Terroranschläge in Norwegen: Mindestens 90 Tote und zahlreiche Verletzte

Oslo (Norwegen), 23.07.2011 – Mindestens 84 Jugendliche wurden am Freitag (22.Juli) in einem Sommercamp auf der etwa 40 Kilometer nordwestlich des Zentrums von Oslo gelegenen Insel Utøya erschossen. Ein Mann in Polizeiuniform und schusssicherer Weste hatte unter dem Vorwand, sich wegen des vorherigen Bombenattentats im Regierungsviertel von Oslo über die Sicherheit der Teilnehmer in einem Jugendcamp auf der etwa 40 Kilometer nordwestlich des Zentrums von Oslo gelegenen Insel Utøya vergewissern zu wollen, das Gelände betreten und das Feuer eröffnet. In dem Sommerlager der Arbeiterpartei, der auch Ministerpräsident Jens Stoltenberg angehört, hielten sich etwa 600–700 Jugendliche auf.

Zuvor war, kurz vor 15.30 Uhr, in der norwegischen Hauptstadt Oslo eine Autobombe detoniert. Durch die Explosion wurden sieben Personen getötet und mindestens weitere 15 Personen verletzt. Bei der Explosion der selbsthergestellten Bombe wurde sowohl das Regierungsgebäude, in dem das Büro von Ministerpräsident Stoltenberg liegt, als auch das Ölministerium beschädigt. In dem Ministerium brach ein Brand aus, auch das Finanzministerium liegt in der Nähe. Glassplitter von zerborstenen Fenstern waren im Umkreis von einem Kilometer verteilt. Verletzte wurden in Zelten versorgt und abtransportiert, dabei verzögerten sich die Rettungsmaßnahmen, da weitere Bomben in den Gebäuden vermutet wurden. Die unmittelbar nach den Anschlägen erfolgte Sperrung der Innenstadt ist zwischenzeitlich aufgehoben, lediglich das Regierungsviertel bleibt weiterhin hermetisch abgeriegelt. Der Hauptbahnhof war sicherheitshalber evakuiert, am Flughafen durchsuchten Sicherheitskräfte Fahrzeuge und Gepäck.

Politiker aus dem In- und Ausland reagierten entsetzt. Norwegens Ministerpräsident nannte die Ereignisse eine „nationale Tragödie“ und die Tat „unbegreiflich“. Stoltenberg sagte, die Insel sei das Paradies seiner Jugend gewesen, das nunmehr zur Hölle wurde. „Seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg haben wir in unserem Land keine schlimmere Katastrophe erlebt“, sagte der Ministerpräsident. Die deutsche Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel (CDU) bezeichnete die Anschläge als „menschenverachtende Tat“, der SPD-Vorsitzender Sigmar Gabriel und Berlins Regierender Bürgermeister Klaus Wowereit, ebenfalls SPD, verurteilten die Tat mit deutlichen Worten und drückten dem norwegischen Volk ihr Mitgefühl aus. Bundespräsident Christian Wulff übermittelte dem norwegischen König Harald V. sein Beileid. „Deutschland und die Deutschen stehen in dieser schweren Stunde fest an Ihrer Seite“, so Wulff. Der norwegische König sprach von einer „unfassbaren Tragödie“. Er forderte seine Landsleute auf, in dieser Situation zusammen zu stehen und einander zu stützen. Als „feige“ und „abscheulich“ wurden die Anschläge auch von EU-Ratspräsident Herman Van Rompuy, NATO-Generalsekretär Anders Fogh Rasmussen und Frankreichs Staatspräsident Nicolas Sarkozy bezeichnet. Für die internationale Staatengemeinschaft sprach UN-Generalsekretär Ban Ki-moon dem norwegischen Volk das Mitgefühl aus. US-Präsident Barack Obama verurteilte die Attentate und sagte sie seien „eine Mahnung, dass die gesamte internationale Gemeinschaft dazu beitragen muss, dass solch ein Terrorakt nicht passiert“. Er sicherte Norwegen jede erdenkliche Hilfe bei den Ermittlungen zu.

Unterdessen werden immer mehr Berichte vom Hergang des Massakers auf der Insel bekannt. Augenzeugen berichteten, dass der Attentäter mit einer Maschinenpistole geschossen und Verletzten dann mit einer Schrotflinte in den Kopf geschossen haben soll. Eine Fünfzehnjährige, deren Namen von der Nachrichtenagentur NTB mit Elise angegeben wurde, sagte, der als Polizist verkleidete Schütze habe zunächst die Jugendlichen zusammengerufen, um ihnen „wichtige Informationen“ zu geben, bevor er das Feuer eröffnete.

Ein Mädchen berichtete, dass sie von der Insel weggeschwommen sei. „Ich habe überlebt, weil Menschen kamen und mich in ihr Boot gezogen haben“, sagte Lisa Irene Johansen Aasbø. Ein junger Mann erzählte dem Nachrichtensender CNN, wie er glaubt, nur deswegen überlebt zu haben, weil er sich totstellte. Offenbar sind sich in der Gegend befindliche Leute den Jugendlichen zu Hilfe geeilt, noch bevor ein Sondereinsatzkommando eintraf. „Als ich zehn aufgenommen hatte, war das Boot voll. Es war so schrecklich, als ich die elften und zwölften abweisen musste“, schilderte Torill Hansen ihre Empfindungen, die mit ihrem Motorboot Leute aus dem auch im Sommer kalten Wasser des Sees holte, als ihr Boot voll war und sie keine weiteren Hilfesuchende mehr aufnehmen konnte.

Der norwegischen Polizei gelang die Festnahme des mutmaßlichen Täters, dessen Name mit  Anders Behring Breivik angegeben wird. Der Mann soll erst die Bombe im Regierungsviertel platziert haben und sich anschließend ins Jugendlager auf der Insel Utøya begeben haben, wo er wahllos auf Menschen schoss. Die Polizei geht nach derzeitigem Ermittlungsstand davon aus, dass es sich um einen Einzeltäter handelt. Es handelt sich um einen 32-jährigen Norweger, der aus der rechten Szene kommen soll. Der Polizei war jedoch keine Zugehörigkeit zu einer der von ihr überwachten Neonazigruppen bekannt. Die Zeitung „VG“ berichtete in der Nacht auf ihrer Website, der mutmaßliche Täter habe jedoch früher im Internet rechtsextremistische Ansichten veröffentlicht und dass sein früheres Facebook-Profil deswegen gelöscht wurde. Laut Polizei ist der Festgenommene aussagebereit. Die Kriminalpolizei sucht indessen nach einem zweiten Täter, da mehrere Augenzeugen berichteten, dass eine weitere Person in Zivilkleidung an der Schießerei beteiligt gewesen sein soll.

Breivik habe nach Angaben der norwegischen Zeitung Aftenposten rund 75 Beiträge auf der Website Document.no geschrieben. Darin richtete er sich gegen Personen aus der norwegischen Öffentlichkeit und Politik, unter anderem gegen Linke und Islamisten. Er hatte in einem Beitrag geschrieben, mit der rechtspopulistischen Fremskrittspartiet verbunden zu sein. Die Partei wollte nach Angaben ihres Pressesprechers Mazyar Leshvari diese Behauptung am Samstag gegenüber Aftenposten nicht kommentieren.

Die Meldungen über das Attentat wurden in islamistischen Internetforen als „frohe Nachricht“ gefeiert. Eine islamistische Organisation mit dem Namen Ansar al-Dschihad al-Alami (deutsch in etwa: „Helfer des globalen Dschihad“) hatte zunächst in einem islamistischen Forum die Verantwortung für die Anschläge übernommen, diese jedoch später zurückgezogen. Norwegen steht durch seine Beteiligung am NATO-Einsatz in Afghanistan und der internationalen Intervention in Libyen in der Kritik von Dschihadisten, sodass zunächst ein islamistischer Hintergrund des Bombenanschlages vermutet wurde.


Atentado en Oslo deja al menos dos fallecidos y varios heridos

A las 15:20 hora local (13:20 UTC) se produjo una explosión en Oslo, dañando edificios gubernamentales según las primeras informaciones de los medios locales. Dentro de las posibles víctimas podría encontrarse el primer ministro del país, pero fue descartado por agencias locales, ya que el mandatario estaba fuera de su despacho en el momento de la explosión.

Según medios locales, el edificio de gobierno afectado quedó prácticamente destruido y se "asemeja a una zona de guerra", por el daño causado. Las mismas fuentes corroboran que hay al menos 7 heridos en hospitales cercanos al punto de explosión y se presume que hay al menos dos muertos debido al atentado.

De acuerdo a las declaraciones de la policía, el atentado fue perpetrado por un coche bomba, y podría tratarse de una o varias explosiones que afectó al edificio, dejándolo en llamas y con sus 17 pisos con severos daños. Para el mejor accionar de los equipos de emergencia, la policía acordonó el área hasta cinco manzanas en torno del edificio y se evacuó la totalidad del resto de los edificios gubernamentales por miedo a más atentados.

Este es el primer atentado terrorista que sufre el país, ya que desconoce la violencia política, y sus experiencias recientes con redes terroristas se remontan hasta la detención de algunos miembros de Al Qaeda.

Hasta el momento ningún grupo se ha atribuido el atentado, pero se presume que podría deberse por la inclusión del país en la intervención de la OTAN en Libia.


Ainakin 93 kuollut Norjan tragediassa

Norjassa perjantaina tehdyn pommi-iskun ja ampumisten kuolonuhreja on vahvistettu olevan 93. Lisäksi tiettävästi viisi henkeä on kadoksissa, eikä poliisi usko heidän löytyvän enää elossa. Kuolonuhreista seitsemän kuoli räjähdyksissä Oslossa Norjan hallituksen rakennusten luona ja 85 ammuttiin kuoliaaksi työväenpuolueen nuorisojärjestön leirillä Utøyan saarella. Yksi uhreista haavoittui Utøyalla ja kuoli tänään Oslon keskussairaalassa.

67 ihmistä haavoittui Utøyan ammuskelun yhteydessä ja 30 pommi-iskussa. 31 iskuissa vakavasti loukkaantunutta on sairaalahoidossa.

Poliisin pidättämä norjalainen mies Anders Behring Breivik on tunnustanut sekä pommi-iskun että ammuskelun, mutta kiistää olevansa syyllinen mihinkään rikokseen. Breivikin asianajaja sanoi tämän motiiviksi halun synnyttää vallankumous norjalaisessa yhteiskunnassa. Internet-kirjoitustensa perusteella Breivik piti muslimien muuttoa Euroopan maihin suurena yhteiskunnallisena uhkana.

Breivik on poliisin mukaan kertonut toimineensa yksin, vaikka jotkut Utøyan saarella olleet ovat kertoneet että asemiehiä olisi ollut kaksi. Poliisi pidätti ja kuulusteli tänään useita ihmisiä, mutta heidät päästettiin vapaaksi, koska heillä ei ollut mitään yhteyttä iskuihin.

Pääministeri Jens Stoltenberg puhui tänään kuolonuhrien muistolle järjestetyssä jumalanpalveluksessa, johon osallistuivat myös kuningas Harald ja kuningatar Sonja. Stoltenberg sanoi, että Norjaa on kohdannut kansallinen tragedia.

25. heinäkuuta 2011

Viranomaiset ovat oikaisseet tiedon kuolonuhrien määrästä, katso uutinen Viranomaiset tiedottivat väärin Norjan iskujen uhriluvun.


Norvège : plus de dix morts et des dizaines de blessés dans deux attentats

Publié le 22 juillet 2011 à mis à jour le 24 juillet

Aux alentours de 15 h 30 (heure locale, 14 h 30 UTC), une bombe a explosé dans la capitale norvégienne, Oslo, à proximité des bureaux du quotidien national Verdens Gang et du siège du gouvernement. L'explosion aurait été ressentie dans un périmètre de 25 km. Les dernières estimations de la police indiquent sept morts et plusieurs dizaines de blessés, principalement à cause des projections de verre dues à la déflagration.

L'attentat n'ayant pas été revendiqué, l'hypothèse d'une attaque islamiste a quelques temps été envisagée par les autorités locales, dans la mesure où la Norvège aurait par le passé déjà été menacée par Al-Qaida, qui lui reprochait son rôle dans la guerre en Afghanistan.

Peu de temps après l’événement, les autorités norvégiennes ont rapporté une fusillade lors d'un meeting du Parti travailliste à Utoeya, une île proche de la capitale. Anders Behring Breivik, un citoyen norvégien déguisé en policier, a ouvert le feu sur la foule, provoquant la mort de 85 personnes. Deux heures après le début de la fusillade, l'homme est maîtrisé par les autorités.

