China accused of illegal police stations in Netherlands
The Chinese government has been accused of establishing at least two undeclared "police stations" in the Netherlands.
Dutch media found evidence that the "overseas service stations", which promise to provide diplomatic services, are being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said the existence of the unofficial police outposts is illegal.
The Chinese embassy says it is not aware of their existence.
The investigation was sparked by a report entitled Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild, by the Spain-based NGO Safeguard Defenders. read more
The Chinese government has been accused of establishing at least two undeclared "police stations" in the Netherlands.
Dutch media found evidence that the "overseas service stations", which promise to provide diplomatic services, are being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said the existence of the unofficial police outposts is illegal.
The Chinese embassy says it is not aware of their existence.
The investigation was sparked by a report entitled Chinese Transnational Policing Gone Wild, by the Spain-based NGO Safeguard Defenders. read more
Putin watches first Russian nuclear drill since invasion of Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has overseen annual nuclear exercises by Russia's strategic nuclear forces at a time of heightened tensions with the West over his eight-month-long war in Ukraine.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the Far East and Arctic, the Kremlin said.
The US was told about the drill under the terms of the New Start arms treaty.
The launches took place as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is plotting to use a "dirty bomb".
It is an explosive device mixed with radioactive material and the Russian allegations have been widely rejected by Western countries as false. read more
Vladimir Putin has overseen annual nuclear exercises by Russia's strategic nuclear forces at a time of heightened tensions with the West over his eight-month-long war in Ukraine.
Ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the Far East and Arctic, the Kremlin said.
The US was told about the drill under the terms of the New Start arms treaty.
The launches took place as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is plotting to use a "dirty bomb".
It is an explosive device mixed with radioactive material and the Russian allegations have been widely rejected by Western countries as false. read more
Ukraine war: Russian tactics on eastern front 'crazy', says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian commanders of "craziness" in their efforts to capture the eastern town of Bakhmut.
The town - which sits in the Donetsk region and had a pre-war population of 70,000 - has been the centre of Russian attacks for months.
Despite a looming Ukrainian advance on the key city of Kherson, Mr Zelensky said the attacks continued in force.
Taking the town would be a symbolic victory for Russia.
"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address from Kyiv. "Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes." read more
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian commanders of "craziness" in their efforts to capture the eastern town of Bakhmut.
The town - which sits in the Donetsk region and had a pre-war population of 70,000 - has been the centre of Russian attacks for months.
Despite a looming Ukrainian advance on the key city of Kherson, Mr Zelensky said the attacks continued in force.
Taking the town would be a symbolic victory for Russia.
"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address from Kyiv. "Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes." read more
Iran protests rage as thousands defy security forces
- Protests raged overnight in Iran as thousands turned out to mark 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini
- She died in police custody on 16 September, sparking a wave of unrest
- Young women have since burned their headscarves and confronted security forces in a movement that shows little sign of abating
- Wednesday's marches were some of the largest seen since the protests began
Police are reported to have fired on protesters in Saqqez, Amini's home city
- Mourners marching to her grave chanted "woman, life, freedom" and "death to the dictator"
- Amini was arrested by Iran's notorious morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly"
read more
- Protests raged overnight in Iran as thousands turned out to mark 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini
- She died in police custody on 16 September, sparking a wave of unrest
- Young women have since burned their headscarves and confronted security forces in a movement that shows little sign of abating
- Wednesday's marches were some of the largest seen since the protests began
Police are reported to have fired on protesters in Saqqez, Amini's home city
- Mourners marching to her grave chanted "woman, life, freedom" and "death to the dictator"
- Amini was arrested by Iran's notorious morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab "improperly"
read more
Elon Musk completes $44bn Twitter takeover
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has completed his $44bn (£38.1bn) takeover of Twitter, according to US media and an investor in the firm.
He tweeted "the bird is freed," in an apparent reference to the deal closing.
A number of top executives, including the boss, Parag Agrawal, have reportedly been fired.
It brings to a close a saga that saw Twitter go to court to hold the billionaire to the terms of a takeover deal that he had tried to escape.
