bbc--2020-06-26--Coronavirus pandemic: Tracking the global outbreak

Coronavirus is continuing its spread across the world , with more than nine million confirmed cases in 188 countries .
Nearly 500,000 people have lost their lives .
This series of maps and charts tracks the global outbreak of the virus .
Where are coronavirus cases and deaths still rising ?
The virus , which causes the respiratory infection Covid-19 , was first detected in the city of Wuhan , China , in late 2019 .
It then spread quickly across the globe in the first months of 2020 .
While some countries are now starting to see confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , others are still seeing figures rise .
A sharp increase in cases in Latin America in the second half of May led the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to say the Americas were the new centre of the pandemic .
But there have also been new spikes in Africa , Asia and the Middle East .
These charts show four countries - Brazil , Mexico , India and Pakistan - where cases ( in blue ) and deaths ( in red ) have been on an upward trajectory in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico and Ecuador are among the Latin America countries that have seen widespread outbreaks .
The WHO says the pandemic has not yet reached its peak in Central and South America .
Brazil is regularly recording more than 1,000 deaths a day .
It is only the second country in the world , after the US , to have confirmed more than one million cases .
The death toll stands at around 55,000 .
India and Pakistan have also seen a surge in infections and deaths - although the number of new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent days .
The healthcare systems in both countries are under strain .
Which countries could be seeing a 'second wave ' of cases ?
Previous pandemics have unfolded in `` waves '' of infections , with fresh outbreaks recurring after the initial peak subsides .
Health experts fear that Covid-19 will follow a similar pattern - but there is no firm agreement on what exactly constitutes a second wave .
Although a number of countries have seen a rise in infections after appearing to have the virus under control , they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
And rising cases may sometimes be down to simply finding more cases through increased testing .
Fears of a second wave have grown in Iran , where the number of daily deaths has risen to around 100 per day for the first time in two months .
Israel has also seen a surge in cases since easing restrictions at the end of May .
Portugal has increased restrictions on businesses and public gatherings in and around the capital Lisbon after a fresh spike in cases .
China has also been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be connected to a Beijing wholesale market , but officials now believe the disease has been contained .
How many cases and deaths have there been ?
There have been more than nine million confirmed cases and nearly 500,000 people have died .
Note : The map , table and animated bar chart in this page use a different source for figures for France from that used by Johns Hopkins University , which results in a slightly lower overall total .
US figures do not include Puerto Rico , Guam or the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far the largest number of cases - now more than 2.4 million and about 25 % of the global total - according to figures collated by Johns Hopkins University .
It also has the world 's highest death toll , followed by Brazil and the UK .
In China , the official death toll is some 4,600 from about 85,000 confirmed cases , although critics have questioned whether the country 's official numbers can be trusted .
South Africa and Egypt have seen the largest outbreaks so far in Africa .
But testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some parts of the continent so this could be distorting understanding of how far the virus has spread .
Globally , the true number of cases is thought to be much higher than the reported figures , as many people with milder symptoms have not been tested and counted .
In the table below , countries can be reordered by deaths , death rate and total cases .
In the coloured bars on the right-hand side , countries in which cases have risen to more than 5,000 per day are those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the WHO on 11 March .
This is when an infectious disease is passing easily from person to person in many parts of the world at the same time .
The WHO has warned that the pandemic is a long way from being over and says people should be prepared for new outbreaks , especially in areas where lockdowns are eased .
Globally , at least 4.5 billion people - half the world 's population - were living under social distancing measures at the height @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the AFP news agency 's estimates .
Those restrictions have had a big impact on the global economy , with the International Monetary Fund warning the world faces the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The United Nations World Food Programme has also warned that the pandemic could almost double the number of people suffering acute hunger .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • COMPARING COUNTRIES : The pitfalls of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The language of the outbreak • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
New surge in US cases US health officials say at least 20 million people in the US may already have been infected with coronavirus , according to latest estimates .
The Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) said the figure - 10 times higher than the reported number - was because testing was restricted to people with symptoms and asymptomatic carriers were not tested .
So far , the US has recorded about 2.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 124,000 deaths .
• `` Disturbing '' rise in cases in the US Cases and deaths in the US had appeared to peak in late March , but by May , cases were declining and most states had begun to end restrictions and reopen businesses .
But a number of states have reported record daily coronavirus infections this week .
The University of Washington predicts 180,000 US deaths by October - or 146,000 if 95 % of Americans wear masks .
The White House has said the rise in cases is a product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Dr Anthony Fauci , the top US health official for infectious diseases , has warned that higher percentages of positive tests in some states `` can not be explained by increased testing '' .
Governors across the US have been eager to reopen their states because of the dire effect the pandemic has had on the economy .
But Texas , Florida , Arizona and New Mexico have eased off reopening this week after the recent jump in cases .
More than 45 million people in the US have applied for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the downturn officially being declared a recession earlier this month .
• Is the pandemic getting worse in the US ?
In Europe , the UK , Italy , Spain and France , along with others , now appear to have passed the peak , with the number of new confirmed cases and deaths falling .
As many countries ease restrictions , the WHO has warned that cases are rising in the region again for the first time in months .
On Thursday WHO Europe director Dr Hans Kluge said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of countries including Albania , Kazakhstan , Sweden and Ukraine , And the risk of a second wave of infections requiring the reintroduction of lockdowns is moderate to high , according to the EU agency that monitors infectious diseases .
In Germany , authorities in the North Rhine-Westphalia region have reintroduced some lockdown measures after a coronavirus outbreak linked to a meatpacking plant .
The UK has reported more than 43,000 coronavirus deaths , the highest number in the region .
Italy has the second highest death toll with about 35,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just below 30,000 .
However , differences in population size and how countries report their figures , with some including deaths in care homes , or deaths of those suspected but not confirmed of having the virus , means international comparisons are complicated .
The data used on this page comes from a variety of sources .
It includes figures collated by Johns Hopkins University , data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control , national governments and health agencies , as well as UN data on populations .
When comparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bear in mind that not all governments are recording coronavirus cases and deaths in the same way .
This makes like for like comparisons between countries difficult .
Other factors to consider include : different population sizes , the size of a country 's elderly population or whether a particular country has a large amount of its people living in densely-populated areas .
In addition , countries may be in different stages of the pandemic .

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This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country.
** The past data for new cases is a three day rolling average. Due to revisions in the number of cases, an average cannot be calculated for this date.
Source: Johns Hopkins University and national public health agencies


bbc--2020-06-25--What's the best thing to do with unwanted statues?