Selon l'enquête des équipes norvégiennes, Anders Behring Breivik aurait déposé une bombe artisanale (il aurait acheté 6 kg d'engrais peu de temps auparavant) dans sa voiture au centre d'Oslo. Après l'explosion, l'homme se serait immédiatement rendu sur l'île d'Utoeya où il se serait servi de son déguisement pour rassembler des personnes présentes au meeting. La fusillade a provoqué la mort directe de plusieurs dizaines de personnes, tandis que d'autres auraient péri par noyade en tentant de s'échapper de l'île. Le nombre de disparus est encore inconnu.

Après son arrestation, Anders Behring Breivik aurait tout de suite reconnu les faits qui lui étaient reprochés. L'enquête ouverte sur le citoyen norvégien a révélé que l'homme est un sympathisant d'extrême-droite. Les raisons exactes de son geste sont encore incertaines, mais les autorités soupçonnent un acte xénophobe.


92 morti nel doppio attentato in Norvegia

2083 Dichiarazione d'indipendenza europea. Questo è il titolo del memoriale di 1500 pagine scritto da Anders Behring Breivik, il biondo attentatore che tra Oslo e Utøya, in Norvegia, ha ucciso oltre 90 persone [vedi nota correttiva[1]]. In questo testo, che l'autore ha cominciato a scrivere dall'autunno del 2009, viene affermato che l'uso del terrorismo doveva servire come "mezzo per risvegliare le masse". Innumerevoli i richiami ai Templari e i simboli celtici: infatti, Anders Behring Breivik era legato agli ambienti di estrema destra. Non solo. Il 32enne su Facebook si definisce "single, cristiano, conservatore e anti-islamico". Secondo la polizia, Breivik è stato definito come un fondamentalista cristiano. «Una persona con un credo ha altrettanta forza di 100 000 persone che hanno solo interessi» è stato l'ultimo tweet fatto da Breivik, citando il filosofo positivista John Stuart Mill.

«È stato un atto atroce ma necessario» avrebbe dichiarato Breivik; l'affermazione, riferita dal suo legale, conferma che l'attentato è stato accuratamente pianificato da tempo. In più, la polizia fa trapelare alcune informazioni sulla preparazione degli attacchi: l'attentatore, che possiede una fattoria, ordinò sei tonnellate di un fertilizzante a base di nitrato di ammonio, sostanza che può essere usata per fabbricare esplosivi.

Sembra quindi svanire la pista del terrorismo islamico. Infatti, secondo le prime indiscrezioni, sembrava che gli attentati fossero stati causati da una cellula terroristica jihadista a causa della partecipazione della Norvegia alla guerra in Libia e alla missione in Afghanistan e a causa della pubblicazione delle vignette satiriche su Maometto su alcuni giornali, anche se c'è stata una rivendicazione a cui gli investigatori non danno peso.

Il primo attentato iniziò alle 15:26 con una forte esplosione in una zona dove sono presenti raggruppamenti di edifici governativi e di testate giornalistiche. Dai due morti iniziali il bilancio sale fino a sette con diversi feriti, alcuni in gravi condizioni. Nel frattempo la prima rivendicazione in un forum jihadista da parte di Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami. Il secondo attentato, invece, dopo un paio d'ore: un uomo vestito da poliziotto, che si rivela poi essere Breivik, irruppe nel campo dove si stava svolgendo l'incontro annuale dei giovani laburisti e aprì il fuoco. Anche in questo caso le prime stime parlano di quattro o cinque tra morti e feriti. In più gli artificieri hanno fatto sapere di aver ritrovato diversi ordigni inesplosi in vari punti di Utøya.

«Non ci faremo zittire, in onore di chi ha perso la vita», «continueremo a tenere alti i nostri ideali di tolleranza e antirazzismo». Queste sono le frasi di Ekil Pederson, leader della sezione giovanile del partito laburista, dopo l'attacco al campo.


Wybuch w centrum Oslo, uszkodzony budynek rządowy

Jak podaje agencja Reuters do wybuchu doszło o 15.20 w budynku rządowym w centrum Oslo.

Wybuch wybił większość okien w 17-piętrowym budynku biurowym, w dzielnicy rządowej. W budynku tym swoją siedzibę ma także premier Norwegii Jens Stoltenberg. Norweska agencja prasowa NTB podaje, że premier jest bezpieczny, ale ze względów bezpieczeństwa nie jest podawane miejsce jego obecnego pobytu.

Funkcjonariusze policji potwierdzają 8 osób zabitych oraz 15 rannych. Szef policji powiedział dziennikarzom, że wybuch został spowodowany przez "jedną lub więcej" bomb. Zapytany, czy wybuch był spowodowany przez bombę samochodową, szef policji Anstein Gjengdal powiedział: "Jest możliwe, że pojazd został użyty w tym wypadku, ale nie mogę tego potwierdzić."

W poniedziałek 25 lipca 2011 roku 32-letni Norweg Anders Behring Breivik przyznał się do przeprowadzenia podwójnego zamachu przed sądem.

Wg Euronews wszystkie drogi prowadzące do centrum Oslo zostały zamknięte. Świadkowie twierdzą, że widzieli duży samochód tuż przed wybuchem. W promieniu 1 km od centrum eksplozji widoczne są zniszczenia.

Zamknięta została główna stacja kolejowa w Oslo.

Norweska policja nie podejrzewa, aby w mieście zostało podłożonych więcej bomb, ale wystosowała apel do mieszkańców, aby opuścili centrum i udali się do domów. Wszystko po to, aby uniknąć zbiegowisk.

Po wybuchu w stolicy na norweskiej wyspie Utøya doszło do strzelaniny. Mężczyzna ubrany w policyjny mundur strzelał przez 1,5 godziny do ludzi zgromadzonych na zjeździe młodzieżówki Norweskiej Partii Pracy. Sprawcę ataku zatrzymano. W czasie ataku zabił on 68 osób na wyspie.


Atentado a bomba atinge prédios do governo na capital da Noruega

Agência Brasil

22 de julho de 2011

Um atentado a bomba atingiu hoje (22) vários prédios do quartel-general do governo da Noruega, em Oslo, matando ao ao menos duas pessoas e ferindo oito. A polícia afirmou, em comunicado, que a explosão foi causada por pelo menos uma bomba, mas não havia ainda suspeita sobre os autores do ataque.

O escritório do primeiro-ministro, Jens Stoltenberg, foi atingido com violência e, segundo testemunhas, várias pessoas ficaram feridas. De acordo com a imprensa local, o premiê não estava no prédio no momento da explosão. Várias janelas do prédio de 17 andares onde estão instalações do governo foram destruídas, lançando destroços a uma distância de 400 metros.

Imagens de TV mostravam vidros e escombros nas ruas e fumaça saindo de alguns prédios. A carcaça de ao menos um carro estava na rua, e testemunhas disseram "sentir cheiro de enxofre". Todas as ruas de acesso ao centro da cidade foram fechadas, segundo a rádio norueguesa NRK. Forças de segurança retiraram as pessoas da área, temendo outra explosão.

O porta-voz da Cruz Vermelha, Oistein Mjarum, cujo escritório fica perto do local do ataque, disse que houve uma enorme explosão, que pôde ser ouvida em toda a capital.

O jornalista da NRK Ingunn Andersen disse que as instalações do maior tabloide norueguês, o VG, também foram atingidas. "Vi que vidraças dos prédios do VG e do governo foram quebradas. Algumas pessoas ensanguentadas estão nas ruas. Está um caos completo por aqui", disse ele à agência de notícias Associated Press.


Категория:Теракты в Норвегии (2011)

Террористические акты в Норвегии 22 июля 2011 года — два теракта, произошедших в один день в Осло и на острове Утёйа. По оценке полиции, теракты связаны между собой.

Гражданин Норвегии 32-летний Андерс Беринг Брейвик был арестован за стрельбу на Утёйе.
По сообщению адвоката подозреваемого Гейра Липпестада, тот сознался в совершении обоих терактов.


Ukupno 93 mrtvih posle smrti jednog ranjenog

24. јул 2011.Осло/ Норвешка (Beta-AFP) - Norveška policija saopštila je u nedelju da je novi bilans napada u petak u Oslu 93 poginulih, pošto je jedna ranjena osoba podlegla povredama.

„Ukupno su poginule 93 osobe“, izjavio je portparol policije u Oslu Anders Fridenberg.

Internet sajtovi bliski islamističkim grupama preporučili su pristalicama džihada da ne preuzimaju odogovornost za napade u Oslu, strahujući od napada na muslimane u Norveškoj.

„Pozivamo sve pristalice džihada da ne preuzimaju odgovornost za napade u Norveškoj kako se ne bi stezao obruč na drugove koji se nalaze u toj i drugim zemaljama“, navodi se na sajtu Šumuk al-islam.

Taj sajt redovno prenosi saopštenja Al Kaide i drugih islamističkih grupa, koje preuzimaju odgovornost za napade na zapadu, kao i u Avganistanu i Somaliji.

Nakratko se pominjalo da je moguće da iza napada stoji neka islamistička grupacija, dok nije uhapšen Norvežanin, Anders Bering Brejvik, koji je priznao da je izvršio napad.


Norveç'te iki saldırıda 92 kişi öldü

22 Temmuz 2011, Cuma Güncelleme 23 Temmuz 2011

Norveç'in başkenti Oslo'da öğleden sonra meydana gelen bir bombalı saldırıda yedi kişi hayatını kaybetti, 11'i ağır 15 kişi yaralandı. Bundan iki saat sonra Utøya adasında meydana gelen bir silahlı saldırıda ise 85 kişi öldü. Hükümet olayların birbiriyle bağlantılı olduğunu ve bunların terörist bir eylem olduğunu açıkladı.

Oslo'da yerel saatle 15:26'da meydana gelen bombalı saldırıda başbakanlık binası da büyük hasar gördü. Yedi kişinin öldüğü, 11'i ağır en az 15 kişinin yaralandığı saldırı sonrası görgü tanıkları caddede kanlarla kaplı insanların yattığını, bölgedeki camların kırıldığı bildirdi. Patlamanın ardından şehir merkezi boşaltıldı ve şüpheli bir paketin bulunmasının ardından tren seferleri durduruldu. Polisin Oslo Havalimanı'na giden yollarda kontrol yaptığı da bildirildi. Halkın sokağa çıkmaması istendi. Bir bakan, cuma günü öğleden sonra olması nedeniyle bölgedeki binalarda daha az kişinin bulunduğunu ve bunun ölü sayısını azalttığını söyledi.

Bundan yaklaşık iki saat sonra, Oslo'nun 40 km kuzeybatısındaki Utøya adasında meydana gelen bir silahlı saldırıda bir saldırganın gençlerin üzerine ateş açtı. Saldırıda çoğu 15-16 yaşlarındaki gençler olmak üzere 84 kişinin öldüğü bildiriliyor. Anders Behring Breivik adlı aşırı sağcı Hıristiyan bir kişinin gözaltına alındığı, bu kişinin Oslo'daki patlamayla da ilgisi olduğu bildirildi. Patlamanın ardından bazı gençlerin adadan kıyıya yüzerek kaçmaya çalıştığı belirtiliyor. Başbakan Jens Stoltenberg'in de 23 Temmuz günü kampı ziyaret edeceği biliniyordu.

Saldırılardan sonra Norveç kronunda da düşme kaydedildi. Norveç'taki altın fiyatları ise büyük bir oranda arttı.


У Норвегії скоєно напад на урядові приміщення

У п’ятницю, 22 липня після обіду сильний вибух у центрі Осло пошкодив 17-поверховий урядовий будинок. У приміщенні Міністерства нафти спалахнула пожежа. Очевидці події зазначають, що принаймні семеро людей загинуло і ще 15 зазнали поранень.

Державний секретар Норвегії зазначив, що у пошкодженому урядовому будинку все ще перебувають люди.

Внаслідок вибуху вилетіли вікна у навколишніх офісних спорудах, житлових будинках та приміщенні найбільшого таблоїда країни «VG».

Поліцейські з’ясовують причини вибуху і припускають, що вибухів було принаймні два — один з них   начинений вибухівкою автомобіль біля урядової споруди.

Другий інцедент трапився на острові Атоя на південь від Осло. Правоохоронці повідомляють, що одягнений у поліцейську форму озброєний чоловік розпочав стрілянину у молодіжному таборі. За даними правоохоронців кількість загиблих може сягнути більш ніж 90 осіб. На місці золочину був затриманий підозрюваний: 32-річний Андерс Берінг, котрий пізніше на зізнався у скоєнні нападу.


