Ukraine-Russia war– live: Captured Ukrainian soldiers reveal torture in Russian prison – report
Former Ukrainian captives have alleged they were subjected to torture, including electric shocks, while they were held at a detention facility in Russia. Speaking to the BBC over a dozen former detainees detailed the alleged physical and psychological abuse they suffered at the hands of Russian officers and guards at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility Number Two in Taganrog. They have since been released in prisoner exchanges. Guards at the facility carry black batons and metal bars to beat the captives in the legs, arms, or “anywhere they wanted”, senior lieutenant Artem Seredniak was quoted as saying. “It’s what they call ‘reception’,” he said. The captives were left under-nourished and the injured were not provided appropriate medical assistance, according to the report, which details a number of potential serious violations of international law. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government is set to build new fortifications and military infrastructure in northeast regions that border Russia and Belarus at a cost of nearly $35m, prime minister Denys Shmyhal has said. “At the request of Kharkiv and Chernihiv... we are allocating 911.5m hryvnias ($24.7m) for Kharkiv and 363m ($9.8m) for Chernihiv to build military engineering and fortification structures,” Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram. Read More Putin’s forces step up air strikes on Ukraine regions bordering Nato Experts warn Ukraine’s frontline push is being damaged by West Putin accuses West of ‘adding fuel to fire’ with conflict in Ukraine Russia's ruble has tumbled. What does it mean for the wartime economy?
2023-08-16 13:52
High-Potency Pot Market Worth Billions Draws Regulator Scrutiny
In Pueblo, Colorado, teenager Noah had smoked marijuana before. But most of his friends were using an extra-strong
2023-08-16 12:50
Ukrainian prisoners of war say they were tortured at Russian prison
Former prisoners of war tell the BBC they were abused by Russian guards inside a detention facility.
2023-08-16 12:23
More than 3,000 tourists flee as fires tear through holiday spot in France
More than 3,000 tourists have been evacuated from a holiday hotspot in the south of France after a devastating wildfire ripped through homes and campsites overnight. Holidaymakers fled from four campsites close to the Spanish border as flames spread across 500 hectares of land. Around 650 firefighters battled the flames in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, which left 17 with minor injuries, the local prefecture announced. Sparked by “intense heat, dryness and tumultuous winds of up to 180km/h,” the fire broke out between Saint André and Argelès-sur-Mer. Michalak Guimbert, deputy mayor of Argeles-sur-Mer, said tourists had arrived in municipal halls “in swimsuits” because they were returning from the beach when the fire broke out. She said “flabbergasted children” were among those running from the flames. As the wildfires were brought under control by Tuesday morning, the extent of the devastation wrought by the flames was clear. Pictures show blackened and charred campsites, which were brimming with happy holidaymakers just hours before. As well as a campsite and warehouse, thirty houses have been damaged by the fire. “Our town is hard hit, and there is a lot of damage,” Saint-André’s mayor, Samuel Molly, told France Bleu. “The village is burned on both sides, a third has been hit by the fire.” Christelle, a resident who fled her home, told France Bleu Roussillon: “This fire is very impressive, it scares me. I hope I will find my whole house.” The fire is now under control, the French interior minister Gérald Darmanin said on Twitter. No residents or tourists were injured but Mr Darmanin asked that “the population and holidaymakers be extremely vigilant”. France’s minister of ecological transition, Christophe Béchu, visited Les Chênes Rouges campsite on Tuesday. He posted photos of charred trees, saying: “These striking images testify to the intensity of the fire. I am committed to supporting tourism stakeholders in the reconstruction and restoration of devastated natural areas.” “Drought and fire are two sides of the same coin: climate change,” Mr Bechu said. Most of the evacuees have been able to return to their accommodation or homes, but a few dozen tourists were still waiting to be rehoused, Mr Bechu told reporters in Saint-Andre. Some of those people lost their documents, money and cars in the blaze, he added. Wildfires have battered Europe this summer, with both locals and tourists being forced to flee from the deadly flames. Mr Bechu said that this summer has seen fewer fires in France than last year, when 70,000 hectares were burnt to cinders – but it was necessary to be "humble" as summer was not over. Five regions in the east of the country are currently on "high alert" for heatwaves, according to the French weather authority Meteo France website. Last week, firefighters evacuated more than 130 people as they fought to control a wildfire at Portbou on the Spanish border with France on the Mediterranean coast. The blaze ravaged around 435 hectares of land. Reuters contributed to this report Read More Maui fires live updates: Biden slammed over ‘no comment’ line as Hawaii death toll continues to climb France: Smoke clouds fill skies wildfire burns close to holiday hotspot Barack Obama’s message to people of Hawaii after deadly wildfires Brains of teenage smokers may be different than non-smokers, study suggests Rishi Sunak defends Bibby Stockholm plan after series of setbacks Australia has captured its continent as it faces England for a spot in the Women's World Cup final
2023-08-16 00:59
Russia Discusses Return to Capital Controls to Stem Ruble Slump
Russia may partially reinstate capital controls to stem a slump in the ruble to levels not seen since
2023-08-15 23:20
L&G’s Wilson Says UK Must Speed Up Reforms to Lure Investors
The UK needs to accelerate reforms to help attract more investments, according to Legal & General Group Plc
2023-08-15 22:19
Poland holds biggest military parade in decades, as its clout in Europe grows
Poland is holding its largest military parade in decades on Tuesday, in a flex of defensive muscle that comes as tensions rise on the border between the NATO nation and key Russian ally Belarus.
2023-08-15 20:29
Italy’s Deputy PM Seeks Changes to Bank Tax, Reports Say
Italy’s Deputy Premier Antonio Tajani wants substantial changes to a controversial levy on banks’ extra profits, according to
2023-08-15 19:53
Afghanistan media guide
Notes on the media in Afghanistan and links to Afghan broadcasters and newspapers.
2023-08-15 19:46
Federer-Backed Shoemaker On Says Strong Franc Weighs on Sales Growth
Swiss shoemaker On Holding AG said the strength of the franc will dampen its ability to fully capitalize
2023-08-15 17:22
Can Sweden’s Visionary Wood City Outrun Its Real Estate Crisis?
This article is part of the Bloomberg Green series Timber Town, which looks at the global rise of
2023-08-15 17:19
Russia Hikes Rates at Emergency Meeting After Ruble’s Crash
Russia’s central bank raised interest rates to the highest in over a year, increasing the pace of monetary
2023-08-15 16:26