When a country has statues of people that no longer reflect its values , what is the best solution ?
Is there a way of addressing the past without erasing it ?
And is doing nothing an option ?
The BBC 's Kavita Puri speaks to four people about possible lessons to be drawn from Iraq , Germany , India and the US .
It was a beautiful spring day in East Baghdad in April , 2003 and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad 's neighbour came to him shouting , `` The Americans are here . ''
Abdul-Ahad went out into the street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing their guns .
They were moving towards what was then known as Firdos Square , in the middle of which was an enormous statue of Iraq 's President , Saddam Hussein , his right arm stretched into the sky , waving to his people .
A crowd of Iraqis had now gathered in the square .
`` It became clear that the city had fallen , '' Abdul-Ahad says .
Iraqi civilians moved towards the bottom of the statue .
They tried to knock down the thick , concrete pedestal , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armoured vehicle appeared .
A marine got out and put a huge rope around the statue .
He climbed to the top of Saddam 's head , holding an American flag .
Abdul-Ahad was watching the marine as he tried to place the flag , thinking , `` No do n't do that . ''
The statue was pulled down by the crowd .
It was dragged through the street .
And the iconic image was then captured of men , taking their flip flops off , and using them to beat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` just breaking that domination of the regime , '' Abdul-Ahad says .
Baghdad 's many statues of the country 's leader had been a symbol of oppression , `` the eyes and moustache of Saddam following you wherever you go '' he says .
The day they fell `` was the moment , you realise that 30 years of oppressive rule has finally collapsed , that this person who had been dominating our lives - he was bigger than God for us - is finally gone and he 's removed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sold to collectors .
No-one really knows what happened to them all .
They just disappeared .
The plinth where Saddam 's statue once stood was empty for a long time .
As a sectarian war raged , no-one could agree what should be in its place - would it be a Shia , Sunni or Kurdish monument ?
It was finally removed altogether and is now a park .
`` We come here now , 2020 , we do n't see any images from the Saddam era and that helps the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now a journalist for the Guardian .
He does n't want the statue of Saddam to be in the centre of Baghdad , staring down at him as it used to .
But he would have a liked it to be housed in a museum or a park in the country , otherwise he fears that period of history will be forgotten altogether .
It 's important he says that `` the young generation , the children in 100 years ' time , can look at it and say , 'Oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq . '
'' If you walk around German cities you will find virtually no statues of the Nazi era .
Many were destroyed by heavy bombing during World War Two - and later melted and reused during rebuilding .
An order issued by the victorious Allies in 1946 decreed that any manifestation of the Third Reich , including statues , were illegal and to be destroyed .
`` How can a country go on with statues of oppressors and of dictators ? ''
asks Daniel Libeskind , the architect of the Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get rid of everything that offends justice and truth .
And that 's what Germany did . ''
But getting rid of statues does n't have to mean erasing the memory of history too .
• Listen to Why do we care about statues ?
on The Inquiry , on the BBC World Service For Germany , remembrance did not happen immediately after the war .
However , in the 1960s and 70s the country began to reflect on its difficult past .
Now the teaching of the Holocaust and the Nazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Almost all students have either visited a concentration camp or a Holocaust memorial or museum .
Rather than maintaining statues , the country chose to focus on its crimes and their victims .
Libeskind , the son of Holocaust survivors , originally from Lodz in Poland , believes Germany has made an `` amazing statement '' to the world that it 's possible to face unspeakable crimes and be a successful democracy .
In the late 1980s he entered a competition to design Berlin 's Jewish Museum .
He won and felt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much more than just the design of a building , '' he says .
The challenge was to work out how historical truth could be communicated to generations who had never experienced that era .
He began by creating a void , `` which is the centre of the museum , which is an emptiness , an empty space where nothing is really exhibited , but you feel that this emptiness speaks to you about what happened in history , that can not be exhibited , '' he says .
So difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even the word `` statue '' strikes Libeskind as old-fashioned .
`` I think it 's about more than statues today .
It 's about creating spaces , public spaces that can make people care about things they did n't know about . ''
In northern Delhi there is a large park .
It 's slightly overgrown , stray dogs wander around , sometimes children play cricket there .
In it are statues , some covered in graffiti .
After India won independence in August 1947 , there was no clamour to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the boulevards and roundabouts of the capital .
Over time , some were sold to Britain and others moved to this place , known as Coronation Park .
It had been the site where lavish ceremonies - known as durbars - took place when a new British monarch took to the throne .
Today it is where effigies of former officials from the colonial era have been stored , `` out of sight , out of mind '' , as AGK Menon , the founder of the Indian National Trust for Art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And that 's how it got the name , '' he says .
`` A graveyard of statues . ''
The most iconic of the statues is King George V. At around 70ft tall , it stood in the heart of Delhi , near India Gate on the road leading to the Viceroy 's House .
Well over a decade after independence it no longer felt right to have the statue of a British King in such a prominent position .
He was dismantled and taken to the place where he attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India in 1911 .
AGK Menon wanted to use the statues to tell the history of Delhi .
During the Delhi Durbar , George V had laid the first foundation stone of the new imperial capital in Coronation Park .
Menon 's aim was to open a new , refurbished version of the park on the centenary of this occasion in 2011 , with plaques providing historical context .
`` We have to recognise the fact something happened .
There was a colonial government , there was a decision to make Delhi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Let us celebrate the fact that this is where New Delhi started , '' he says .
Work started , but then a new government withdrew support .
The park remains derelict , containing the Raj-era statues .
Perhaps it 's a sign that it 's still difficult for Indians to talk about their colonial past .
`` Some Indians are not comfortable with it ; others are .
But somehow it is still a very live political fuel , '' says AGK Menon .
`` So it does have a sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There certainly still is unfinished business .
The plinth of George V stands empty in the centre of Delhi .
No-one could agree what should go there .
Scattered across southern states in America are statues commemorating Confederate leaders and soldiers , who fought in the American civil war to continue the practice of slavery .
They lost the war , but decades later these monuments celebrating notable Confederate veterans started to appear in town squares .
Sarah Beetham , chair of liberal arts at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county courthouse lawns , where many African Americans would be judged .
`` And they very much borrow the language of victory monuments from the ancient Roman past . ''
In theory , the civil war gave equal rights to African Americans , but in reality racial segregation persisted , so the South won what Beetham describes as a `` sort of shadow war '' .
`` These monuments are victory monuments to winning that shadow war , '' she says .
Statues such as the one of Confederate general Robert E Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1890 , were central to the continuation of the Confederate movement , and a permanent reminder of white supremacy , Beetham argues .
These monuments were never completely accepted .
Journalist John Mitchell , for example , wrote editorials in the Richmond Planet newspaper at the time , saying prophetically `` that black workers had been conscripted to put the statue up and that one day they would still be there to take the statue down , '' Beetham says .
The southern states defended the existence of the statues , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military heroism rather than defending slavery .
They also cast the war as a defence of states ' rights , against the powers of the federal government .
• The stories behind the statues targeted in protests • Why Nascar is banning the Confederate flag from its races It was n't until 2015 that the movement to remove these statues really took hold .
It started after the shooting of nine black parishioners at the Emanuel Church in Charleston , South Carolina .
The killer was later discovered with a pistol and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as the moment when the Black Lives Matter movement explicitly linked such violent attacks to the long history of racism symbolised by Confederate monuments .
Now , with mass protests across America following the murder of African American George Floyd , many protests have coalesced around these statues .
In Virginia a number have been pulled down , including that of the former Confederate president , Jefferson Davis .
Sarah Beetham says : `` Statues are n't history .
They are historical objects .
The fact that people are attacking them today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that we see them in some ways as kind of reflection of ourselves and our own values . ''
As long as there have been statues , she says , there have been people who destroy them .
`` There 's something about a group of people taking out their anger against much broader inequalities but focusing it on an object that looks like a human being . ''
She says the statue of the British King George III in New York is a good example .
It was destroyed during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ melted into 40,000 bullets , which were then used against the British .
Loyalists tried to preserve parts of the statue by burying them underground - remnants are are still occasionally unearthed today .
Virginia 's governor has said that the statue of Robert E Lee in Richmond will now be removed and put into storage .
Although hundreds more statues remain , Sarah Beetham hopes the dismantling of this one , and perhaps others , means the country will now start to confront its past .
`` It says that maybe finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reckoning about what the Civil War was actually about .
And if Robert E Lee is going to come down now , maybe we 're ready to atone for some of these things and to finally process them and figure out what they mean for us .
And I really hope that that 's true . ''
You may also be interested in : We name buildings after people , or put up statues to them , because we respect them .
But what if we then discover they did wrong ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ renamed , or the statue be removed , asks the BBC 's in-house philosopher , David Edmonds .
How do you decide when a statue must fall ?

After India won independence in August 1947, there was no clamour to remove the statues of monarchs and viceroys from the boulevards and roundabouts of the capital. Over time, some were sold to Britain and others moved to this place, known as Coronation Park. It had been the site where lavish ceremonies - known as durbars - took place when a new British monarch took to the throne. Today it is where effigies of former officials from the colonial era have been stored, "out of sight, out of mind", as AGK Menon, the founder of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, puts it.


bbc--2020-06-25--Fair and Lovely: Can renaming a fairness cream stop colourism?

Consumer giant Unilever says it will rebrand its bestselling skin lightening cream Fair and Lovely and drop the word `` fair '' from its name .
While the news has been welcomed , campaigners say the move does n't go far enough - and in India demand for such products shows no sign of waning .
Unilever and its Indian subsidiary Hindustan Unilever Limited ( HUL ) have been criticised extensively for promoting colourism and making girls with darker shades feel insecure and inadequate .
Pressure had been mounting since last week when US multinational Johnson and Johnson announced it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its creams which are popular in Asia and the Middle East in response to the death of George Floyd and the worldwide debate about racism it sparked .
`` Conversations over the past few weeks highlighted that some product names or claims on our Neutrogena and Clean & Clear dark-spot reducer products represent fairness or white as better than your own unique skin tone , '' Johnson and Johnson said in a statement .
`` This was never our intention - healthy skin is beautiful skin . ''
Fair and Lovely is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 24bn rupees ( $ 317m ; £256m ) in annual revenue .
Ever since the 1970s when it first hit the market , millions of tubes are bought every year by teenagers and young women in a country where lighter skin is routinely equated with beauty .
Top Bollywood actors and actresses have appeared in advertisements to endorse Fair and Lovely that promote fair skin as a means to finding love or a glamorous job .
On Thursday morning , Fair & Lovely trended high on Twitter in India with hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale .
In the past two weeks , at least three change.org petitions have come up globally , asking Unilever to banish the cream from markets in Asia and Asian stores in the West .
One said this product `` built upon , perpetuated and benefited from internalized racism and promotes anti-blackness sentiments amongst all its consumers '' .
On Thursday afternoon , Unilever decided to act saying that `` a new name has been chosen for the cream and is awaiting regulatory approvals '' .
More on this topic : • The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contestants • What colour are Indian gods and goddesses ?
• Has skin whitening in India gone too far ?
`` We recognise that the use of the words 'fair ' , 'white ' and 'light ' suggest a singular ideal of beauty that we do n't think is right , and we want to address this , '' the company said in a statement .
It added that they were working to make their skin care portfolio `` more inclusive '' and `` want to lead the celebration of a more diverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few years , they said they had already made some changes - such as removing a shade card from the packaging and no longer doing before and after comparisons of skin tones in their advertisements .
They also promised to `` feature women of different skin tones , representative of the variety of beauty across India and other countries '' in their future campaigns .
'It 's still fairness cream no matter what they call it' While many rejoiced over the announcement , describing it as historic and a huge victory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wine in a new bottle as the company was still going to sell the same cream with the same ingredients , but with a new name .
Chandana Hiran , who authored one of the petitions , told the BBC the Unilever announcement was `` a path-breaking decision '' but was only `` a first step towards inclusivity '' .
`` While I am glad that they 're willing to change the narrative , I really want them to relook at their product in its essence .
It 's still fairness cream no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , the important question is - is a name change enough to change perceptions about skin colour that have been held and perpetuated over centuries ?
In recent years , campaigns such as Dark is Beautiful and # unfairandlovely have questioned Indian 's obsession with fair skin .
Increasingly , urban-educated women on social media have called out Bollywood stars and popular beauty pageants for promoting colourism .
But the campaigns have had very limited impact , they have not dented the popularity or the market for fairness products , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why last week 's announcement by Johnson and Johnson to withdraw its fairness products had some people in Asia saying if they wanted to buy them , they should be allowed to .
On social media some even said this was a form of discrimination against their communities .
And I know that in many parts of India too , the unavailability of Fair and Lovely is going to be greeted with distress - a large number of customers are in small town and rural India and unaware of the politics over skin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's raging in the West .
And they would embrace Fair and Lovely 's substitute whatever it 's called .