At least 9 protesters killed, 11 wounded in Myanmar

According to Burma's government, the military has killed at least nine protesters and wounded 42 others in their second day crackdown on peaceful demonstrations that have been taking place for nearly almost a month. At least one monk is rumored to have been killed and a 50-year-old Japanese journalist was also killed.

Witnesses on scene claim that troops fired into the crowd of 10,000 "pro-democracy" protesters with automatic weapons in an attempt to break up the crowds. The military sent troops through the city street warning protesters that they would use deadly force if they did not stop their demonstrations.

Some media agencies in the area claim that the protesters are to blame for the violence, accusing them of "intimidating" the military, and injuring at least 31 troops.

On September 27, at least 200 monks were arrested in Myanmar during night-time raids on monasteries not long before sunrise. 100 of those monks were taken by security forces when they raided a monastery at Ngwe Kyaryan.

The protests in Burma began last month after the military abruptly raised fuel prices by 100 percent. They have since expanded into countrywide demonstrations against 45 uninterrupted years of military rule.


Tercer día de represión en Birmania; cortan internet y comunicaciones al exterior

28 de septiembre de 2007Rangún, Birmania —

La Junta Militar que gobierna Myanmar (Birmania) volvió a cargar contra los manifestantes. Al menos nueve personas, entre ellas un fotógrafo originario de Japón, murieron tras la represión. El gobierno cortó el acceso a Internet y dispuso nuevos operativos en monasterios.

Los soldados del ejército volvieron a utilizar sus armas de fuego para dispersar a los manifestantes, creando pánico en una nueva jornada de protestas. Además aseguran que en otros sectores del país también se efectuaron algunos disparos como advertencia.

El embajador australiano en Myanmar afirmó que el número de muertos causados por la represión militar de las protestas en ese país es muy superior al balance oficial dado por la Junta Militar.

El gobierno destruyó toda cámara y teléfono celular que encontró, golpeó a quienes los poseían y advirtió a la prensa sobre la cobertura de las mayores protestas en dos décadas. La Internet, a través de la cual el mundo se enteraba de los sucesos en Myanmar, apareció caída en Birmania por completo.

Según un periódico de Birmania, la Junta Militar mandó en la mañana de hoy a cortar todas las comunicaciones de Internet con el exterior. Oficialmente, la empresa estatal de telecomunicaciones de Myanmar explicó que esto se debió a una rotura de un cable submarino.

Hoy frente a la embajada de Myanmar en Kuala Lumpur, Malasia, unos tres mil refugiados, inmigrantes y activistas, todos vestidos de rojo, se manifestaron para pedir que la Junta Militar en Birmania dejara de utilizar la violencia para reprimir las manifestaciones pacíficas en su país.


At least six injured after stabbing in New Zealand supermarket

At least six people have been injured, including three now in a critical condition, after a stabbing occurred on Friday in Auckland, New Zealand, which Jacinda Ardern, the nation's Prime Minister, deemed a "terrorist attack on innocent New Zealanders" committed by "a violent extremist".

The stabbing occurred in the Auckland suburb of New Lynn, at the Countdown supermarket located in the LynnMall shopping centre. Police shot and killed the man who committed the stabbing within 60 seconds of the attack's commencement. Out of the six that have been reported as injured, three are in a critical condition, one is in a serious condition, and two are in a moderate condition.

The assailant, a Sri Lankan national, has resided in New Zealand since October 2011, and had been a person of interest to national security agencies since 2016. Prime Minister Ardern claimed the man was inspired by Islamic State, but added "it would be wrong to direct any frustration to anyone beyond this individual. That is who is culpable, that is who is responsible - no one else".

Ardern also stated she had been informed about the man before the events of Friday, though the reason he is known to authorities is confidential and covered by court orders. She confirmed the individual was subject to permanent police observation, saying "we have utilized every legal and surveillance power available to us to try and keep people safe from this individual."

As a result of the events, Countdown stores in New Zealand opened from 10AM yesterday, a later time than usual, with the company's general manager of safety writing "we are devastated by this violent attack in our Lynnmall store [on Friday]. Our hearts are heavy knowing what our team and customers have witnessed and been through. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their families, and we will be supporting all of our Lynnmall team in particular".


Pelo menos seis feridos após esfaqueamento em supermercado da Nova Zelândia

Pelo menos seis pessoas ficaram feridas, incluindo três agora em estado crítico, depois que um esfaqueamento ocorreu na sexta-feira em Auckland, Nova Zelândia, que Jacinda Ardern, primeira-ministra do país, considerou um "ataque terrorista contra inocentes neozelandeses" cometido por "um extremista violento".

O esfaqueamento ocorreu no subúrbio de Auckland, em New Lynn, no supermercado Countdown localizado no centro comercial LynnMall. A polícia atirou e matou o homem que cometeu o esfaqueamento 60 segundos após o início do ataque.

O agressor, um cidadão do Sri Lanka, reside na Nova Zelândia desde outubro de 2011, e era uma pessoa de interesse das agências de segurança nacional desde 2016. A primeira-ministra Ardern afirmou que o homem foi inspirado pelo Estado Islâmico, mas acrescentou que "seria errado direcionar qualquer frustração a qualquer pessoa além desse indivíduo.

Ardern também afirmou ter sido informada sobre o homem antes dos eventos de sexta-feira, embora a razão pela qual ele é conhecido pelas autoridades é confidencial e coberto por ordens judiciais. Ela confirmou que o indivíduo estava sujeito a observação policial permanente, dizendo que "utilizamos todos os poderes legais e de vigilância disponíveis para tentar manter as pessoas a salvo desse indivíduo".


At least twelve die in Mogadishu attacks

Early on Friday, Islamic insurgents fought with African peace-keepers and the Somali army in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, killing twelve people. The battle raged on for hours, according to sources. The al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Twelve civilians were killed in the incident, while 25 were injured. The Hodan Wardhigley and Howl Wadag districts were the worst hit. Medical authorities claimed that the deaths had occurred when mortar fire had burnt their houses. The fire came from both the insurgents and the peace-keepers, according to the officials. Ali Musa, one of the officials of a volunteer ambulance service in Mogadishu, said that a mother and her two children had died during the firing.

The attack commenced on 2 AM, Friday. Awakened by mortar explosions, residents hid inside their houses, while others left for safer places. The battle went on for hours and the sound of the firing emanated to all parts of the Somali capital.

This was the most intense fighting in months, claim residents. "I thought I was dreaming when I heard the sound of the artillery," said Asha Abdulle, Mogadishu resident, while Ahmed Hashi said that the fighting was the "worst in months." Nurta Hussein, another resident said: "We were woken up by the explosions at 2 a.m. and haven't slept since because of the non-stop shelling. Two mortar bombs landed in this neighborhood, killing four civilians and wounding six."

Almost 20,000 Somali civilians have died since 2007, as a result of multiple insurgent attacks. Almost 1.5 million have been forced to leave the country since that time.

The al-Shabab as well as another group, called Hizbul Islam, claimed responsibility in a statement they released. They successfully attacked "the strongholds of the enemies of Allah," claimed the statement. "The mujahideen attacked AMISOM and government bases last night and we killed some of their troops. When we pulled back, AMISOM began intentionally shelling residential areas. We shall keep on targeting them," said the attackers. However Somali officials called the attack "small and careless."

Mogadishu's "Kilometer Four" area was one of those affected. It includes a square that connects the airport to the port. While the area has been attacked several times previously, this attack is said to be the worst. African Union peace-keepers from Uganda are posted there.

The fighting comes almost a year since Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed was sworn in as the nation's new president.

Al-Shabaab is considered a terrorist body by the United States; the latter blames it for multiple attacks, shootings and bombings inside Somalia.

Al-Shabaab has also threatened other African countries, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Eritrea, Ghana, Sudan and Uganda.

An African Union soldier, on a condition of anonymity, said that one Ugandan soldier was killed in the clash. He added that another soldier was wounded. A Somali government official backed this claim. Earlier, on Monday, two AU soldiers had died in another mortar attack in an AU clinic.

When contacted through telephone, Somalia's Defence Minister, Sheikh Yusuf Mohammad Siad, who is a former warlord (also known as "Inda'ade" or "white eyed") said more than ten insurgents had died in the clash.

Parts of the Shabaab group have connections with al-Qaeda. The former has regularly attacked different parts of Somalia, with suicide bombers and several insurgents, taking advantage of the weak political and military infrastructure of the country.

The incident occurred exactly an year following President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed election to the parliament. The government was set to celebrate its first anniversary with a parade and poetry recitations at the presidential palace, named Villa Somalia. It was not known whether the attack intentionally collided with this event. However, it was a reminder of Somalia's weak military power; the army was heavily dependent on the African troops in this attack as well.

For over two decades, the country has had no central government. This has led to warlords ruling the nation, which often suffers from attacks by militant groups and pirate ships.

During an African Union (AU) summit Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Ali Jama' Jangeli, Somali Foreign Minister, requested more African Union troops to assist other soldiers in the capital. Both Kenya and Sudan backed Jangeli; Djibouti answered the call and promised to send 450 soldiers soon.

"The situation in Somalia is very grim, it is very precarious. It is threatening stability in the whole of the east Africa region and the Horn of Africa. It is in our interest as a region ... also in the interest of Africa to contribute more troops to Somalia so that there is law and order in Somalia," claimed Jangeli's Sudanese counterpart, Deng Alor.

The United States and Western nations are supportive of Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed's government, amidst fears that Somalia would become a base for al-Qaeda and other such organizations. However, the Somali government controls only few city blocks in the country.

Apart from attacks on government forces, the militants have also bombed the country's principal airport. There also has been an explosion during a college graduation ceremony, claim civilians.

Western nations have spent millions of dollars to buy weapons and ammunition for the Somali army. However, since the Shabab group controls a significant part of the country, the Somali government has had limited success. The group has won several battles and displaced millions of Somali people.


சோமாலியா தாக்குதலில் 12 பேர் உயிரிழப்பு

சோமாலியாவின் தலைநகர் மொகதிசுவில் இசுலாமியப் போராளிகள் ஆப்பிரிக்க அமைதிப் படைகளுடனும், சோமாலிய இராணுவத்துடமும் மோதலி ஈடுபட்டதில் குறைந்தது 12 பேர் கொல்லப்பட்டனர். பல மணி நேரம் இத்தாக்குதல் இடம்பெற்றதாக அங்க்கிருந்து வரும் செய்திகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன. அல்-சபாப் என்ற போராளிக் குழு இத்தாக்குதலுக்கு உரிமை கோரியுள்ளது.

இத்தாக்குதலில் இறந்தவர்கள் அனைவரும் பொது மக்கள் எனவும், மேலும் 25 பேர் வரையில் காயமடைந்ததாகவும் தெரிவிக்கப்படுகிறட்து. மோட்டார் குண்டுகள் வீடுகளின் மீது வீழ்ந்ததாலேயே பொதுமக்கள் உயிரிழந்ததாக மருத்துவமனை வட்டாரங்கள் தெரிவித்தன. இரு தரப்பிடம் இருந்தும் தாக்குதல்கள் மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டுள்ளதாக அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்தனர். ஒரே குடும்பத்தில் தாயும் இரு பிள்ளைகளும் இறந்தவர்களில் அடங்குவர்.

வெள்ளிக்கிழமை அதிகாலை 2 மணிக்கு தாக்குதல் ஆரம்பமானது. பலர் வீடுகளை விட்டு வெளியேறி பாதுகாப்பான இடங்களில் தஞ்சம் புகுந்தனர்.

2007 ஆம் ஆண்டில் இருந்து பல்வேறு தாக்குதல்களில் 20,000 சோமாலியர்கள் வரையில் கொல்லப்பட்டுள்ளனர். 1,5 மில்லியம் மக்கள் வரை நாட்டை விட்டு வெளியேறியுள்ளனர்.

அல்-சபாப் போராளிக் குழு ஐக்கிய அமெரிக்காவில் பயங்கரவாதப் பட்டியலில் இடப்பட்டு தடை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. மேலும் எத்தியோப்பியா, ஜிபூட்டி, கென்யா, எரித்திரியா, கானா, சூடான், உகாண்டா உட்படப் பல ஆப்பிரிக்க நாடுகளில் இவ்வமைப்பு தாக்குதல்களை நடத்தி வருகிறது.

ஞாயிறு, சனவரி 31, 2010


AT&T sued over NSA eavesdropping

A class action suit has been filed on Tuesday by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) against the telecom giant AT&T. The suit, filed in San Francisco, alleges that AT&T violated federal laws by collaborating with government to eavesdrop on U.S. citizens.

The Bush Administration and NSA have come under fire over the issue.  They defend the program by saying they are only listening in on suspected terrorists.

