A total of 887 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H in the past 24 hours, of which 335 were positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In the past 24 hours, 19 people died in the Federation of B&amp;H.
There were two newly infected out of 65 tested in the Brčko District. Two people have recovered and no one has died. Currently, 523 cases of infection are active in Brčko.
In the entity of Republic of Srpska, 207 samples were tested in the last 24 hours, and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in 44 people.
In the same period, 27 deaths were reported to the RS Institute of Public Health.
The total number of hospitalized in the RS is 746, the Institute said.

There were two newly infected out of 65 tested in the Brčko District

In the past 24 hours, 19 people died in the Federation of B&H

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina today, October 4.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Chairwoman Margareta Cederfelt will join Linde on her visit to B&amp;H.
During her visit, Chairperson Linde will discuss with her interlocutors the current political situation in the country, the implementation of key reforms, the importance of reconciliation and confidence building, regional cooperation, and the empowerment of women and their participation in political decision-making.
They will also discuss the state's plans in the areas of EU integration, the fight against corruption, electoral law reform and recovery from the pandemic.
Chairperson Linde will also meet with members of the B&amp;H Presidency, as well as with the B&amp;H Foreign Minister Bisera Turković.
Organized by the OSCE Mission to B&amp;H, Chairperson Linde will also meet with representatives of civil society in B&amp;H to discuss women, peace and security, as well as with representatives of the international community in B&amp;H.
With Maša Durkalić, co-author of the book # ŽeneBiH and artist Nataša Konjević, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office will unveil a mural dedicated to Milena Mrazović, the first journalist, editor and publisher in Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced the OSCE Mission to B&amp;H.

During her visit, she will discuss with her interlocutors the current political situation in the country

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Ashes erupting from the Cumbre Vieja volcano on the Canary Islands blanketed most of the island in the south of Spain on Friday.

When residents of Los Llanos de Ariadne awoke in the morning, they found their homes, workplaces, and businesses completely engulfed in ashes.
As the shopkeepers cleaned the ashes in front of their business outlets, the residents strolled on the streets with umbrellas to protect themselves from the ashes that continued to pour.
- It's bad, very bad. We already have enough problems and now we need to deal with the ashes - Gregorio Paz, a Spanish shopkeeper, told Anadolu Agency.
Paz said it was the second ash rain since the activation of the volcano in mid-September.
- I was on leave and started work today. I had to pick up the broom immediately. I have to keep cleaning otherwise everyone will carry the ashes into the shop - he said.
The ashes should be cleaned as soon as possible, the shopkeeper said, because they set "in a short time like cement" and can clog pipes and drains.
Paz went on to say that he was one of the victims of Cumbre Vieja – the first active volcano in La Palma after 50 years – but still feels happy as he did not lose his house due to volcano eruption.
- I hope this nightmare will end when I go to bed and wake up in the morning - Paz, who was born on the island, added. - However, it seems to me that it will take much longer - he remarked, hoping for the best.
According to Copernicus, the EU Earth observation program, the lava pouring out of the volcano, which has been active since Sept. 19, has covered an area of 709 hectares so far, and damaged more than 1,000 houses, with 870 of them completely destroyed.
The lava, which burned some agricultural fields and greenhouses in the vicinity, also wrecked the 30 kilometers (18.7 miles) road, according to reports.
While it has been reported that gas emissions in La Palma have increased in the last two days, the Spanish Department of Homeland Security has stated that rising sulfur dioxide emissions do not represent a health risk.
Earlier, the Institute for Volcanic Studies of the Canary Islands said eruptions are expected to continue for 24 to 84 days.

Residents of Los Llanos de Ariadne town awaken to see their homes, workplaces and businesses entirely engulfed in ashes

The Cumbre Vieja volcano continues to spew lava and ashes, on the Canary island of La Palma in El Paso on October 01, 2021.

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday assured the top Libyan leader that Germany’s new government will continue efforts for Libya’s political reconciliation and economic development.

Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed al-Menfi, Merkel said that Libya will continue to be among Berlin’s main foreign policy priorities, after the formation of a new German coalition government.
- In the next couple of weeks and months, we will see a transition process here from one government to the next. But I can assure you that Libya will continue to be among the main priorities of Germany - Merkel said.
- There will be a continuity in this respect. We would like to continue our cooperation with you - she added.
Merkel underlined that a political solution to the conflict in Libya was of significant importance, not only for the country but also for the whole African continent.
She reiterated her demand for the withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries from Libya and said that it was important to ensure that parliamentary and presidential elections are held on Dec. 24. She also promised Germany’s continued engagement for Libya’s economic development and stability.
Germany’s outgoing chancellor played a leading role in resolving the conflict in Libya by hosting a leaders summit in 2020, and her government continued its diplomatic initiative to advance the UN-led political unification and reconciliation process in the country.
After last month’s elections in Germany, Angela Merkel is quitting active politics, but she will remain in her post until a new coalition government is formed.

