Новости за 26.01.2023

The relaunching this week of the investigation into the August 2020 Beirut port blast triggered an unprecedented impasse with the lead judicial investigator and top prosecutor slapping charges against each other. Critics called it a “farce”, but for families of the victims still seeking justice, the parody is wrenching and frustrating.

Sales came in at 79 billion euros ($86 billion) and net profit at 14 billion euros for 2022 -- both new records for the group, whose brands include Bulgari, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and TAG Heuer. "Europe, the United States and Japan rose sharply, benefiting from strong demand from local customers and the recovery of international travel. Asia was stable over the year due to developments in the health situation in China," LVMH said in a statement. "With the month of January having started well... Читать дальше...

Asteroid 2023 BU, which was recently discovered by an amateur astronomer, will zoom by the southern tip of South America at around 4:27 pm PST on Thursday (0027 GMT Friday), according to NASA. It will pass just 2,200 miles (3,600 kilometres) from Earth's surface, much closer than many geostationary satellites orbiting the planet. But there is no risk that the asteroid will hit Earth, NASA said in a statement on Wednesday. Even if it did, the asteroid measuring 3.5-8.5 metres (11-28 feet) across... Читать дальше...

The M23 has conquered swathes of territory in North Kivu province since last year and advanced towards its capital Goma. The group first leapt to prominence in 2012 when it captured the city of more than one million people, before being driven out and going to ground the following year. Kivu Security Tracker (KST), a respected violence monitor, said on Wednesday that the M23 was advancing in North Kivu's Masisi territory. The Tutsi-led group had cut off the road leading between the town of Kitchanga -- which is in Masisi -- and Goma... Читать дальше...

The UAE named Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), to head the crucial COP28 climate meeting in November, sparking an outcry from activists. He is the first CEO to take the role at the UN summit. NGOs and civil society organisations from around the world said in an open letter Thursday the "decision threatens the legitimacy and efficacy of COP28. "This is no cause for celebration," it added in the letter to UN chief Antonio Guterres and Simon Stiell... Читать дальше...

University students in India’s southern state of Kerala burned an effigy of Narendra Modi in response to the banning of a BBC documentary critical of the prime minister. “India: The Modi Question” looks at Modi’s role during deadly 2002 sectarian riots. The broadcaster's programme alleges the Hindu nationalist, premier of Gujarat state at the time, ordered police to turn a blind eye to an orgy of violence there that left at least 1,000 people dead, most of them minority Muslims.

The RFU announced last week that amateur players will only be able to tackle from the waist down. Similar rules have been in place in French lower-tier rugby since August 2019. The rules affect English clubs in divisions below the elite Premiership, second-tier Championship and women's Premier 15s from July. Officials say they are required to use the law in an effort to reduce the risk of severe head injuries as rugby grapples with the issue of head injuries and concussions. A group of former... Читать дальше...

The 21-year-old told reporters on Thursday that he first heard about the Scottish champions' interest back in September. But the deal was only finalised earlier this week when Celtic paid Suwon Samsung Bluewings a reported £2.5 million ($3 million). "The moment I heard about the offer I always dreamed about coming over to Celtic. When Celtic offered I didn't have to think about anything else," Oh said. "As a boy I always dreamed about moving to a European club - it was one of my big aims." Oh joins Celtic's collection of Asian talent... Читать дальше...

In Iran, most households rely on natural gas for their heating and hot water. But amid a cold snap and gas shortages, the population has been paralysed by sub-zero temperatures in many regions around the country. These gas shortages have not only led to widespread power cuts, but also severe air pollution from burning low-grade heavy fuel oil, known as mazut, to make up the difference. Despite denials from authorities, the FRANCE 24 Observers team found evidence that this fuel oil is partially responsible... Читать дальше...

The 25-minute walk was a new distance record for urban areas in the Americas. "I cannot even remember what I was thinking about," Bridi told AFP after his aerial exploit on Wednesday. "I was concentrating very hard, especially on my breathing, an effort which comes from the stomach." He also had to "maintain a relaxed posture so the crossing is a pleasure and not a huge effort." The 35-year-old high-wire specialist walked 510 meters - about a third of a mile - along a slackline strung 114 meters... Читать дальше...

A weather front on the eve of play dumped nearly 40 millimetres of rain and caused a delay of over six hours as maintenance staff battled to make the course playable. Only 18 players managed to complete their rounds, leaving well over one hundred facing an early start Friday. Only two groups on either sides of the soaked golf course were able to finish their round, and the remaining players from the morning wave will have to return early and finish theirs. None of the afternoon group could go... Читать дальше...

