Babak Belurs

Minggu, 14 Maret 2021

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appears in Iranian court to face new charge of 'propaganda against Iran' - Sky News

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has appeared in an Iranian court on a new charge of "propaganda against Iran", her lawyer has said.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe "was fine and calm at the court session" on Sunday and "the trial was held in a calm atmosphere", Hojjat Kermani said.

"The final defence was taken. Legally, the court should announce the verdict in a week but it is up to the judge. I am very hopeful that she will be acquitted," he added.

That account was confirmed by her local MP Tulip Siddiq, who tweeted: "No verdict was given but it should be delivered within a week."

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was released from house arrest and had her ankle tag removed last weekend after a five-year prison term expired.

But she has been unable to return to the UK to be reunited with her husband and young daughter and was told to return to court to face other charges.

The British-Iranian was arrested at a Tehran airport while taking her infant daughter to see her parents in April 2016.

The 42-year-old was later jailed over disputed allegations she was plotting to overthrow Iran's government.

Her family and her employer, the Thomson Reuters Foundation, a charity, deny the charge.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was allowed to move to her parents' home a year ago due to the coronavirus threat in the notorious Evin prison.

She was under house arrest and had been wearing a tracker tag that limited her to 300m (984ft) from their Tehran flat.

She can now move around, as long as she does not leave Iran.

Asked after her latest court appearance whether she could leave the country, her lawyer said: "I don't know about her travel ban situation."

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was "unacceptable and unjustifiable" that Iran has chosen to continue with this second, "wholly arbitrary", case against Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

"The Iranian government has deliberately put her through a cruel and inhumane ordeal," he said.

"Nazanin must be allowed to return to her family in the UK without further delay. We continue to do all we can to support her."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson demanded she be released immediately in a call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday.

Iranian media reported that during the call, Rouhani raised the issue of a £400m historical debt which Tehran says Britain owes the Islamic Republic in capital and interest for a 1970s arms deal with the then-Shah of Iran.

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2021-03-14 11:29:52Z
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Sarah Everard: All-female discussion on violence by men against women on special edition of Sophy Ridge On Sunday - Sky News

Home Office minister: 'The government is working on crimes against women'

Has Priti Patel not get any ideas on how to stop crime against women given she's commissioning reports and not laws?

Ms Atkins says we have seen action from the government, and refers to the Domestic Abuse Bill making its way through parliament at the moment.

"The next step is looking at violence on the street," she adds.

The minister is told that rape charges are at 1.4%, and that a man was given a five-year sentence for "throttling" his wife. Another case is mentioned where a man avoided prison for violence against a woman because he argued he would lose his job.

"This justice system isn't serving us", Jayne says.

Ms Atkins says there is an "end to end" review of the criminal justice system is taking place, and says that the cases mentioned to her are a matter for the judiciary.

She adds that changes are being made to the sentencing of serious and violent offenders, saying that at the moment they can be released after half their term - but that is being increased to two-thirds.

Should police be looking at their own, Ms Atkins is asked, given that police offers accused of domestic violence are less likely to be convicted?

Ms Atkins does not answer the question directly, but says there is training for police to recognise and support victims of domestic abuse, but suggests the police, as a result of the training, are looking at their own behaviour.

"We're investing money in perpetrator programmes to stop the cycle of abuse," she adds.

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2021-03-14 08:26:06Z
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Sabtu, 13 Maret 2021

Sarah Everard vigil: Met Police chief urged to resign after 'disgraceful' clashes between officers and crowds - Sky News

The Metropolitan Police is facing fierce criticism for its handling of a vigil in memory of Sarah Everard - with Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick urged to resign.

Scuffles broke out at the gathering on Clapham Common as officers told attendees to go home - and at one stage, policemen were seen grabbing hold of several women and leading them away in handcuffs.

In the early hours of the morning, Scotland Yard confirmed that four people were arrested for public order offences and breaching coronavirus restrictions at the south London vigil.