The EFF claims that AT&T turned over 2 databases consisting of their subscribers' communication and internet usage records.

Attorney Kevin Bankston representing the EFF said the government could not conduct their surveillance without the help of companies like AT&T.  He also said their goal is to tell AT&T that it is not in their fiscal best interests, along with not being legal, to cooperate with the President's wiretap program.

According to the class action suit, AT&T granted "access to all or a substantial number of the communications transmitted through its key domestic telecommunications facilities, including direct access to streams of domestic, international and foreign telephone and Internet communications." The lawsuit is seeking damages of $22,000 for each AT&T customer in addition to punitive fines.

AT&T is also facing scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission and possibly fines for failing to properly certify that customer records were safeguarded.


USA: l'AT&T denunciata per le intercettazioni della NSA

L'Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), fondazione che si batte per i diritti individuali, ha avviato una causa legale contro il colosso telefonico statunitense AT&T, istituendo una class action. La denuncia riguarda la violazione delle leggi federali in collaborazione con il Governo per effettuare intercettazioni telefoniche su cittadini americani ed è stata archiviata martedì alla corte di San Francisco. La class action è la procedura prevista dalla giurisprudenza anglosassone che permette alle singole parti civili di unirsi nella cause legali attraverso un'unica figura.

L'amministrazione Bush e la NSA, il servizio segreto per la sicurezza nazionale, sono direttamente investiti dall'azione legale e difendono il loro operato affermando che le intercettazioni sono effettuate solo su sospetti terroristi.

La EFF accusa l'AT&T di aver registrato in 2 database le comunicazioni telefoniche e le connessioni Internet dei propri abbonati.

L'avvocato Kevin Bankston, che rappresenta la EFF, afferma che il Governo non potrebbe sorvegliare il paese senza l'aiuto di compagnie come l'AT&T e che il loro intento è di far capire alla AT&T che, collaborare col programma di intercettazioni del Presidente, non è conveniente dal punto di vista finanziario oltre ad essere illegale.

Secondo l'accusa, l'AT&T ha offerto l'«accesso a un numero sostanziale di comunicazioni trasmesse attraverso la loro infrastruttura telefonica, se non addirittura a tutte, incluso l'accesso diretto alle telefonate, locali e internazionali, e alle comunicazioni su Internet.» La richiesta di risarcimento danni ammonta a 22 000 dollari, poco più di 18 000 euro, per ogni singolo abbonato oltre a delle misure restrittive.

Inoltre l'AT&T è sotto l'esame della Commissione federale delle comunicazioni (FCC) che potrebbe accusarla di non aver salvaguardato in modo appropriato le informazioni sui propri clienti.


Attack at Texas elementary school kills at least 19, including 18 children

At least eighteen young children, as well as a staff member, were killed in an attack on Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, United States on Tuesday. There are conflicting reports on the exact number of staff killed, although figures on Tuesday night ranged from one to three individuals.

An 18-year-old gunman is suspected to be the lone perpetrator of the intrusion and subsequent attack. Texas Governor Greg Abbott identified the suspected attacker as Salvador Ramos, adding that Ramos had shot his grandmother before embarking to commit the attack. Abbott stated that Ramos drove and then abandoned his vehicle nearby the school, then entered the building armed with a handgun and possibly a rifle. WOAI-TV and NPR both reported that Ramos was killed by police officers.

According to U.S. Census data, the population of Uvalde is approximately 70% Hispanic or Latin American in origin. It lies around 80 miles west of San Antonio, near the Mexican border. The community is small, having only about 16,000 residents.

The attack is the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. It follows the recent racially-motivated mass shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York on Saturday, May 14, where ten were killed. It is also the deadliest attack on an elementary school in the United States since the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012, where 20 children and six faculty were killed. At the time, the Sandy Hook shooting sparked national debate on gun rights and gun control.


21 muertos en un tiroteo escolar en Texas

Un tiroteo en la Escuela Primaria Robb, ubicada en la ciudad de Uvalde, en el estado estadounidense de Texas, dejó como saldo 21 muertos (19 estudiantes y 2 profesoras) y más de una decena de heridos este martes. El tiroteo ha sido descrito como uno de los peores en la historia de los Estados Unidos.

El autor de la masacre, identificado como Salvador Ramos, de 18 años, fue abatido por un agente de la Patrulla Fronteriza que trabajaba cerca del lugar cuando se inició el tiroteo. Antes de irrumpir en el colegio, Ramos chocó su vehículo afuera de la escuela. Se sospecha de que habría disparado contra su abuela antes de dirigirse a la escuela. El motivo del ataque está en investigación, pero se afirma que actuó solo. De acuerdo a fuentes oficiales del estado, había comprado dos rifles de asalto el día de su cumpleaños.

El presidente Joe Biden ordenó que las banderas ondearan a media asta en la Casa Blanca, así como en todos los edificios públicos del país y en todas las embajadas estadounidenses  del mundo. Biden se dirigió a la nación el martes por la noche, expresó sus condolencias a las familias de las víctimas, cuestionó por qué los tiroteos masivos son tan comunes en el país e instó a los legisladores a apoyar lo que llamó "leyes de armas de sentido común": «Por el amor de Dios, ¿cuándo vamos a enfrentarnos al lobby de las armas?», dijo.

El ataque es el tiroteo escolar más mortífero en una escuela de Texas y el tiroteo más mortífero en una escuela primaria de EE. UU. desde el tiroteo de la Escuela Primaria de Sandy Hook en 2012, donde murieron veinte niños y seis profesores.


Ennesima strage in una scuola statunitense

Alle 11.30 locali (18.30 italiane) il Texas è stato scosso da una nuova strage, anche a causa di una legislazione permissiva, che consente il facile ottenimento di armi da fuoco. Nella mattinata infatti, un giovane, armato con una pistola e un fucile semiautomatico, inizia la propria opera folle sparando per prima alla nonna (ricoverata in gravi condizioni), per poi dirigersi verso la Robb Elementary School, scuola elementare di Uvalde, cittadina tra San Antonio ed il confine messicano, colpendo chiunque avesse sotto tiro; il giovane uccide 19 bambini e due adulti. Questo atroce avvenimento è il secondo peggiore avvenuto dal 2012, quando a Sandy Hook il giovane Adam Lanza uccise 27 persone tra cui 20 bambini. Subito sono arrivate le parole del Presidente Joe Biden, il quale ha detto che "l’idea che un 18enne possa entrare in un negozio e acquistare un fucile è sbagliata" e che si è giunti al momento di "trasformare il dolore in azione".


Texas: 21 doden bij schietpartij op basisschool

Bij de schietpartij die op dinsdagochtend 24 mei plaatsvond op Robb Elementary School, een basisschool in Uvalde (Texas), zijn volgens de laatste berichten 21 doden gevallen. Het gaat om 19 leerlingen en twee leerkrachten. Het is daarmee de dodelijkste schietpartij die ooit heeft plaatsgevonden op een school in Texas, en de op twee na dodelijkste ooit op een school in de hele VS.

De dader is de 18-jarige Salvador Ramos. Hij drong volgens ooggetuigen iets na 11:30 plaatselijke tijd de westkant van het schoolgebouw binnen, waarna hij een klaslokaal betrad en begon met schieten. Ongeveer een halfuur later arriveerde de politie. Uiteindelijk werd Ramos zelf doodgeschoten door de Amerikaanse Border Patrol.

Over Ramos is inmiddels meer bekend. Zo had hij weinig vrienden en bracht hij veel tijd door op onder meer het online sociale netwerk Yubo, waar hij kort voordat hij overging tot zijn daad contact had met een 15-jarig meisje in Duitsland. In de week voorafgaand aan zijn daad beging hij twee geweren, waarvan hij er één (een AR-15) gebruikte om de aanslag mee te plegen. Hij kwam met een auto naar de school en reed kort voordat hij de school binnendrong in een gracht. Kort daarvoor had hij zijn 66-jarige grootmoeder neergeschoten.


Estados Unidos: sobe para 21 o número de mortes após tiroteio em escola do Texas

Vinte e uma (21) pessoas — 19 crianças e dois professores — morreram até ontem após um atirador abrir fogo na Escola Primária Robb, em Uvalde, Texas, na terça-feira passada. A confirmação foi feita ontem à noite pelo Kinney County Sheriff's Office (Escritório do Xerife do Condado Kinney) numa postagem com fotos das vítimas no Facebook. No entanto, cinco vítimas, das quais 4 são crianças, ainda estão internadas, algumas em estado grave, informou o Uvalde Memorial Hospital num comunicado ontem.

O atirador tinha 18 anos e foi identificado como Salvador Ramos. Ele era morador da pequena cidade rural e havia estudado na mesma escola, onde havia sofrido bullying devido a um problema na fala. Ele teria emboscado uma turma de alunos numa sala de aula, disseram autoridades, e acabou morto no confronto com os policiais.

As investigações continuam e ontem a polícia (Uvalde Police Department) emitiu um comunicado em suas redes sociais pedindo que as pessoas colaborassem com qualquer informação, mesmo qualquer “pequeno detalhe”, que pudesse ajudar a elucidar o caso.


Attack occurs in Stavropol, Russia; at least six dead

A radio-controlled bomb exploded in the city center in the southern Russian city of Stavropol earlier today, killing at least six and injuring more than 40, according to initial reports.

The explosion occurred at 18.45 Moscow time (UTC 14.45) in front of the Stavropol Trade-Union Sport and Culture Palace, where many people gathered, the Stavropolye State TV Company reports.  A performance by Chechen dance ensemble "Vainakh" was about to begin in the Palace.  Security officials haven't dismissed a possible connection between the concert and the attack.

"According to preliminary reports, several of those that were hospitalised are now in intensive care. The wounded have shrapnel wounds. Their conditions are considered critical or medium-critical," said Boris Skripka, the head of the civilian defense and emergency situation administration.

The country has seen some violence from rebel groups recently: on March 29, suicide bombings at the Moscow Metro killed at least 40 people and wounded over 100. Stavropol is included in the newly-created North Caucasian Federal District of Russia.


Атентат на терористи в Ставропол

В центъра на Ставропол пред Двореца на Културата и на Спортните Профсъюзи - сряда 26 май, около 18 ч. и 45 м. московско време (УВ 14.45) е извършен терористичен  атентат.  Мощно взривно устройство закрепено на козирката на Кафене  "Аквариум" е задействано дистанционно.

Първоначалните доклади, сочат, че са загинали най-малко 6 души, а  броят на жертвите надхвърля 40.

В същия ден в Двореца на Еултурата се е състоял концерт на известния танцов ансамбъл "Vainakh", високо ценен от президента.

Извършителите за сега са неизвестни. Съществуват две версии извършителите са  или руски националисти или ислямски групировки.


В Ставрополе совершён теракт

В Ставрополе (СКФО) в среду 26 мая был совершён теракт: около 18 часов 45 минут по московскому времени в центре города перед Дворцом культуры и спорта профсоюзов сработало мощное взрывное устройство, сообщает «Ставропольский городской сайт».[1]

По первоначальным сведениям, погибли как минимум 6 человек, число пострадавших превышает 40. Утром 27 мая СМИ сообщили о гибели 7-го пострадавшего.

Бомба была закреплена на козырьке кафе «Аквариум» и была радиоуправляемой. На месте взрыва было многолюдно, во Дворце культуры в этот день давал концерт чеченский народный государственный ансамбль танца «Вайнах», сообщает ГТРК «Ставрополье».[2]

26 мая 2010 года


இரசியாவில் இடம்பெற்ற குண்டுத் தாக்குதலில் 6 பேர் உயிரிழப்பு

இரசியாவின் தெற்குப் பகுதியில் ஸ்தாவ்ரப்போல் நகரில் கலையரங்கு ஒன்றில் தொலைவில் இருந்து இயக்கப்பட்ட குண்டு ஒன்று வெடித்ததில் 6 பேர் கொல்லப்பட்டனர். மேலும் 40 பேர் காயமடைந்ததாக ஆரம்பத் தகவல்கள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன.

இக்குண்டுவெடிப்பு நேற்றுக் காலை மாஸ்கோ நேரம் 18.45 (UTC 14.45) மணிக்கு நகரில் உள்ள தொழிற்சங்க விளையாட்டு மற்றும் பண்பாட்டுக் கலையரங்கம் ஒன்றின் முன்னால் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது. குண்டுவெடிப்பு நிகழ்ந்த நேரம் அங்கு பெருமளவில் பொதுமக்கள் கூடியிருந்ததாகத் தெரிவிக்கப்படுகிறது.

