bbc--2020-08-22--Why a Somali-born fighter is being honoured in Rome

In our series of letters from African journalists , Ismail Einashe looks at how some Italians are revaluating their colonial past in Africa .
Rome 's city council voted earlier this month to name a future metro station in the Italian capital in honour of Giorgio Marincola , an Italian-Somali who was a member of the Italian resistance .
He was killed at the age of 21 by withdrawing Nazi troops who opened fire at a checkpoint on 4 May 1945 , two days after Germany had officially surrendered in Italy at the end of World War Two .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was going to be called Amba Aradam-Ipponio - a reference to an Italian campaign in Ethiopia in 1936 when fascist forces brutally unleashed chemical weapons and committed war crimes at the infamous Battle of Amba Aradam .
The name change came after a campaign was launched in June , in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests around the world following the killing of African American George Floyd by US police .
Started by journalist Massimiliano Coccia , he was supported by Black Lives Matter activists , other journalists and Italian-Somali writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author Antar Marincola .
Activists first placed a banner at the metro site stating that no station should be named after `` oppression '' and pushed for Marincola 's short , but remarkable life to be remembered .
He is known as the `` partigiano neroor '' or `` black partisan '' and was an active member of the resistance .
In 1953 he was posthumously awarded Italy 's highest military honour , the Medaglia d'Oro al Valor Militare , in recognition of his efforts and the ultimate sacrifice he made .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a town on the Shebelle River , north of Mogadishu , in what was then known as Italian Somaliland .
His mother , Ashkiro Hassan , was Somali and his father an Italian military officer called Giuseppe Marincola .
At the time few Italian colonists acknowledged children born of their unions with Somali women .
But Giuseppe Marincola bucked the trend and later brought his son and daughter , Isabella , to Italy to be raised by his family .
Isabella went on to become a an actress , notably starring in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released in 1949 .
Giorgio Marincola too was gifted , excelling at school in Rome and went on to enrol as a medical student .
During his studies he came to be inspired by anti-fascist ideology .
He decided to enlist in the resistance in 1943 - at a time his country of birth was still under Italian rule .
He proved a brave fighter , was parachuted into enemy territory and was wounded .
At one time he was captured by the SS , who wanted him to speak against the partisans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he reportedly defied them , saying : `` Homeland means freedom and justice for the peoples of the world .
This is why I fight the oppressors . ''
The broadcast was interrupted - and sounds of a beating could be heard .
But anti-racism activists want far more than just the renaming of a metro stop after Marincola - they want to shine the spotlight on Italy 's colonial history .
They want the authorities in Rome to go further and begin a process of decolonising the city .
This happened unilaterally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter protests , the statue of controversial journalist Indro Montanelli , who defended colonialism and admitted to marrying a 12-year-old Eritrean girl during his army service in the 1930s , was defaced .
Yet to bring about true change there needs to be an awareness about the past .
• 1890 : Kingdom of Italy takes over Eritrea and proclaims it a colony • 1896 : Italian forces defeated by the Ethiopians at Adwa - and sign a treaty recognising the country 's independence • 1935 : Fascist Italy invades Ethiopia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons during its campaign • 1937 : Italian forces in Addis Ababa kill an estimated 19,000 people over three days in February in reprisal for the attempted assassination of the man appointed by Mussolini to govern the colony • 1941 : British and Commonwealth troops aided by the local resistance defeat the Italians in the region The trouble at the moment is what seems to be a collective amnesia in Italy over its colonial history .
In the years I have spent reporting from the country I am always struck at how little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colonial history , whether I 'm in Rome , Palermo or Venice .
The extent of Italy 's involvement in Eritrea , Somalia , Libya , and Albania to Benito Mussolini 's fascist occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s is not acknowledged .
Last month , Somalia celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence .
Reshaped by 30 years of conflict , memories of colonial times have all been lost - except in the kitchen where a staple of Somali cuisine is `` suugo suqaar '' - a sauce eaten with `` baasto '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolognese , we use cubed beef , goat or lamb with our version of the classic Italian soffritto - sautéed carrots , onion and peppers - to which we add heady spices .
I love to cook theses dish and last summer while I was in Palermo did so for Italian friends , serving it with shigni , a spicy hot sauce , and bananas .
It was a strange pairing for Italians , though my friends tucked in with gusto - with only the odd raised eyebrow .
You may also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send migrants home • Belgium 'wakes up ' to its bloody colonial past And Somalis have also left their own imprint in Italy - not just through the Marincola siblings - but in the literature , film and sports .
Cristina Ali Farah is a well-known novelist , Amin Nour is an actor and director , Zahra Bani represented Italy as a javelin thrower and Omar Degan is a respected architect .
And today Somalis constitute both some of Italy 's oldest and newest migrants .
In spring 2015 I spent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome 's Termini station meeting Somalis who had been in Italy for decades and Somalis who had arrived on dinghies from Libya to Italy .
Those new to Italy called the older community `` mezze-lira '' - meaning `` half lira '' to denote their dual Somali-Italian identities .
In turn they are called `` Titanics '' by established Somalis , a reference to the hard times most migrants have faced in making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to reach Europe , and the lives they will face in Italy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naming of a station after Marincola is an important move for all of them - and a timely reminder for all Italians of the long ties between Italy and Somalia .
• The country where black people are called slaves • 'Living overseas no longer seems so attractive' • What Donald Trump gets wrong about Somalia • 'The racist questions I was asked at Eton' Follow us on Twitter @ BBCAfrica , on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

He proved a brave fighter, was parachuted into enemy territory and was wounded. At one time he was captured by the SS, who wanted him to speak against the partisans on their radio station. On air he reportedly defied them, saying: "Homeland means freedom and justice for the peoples of the world. This is why I fight the oppressors."


bbc--2020-08-22--The man who made the Champions League song

It 's a piece of music that Lionel Messi said motivated him , a tune that captivated Zinedine Zidane and one that compelled Cristiano Ronaldo to sing along .
For nearly three decades the Champions League anthem has galvanised fans and players across Europe 's greatest football stadiums - and it was all created and composed in the space of a few weeks by a man from Croydon .
The Champions League has become football 's elite club tournament and on Sunday Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain will battle it out to become the latest kings of Europe .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicked the players will line-up in Lisbon and listen to the Champions League anthem - a piece of music that drew inspiration from the coronation of a king nearly 300 years ago .
`` I still get royalties but it 's not millions , '' composer Tony Britten says .
`` It 's mainly from the broadcasters but there are territories such as China and Russia where I do n't get a penny - which is crazy .
`` Any composer will tell you , when you do have royalties it makes up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was n't successful . ''
Back in the summer of 1992 Barcelona , whose team featured now Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola , had just lifted the European Cup for the first time at Wembley and composer Tony Britten was writing and producing jingles for TV ads .
A marketing agency said Uefa had plans to revamp the European Cup format and create the Champions League .
Britten was told it needed a song to galvanise the new tournament to help repair and improve the image of the beautiful game .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be honest it was just another job , '' Britten recalled .
`` The old European Cup had become a very tired competition and to Uefa 's credit they wanted to elevate the sport around the time when there was of a lot of hooliganism right across Europe .
`` Uefa wanted this competition to be about the best of football rather than the worst and said they must have an anthem .
The World Cup in Italy had just had the three tenors so classical music was all the range .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britten said Uefa was not too sure what it wanted so he gathered a playlist of classical anthems so the organisation 's representatives could get a flavour of what they might like .
Officials came to like the sound of Handel 's Zadok The Priest - a song written for King George II 's coronation in 1726 .
With the music decided Britten took to a studio in Islington and used the choir of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to record the anthem .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Handel but it 's not , '' Tony said .
`` It 's just the first writing string phrase and the rest is me .
`` I remember asking 'where are the words ? '
and they said they did n't know but that they wanted something in Uefa 's three official languages - English , German and French .
`` So , I came up with a set of superlatives .
'The greatest ' , 'the best ' , 'the masters ' , 'the main event ' , 'the champions ' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all came together in a matter of weeks and the actual composing process was just a matter of days .
`` Although it was designed to be an important competition there were only eight teams and no-one thought it was going to be the mega competition that it has become now . ''
Over the years Britten , a Crystal Palace fan , found himself inside some of Europe 's iconic stadiums listening to the music he created .
`` I remember going to Arsenal and we were a bit concerned that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was moving around the stadium because I wanted to hear the sound at Highbury .
`` But I do remember getting a thrill listening to it and that was kind of a buzz . ''
Through the perks of having written the anthem Britten has been able to watch numerous finals and some of the world 's greatest footballers play in their prime .
`` I took my brother to the final in Paris in 2000 and we had such a ball , '' he said .
`` We were standing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed and said there were people singing along .
`` At the old Olympic Stadium in Munich I got to meet Pele - he was a sweet man but for some reason I did n't get his autograph .
`` The memorabilia is priceless .
We took some bar glasses from another final at the San Siro in 2016 - because a barman told us as soon we go they smash them all up . ''
But the composer said it was another final in Milan he held as his fondest memory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Bayern Munich and Valencia at the San Siro , Britten conducted the famous chorus of La Scala Milan to sing the anthem live in front of 79,000 screaming fans .
`` It was a unique experience , '' he recalled .
`` Both sets of fans were nuts and so loud .
They actually started to quieten down to listen when La Scala started to sing their own song and listen .
`` But there was a point when a Uefa guy came up to me and said we had to pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't going to work and I knew it was too late for that and just turned my back to him .
`` Having the final in Milan I felt we had to have La Scala perform and it was only finalised a few days before the final .
`` As the San Siro is very steep I had never heard anything like it , to the point we had to start absolutely on time and I could n't hear the playback .
`` Luckily the sound guys were savvy enough and whacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped .
`` It was terrifying to be half a bar out in front of 180 million people . ''
Standing six feet away from Britten was the fearsome Bayern Munich captain Steffan Effenberg and a few years later the pair met again when the composer was asked to do a live TV interview in Germany .
`` He said whenever he heard that music the hairs stood up on the back of his neck and I called him out saying he was nervous .
To be fair to him it is nerve-wracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a long running competition that goes on for two-thirds of the year and it 's very rare you get a clear cut winner throughout [ the competition ] .
`` Effenberg was this renowned tough guy and he said that the music made his spine tingle . ''
But Effenberg was only one of many top footballers to have paid tribute to the music that has come to represent a sense of occasion around Europe .
Gareth Bale famously said he wanted to sign for Real Madrid to listen to the Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when players say things like that , of course , '' said Britten .
`` But if everyone is totally honest , at the time we made this we had no idea it was going to become as big as it has . ''
Britten , who now splits his time between Croydon and living in Norfolk , remains proud of the part he played , to the point where he thinks it would be silly if Uefa got rid of his creation .
`` Every few years Uefa do a rebrand and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they said the music was the single strongest branding .
`` They said it was as important as red was to Coca-Cola .
`` We have tried messing around with it a bit .
We did a funk version and a beats version and it worked really well .
`` We sent it to the broadcasters and they all said it was great , but they would stick to the original . ''