While many rejoiced over the announcement, describing it as historic and a huge victory, others pointed out that it was old wine in a new bottle as the company was still going to sell the same cream with the same ingredients, but with a new name.


bbc--2020-06-26--Liverpool fans flock to Anfield to celebrate Premier League title

Thousands of Liverpool fans gathered at Anfield to celebrate the club 's first Premier League title .
Supporters set off flares and fireworks after Chelsea 's 2-1 win against Manchester City gave the Reds their first league title in 30 years .
Within half an hour of the result about 2,000 fans had gathered outside the club 's stadium , with some celebrating outside the famous Kop stand .
No attempts were made to disperse the crowd by police officers at the ground .
• In pictures : Ecstatic Liverpool FC fans party on the streets Merseyside Police closed roads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motorists to avoid the area .
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Carden said `` a large number of people chose to gather outside the stadium '' but said it was mostly `` good natured '' .
He praised the `` overwhelming majority '' of fans that `` recognised now is not the time to gather together to celebrate , and chose to mark the event safely '' .
It is Liverpool 's 19th top-flight title and their first since 1989-90 , when Sir Kenny Dalglish led them to victory .
Jurgen Klopp 's side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but City 's failure to win means they can not be caught .
A number of Reds players , including goalkeeper Alisson , defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain , celebrated together after watching the Chelsea-City game .
Thousands more fans gathered outside the club 's famous Kop stand throughout the night , with some climbing on walls , bins and the roof of a merchandise stand .
Supporters danced , set off flares and waved flags while singing the name of Liverpool players including Mo Salah and captain Jordan Henderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one man stood with his arm around a cardboard cut-out of manager Jurgen Klopp .
As well as gathering at Anfield , fans also filled Liverpool city centre where they joined together to sing the club 's famous anthem You 'll Never Walk Alone .
Many of the fans that congregated wore face masks and cars also gathered outside Anfield , with some beeping horns as they passed .
Six-year-old Anthony Nesbitt went to the ground with his father Anthony and mother Marilyn , as well as a cardboard cut-out of Liverpool star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially for them .
We 've been waiting 30 years for it , '' Ms Nesbitt said .
An emotional Charlie Cooper , 48 , who watched it at his home in Halewood , said he remembered the last time Liverpool won the league .
`` To finally do it is a relief more than anything , '' he told the BBC 's Nick Garnett .
Another ecstatic fan David Taylor , 65 , added : `` It is amazing .
We 've done it now . ''
He said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation , like his granddaughter who had never seen the club lift a league title .
Earlier on Thursday , fans were urged by the city 's metro mayor Steve Rotheram to be the `` best 'stay at home ' fans in the world '' to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
As fans began gathering in the city , Liverpool City Council told them to `` have a great party '' but maintain social distancing as they celebrated .
The club 's CEO Peter Moore tweeted a picture of Liverpool fan Sean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an attack by Roma supporters outside Anfield in 2018 .
Several celebrities , including comedian John Bishop and basketball star LeBron James , also tweeted about the title win .
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bbc--2020-06-26--Coronavirus: US has 'serious problem', says Fauci

US infectious disease chief Dr Anthony Fauci says the nation has a `` serious problem '' as 16 states reel from a spike in Covid-19 cases .
At the first White House task force briefing in two months , Dr Fauci said : `` The only way we 're going to end it is by ending it together . ''
As health experts said more must be done to slow the spread , Vice-President Mike Pence praised US `` progress '' .
The US hit an all-time daily high of 40,000 new infections on Thursday .
There are 2.4 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than any other country .
During Friday 's briefing , the White House task force also urged millennials to get tested , even if they are asymptomatic .
Mr Pence said the president requested the task force address the American people amid surges in infections and hospital admissions across southern and western states .
In Texas , Florida and Arizona , reopening plans have been paused due to the spike .
While some of the increase in daily cases recorded can be attributed to expanded testing , the rate of positive tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health officials in the US estimate the true number of cases is likely to be 10 times higher than the reported figure .
What was said at the White House briefing ?
Dr Deborah Birx , coronavirus response coordinator , thanked younger Americans for heeding official guidance on testing .
`` Whereas before we told them to stay home , now we are telling them to get tested . ''
She noted this `` great change '' in testing guidance would allow officials to find `` the asymptomatic and mild diseases that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Birx 's presentation of the recent data , Dr Fauci said : `` As you can see we are facing a serious problem in certain areas . ''
He added : `` So what goes on in one area of the country ultimately could have an affect on other areas . ''
Dr Fauci said the current rises were due to everything from regions `` maybe opening a little bit too early '' , to opening at a reasonable time `` but not actually following steps in an orderly fashion '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People are infecting other people , and then ultimately you will infect someone who 's vulnerable , '' he said .
`` You have an individual responsibility to yourself , but you have a societal responsibility because if we want to end this outbreak , really end it ... we 've got to realise that we are part of the process . ''
Dr Fauci added that if the spread was not stopped , eventually even the parts of the country doing well now would be affected .
The vice-president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in handling the pandemic , noting `` extraordinary progress '' in former virus hotspots , like New York and New Jersey .
`` We slowed the spread , we flattened the curve , we saved lives , '' he said .
Mr Pence also appeared to deny any link between states reopening and the increase in cases .
Responding to a reporter 's question , he said the southern states that have reopened did so months ago , when new cases and rates were low .
Mr Pence instead blamed much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people , adding that while they may be at lower risk of serious symptoms , they should `` take countermeasures '' and listen to state governors ' advice .
It was a tough week for the White House .
The number of cases has shot up in states where governors have tried to reinforce President Trump 's message that the nation is returning to normal .
The spike in cases has alarmed many people , and Vice-President Pence expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones .
Then he hailed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in tackling the disease .
Critics found his positive spin on the situation jarring , given the dire news .
Pence has had a tough job from the start , supporting Mr Trump 's controversial positions .
The vice-president 's performance on Friday was an especially difficult - and , for many , unconvincing - one .
• Is the US testing more people than anywhere else ?
• Is the pandemic getting worse in the US ?
The US federal system of government allows states freedom to maintain their own public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health crisis .
Governors have therefore been responsible for the varying degrees of lockdown put in place .
Texas , which has been at the forefront of moves to end lockdown measures , has seen thousands of new cases , prompting Republican Governor Greg Abbott to call a temporary halt to its reopening on Friday .
He announced that he was closing bars , stopping river-rafting , and ordering restaurants to return to 50 % capacity to try to stem the outbreak .
Texas confirmed a record 5,996 new cases on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported , the highest daily toll for a month .
On Friday , Florida broke its own daily record for new infections , reporting 8,942 new cases .
The previous record was 5,508 , reported on Wednesday .
The state now has a total of 122,960 recorded cases and 3,366 deaths .
Earlier , Florida 's governor said there was no plan to continue reopening step-by-step .
`` We are where we are .
I did n't say we were going to go on to the next phase , '' Ron DeSantis told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epicentre of the crisis .
Governor Doug Ducey , who had been giving businesses a `` green light '' to reopen , now says Arizona residents are `` safer at home '' .
Other states , including Alabama , California , Idaho , Mississippi , Missouri , Nevada , Oklahoma , South Carolina and Wyoming , have all seen record daily increases in the number of confirmed cases this week .
New York , New Jersey and Connecticut have said they will ask people travelling from eight states - Alabama , Arkansas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina , Texas and Utah - to go into self-isolation for 14 days .
California also reported a record number of new cases this week , with 7,149 confirmed on Wednesday .
Governor Gavin Newsom said the state had carried out more than a million tests over the past two weeks , with about 5 % coming back positive .
Mr Newsom has made wearing a face mask mandatory in public .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• POST-COVID WORLD : Will we ever shake hands again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Missed chances for US to contain outbreak