செச்சினிய நிகழ்ச்சி ஒன்று ஆரம்பமாகவிருந்த வேளையிலேயே குண்டு வெடித்துள்ளது. இறந்தவர்கள் அனைவரும் பெண்கள் என்றும் அதில் ஒருவர் 12 வயதுச் சிறுமி என்றும் அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இவர்கள் அனைவரும் இரசிய, ஆர்மீனிய மற்றும் செச்சினியர்கள் ஆவர்.

இரசியாவில் அண்மைக்காலத்தில் செச்சினியப் பேராளிகளின் தாக்குதல்கள் அதிகரித்துக் காணப்படுகின்றன. சென்ற மார்ச் 29 இல் மாஸ்கோவில் இடம்பெற்ற தாக்குதல் ஒன்றில் 40 பேர் வரையில் கொல்லப்பட்டனர்.

வியாழன், மே 27, 2010


Attack on mosque kills 30 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

An attack on a mosque has killed at least 32 people, near Pakistan's military headquarters in the city of Rawalpindi. There have been conflicting accounts of the attack, but police reported gunfire and at least one explosion at the mosque soon after prayers on Friday morning. It is thought that one or more suicide bombers may have been involved.

The attack took place at the Parade Lane mosque, in a part of the city containing several defence department buildings. Security workers cordoned off the scene while ambulances rushed to take victims to the hospital.

"There was certainly more than one attacker, so there is a possibility that some of them may still be hiding in the vicinity," said Athar Abbas, a spokesman for the military.

It is the latest in a series of attacks that have rocked Pakistan since the government launched an offensive against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the northwest region bordering Afghanistan. On Thursday, a bomb blast at a police checkpoint wounded at least two policemen in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

On Wednesday, a suicide bomber killed two guards and wounded eleven other people at naval headquarters in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. The same day, the military said troops killed fifteen suspected miltants, including a top militant commander, in the Swat Valley, the site of a major offensive earlier this year.


Zamach w meczecie w pakistańskim Rawalpindi

Co najmniej 39 osób zginęło w eksplozjach w meczecie w pakistańskim garnizonowym mieście Rawalpindi.

W meczecie doszło do dwóch eksplozji, po których nastąpiły strzały z broni ciężkiej. Meczet znajduje się w sąsiedztwie siedziby naczelnego dowództwa pakistańskich sił zbrojnych.

W ostatnich miesiącach talibowie nasilili terrorystyczną działalność na terytorium Pakistanu ze względu na prowadzona przez siły bezpieczeństwa ofensywę w Południowym Waziristanie. Głównej kwatera armii pakistańskiej w Rawalpindi, była szturmowana przez rebeliantów 10 - 11 października. Wtedy zginęło 19 osób.

22 listopada siły bezpieczeństwa zastrzeliły 5 talibów. Wojsko na froncie Jandola-Sararogha przeszukiwały wioski Pash Ziarat, Khandai Sar Tabai Sar leżące na górskich szlakach na których rozbrojono 10 min. Tam doszło do potyczki z rebeliantami, w wyniku której zginęło 5 rebeliantów, a rany odniósł jeden żołnierz. Na linii Razmak-Makin w wiosce Sarwek rozbrojono 5 ładunków IED. Armia przeszukała kilka wiosek w akcji poszukiwania talibów. W pobliżu miasta Koktai zniszczono 20 talibskich obozów i 14 jaskiń.

23 listopada zginęło 9 rebeliantów, a 3 pakistańskich żołnierzy zostało rannych. Armia zabezpieczyła wioski Zinda Narai i Borora Narai, lezące 1 km na zachód od Janta. Na froncie Shakai-Kaniguram rebelianci ostrzelali trzema rakietami wioskę Asman Manza, co nie przyniosło ofiar. Podczas starcia pod Karam, zginął jeden talibski bojownik, a dwóch żołnierzy odniosło rany. Na froncie Razmak-Makin wojsko objęło kontrolę nad wioskami Golden Top, Pash Ziarat i Tabai Sar, a walki kosztowały życie 8 talibów.

24 listopada aresztowano 2 talibów w pobliżu wioski Janta. Stamtąd przejęto także spore ilości amunicji talibów. Na froncie Razmak-Makin armia rozbroiła 8 ładunków wybuchowych IED w wioskach Pash Ziarat i Kam Narakai. Talibowie wystrzelili także 6 rakiet z wioski Pash Ziarat. W okolicy Marobi Raghazi rozbrojono 10 min IED.

25 listopada zginęło 4 ekstremistów, a 9 zostało rannych. Talibowie zostali zabici w walkach pod Asman Manza i Majdan. Wojsko rozpoczęło kolejne akcje poszukiwania rebeliantów w miastach Shakai, Kaniguram i Spinkot.

26 listopada W Południowym Wazristanie aresztowano terrorystę Abdullaha Shah Mehsuda. W sektorze Jandola zniszczono 25 ładunków wybuchowych IED. Na froncie Razmak-Makin zniszczono 25 baz talibów i 10 ładunków IED.

27 listopada zginęło 15 talibów, a 2 żołnierzy odniosło rany. Na froncie Jandola-Sararogha zniszczono 30 domów w wiosce Raghazai, natomiast w Kot Raghazai 50 budynków. Domostwa służyła jako schronienie talibom. W wiosce Zhawar Killi zabezpieczono duże ilości broni. Na linii Shakai-Kaniguram armia spotkała opór w wiosce Narakai. W wyniku wymiany ognia zginęło 15 talibów, a jeden z żołnierzy odniósł rany. na drodze łączącej wioski Sarwek i Siplatoi zabezpieczono 10 min. Na froncie Razmak-Maikn zniszczono 9 ładunków IED w wioskach Pash Ziarat, Wachuba i Kot Band Khel. Armia zniszczyła 30 baz talibów w wiosce Mad Amir Killi. Podczas akcji ucierpiał żołnierz pakistański.

W ostatnich dniach listopada nie dochodziło do istotnych walk z talibami.

1 grudnia armia zabezpieczyła lezącą w sektorze Jandola wioskę Dunai Killi. Oddział wojsk, który wszedł do wioski wcześniej walczył o Jantę. Na froncie Shakai-Kaniguram siły bezpieczeństwa prowadziły operację w kontrolowanych wioskach Asman Manza, Mola Khan Saraj i Kundi Ghar Sar. Na ostatniej linii Razmak-Makin rebelianci wystrzelili 7 rakiet na wioskę Lakki Ghund, 5 rakiet Mana Camp oraz 4 rakiety na Ladha Bridge, leżącą pod miastem Makin. Ataki nie przyniosły ofiar.

2 grudnia rebelianci wystrzelili 8 rakiet na Spin Jammat i Ladha. Agresja talibów spotkała się z odpowiedzią sił bezpieczeństwa, jednak w walkach w sektorze Shakai nikt nie zginął. Na froncie Razmak-Makin, talibowie ostrzelali pozycje żołnierzy z rakiet w wiosce Lakki Ghund. W wyniku odpowiedzi ranny został jeden żołnierzy, podczas wymiany ognia w Qalandar. W trakcie akcji poszukiwania rebeliantów, aresztowano w Pirpatai i Qambar 6 talibów. Tymczasem w wioskach Barshaur, Charbagh i Gagra, 8 bojowników oddało się w ręce pakistańskiego wojska. Tego dnia w Islamabadzie cztery osoby zostały ranne, kiedy zamachowiec-samobójca wysadził się nieopodal siedziby marynarki wojennej Pakistanu.

Obecnie walki są ograniczone do minimum, a armia skupia się na poszukiwaniu talibów na kontrolowanych terenach.

Dotychczas w walkach zginęło 76 żołnierzy oraz ponad 600 talibów.


பாக்கிசுத்தானில் இராவல்பிண்டியில் ஏற்பட்ட குண்டு வெடிப்பில் 35 பேர் பலி

பாக்கிசுத்தானில் இராணுவ நகரான இராவல்பிண்டியில் ஏற்பட்ட குண்டு வெடிப்பில் 35க்கு மேற்பட்டோர் பலியானார்கள். இதில் 17க்கும் மேற்பட்ட குழந்தைகளும் பலியானார்கள். வெள்ளிக்கிழமை தொழுகையை முடித்து விட்டு வந்தவர்களை நோக்கி 4 பேர் சுட்டதாக தெரிகிறது. அவர்களுக்கும் பாதுகாப்பு படையினருக்கும் 1 மணி நேரத்திற்கும் மேல் சண்டை நடந்துள்ளது. பின் 3 பேர் தங்கள் உடலில் கட்டப்பட்ட குண்டுகளை இயக்கி இறந்துள்ளார்கள்.

தாலிபான்கள் இத்தாக்குதலை நடத்தியதாக கூறியுள்ளார்கள். வர்கிஸ்த்தான், சுவாட் ஆகிய இடங்களில்
பாக்கிசுத்தான் இராணுவம் அடைந்த வெற்றிகளை தொடர்ந்து தாலிபான்கள் இத்தாக்குதலை நடத்தியிருக்கலாம் என
பாக்கிசுத்தான் உள்துறை அமைச்சர் ரகுமான் மாலிக் கூறியுள்ளார்.

வெள்ளி, திசம்பர் 4, 2009


Australia appeals for no execution in Indonesian drug case

A 27-year-old former beauty student from the Gold Coast of Australia faces the death penalty. She was allegedly caught at Bali airport importing marijuana from Australia in October. Appearing before an Indonesian judge after authorities found 4.1kg of high-grade cannabis in her unlocked boarding bag, she could be sentenced to death by firing squad, the maximum penalty for the crime.

With that possibility looming for Ms. Corby, her father journeyed to her side, and an anonymous email petition was distributed around Australia and overseas, calling on the Australian government to ensure that, innocent or guilty, Ms. Corby is returned to Australia to escape execution.

An Australian witness who volunteered information which he says will endanger his own life, has testified that Schapelle Corby was unwittingly caught up in a domestic Australian drug-running operation gone wrong. The man alleged that Australian airport workers had placed the contraband in her luggage after it had been checked-in, with the drugs to have been removed before the luggage left Australia. [1]

Ms. Corby, who says she is innocent of the charges, staggered and paused to vomit while being led through a throng of journalists watching her trial in Jakarta, Indonesia, earlier today.

"I'm really sick," Ms. Corby told Densbar's head judge Linton Sirait, who told her to take better care of herself in jail so she would not get diarrhea. "Don't be stressed," Judge Sirait added as he adjourned the trial until April 14.

Her sister said a doctor would visit her in prison to assess her condition. Her father, suffering with prostate cancer, said it was difficult to watch his daughter struggling so hard when things were nearing the "nitty-gritty now."

He added: "The stress and the whole thing and the stomach cramps and the nerves. It's getting on top of her."

Australian politicians, noting the public support thrown behind the Gold Coast citizen, are promising to take her case up on several issues with the Indonesian Attorney-General later today. However, Mr. Corby expressed doubts that politicians could work things out: "It depends on what they call justice here [in Indonesia]. It looks a bit fairyland to me."

"Everything's reversed here. You're guilty until you're proven innocent," commented Mr. Corby in Indonesia. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is said to be monitoring the case to ensure the court hands down a just and fair verdict.


Australiana pode ser condenada à morte por tráfico de drogas

Schapelle Corby, uma australiana  de 27 anos  pode ser condenada à  morte. Ela foi presa alegadamente por posse de drogas ilegais em um aeroporto de Bali, na Indonésia, em outubro de 2004.  Policiais teriam encontrado 4,1kg de maconha de primeira qualidade em sua bagagem.

Uma testemunha que não quiz se identificar  disse que a australiana foi vítima inconscientemente de uma operação de transporte de drogas que não deu certo. A droga teria sido colocada na bagagem dela por pessoas que trabalham no aeroporto da Austrália.

Os familiares da moça na Austrália iniciaram uma campanha pela sua libertação. Alguns políticos australianos demonstraram interesse em ajudar.


Australia: Victoria lockdown extended by a week with 85 active cases recorded

Yesterday, with 85 active cases of COVID-19 in the Australian state of Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews has extended the state's current lockdown by a week until July 27 at 11:59 p.m. (0159 UTC).

Since a five-day lockdown was first announced last Thursday, cases have been recorded in areas across Victoria, including Phillip Island, Mildura and Barwon Heads. Notably, Mildura's COVID-19 case, which was recorded on Sunday, is their first in 15 months. Thirteen new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Victoria yesterday.

Red zone travel permits, required for residents of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory for entry into Victoria, are temporarily paused. Andrews said that while this decision would "cause a real challenge for many people", he justified this decision by saying that "things are too unstable—too uncertain and frankly out of control from a virus point of view in Sydney".

State health minister Martin Foley stated, "We've had thousands of Victorians return from New South Wales in recent weeks, but with the situation escalating, the recent incursions and the increased infectiousness of the Delta variant, we must act to protect Victoria and temporarily pause Red Zone Permits."