In an interview with AP, Pope Francis has challenged laws that criminalise homosexuality, calling being gay a sin but not a crime. He also called on Catholic bishops to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

One of seven French detainees held in Iran is a "simple citizen of the world" who merely wanted to travel, his parents said Thursday, revealing his identity for the first time.

"As everyone knows, today we have a rather unusual defendant," the presiding judge said as proceedings began in the criminal court in Rosny-sous-Bois, just outside Paris. The 27-year-old singer and Boudnikoff, with whom she has a young daughter, sat side by side in the packed courtroom. Police were called to Boudnikoff's Rosny-sous-Bois home twice on the night of August 6-7 last year, ultimately detaining the pair. Nakamura -- born Aya Danioko in Mali -- said she had been attacked by her ex, a source familiar with the case told AFP. Читать дальше...

The trial of Mauritania's former president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz opened Wednesday with the dramatic image of the former head of state in a cage-like box answering accusations he amassed an illicit personal fortune during his 11 years in power.

Fifth seed Sabalenka's maiden Grand Slam final appearance will be against the Wimbledon champion, who earlier beat Victoria Azarenka in straight sets. "I'm super happy, super happy that I was able to get this win," said the Belarusian, who had been hoping to play her compatriot Azarenka in Saturday's showpiece. "Magda's an unbelievable player. She played really great tennis," added the 24-year-old. Sabalenka came into the match as many observers' favourite for the Melbourne crown but she had never... Читать дальше...

"Madrid hates Real," read a banner draped on the bridge close to Valdebebas overnight Wednesday. The Vinicius effigy was described as a "racist attack" and "serious threat" against the Brazilian forward by Spanish media. Police sources told AFP they were investigating the incident, without offering further details. The slogan is one which has been used by Atletico Madrid ultras in the past. "Such acts are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society," said Atletico in a statement.... Читать дальше...

The imposing steel structure has an unexpected function -- to help save youngsters in a country gripped by an epidemic of drownings. Within it is a swimming pool -- the only one within 25 kilometres (15 miles) around -- where children will learn the basics of how to stay afloat. South Africa has thousands of kilometres of beaches, and in rich neighbourhoods, swimming pools dot the gardens. Yet just one South African in seven knows how to swim, and each year around 1,500 people drown, according... Читать дальше...

Earlier this month, Laporte stepped back from his role as FFR chief without resigning after being convicted of corruption charges nine months before France hosts the Rugby World Cup. Over 50 percent of the more than 1,500 votes rejected the proposal from the former France head coach, who has been in office since 2016. Buisson is currently the head of amateur rugby at the federation. On Friday, the FFR board will meet with French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera to discuss the next steps in the process. Читать дальше...

The Brazilian failed a breath test in the early hours of January 12 which showed he had 43 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, above the legal limit of 35 milligrams. Joelinton said he had drunk two glasses of wine earlier in the evening. District Judge Paul Currer calculated the fine based on documents showing his weekly wage was £43,000. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe kept faith with the player and did not drop him after police announced he had been charged with the offence. However... Читать дальше...

More than 800kgs of cocaine were seized by the Senegalese navy off the coast of Dakar this week. Over the last few years, the number of similar seizures across the region seems to be on the rise, with West Africa becoming an increasingly key transit hub for traffickers. France 24 correspondent Sam Bradpiece has more from Dakar.

Faced with about 15,000 tons of “e-waste” dumped in landfills every year, Rwanda is focusing more resources on recycling smartphones. That means changing the way old devices are collected and a specialised factory has now been set up to help with dismantling and recycling.

Mauritania's ex-president Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz went on trial on Wednesday, accused of amassing an illicit personal fortune from his 11-year stay in power.

Experts have warned that the battle between investigative judge Tarek Bitar and top prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat, who has charged him with insubordination, will be a critical test for the faltering justice system of the crisis-hit Mediterranean nation. Bitar this week defied Lebanon's ruling class to charge several powerful figures -- including Oueidat, the prosecutor general -- in connection to the blast, and revived a probe that was suspended for over a year amid vehement political and legal pushback. Читать дальше...

Several thousands of people took to the streets in South Africa on Wednesday to protest a prolonged energy crisis that has resulted in crippling power cuts for the continent's most industrialised economy.