Twitter has not yet confirmed the takeover, but an early investor in the company told the BBC that the deal had been completed. read more
The world's richest man, Elon Musk, has completed his $44bn (£38.1bn) takeover of Twitter, according to US media and an investor in the firm.
He tweeted "the bird is freed," in an apparent reference to the deal closing.
A number of top executives, including the boss, Parag Agrawal, have reportedly been fired.
It brings to a close a saga that saw Twitter go to court to hold the billionaire to the terms of a takeover deal that he had tried to escape.
Twitter has not yet confirmed the takeover, but an early investor in the company told the BBC that the deal had been completed. read more
Ukraine war: Kyiv set for longer power cuts after air strikes
The Ukrainian authorities have warned people in the capital Kyiv to expect longer power cuts, lasting more than four hours, because of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Rolling blackouts are hitting not only Kyiv but also central regions of Ukraine, including the city of Dnipro.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said about four million people were affected but "shelling will not break us".
This month Russia launched dozens of missiles and Iranian-made drones.
Ukraine's energy infrastructure is being pounded by the air attacks - Mr Zelensky says about a third of the country's electric power stations have been destroyed. read more
The Ukrainian authorities have warned people in the capital Kyiv to expect longer power cuts, lasting more than four hours, because of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Rolling blackouts are hitting not only Kyiv but also central regions of Ukraine, including the city of Dnipro.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said about four million people were affected but "shelling will not break us".
This month Russia launched dozens of missiles and Iranian-made drones.
Ukraine's energy infrastructure is being pounded by the air attacks - Mr Zelensky says about a third of the country's electric power stations have been destroyed. read more
South Korea mourns after Halloween crush kills 153
- 153 people have died in a crush in South Korea's capital, Seoul
- Another 133 were injured, Yonhap news agency reports
- Twenty foreign nationals are among the dead, the government says
- The jam of people developed as huge crowds gathered in Itaewon - a popular nightlife area - for Halloween
- Most victims were teenagers and adults in their 20s, the fire service says
- Reports say the crush began in a narrow alley when people in a crowd fell over
- It was the first outdoor no-mask -Halloween event since the pandemic
read more
- 153 people have died in a crush in South Korea's capital, Seoul
- Another 133 were injured, Yonhap news agency reports
- Twenty foreign nationals are among the dead, the government says
- The jam of people developed as huge crowds gathered in Itaewon - a popular nightlife area - for Halloween
- Most victims were teenagers and adults in their 20s, the fire service says
- Reports say the crush began in a narrow alley when people in a crowd fell over
- It was the first outdoor no-mask -Halloween event since the pandemic
read more
Brazil election: Lula makes stunning comeback
Brazil has taken a turn to the left as former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beat far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential election.
After a divisive campaign which saw two bitter rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum go head to head, Lula won 50.9% of the votes.
It was enough to beat Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters had been confident of victory.
But the division which this election has highlighted is unlikely to vanish.
It is a stunning comeback for a politician who could not run in the last presidential election in 2018 because he was in jail and banned from standing for office. read more
Brazil has taken a turn to the left as former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beat far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential election.
After a divisive campaign which saw two bitter rivals on opposite sides of the political spectrum go head to head, Lula won 50.9% of the votes.
It was enough to beat Jair Bolsonaro, whose supporters had been confident of victory.
But the division which this election has highlighted is unlikely to vanish.
It is a stunning comeback for a politician who could not run in the last presidential election in 2018 because he was in jail and banned from standing for office. read more
Ukraine war: Power and water supply hit across Ukraine in 'massive' Russian missile strikes
Ukraine says power and water supply across the country has been badly hit after Russia launched more than 50 missiles targeting critical facilities.
In the capital Kyiv, 80% of residents were without water, and about 350,000 apartments had no electricity, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said.
In the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, energy facilities were struck.
Russia said its long-range high-precision weaponry targeted Ukraine's military command and energy systems.
The country's defence ministry added that all "designated objects were hit".
The strikes come after Russia blamed Ukraine for a drone attack on its Black Sea Fleet in the annexed Crimea. read more
Ukraine says power and water supply across the country has been badly hit after Russia launched more than 50 missiles targeting critical facilities.
In the capital Kyiv, 80% of residents were without water, and about 350,000 apartments had no electricity, Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said.