Restrictions remain the same from the initial Thursday announcement. Under the regulations, there are only five reasons to leave home: for food and supplies; exercise; care or caregiving; work or education, if not possible from home; and to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In exercising, people cannot go more than 5 kilometers (3 mi) away from their home, and for no more than two hours. The vaccination should be administered at the nearest possible location. Face masks remain mandatory both outdoors and indoors, except at home.

A press release from the premier's office said the COVID-19 Delta variant is moving "faster than anything Victoria's public health experts have seen before", adding as a result "we need to limit movement for a longer period of time". The press release also noted over 15 thousand close contacts of cases in quarantine, over 250 exposure sites across the state, and the COVID-19 daily case numbers remaining in double digits.


Austrália: lockdown de Vitória prorrogado por uma semana

Ontem, com 85 casos ativos de COVID-19 no estado de Vitória na Austrália, Daniel Andrews estendeu o atual lockdown por uma semana, até 27 de julho às 11h59 (01h59 UTC).

Desde que um flexibilização de cinco dias foi anunciado pela primeira vez na última quinta-feira, casos foram registrados em áreas de Vitória. Notavelmente, o caso de COVID-19 de Mildura, que foi registrado no domingo, é o primeiro em 15 meses. Treze novos casos de coronavírus foram registrados em Vitória no fim-de-semana.

As autorizações de viagem para entrada em Vitória estão temporariamente pausadas. Andrews disse que embora essa decisão "causasse um verdadeiro desafio para muitas pessoas", ele justificou essa decisão dizendo que "as coisas são muito instáveis — muito incertas e francamente fora de controle do ponto de vista do vírus em Sydney".

O ministro da saúde do estado, Martin Foley, afirmou: "Milhares de vitorianos voltaram de New South Wales nas últimas semanas, mas com a escalada da situação, as recentes incursões e o aumento da infecciosidade da variante Delta, devemos agir para proteger Vitória e pausar temporariamente as licenças".

As restrições permanecem as mesmas desde o anúncio inicial de quinta-feira. De acordo com os regulamentos, existem apenas cinco motivos para sair de casa: comprar comida; exercício; cuidado de saúde; trabalho ou educação, se não for possível de casa; e ser vacinado contra COVID-19. No exercício, as pessoas não podem se distanciar mais do que 5 km de casa e no máximo duas horas. A vacinação deve ser administrada no local mais próximo possível. As máscaras faciais permanecem obrigatórias em ambientes externos e internos, exceto em casa.

Um comunicado de imprensa diz que a variante Delta está se movendo "mais rápido do que qualquer coisa que os especialistas em saúde pública de Vitória já viram antes. Precisamos limitar o movimento por um longo período de tempo". O comunicado também registrou mais de 15 mil contatos com infectados, mais de 250 locais de exposição em todo o estado e os números de casos diários estão em dois dígitos.


Australian activists break into Pine Gap spy facility

Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested six people following a breach of security at the secretive Pine Gap Joint Defence Facility in central Australia on Friday.

The members of the group Christians Against All Terrorism (CAAT) breached base security at dawn and two of them infiltrated two perimeter fences and scaled a building, before being arrested. Two of the protesters photographed themselves atop a building inside the spy base.

A Northern Territory police spokeswoman said three men and two women had been charged over the incident while another woman would be summoned to appear in Alice Springs court next week over obstructing police. The spokeswoman said the activists had allegedly cut holes in the external and internal fences at the defence facility. She said the combined charges carried a maximum penalty of seven years jail.

The group claims it was the first break-in of its kind at Pine Gap. The group spoke yesterday of their efforts to conceal a digital camera memory stick in the clothing of key members to avoid the images being confiscated by police.

Four of the protesters are from Queensland, one is from New South Wales, and the other is from Victoria. They say they wanted to conduct a citizens inspection of the controversial Pine Gap facility. "We could not allow the US and Australian governments to continue to conceal the role of Pine Gap in the ongoing war in Iraq," said Sean O'Reilly of the group. "It's time the Australian public knew the reality of what is happening on our land."

Group member Jessica Morrison claims there is a lot of secrecy surrounding the facility. "So for me it was an attempt to come to a place that I think propagates death and start to proclaim truth," she said.

Two of the group were released on bail facing charges, including: unlawfully entering a prohibited area destroying or damaging Commonwealth property; trespassing on Commonwealth land; damaging property under the NT law. A sixth member was arrested for aiding and abetting but was released without charge.

Up to 30 police officers were stationed at a roadblock at the turn-off to Pine Gap at 6:00 a.m. local time and Gap staff were ordered to remain in their cars at the roadblock.

CAAT member Brian Law, said four of the group split into two groups and entered the base in a co-ordinated movement. He said four members walked 10km through thick scrub and entered the base at 4:00 a.m. local time. Mr Law and the fourth member arrested, former human shield Donna Mulhearn, 37, (taken hostage by militants in Fallujah in Iraq last year) were released.

Mr O'Reilly said the group conducted a citizens' inspection in protest at Pine Gap's involvement in the ongoing war in Iraq after the group had been refused official entry by Defence Minister Robert Hill. "We could not allow the US and Australian governments to continue to conceal the role of Pine Gap in the ongoing war in Iraq," Mr O'Reilly said.

It was unclear last night whether the group would be charged under the Federal Government's tough new anti-terror laws. They were bailed to face the Alice Springs Magistrates Court next Wednesday.


Aktivister gjorde intrång på australiensisk spionbas

Australien – Australiens federala polis (AFP) har gripit sex personer som lyckats ta sig förbi säkerhetssystemet vid den hemliga anläggningen Pine Gap i centrala Australien tidigt på fredagen.

Medlemmar av den kristna organisationen Christians Against All Terrorism (CAAT) lyckades ta sig förbi säkerhetsanordningarna på morgonen och två av lyckades ta sig genom två stängsel och inta en byggnad innan de kunde gripas. Två av demonstranterna tog bilder av sig själva stående på en av byggnaderna i anläggningen.

En taleskvinna för polisen i Northern Territory sa att tre män och två kvinnor åtalats till följd av händelsen. Ytterligare en kvinna har kallats till domstol i Alice Springs nästa vecka. Enligt taleskvinnan har aktivisterna gjort hål i de yttre och inre stängslen på försvarsanläggningen och riskerar upp till sju års fängelse.

Den kristna gruppen uppger att det är det första intrånget av sitt slag vid Pine Cap. Igår berättade gruppen om sina ansträngningar att gömma ett minneskort från sin digitalkamera för att förhindra att bilderna beslagtogs av polisen. Gruppens medlemmar kommer från olika delar av Australien: Fyra kommer från Queensland, två från New South Wales och en från Victoria.

De säger att aktionen syftade till att göra en "medborgarinspektion" vid den kontroversiella anläggningen. "Vi kan inte acceptera att USA:s och Australiens regeringar fortsätter dölja vilken roll Pine Gap har i det pågående kriget i Irak", sa Sean O'Reilly, en av gruppens medlemmar. "Det är dags att den australiensiska allmänheten får reda på sanningen om vad som händer i vårt land".

Enligt Jessica Morrison, en av gruppens medlemmar omges anläggningen av mycket hemlighetsmakeri. "För mig har det varit ett försök att ta mig till en plats som jag anser sprider död och börja manifestera sanningen", sa hon.

Två av gruppens medlemmar har släppts mot borgen och står nu åtalade för ett flertal brott: för att olagligen ha gjort intrång på förbjudet område och förstört eller skadat det brittiska Samväldets egendom, intrång på Samväldets mark samt skadegörelse enligt lagen i Nothern Territory.

Vid vägspärren vid avtagsvägen som leder till Pine Gap hade bortåt 30 poliser stationerats klockan sex på morgonen. Personal vid anläggningen hade beordrats stanna i sina bilar vid vägspärren.

Enligt CAAT-medlemmen Bran Law delade gruppens fyra medlemmar upp sig i två grupper som tog sig in i basen. Han berättade att de fyra som deltog i aktionen tagit sig omkring 10 kilometer genom tätt buskage innan de kunde ta sig in i anläggningen vid fyratiden på morgonen lokal tid. Bran Law själv och gruppens fjärde medlem, 37-åriga Donna Mulhearn som förra året verkade i Irak som så kallad mänsklig sköld och kidnappades i Fallujah, har släppts.

O'Reilly sa att de genomfört vad han kallade en "medborgarinspektion" vid Pine Gap i protest mot anläggningens roll i kriget i Irak sean försvarsminister Robert Hill vägrat låta dem göra ett officiellt besök vid anläggningen.

Det är fortfarande oklart om gruppens medlemmar kommer att omfattas av de nya stänga australiensiska anti-terroristlagarna som den federala regeringen antogs nyligen. Deras fall kommer att tas i upp vid en skiljedomstol i Alice Springs nu på onsdag.


Australian authorities probe rapid antigen test price gouging

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation into allegations of price gouging for COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) today following referrals from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). The AFP warned that price gouging could attract a five year term of imprisonment and a AUD66,000 fine.

Under Australian law, price gouging occurs where an individual or business purchases a rapid antigen test kit from a retailer and then sells it for more than 20% of the purchase price. It does not apply to businesses who purchase kits from wholesalers. The AFP has power where it suspects price gouging is occurring to seize test kits and send them to the national medical stockpile.

The AFP said in a statement that it has commenced two investigations in New South Wales and Queensland, and expects more to follow. Investigations will be coordinated by Taskforce LOTUS, which was formed by the AFP in 2021 in response to threats surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The taskforce will refer allegations of price gouging to strike teams which are deployed Australia-wide.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Crime Command Nigel Ryan warned that the AFP would have zero tolerance for profiteering from rapid antigen tests.

"The AFP will use its full powers to crack down on RAT price gouging. Not only is price gouging of RATs unethical but it is illegal, and the AFP will use its significant resources to ensure it protects the public from the unlawful greed of others," Assistant Commissioner Ryan said.

"Commonwealth and state agencies are working together on this issue, and under Taskforce LOTUS, the AFP makes no apologies for upholding the law to help keep Australians safe."

"Those who breach the law face penalties of up to 5 years’ jail or a AUD66,000 fine. My message is clear. Do not risk jail time or a significant fine for a few extra dollars."

On Monday, the ACCC said it had received 1800 reports from consumers since 25 December, with claims tests were sold as high as AUD500 for two on online marketplaces and AUD70 per test at convenience stores. "At the extreme end, we have received reports or seen media coverage of tests costing up to $500 for two tests through online marketplaces, and over $70 per test through convenience stores, service stations and independent supermarkets, which is clearly outrageous," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

"There are several businesses that have repeatedly come to our notice thanks to the information provided by the public. We are asking those businesses to urgently explain the prices they are charging."


incubator:Wn/hu/Az ausztrál szövetségi rendőrség nyomozást indított a COVID-gyorsteszteken való nyerészkedés miatt

Az Ausztrál Szövetségi Rendőrség[1] (AFP) a versenyhatóság[2] (ACCC) jelzései alapján nyomozást indított a COVID-19 gyorstesztek árának felhajtása miatt. Az AFP figyelmeztetett, hogy ezt öt évig terjedő börtönnel és 66 ezer ausztrál dolláros bírsággal is büntethetik.

Az ausztrál törvények értelmében nyerészkedésről van szó, ha a magán- vagy jogi személy a kiskereskedőktől megvásárolt gyorsteszteket több mint 20%-kal drágábban kínálja újra eladásra. A korlátozás cégek nagykereskedőktől beszerzett készleteire nem vonatkozik. Az AFP árfelhajtás gyanúja esetén jogosult a teszteket kisajátítani és bevételeztetni az állami készletbe.

Az AFP egy új-dél-walesi és egy queenslandi nyomozásról számolt be, de továbbiak megindítására is számítanak. Ezeket a LOTUS akciócsoport[3] fogja koordinálni, amit a rendőrség eredetileg a COVID-oltásokhoz köthető fenyegetésekre válaszul 2021-ben hozott létre. A csoport, amelynek egységei az egész országot lefedik, a bejelentések nyomán tervez rajtaütéseket végrehajtani.

