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Northern Ireland police arrest man over Belfast double shooting

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:22:02 GMT

Monday, February 18, 2013

Crime and law

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The Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder and threatening to commit murder Saturday after a shooting incident in the Northern Irish capital Belfast Friday.

Two men, one aged 24 and the other 22, were both seriously injured in the incident at Old Park Road in the north of Belfast, which was reported to police about 7:30pm local time Friday. The 24-year-old man, identified by UTV Live as Sean Corbett, had recently departed from a shop and was standing near a vehicle when as many as ten gunshots were fired at him. The 22-year-old victim, who has not been identified, was sitting inside the vehicle and also suffered numerous gunshots wounds.

Corbett was transported to Mater Infirmorum Hospital, where he was subsequently given urgent surgery. The other man, who managed to drive to hospital himself, was also given medical treatment for his wounds. The last reports indicated both men were in stable condition.

North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Andy Freeburn spoke against the shooting, calling it, "unacceptable in our community". He described the incident as "an utterly reckless attack with up to 40 members of the public, including women and children, in close proximity", adding: "[W]e are lucky that we are not dealing with many more casualties today." The suspect is understood to be cooperating with police as they investigate the incident.

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Sources [edit]

"Man held over north Belfast shooting" — UTV Live, February 17, 2013
"Man arrested over shooting" — Police Service of Northern Ireland, February 17, 2013

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Hillary Clinton condemns violence in Northern Ireland

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:02:47 GMT

Saturday, December 8, 2012

United Kingdom

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United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called yesterday (Friday) for an end to violence which has taken place in Northern Ireland this week, following the decision of Belfast City Council to stop flying the Union Flag year round. Clinton, who was on a visit to Belfast as part of a four-day tour of Europe, said that violence "is never an acceptable response to disagreements."

Hillary Clinton
Image: Glenn Fawcett.

At a press conference also attended by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Clinton condemned the violence: "We have seen this week the work is not complete and I join in condemning the recent attacks," she said. She also called for all Northern Ireland parties "to confront the remaining challenge of sectarian divisions, peacefully together".

She said that even though peace in Northern Ireland was "remarkably durable", "there are still those who would try to destroy it."

	[violence] is never an acceptable response to disagreements.
—Hillary Clinton

Even though Clinton will be stepping down as Secretary of State next month, she pledged to continue working on the peace process in Northern Ireland, "I offer to you, as I stand down from Secretary of State, to continue working with you in developing the peace process as an advocate and cheerleader for the process and to reach out to those who are not feeling part of it."

This week's outbreak of violence in Northern Ireland followed the decision by Belfast City Council to only fly the Union Flag on certain designated days, instead of all-year round, as is currently the case. Although nationalists on the council had wanted the flag removed completely, Alliance persuaded them to vote for their compromise proposal, whereby the flag would only be flown on certain designated days per year.

Alliance MP for East Belfast Naomi Long has received death threats, which Clinton called "unacceptable". A Carrickfergus Alliance party office was set on fire and two Bangor councillors' homes were attacked.

Hillary Clinton and her husband Bill Clinton have visited Northern Ireland several times previously. Bill Clinton played a key part in convincing both sides in the conflict to agree to end the violence.

Since becoming Secretary of State in 2008, Clinton has visited over 100 countries, meaning she has visited more countries during her tenure than any other Secretary of State.

There is now speculation as to whether Clinton will launch another presidential bid, following her failed campaign in 2008, when she was beaten to the Democratic Party nomination by Barack Obama. Several international figures have said they would support her presidential candidacy, including former UK prime minister Tony Blair, and Jordanian minister Nasser Judeh. 57% of those polled in a recent survey by the Washington Post indicated that they would support Clinton's candidacy although she has denied that she is planning to run.

Clinton is now to continue her tour of Europe, which is expected to be one of her last foreign trips as Secretary of State, with visits to the Czech Republic and Belgium.

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Sources [edit]

"Clinton uses visit to condemn Belfast violence" — Channel 4 News, December 7, 2012
"US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemns recent NI violence" — BBC News Online, December 7, 2012

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Report says UK teachers 'boosted GCSE marks'

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 14:45:48 GMT

Saturday, November 3, 2012

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According to a new report by the United Kingdom exams regulator Ofqual, some teachers have been marking students' General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework "significantly" too high.

	"Children have been let down. That won't do".
—Glenys Stacey

Pupils sit GCSEs aged between 14–16. Part of the pupils' overall grade is made up of controlled assessment, which usually takes place in a controlled environment in school. The rest of the grade comes from the final exam.

Chief Regulator Glenys Stacey said schools were under too much pressure to achieve certain grades, which contributed to the over-marking. She also said exams place too much emphasis on teachers' marks. "We have been shocked by what we have found. Children have been let down. That won't do. It's clear that children are increasingly spending too much time jumping through hoops rather than learning the real skills they need in life. That won't do." She said English teachers had been put under particular pressure. "Teachers feel under enormous pressure in English, more than in any other subject, and we have seen that too often, this is pushing them to the limit. That won't do either."

The leaders of several teaching unions objected to the report. "For Ofqual to suggest that teachers and schools are to blame is outrageous, and flies in the face of the evidence. Ofqual is responsible for ensuring fairness and accuracy in the system", said Deputy General Sectretary of the of the ASCL union Malcolm Trobe. "The fact remains that different standards were applied to the exams in June and January and this is blatantly wrong. The accountability measures do place tremendous pressure on teachers and schools, especially at GCSE grade C, but to say that teachers would compromise their integrity to the detriment of students is an insult."