In the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, energy facilities were struck.
Russia said its long-range high-precision weaponry targeted Ukraine's military command and energy systems.
The country's defence ministry added that all "designated objects were hit".
The strikes come after Russia blamed Ukraine for a drone attack on its Black Sea Fleet in the annexed Crimea. read more
Itaewon crush: First emergency call came hours before crush
The first call to police from Itaewon came at 18:34 local time - several hours before the deadly crush took place.
The caller to South Korea's 112 emergency number said they were on the main street to Itaewon and an alley next to the Hamilton hotel was becoming dangerously crowded.
"That alley is really dangerous right now people going up and down, so people can't come down, but people keep coming up, it's gonna be crushed. I barely made it to get out but it's too crowded. I think you should control it," the caller said.
The police officer asked if the caller meant that people weren't flowing well, that "they get crushed and fall, and then there's going to be a big accident?"
Yes, the caller responded - "this is so chilling right now". read more
The first call to police from Itaewon came at 18:34 local time - several hours before the deadly crush took place.
The caller to South Korea's 112 emergency number said they were on the main street to Itaewon and an alley next to the Hamilton hotel was becoming dangerously crowded.
"That alley is really dangerous right now people going up and down, so people can't come down, but people keep coming up, it's gonna be crushed. I barely made it to get out but it's too crowded. I think you should control it," the caller said.
The police officer asked if the caller meant that people weren't flowing well, that "they get crushed and fall, and then there's going to be a big accident?"
Yes, the caller responded - "this is so chilling right now". read more
North and South Korea fire missiles off each other's coasts for first time
North and South Korea have both fired missiles landing in waters off each other's coasts for the first time.
Seoul retaliated on Wednesday three hours after Pyongyang launched a missile that landed less than 60km (37mi) off the South's city of Sokcho.
The South's military said this was an "unacceptable" breach of its territory.
It fired three air-to-ground missiles in response, which officials said landed a similar distance past the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
The demarcation line marks the rough midway-point in the sea between North and South Korea, but the North has never accepted the boundary.
North Korea fired at least 10 missiles in both east and west directions on Wednesday, South Korean officials say. read more
North and South Korea have both fired missiles landing in waters off each other's coasts for the first time.
Seoul retaliated on Wednesday three hours after Pyongyang launched a missile that landed less than 60km (37mi) off the South's city of Sokcho.
The South's military said this was an "unacceptable" breach of its territory.
It fired three air-to-ground missiles in response, which officials said landed a similar distance past the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
The demarcation line marks the rough midway-point in the sea between North and South Korea, but the North has never accepted the boundary.
North Korea fired at least 10 missiles in both east and west directions on Wednesday, South Korean officials say. read more
South hits back as North Korea fires most missiles in a day
North and South Korea have fired a number of missiles into waters near each other's coasts in a marked escalation of hostilities.
The North launched its most missiles in a single day - at least 23 - including one that landed less than 60km (37 miles) off the South's city of Sokcho.
Seoul responded with warplanes firing three air-to-ground missiles over the disputed maritime demarcation line.
Later Pyongyang fired six more missiles and a barrage of 100 artillery shells.
The North says the launches are in response to large-scale military exercises current being held by South Korea and the United States, which it calls "aggressive and provocative". read more
North and South Korea have fired a number of missiles into waters near each other's coasts in a marked escalation of hostilities.
The North launched its most missiles in a single day - at least 23 - including one that landed less than 60km (37 miles) off the South's city of Sokcho.
Seoul responded with warplanes firing three air-to-ground missiles over the disputed maritime demarcation line.
Later Pyongyang fired six more missiles and a barrage of 100 artillery shells.
The North says the launches are in response to large-scale military exercises current being held by South Korea and the United States, which it calls "aggressive and provocative". read more
US midterms: Biden warns election denial is 'path to chaos'
US President Joe Biden has warned any candidates who refuse to accept defeat in next week's midterm elections could set the nation on "the path to chaos".
He also urged Americans to unite in opposition to "political violence" in the vote on 8 November.
Mr Biden, a Democrat, said former President Donald Trump and his supporters were peddling "lies of conspiracy and malice".