Nigel Ryan, az AFP bűnüldözési részlegének helyettes vezetője[4] zéró toleranciát hirdetett a gyorsteszteken nyerészkedéssel szemben:

– A szövetségi rendőrség minden erejét latba fogja vetni, hogy a gyorsteszteken nyerészkedést letörjük. Az ilyen árfelhajtás nemcsakhogy etikátlan, de illegális is. Az AFP fel fogja használni nem csekély erejét, hogy a közt megvédje egyesek törvénybe ütköző kapzsiságától... A szövetségi és [tag]állami szervek közösen dolgoznak majd az ügyön a LOTUS akciócsoport irányítása alatt. Nem lesz álmatlan éjszakánk amiatt, hogy a törvényeket a polgárok védelme érdekében betartatjuk... [ezért] a törvénysértők akár 5 év börtönnel vagy 66 000 dolláros büntetéssel szembesülhetnek. Az üzenet világos: ne kockáztasson senki se börtönt vagy egy nagyobb büntetést egy kis extra bevételért.[5]

A versenyhatósághoz karácsony első napjától most hétfőig 1800 bejelentés érkezett, köztük két tesztért elkért 500 dolláros online árról, és 70 dolláros bolti árcéduláról.

– A skála tetején olyan bejelentések vagy médiariportok vannak, amelyek 500 dollárt elérő online árakról szólnak két tesztre, illetve 70 dollár feletti árakról egyes boltokban, benzinkutakon és láncon kívüli szupermarketekben, ami egyszerűen felháborító.[6] – mondta a hatóságot vezető Rod Sims.

– Az állampolgári bejelentések néhány eladóra több esetben is felhívták a figyelmünket. Ezeket a helyeket arra kérjük, hogy sürgősen tisztázzák, mi indokolja náluk ezeket az árakat.[7]


Australian columnist 'offended, insulted, humiliated' fair-skinned Aborigines

Conservative commentator Andrew Bolt has been found in breach of the Racial Discrimination Act, following a pair of newspaper articles in 2009 where Bolt criticised fair-skinned people identifying as Aborigines.

Australia's Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg said "I am satisfied that fair-skinned Aboriginal people (or some of them) were reasonably likely ... to have been offended, insulted, humiliated or intimidated by the imputations conveyed by the newspaper articles," Justice Bromberg said. "People should be free to fully identify with their race without fear of public disdain or loss of esteem for so identifying."

The articles, titled "It's so hip to be black" and "White fellas in the black", were published by the Herald Sun and Weekly Times in 2009, in addition to two blog posts published on the Herald Sun's website.

The nine plaintiffs were jubilant following delivery of the verdict. Taking legal action against Mr Bolt were former ATSIC member Geoff Clark, academic Larissa Behrendt, native title expert Graham Atkinson, academic Wayne Atkinson, lawyer Mark McMillan, activist Pat Eatock and artist Bindi Cole. They argued Bolt's articles offended, upset and demeaned them while implying they identified as Aboriginal Australians for personal gain.

Bolt's lawyer, Neil Young, argued in court that the articles were a genuine reflection of his client's beliefs and were published in the public interest. "Everything that's said, even if it's expressed colourfully, is rationally related to a thesis that's a matter of public interest," Mr Young had said.

Bolt said his writings were fair and within the provisions of free speech laws. Ron Merkel, QC, for the complainants, said his clients did not target free speech, stating that while Bolt is free to express his views, he should not have attacked the nine individuals named in the articles.

Justice Bromberg told the court Bolt's articles would have offended a reasonable member of the Aboriginal community, adding that the articles were factually incorrect and not written with good faith. "I am satisfied that each of Mr Bolt and the Herald & Weekly Times engaged in conduct which contravened section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act."

Bolt described the verdict as "a terrible day for free speech in this country," adding "It is particularly a restriction on the freedom of all Australians to discuss multiculturalism and how people identify themselves,"

Ms Eatock, a prominent activist and the chief plaintiff, said she was not confident of receiving an apology from Mr Bolt. "I will never get an apology from Mr Bolt. He made that clear giving his evidence earlier in the year," she said. "But we will, I hope, get some sort of acknowledgment through the press that what he wrote was just unacceptable, totally unacceptable. He set out to offend from the word go and in fact he acknowledged that in his evidence."


ستون‌نویس استرالیایی موجب رنجش، تحقیر و توهین به بومیان سفید پوست این کشور شد

اندرو بولت، مفسر محافظه‌کار، متهم شده‌است که قانون تبعیض نژادی استرالیا را طی مقالاتی که در سال ۲۰۰۹ در دو روزنامه چاپ کرده بود نقض نموده‌است. بولت در این دو مقاله از بومیان سفید پوست استرالیایی انتقاد کرده بود.

مردکای برومبرگ، قاضی دادگاه فدرال استرالیا گفت: «من متقاعد شده‌ام که بومیان سفید پوست (یا برخی از آنان) به احتمال فراوان... به دلیل مواردی که روزنامه‌ها به آن‌ها نسبت داده‌اند مورد رنجش، توهین، تحقیر یا ارعاب قرار گرفته‌اند.» قاضی برومبرگ ادامه داد: «مردم را باید آزاد گذاشت تا نژادشان را بدون ترس از تحقیر شدن توسط عموم یا از دست رفتن عزتشان بر ملا کنند.»

مقالات بولت تحت عناوین «بسیار خوب است که سیاه شویم» و «سفیدهایی که سیاه شدند» در سال ۲۰۰۹ در هرالد سان و هفته‌نامه تایمز چاپ شدند. هم‌چنین در وبگاه هرالد سان نیز دو مقاله منتشر شدند.

نه شاکی پرونده پس از اعلام حکم، بسیار شادمان به نظر می‌رسیدند. جئوف کلارک، لاریسا بهرندت، گراهام آتکینسون، وین آتکینسون، مارک مک‌میلان، پت ایتاک، و بیندی کول از شاکیان پرونده بودند که اعتقاد داشتند مقالات بولت با بیان ضمنی این مطلب که آنها سفیدپوستانی هستند که برای کسب منفعت شخصی، خودشان را به بومیان استرالیا نسبت داده‌اند، باعث رنجش خاطرشان شده و موقعیت اجتماعیشان را تنزل بخشیده‌است.

وکیل بولت، نیل یانگ در دادگاه این‌چنین استدلال کرد که مقالات بازتاب خالصی از عقاید موکلش بوده‌اند و چاپ آن‌ها به صلاح کل مردم کشور بوده‌است. آقای یانگ اظهار کرد: «هر آن‌چه گفته شده، حتی اگر سرتاسر فحاشی باشد، منطقا به موضوعی مربوط است که به صلاح کل مردم می‌باشد.»

بولت بر این باور است که نوشته‌هایش عادلانه و طبق قانون آزادی بیان بوده‌اند. ران مرکل، وکیل شکات، اظهار کرد که منظور موکلانش هدف قرار دادن آزادی بیان نیست بلکه آن است که بولت ضمن آن‌که حق دارد آزادانه نظراتش را بیان کند، حق ندارد به نه شخصی که در مقاله‌هایش نامشان را برده‌است حمله کند.

قاضی برومبرگ بر این عقیده‌است که مقالات بولت اسباب رنجش اعضایی از جامعه بومیان را فراهم آورده‌است و افزون بر آن، مقالات اساسا اشتباه و بدون حسن نیت نوشته شده‌اند. او ادامه داد: «من متقاعد شده‌ام که که بولت و هرالد سان و هفته‌نامه تایمز از بخش ۱۸سی قانون تبعیض نژادی تخطی کزده‌اند.»

بولت حکم دادگاه را «روزی وحشتناک برای آزادی بیان در این کشور» توصیف کرد و افزود: «این مشخصا محدودیتی برای همه استرالیایی‌هاست تا آزادانه بتوانند در رابطه با چندفرهنگی و نحوه تشخیص هویت یکدیگر مباحثه کنند.»


Australian David Hicks is released from Yatala Labour Prison

Australian David Hicks was released Saturday from Yatala Labour Prison in Adelaide, South Australia.

Hicks, who until May 2007 had been held for five years at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, was serving out his remaining sentence in an Australian jail. At a U.S. war crimes tribunal, Hicks pleaded guilty to providing material support to a listed terrorist organisation and was sentenced to seven years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, all but nine months of the sentence was suspended and in May of 2007, Hicks was transferred to Yatala.

A contentious part of his sentence was a ban placed on Hicks to prevent him from speaking with the media for a period of one year from the time he pleaded guilty, which was in March, 2007. On his release Saturday, Hicks indicated that he intended to comply with the suppression order.

"It's my intention to honour this agreement as I don't want to do anything that might result in my return there," said Hicks in a written statement read by his lawyer, David McLeod. "So for now, I will limit what I have to say - I will say more at a later time."

A small group of supporters waited outside of Yatala and cheered as his car drove away. In his statement, Hicks had thanked his supporters for "the huge debt of gratitude that I owe the Australian public for getting me home." He added, "I will not forget or let you down."

At his trial, Hicks admitted he attended training camps in Afghanistan, conducted surveillance of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and revealed that he had met Osama bin Laden, leader of Al-Qaeda. He had participated in fighting against the U.S. and its allies in Afghanistan in late 2001, and was caught while trying to flee the area.

On his release from prison Saturday, Hicks was driven to an undisclosed location in Adelaide. His lawyer said that Hicks fears for the safety of himself and his family. "David is concerned about the safety of his family from people who hold views he was purported to share," said David McLeod. "There are also a number of far-right nationalist groups in Australia who have spoken out about David."

Terry Hicks, David's father, said his son was pleased to be free. "He's on a high, he seems alright but I suppose in the quiet times everything will come back."

"It's now up to him," said Terry Hicks. "He now has got to get on with his life."


Australiano é solto da Yatala Labour Prison

O australiano David Hicks foi libertado no sábado da Yatala Labour Prison em Adelaide, no sul da Austrália.

Hicks, que até meados de maio de 2007 havia estado em Guantanamo em Cuba,Havia sido tranferido para uma prisão australiana. Ele foi julgado por um tribunal americano, Acusado de sustentar organizações terroristas, e recebeu a sentença de sete anos. Como parte do acordo, tudo, e mais nove meses de sentença foram suspensos nos Estados Unidos, e Hicks foi transferido para Yatala.

A controversa parte de sua sentença foi colocado sobre uma proibição Hicks para o impediu de falar com a mídia, por um período de um ano a partir do momento que ele defendeu culpado, que foi em março de 2007. Em sua libertação sábado, Hicks indicaram a sua intenção de se conformar com o fim da repressão.

"É minha intenção de honrar este acordo como não quero fazer nada que possa resultar em meu retorno lá", disse Hicks, em uma declaração escrita lido pelo seu advogado, David McLeod. "Portanto, para já, vou limitar aquilo que tenho a dizer - vou dizer mais de uma hora mais tarde."

Um pequeno grupo de adeptos esperaram fora da Yatala e ficaram animados em como conduziu o seu carro de distância. Em sua declaração, Hicks tinha agradeceu seus apoiantes para "a enorme dívida de gratidão que devo a opinião pública australiana para obter a licensa para o retorno para casa". Ele acrescentou: "Não vou esquecer ou deixá-lo para baixo."

No seu julgamento, ele admitiu Hicks assistiram formação acampamentos no Afeganistão, realizado de vigilância, na  embaixada americana em Cabul, e revelou que ele teve um encontro com Osama bin Laden, líder da Al-Qaeda. Ele tinha participado em combates contra os E.U. e seus aliados no Afeganistão, em finais de 2001, e foi capturado quando tentava fugir da zona.

Em sua libertação da prisão sábado, Hicks foi conduzido para um local não divulgado, em Adelaide. Seu advogado disse que Hicks têm temores pela segurança de si próprio e à sua família. "David está preocupado com a segurança de sua família a partir de pessoas que ocupam posições ele foi suposta para compartilhar", disse David McLeod. "Há também uma série de extrema-direita nacionalista grupos na Austrália que falaram-se sobre David."

Terry Hicks, o pai de David, disse que seu filho estava contente por estar livre. "Ele está em um nível elevado, ele parece bem, mas suponho que na calma vezes tudo vai voltar."

"Cabe agora a ele", disse Terry Hicks. "Ele agora tem de passar à sua vida."

*Heath Gilmore. Hicks tastes freedom but fears for his life — The Sydney Morning Herald, 30 de dezembro de 2007   local time

*Penelope Debelle. David Hicks: smile of freedom — The Age, 30 de dezembro de 2007   local time

*Jane Holroyd. David Hicks freed from jail — The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 de dezembro de 2007


Australian Defence Force faces a mass of sexual abuse lawsuits

The Australian Defence Force could face a class-action lawsuit in light of recent allegations of a male cadet broadcasting himself having sex with a female cadet to six other cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

This move is in light of similar investigations taking place in other branches of the defence force including the navy where a man told the Vietnam Veterans Association he was beaten repeatedly on the HMAS Leeuwin during the 1970's. The beatings included being sexually abused with a mop handle according to the man. Advocates believe that the recent sex scandal could result in 'hundreds' of other victims coming forward.