"But there was a point when a Uefa guy came up to me and said we had to pull the choir before the start as it wasn't going to work and I knew it was too late for that and just turned my back to him.


bbc--2020-08-22--'It's a scary time for stand-up comedians'

The last real comedy show that stand-up Rob Broderick played to a room full of real people was in mid-March , at Adelaide 's Corona Theatre .
`` Literally the last words I said on a stage were , 'Goodnight Corona ! '
'' he tells the BBC .
`` Then it was 24 hours in the air , and when I landed most of my work was gone . ''
The Irishman , who performs under the name Abandoman , was supposed to follow up his stint Down Under with a residency at this month 's Edinburgh Festival Fringe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canned for the first time in 73 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
So instead , Broderick and his comedy peers , including Suzi Ruffell and Jayde Adams , have been playing a series of Fringe on Friday fundraising live streamed gigs via its online replacement - billed as `` a Fringe reimagined '' - to raise money for out-of-work comics and comedy venues at risk of closure .
Ruffell , who you may know from her recent podcast series Out with Suzi Ruffell , normally likes to throw herself around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories into a fixed camera has felt a bit strange .
`` Basically you have to think of your material like an Alan Bennett monologue , '' she says .
`` So it 's not really stand up per se .
Do n't get me wrong , it 's really good and people have recorded really funny stuff .
[ But ] It 's not quite live comedy .
It 's filling a gap until we can get back on stage '' .
Unlike Broderick and many others , she has briefly graced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of newly allowed socially distanced gigs - including The New Normal Festival and an Off the Kerb drive-in show .
`` When I came off-stage I could have cried with relief because I was still funny , '' she says , after nearly six months off the live comedy circuit .
`` I was relieved I had n't lost the thing I 've been working for 12 years on - making people laugh - and I felt I 'd have some sort of religious experience , I was so happy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ music gigs were scrapped before they ever really began , due to fears about local lockdowns and finances .
Adams , who also played one , was less thrilled by the experience .
She has no intention of `` performing to cars '' ever again .
She does n't much care for `` Zoom gigs '' either .
`` It 's like I used to be a stand-up and now I 'm a YouTuber ! ''
she says .
She is , however , looking forward to filming a one-off special live show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brilliantly-named Shedinburgh - another fundraising event , loosely linked to the Fringe .
The 2016 best newcomer nominee has been involved in getting UK live comedy back up and running with a series of Save Live Comedy shows at the Clapham Grand .
Adams , who has also hosted the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 show Snackmasters , and Crazy Delicious , is fearful that `` there 'll be no live comedy circuit to go back to '' and that a £1.57bn government arts bailout wo n't filter down to lesser known comedians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ telly , not everyone can do radio , not everyone can write a show , '' she says .
`` Most comics , like actual stand-up comics working in the UK , do not go to Edinburgh Fringe .
`` They might go up and do spots but they do n't do a main show because no-one could afford it .
It 's really expensive . ''
Ruffell is similarly concerned about the impact on `` working-class comics '' , and hopes that when the festival - which gives great exposure - returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more affordable way '' .
There have n't been many positives to come out of 2020 , but `` not having to find a flat in Edinburgh [ for a month ] and not having to pay to do the Fringe '' have been two for comedians , she laughs .
`` It 's a really scary time for stand-ups and I wonder whether there will be people that do n't see the other side of this , '' she says .
`` Or maybe it 'll take them a while to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I worry where the work is going to come from if the venues are n't there . ''
The advent of virtual front rows for some online gigs , where 30 or so viewers at home can switch on their own cameras and be heard and seen by the comedians , have been trialled by the likes of Kiri Pritchard-McLean at the fictional pub The Covid Arms , and Jason Manford .
Ruffell believes this approach , with the `` call and response '' element semi-restored , will make an online show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in the interim .
'As dynamic as an Edinburgh show' Despite it being an uncertain time , Broderick - whose act involves improvising and interacting with the audience to come up with a topical song - says he 's actually enjoyed having the extra time at home to `` upgrade the skillset '' .
He began doing three or four Instagram gigs a week and his brain soon `` started equating hearts bubbling up from the screen as people having a good time '' in lieu of laughter , he says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now `` pretty ridiculously produced '' , with multi-layered graphics that trigger music .
He 's also found that audiences are more willing to offer up suggestions online than they are in the daunting environment of a club .
And , of course , he does n't have to cart his heavy-duty kit around night after night . '
A place where we have a voice' While Broderick is making working from home work for him , not all comedians are as good with the tech .
For others , particularly older generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene has killed their entire act , and Adams notes , `` battered their confidence '' .
`` Comics invariably have a lot of mental health issues , '' she continues .
`` It 's more than just a job for us , it 's a place where we have a voice . ''
That 's why they need rooms like the Corona Theatre to survive beyond coronavirus .
`` The great thing about comedy is , if someone likes you , you can you can have a career for the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We do have comedy audiences who will still log in and watch us , even though they 'd rather be in a room with us , because we shine .
`` The magic happens inside the room , not in these [ Zoom ] chats .
But we 're doing what we can . ''

"It's a really scary time for stand-ups and I wonder whether there will be people that don't see the other side of this," she says. "Or maybe it'll take them a while to go back to being full-time comics, as I worry where the work is going to come from if the venues aren't there."


bbc--2020-08-22--'I found the headspace to hang in there' - Buttler says inner belief led to turnaround