"You have an individual responsibility to yourself, but you have a societal responsibility because if we want to end this outbreak, really end it... we've got to realise that we are part of the process."


bbc--2020-06-26--Facebook to tag 'harmful' posts as boycott widens

Facebook has said it will start to label potentially harmful posts that it leaves up because of their news value .
The more hands-on approach comes as the social media firm is under pressure to improve how it moderates the content on its platform , including posts by US President Donald Trump .
More than 90 advertisers have joined a boycott of the site .
Consumer goods giant Unilever on Friday added its name to the list , citing a `` polarized election period '' in the US .
The maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerry 's ice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook and Instagram advertising in the US `` at least '' through 2020 .
`` Continuing to advertise on these platforms at this time would not add value to people and society , '' it said .
`` We will revisit our current position if necessary . ''
In a speech on Friday , Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg defended the firm 's record of taking down hate speech .
He pointed to a European Commission report this month that found Facebook removed 86 % of hate speech last year , up from 82.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
But he said the firm was tightening its policies to `` address the reality of the challenges our country is facing and how they 're showing up across our community '' .
He said the firm would ban ads that describe different groups , based on descriptors such as race or immigration status , as a threat .
It will also remove content - even from a politician - if it determines that it incites violence or suppresses voting .
Mr Zuckerberg also said the firm will attach a label to `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those categories .
`` A handful of times a year , we leave up content that would otherwise violate our policies if the public interest value outweighs the risk of harm , '' he said .
`` Often , seeing speech from politicians is in the public interest , and in the same way that news outlets will report what a politician says , we think people should generally be able to see it for themselves on our platforms .
`` We will soon start labelling some of the content we leave up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can know when this is the case , '' he said .
Twitter has already taken some similar steps , including banning advertisements from politicians and adding labels and warnings to some kinds of content , including tweets by Mr Trump .
`` We have developed policies and platform capabilities designed to protect and serve the public conversation , and as always , are committed to amplifying voices from under-represented communities and marginalized groups , '' said Twitter executive Sarah Personette .
Shares of Facebook and Twitter both fell more than 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr Zuckerberg 's promises did not go far enough .
`` What we 've seen in today 's address from Mark Zuckerberg is a failure to wrestle with the harms [ Facebook ] has caused on our democracy & civil rights '' said Color of Change president Rashad Robinson said .
`` If this is the response he 's giving to major advertisers withdrawing millions of dollars from the company , we ca n't trust his leadership , '' he wrote on Twitter .
The `` Stop Hate for Profit '' campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the death of George Floyd in May while in police custody .
It has focused on Facebook , which also owns Instagram ; and WhatsApp and last year attracted advertising revenue of almost $ 70bn ( £56.7bn ) .
The organisers , which include Color of Change and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , have said Facebook allows `` racist , violent and verifiably false content to run rampant on its platform '' .
More than 90 companies including Verizon and Patagonia have joined the campaign , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sleeping Giants , one of the organisers .
Nicole Perrin , analyst at eMarketer , said it will be difficult to determine the financial impact of the boycott on Facebook , given the significant changes in advertising amid the pandemic .
But she said Unilever 's announcement was significant , noting that the firm was dropping the ads for longer than called for , and on more platforms .
`` That suggests a deeper problem with user-generated content platforms , as divisiveness is to be expected on any such platform that allows political @ @ @ @ @ @

"A handful of times a year, we leave up content that would otherwise violate our policies if the public interest value outweighs the risk of harm," he said. "Often, seeing speech from politicians is in the public interest, and in the same way that news outlets will report what a politician says, we think people should generally be able to see it for themselves on our platforms.


bbc--2020-06-26--Toronto officer guilty of assault after blinding black man

An off-duty Toronto police officer has been convicted of assault after blinding a black man in an attack with a metal pipe four years ago .
Dafonte Miller , 19 , was chased and attacked by officer Michael Theriault and his brother Christian .
The brawl ended with Mr Miller badly injured and in handcuffs .
The victim , whose injuries were so severe his left eye had to be removed , said the officer should have been convicted of a more serious charge .
On Friday , Michael Theriault was convicted of assault , a lesser offence than his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother Christian was found not guilty of aggravated assault .
Both brothers were also found not guilty of attempting to obstruct justice .
Cries of `` Shame ! ''
could be heard outside the courthouse , where the verdict was delivered on a loudspeaker to a crowd of Mr Miller 's supporters .
`` While I am disappointed that both Michael and Christian Theriault were not convicted of all charges , I am grateful that Justice Di Luca found Michael Theriault guilty of assaulting me , '' Mr Miller said in a press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lawyer Julian Falconer are calling on a wider inquiry into police accountability , and why it took local authorities to report the incident to the police watchdog the Special Investigations Unit , which is supposed to investigate incidents where civilians are injured by police - on duty or off .
• What US police officers think of protests The four-hour ruling was broadcast on YouTube , where it had more than 20,000 views .
Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph Di Luca said he was aware of the case 's high profile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdict .
`` I want to make one thing very clear : I am not saying that race has nothing to do with this case .
Indeed , I am mindful of the need to carefully consider the racialised context from which this case arises , '' he said .
Michael Theriault , who was then 24 , saw Mr Miller and friends getting into his lorry parked outside his parents ' home in Oshawa , Ontario , on 28 December 2016 .
The court heard how Michael ran out in late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller in one direction while his 21-year-old brother Christian chased another young man in another direction .
Mr Miller has repeatedly denied wrongdoing , although Justice Di Luca found his innocence `` not credible '' .
All charges related to the alleged car-hopping - involving petty thefts from unlocked vehicles - have been dropped .
Michael Theriault says he chased Mr Miller because he wanted to apprehend and arrest him , but by his own admission , at no point during the chase did he identify himself as a police officer , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Justice Di Luca said during his ruling : `` To be blunt , I would have expected the first thing out of Michael Theriault 's mouth as he was chasing Mr Miller while wearing only socks would have been : 'Stop , you are under arrest .
I 'm a police officer . '
'' What is more likely , Justice Di Luca said , was that the Theriaults wanted to administer `` street justice '' and had little intention of conducting an arrest .
On a 911 call made by Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger brother can be heard saying : `` You picked the wrong cars . ''
After catching up with Mr Miller , the two struggled , with Christian eventually joining the fray .
That is when the brawl turned into a `` one-sided '' fight , the judge found .
Mr Miller says Michael and Christian punched , kicked and hit him with an object that was likely a 4ft ( 1.3m ) metal pipe found at the scene .
An expert pathologist says it was likely a punch , and not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Miller rang a neighbour 's doorbell and asked them to call 911 .
That is when Michael Theriault hit Mr Miller in the face with a pipe , the court heard .
When police arrived , Mr Miller was restrained on the ground , with Michael Theriault 's knee on his back .
Officers gave Michael Theriault a set of handcuffs to restrain Mr Miller .
What 's the distinction between assault and aggravated assault ?
In Canadian law , aggravated assault is an assault that `` wounds , maims , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complainant '' .
Justice Di Luca said that because it was not clear who had the pipe during the brawl where Mr Miller was blinded , he can not say without a reasonable doubt that the two brothers did not act in self-defence .
Mr Miller denies ever striking anyone with the pipe .
DNA evidence shows only his blood on the pipe .
Michael had no significant injuries , and Christian suffered a mild concussion .
`` By that stage , they were probably just beating on Mr Miller .
Probability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a criminal case , '' the judge said .
The judge found this `` razor-thin '' justification for self-defence evaporated when Michael Theriault hit Mr Miller after he asked the neighbour to call 911 .
As to why he acquitted the brothers - who failed to mention the pipe to police - of obstruction of justice , Justice Di Luca said that while he was `` troubled '' by their omissions , the trauma of the situation could have affected their memory .
He also said that when giving additional testimony to police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed to directly ask Christian Theriault if he or his brother ever hit Mr Miller with the pipe .
At that point , police were still investigating Mr Miller as the suspect .
What happens next ?
Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders said his `` heart goes out '' to Mr Miller and his family .
In 2017 , he asked Waterloo police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault , and why neither Oshawa nor Toronto police reported Mr Miller 's injuries to the SIU immediately .
That investigation was paused during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he says .
Michael Theriault , who is currently suspended with pay , will also face a professional disciplinary board .
The Toronto Police Association , the union representing police officers , declined to comment as Michael Theriault has yet to be sentenced .
He will be back in court on 15 July , to determine future plans for his sentencing hearing .
He remains on bail .
The verdict has fuelled calls to defund the police .
Toronto city council is currently debating a 10 % budget cut to police .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ city 's mayor , John Tory , who is proposing a number of reforms .
As for Mr Miller , who wears a prosthetic eye and still suffers chronic pain because of his injuries , the verdict may be disappointing , but it is not the end .
`` I do n't feel like I took a loss .
I feel like there 's a long way to go and we just took a step forward , '' he said .