Home Secretary Priti Patel described footage circulating of the police's actions as "upsetting" - and confirmed she has demanded a full report on what happened.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan added that he was in contact with Dame Cressida and "urgently seeking an explanation".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the scenes were "deeply disturbing", adding: "This was not the way to police this protest."

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey went further - writing a strongly worded letter to Dame Cressida. In it, he said: "This was a complete abject tactical and moral failure on the part of the police.

"We therefore call on you to consider your leadership of the service and whether you can continue to have the confidence of the millions of women in London that you have a duty to safeguard and protect."

Reclaim These Streets, which had opted to cancel its event, said women across the country "are deeply saddened and angered by the scenes of police officers physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence".

Organisers also claimed that the Met had failed to work with them to ensure that a vigil could go ahead safely, adding: "In doing so they created a risky and unsafe situation. It is their responsibility to protect public order, public health and the right to protest - they have failed on all accounts."

Saturday night's statement concluded: "This week of all weeks, the police should have understood that women would need a place to mourn reflect and show solidarity. Now is the time for the police and the government to recognise that the criminal justice system is failing women.

"Tonight, it has failed women again, in the most destructive way."

The gathering on Clapham Common had been largely peaceful, but the atmosphere turned to one of anger when the police surrounded a bandstand covered in flowers.

As several women were escorted away by police, the crowd chanted "shame on you" - and during one confrontation, a distressed woman told officers: "You're supposed to protect us."

Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball defended the police's actions in a statement.

She said: "Around 6pm, more people began to gather close to the bandstand within the common. Some started to make speeches from the bandstand. These speeches then attracted more people to gather closer together.

"At this point, officers on the ground were faced with a very difficult decision. Hundreds of people were packed tightly together, posing a very real risk of easily transmitting COVID-19."

She added: "Those who gathered were spoken to by officers on a number of occasions and over an extended period of time. We repeatedly encouraged those who were there to comply with the law and leave. Regrettably, a small minority of people began chanting at officers, pushing and throwing items."

The assistant commissioner said Scotland Yard accepts that the actions of their officers have been questioned, but added "We absolutely did not want to be in a position where enforcement action was necessary. But we were placed in this position because of the overriding need to protect people's safety.

"Let me end by saying that across the Met we review every single event that we police to see if there are lessons that can be learnt. This one will be no different."

Ms Everard, a marketing executive, went missing while walking home across Clapham Common earlier this month and was later found dead in a woodland in Kent.

Wayne Couzens, a Metropolitan Police officer, appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with her kidnap and murder.

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2021-03-14 02:31:25Z
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Sarah Everard: Met criticised over Clapham vigil policing - BBC News

The Metropolitan Police's handling of a vigil in south London to mourn Sarah Everard has been widely criticised from across the political spectrum.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick to resign over the "utterly disgraceful" scenes and Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked for a report.

Police were seen handcuffing and leading women away from the vigil.

The group Reclaim These Streets said they are "deeply saddened and angered".

Officers removed women who had gathered on Clapham Common to pay tribute to the murdered 33-year-old, despite Covid restrictions.

Reclaim These Streets criticised officers for "physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence".

"It is their responsibility to protect public order, public health and the right to protest - they failed tonight on all accounts," the group added in a statement.

One video posted online showed officers removing women who were stood in the bandstand.

Cries of "shame on you" and "let them go" could be heard from onlookers. The video showed them being put in a police van and driven away.

A woman at the gathering in Clapham Common hold a sign that reads: "Killed by the system we're told protects"

Sir Ed Davey said in a tweet that Dame Cressida had "lost the confidence of the millions of women in London".

Ms Patel called footage on social media "upsetting" and said she had asked the Metropolitan Police for a "full report on what happened".

Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, said the scenes were "unacceptable" and that he was "urgently seeking an explanation" from the commissioner.

"The police have a responsibility to enforce Covid laws but from images I've seen it's clear the response was at times neither appropriate nor proportionate," he tweeted.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the scenes were "deeply disturbing".

"Women came together to mourn Sarah Everard - they should have been able to do so peacefully.