Republicans hit back that Mr Biden was seeking to "divide and deflect".
Control of both chambers of Congress and key state governorships are hanging in the balance in next week's elections. read more
US President Joe Biden has warned any candidates who refuse to accept defeat in next week's midterm elections could set the nation on "the path to chaos".
He also urged Americans to unite in opposition to "political violence" in the vote on 8 November.
Mr Biden, a Democrat, said former President Donald Trump and his supporters were peddling "lies of conspiracy and malice".
Republicans hit back that Mr Biden was seeking to "divide and deflect".
Control of both chambers of Congress and key state governorships are hanging in the balance in next week's elections. read more
Pakistan ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan shot and wounded at protest march
Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, has been shot and wounded in the leg in an attack on his protest march in the eastern city of Wazirabad.
It is unclear whether the politician was deliberately targeted as one of his senior aides claimed, or if he was hit by indiscriminate gunfire.
Members of his PTI party said another four people were hurt in the shooting.
Mr Khan, 70, was leading the march on the capital Islamabad to demand snap elections after he was ousted in April.
The former prime minister was seen being taken to a hospital in Lahore. A party spokesman said he had been hit in the shin. read more
Pakistan's former prime minister, Imran Khan, has been shot and wounded in the leg in an attack on his protest march in the eastern city of Wazirabad.
It is unclear whether the politician was deliberately targeted as one of his senior aides claimed, or if he was hit by indiscriminate gunfire.
Members of his PTI party said another four people were hurt in the shooting.
Mr Khan, 70, was leading the march on the capital Islamabad to demand snap elections after he was ousted in April.
The former prime minister was seen being taken to a hospital in Lahore. A party spokesman said he had been hit in the shin. read more
Twitter to make job cuts after Elon Musk takeover
Twitter says it will inform its staff on Friday about whether they will be laid off following the firm's takeover by Elon Musk.
In an internal email, the social media company said the cuts are "an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path".
The firm added that its offices would be temporarily closed and badge access would be suspended.
The multi-billionaire will be Twitter's chief executive after buying the firm last week in a $44bn (£39.3bn) deal. read more
Twitter says it will inform its staff on Friday about whether they will be laid off following the firm's takeover by Elon Musk.
In an internal email, the social media company said the cuts are "an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path".
The firm added that its offices would be temporarily closed and badge access would be suspended.
The multi-billionaire will be Twitter's chief executive after buying the firm last week in a $44bn (£39.3bn) deal. read more
Iran security forces and state media cover up protester's death - source
Iranian security forces are working with state media to claim falsely that a killed protester was a loyalist Basij militiaman, BBC Persian has found.
Milad Ostad-Hashem, 37, was shot in the back with a live round in Tehran on 25 September, his death certificate says.
His family alleged that security forces fired it, a close source told the BBC.
However, security officials pressured them to go along with state media reports that he was a Basij member killed by "rioters", the source added.
"Security forces threatened to kill their [Milad's parents] two other sons and bury Milad's body secretly in a remote place if they did not co-operate," the source said. read more
Iranian security forces are working with state media to claim falsely that a killed protester was a loyalist Basij militiaman, BBC Persian has found.
Milad Ostad-Hashem, 37, was shot in the back with a live round in Tehran on 25 September, his death certificate says.
His family alleged that security forces fired it, a close source told the BBC.
However, security officials pressured them to go along with state media reports that he was a Basij member killed by "rioters", the source added.
"Security forces threatened to kill their [Milad's parents] two other sons and bury Milad's body secretly in a remote place if they did not co-operate," the source said. read more
Twitter: Musk defends deep cuts to company's workforce
Twitter's new owner Elon Musk has defended sacking about half the company's workforce, saying he had "no choice" as Twitter was losing more than $4m (£3.5m) a day.
A tweet from Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of safety and integrity, referred to "approximately 50% cuts company-wide".
But Mr Musk said the social media giant's commitment to content moderation was "absolutely unchanged".
Mr Musk, the world's richest man, took over Twitter in a $44bn (£38.7bn) deal.