There was controversy concerning GCSE English exams in the UK earlier this year. In June's GCSE English exam, the grade boundaries were different from the exam in January, which meant thousands of pupils received lower June grades than they would have in January. The Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews ordered a re-grading of Welsh pupils' exam papers; pupils who sat exams in England were left with their original grades.

Ofqual released an initial report, finding that the grade boundaries set for the June exam were correct but the exam in January was in some cases "graded generously".

Pupils in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland currently sit GCSEs. This year, the UK government announced plans to replace GCSEs with a new examination, similar to the old O-levels. In Scotland pupils currently sit Standard Grade examinations, which will shortly be replaced by National 4 and 5 exams.

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Sources [edit]

"GCSEs" — nidirect, November 3, 2012 (Date of access)
"Under pressure teachers 'boosted GCSE marks'" — Channel 4 News, November 2, 2012
Katherine Sellgren. "GCSE English: Teachers angry over generous marking claim" — BBC News Online, November 2, 2012
Seonag MacKinnon. "Plan to tackle criticism of new Scots curriculum and exams" — BBC News Online, September 19, 2012
"Farewell GCSEs, welcome baccalaureates" — Channel 4 News, September 17, 2012
Jackie Long. "GCSE English and the great Welsh regrades" — Channel 4 News, September 11, 2012

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Northern Ireland police arrest man over 38kg cannabis seizure

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:02:31 GMT

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Thursday, September 13, 2012

Crime and law

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An unidentified 28-year-old man has been taken into custody after police in Northern Ireland seized a large amount of cannabis upon the planned police raid of a house in the town of Magherafelt Tuesday. The seizure, which contained 38 kilograms (84 pounds) of cannabis resin, reportedly had an estimated street value of £380,000 (US$612,000 or €474,000).

A later police search of a vehicle also uncovered a large quantity of money. The cannabis is to be examined by forensic investigators.

"This is another brilliant success in the fight against drugs for the Magherafelt area," said Chief Inspector Sam Donaldson, Magherafelt's area commander. "This seizure was as a result of information received from the public and I am extremely grateful to the community for their assistance in this investigation."

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Sources [edit]

"Cannabis worth £380,000 recovered from Magherafelt house" — BBC News Online, September 12, 2012
"Arrest over £380k drugs seizure" — UTV, September 12, 2012

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African Olympians and Paralympians prepare for their London odyssey

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 05:56:05 GMT

Wikinews Sports

Sources [edit]

Paul Mutharike. "Malawi Olympic Committee treasurer in contract scam" — Nyasa Times, June 27, 2012
"Malawi Olympic team touches down in Gloucestershire" — Gloucestershire Echo, June 27, 2012
Jocelyn. "Blade Runner may miss London Games" — The Roar, June 29, 2012
Esther Addley. "London 2012: Olympic training camps spread Games fever across the UK" — The Guardian, June 25, 2012
Mohamed Touileb. "Serrer les gants et monter d’un cran" — La Tribune (Algeria), June 23, 2012 (French)
"L’équipe algérienne a pris part au tournoi de Trakai (Lituanie)" — La Tribune (Algeria), June 27, 2012 (French)
Ronel van Zyl. "Team SA @ the London Olympics: Kate Roberts" — The South African, June 28, 2012
Associated Press. "Last chance for Pistorius to qualify for Olympic" — ESPN, June 28, 2012
Nick Cremona. "Longhorns past and present take over Olympic Trials" — The Daily Texan, June 24, 2012
Steve Phillips. "With the summer Olympics six weeks away, athletes are training around the globe to prepare for London." — WBIR, June 20, 2012
Orkula Shaagee. "Nigeria: Ndanusa Sure of Olympics Medals in Relays, Others" — Daily Trust, June 26, 2012
Gowon Akpodonor. "No room for jamboree athletes in London, AFN insists" — The Guardian (South Africa), June 29, 2012
William Njugna. "Kenya: Bristol Storm" — The Star (Nairobi), June 26, 2012
Bernard Momanyi. "Kenya: Olympian Kemboi in Knife Fight With Woman" — Capital FM (Nairobi), June 28, 2012
Collin Matiza and Godknows Matarutse. "London Games Countdown" — The Herald (Zimbabwe), June 28, 2012
Angola Press. "Athletes Participate in Penultimate Competition Before London2012" — AllAfrica.com, June 26, 2012
Rwanda Express (Kigali). "Rwanda: Paralympic Athlete Nsengimana Qualifies for London Games" — AllAfrica, June 26, 2012
New Vision (Uganda). "Uganda: Achola, Chemos Confident" — AllAfrica, June 26, 2012

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Three UK towns to be made cities following nationwide competition

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:46:37 GMT

United Kingdom

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1 May 2013: Miles Franklin Literary Award nominates only women for potential winners
15 April 2013: Nuclear weapons protest at Faslane leads to 47 arrests
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8 April 2013: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies aged 87

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

St Asaph, with a population of 3,400, was a surprise winner

Three towns in the United Kingdom are to become cities after winning a nationwide competition held to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Chelmsford in Essex, Perth in Scotland, and St Asaph in North Wales were selected as the three victors of the competition, whose bidding process began in November 2010. The city of Armagh in Northern Ireland was granted a lord mayoralty. Across the country, 26 towns in total applied for the honours, which are very rarely granted.