Last updated on .From the section Cricket Jos Buttler says he had to find the belief to turn things around after thinking he was set to be dropped by England earlier this summer .
But he played a match-winning innings at Emirates Old Trafford and followed that with 152 in the third Test .
`` I 've questioned myself in the last few weeks , but found a really good headspace to hang in there , '' he said .
It was not until the third Test against West Indies earlier in the summer that Buttler ended a run of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following Test , the first against Pakistan , he dropped two catches and missed a stumping , only to then pull off some fourth-innings heroics with the bat .
With England 117-5 , Buttler made 75 , combining with Chris Woakes to help the home side to their target of 277 .
At the time he admitted his keeping had not been good enough , but his batting was taken to another level during the third Test at Ageas Bowl , when Buttler registered his second Test ton and highest first-class score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crawley , who stroked a magnificent 267 , in a partnership of 359 , England 's highest fifth-wicket stand of all time .
`` A couple of games ago I was probably thinking I was about to get dropped , '' added Buttler .
`` A positive outlook and a belief I can do good things has really served me well .
`` You 're never really that far away from good things or bad things happening .
When it gets good you 've got to stay very level and know you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change fast . ''
Buttler , 29 , and Crawley helped England to 583-8 declared , their highest Test total in more than four years .
James Anderson then bowled beautifully to reduce Pakistan to 24-3 after two days in Southampton .
`` England have played the best two days of Test match cricket that I 've seen for a long , long time , '' said former captain Michael Vaughan .
`` It 's been high class and attritional .
`` The past five or six years , England have n't had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dirt .
This is the first time I have seen it , and that is a great sign . ''
Buttler is renowned for his devastating batting in limited-overs cricket , but his innings in Southampton was built on patience .
He played a supporting role to the elegant Crawley , at one stage going almost 38 overs without hitting a boundary .
`` Jos Buttler played a pure Test-match innings , '' added Vaughan , who led England to their famous Ashes triumph of 2005 .
`` We 're used to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy to let Crawley play the bigger strokes .
`` That 's a sign of a batsman maturing at this level .
I liked the fact he got to a hundred and did n't give it away . ''
We 've all been surprised and seriously impressed by Zak Crawley 's innings .
Anyone who scores that number of runs has played well , but we 've seen a proper exhibition of what he is capable of doing .
There are so many things I like about the way he plays .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through beautifully straight .
Putting it simply , he hits the ball where you expect it to be hit .
He should score a lot of runs .
England now have Crawley and Ollie Pope , two players of a similar young age .
That is a really good sign for the future .
Jos Buttler 's innings was so out of character , a man determined to get to 150 .
He dinked a couple of sixes on day one , but on day two he played a controlled Test innings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he can do .
He 's been in good touch this summer , and the pressure on his wicketkeeping has focused his mind .
It 's like he 's saying `` drop me if you dare '' .
There is still the thought you could play Buttler as a batsman and Ben Foakes as the wicketkeeper , but , whatever happens with the gloves , this has been a hugely important innings in Buttler 's career .

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Jos Buttler says he had to find the belief to turn things around after thinking he was set to be dropped by England earlier this summer.
Buttler's place was in question during the first Test against Pakistan after a number of wicketkeeping mistakes.
But he played a match-winning innings at Emirates Old Trafford and followed that with 152 in the third Test.
"I've questioned myself in the last few weeks, but found a really good headspace to hang in there," he said.
It was not until the third Test against West Indies earlier in the summer that Buttler ended a run of seven matches without a half-century.
In the following Test, the first against Pakistan, he dropped two catches and missed a stumping, only to then pull off some fourth-innings heroics with the bat.
With England 117-5, Buttler made 75, combining with Chris Woakes to help the home side to their target of 277.
At the time he admitted his keeping had not been good enough, but his batting was taken to another level during the third Test at Ageas Bowl, when Buttler registered his second Test ton and highest first-class score.
The Lancashire man combined with Zak Crawley, who stroked a magnificent 267, in a partnership of 359, England's highest fifth-wicket stand of all time.
"A couple of games ago I was probably thinking I was about to get dropped," added Buttler.
"A positive outlook and a belief I can do good things has really served me well.
"You're never really that far away from good things or bad things happening. When it gets good you've got to stay very level and know you have to keep working hard because things can change fast."
Highest scores by an England batsman in Test cricket 1. 364 - Len Hutton (Eng v Aus, 1938) 6. 294 - Alastair Cook (Eng v Ind, 2011) 2. 336* - Wally Hammond (Eng v NZ, 1933) 7. 287 - Tip Foster (Eng v Aus, 1903) 3. 333 - Graham Gooch (Eng v Ind, 1990) 8. 285* - Peter May (Eng v WI, 1957) 4. 325 - Andy Sandham (Eng v WI, 1930) 9. 278 - Denis Compton (Eng v Pak, 1954) 5. 310* - John Edrich (Eng v NZ, 1965) 10. 267 - Zak Crawley (Eng v Pak, 2020)
Buttler, 29, and Crawley helped England to 583-8 declared, their highest Test total in more than four years.
James Anderson then bowled beautifully to reduce Pakistan to 24-3 after two days in Southampton.
"England have played the best two days of Test match cricket that I've seen for a long, long time," said former captain Michael Vaughan. "It's been high class and attritional.
"The past five or six years, England haven't had that mentality of grinding opposition into the dirt. This is the first time I have seen it, and that is a great sign."
Buttler is renowned for his devastating batting in limited-overs cricket, but his innings in Southampton was built on patience.
He played a supporting role to the elegant Crawley, at one stage going almost 38 overs without hitting a boundary.
"Jos Buttler played a pure Test-match innings," added Vaughan, who led England to their famous Ashes triumph of 2005.
"We're used to him crashing it around, but he was happy to let Crawley play the bigger strokes.
"That's a sign of a batsman maturing at this level. I liked the fact he got to a hundred and didn't give it away."
Hugely important innings for Buttler - analysis
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew
We've all been surprised and seriously impressed by Zak Crawley's innings. Anyone who scores that number of runs has played well, but we've seen a proper exhibition of what he is capable of doing.
There are so many things I like about the way he plays. He is incredibly uncomplicated. The bat comes through beautifully straight. Putting it simply, he hits the ball where you expect it to be hit.
He should score a lot of runs. England now have Crawley and Ollie Pope, two players of a similar young age. That is a really good sign for the future.
Jos Buttler's innings was so out of character, a man determined to get to 150. He dinked a couple of sixes on day one, but on day two he played a controlled Test innings, as if to show us that is what he can do.
He's been in good touch this summer, and the pressure on his wicketkeeping has focused his mind. It's like he's saying "drop me if you dare".
There is still the thought you could play Buttler as a batsman and Ben Foakes as the wicketkeeper, but, whatever happens with the gloves, this has been a hugely important innings in Buttler's career.


bbc--2020-08-22--Barcelona interested in Man City's Angelino

The 23-year-old Spanish full-back has just returned from a six-month loan spell at RB Leipzig , who reached the semi-finals @ @ @ @ @ He joined City in 2014 , left for PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and returned to @ @ @ @ @ triggered a £5.3m buy-back clause .
Angelino made 12 first-team appearances for City last season @ @ @ @ @ The deal with Leipzig contained a 30m euro ( £27m ) option to buy and @ @ @ @ @ be looking for a similar sum from Barcelona , who are trying to reshape their @ @ @ @ @ Koeman following their 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich this week .

Last updated on .From the section Man City
Angelino played 18 games for RB Leipzig last season
Barcelona are interested in Manchester City defender Angelino.
The 23-year-old Spanish full-back has just returned from a six-month loan spell at RB Leipzig, who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
He joined City in 2014, left for PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and returned to City last summer after they triggered a £5.3m buy-back clause.
Angelino made 12 first-team appearances for City last season before moving to Germany.
The deal with Leipzig contained a 30m euro (£27m) option to buy and it is understood City would be looking for a similar sum from Barcelona, who are trying to reshape their squad under new boss Ronald Koeman following their 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich this week.


bbc--2020-08-22--Murray beats Tiafoe in three sets on return to ATP Tour

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Great Britain 's Andy Murray beat America 's Frances Tiafoe in three sets in the Western & Southern Open first round at Flushing Meadows .
The tournament is a warm-up for the US Open at the same venue from 31 August .
In the women 's draw , American Coco Gauff lost in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in the opening round .
Greece 's Sakkari , 25 , took one hour and five minutes to beat the 16-year-old , who reached the last four at the Top Seed Open in Kentucky last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray feeling `` off the pace '' ahead of Tour return For the men , the Western & Southern Open is the first ATP event since the Tour was suspended in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
A fit-again Murray , who won his first ATP Tour singles title in two and a half years at the European Open last October , admitted he was feeling `` off the pace '' for his Tour return as he continues to work his way back from a second hip operation in January 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ break of serve in the opening set , as Murray saved a set point on his way to recovering from 5-2 down to take the tie-break .
Tiafoe served out the second set after breaking in the eighth game , but Murray responded emphatically with two breaks of his own in a dominant third-set display .
Ranked 129th in the world , Murray has been awarded a wildcard into the main draw of the US Open .
Elsewhere , fellow Britons Kyle Edmund , Cameron Norrie and Heather Watson all lost their opening-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-3 by former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Kevin Anderson , while American Reilly Opelka defeated Norrie 6-3 6-4 and Watson lost 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Bernarda Pera .
Dan Evans faces a tough opener against Russian 10th seed Andrey Rublev on Sunday .
Eighth seed Johanna Konta has a bye in the opening round of the women 's draw .
• None How can science help calm unrest ?
• None Stories from the young people turned away from therapy