"I want to make one thing very clear: I am not saying that race has nothing to do with this case. Indeed, I am mindful of the need to carefully consider the racialised context from which this case arises," he said.


bbc--2020-06-26--Justin Bieber files defamation lawsuit after assault claims

Justin Bieber is suing two women for defamation after they accused him of sexual assault .
Last week , two Twitter accounts tweeted claims about incidents alleged to have happened in 2014 and 2015 .
Bieber denied the claims and vowed to speak to Twitter to urge the social media giant to take legal action .
The singer , 26 , filed a $ 20 million ( £16.2m ) lawsuit in Los Angeles on Thursday which describes the allegations as `` fabricated lies '' .
An account from a woman known only as Danielle claimed she was assaulted by Bieber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 9 March 2014 .
She claims that after a surprise performance in front of a crowd at a bar , Bieber invited her and two friends to a Four Seasons hotel .
Danielle then claims she was taken to a private room in the hotel and assaulted .
Her tweets have been deleted however screenshots have been shared on social media .
Responding to the claims , Bieber shared screenshots from articles from the day the alleged assault took place , which show him with his then-girlfriend Selena Gomez .
He says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seasons Hotel .
Bieber shared a screenshot of a tweet which claimed he was spotted at restaurant inside a Four Seasons Hotel on 10 March , the day after the alleged assault .
`` Even though Bieber went to the restaurant , he did NOT stay at the Four Seasons Hotel , '' the lawsuit said .
Another woman who identified herself as Kadi alleged on Twitter that she was sexually assaulted by Bieber in a New York hotel in May 2015 .
The lawsuit says her accusation is false and that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her desire for fame and attention '' .
It claimed that the women were `` trying to capitalize on the climate of fear permeating the entertainment industry , Hollywood and corporate America , whereby it is open season for anyone to make any claim ( no matter how vile , unsupported , and provably false ) about anyone without consequence '' .

It claimed that the women were "trying to capitalize on the climate of fear permeating the entertainment industry, Hollywood and corporate America, whereby it is open season for anyone to make any claim (no matter how vile, unsupported, and provably false) about anyone without consequence".


bbc--2020-06-26--Asian-American woman: 'They will always see you as an outsider'

'This is such a change in history' Millions across the US are celebrating Juneteenth , which marks the official end @ @ @ @ @ .

Asians and Asian Americans have faced a rise in harassment and hate attacks as a result of the pandemic originating in China.
And now, as racial justice protests sweep across the US, more are speaking out against anti-Asian racism.
Tracy Win Liu says she bought a gun to help her feel safer.
Video by Xinyan Yu and Angélica Casas


bbc--2020-06-26--France's Macron set for Covid test in local vote

The crabs on Anne-Marie Darchen 's fish stall move lazily across the white counter .
The morning rush has died down in Le Havre 's daily fish market , and a good number of those left milling around in the sun near the port are canvassing votes for Sunday 's local election .
Ms Darchen does n't think much of the campaign so far .
`` Apart from talking about coronavirus , '' she says .
`` The rest ?
Pfff . ''
Local elections are n't meant to be about national issues , but that 's tough when your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Philippe 's face - the face of France 's battle with the pandemic - dominates the glossy leaflets being handed out to passers-by .
There 's been plenty of time for the pandemic to influence feelings here .
France held the first round of voting three months ago as coronavirus took hold - a decision President Emmanuel Macron was widely criticised for .
More than half of all voters avoided polling stations entirely .
Abstention is still expected to be high for the run-off contests on Sunday , many of them in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for France 's lockdown PM ?
The current centre-right mayor , Jean-Baptiste Gastinne , who 's a running-mate for Edouard Philippe , told me the prime minister 's handling of the coronavirus crisis had put the wind into the sails of the campaign .
`` We had a lot of cases in the east of France , then the virus travelled to Paris , and next it would have been Normandy , '' he said .
`` So for us , here in Le Havre , the lockdown arrived bang on time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ too many victims , and our hospitals were n't swamped like in other regions . ''
That 's all very well , say voters like Anne-Marie Darchen , but the problem with electing a prime minister as mayor is that `` he wo n't be here '' .
Mr Philippe has said that , if he wins on Sunday as he 's predicted to , he wo n't take up the job until his role as prime minister comes to an end .
That could mean waiting until 2022 .
Then again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be looking for work much sooner .
President Macron is rumoured to want a change of prime minister , to signal a fresh start for the government , post-Covid-19 .
Why Macron has a dangerous decision to make '' Edouard Philippe comes from the centre right , '' Mr Cautres explained .
`` And the opinion polls say that Macron is quite popular on the centre right , so it would be risky for him to say 'we have a good person , doing a good job , who 's very popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' . ''
The other danger for the president , he says , is that he looks like the man who 's firing his deputy for being more popular .
Mr Philippe 's approval ratings nationally have risen strongly during the crisis - unlike those of President Macron , which have dipped .
Bruno Cautres says the prime minister quickly found his role in the crisis as an `` action man '' , whereas Mr Macron was seen as making big speeches but taking no action .
`` Normally in the French system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president , '' he says .
`` Today , it 's maybe the opposite . ''
There are other problems for Mr Macron in this election , too .
Le Havre is only the most prominent example of his party , La République En Marche ( Republic on the Move ) , allying with centre-right candidates across the country .
Mr Macron promised when he ran for office that his party - and his government - would bridge old political divisions by being both left and right .
Not for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been left behind .
• THE VIEW FROM EUROPE : How is lockdown being lifted ?
In Toulouse , the heart of France 's airline industry , La République En Marche ( LREM ) is supporting the centre-right coalition , Aimer Toulouse ( Cherish Toulouse ) , against an alliance of left-wing and ecological parties called Archipel Citoyen ( Citizen archipelago ) .
Awkward , when the government is highlighting its green credentials and commitment to social justice .
`` Ecological issues do n't belong to one party more than the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP with Mr Macron 's party who 's running in Toulouse .
And flexibility in politics , of the kind he sees in LREM , is now more important than ever , he says : `` Whatever you thought about the world six months ago , before the virus , you think differently now . ''
How citizens ' movements are picking up support Yellow vest activist Odile Maurin , who is running on the Archipel Citoyen list , is a political newcomer put forward as a candidate in a citizens ' ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who do n't vote and are disgusted with politics '' .
`` I consider LREM a right-wing party , '' she said .
`` [ Their alliances ] just confirm what I 've thought for some time . ''
The government has imposed new , green reforms on airlines in France , in return for financial support during the coronavirus lockdown , and has run one of the world 's most generous furlough schemes .
But Ms Maurin dismisses the first as `` green-wash '' , the second as a consequence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid crisis .
Her list is currently running neck and neck with their centre-right/LREM opponent .
Why Paris may be out of reach This election was meant to be a chance for LREM to put down roots across France .
After years of protest at his economic reforms , there 's pressure on President Macron to prove he 's not just president of a rich , urban elite .
But the party created by Mr Macron four years ago has struggled to connect at a local level , even in the big cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glittering prize , seems to be responding to the party 's candidate , Agnès Buzyn , with classic froideur .
The former health minister is currently trailing in third place behind both the Socialists and the centre-right .
`` It 's difficult to push our new ideas , our new way of government , '' she admitted during a coffee morning in the 17th arrondissement ( district ) this week .
`` The French are a bit pessimistic .
They like to criticise , but in the end they 'll recognise that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' After years of unrest and protest against President Macron 's plans to reform France , a snub at the polls on Sunday would be another warning shot , two years from the next presidential race .
The mood in France post-lockdown is one of cautious relief .
The crowds reappearing on the streets here signal the return of trust , not resistance - at least for now .
But coronavirus has left France facing one of Europe 's worst recessions .
And the effects of this virus can be unpredictable , for @ @ @ @ @

"We had a lot of cases in the east of France, then the virus travelled to Paris, and next it would have been Normandy," he said. "So for us, here in Le Havre, the lockdown arrived bang on time. There weren't too many cases, too many victims, and our hospitals weren't swamped like in other regions."


bbc--2020-06-27--US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong security law