The Queen chose winners based on advice from deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. "Across the United Kingdom, I have been moved by the pride and passion which people have shown in putting their nominations forward," he said.

He added: "The standard of application was very high, and those who missed out should not be downhearted. I hope the competition has given the residents of all of the places which applied a sense of civic pride, of collective ownership and of community spirit."

St Asaph, a town of only 3,400 residents, won on their third attempt. Although considered a city for centuries thanks to its cathedral, laws drafted in the 20th century saw the township legally demoted from this status. The surprise victory makes it the second-smallest city in the UK behind St Davids, also Welsh.

"It is a deserved reward for a diamond of a community within the Big Society, a place which has always punched above its weight in leading north-east Wales in commerce, culture and welfare," the town's council said in a statement.

Perth becomes Scotland's seventh city with the honour, which Perth & Kinross provost Dr John Hulbert claimed was "long overdue". "I am delighted that official city status has been restored to Perth. Everyone in the council shares my excitement at the prospect of a glorious new chapter in Perth's long history," he said.

He added: "Full restoration of its ancient dignity is long overdue. This decision reflects the fact that Perth is at the forefront of Scottish life: a modern, dynamic, international city, offering unrivalled business, artistic, educational, cultural and sporting opportunities to its citizens and visitors."

Chelmsford will become the only city located in the county of Essex

Chelmsford will become the first city in the English county of Essex. It has been Essex's county town since 1218, and currently has a population of around 160,000 residents. One of the fastest-growing towns in the south-east of the country, it holds a Grade I listed cathedral.

Chelmsford Museums manager Nick Wickenden said: "If you look historically at the development of Chelmsford, getting city status is the next logical step. We have been the communications centre of the county since the 13th Century. And now it will forever be associated with the Jubilee year when people look back on the events of the Queen's Jubilee."

Among the rejected towns were Milton Keynes, Luton and Reading, despite all having populations higher than those of the successful candidates. The council leader of Medway, a failed bidding town in the county of Kent, spoke of his town's growth over the past few years.

Rodney Chambers said: "Our bid has helped to raise our profile and show people how much this area has to offer. We know that Medway's journey continues, and it is definitely heading in the right direction."

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Sources [edit]

"Perth celebrates city status award" — The Strathearn Herald, March 14, 2012
Gavin Cordon. "Chelmsford, Perth and St Asaph awarded city status" — The Independent, March 14, 2012
"Perth wins Diamond Jubilee contest to be named seventh Scottish city" — BBC News Online, March 14, 2012
"Jubilee cities: Chelmsford, Perth, St Asaph and Armagh" — BBC News Online, March 14, 2012
"Chelmsford: Essex town with all attributes of city" — BBC News Online, March 14, 2012
Martin Wainwright. "St Asaph, Chelmsford and Perth get city status" — The Guardian, March 14, 2012
Adam Parris-Long. "Tiny Welsh town (pop 3500) granted city status- and it cost them just £300" — Yahoo! News, March 14, 2012

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Christopher Mackin murder: police remand two in custody after court appearance

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 02:55:59 GMT

Friday, March 9, 2012

Crime and law

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23 April 2013: Six dead after shooting spree in Belgorod

More information at Wikipedia:

Julie-Ann Valliday, 35, and her 40-year-old husband Charles Stephen Valliday were remanded in custody Tuesday after appearing in Belfast Magistrates' Court, Northern Ireland, having both been charged with the murder of Christopher Mackin on March 1. A police officer stated the accused "worked together" and "lured" Mackin to his death.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man has been released from custody without condition, after he was arrested by police on Monday in relation to Mackin's murder. Previously, a 24-year-old woman also had been released on no conditions after arrest over the same incident.

In the Vallidays' case, the court was informed of fifteen cartridges discovered at the murder scene, College Square North in Belfast. A detective inspector told the court of Mackin and Julie-Ann arranging to meet each other, in the four hours before his killing, contacting each other by phone and via text on fifty instances. Text messages by Mackin illustrated he "had some concerns and suspected he may have been set up for something, but nevertheless went on to have the meeting", the detective stated. The detective said Charles was a drug dealer in the Northern Irish capital, with his wife also involved.

Defence lawyers have suggested the case against their clients is weak. Paul McCrudden, Julie-Ann's lawyer, cited an absence of evidence linking Julie-Ann to the murder scene, claiming the case was based "on police speculation, on backstreet rumour and on salacious gossip". Similarly, Billy McNulty, Charles' lawyer, described the charge against his client as "hastily cobbled together, based on speculation, rumour, innuendo, call it what you like, but no concrete evidence to link Mr Valliday to the charge".

The couple have been denied bail for murder, with the judge citing concerns relating to absconding, witness interference and the absence of any murder weapon, which the detective said was "still out there".

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Sources [edit]

"Man released over Mackin murder" — BBC News Online, March 7, 2012
"Couple charged with Christopher Mackin murder in Belfast" — BBC News Online, March 6, 2012
"City murder victim 'lured to death'" — UTV, March 6, 2012

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Two arrested over Belfast, Northern Ireland fatal shooting

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:11:39 GMT

Saturday, March 3, 2012

United Kingdom

Other stories from the United Kingdom

9 May 2013: Lord Falconer proposes bill to legalise assisted dying for terminal ill in UK
1 May 2013: Miles Franklin Literary Award nominates only women for potential winners
15 April 2013: Nuclear weapons protest at Faslane leads to 47 arrests
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8 April 2013: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies aged 87

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In the city centre of Belfast, the Northern Irish capital, a man has been killed in a shooting incident. Police have arrested one man and one woman for his murder.