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray is ranked 129th in the world
Britain's Andy Murray said he felt "physically good" after his opening-round win in the Western & Southern Open at Flushing Meadows.
Murray beat American Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-1 in his first ATP Tour match of the year.
The two-time champion will next face German fifth seed Alexander Zverev at the warm-up for the US Open at the same New York venue from 31 August.
"Physically, I thought I did pretty well," said Murray.
"I moved maybe better than I expected to. The first few matches back, when I started playing singles last year, I moved way worse than I did here, so that was positive.
"My tennis could have been better. I thought I could have played a bit better. I guess that will come, the more matches I play.
"But I always need to see as well how I recover from a match like that, because although I felt good during the match, things can sometimes stiffen up and hurt a bit afterwards.
"I'm happy with how I did here. I would like to have played a bit better, but physically I was good. That is the most important thing for me, because that hasn't been the case for the past 10 months.
"I would say I probably have lower expectations. I know the tennis will come, but it's also not going to come back immediately, so it's just not to expect, straight off the bat, to be playing perfect."
The men's tournament is the first ATP event since the Tour was suspended in March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A fit-again Murray, who won his first singles title in two and a half years at the European Open last October, is working his way back from the second hip operation he had in January 2019 and is ranked 129 in the world.
Against his fellow wildcard, neither player was able to find a break of serve in the opening set, as Murray saved a set point on his way to recovering from 5-2 down to take the tie-break.
Tiafoe served out the second set after breaking in the eighth game, but Murray responded emphatically with two breaks of his own in a dominant third-set display.
Fellow Britons Kyle Edmund, Cameron Norrie and Heather Watson all lost their opening-round matches.
Edmund was beaten 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-3 by former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Kevin Anderson, while American Reilly Opelka defeated Norrie 6-3 6-4 and Watson lost 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Bernarda Pera.
Dan Evans faces a tough opener against Russian 10th seed Andrey Rublev on Sunday. Eighth seed Johanna Konta has a bye in the opening round of the women's draw.
In the women's draw, American Coco Gauff lost in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in the opening round.
Greece's Sakkari, 25, took one hour and five minutes to win 6-1 6-3 against the 16-year-old, who reached the last four at the Top Seed Open in Kentucky last week.
Twenty-year-old 16th seed Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine beat seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 5-7 6-2 7-5.


bbc--2020-08-22--Whyte's hopes of a world-title shot ruined by Povetkin

Dillian Whyte 's hopes of a world-title shot were wrecked as Alexander Povetkin twice rose from the canvas to land a knockout win that will stun boxing .
But just as it looked as if Whyte would close in on a shot at the WBC world heavyweight title , Povetkin produced a devastating left uppercut in the fifth .
Whyte needed treatment but will get a rematch according to Eddie Hearn .
The London fighter , 32 , left without speaking to the media but was picked up by Matchroom Boxing 's Twitter channel asking promoter Hearn if a rematch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's one of those things , it just landed .
I was bossing it .
It is what it is .
A rematch , let 's go , '' he added .
`` I ca n't quite believe it , '' said Hearn .
`` When the punch landed I felt like I was in some dream .
The fight was over virtually .
Dillian was measuring Povetkin up , then two heavy knockdowns .
`` I and others thought it was over .
This is the drama of heavyweight boxing , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to do a job in a rematch . ''
Povetkin , who has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko and IBF , WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a 39-fight and 15-year-long career , simply found `` the best punch he has ever thrown '' according to BBC Radio 5 Live 's Steve Bunce .
The absence of fans in the garden of Matchroom Boxing 's headquarters allowed the hysterical celebrations of Povetkin 's team to rumble through the Essex night air while Whyte was almost motionless on his back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punch perfect for 12 minutes .
Shots to the body drew red marks on 40-year-old Povetkin , while jabs pawed at the Russian 's face looked to be discouraging the dangerous bookmakers ' underdog .
Two hard right hands and a short left hook combined sweetly to floor Povetkin in the fourth and , before the bell , Whyte drove home a left uppercut when backed to the ropes to send his rival down again .
But moments later the tables turned and Povetkin dipped to his left and thrust an uppercut of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Povetkin had been written off as past it by some while others point to two previous drug bans as evidence he should not be in the sport .
The beautifully picked and devastating nature of his finish will only serve to underline the threat he continues to carry .
Since his only defeat to Joshua in 2015 Whyte - who also served a drugs ban in 2012 - has put solid names on his record and seen them off one by one when he could have taken more straightforward assignments .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his chance endeared him as a risk taker to fans and undoubtedly improved him as an athlete and fighter .
But one punch ultimately made this a risk too far and he must now go to work once again if he is to rediscover hope of a first world-title shot .
The four events staged in Hearn 's childhood back garden offered intrigue when sport faced up to the upheaval of the Covid-19 pandemic .
This was a truly dramatic finish to the series and Whyte will wake up tomorrow facing a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undoubtedly take on wholeheartedly .
'One roll too many ' - analysis Former world middleweight champion Andy Lee on BBC Radio 5 Live : I am in shock .
That is a sensational upset .
That 's heavyweight boxing where one punch can change it all .
Whyte will be kicking himself , that 's a devastating knockout .
He was so close to a world title for so long .
It 's a tragedy he was a contender for 1,000 days but he has rolled the dice just one too many times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Bunce : That was just a perfect shot , the best punch Povetkin has ever thrown .
That is boxing .
When people say `` one punch can change a fight '' they are not joking .
Whyte can come again , no sweat .
• None The Democratic Party get set for election

Povetkin joins Anthony Joshua as the only men to beat Whyte
Dillian Whyte's hopes of a world-title shot were wrecked as Alexander Povetkin twice rose from the canvas to land a stunning knockout win.
The Russian had been out-boxed for three rounds and was down twice in the fourth as Whyte mixed poise with power.
But just as Whyte appeared to be closing in on a shot at the WBC world heavyweight title, Povetkin produced a devastating left uppercut in the fifth.
Whyte, who needed treatment, will get a rematch according to Eddie Hearn.
The London fighter, 32, left without speaking to the media but was picked up by Matchroom Boxing's Twitter channel asking promoter Hearn whether a rematch was possible this year.
"It's one of those things, it just landed. I was bossing it. It is what it is. A rematch, let's go," he was heard to say.
"I can't quite believe it," said Hearn. "When the punch landed I felt like I was in some dream. The fight was over virtually. Dillian was measuring Povetkin up, then two heavy knockdowns.
"I and others thought it was over. This is the drama of heavyweight boxing - one punch can change everything.
"He has to do a job in a rematch."
Whyte was dominant but could not find his feet after Povetkin's uppercut
Povetkin, who has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko and IBF, WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a 39-fight and 15-year-long career, simply found "the best punch he has ever thrown" according to BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Bunce.
With no fans in the garden of Matchroom Boxing's headquarters, the jubilant celebrations of Povetkin's team were all there was to hear as Whyte lay, almost motionless, on his back.
The British heavyweight had been just about punch perfect for 12 minutes. Shots to the body left red marks on 40-year-old Povetkin, while jabs to the Russian's face looked to be discouraging the underdog.
Two hard right hands and a short left hook combined sweetly to floor Povetkin in the fourth and, before the bell, Whyte drove home a left uppercut when backed to the ropes to send his rival down again.
But moments later the tables turned and Povetkin dipped to his left and thrust an uppercut of his own on to Whyte's chin.
Povetkin had been written off as past it by some, while others point to two drug bans as evidence he should not be in the sport. The devastating nature of his finish will only serve to underline the threat he continues to carry, however.
Since his only previous defeat, by Joshua in 2015, Whyte - who also served a drugs ban in 2012 - has put solid names on his record.
His refusal to simply sit and wait for his world title chance endeared him as a risk taker to fans and undoubtedly improved him as an athlete and fighter.
But one punch ultimately proved why this is a risky strategy and he must now get back to work if he is to revive his hopes of a first world-title shot.
'One roll too many' - reaction
Whyte (left) asked promoter Eddie Hearn if a rematch was possible this year
Former world middleweight champion Andy Lee on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am in shock. That is a sensational upset. That's heavyweight boxing where one punch can change it all.
"Whyte will be kicking himself - that's a devastating knockout. He was so close to a world title for so long. It's a tragedy he was a contender for 1,000 days but he has rolled the dice just one too many times."
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce: "That was just a perfect shot, the best punch Povetkin has ever thrown. That is boxing. When people say 'one punch can change a fight' they are not joking. Whyte can come again, no sweat."


bbc--2020-08-22--Leicester identify Chilwell replacement - Sunday's football gossip