New German government will continue efforts for Libya’s unification, stability, Merkel tells Mohamed al-Menfi

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

The trial of Fadil Novalić and others in connection with the procurement of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 KM continued today in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In today's continuation of the trial of Novalić and others in the "Ventilators" affair, the interrogation of persons from the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of B&amp;H has resumed. Mladen Čančarević, who is employed as a lawyer in the Agency, and Dragana Reljić and Strahinja Obradović were questioned.

The first witness, Mladen Čančarević, as a lawyer in the Agency and Assistant Director for Legal Affairs, dealt with licenses for emergency import of medical devices and coordinated with colleagues in the case on whether they meet the conditions for emergency import.
He heard about the company "Silver raspberry" from Fikret Hodžić on April 23, 2020. When the director of the Agency, Aleksandar Zolak, called him and told him that he had been contacted by Miloš Stevanović, advisor to the director of the Indirect Taxation Authority, and said that he had contacted a company for importing ventilators for the Government of the Federation of B&amp;H.

Then, the director of the Agency for Medicines of B&amp;H, Aleksandar Zolak, contacted Mladen Čančarević and told him that Stevanović had called him and that the process related to the import of ventilators should be started urgently and that they were just arriving.
He gave him the telephone number of the person he would contact for that emergency import. It was the telephone number of Fikret Hodžić, the owner of "Silver raspberry", and he told him that he had to register in the register of wholesalers with medical equipment and gave him instructions for entry in the register, as well as instructions for emergency import.

<h2>Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service</h2>

Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are the suspended director of the Federal Civil Protection Administration, Fahrudin Solak, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of B&amp;H, Jelka Milićević, and the owner of the company "Silver raspberry", Fikret Hodžić.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are accused of associating in order to commit criminal offenses related to acts of abuse of position or authority, and receiving a reward or other form of benefit for trading in influence.
The indictment also charges them with money laundering, falsification or destruction of business or trade books or documents, falsification of official documents and violation of the obligation to keep trade or business books and compile financial reports and their falsification or destruction.
Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service.
At the last hearing held on Wednesday, September 29, a member of the expert council of the B&amp;H Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, Harun Avdagić, said that he was called from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office by a man in connection with obtaining a license to import medical equipment.
Avdagić said that it was possible that Hasan Ganibegović had called him from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office, and that he had referred him to Indira Fazlagić, the Agency's chief pharmaceutical inspector.
During her testimony, Fazlagić confirmed that Ganibegović called her in connection with obtaining the permit.

Witnesses Mladen Čančarević, who is employed as a lawyer in the Agency, and Dragana Reljić and Strahinja Obradović were questioned

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

Fikret Abdić, a convicted war criminal and the mayor of Velika Kladuša, was not arrested and brought before the Court of B&amp;H yesterday, because the duty judge of this judicial institution informed the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) that Abdić should not be arrested and brought to this institution because, as a B&amp;H citizen, he cannot be extradited to Croatia on an Interpol warrant!?
This is a new scandal of this judicial institution headed by Ranko Debevec.

The information that SIPA did not arrest Abdić, at the request of Interpol, because the judge said that there were no grounds, was confirmed for the "Avaz" portal by Darko Ćulum, the director of SIPA.
- Abdić was not arrested because the judge on duty said that it had been determined that he was a citizen of B&amp;H and that he could not be extradited to Croatia on a warrant. We called the judge on duty twice, we were told the same thing twice - Ćulum told us.
By the way, that is one of the reasons why there was confusion about Abdić's (non) arrest yesterday. Although the family filmed SIPA's entry into the family home, it was eventually said that he was neither arrested nor taken to the Banja Luka Office at all.
When asked whether the Court should determine the details of the request from the warrant at the court hearing, which is a well-known procedure and legal practice, Ćulum told us that "the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies has determined that Abdić has B&amp;H citizenship and is now up to the Court. "
But whether Abdić will be arrested, Ćulum told us:
- Now everything is on hold.

This is not the first time that the Court of B&amp;H has made obvious mistakes in its steps. They recently refused to detain Milomir Savčić, indicted for war crimes in Srebrenica, at the suggestion of the Prosecution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after which he fled the country.
In addition, in the cases of the arrest warrant from Zagreb for the Mamić brothers, Zdravko and Zoran, the Court on several occasions determined at the hearing whether there was a legal obstacle to their extradition, regardless of their citizenship. The same was the case with the recent arrest of Vinko Martinović Štela. After his arrest, he was brought before the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a warrant from Zagreb, which was determining whether he could be extradited or not.