The victim, identified as Christopher Mackin, was aged 31. He died at the Royal Victoria Hospital after the shooting. It is believed he was shot as many as four times in the incident at College Square North at approximately 2130 UTC Thursday.

Colin Keenan, a councillor for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, said the attack "has completely sent shockwaves through this community", while Lord Mayor of Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile described the situation as "very worrying".

As of yet, no motive for this murder has been given. According to Detective Chief Inspector John McVea, police were "not looking at" possible paramilitary involvement. "He was known to police but I am not looking at any of his previous involvement with police as the motive for this murder", stated McVea. He believed the motive for this murder "lies more in close associations with Christopher Mackin and I don't think it involves any of his previous criminal activity".

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This story has updates

See Christopher Mackin murder: police remand two in custody after court appearance, March 9, 2012

Sources [edit]

"Man dies following Belfast gun attack" — BBC News Online, March 2, 2012
"Two held in connection with Belfast shooting" — Irish Examiner, March 2, 2012

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Wikinews Shorts: January 20, 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:04:55 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Friday, January 20, 2012 .

1 Dissident Republicans bomb Londonderry
2 Kodak files for bancruptcy
3 Republican contender Newt Gingrich refutes open marriage accusations
4 Dolce & Gabbana make apology over Hong Kong photography ban
5 Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes New Zealand, no damage reported

If you believe any of these stories deserves more in-depth coverage, feel free to write a full article on the issues raised.

Dissident Republicans bomb Londonderry [edit]

No injuries were suffered when two bombs were exploded in Londonderry, Northern Ireland by Republican dissidents. A coded message was received by the police half an hour before they were detonated in streets around the city's main shopping centre.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Superintendent Stephen Martin has described the attacks as "cowardly and callous", and said that the city centre will remain sealed off to allow for the search for other devices and forensic evidence.

"Bombs detonate in suspected IRA attack in Londonderry" — The Telegraph, January 20, 2012
"Security tight after two bombs explode in Londonderry" — BBC News Online, January 20, 2012

Kodak files for bancruptcy [edit]

Eastman Kodak Co has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to complete its transformation from its traditional wet film business, with which it made its name, into a specialist digital printing company.

The move would allow the company to sell off assets to pay off pension liabilities and creditors.

Beth Jinks and Mary Childs. "Kodak Bankruptcy May Shed Photography, Bet on Digital Printing" — Bloomberg, January 20, 2012
"Eastman Kodak files for bankruptcy protection" — BBC News Online, January 20, 2012

Republican contender Newt Gingrich refutes open marriage accusations [edit]

Newt Gingrich refutes claims by his second wife, Marianne Ginther, that he demanded that they have an open marriage so that he could continue an affair with Callista Bisek, who later became his third wife.

The accusations, aired on ABC News on Thursday, come just before the Republican party's South Carolina presidential primary. If true, the allegations would mean Gingrich was having an affair whilst pillorying President Bill Clinton over his involvement with Monica Lewinsky.

Barney Henderson. "US Election 2012: Newt Gingrich's ex-wife Marianne gives 'explosive' interview" — The Telegraph, January 20, 2012
Seema Mehta, John Hoeffel. "Gingrich rips into media, then his rivals, in GOP debate" — Los Angeles Times, January 20, 2012

Dolce & Gabbana make apology over Hong Kong photography ban [edit]

Italian luxury goods brand Dolce & Gabbana has issued an apology over its ban on Hong Kong citizens taking photographs of its shopfront in Hong Kong, even when taken from a public sidewalk. The ban enforced by its security guards against locals but not mainland Chinese and foreigners infuriated locals, who have staged a number of protests against the retailer.

Photography from a public place of subjects normally visible from that place is legal in Hong Kong, and the local government has been condemned for not confronting Dolce & Gabbana, leaving things to protesters to bring about the apology.

"Dolce & Gabbana Apologizes for Photo Spat" — The Wall Street Journal, January 19, 2012
AP. "D&G gives in to HK protesters' demands for apology" — CBS News, January 18, 2012

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes New Zealand, no damage reported [edit]

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck South Island, New Zealand yesterday. The epicenter was located off the coast about 204 kilometers west of Invercargill at a depth of 18 kilometers.

The earthquake struck late in the day local time. No damage or injuries were reported and no alerts were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. An aftershock measuring 5.2 magnitude hit the area two hours later.

An earthquake measuring 6.3 magnitude hit Christchurch last year, killing over 180 people. There may be as many as 15,000 shocks per year in New Zealand, which is on the "Ring of Fire".

AP. "Strong earthquake strikes off New Zealand" — The Times of India, January 19, 2012
AFP. "6.1-magnitude quake strikes off N Zealand" — Hindustan Times, January 19, 2012

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Observing the 2012 Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the US, and wider world

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:47:37 GMT

Friday, January 13, 2012

Human rights

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More information on Human rights:

This week US citizens observed National Human Trafficking Awareness Day through acts of education, legislation, and enforcement; whilst, around the world, other people highlighted or tackled this global problem in their own countries.