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Washington is imposing visa restrictions on Chinese Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for undermining freedoms in Hong Kong .
Mr Pompeo said the sanctions targeted `` current and former '' party officials .
He said the move followed President Donald Trump 's promise to punish Beijing over a proposed security law that could erode Hong Kong 's autonomy .
China said the US decision was a `` mistake '' that should be withdrawn .
It comes just days ahead of a meeting of China 's parliament .
The Standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will discuss the new law at its meeting , which starts on Sunday .
China has proposed security legislation that would make it a crime to undermine Beijing 's authority in Hong Kong , and could also see China installing its own security agencies in the territory for the first time .
The move has sparked a new wave of anti-mainland protests in Hong Kong .
• Hong Kong security law : What is it and is it worrying ?
Mr Pompeo 's statement on Friday , which did not name the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed a recent vote by the US Senate to impose sanctions on individuals who undermine Hong Kong 's autonomy and the banks that do business with them .
Responding to the move , the Chinese embassy in Washington said it `` firmly opposes the US side 's wrongful decisions '' .
In a statement posted on Twitter , the embassy added : `` We urge the US side to immediately correct its mistakes , withdraw the decision and stop interfering in China 's domestic affairs . ''
Last month , Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end preferential treatment for Hong Kong in trade and travel , in response to China 's plans .
The US president said Beijing was replacing `` its promised formula of One Country , Two Systems with One Country , One System '' .
`` This is a tragedy for Hong Kong ... China has smothered Hong Kong 's freedom , '' he added .
China 's parliament has already backed the resolution for the new legislation , which now passes to the country 's senior leadership .
Hong Kong was always meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never pass one because it was so unpopular .
China is now stepping in to ensure the city definitely has a legal framework to deal with what it sees as serious challenges to its authority .
The law would make criminal any act of : • subversion - undermining the power or authority of the central government • terrorism - using violence or intimidation against people • activities by foreign forces that interfere in Hong Kong Experts say they fear the law could see people punished for criticising Beijing - as happens in @ @ @


bbc--2020-06-26--Russian hacker group Evil Corp targets US workers at home

A Russian hacking group is launching ransomware attacks against a number of US companies , targeting employees who are working from home due to Covid-19 .
Evil Corp hackers have tried to access at least 31 organisations ' networks in order to cripple systems and demand millions of dollars in ransom .
The group 's two alleged leaders were indicted by the US Justice Department in December 2019 .
There are concerns that US voting systems could also be targeted .
Last year , US authorities filed charges against Evil Corp 's alleged leaders Maksim Yakubets and Igor Turashev , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars from groups including schools and religious organisations in over 40 countries .
Officials announced a $ 5m reward for information leading to their arrest , which they said was the largest amount ever offered for a cyber criminal .
Both men are still at large .
The threat comes as the majority of Americans have been working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic - 62 % according to a Gallup poll .
The US presidential election is also just months away , and federal and local officials have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect voter records as well as manage safe voting practices amid the pandemic .
What do we know about the attack ?
Symantec Corporation , a firm that monitors corporate and government networks released a notice warning of the threat it identified on Thursday night .
The attacks used what Symantec described as a relatively new type of ransomware called WastedLocker , which has been attributed to Evil Corp. Ransomware are computer viruses that threaten to delete files unless the ransom is paid .
The WastedLocker ransomware virus demands ransoms of $ 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seizes .
Symantec said the `` vast majority of targets are major corporations , including many household names '' , and eight targets were Fortune 500 companies .
All are US-owned but one , which is a US-based subsidiary .
Most targeted companies were in the manufacturing , information technology and media sectors .
Symantec said the hackers had breached the networks of these companies and were `` laying the groundwork '' for future ransomware attacks that would let them block access to data and demand millions of dollars .
Symantec technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times the hackers take advantage of employees now using virtual private networks ( VPNs ) to access work systems .
They use VPNs to identify which company a user works for , and then infect the user 's computer when they visit a public or commercial site .
When the user next connects to their employer 's system , the hackers can attack .
There have been a number of recent cyber-attacks on local governments across the US .
Cities and towns in Louisiana , Oregon , Maryland , Georgia , Texas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The Department of Homeland Security is looking into safeguarding voter registration databases ahead of November 3 's general election .
In February , the agency 's head of cyber-security said this was a key election security concern .
These attacks by foreign cyber-criminals are far from a new threat .
During the impeachment inquiry last year , former White House security adviser and Russia expert Fiona Hill testified that `` Russia 's security services and their proxies have geared up to repeat their interference in the 2020 election '' .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian intelligence officers with hacking Democratic officials in the 2016 US elections , using spear phishing emails and malicious software .
The hackers also stole data on half a million voters from a state election board site .
Moscow has said there is no evidence linking the 12 to military intelligence or hacking .

The attacks used what Symantec described as a relatively new type of ransomware called WastedLocker, which has been attributed to Evil Corp. Ransomware are computer viruses that threaten to delete files unless the ransom is paid. The WastedLocker ransomware virus demands ransoms of $500,000 to $1m to unlock computer files it seizes.


bbc--2020-06-26--Kosovo president rejects war crimes indictment as 'attempt to rewrite history'

Kosovo 's President Hashim Thaci has rejected a war crimes indictment he is facing , calling it an attempt to rewrite his country 's history .
In his first comments since the move by prosecutors at a court in The Hague , Mr Thaci said he would address the issue in more detail in a speech on Sunday .
The charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity relate to the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia in the 1990s .
A special international prosecutor in The Hague says Mr Thaci and others `` are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The charges stem from Mr Thaci 's time as one of the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army ( KLA ) which rebelled against Belgrade when Kosovo was a province of Serbia .
• One man 's hunt for his brothers ' killers In a statement on Facebook on Friday , Mr Thaci said he had landed in the Albanian capital , Tirana , and would soon be heading back to Kosovo where he would address the country on Sunday .
`` Nobody can rewrite the history of Kosovo ! ''
he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the coming days will be the best for Kosovo and Albania . ''
Meanwhile , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described the indictment at the EU-backed court as `` good news '' .
However , he urged `` restraint '' amid concerns that the move could raise tensions with Kosovo 's ethnic Serb minority .
In its announcement , the Special Prosecutor 's Office ( SPO ) said that , on 24 April , it had filed a 10-count indictment with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers ( KSC ) `` for the court 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details about the alleged war crimes .
`` The indictment is only an accusation .
It is the result of a lengthy investigation and reflects the SPO 's determination that it can prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt , '' it said .
The statement also said Mr Thaci and another of the accused , Kosovo politician Kadri Veseli , had sought to `` obstruct and undermine '' the SPO 's work `` in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice '' .
A pre-trial judge has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will issue charges .
Allegations of organ-trafficking against the KLA were first set out by a former Hague war crimes prosecutor , Carla del Ponte , in 2008 .
The court was set up to investigate the claims .
• Kosovo organ trafficking : Where is the proof ?
Kosovo 's independence war in 1998-1999 cost more than 10,000 lives and only ended after a Nato air campaign .
Kosovo declared its independence in 2008 , something Serbia still does not recognise .

"The indictment is only an accusation. It is the result of a lengthy investigation and reflects the SPO's determination that it can prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt," it said.


bbc--2020-06-26--Kirill Serebrennikov: Russian film and stage director convicted of fraud

Prominent Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov has received a three-year suspended sentence after being found guilty of embezzlement .
He and two others were convicted of misappropriating £1.5m ( $ 1.86m ) of state funds for a theatre project .
Serebrennikov has called the charges laughable .
His supporters say the case aims to stifle artistic expression .
But the Russian government said the verdict would serve as a warning against corruption in the arts .
The film and stage director , a well-known critic of arts censorship in Russia , was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers as he arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He and many others wore face masks to protect against the coronavirus .
Inside the Moscow courthouse , the judge said the director and co-defendants Yury Itin and Konstantin Malobrodsky had `` carried out actions directed at personal enrichment '' and misled staff at the culture ministry .
Serebrennikov was placed on probation for three years , fined , and banned from overseeing a cultural organisation .
`` Kirill is devastated by the conviction but very happy to be going home , '' said his lawyer Dmitry Kharitonov .
Itin and Malobrodsky were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay fines .
What was the director accused of ?
The case relates to a modern-art project named Platforma , which ran between 2011 and 2014 .
Prosecutors said Serebrennikov had formed a criminal group with his co-defendants to sign contracts for non-existent services and pocketed the money .
He has long insisted the money was properly spent for the intended purpose .
The case nearly collapsed at one point , when a judge sent it back to prosecutors because of `` inconsistencies '' .
The trial resumed with a new judge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had asked for a six-year prison sentence , but Serebrennikov received a three-year suspended term .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the case justified `` a thorough analysis of how state funds are spent in cultural institutions so that there is less scope for corruption in this area '' .
The 50-year-old heads one of Moscow 's most prominent theatre venues , the Gogol Centre .
A stringent critic of arts censorship in Russia , he has warned that `` everything is returning to the most pathetic Soviet practices '' .
Serebrennikov 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who defected during the Cold War , was cancelled in 2017 .
Described as one of the most anticipated ballets of the season , it was pulled while Serebrennikov was placed under house arrest for the alleged embezzlement .
His detention was seen by many as politically motivated and led to an outcry in the arts world - in Russia and beyond .
A petition gathered more than 50,000 signatures urging Russian officials `` to drop the flimsy accusation '' .
Foreign signatories included actresses Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The film and stage director, a well-known critic of arts censorship in Russia, was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers as he arrived for his court hearing on Friday. He and many others wore face masks to protect against the coronavirus.