Instead of being brought before the Court where details need to be established, which is a well-known procedure and legal practice, the judge said not to bring him

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial of Fadil Novalić and others continued in the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in connection with the procurement of 100 ventilators worth 10,530,000 KM.
Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are the suspended director of the Federal Administration of Civil Protection Fahrudin Solak, the Minister of Finance of the Federation of B&amp;H Jelka Milićević and the owner of the company " Silver raspberry" Fikret Hodžić.
Novalić, Solak and Hodžić are accused of associating in order to commit criminal offenses related to acts of abuse of position or authority, and receiving a reward or other form of benefit for trading in influence.
The indictment also charges them with money laundering, falsification or destruction of business or trade books or documents, falsification of official documents and violation of the obligation to keep trade or business books and compile financial reports and their falsification or destruction.
Milićević is accused of negligent work in the service.
At the last hearing held on Wednesday, September 29th, a member of the expert council of the B&amp;H Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices, Harun Avdagić, said that he was called from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office by a man in connection with obtaining a license to import medical equipment.
Avdagić said that it was possible that Hasan Ganibegović had called him from the FB&amp;H Prime Minister's Office, and that he had referred him to Indira Fazlagic, the Agency's chief pharmaceutical inspector.
During her testimony, Fazlagić confirmed that Ganibegović called her in connection with obtaining the permit.
The hearing was scheduled for 1 PM.

Apart from Novalić, in the case of the disputed purchase of ventilators, the accused are Fahrudin Solak, Jelka Milićević and Fikret Hodžić

Arrival of the accused in the "Ventilators" affair at the Court of B&H

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

The President of the Alliance for a Better Future (SBB), Fahrudin Radončić, posten on his Instagram profile after today's meeting with the US envoy in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law, Matthew Palmer.
- There is much more at stake than the election law. If our politicians do not understand that the American mediation rope for reaching a compromise agreement on changing the Election Law is the last chance for stabilization and a more secure future for B&amp;H, the consequences will be incalculable.
By the end of the year, the public and international partners will understand who are really power-loving populists, selfish leaders and sick careerists who publicly or secretly want a triple division, and who are politicians with full state responsibility towards a difficult historical challenge and citizens.

And, whose priority is a stable Bosnia and Herzegovina, harmonized interethnic relations, economic development, stopping the division of B&amp;H, peace, regional and Euro-Atlantic integration before positions or ideological interests.
Compromise is the mother of all successes.
We have a potent negotiating platform. Thank you, Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nelson, for their exceptional work, diplomatic innovation and persistence - Radončić wrote on Instagram.
And yesterday, Radončić, like other party presidents, had a longer working breakfast "in private" with Palmer and Nelson.

Compromise is the mother of all successes, Radončić wrote on Instagram

Nelson, Radončić, Palmer, Kojović, Magazinović and Konaković

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Since my last visit, I have taken on a new function that is enlightened to the reform of the Electoral System in B&amp;H, said the US envoy in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law, Matthew Palmer.
He added that the goal is to harmonize the legislation with those in the EU and in order to fulfill the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights.
- The goal is to introduce transparency and fairness in the original process. I believe that there is a possibility that is open in B&amp;H, and to try to implement significant electoral reforms this year. I think we can have the necessary support in Parliament as well. This will also require targeted constitutional changes. We are doing everything in our power, we are here to help the parties sit down at the negotiating table - Palmer explained.

<h2>We want to see a solid system in the Federation</h2>

Asked about the necessary reforms and the parties' reactions to the US proposals, Palmer said that a compromise was necessary.
- We do not represent any political spectrum in B&amp;H. We want to help the parties reach an agreement. I'm not going to tell you what the deal should look like, that's what the parties should say. We can say what we think should be part of the negotiations. We believe that constitutional changes are needed. We cannot say what the parties should agree on. It is hard work, but it is democracy. My job is not to order something from someone, but to help get the conversation going - Palmer emphasized.
Speaking about the House of Peoples, Palmer pointed out that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights refer to the state House of Peoples.
- There are a lot of questions about the federal House of Peoples, but it belongs to the parties to lead those talks. We want to see a solid system in the Federation that will ensure that people elect their representatives and that they serve those citizens. There are a lot of ways to find balance, I can’t say how that will happen. I am here and the EU is here to help. Voters, citizens are the main ones in this process. We are just helping, but B&amp;H must have a system that is strong and in line with the intentions for EU membership - Palmer believes.