"I share their anger and upset at how this has been handled. This was not the way to police this protest," Sir Keir tweeted.

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee, said she was "truly shocked" at the scenes in Clapham Common.

"In this country we police by consent - not by trampling the tributes to a woman who was murdered and dragging other women to the ground. Badly misjudged by #metpolice," Ms Nokes tweeted.

Earlier on Saturday evening Lambeth police tweeted that "hundreds of people are tightly packed together in breach of the regulations and risking public health".

"We are urging people to go home and we thank those who have been engaging with officers and who are leaving," the tweet added.

A tweet posted by Sisters Uncut alleged "male police officers waited for the sun to set before they started grabbing and manhandling women in the crowd".

Police stand in front of a crowd of people who turn on their phone torches as they gather in Clapham Common, south London

Reclaim These Streets, the group that originally organised a vigil on Clapham Common but later cancelled it, said it had done so because police did not "constructively engage" with plans to hold it in a Covid-secure way.

The group asked people not to gather there because it could put people "legally at risk".

Instead, it urged mourners to light candles and shine other lights on their doorsteps at 21:30 GMT - to coincide with the time Ms Everard was last seen on 3 March.

A woman holds up a placard as people gather in Clapham Common

Hundreds turn on their phone torches at the bandstand in Clapham Common

The prime minister and his fiancée, Carrie Symonds, lit a candle that was placed on the doorstep of No 10.

Earlier, Mr Johnson tweeted that he would "be thinking of her family and friends", adding: "I will do everything I can to make sure the streets are safe."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a picture of a candle in her home, which she said was "for Sarah", while Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford encouraged people to "ignite a fire for change".

The clashes occurred on Saturday evening, but people had visited the bandstand to lay flowers and pay their respects throughout the day.

The Duchess of Cambridge made a private visit on Saturday afternoon, and was was seen pausing at the bandstand.

It is understood that she wanted to pay her respects to Ms Everard and her family.

A candle is placed on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, London

Earlier, Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with Ms Everard's kidnap and murder.

Her death has prompted women to share their own experiences, and a public debate over their safety.

What are the rules on gatherings in England?

Under the current lockdown rules two people can meet for recreation outside, which can include "coffee on a bench"
From 29 March people will be allowed to meet outdoors, either with one other household or within the "rule of six"
Police can break up illegal gatherings and issue fines of £10,000 to someone holding a gathering of more than 30 people
During last year's restrictions, when Black Lives Matter and anti-lockdown demonstrations took place, police took a hands-off approach to protests

Have you been affected by any of the issues raised? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

THE GEMMA COLLINS PODCAST: The GC is back with a brand new series. This week, it's all about celebrity relationship advice
16 TRACKS TO ESCAPE WITH: SG Lewis handpicks rejuvenating songs to help you zone out from lockdown life

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2021-03-14 00:30:58Z
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Sarah Everard: Met criticised over Clapham vigil policing - BBC News

The leader of the Liberal Democrats has said Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick should resign over the handling of a vigil to mourn Sarah Everard.

Officers removed women who had gathered on Clapham Common, south London, to pay tribute to the murdered 33-year-old, despite Covid restrictions.

Police were seen handcuffing and leading women away from the vigil.

Lib Dem Sir Ed Davey called the scenes "utterly disgraceful". Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked for a report.

One video posted online showed officers removing women who were stood in the bandstand.

Cries of "shame on you" and "let them go" could be heard from onlookers. The video showed them being put in a police van and driven away.

Mr Davey said in a tweet that Ms Dick had "lost the confidence of the millions of women in London".

Ms Patel called footage on social media "upsetting" and said she had asked the Met for a "full report on what happened".

And Sadiq Khan, the Labour Mayor of London, said the scenes were "unacceptable" and that he was "urgently seeking an explanation" from Ms Dick.

"The police have a responsibility to enforce Covid laws but from images I've seen it's clear the response was at times neither appropriate nor proportionate," he tweeted.