According to an annual report on human trafficking released by the US State Department in June last year, 27 million men, women and children are exploited through human trafficking. Worldwide, at least two million children are estimated to be trafficked victims of the sex trade; and, in military conflicts, it is not uncommon for children to be forced to bear arms. In releasing the report last year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing trafficking, and cultural issues associated with it.

Brown, orange and red are source countries, while light blue and dark blue countries are destinations for victims of human trafficking.
Image: KVDP.

Under the United Nations' Palermo Protocols, human trafficking encompasses cases where victims are born into slavery, forcibly transported for exploitation, consented to work with a trafficker, and/or were forced to participate in criminal activities. The Protocols also recognize the unique status and rights of children.

US-based action [edit]

Reports from across the United States show a number of communities taking local action to solve, or otherwise highlight, this global problem.

In Southern California, Sister Caritas Foster is an advocate for the area's victims of human trafficking. Commenting on the area's involvement, she stated: "We in the San Francisco Bay Area are one of the largest receiving areas with our borders and coasts". For over four years, Foster has worked on educating the public on human trafficking, speaking to civic and religious groups and describing the power traffickers hold over their victims through vivid accounts of situations trafficked individuals find themselves in. Many have no idea where they are located, suffer under the constant threat of deportation, and most often lack the language abilities to seek help.

Los Angeles politician Don Knabe said human trafficking was not a distant problem but one that hits close to home. As the county supervisor overseeing the fourth district in Los Angeles County, Knabe cited figures from the Probation Department showing 84 percent of arrests of children on prostitution charges in 2010 were in his district; he believes the overall problem for the county is much larger, and wants the Probation Department to establish a special unit dedicated to sexually exploited minors.

Northward in Seattle, Washington, members of the King County Sheriff's department realized that law enforcement had to deal supportively with the symptoms of human trafficking — rather than putting victims in jail. This gave birth to the "Genesis Project" where sheriff's deputies offer potential victims of trafficking a comfortable safe haven with amenities for 24 hours, and put them in touch with social services for counselling, job training, and education advice.

Politicians from several states have sought to address the connection between tourism and human trafficking; Indiana's state Senate unanimously passed a human trafficking bill on Tuesday morning. Current legislation only considered forced marriage and prostitution as human trafficking; loopholes in the existing laws allowed some forms of human trafficking to escape prosecution. Lawmakers in the state hope to toughen their human trafficking laws, and have new legislation on the statute books in time for the Super Bowl, due to be held in Indianapolis on February 5. The just-passed bill now goes to the House for approval.

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Also on Tuesday, lawmakers from Hawaii held a special hearing on human trafficking. Kathryn Xian, of Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, says traffickers capitalize on the state's tourist-based economy. She introduced a package of seven bills she says will help prevent human trafficking in the state.

At a national level, the US government continues to work abroad on the issue of trafficking; Luis CdeBaca, a special ambassador for human trafficking, is working with Myanmar, commonly known as Burma, as the country seeks to improve diplomatic relations with the United States. Myanmar was identified by the US State Department as having one of the worst records of forced labor, and as a country that lacks necessary laws to curb human trafficking.

Trafficking, the global picture [edit]

File image of a Nepali mother who travelled to Mumbai, India, hoping to rescue her teenage daughter from an Indian brothel.
Image: Kay Chernush, US State Dept..

Although National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is a US-based effort to recognise, and highlight, this issue — as a topic of global concern being highlighted through the United Nations, others around the world continue efforts to increase public awareness and tackle trafficking.

Forty-six women from the international group Operation Mobilization sought to raise awareness by climbing Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. The summit is called "Uhuru Peak", with Uhuru meaning "freedom" in Swahili. Each of the non-professional climbers raised US$10,000 to help those affected by human trafficking.

In the Middle East, several countries are reported to have problems with human traffickers recruiting unemployed gay Kenyan men to become sex slaves. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supposedly the more-common destination countries into which Kenyans are lured with offers of high-paying jobs. However, in the United Arab Emirates — where no law prohibits trafficking, but homosexuality is illegal — the problem is compounded.

Enforcement of existing laws, and acting against trafficking, are seen as key steps in reducing the activity. Showing that no country is unaffected, Northern Ireland police are currently investigating five sex trafficking cases; and, on Monday, Filipino police rescued fifteen women following a tip-off regarding women recruited, and being held, prior to being sent to work abroad.

In the Northern Ireland situation, Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall stated that fifteen men are to be contacted, suspected of having paid for sex with trafficked women. Identifying victims within the UK, or victims seeking help, is becoming more challenging with the sex industry having switched to using hotel rooms as-opposed to street corners. Many victims of trafficking are found to be unaware of where within the country they are.

In the Philippines situation, Zamboanga City police are still seeking the recruiter of the fifteen women rescued in Rio Hondo.

A range of complexities are involved in the sentencing of both those convicted of human trafficking, and their victims. In one Canadian case, 43-year-old Hungarian Lajos Domotor pled guilty to trafficking men and women into forced labor. Following being charged with conspiracy to commit human trafficking, he developed terminal stomach cancer and has been given a 10 to 15 percent chance of living five years.