Last updated on .From the section Gossip Leicester City are eyeing Ajax 's 27-year-old Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ben Chilwell , 23 .
( Mail ) Wolves are interested in Sevilla 's 26-year-old Argentina winger Lucas Ocampos as a potential replacement for Traore .
( Sky Sports ) Manchester United could walk away from negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for England forward Jadon Sancho , 20 , and instead return for talks in a year .
( Express ) Man Utd 's hopes of signing Wales midfielder David Brooks , 23 , have been boosted after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way of any player who wants to leave .
( Sun ) Arsenal are increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Lille 's Brazil centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes , 22 , but Manchester United have asked Gabriel 's camp to delay making a decision .
( Independent ) A phone call with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has persuaded Magalhaes to join the Gunners .
( Express ) Arsenal have enquired about Bayern Munich 's 29-year-old Germany midfielder Thiago Alcantara but would need the German champions to lower their asking price .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voller says the club are relaxed about 21-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz 's situation amid interest from Chelsea .
( Star ) Barcelona have prepared a response for Argentina forward Lionel Messi , should the 34-year-old hand in a transfer request this week .
( Mirror ) Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on 21-year-old French defender Malang Sarr , who is a free agent after leaving Nice .
( Mail ) Leeds United are interested in signing Belgium striker Divock Origi , 25 , and loaning English forward Rhian Brewster , 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Everton , West Ham and Fulham have all displayed interest in signing Manchester United 's England centre-back Chris Smalling , 30 .
( 90min ) Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is growing frustrated with the club 's transfer strategy .
( Star ) The Toffees have put a £143m price tag on Brazil forward Richarlison , 23 .
( Mirror ) Seven clubs are in the race to sign Liverpool 's Serbia midfielder Marko Grujic , 24 .
( Goal ) Valencia 's 29-year-old Spain forward Rodrigo is interested in a move to @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Gossip
Leicester City are eyeing Ajax's 27-year-old Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as a replacement for Chelsea-bound England international Ben Chilwell, 23. (Mail on Sunday) external-link
Wolves are ready to sell Spanish winger Adama Traore, 24, after manager Nuno Espirito Santo was told he must raise his own transfer funds. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
Wolves are interested in Sevilla's 26-year-old Argentina winger Lucas Ocampos as a potential replacement for Traore. (Sky Sports) external-link
Manchester United could walk away from negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for England forward Jadon Sancho, 20, and instead return for talks in a year. (Sunday Express) external-link
Manchester United's hopes of signing Wales midfielder David Brooks, 23, have been boosted after Bournemouth admitted they will not stand in the way of any player who wants to leave. (Sun on Sunday) external-link
Arsenal are increasingly confident of winning the race to sign Lille's Brazil centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, 22, but Manchester United have asked the player's camp to delay making a decision. (Independent) external-link
A phone call with manager Mikel Arteta has persuaded Magalhaes to join the Gunners. (Corriere dello Sport, via express.co.uk) external-link
Arsenal have enquired about Bayern Munich's 29-year-old Germany midfielder Thiago Alcantara but would need the German champions to lower their asking price. (Mail on Sunday) external-link
'The best team versus the best player' BBC Radio 5 Live's European football experts discuss who will win Sunday's Champions League final
Aston Villa are lining up a £30m bid for Celtic and France Under-21 striker Odsonne Edouard, 22. (Sun on Sunday) external-link
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller says the club are relaxed about 21-year-old Germany midfielder Kai Havertz's situation amid interest from Chelsea. (Star Sunday) external-link
Barcelona have prepared a response for Argentina forward Lionel Messi, should the 34-year-old hand in a transfer request this week. (Clarin, via Mirror Online) external-link
Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on 21-year-old French defender Malang Sarr, who is a free agent after leaving Nice. (Mail Online) external-link
Leeds United are interested in signing Belgium striker Divock Origi, 25, and loaning English forward Rhian Brewster, 20, from Liverpool. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Fulham have all displayed interest in signing Manchester United's England centre-back Chris Smalling, 30. (90min) external-link
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is growing frustrated with the club's transfer strategy. (Star Sunday) external-link
The Toffees have put a £143m price tag on Brazil forward Richarlison, 23. (Sunday Mirror) external-link
Seven clubs are in the race to sign Liverpool's Serbia midfielder Marko Grujic, 24. (Goal) external-link
Valencia's 29-year-old Spain forward Rodrigo is interested in a move to Leeds United. (Mail on Sunday) external-link


bbc--2020-08-21--Police cancel ban on Paris Saint-Germain shirts in Marseille for Champions League final

A ban on Paris Saint-Germain fans wearing their team 's shirt in the city centre of fierce rivals Marseille on Sunday has been rescinded .
Police had announced the ban for when the Parisians take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League final .
Clothing even `` displaying the colours of PSG '' was off-limits .
But the order was later rolled back after the decision was met with widespread criticism .
Justifying its initial ban , the police said `` there is strong animosity on the part of some Marseille residents , supporters or not , toward the PSG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirit '' .
The order came due to disturbances in Marseille during PSG 's semi-final win over German side Leipzig .
One man was arrested for attacking a man wearing a PSG shirt .
Hundreds of Marseille fans sang anti-PSG songs and detonated firecrackers .
But Bouches-du-Rhône police later backtracked on the order .
`` The sole purpose of this decree was to protect Parisian supporters , and in no way intended to restrict freedom of movement , '' it said on Twitter .
It added that it had decided to repeal the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` incomprehension caused by this decree '' .
The PSG-Bayern game takes place at Benfica 's stadium in Lisbon .

Justifying its initial ban, the police said "there is strong animosity on the part of some Marseille residents, supporters or not, toward the PSG team, in contradiction with any sporting spirit".


bbc--2020-08-23--Belarus: Nato denies foreign troops are on border

Allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that `` foreign powers '' are organising a build-up of troops on the country 's border are baseless , says Nato .
Dressed in military fatigues , the president said he had placed his armed forces on `` high alert '' .
Protests continued in the streets of the capital Minsk on Saturday following a disputed election two weeks ago .
Demonstrators are demanding that Mr Lukashenko stand down .
The leader , who has ruled Belarus for 26 years , accused Nato of trying to split up Belarus and install a new president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland and Lithuania were readying themselves , and that he was moving his armed forces to the country 's western border .
`` They are rocking the situation inside our country , trying to topple the authorities , '' Mr Lukashenko said , adding that he had ordered his security chiefs to `` take the toughest measures to defend the territorial integrity of our country '' .
Nato said it posed `` no threat to Belarus or any other country '' and had `` no military build-up in the region '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
`` The regime is trying to divert attention from Belarus 's internal problems at any cost with totally baseless statements about imaginary external threats , '' Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told AFP news agency .
A Polish presidency official called the suggestion that Poland planned any border destabilisation `` regime propaganda '' by the Belarusians , which was `` sad and surprising '' .
`` Poland ... has no such intention , '' the official added .
Nato urged Belarus to respect the fundamental human rights of its citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ August but the vote was widely considered to be fraudulent .
Protests disputing the result were met with a brutal crackdown that killed at least four people and demonstrators said they had been tortured in prisons and detention centres .
Large numbers of demonstrators are expected to rally in Minsk again on Sunday .
Where is Belarus ?
It has Russia - the former dominant power - to the east and Ukraine to the south .
To the north and west lie EU and Nato members Latvia , Lithuania and Poland .
Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this nation of 9.5 million is caught in rivalry between the West and Russia .
President Lukashenko , an ally of Russia , has been nicknamed `` Europe 's last dictator '' .
He has been in power for 26 years , keeping much of the economy in state hands , and using censorship and police crackdowns against opponents .
What 's going on there ?
Now there is a huge opposition movement , demanding new , democratic leadership and economic reform .
They say Mr Lukashenko rigged the 9 August election - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His supporters say his toughness has kept the country stable .
The president has vowed to crush the unrest and has previously blamed the dissent on unnamed `` foreign-backed revolutionaries '' .
With protests and strike action continuing , including the walking out of state TV staff , Mr Lukashenko said he had flown in Russian broadcast journalists as cover to `` stabilise '' the situation , the Belarus state news agency Belta reports .
`` I 've asked Russians to lend us two to three groups of reporters just in case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced television company , '' he said .
On Saturday , crowds of protestors waved bright lights from mobile phones and flew Belarusian flags in the streets of Minsk while chanting `` freedom '' .
Police tried to disperse more than 1,000 people gathered in the city 's Independence Square , according to Interfax news agency .
A `` solidarity '' chain of hundreds of people , many wearing white , formed earlier in the day at the busy Komarovka shopping market .
• 'If you croak we do n't care ' : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way back .
The people will not forgive this' It follows the country 's biggest protest in modern history last weekend when hundreds of thousands filled the streets .
Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was forced into exile the day after the election , vowed to `` stand till the end '' in the protests .
She told the BBC that if the movement stopped now , they would be `` slaves '' .
`` We have no right to step back now , '' she said .
Ms Tikhanovskaya told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as a future president but as a `` symbol of changes '' .
`` They were shouting for their future , for their wish to live in a free country , against violence , for their rights , '' she said .