When asked about the competencies of the Presidency of B&amp;H, Palmer pointed out that it is useful to discuss the competencies.
- I think that they also understand the interests of the citizens involved in this process. I will not tell you what the parameters of some existing institutions are, it is not my job, it is the job of the parties. My job is to facilitate conversations. If B&amp;H wants to join the EU, then that is the future that the citizens and B&amp;H want. But the obligations that imply that must be fulfilled. The conditions that are implied when EU membership needs to be met. First of all, it is a question of the "Sejdić and Finci" verdict. This must be done by basic political actors and opposition parties. There is not just one answer. There are many ways this can be done. Judgments must be implemented, electoral system reform must exist to ensure fairness and transparency. There must be a majority in Parliament that will allow the necessary laws to be passed. We will help as in the case of Mostar - said Palmer.
He added that there is no alternative to standing and talking.
- This is not the only issue that is of interest to the United States. My focus is on electoral reform, but that is not the only problem that needs to be addressed in B&amp;H. We are promoting the agreement - Palmer emphasized.

<h2>File's model is not the only one</h2>

Speaking about meetings with political leaders, Palmer said he is committed to believing there is a solution and room for agreement.
- Based on the conversations I had, I believe that there is a common understanding that there is an urgent need for progress and that there is a chance for the parties to come together and agree, and to protect the interests of their voters. It’s not easy, but there is that path. As it happened in Mostar, it took years, but we will work with the parties on that. File's model is one of the ways to go further. But the question is how to achieve that the model reflects B&amp;H, and that is one state, two entities and three peoples. How to ensure that anyone is elected to public office. File's model is not the only one, but the concept is open to progress. There is no fixed constituency which is why some have said it is a slippery slope towards the third entity. We would also support some variant of File's model, no one will come out of these talks 100 satisfied - Palmer pointed out.
He added that the OHR has its own 5 + 2 agenda.
- The USA is working in partnership with the EU within this reform, we are talking to the OHR, but this is not their focus - Palmer emphasized.

<h2>Some parties will have reservations about asymmetric solutions</h2>

When asked about his function, Palmer pointed out that the United States sees the same as the citizens of B&amp;H.
- We see a blockade of state institutions, but this should be an additional motive. And the blockade needs to be overcome and the institution strengthened in order to face political challenges. Crises are normal, navigating through crises and challenges is the responsibility of elected leaders. I understand everything and understand the pressures, but I hope that the leaders will understand that as a signal that they must enter the negotiations to reach an agreement by the end of this year - Palmer said.
When asked about the legitimacy of the new High Representative, Palmer pointed out that the right procedure was followed.
- Schmidt was appointed through PIC procedures in B&amp;H. The fact is that Russia refuses that, but I am not too interested in that - Palmer said.
He added that it is possible to discuss asymmetric solutions for B&amp;H in terms of electoral reform.
- It is up to the parties, we will not say which level is acceptable and which is not. Some parties will have reservations about asymmetric solutions - Palmer explained.

<h2>There is room for work on judicial reform</h2>

When asked about the situation in the judiciary, Palmer pointed out that the rule of law is fundamental.
- It is the center of American strategy. That was the case from the beginning. There is certainly room for work on judicial reform. There is no chance that B&amp;H will progress towards the EU without judicial reform. We have invested a lot in that so far. Over time we had to look, we are not satisfied, a lot of work that needs to be done and we are partners along the way. We bring in our experts and we have invested a lot. The public should be fair to choose the individuals who will represent their interests. That requires a judicial system that will ensure all that - Palmer emphasized.
Asked about the leaders' future negotiations, Palmer said he thought the leaders were capable and that the agreement on Mostar proved that.
- There was pressure and it took time. I don’t want to go into hypothetical questions in terms of what methods the U.S. is doing to put pressure. I don't mind repeating myself, but it is up to the parties to decide how and what they will agree on. Sometimes it’s good to have a third party at the table who isn’t too interested. I think I can help, I know these people. The EU is also there to help, but they have to do the hard work. This is an agreement and an exchange of interests. This is difficult in the United States as well, and it is not the only thing that is difficult in B&amp;H. They are capable and I am convinced of that - said Palmer.

He added that he would be satisfied with a minimal reform package that would improve the transparency of the election process.
- We want to see a result that is consistent and in line with the path to the EU - Palmer emphasized.
According to him, citizens are the key.
- The state is a group of citizens and they all have the right as individuals. Individual citizens have rights and should be respected by the state. A system should be established so that a Serb in the FB&amp;H has the same rights as everyone else and also a Bosniak in the RS. That is the basic European principle. And that should be harmonized with the principles of one state, two entities and three peoples - Palmer concluded.