bbc--2020-06-26--Man shot dead by police after stabbing in Glasgow hotel

A man has been shot dead by police after a stabbing attack at a hotel in Glasgow city centre .
Six people are being treated in hospital for their injuries , including a 42-year-old police officer who was said to be `` critical but stable '' .
Sources had suggested two other people died at the hotel , which is currently housing asylum seekers .
In fact it appears only the suspect was killed .
Police said the incident was not being treated as terrorism .
The other injured men in hospital are aged 17 , 18 , 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the situation was `` contained '' and there was no danger to the general public .
He added that they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident , which was first reported at 12:50 .
He added that officers were on the scene within two minutes of the incident .
• Glasgow stabbings : What we know so far One witness , who gave his name as John , said he came down from the third floor of the hotel to see the reception covered in blood .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had been stabbed .
`` I went down to the entrance and shouted at him and told him to stay calm and I will call for help , '' he said .
He then saw another man , who was `` fighting for his life '' .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said reports of the incident were `` truly dreadful '' and she was being `` updated as the situation becomes clearer '' .
She added : `` My thoughts are with everyone involved .
The injury of a police officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bravery of our police service .
They run towards dangers as the rest of us would run away . ''
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was `` deeply saddened by the terrible incident in Glasgow '' .
He said : `` Officers were on the scene within two minutes , and armed officers shortly afterwards , and the incident was quickly contained . ''
The assistant chief constable added : `` The individual who was shot by armed police has died .
`` Six other people are in hospital for treatment to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is in a critical but stable condition .
`` Our thoughts are with the families of those who were injured , including our officer .
`` The incident is not being treated as a terrorism and our investigation is continuing into the circumstances . ''
Another witness , Craig Milroy , saw the aftermath of the incident from an office building nearby and said he had seen four people taken away in ambulances .
He said : `` I saw a man lying on the ground , of African descent , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground with someone holding his side - I do n't know if it was a bullet wound , a stab wound , or what it was . ''
Mr Milroy said the man was one of the four taken away by medics and believed him to be a victim of an attack .
He added : `` After that we saw commotion , ambulances further up and we saw armed police all running into the hotel next to the Society Room .
`` We were still standing outside , after that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police and triage team told us to go back in and lock the door . ''
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bbc--2020-06-26--Coronavirus: UK to open up European holidays from 6 July

UK holidaymakers are expected to be allowed to travel to Spain , France and Greece this summer after ministers confirmed people returning from certain countries will not have to quarantine .
The rules will be relaxed on 6 July after a review of health measures .
The full list of travel corridors with the UK will be published next week .
Italy , the Netherlands , Finland , Belgium , Turkey , Germany and Norway are also expected to feature but it is thought Portugal and Sweden will not .
A government spokesman said the new rules would give people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad '' while also boosting the UK economy - but stressed the relaxation depended on risks staying low .
A traffic light system will be introduced - with countries classified as green , amber and red depending on the prevalence of coronavirus .
The government said it `` would n't hesitate to put on the brakes '' if the situation changes .
Portugal has seen a rise in the number of new cases in and around Lisbon recently , while Sweden is also unlikely to be on the list because the infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are both likely to be classified as red .
But the government spokesman conceded there would be nothing to stop someone avoiding quarantine by flying into a Spanish airport , driving over the border into Portugal for their holiday and returning by the same route .
The travel sector has gone to war with the government over its blanket quarantine policy .
So a more nuanced , risk-based approach will quieten the critics to some extent .
But the storm of controversy swirling around this policy wo n't completely go away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on next week 's list of exemptions , feels hard done-by .
The country is desperate that UK tourists return .
And although in public health terms the US is not currently close to being on the list , it does potentially present a tricky diplomatic dynamic , given the normally cosy relationship between Washington and London .
And the transatlantic flight market is lucrative too .
This announcement is a step in the right direction for UK aviation , but they want testing at airports to also provide another way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in public , the government has said very little about that .
UK travellers will still have to hand over the address they plan to stay at on their return from abroad , no matter which country they are coming back from .
And they will also be legally required to wear face coverings on planes and ferries .
Travel industry group ABTA described the relaxation of quarantine rules as `` encouraging '' .
`` Confirmation of the list of countries is eagerly anticipated by the travel industry , and should encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
`` The blanket Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel is still a major impediment to travel , however , and we look forward to the government adopting a similar risk-based approach to that advice . ''
The UK introduced rules requiring all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days on 8 June .
It was widely criticised by the travel industry and MPs of all parties .
What are the current quarantine rules ?
• People arriving in the UK should drive their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and once there they must not use public transport or taxis • Arrivals must not go to work , school , or public areas , or have visitors - except for essential support .
They are also not allowed to go out to buy food , or other essentials , where they can rely on others • Those arriving in England , Wales and Northern Ireland could face a fine of £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate for the full 14 days , while they face a £480 fine in Scotland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland is £5,000 .
For more on the rules click here .
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the laws were designed `` to prevent a second wave '' of coronavirus .
Foreign Office advice against all but essential international travel has been in place since 17 March .
`` Our public health measures at the border were put in place to manage the risk of imported cases and help prevent a second wave of the virus , and will continue to support our fight against coronavirus , '' said a government spokesman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world - giving people the opportunity for a summer holiday abroad and boosting the UK economy through tourism and business .
`` But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge , and this system will enable us to take swift action to re-introduce self-isolation measures if new outbreaks occur overseas . ''
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing so • R0 , FURLOUGH : The language of the outbreak • RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?

Portugal has seen a rise in the number of new cases in and around Lisbon recently, while Sweden is also unlikely to be on the list because the infection rate there is higher than in the UK. They are both likely to be classified as red.


bbc--2020-06-26--Philonise Floyd: 'It's just a lot of pain right now'

Philonise Floyd : 'It 's just a lot of pain right now' The brother of George Floyd and the family @ @ @ @ @ BBC about the impact his death has had on the world .

The brother of George Floyd and the family's lawyer Ben Crump spoke to the BBC about the impact his death has had on the world.
In conversation with Katty Kay, Philonise said his brother was "mild mannered" and would be "humbled" to see such change in the world.
George Floyd was killed in police custody on 25 May, sparking protests around the world.


bbc--2020-06-26--From coronavirus doctor to Mr Gay World

From coronavirus doctor to Mr Gay World

Spanish doctor Fran Alvarado has had at least one thing to celebrate in the coronavirus pandemic - becoming the new @ @ @ @ @ 30-year-old , who lives in Madrid , was last year 's runner-up .
But when @ @ @ @ @ postponed to 2021 because of lockdown , he took over the title - weeks after @ @ @ @ @ speaks about the importance of LGBT+ activism - and why he 's sharing images of @ @ @ @ @ on weight .

Spanish doctor Fran Alvarado has had at least one thing to celebrate in the coronavirus pandemic - becoming the new Mr Gay World.
The 30-year-old, who lives in Madrid, was last year's runner-up.
But when this year's contest was postponed to 2021 because of lockdown, he took over the title - weeks after recovering from Covid-19.
Fran speaks about the importance of LGBT+ activism - and why he's sharing images of himself going bald and putting on weight.
Video by Jimmy Tam


bbc--2020-06-26--Man 'aged over 100' recovers from Covid-19

The recovery from coronavirus of an Ethiopian man who is believed to be at least 100 years old was `` incredible '' , one of the doctors who treated him told the BBC .
Aba Tilahun Woldemichael 's family says he is 114 , which would make him the world 's oldest man , but there is no birth certificate to confirm his age .
People over the age of 80 are considered to be among the most vulnerable if they catch the virus .
The centenarian , who is an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian monk , is now being looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When I was in the hospital I was praying to God asking for my health .
I was crying and praying for the whole country to be healthy again , '' he told the BBC .
• Africa Live : The latest from the continent Aba Tilahun tested positive for the virus when a random screening process took place in his neighbourhood in the capital , Addis Ababa , and was admitted to hospital before the symptoms showed , Dr Hiluf Abate told the BBC 's Newsday programme .
This allowed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment and closely monitor the old man , he added .
Within four days of his admission to the severe coronavirus ward in Yeka Kotebe hospital , Aba Tilahun 's condition deteriorated as the virus took hold and he was put on oxygen , Dr Hiluf said .
In all he spent 14 days at the hospital , and was treated with oxygen for more than a week .
He also was given anti-biotics and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone , which has been hailed as a ground-breaking treatment for hospital patients seriously ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict coronavirus restrictions , has recorded more than 5,000 confirmed cases and 81 deaths .
Although the hospital can not confirm that its patient is 114 years old , the medical team says that he is definitely older than 100 and estimates that he is 109 .
In his youth , he moved to Addis Ababa from southern Ethiopia when he was young and has lived through tumultuous times in his country .
He witnessed the Italian occupation between 1935 and 1941 , the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1991 and now he has survived Covid-19 .
You may also be interested in : For years he has lived a simple life as a monk ; `` Aba '' is a title meaning `` Father '' .
But when he was younger he worked as an electrician , house painter and general handyman , his 24-year-old grandson Binyam Lulseged Tilahun told the BBC .
His grandfather was doing well and looked healthy despite his age , however the after-effects of the virus had weakened his voice , Mr Binyam added .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ethiopia introduced a state of emergency in April that closed schools and playgrounds , banned large gatherings and sporting events , and reduced passenger numbers on public transport .
But businesses have remained open .
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