Why does it matter? Like Ukraine, this nation of 9.5 million is caught in rivalry between the West and Russia. President Lukashenko, an ally of Russia, has been nicknamed "Europe's last dictator". He has been in power for 26 years, keeping much of the economy in state hands, and using censorship and police crackdowns against opponents.


bbc--2020-08-23--Coronavirus: Missing school is worse than virus for children - Whitty

Children are more likely to be harmed by not returning to school next month than if they catch coronavirus , the UK 's chief medical adviser says .
Prof Chris Whitty said `` the chances of children dying from Covid-19 are incredibly small '' - but missing lessons `` damages children in the long run '' .
Millions of pupils in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are due to return to school within weeks .
Prof Whitty also said Covid-19 would be a challenge for at least nine months .
He said it was unlikely there would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` reasonable chance '' of a successful jab being ready for the following winter in 2021-22 .
• Will pupils do a full school day next term ?
• Pubs 'may need to shut ' to allow schools to reopen The government has said all pupils , in all year groups , in England will be expected to return to class full-time in September .
Schools have already reopened in Scotland .
Prof Whitty , who is also England 's chief medical officer , said `` many more [ children ] were likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmed by going '' to school .
`` There 's also very clear evidence from the UK and around the world that children much less commonly get a severe illness and end up having to be hospitalised if they get symptomatic Covid , '' he added .
His interview came as chief and deputy chief medical officers for all four UK nations said there were `` no risk-free options '' and it was important for parents and teachers to understand both the risks and benefits as schools reopen .
Labour MP Lucy Powell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the `` chaos '' brought on by a heavily criticised grading system for A-level and GCSE results had led schools to lose `` two valuable weeks that could have been spent preparing '' for the safe return to the classroom .
The shadow business minister said schools could open with greater confidence if the Department for Education provided `` more clarity '' for parents and teachers , improved the coronavirus contact tracing programme , and offered more widespread testing - such as to people without symptoms .
• Moral duty to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • How did the controversial exam algorithm work ?
Prof Whitty used his interview to highlight `` overwhelming '' evidence that in not going to school , children are more likely to have `` mental and physical ill health in the long run '' .
He added that the vast majority of children who died with the virus had `` very serious '' pre-existing health conditions .
According to the Office for National Statistics ' latest data on ages , there were 10 deaths recorded as `` due to Covid-19 '' among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales between March and June - and 46,725 deaths among those aged 20 and over .
Of the more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June , 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus , according to a Public Health England study published on Sunday .
It said most of the 30 outbreaks detected in that time had likely been caused by staff members infecting other staff or students , with only two outbreaks thought to involve students infecting other students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went to school during June were more likely to catch coronavirus at home than at school .
Prof Chris Whitty was speaking officially on behalf of all the chief medical officers of the UK 's nations .
But this rare interview reveals a lot more about his own views on how the virus is developing .
More parents going back to work with schools reopening will probably , he believes , increase virus transmission and that may require restrictions in other areas .
He says people need to accept that , with autumn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He refers to `` an incredibly narrow path '' to be walked to protect people from the virus without further damage to the economy , meaning there is `` not very much room for manoeuvre '' .
If the virus picks up among younger adults , he argues , that can spread to older and more vulnerable age groups .
His conclusion is that there is a really serious challenge for at least another nine months .
This is a chief medical officer who seems unlikely to back further easing of restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that is the price which has to be paid for the vitally important goal of getting children back to school .
Will children spread the virus to grandparents ?
Prof Whitty said it looked as if `` there is much less transmission from children to adults than adults to adults '' .
He said reopening schools would connect households in other ways - for example by parents meeting at school gates , or mixing with others as a result of being able to return to work .
`` The fact of schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in transmission but much of that is indirect , '' he said .
Data shows that staff spreading the virus to other members of staff is `` maybe actually more important than staff members catching it from pupils '' , Prof Whitty said .
He said that - much like other workplaces - `` it is staff coming together and spreading it to one another '' that can drive infections .
`` Even with the best actions , you can not take that [ risk of transmission ] down to zero and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't want to pretend otherwise . ''
Epidemiologist Prof Sian Griffiths told BBC Breakfast that returning school staff - and parents who can therefore go back to their workplace - should remember the `` simple messages '' around hygiene , such as washing hands regularly and covering sneezes .
`` Some of the times when people forget about transmission are for example in the staff room , or in the work canteen or in the coffee room at work ... that 's how the disease is spread in situations outside homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever be completely safe ?
Prof Whitty said the risks could be minimised by having hygiene and cleaning measures in place , but warned that as with any workplace , `` we can not say the risk will be taken down to zero '' .
The NASUWT teachers ' union said the `` critical importance '' of social distancing and hygiene had been reinforced by the chief medical officers ' statement .
Helen Carter , deputy head teacher at Burnage Academy for Boys in Manchester , told BBC Breakfast that school would look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said the school will have five separate entrances for each of its `` year group bubbles '' , and that children will only move to different classrooms for specific subjects such as PE and design and technology .
Ms Carter said she expected to have to persuade some parents that the site `` is as secure as we can make it , and children do need to come back to school '' .
`` It 's been a long time , they need to re-engage with their learning - and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Children need to be back in the classroom where teachers are best placed to look after them and help them make the progress they need for their learning , '' she said .
Should face coverings be worn in schools ?
In Scotland , where pupils returned to classrooms this month , there has been criticism from pupils and parents about safety measures and the ability to maintain social distancing .
And a school in Edinburgh has told pupils and staff to wear face coverings while moving around between lessons .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 and over should wear masks in line with national recommendations , citing evidence suggesting teenagers can infect others in the same way as adults .
Children 's minister Vicky Ford told Times Radio that children `` should not normally need to wear face masks '' at school because if they form small bubbles with other children , it is clear who their close contacts are .
`` That 's very different than for example if you were on public transport or if you were out in a shopping place , where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with , '' she said .
`` In the school setting , the children and young people will be kept in their consistent groups - and that means if there was an outbreak , it can be very quickly managed . ''
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
What about the R number and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the R number - the rate at which an infected person passes on the virus to someone else - rise to 0.9-1.1 , meaning infections may be growing .
On Saturday , the government said there had been 1,288 newly-confirmed cases .
Prof Whitty said he would be `` quite surprised if we had a highly effective vaccine ready for mass use in a large percentage of the population before the end of winter , certainly before this side of Christmas '' .
He said while people were developing a vaccine at extraordinarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to pose a `` really serious challenge '' for at least the next nine months .
• How close to developing a vaccine are we ?
• Short cuts and 'dirty tricks ' in the scramble for a vaccine • PANORAMA : Has lockdown changed what we eat ?
• GOOD TROUBLE : Your new drama obsession - can these girls make it in LA ?
Are you returning to school or college ?
Is your child or grandchild ?
Share your views and experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"It's been a long time, they need to re-engage with their learning - and it's also the issue of mental health. Children need to be back in the classroom where teachers are best placed to look after them and help them make the progress they need for their learning," she said.


bbc--2020-08-23--TikTok to launch legal action against Trump over ban

Chinese video app TikTok is set to launch legal action to challenge a ban imposed by US President Donald Trump .
Officials in Washington are concerned that the company could pass data on American users to the Chinese government , something ByteDance has denied doing .
The short video-sharing app has 80 million active US users .
TikTok says it has tried to engage with the Mr Trump 's administration for nearly a year but has encountered a lack of due process and an administration that pays `` no attention to facts '' .
`` To ensure that the rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our company and users are treated fairly , we have no choice but to challenge the executive order through the judicial system , '' a company spokesperson said .
TikTok expects the legal action to begin this week , says BBC Business reporter Vivienne Nunis .
On Friday a group of Chinese-Americans filed a separate lawsuit against the president 's similar ban on the social media app WeChat , which is owned by the Chinese firm , Tencent .
TikTok 's users post short video clips on the platform on topics ranging from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popularity exploded in recent months particularly with teenagers and it has been downloaded more than a billion times around the world .
But Mr Trump claims China is able to use the app to track the locations of federal employees , collect information for use in blackmail , or spy on companies .
The growth of mobile apps developed and owned by Chinese firms `` threatens the national security , foreign policy , and economy of the United States '' , Mr Trump says .
`` This data collection threatens to allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal and proprietary information , '' he claims in his executive order .
• Is the US about to split the internet ?
• Beyond TikTok : Who else might Trump ban ?
TikTok says it has never handed over any US data user to Chinese authorities .
Mr Trump 's actions against TikTok and WeChat are the latest in a growing campaign against China ahead of the US presidential election in November .
Since taking office he has been waging a trade war against China .
The US is not the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India has banned use of the app , and Australia is also considering taking action .
The app is viewed by some as being a key instrument in China 's internal surveillance apparatus - requiring local users who have been accused of spreading malicious rumours to register a facial scan and voice print .
WeChat is very popular with users who have connections to China , where major social networking platforms - such as WhatsApp and Facebook - are blocked .
`` Having it suddenly cut off would be disastrous and frightening for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said lawyer Michael Bien , who 's representing those challenging President Trump 's ban .
He said the executive order is unconstitutional , because it violates users ' rights to free speech .