In the UK, officials are seeking to detect exploitation prior to sentencing — as a counter to the high number of foreign women in jails, frequently having been victims of trafficking. One in seven women prisoners across England and Wales are foreign, with the primary offenses being drug or immigration-related. A report into the issue recommends sentencing decisions should consider the role of women, and of coercion, in such cases.

Artists also have a special role to play in the education and awareness of the public. The first opera about sex trafficking will premiere in Liverpool, England, on March 7. Anya17 was composed by Adam Gorb with a libretto written by Ben Kaye. Performers will come from Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic contemporary music ensemble 10/10. Funding for the production was provided in part by the United Nations.

Sources [edit]

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

AP. "US Envoy: Myanmar Weak Against Human Trafficking" — ABC News (United States), January 11, 2012
"PSNI to visit men who paid for sex with trafficked women" — BBC News Online, January 11, 2012
Liz Dossa. "The lure of a better life: Human trafficking in the Bay Area" — Catholic San Francisco, January 11, 2012
Press Association. "Women 'coerced into offending'" — Mid Sussex Times, January 11, 2012
"Women's climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro shouts for Freedom from trafficking" — Mission Network News, January 11, 2012
Brandi Kruse. "Project rescues victims of sex trade in King County" — MyNorthwest.com, January 11, 2012
Bong Garcia. "15 human trafficking victims rescued" — Sun.Star, January 11, 2012
Krista Henery. "Human trafficking bill passes Senate" — WLFI-TV, January 11, 2012
Nicole O’Reilly. "Human trafficker pleads guilty" — The Hamilton Spectator, January 11, 2012
Malia Zimmerman. "Sex Trafficking Victims, Advocates, Lobby Hawaii Legislators for Stronger Laws" — HawaiiReporter.com, January 10, 2012
Paul Chavez (Marina del Rey Patch). "Knabe Raises Issue of Child Prostitution" — Patch Media, January 10, 2012
"Gay Kenyan men trafficked as sex slaves" — UPI, January 10, 2012
Helen Carter. "Opera aims to tackle the issue of human trafficking" — The Guardian, January 9, 2012
Hillary Clinton. "Remarks on the Release of the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report" — U.S. Department of State, June 27, 2011
Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. ""What Is Trafficking in Persons?", Trafficking in Persons Report 2011" — U.S. Department of State, June 27, 2011

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Thirty injured as bus crashes in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:34:49 GMT

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Disasters and accidents

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A double-decker bus has overturned in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. Approximately thirty people have been left injured as a result of the road traffic collision near Belfast Central railway station, located close to the centre of the city. The incident occurred at around 1415 BST (1315 UTC) today.

According to ambulance service spokesperson John McPoland, "The vast majority of those on the bus are being taken to hospital by ambulance." He continued, "Thankfully no one is seriously hurt; a lot of people are walking wounded. Probably the driver is the most seriously injured and he's been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, but it's not expected his injuries are life-threatening."

The driver of the bus was extracted from the wreckage with the use of cutting equipment. The victims have been transported to four separate hospitals in Belfast. The bus was the only vehicle to have been involved in the accident. No passengers are thought to have been killed or seriously injured.

Albertbridge Road and East Bridge Street in Belfast have been closed as a result of the crash. According to a spokesperson for Translink, "an investigation is underway into what happened". The vehicle has been removed from the scene for investigative purposes. Railway services at the nearby station remain unaffected.

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Sources [edit]

"More than 30 passengers hurt after bus overturns in Belfast" — BBC News Online, August 14, 2011
"Up to 30 injured in overturned bus" — UTV, August 14, 2011

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Former Prime Minister of Finland Harri Holkeri dies aged 74

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:06:41 GMT

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Finland

Sources [edit]

"Former Finnish PM Harri Holkeri dies at 74" — AFP, 8 August 2011
"Finnish chair of Northern Ireland peace talks dies" — BBC News Online, 8 August 2011
"Former Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri, international peacemaker, dies at age 74" — Washington Post, 7 August 2011

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Liberal Democrats defeated in UK elections after alternative vote and councils rejected; Salmond wins historic first majority vote

Sat, 07 May 2011 04:32:19 GMT

Friday, May 6, 2011

United Kingdom

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Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Image: Maximus0970.

Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats and deputy prime minister in the United Kingdom coalition government, has today conceded a "bitter blow" after suffering two major defeats as the electorate rejected the alternative vote system and his party was battered by its worst local election defeat in 30 years. The SNP also won the historic first majority vote in the history of Scotland, which will pave the way for a referendum on independence.

The electorate overwhelmingly rejected the alternative vote; 68 percent voting "no" to 32 percent voting "yes". The rejection was the second defeat for the Liberal Democrat leader today after the party also lost seats across the country. Gary Long, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Nottingham City Council, who lost his seat to Labour today, has publicly called for Clegg to resign after the electoral defeats. The Liberal Democrat mayor of Chorley accused Clegg of "letting the party down", and a third party leader said he should "think about his position".

Clegg, who campaigned to implement the alternative vote, was today forced to concede his party had taken a disappointing loss in failing to win the alternative vote, and sustained "big knocks" in the council elections because it was "getting the brunt of the blame" for spending cuts implemented by the coalition. While it was a good day for the Conservatives—who gained two more council seats—Clegg had lost almost half his council seats, many to Labour. Ed Miliband, the Labour leader, said the backlash against Clegg sent "a clear message" to the Liberal Democrats "that there needs to be a change of direction on some of the key issues". Many families who rejected his party, Clegg said, feared a return to Thatcherism. "We need to get up, dust ourselves down and move on," he said.