Lambeth police tweeted that "hundreds of people are tightly packed together in breach of the regulations and risking public health".

"We are urging people to go home and we thank those who have been engaging with officers and who are leaving," the tweet added.

A tweet posted by Sisters Uncut alleged "male police officers waited for the sun to set before they started grabbing and manhandling women in the crowd".

Reclaim These Streets, the group that originally organised a vigil on Clapham Common but later cancelled it, had asked people not to gather there because it could put people "legally at risk".

Instead, it urged mourners to light candles and shine other lights on their doorsteps at 21:30 GMT - to coincide with the time Ms Everard was last seen on 3 March.

The prime minister and his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, lit a candle that was placed on the doorstep of No 10.

Earlier, Mr Johnson tweeted that he would "be thinking of her family and friends", adding: "I will do everything I can to make sure the streets are safe."

Earlier, Met Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with Ms Everard's kidnap and murder.

Her death has prompted women to share their own experiences, and a public debate over their safety.

Reclaim These Streets said that it cancelled the evening vigil at Clapham Common because police did not "constructively engage" with plans to hold it in a Covid-secure way.

MP Charlotte Nichols, Labour's shadow minister for women and equalities, tweeted: "If metpoliceuk had put the resources into assisting ReclaimTS to hold the Covid-secure vigil originally planned that they put into stopping any collective show of grief and solidarity (both through the courts and a heavy-handed physical response), we'd all be in a better place."

The clashes occurred on Saturday evening, but people had visited the bandstand to lay flowers and pay their respects throughout the day.

The Duchess of Cambridge made a private visit on Saturday afternoon, and was was seen pausing at the bandstand.

It is understood that she wanted to pay her respects to Ms Everard and her family.

What are the rules on gatherings in England?

Under the current lockdown rules two people can meet for recreation outside, which can include "coffee on a bench"
From 29 March people will be allowed to meet outdoors, either with one other household or within the "rule of six"
Police can break up illegal gatherings and issue fines of £10,000 to someone holding a gathering of more than 30 people
During last year's restrictions, when Black Lives Matter and anti-lockdown demonstrations took place, police took a hands-off approach to protests

Have you been affected by any of the issues raised? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
Upload pictures or video
Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

THE GEMMA COLLINS PODCAST: The GC is back with a brand new series. This week, it's all about celebrity relationship advice
16 TRACKS TO ESCAPE WITH: SG Lewis handpicks rejuvenating songs to help you zone out from lockdown life

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Sarah Everard: Arrests as police clash with crowds at cancelled vigil - Sky News

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2021-03-13 22:26:39Z
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Sarah Everard vigil: Extinction Rebellion sparks calls to 'defund the police' - Express

Extinction Rebellion UK tweeted: "We are shocked and horrified by scenes at Clapham Common. Shame on you. Solidarity with all women, Reclaim These Streets, Defund The Police."

A follower of Extinction Rebellion UK replied to the tweet saying, "how many times do we have to demand the police are defunded before it actually happens, reform now."

However, one follower of Extinction Rebellion UK replied: "The police are already underfunded.

"What they are doing is trying to disperse a crowd of people.

"Of course when those people resist they will arrest them the police are just trying to do their jobs."

Speaking in the Daily Telegraph Lord Woodcock said the UK must also “take notice” of the far right.

He also added the left has been “overstepping the mark into antisocial behaviour”.

He said: “We must be vigilant against a similar blind spot in Britain to the prospect of progressive extremism.

“That is the unacceptable disruption or even violence carried out in the name of progressive causes.”

Lord Woodcock named Extinction Rebellion (XR) that oversteps into “anti‑social” behaviour.

One Twitter follower of Extinction Rebellion said: "It wouldn’t surprise me that this 'peaceful protest' was hijacked by trouble makers, considering Lockdown restrictions are still in place."

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2021-03-13 21:38:00Z
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Minggu, 14 Maret 2021

More from Iran

Sabtu, 13 Maret 2021

More from Cressida Dick

What are the rules on gatherings in England?

What are the rules on gatherings in England?