the southern state of Tamil Nadu fought a legal battle against a company that had imported it from South Korea, in 2015, claiming it was for agricultural purposes.


bbc--2020-08-11--'Bacha bazi' outrage after pandemic takes play to the small screen

When it comes to theatre and filmmaking in the West , portrayals of Afghanistan often do n't go beyond women in blue burqas and men carrying AK-47s .
But in 2017 , two Americans attempted something unconventional .
Lyricist Charlie Sohne and composer Tim Rosser created a musical about a subject even Afghans would consider too sensitive and unsettling - `` bacha bazi '' or `` boy play '' .
Bacha bazi is a practice whereby wealthy , powerful older men buy and keep adolescent boys - known as dancing boys - for entertainment and sex .
The boys are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and often sexually abused .
The Boy Who Danced on Air told a love story between a 16-year-old boy , Paiman , and another young boy caught in the same bacha bazi practice .
The musical mostly made a good impression on theatre critics ; it was called `` courageous , thoughtful and beautiful '' .
One review , in the New York Times , called the subject matter `` troubling '' and said Sohne and Rosser had `` taken the challenge of difficult source material too far '' .
Fast-forward to 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close , and The Boy Who Danced on Air joined many other productions on online streaming services instead .
But , unexpectedly , the move provoked a wave of outrage and criticism from Afghans living around the world , who , learning of the musical for the first time , accused it of romanticising child sexual abuse and child rape .
Madina Wardak , an Afghan clinical social worker based in the US , said she watched 40 minutes of the musical and had to turn it off .
`` I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all at the same time , '' she said .
`` I cringed every time the actors tried to be believable and every time the audience had a laugh at the expense of real Afghan pain . ''
The show has also faced criticism for promoting bacha bazi as a tradition that is accepted in Afghanistan .
`` Bacha bazi is a harmful practice that should not in any way be romanticised , '' said the Afghan actress and founder of Mena Arts , Azita Ghanizada .
`` To have another piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white lens shook up our community . ''
As the criticism spread on social media , Troy Iwata , the Japanese-American actor who plays Paiman in the musical , posted an apology on his Instagram account .
`` A while ago I did a show where I played someone of Afghan descent , which I am not , '' he said .
`` The show romanticised sexual assault and misconstrued an entire culture and its people .
I am so sorry . ''
Despite bacha bazi being illegal under Afghan law , authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of those involved are influential men .
To these men , keeping a `` bacha baireesh '' , or `` boy without beard '' , is a sign of power and high social status .
In the 1990s , bacha bazi was outlawed by the Taliban , with sodomy , dancing and music carrying the death penalty - although the militant group have been accused of participating in the practice themselves .
The lack of Afghans or their input in the production of The Boy Who Danced on Air was another reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghanizada said : `` Had Charlie and Tim centred Afghan voices during the process they would have been more cautious and thoughtful .
Perhaps they would have even known that it was n't their story to turn into a musical , but alas , Afghanistan was just a tool in their story .
`` The writers poured gasoline and lit a match on many of the wounds we are working hard to heal , '' added Ms Ghanizada .
The Afghan LGBTQ community in particular has expressed discontent with the orientalist nature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show harmed sexual assault survivors .
Dr Qais Munhazim , a queer Afghan scholar and Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University said : `` The musical is not only an orientalist depiction of Afghans as a whole , but it is also painfully damaging to the queer and trans Afghans .
The musical wrongfully associates paedophilia with queerness .
`` Since the early days of the US military invasion of Afghanistan , from occupying forces to foreign journalists , travel bloggers and researchers have attempted to associate bacha bazi with Afghan queerness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its diasporas .
`` The queer and trans Afghans are tired of the white gaze into their lives and experiences .
They rather tell their own stories , in their own voices and with their own imaginations for a queer future , '' he said .
When the show moved to online streaming , it became accessible to people around the world .
And according to Wazina Zondon , a queer sexuality educator , it `` triggered discussions of rape and child sexual assault that span across sexual and gender identity '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cis , gender queer , trans , heterosexual , LGBQI and non-Afghans who have shared their intimate and real stories with me as a result .
For some , the first time ever saying this aloud , '' said Ms Zondon , who is the co-creator of a storytelling performance Coming Out Muslim : Radical Acts of Love .
`` As a queer Afghan , I understand my experiences raised in the West are different from the realities of those in Afghanistan .
However , the narrative this musical is telling dismisses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories of LGBTQI Afghans . ''
Following the outrage over their musical , the makers were quick to issue an apology to the Afghan diaspora , but it was met with more anger from Afghans who demanded the production be cancelled and its proceeds donated to the victims of bacha bazi .
The wider discontent forced the show 's makers and Diversionary Theatre - an LGBTQ company that streamed the musical online - to involve Afghan activists and scholars in a discussion to resolve the issue .
After the consultation with members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dr Munhazim , Ms Zondon and Ms Wardak , Sohne and Rosser issued a second apology , this time deciding to take down the production along with Youtube videos from the show , ending the sale of the album and removing it from streaming services .
In a joint statement they said their musical `` created a world of pain for people in the Afghan community - specifically , LGBT Afghans who are particularly marginalised '' .
They apologised to the victims of bacha bazi who were disturbed by the show and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice was `` illegal and brutal and abusive '' .
`` We also now realise that it was not our place as privileged white writers to tell stories about communities that are already underrepresented and under attack in this country , '' their statement read .
Diversionary Theatre , which was streaming the show online until last week , has removed it from its website and apologised for using the word `` tradition '' to market the production .
The makers have said they will donate proceeds to Afghan charities `` to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and have acknowledged that `` no Afghan voices were empowered in the creation of the show '' .
The decision has been welcomed by Afghan diasporas , although moving forward Ms Ghanizada believes the creative arts must stop capitalising from Afghan stories .
`` Writers specifically have to learn to stop occupying our stories and profiting from our pain , without consulting us , hiring us , centring us , '' she said .

Fast-forward to 2020, after the coronavirus pandemic forced theatres to close, and The Boy Who Danced on Air joined many other productions on online streaming services instead. But, unexpectedly, the move provoked a wave of outrage and criticism from Afghans living around the world, who, learning of the musical for the first time, accused it of romanticising child sexual abuse and child rape.