But tonight leading "yes" campaigners admitted they had been defeated. Chris Huhne, a Liberal Democrat minister who campaigned in support of the alternative vote, said: "The rejection has been overwhelming and we accept that." He said the public had resoundingly rejected the alternative vote, and suggested any attempt "to find some sort of backdoor method to bring something in that is not first past the post will be seen to have snubbed the clear wishes of the electorate." Counting of the ballots, which were cast yesterday across the country, is continuing tonight, but the "no" vote has already passed the winning post. Voter turnout was a higher-than-expected 41 percent.

As turmoil spreads within the Liberal Democrats, there are also reports of tension between the two coalition parties—Clegg campaigned in support of the system, but his Conservative coalition partner David Cameron campaigned against it. Although senior politicians within the coalition insist there are no differences after the campaign over the alternative vote, differences are thought to be mounting within the government. Paddy Ashdown, a former Liberal Democrat leader, today said the "goodwill and trust" between the coalition parties had all but dissolved.

	Just as the Scottish people have restored trust in us, we must trust the people as well. Which is why, in this term of the parliament, we will bring forward a referendum and trust the people on Scotland's own constitutional future.
—Alex Salmond, SNP leader

In Scotland, the SNP won a majority vote for the first time in the history of the country after the Liberal Democrat vote collapsed and Labour suffered an unpredicted defeat, allowing the party leader, Alex Salmond, to hold a referendum on Scottish independence. "Just as the Scottish people have restored trust in us, we must trust the people as well," he said. "Which is why, in this term of the parliament, we will bring forward a referendum and trust the people on Scotland's own constitutional future." Following a series of defeats for senior Labour politicians in Scotland the party leader, Iain Grey, announced his resignation. Cameron congratulated Salmond for his "emphatic win", but said he would fight Scottish independence "with every single fibre that I have."

Vote counting has begun in Northern Ireland, but the full layout of the Assembly will not be known before tomorrow evening. Meanwhile, Labour missed out on an overall majority in the Welsh Assembly by one seat; it now appears they may form an alliance with the Liberal Democrats. Carwyn Jones, the leader of the Labour party in Wales said the electorate wanted them to govern, but refused to dismiss the prospect of an alliance. "The one thing the people of Wales have said very clearly to us is they want Labour to stand up for them and they want Labour to lead the next Welsh government," he said. "Over the next few days all the parties will be considering their positions. The opposition parties have had some severe disappointments and things need to settle before they think about their position."

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Sources [edit]

"Vote 2011: UK says 'no' to alternative vote" — BBC News Online, May 6, 2011
Allegra Stratton. "No alternative: AV is 'over' after yes campaign routed" — The Guardian, May 6, 2011
Polly Curtis, Patrick Wintour, Hélène Mulholland. "Liberal Democrats have taken 'big knocks', says Nick Clegg" — The Guardian, May 6, 2011
Severin Carrell. "Salmond hails 'historic' victory as SNP secures Holyrood's first ever majority" — The Guardian, May 6, 2011
"Scottish election: Salmond victorious after party's win" — BBC News Online, May 6, 2011
"Vote 2011: Nick Clegg quit calls after council losses" — BBC News Online, May 6, 2011
"Rochdale Lib Dem leader calls for Nick Clegg to resign" — BBC News Online, May 6, 2011
Steven Morris. "Labour looks to rule Welsh assembly with Lib Dems after taking 50% of seats" — The Guardian, May 6, 2011
"Verification of votes gets under way at NI count centrets" — BBC News Online, May 6, 2011
"Mayor of Chorley 2010/11 - Ken Ball" — Chorley Council, undated

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UK holds referendum on voting system

Thu, 05 May 2011 21:02:47 GMT

Friday, May 6, 2011

United Kingdom

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File photo of a UK polling station sign.
Image: secretlondon123.

The United Kingdom electorate took to the polls yesterday to vote in both local elections and a UK-wide referendum regarding the system used to elect its members of parliament to the House of Commons. The polls opened at 07:00 BST (0600 UTC) yesterday morning and closed at 22:00 BST (2100 UTC) last night.

Alongside the normal local elections for seats on 279 councils, and elections for seats in the devolved Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies, the country saw the first nation-wide referendum since 1975, regarding potentially replacing the current first past the post voting system with the Alternative Vote (AV) system currently used for general elections in Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, as well as for some mayoral and party leadership elections worldwide, including in the UK.

Mayoral elections also took place in Leicester, Mansfield, Beford, Middlesbrough, and Torbay. Some areas also experienced elections to parish councils, while the constituency of Leicester South underwent a by-election after its Labour MP Sir Peter Soulsby stood down to run for mayor.

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One polling station in Stockport was delivered the wrong ballot papers, causing around 90 people to cast invalid votes. Those affected were, where possible, contacted and asked to cast their vote again, according to the local council. Another, in Llandeilo, was closed for two hours after escaped dogs bit four people nearby.

The AV referendum came about as a result of the coalition agreement between the Liberal Democrats, who support voting reform and promised a referendum in their campaign, and the Conservatives, who initially opposed reform but agreed to a referendum as a compromise, following the election in May last year.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) hopes to retain control of the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, where it currently runs the minority government, in the hopes of potentially holding a referendum regarding Scottish independence, which they did not deliver in their first term in power; meanwhile Labour hope to end their coalition with Plaid Cymru by taking control of the Welsh Assembly; however, sources from within the party report that it is likely that Labour will fail to reach a majority. Little is expected to change in Ireland, where the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin are expected to retain their dominance over the Northern Irish Assembly.