"To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we have no choice but to challenge the executive order through the judicial system," a company spokesperson said.


bbc--2020-08-23--California wildfires: Trump declares major disaster

US President Donald Trump has declared that wildfires burning through homes and devastating precious forestry in California are a major disaster and he has released federal aid .
Over 14,000 firefighters are battling 585 fires that have now burnt nearly one million acres ( 400,000 hectares ) .
Forecast high winds are threatening to drive flames into more populated areas as foul air blankets the state .
At least six people have died and thousands have evacuated .
Most of the destruction has been caused by three large fire complexes in mountainous and wooded rural areas .
On Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lightening Complex fire south and east of San Francisco is the third-largest in the state 's history .
Video tweeted by the governor showed burnt tree stumps against the reddened fumes-filled sky and plumes of white smoke rising from ash-laden ground .
An evacuation order on Saturday extended to thousands of people in the Bay area near San Jose and warned others to be prepared to abandon their homes at short notice .
Exhausted firefighters continue to battle the flames , with some working 72-hour shifts in the dangerous , hot conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're scrambling for bodies '' to help fight the fires , an official in the city of Fresno told Reuters news agency .
In California 's oldest state park , flames scorched redwood trees that began their lives more than 2,000 years ago .
The historic visitor centre of Big Basin State Park was burnt to the ground and officials say some trees , which tower as high as 330ft ( 100 metres ) , have fallen as the area was `` extensively damaged '' .
The state faces are more acute shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has depleted a fire-fighting corps made up of prisoners , which has helped the state battle blazes since World War Two , due to early releases from jail .
At least 43 people including firefighters have been injured , and hundreds of buildings have burned down and thousands more are threatened .
After doubling in size on Friday , the fires continued to grow moderately on Saturday and fire-fighters made some progress in containing the flames .
More than 12,000 dry lightning strikes started the blazes last week during a historic heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Park reached what could be the highest ever temperature reliably recorded .
The largest wildfire , called the LNU Lightening complex , is in the prominent wine-growing areas of Napa and Sonoma north of San Francisco and is just 15 % contained , CalFire said on Saturday .
Further south in Santa Cruz county , 115 homes have been destroyed and some residents evacuated .
`` I left with my clothes ... two guitars and a dog , '' one evacuee in Santa Cruz told CNN affiliate KGO .
Firefighters dug a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz campus as flames came within a mile of the buildings and surrounding area .
Gov Newsom has requested help from as far afield as Australia and Canada .
Firefighters , engines and surveillance planes raced in from US states including Oregon , New Mexico and Texas .
Although California is used to wildfire , the governor called the fires unlike anything the state had seen before .
`` If you do n't believe in climate change , come to California , '' he tweeted on Saturday .
With more than 650,000 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of infections in the US , and some evacuees have said they are afraid to go to emergency shelters .
US agencies have updated disaster preparedness and evacuation guidance in light of Covid-19 .
People who may be required to flee have been to told to carry at least two face masks per person , as well as hand sanitiser , soap and disinfectant wipes .
Here are some key guidelines for protecting yourself against Covid-19 if you must evacuate to a shelter : • Keep six feet of distance from anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face covering when possible , and if possible , wash it regularly • Frequently disinfect your area in the shelter ( including toys and electronics ) Emergency shelters are enforcing social distancing rules and mask wearing , and have even given individual tents to families to self-isolate .
Some counties are seeking to set up separate shelters for sick evacuees or anyone who is found to have a high temperature .
Officials say people should consider sheltering with family and friends .
Officials also advise people to remain indoors due to the poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing electricity shortages , which have caused rolling blackouts for thousands of customers .
Officials have appealed for residents to use less power or risk further cuts .
Satellite images show smoke blanketing nearly all of California , as well most of Nevada and southern Idaho .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbc--2020-08-23--Illegal rave organisers in England to be fined

Police in England will be able to fine organisers of illegal gatherings of more than 30 people such as raves up to £10,000 from Friday , ministers say .
Those who attend gatherings and those who do not wear face coverings where it is mandatory can be given a £100 fine , doubling on each offence up to £3,200 .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland can set their own enforcement rules .
The government first unveiled plans for tougher penalties for those breaking coronavirus rules earlier this month .
Details of the stricter rules come after extra restrictions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in north-west England .
Police say they have dispersed hundreds of illegal gatherings since coronavirus restrictions came into place .
• Why did raves become illegal ?
• 'Why I want to go to lockdown raves' Overnight , officers in Birmingham disrupted more than 70 unlicensed social gatherings including house and street parties , one of which featured marquees and a DJ .
In Huddersfield , police broke up an illegal rave involving about 300 people .
And in London , the Metropolitan Police has responded to more than 1,000 unlicensed events since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office said .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said : `` These gatherings are dangerous and those who organise them show a blatant disregard for the safety of others . ''
She added : `` We will continue to crack down on the small minority who think they are above the law . ''
The tougher rules have been welcomed by the National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) .
Commander Ade Adelekan , NPCC lead for unlicensed music events , said those who organised such gatherings `` irresponsibly put people 's health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` To the organisers of this sort of activity , I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you 're creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community .
There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized . ''
Insp Andy Berry , chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation said `` definitive powers '' to help `` control these large gatherings '' were helpful , as his colleagues have been seeing an `` incredible surge in demand '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We are a police force , we should be there primarily to deal with crime ... what we do n't want to do is break up children 's birthday parties .
`` We are seeing an unprecedented amount of calls coming in where neighbours are reporting these breaches and these demands are really bringing my colleagues and members to fatigue and breaking point , '' Mr Berry said .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should you wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
The tougher penalties will also see those who flout rules around face coverings issued a larger fine - starting at £100 and doubling up to £3,200 for each repeat offence .
In England , face coverings are mandatory in many indoor settings , including public transport , shops and museums , with some exemptions for children or on medical grounds .
It comes after a further 18 deaths were recorded in the UK on Saturday , bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus to 41,423 .
As of 21 August , the UK recorded 21.2 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people over the last fortnight , according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
Sir Mark Walport , a member of the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) , warned on Saturday that coronavirus would be present `` forever in some form or another '' .
His comments come after the head of the World Health Organization , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be over within two years .

He added: "To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you're creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community. There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized."


bbc--2020-08-23--Miroslava Breach murder: Mexico jails man who ordered journalist's death

A man in Mexico has been given a 50-year prison sentence for ordering the killing of a prominent journalist .
Miroslava Breach , who covered drugs violence and corruption in the country , was one of 11 journalists murdered in 2017 in Mexico .
Prosecutors said the lengthy prison term for Juan Carlos Moreno set a precedent in cases involving crimes against free expression .
Some 90 % of attacks on journalists in the country reportedly go unsolved .
A press rights group , Propuesta Cívica , urged the Mexican authorities to investigate such attacks .
Four journalists have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watchdog Reporters Without Borders , which describes Mexico as `` one of world 's deadliest countries for the media '' .
`` Collusion between officials and organized crime poses a grave threat to journalists ' safety and cripples the judicial system at all levels , '' it says .
The 54-year-old was shot eight times in her car outside her home in the city of Chihuahua on 23 March 2017 .
One of her children was in the vehicle but was not hurt .
Breach had reported on organised crime , drug-trafficking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jornada , and a regional newspaper , Norte de Ciudad Juárez .
Her killers left a note saying : `` For being a loud-mouth . ''
Prosecutors say she was murdered `` with premeditation '' after being sent intimidating messages meant to impinge on her freedom of expression , AFP news agency reports .
Moreno was convicted of being the `` intellectual author '' of Breach 's murder .
According to the El Paso Times , Moreno was allegedly the `` jefe de pistoleros '' ( leader of gunmen ) - for Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug cartel .
The man suspected of the actual shooting , Ramon Zavala , was himself killed by unidentified assailants .
How will the journalist be remembered ?
In 2018 , the UN and AFP launched an award to honour journalists who risked their lives covering human rights abuses in Mexico .
The prize was created in tribute to Breach and another murdered journalist , Javier Valdez .
Javier Valdez , known for his award-winning coverage of the drug trade , was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Culiacán in the north-western state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked , on 15 May 2017 .