Senator Nick Xenophon has called on Foreign Minister Stephen Smith to make inquires into the sexual nature of the ADFA a priority of the government. Mr. Xenophon is also considering a class action on behalf of all victims.

Both the VVA and Mr. Xenophon have called on other victims to come forward.


Силы обороны Австралии рискуют столкнуться с волной судебных дел по статьям о сексуальном насилии

Против Сил обороны Австралии может быть выдвинут групповой иск. Причина иска — интернет-трансляция, произведённая одним из курсантов Академии Австралийских Вооружённых Сил для 6 его одногруппников и показывавшая, как этот курсант мужского пола и занимался сексом с 18-летним курсантом женского пола.

Расследования подобных же злоупотреблений уже проводятся и в других подразделениях Сил обороны Австралии, в том числе на флоте. Именно на флоте уже поднималось дело по заявлению одного из ветеранов Вьетнамской войны о том, что в течение 1970-х его многократно избивали на корабле «HMAS Leeuwin» (А 245), гидрографическом судне Королевского австралийского военно-морского флота. По заявлению пострадавшего, побои сопровождались также сексуальным насилием при помощи ручки от швабры. В настоящее время адвокаты Сил обороны Австралии уверены, что последний эпизод может привести к появлению множества аналогичных исков против армии.

Ник Ксенофон, сенатор, призвал министра иностранных дел Австралии, Стивена Смита, и правительство в целом как можно быстрее выяснить, не было ли в Академии Австралийских Вооружённых Сил иных случаев сексуального насилия. Господин Ксенофон также допускает возможность группового иска против армии от имени всех жертв подобного насилия.

И Ник Ксенофон, и Организация Ветеранов Вьетнама призвали всех, кто во время службы в Силах обороны Австралии сталкивался с сексуальным насилием, заявить о своих правах.

18 апреля 2011 года


Australian drug trafficker to be executed in Singapore tomorrow

Convicted Australian drug trafficker Van Nguyen will be executed at Singapore's Changi prison tomorrow at 6:00am SGT (8:00pm tonight UTC, 9:00am AEST). Nguyen was caught with 396.2 grams of heroin, more than 25 times the amount that mandates a death sentence.

Following an appeal to the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Nguyen was able to hold hands with his mother and brother as he said goodbye for the last time.

Supporters will hold a vigil outside the prison before his death.

On December 2, Nguyen will be handcuffed and taken to the gallows in Singapore's Changi Prison to be hanged for drug trafficking.


Singapur: 25-jähriger Australier soll wegen Drogenschmuggel hingerichtet werden


Van Tuong Nguyen avrättas imorgon

Singapore – Den australiensiske man som greps i Singapore för innehav av 396,2 gram heroin, mer än 25 gånger den mängd som behövs för att dömas till döden, kommer att avrättas i morgon 19.00 svensk tid (06.00 lokal tid) på Changifängelset.

Efter en vädjan från Australiens premiärminister John Howard till hans kollega i Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, har Nguyen fått tillstånd att hålla sin mors hand innan han avrättas.

En grupp kommer att hålla vaka utanför fängelset.


Australian Federal Police say Wikileaks committed no crime

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has stated that the whistle-blowing website known as WikiLeaks has committed no crimes in Australia by publishing over 250,000 United States diplomatic cables. An investigation by the AFP into the release of the cables revealed that Wikileaks had not broken any laws under Australian jurisdiction.

"[The AFP has] not identified any criminal offences where Australia has jurisdiction and as a result have not commenced an investigation," said Robert McClelland, attorney-general of Australia in a statement to the press. "As has previously been stated, given the documents published to date are classified by the United States, the primary jurisdiction for any investigation into the matter remains the United States."

The investigation into Wikileaks actions came after the Australian Government referred the release of U.S. diplomatic cables to the AFP. McClelland stated that the Government's reaction to the WikiLeaks issue was "prudent." Further cables that the Government queries the legality of would also be forwarded to the AFP as well. He also added that the government remains "concerned" about the situation and "unauthorised and irresponsible distribution of classified material."

Controversy had also been raised today after Julia Gillard changed her stance on the release of the cables from calling the action "illegal," to calling it "grossly irresponsible," after the AFP had released their findings. Ms Gillard said at a press-conference in Sydney today that she did not intend to say that the release of the cables was illegal, but that their theft was. Deputy leader of the opposition (Liberal Party) Julie Bishop said there was no room for Ms Gillard to "weasel out of it."

"She is a lawyer. She well knows about the presumption of innocence," said Bishop. She added that the prime minister's legal background did not warrant her comments. Calls have also been voiced by the Green's Senator, Scott Ludlam, for Ms Gillard to retract her comments.

Wikileaks has been the subject of past investigations in Australia. In March of 2009, the proposed Australian Communications and Media Authority internet blacklist was leaked to the website. That matter was also referred to the AFP, who later abandoned pursuing criminal charges.

"It's my understanding from the AFP that they considered the prospects of success under their guidelines, but it wasn't sufficient to get a prosecution," said Chairman Chris Chapman during a Senate Estimates Committee meeting in February.


Η Αυστραλιανή Ομοσπονδιακή Αστυνομία δήλωσε ότι το WikiLeaks δεν διέπραξε κανένα έγκλημα

Η Αυστραλιανή Ομοσπονδιακή Αστυνομία (ΑΟΑ) δήλωσε ότι η ιστοσελίδα WikiLeaks δεν διέπραξε έγκλημα στην Αυστραλία με τη δημοσίευση περισσότερων από 250.000 διπλωματικών εγγράφων των ΗΠΑ. Αυτό δηλώθηκε μετά το τέλος της έρευνας από την ΑΟΑ, η οποία συμπέρανε ότι οι πράξεις της ιστοσελίδας δεν αποτελούν ποινικό αδίκημα σύμφωνα με τον αυστραλιανό κανονισμό.

"[Η ΑΟΑ] δεν εντόπισε οποιαδήποτε ποινικά αδικήματα στην αυστραλιανή δικαιοδοσία όπως έδειξαν και οι έρευνες της", δήλωσε ο Ρόμπερτ ΜακΚλέλλαντ, Γενικός Εισαγγελέας της Αυστραλίας, σε δελτίο τύπου. "Όπως είχα προαναφέρει, τα έγγραφα και η δημοσίευση τους αφορούν τις ΗΠΑ, και οι έρευνες πρέπει να γίνοντε μόνο από τη πλευρά των ΗΠΑ."

Η έρευνα για τις πράξεις του WikiLeaks άρχισαν μετά την ενημέρωση της ΑΟΑ από την Αυστραλιανή Κυβέρνηση για τη διαρροή διπλωματικών εγγράφων των ΗΠΑ. Ο ΜακΚλέλλαντ δήλωσε ότι η αντίδραση της Κυβέρνησης ήταν "συνετή". Πρόσθεσε επίσης ότι την Κυβέρνηση εξακολουθεί  "να προβληματίζει" η κατάσταση σχετικά με την  "παράνομη και ανεύθυνη διανομή διαβαθμισμένου υλικού."
Οι διαμάχες αυξήθηκαν μετά τη δήλωση της Τζούλια Γκίλαρντ, στις 17 Δεκεμβρίου 2010, όταν η τελευταία άλλαξε τη στάση της και δήλωσε πως η πράξη αυτή δεν είναι "παράνομη", αλλά "ανεύθυνη", μετά τη δημοσίευση των συμπερασμάτων της ΑΟΑ. Η κυρία Γκίλαρντ, σε συνέντευξη της στο Σίδνεϊ την ίδια μέρα, δήλωσε ότι "δεν έχει τη πρόθεση να πεί ότι η δημοσίευση των εγγράφων ήταν παράνομη, αλλά είναι γεγονός ότι  κλάπηκαν". Η Αναπληρωτής Αρχηγός της αντιπολίτευσης (Ελεύθερο Κόμμα), Τζούλι Μπίσοπ, είπε δεν υπάρχει περιθώριο για τη κυρία Γκίλαρντ να "βγεί νυφίτσα μετά από αυτό."

"Είναι μια δικηγόρος. Ξέρει καλά σχετικά με το τεκμήριο της αθωότητας," δήλωσε ο Μπίσοπ. Δήλωσε ότι το νομικό υπόβαθρο  της Πρωθυπουργού δεν δικαιολογούσε τις δηλώσεις της. Ζητήθηκε επίσης από τον Σκόττ Λούντλαμ, Γερουσιαστής των Πρασίνων, να ανακαλέσει η κυρία Γκίλαρντ τις δηλώσεις της.

Η ιστοσελίδα WikiLeaks ήταν το θέμα προηγούμενων ερευνών στην Αυστραλία. Τον Μάρτιο του 2009, η προτεινόμενη μαύρη λίστα (για το διαδίκτυο) της  Αυστραλιανής  Αρχής Επικοινωνιών και Μέσων δημοσιεύτηκε στο διαδίκτυο. Αυτό το θέμα αναφέρθηκε από την ΑΟΑ, η οποία αργότερα σταμάτησε τις έρευνες για ποινικές διώξεις.

"Μου είναι κατανοητή η θέση της ΑΟΑ όσο αφορά τις προοπτικές επιτυχίας σύμφωνα με τις οδηγίες της, αλλά δεν είναι αρκετό για να ασκήσετε  μια διώξη," δήλωσε ο Πρόεδρος Κρις Χάμπαν κατά τη διάρκεια της Συνεδρίασης Εκτιμήσεων της Γερουσίας, η οποία διεξήχθη τον Φεβρουάριο.

18 Δεκεμβρίου 2010


Australian Government passes new terror laws

The Australia Federal Government has passed wide-ranging new counter-terrorism laws that civil opponents warned will disintegrate civil liberties. The federal parliament has agreed to laws aimed at stifling home-grown terrorists. The terrorism legislation was rushed through the Senate yesterday evening after the Government gagged debate on the bill.

The new laws enable police and intelligence agencies to detain suspects without charge for up to 14 days in solitary confinement. Authorities can also restrict and control movements of suspects, including fitting them with electronic tags for up to 12 months.

Prime Minister John Howard introduced the package after the July 2005 bombings in London. Federal Justice Minister Chris Ellison told the Senate the laws would give authorities the necessary tools to tackle terrorism, while being consistent with international human rights obligations.

John North, president of the Law Council of Australia, an outspoken critic of the package, said lawyers would monitor the government's use of its new powers. "We want governments to know that almost 50,000 lawyers will be watching closely to make sure the new laws are not implemented at the expense of our civil liberties," Mr North said. He also said in a letter addressed to Prime Minister John Howard that "The legal profession believes that the ramifications of these laws have the potential to be as terrifying as terrorism itself." This following a media campaign launched by the Law Council in newspapers vilifying the new legislation as "draconian".

The package, broadly supported by the opposition Labor Party, gives police tougher powers to stop, search and seize evidence from suspects and enables more close circuit television cameras to be used to monitor public places. The new legislation also updates sedition laws and allow greater use of security cameras.

The Australian Greens, the Democrats and the Law Council accuse the Labor Party of selling out civil rights by supporting the bill, which will give unprecedented powers to police and spy agencies. Australian Greens leader Bob Brown condemned the laws. "We are in a new period of McCarthyism and we need to know that, and understand it, and worry that this time it won't be turned around, that citizens, using a law like this, will be brought before courts for political reasons, not security reasons," he told parliament.

Following some amendments, the Commonwealth Ombudsman will be given more power to oversee detention, detainees will have greater access to relatives and police will need to satisfy a greater number of grounds to impose limits on who a suspect can contact. The Australian Law Reform Commission will review the sedition provisions next year.

Civil libertarians and people who oppose Australia's involvement in Iraq also have protested. The proposed laws are "horrific for journalists," senior Fairfax journalist David Marr said. "Firstly, there's a completely secret new regime of putting people in preventive detention — that's entirely secret," he said. "If we report it, if we report that people have gone into preventive detention, we're going to go individually to jail for five to seven years, something like that. Even if we report what happened to people in detention, we go to jail. "

Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission president John Von Doussa says the proposed counter-terrorism laws are the first step towards a police state. The legislation gives police extraordinary powers to detain people without charge, but does not set out means by which the application of those powers can be checked or appealed, he said.

Prime Minister John Howard rejects suggestions the Government acted in undue haste by pushing a range of striking new laws through parliament before Christmas, despite public outcry over inadequate scrutiny and the gagging of parliamentary debate on many of the bills.

Defence Minister, Senator Robert Hill says the government has a responsibility to protect Australians. "Out of the British bombing, we went back and looked at our laws. We believed that we needed further powers to protect Australians, said Mr Hill. "Obviously, we want to put them through as quickly as possible because we are addressing a terrorist threat."