The billionaire insisted in his own tweet that all those losing their jobs were offered three months of severance pay, "which is 50% more than legally required". read more
Twitter's new owner Elon Musk has defended sacking about half the company's workforce, saying he had "no choice" as Twitter was losing more than $4m (£3.5m) a day.
A tweet from Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of safety and integrity, referred to "approximately 50% cuts company-wide".
But Mr Musk said the social media giant's commitment to content moderation was "absolutely unchanged".
Mr Musk, the world's richest man, took over Twitter in a $44bn (£38.7bn) deal.
The billionaire insisted in his own tweet that all those losing their jobs were offered three months of severance pay, "which is 50% more than legally required". read more
Tanzanian Precision Air plane crashes into Lake Victoria
A Tanzanian passenger plane has crashed into Lake Victoria as it attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, killing at least three people.
The Precision Air flight was carrying 43 people, 26 of whom have been rescued and sent to hospital, an official said.
The two pilots survived the crash but remain trapped inside the cockpit and have been speaking to local officials.
Rescue workers and local fishermen are on the scene trying to rescue those still inside the aircraft. read more
A Tanzanian passenger plane has crashed into Lake Victoria as it attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, killing at least three people.
The Precision Air flight was carrying 43 people, 26 of whom have been rescued and sent to hospital, an official said.
The two pilots survived the crash but remain trapped inside the cockpit and have been speaking to local officials.
Rescue workers and local fishermen are on the scene trying to rescue those still inside the aircraft. read more
Twitter users jump to Mastodon - but what is it?
In the wake of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, some users have been seeking alternative platforms. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Mastodon. But what is it?
The social network says it now has over 655,000 users - with over 230,000 having joined in the last week.
On the surface Mastodon looks like Twitter - account users write posts (called "toots"), which can be replied to, liked and re-posted, and they can follow each other.
Under the bonnet, though, it works in a different way.
That's one of the reasons it is attracting fresh users, but it has caused some confusion to new people signing up. read more
In the wake of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, some users have been seeking alternative platforms. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Mastodon. But what is it?
The social network says it now has over 655,000 users - with over 230,000 having joined in the last week.
On the surface Mastodon looks like Twitter - account users write posts (called "toots"), which can be replied to, liked and re-posted, and they can follow each other.
Under the bonnet, though, it works in a different way.
That's one of the reasons it is attracting fresh users, but it has caused some confusion to new people signing up. read more
Twitter will ban unlabelled parody accounts, says Elon Musk
Elon Musk says Twitter accounts engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying they are a parody will be permanently suspended.
Twitter previously issued a warning before suspending accounts, but there would now be no warning, he announced.
A number of accounts that changed their name to Elon Musk and mocked the billionaire have already been suspended or placed behind a warning sign.
Twitter's billionaire new owner took over the company late last month.
At the end of last week he laid off around half of the company's workforce.
He has also confirmed plans to allow users to buy blue-tick, verified status. read more
Elon Musk says Twitter accounts engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying they are a parody will be permanently suspended.
Twitter previously issued a warning before suspending accounts, but there would now be no warning, he announced.
A number of accounts that changed their name to Elon Musk and mocked the billionaire have already been suspended or placed behind a warning sign.
Twitter's billionaire new owner took over the company late last month.
At the end of last week he laid off around half of the company's workforce.
He has also confirmed plans to allow users to buy blue-tick, verified status. read more
US midterms: Millions of Americans to vote with Congress at stake
Millions of Americans will vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday, with the balance of power in Congress at stake.
The entire US House of Representatives, about a third of the Senate and key state governorships are up for grabs.
President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and ex-President Donald Trump, a Republican, made their closing arguments in duelling rallies.
Mr Biden's ability to pass laws will be stymied if Republicans take the House, as most projections expect.
Democrats currently control the White House and - by razor-thin margins - both chambers of Congress. read more
Millions of Americans will vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday, with the balance of power in Congress at stake.
The entire US House of Representatives, about a third of the Senate and key state governorships are up for grabs.
President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and ex-President Donald Trump, a Republican, made their closing arguments in duelling rallies.
Mr Biden's ability to pass laws will be stymied if Republicans take the House, as most projections expect.
Democrats currently control the White House and - by razor-thin margins - both chambers of Congress. read more