"When I was in the hospital I was praying to God asking for my health. I was crying and praying for the whole country to be healthy again," he told the BBC.


bbc--2020-06-26--Coronavirus: The health claims that won't go away

Why do I need to be tested ?
BBC Reality Check breaks down what coronavirus testing is and why it @ @

Up Next. How many are really dying from coronavirus? Video, 00:02:26How many are really dying from coronavirus?


bbc--2020-06-26--Poles in UK fear Brexit and Covid may end 'British Dream' hopes

When Kinga Piotrowska-Burnat came to the UK from Poland eight years ago she dreamed of a better life .
But @ @ @ @ @ , she 's now thinking of returning .
Kinga has applied to stay in the @ @ @ @ @ Scheme .
Even so , she is still thinking of leaving and , according to @ @ @ @ @ which was set up to help central and eastern European immigrants , she 's one @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has led to millions of British workers being furloughed or losing their jobs and @ @ @ @ @ .
Tomasz Jarecki , from LikeU , said his community had been hit particularly badly @

When Kinga Piotrowska-Burnat came to the UK from Poland eight years ago she dreamed of a better life. But struggling to make ends meet, she's now thinking of returning.
Kinga has applied to stay in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. Even so, she is still thinking of leaving and, according to the LikeU charity in Worcester which was set up to help central and eastern European immigrants, she's one of many.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to millions of British workers being furloughed or losing their jobs and record numbers claiming universal credit.
Tomasz Jarecki, from LikeU, said his community had been hit particularly badly.
Video journalist: Catherine Mackie


Week in pictures: 20-26 June 2020

Servicemen take part in a Victory Day military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two @ @ @ @ @ .
The event was postponed from its original date of 9 May because of the @ @ @

Image caption,
Servicemen take part in a Victory Day military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia. The event was postponed from its original date of 9 May because of the coronavirus pandemic.


bbc--2020-06-26--How Facebook scammers target people at risk of suicide

A BBC investigation has uncovered dozens of Facebook pages claiming to sell a deadly poison to people who are contemplating suicide .
It 's the work of scammers - but how do they operate ?
It 's late .
I open WhatsApp and see a message from the dealer , claiming he can sell me deadly pills .
`` Minimum order is 100g and it will cost you £150 , '' he says .
`` We package discreetly and ship from Douala , Cameroon . ''
He wants to know where I am and how much I plan to order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made on his page are to be believed : are his pills really lethal ?
`` It 's true , but I hope you really know what you want , '' he says , `` I just sell . ''
He tells me in great detail how I should use his pills and what they will supposedly do to me .
He does n't ask if I 've sought help , try to dissuade me or make me think about the consequences my actions might have on my family and friends .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What he does n't know is that I have no intention of taking my own life - or even of buying the deadly chemical he claims to be selling .
I already know he is a scammer .
For weeks , I have been following his every move , mapping his online presence and investigating his shadowy business dealings .
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help .
If you 're in the UK , there are other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing this for long' It all started with a video I came across on Facebook , showing someone 's hand opening a can containing a plastic bag filled with chunky white pills .
The seller was unequivocal on his Facebook page , describing his poison as `` 99 % pure '' .
The chemical he claimed to be selling - which we have chosen not to name - does have industrial uses , some of which the seller listed on his page .
But among his promises of `` competitive prices '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found posts describing how his pills could be used by someone planning to take their own life .
Posing as a potential client , I started texting him .
I wanted to see how far his lies would go .
He promised me speedy delivery if I paid him using cryptocurrency - which would help him remain anonymous .
I said I was worried about the legality of the deal : in the UK , it is illegal to sell this particular chemical to anyone who does not hold a Home Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no obstacle .
`` We 've been doing this for long , '' he wrote .
`` Rest assured , you will have your product . ''
• The strange persistence of the 'red mercury ' myth At first , I thought the Facebook page was the work of a single fraudulent seller , but it soon became clear he was not alone .
I found more than 60 pages claiming to sell this particular poison , most of them openly promoting the pills as a tool for suicide .
`` Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are tired of this life and you need [ them ] to end it ? ''
asked one .
What exactly had I found ?
`` It fits into a wider picture that we 're seeing not only with people trying to get access to chemicals and poisons for potential suicidal attempts , but also the wider recreational drug scene , '' says James Coulson , a reader in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Cardiff University .
`` We 're seeing a proliferation in the advertising and potential sale of illicit drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chemicals would certainly explain the number of pages I was coming across .
But , as I looked closer , I saw them for what they were : a scam .
I noticed that some of the posts I was seeing ( often riddled with spelling mistakes ) were repeated verbatim across several pages .
So were the photos - the same shots of powders , bottles , pills , and big blue barrels kept popping up again and again .
Then , bizarrely , I came across a handful of glowing reviews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pills ] are promoted for suicide , '' says Lisa Sugiura , senior lecturer at the Institute for Criminal Justice Studies of the University of Portsmouth .
`` If people are coming back to review it , they 're obviously not doing that with the product .
When I shared the evidence with the experts , their assessment was unanimous : the people running these Facebook pages are almost certainly scammers .
• ' I was falsely accused of burning the union jack' By creating a page devoted to this poison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stall that can easily be found on Facebook .
People feeling suicidal might search for the chemical and find these pages .
But if they pay the sellers , the pills are never actually delivered .
The dealer is exploiting vulnerable people for profit .
`` It 's very unlikely [ the victims ] are going to report it to law enforcement , '' says Jake Moore , a former police officer and cyber-security specialist at internet security company Eset .
The buyers might be asked questions they are simply not prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you trying to buy a deadly , highly regulated poison online ?
`` [ The victims ] feel that they 're trapped , '' says Mr Moore .
`` They do n't really know where to turn . ''
What should you do if you become a victim of online fraud ?
• Keep all evidence of the offence , including any correspondence .
It was time for me to confront the dealer I had been texting .
After I revealed I was a BBC reporter , he went silent for a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my texts , claiming - wrongly - that his business did n't break any laws .
He also refused to reveal his identity or the name and physical address of his business ( if there ever was one ) .
I went to Facebook with the evidence I gathered .
At first , they removed some of the pages and geo-blocked others - meaning that , at least in countries where it is possible to buy this poison without a licence , the pages remained accessible .
But after I asked Facebook for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind and removed all the pages .
Download the Trending podcast from the BBC World Service In a statement Facebook said : `` We do not allow content on our platform that encourages suicide and we prohibit the sale of drugs of this nature .
`` We removed the pages identified by the BBC immediately and carried out a further detailed investigation , removing a number of other violating pages involved in similar activity . ''
In the UK , the trade of this particular chemical is regulated by the Home Office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not allow criminals to prey on vulnerable people online and tech firms should be responsible for protecting their users .
`` We will legislate as soon as possible for a new duty of care on online companies to protect their users from illegal and harmful content . ''
Not over yet But Facebook 's decision to remove all the pages identified by the BBC has n't deterred the scammers .
New pages claiming to sell the poison have appeared online in recent days .
`` [ Scammers ] do n't care if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moore says , `` They can just start up another one . ''
He suggests a technical fix - one that many tech companies use to clamp down on a number of other potentially harmful behaviours .
If Facebook `` could take out [ the name of the poison ] from being used within pages , then you may have a way of eradicating this problem , '' Mr Moore says .
If you or someone you know needs support for issues about emotional distress , these organisations may be able to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , there are other organisations available to you .
Is there a story we should be investigating ?
Email us Follow us on Twitter @ BBCtrending or on Facebook .

He tells me in great detail how I should use his pills and what they will supposedly do to me. He doesn't ask if I've sought help, try to dissuade me or make me think about the consequences my actions might have on my family and friends.