The 54-year-old was shot eight times in her car outside her home in the city of Chihuahua on 23 March 2017. One of her children was in the vehicle but was not hurt.


bbc--2020-08-23--Iran plane crash: Cockpit exchange recorded after missile hit Ukraine jet

A black box recorder recovered from a Ukrainian passenger jet mistakenly shot down by Iran in January captured a conversation in the cockpit moments after a missile strike , officials say .
Data from the Boeing 737 indicated that the pilots and passengers were alive before a second missile hit 25 seconds later , Iran 's aviation authority said .
The Ukraine International Airlines ( UIA ) flight crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran .
All 176 people on board were killed .
After initially denying any responsibility for the incident , Iran admitted it had shot down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a `` disastrous mistake '' by Iran 's Revolutionary Guards Corps .
• Plane crash victims 'were the best of us' • Who were the victims of the crash ?
Iran 's air defences had been on high alert at the time .
Hours earlier , the country had fired ballistic missiles at two US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike in Baghdad .
What is the latest on the crash ?
During a press conference on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aviation Organisation of Iran ( CAOI ) , said `` up to 19 seconds '' of conversation between two pilots and a pilot instructor had been captured in the aircraft 's cabin after the first missile struck .
It was `` 25 seconds later that the second missile hit the plane '' , he said , adding : `` They were piloting the plane until the last moment . ''
He said information recorded by the plane 's black boxes - which hold key data and communications from the cockpit - indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal flight corridor '' before the first missile exploded , sending shrapnel into the aircraft .
Capt Zanganeh added : `` At this moment , the plane has an electrical problem and the auxiliary power of the plane is turned on at the order of the pilot instructor .
Both engines were on in the seconds after the explosion .
`` No sound was heard from the passenger cabin at that moment ...
The recording stopped after 19 seconds . ''
No details of the cockpit conversation were disclosed .
Iran had delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' voice recorder but in July sent it to France for examination .
No other parties involved in the black box analysis have yet commented .
On 8 January , at 06:12 local time ( 02:42 GMT ) , UIA flight PS752 took off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran .
The plane was a Boeing 737-800 - one of the international airline industry 's most widely used aircraft models .
Before leaving the airport 's air space , the plane appeared to turn around to return to the runway .
Shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tehran initially said the UIA plane had suffered a technical problem shortly after take-off .
It cited witnesses including the crew of another passenger plane who said it had been on fire prior to impact .
Authorities said they had lost radar contact when the plane was at an altitude of about 8,000ft ( 2,400m ) , minutes after taking off .
A later report by the CAOI said the air defence unit that targeted the passenger plane had recently moved and had failed to calibrate its equipment correctly .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a hostile object .
The report also said the missile battery had been unable to communicate with their command centre , and had fired on the plane without receiving official approval .

Capt Zanganeh added: "At this moment, the plane has an electrical problem and the auxiliary power of the plane is turned on at the order of the pilot instructor. Both engines were on in the seconds after the explosion.


bbc--2020-08-22--Alexei Navalny receives treatment in Germany

The acutely ill Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has arrived in Germany from Siberia for treatment .
He is in a coma after drinking what his supporters suspect was poisoned tea ; they accuse the authorities of trying to conceal a crime .
Doctors treating him in Omsk had insisted on Friday that he was too ill to be moved .
But they later said his condition was stable enough for the flight .
His wife Yulia travelled with him .
On Saturday morning , Mr Navalny 's medical evacuation flight - paid for by the German non-governmental organisation Cinema @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Berlin .
He is being treated at the German capital 's Charité hospital , which has said it does not expect to release a statement about his condition before Monday .
The founder of the Cinema for Peace Foundation , activist and filmmaker Jaka Bizilj , told reporters outside the hospital that Mr Navalny 's condition was `` very worrying '' .
`` It 's not only about the question if he will survive this , '' he said .
`` It 's a question what kind of damage there is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to normal fully . ''
Mr Navalny 's personal doctor , Anastasia Vasilieva , was not allowed to see him while he was in hospital in Russia .
But she said she was hopeful he could recover now that he was in Germany .
`` I 'm sure that they can treat him and do everything to eliminate this toxic agent from his body . ''
Medical staff treating Mr Navalny at the hospital in Omsk said before his flight that his life was not in immediate danger .
Mr Navalny 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Massive thanks to everyone for their support .
The struggle for Alexei 's life and health is just beginning . ''
Ms Yarmysh said it was a pity that doctors had taken so long to approve his flight as the plane and the right documents had been ready since Friday morning .
Mr Navalny fell ill during a flight from Tomsk to Moscow on Thursday , and his plane made an emergency landing in Omsk .
A photograph on social media appeared to show him drinking from a cup at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His team suspects a poisonous substance was put in his tea .
Disturbing video appeared to show a stricken Mr Navalny howling in agony on the flight .
Passenger Pavel Lebedev said he had heard the activist `` screaming in pain '' .
What the doctors said on Friday The head doctor at the hospital where Mr Navalny was being treated in Omsk , Alexander Murakhovsky , warned late on Friday that doctors did not recommend flying `` but his wife insists on her husband being transferred to a German clinic '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' deputy chief doctor Anatoly Kalinichenko was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency .
`` As we 're in possession of a request from relatives to permit him to be transported somewhere , we have now taken the decision that we do not object to his transfer to another in-patient facility , '' Dr Kalinichenko said .
Doctors said earlier that no poison had been found in his body , suggesting his condition might be the result of a `` metabolic disorder '' caused by low blood sugar .
Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial chemical had been found on his skin and hair .
The local interior ministry told the Rapsi legal news agency that the chemical was usually included in polymers to improve their elasticity , but its concentration was impossible to establish .
The prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin has consistently exposed official corruption in Russia .
He has served multiple jail terms .
What do Mr Navalny 's supporters say ?
At a news conference in Berlin on Friday , Mr Navalny 's aide Leonid Volkov said at first doctors at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer but had abruptly stopped doing so .
`` [ It was ] like something was switched off - like medicine mode off , cover-up operation mode on - and the doctors refused to co-operate any more , refused to give any information even to Alexei 's wife , '' he said .
`` The doctors who were helping to do the paperwork to make the transportation of Alexei to Charité possible started to say that he 's not any more transportable , he 's not any more stable , contradicting themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peace Foundation arranged for the treatment of Pyotr Verzilov - an activist with Russian protest group Pussy Riot - who had symptoms of poisoning .
Mr Verzilov 's ex-wife , activist Nadya Tolokonnikova , told BBC News that Mr Navalny 's condition resembled the `` poisoning '' of her ex-husband .
`` What German doctors told me after not finding poison in my ex-husband 's blood is that the poison disappears in three days .
So the Russian doctors only let him go when they were sure there was no traces of poison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also expressed surprise about what has happened to Mr Navalny : `` I thought Alexei was so powerful as a political figure that Mr Putin would not interfere . ''
Mr Navalny 's wife Yulia wrote to President Putin asking him to allow her husband to be moved .
She feared the Russian authorities were stalling so that evidence of any chemical substance would be lost .
Mr Putin 's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that the Kremlin would help move Mr Navalny abroad if necessary and wished him a `` speedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was purely a medical decision .
Foreign leaders including Germany 's Angela Merkel and France 's Emmanuel Macron have expressed concern for Mr Navalny .
In the US , Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has described the incident as `` unacceptable '' and vowed that , if elected , he would `` stand up to autocrats like Putin '' .
After Mr Navalny was flown to Germany , UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab tweeted : `` It is vital that there is a full & transparent investigation into his poisoning . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital after an antiseptic green dye was splashed on his face in Moscow .
It was the second time he was targeted with zelyonka ( `` brilliant green '' in English ) that year .
`` It looks funny but it hurts like hell , '' he tweeted following the attack .
July 2019 : He was sentenced to 30 days in prison after calling for unauthorised protests .
He fell ill in jail and doctors said he had suffered an acute allergic reaction , diagnosing him with `` contact dermatitis '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been exposed to `` some toxic agent '' and Mr Navalny said he thought he might have been poisoned .
December 2019 : Russian security forces raided the offices of his Anti-Corruption Foundation , taking laptops and other equipment .
CCTV footage showed officials using power tools to get through the door .
Earlier that year , his organisation was declared a `` foreign agent '' .

"What German doctors told me after not finding poison in my ex-husband's blood is that the poison disappears in three days. So the Russian doctors only let him go when they were sure there was no traces of poison left," she explained.