Polling booths in the New Forest.

Polls taken prior to the election implied that AV would be rejected by some margin, but due to low turnout — despite good weather — the results are likely to be unpredictable. The results of the AV referendum are not due to be declared until 20:00 BST (1900 UTC) today, and counting is not due to begin until 16:00 BST (1500 UTC).

As usual, Sunderland was the first council to report, and was held by Labour; as is the case with many councils in the north of England, it is considered a Labour safe seat. Early predictions indicate that a number of Liberal Democrat councilors in northern cities will lose their seats to Labour or Conservative candidates. Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett reportedly said that the national opinion had changed from "Clegg mania" into "Clegg pneumonia". In an interview with the BBC, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg put predicted Liberal Democrat losses down to voters being "angry" at the coalition government, but also said that the electorate is "not stupid", and would vote in council elections based on local—rather than national—factors.

The first Scottish Parliament constituency to report was Rutherglen, which is held by the incumbent Labour MP, James Kelly. Despite being considered Labour's fourth safest Scottish seat, it experienced a swing of more than seven percent towards the SNP, and large Labour losses are predicted across Scotland. Nearby East Kilbride was the second to report, and was gained by SNP candidate Linda Fabiani from the Labour incumbent Andy Kerr.

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Sources [edit]

Some information contained in this article was obtained from television, radio, or live webcast sources. Reporter's notes and the broadcast source details are available at the discussion page.

"Vote 2011: Counting under way in elections across UK" — BBC News Online, May 5, 2011
Doug Saunders. "Britain's voting referendum cleaves governing coalition" — The Globe and Mail, May 5, 2011
"Vote 2011: Public going to the polls across UK" — BBC News Online, May 5, 2011
Peter O'Neil. "Brits mulling over benefits of a new voting system" — Montreal Gazette, May 3, 2011

External links [edit]

United Kingdom Alternative Vote referendum, 2011 — Wikipedia

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Police officer killed as car bomb explodes in Omagh, Northern Ireland

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:15:04 GMT

Saturday, April 2, 2011

United Kingdom

Other stories from the United Kingdom

9 May 2013: Lord Falconer proposes bill to legalise assisted dying for terminal ill in UK
1 May 2013: Miles Franklin Literary Award nominates only women for potential winners
15 April 2013: Nuclear weapons protest at Faslane leads to 47 arrests
14 April 2013: BBC to play 'four to five seconds' of Thatcher protest song
8 April 2013: Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dies aged 87

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A bomb positioned below the car of a police officer in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom has exploded, killing him. The unidentified 25-year-old officer, recently employed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland after graduating from a college of police training three weeks prior, was directly involved in the incident as he sat inside the vehicle outside his residence in Omagh, County Tyrone, which occurred at a time immediately before 1600 BST (1500 UTC) today. The man, who died at this location, has now been identified as Constable Ronan Kerr.

	I have absolutely no doubt the overwhelming number of people in NI want to move on. It's only a few Neanderthal who want to go back. They will not drag us back to the past.
—Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland Executive First Minister

It is currently uncertain as to whether or not any other individuals were killed or injured as a result of the incident. It is also unclear who was responsible for committing the act. It is thought that dissident republicans were responsible for the bomb blowing up today, due to numerous similar prior incidents involving them.

Gerry Adams, the current president of Sinn Féin, has stated: "I want to send my condolences to his family at this hugely traumatic time. Sinn Féin is determined that those responsible will not set back the progress of the peace and political process."

Shaun Woodward, the present Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has claimed that "[t]his evil and cowardly attack will sicken everyone across Northern Ireland. These crimes are targeted on those who protect the community. We all deeply mourn the brave young man whose life was taken by this savage crime. We all have a duty to stop those behind it from succeeding."

Over the course of the past one-and-a-half years, numerous incidents of a similar nature have taken place with Police Service of Northern Ireland employees being targeted. Despite various devices being unsuccessful in detonating, a police officer suffered an explosion in January 2010. As a consequence, both of his legs were lost. In a separate incident in May 2008, another police officer lost their legs as the result of a bomb attack. In March 2009, a group of dissident republicans were responsible for fatally shooting a policeman in Craigavon, County Armagh.

David Cameron, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, said of today's incident: "Those who carried out this wicked and cowardly crime will never succeed in dragging Northern Ireland back to a dark and bloody past. Their actions are rejected by the overwhelming majority of people right from all parts of the community." Meanwhile, Peter Robinson, the current First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive, commented that "[i]t was a young man who was bravely entering the police service, recognising that he was putting his life on the line. I have absolutely no doubt the overwhelming number of people in NI want to move on. It's only a few Neanderthal who want to go back. They will not drag us back to the past."

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Sources [edit]

"Ronan Kerr was policeman killed in Omagh car bomb" — BBC News Online, April 2, 2011
"Policeman killed in Omagh car bomb attack" — BBC News Online, April 2, 2011
"Police Officer Dies In Booby-Trap Car Bomb" — Sky News, April 2, 2011

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Police officer killed as car bomb explodes in Omagh, Northern Ireland

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