Judgments must be implemented, electoral system reform must exist to ensure fairness and transparency

Palmer: We are doing everything in our power, we are here to help the parties sit down at the negotiating table

Matthew Palmer for "Avaz": Electoral and judicial reform in B&H is necessary

US envoy for electoral reform in B&amp;H Matthew Palmer continued talks with political leaders in B&amp;H today, the US Embassy in B&amp;H announced on its Twitter profile.
-Palmer met with political party leaders today to discuss the imperative of electoral reform, including limited constitutional changes, and election integrity. It is clear that everyone has an interest and stake in a more functional Bosnia&amp;Herzegovina where everyone’s democratic rights are protected- they wrote. 
Namely, this morning Palmer met with SBB leader Fahrudin Radončić, former president of Naša stranka Predrag Kojović, SDP MP in the House of Representatives of the B&amp;H Parliament Saša Magazinović and president of the party Narod i pravda Elmedin Konaković. The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to B&amp;H Eric Nelson.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Palmer met with pol. party leaders today to discuss the imperative of electoral reform, including limited constitutional changes, and election integrity. It is clear that everyone has an interest and stake in a more functional 🇧🇦 where everyone’s democratic rights are protected. <a href="https://t.co/KbkkSitfdM">pic.twitter.com/KbkkSitfdM</a>— US Embassy Sarajevo (@USEmbassySJJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassySJJ/status/1443871621387890691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It is clear that everyone has an interest and stake in a more functional B&H, the US Embassy in B&H said

Palmer and Nelson this morning at a meeting with political leaders in B&H

Palmer continues talks with B&H political leaders: Electoral reform is imperative

B&amp;H politicians continued talks today with Matthew Palmer, the US official in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law.
The US State Department's special envoy for electoral reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Palmer, arrived in Sarajevo the day before yesterday to help B&amp;H make progress in electoral reforms.
This US official in charge of reforming the B&amp;H Election Law also met with several political party leaders yesterday to discuss the need for electoral reform and improving the work of state institutions, including Dragan Čović leader of HDZ B&amp;H, SBB president Fahrudin Radončić and, Elmedin Konaković, head of NiP.
A meeting was held at the residence of the American ambassador, Eric Nelson, this morning as well, which was attended by, among others, Radončić, Sasa Magazinović and Peđa Kojović.

A meeting was held this morning at the residence of US Ambassador Eric Nelson, which was attended by, among others, Radončić, Sasa Magazinović and Peđa Kojović

Magazinović, Radončić and Kojović after the meeting with Palmer

B&H politicians continued talks with Matthew Palmer

Head of the EU Delegation to B&amp;H and the EU Special Representative in B&amp;H, Ambassador Johann Sattler, said in Sarajevo today that the question is not whether, but when the countries of the Western Balkans will become part of the EU.

At the opening of the panel discussion "Initiative, Engagement, Enthusiasm – Strengthening Democracy in B&amp;H and the Region through Civic Activism”, Sattler said that it was a clear message of yesterday's visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- There is a tradition of civic activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, and that is why it is important to include those voices in the debate on the future of Europe - said Sattler.
President of the Association "Sharp Zero" from Banja Luka, Milica Pralica, pointed out that in order to reach EU standards, it is necessary for citizens to start educating themselves about their civil rights and what they can do regarding corruption and nepotism.
Activist of the "Let's not let Belgrade drown" movement, Dobrica Veselinović, said that this region has much more to offer than flourishing of nationalism, and that is optimism, hope and rising up against injustice and the problems of future.
The panel discussion gathered representatives of civil society from B&amp;H and the region to exchange best practices, ideas and challenges in the field of civic engagement and explore ways to integrate it into the policy-making process.

There is a tradition of civic activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, and that is why it is important to include those voices in the debate on the future of Europe, he said

Sattler: Question is not whether but when WB countries will become part of EU

A former UK police officer who was charged with the murder of a 33-year-old woman has been sentenced to life in prison with a “whole life order” by a British court.

Wayne Couzens, 48, will spend all his life behind the bars after found guilty of kidnapping, rape and murder of Sarah Everard last March.
The sentencing came Thursday on the second day of the hearing.
Couzens used his police warrant card and handcuffs to stage an arrest before kidnapping the victim on March 3.
He then drove to Kent from London to rape before strangling her with his police belt and burning her body.
Couzens hired a car and bought adhesive tape before “hunting for a lone young female to kidnap and rape”, the prosecution told the court on Wednesday.
The former Metropolitan Police officer handcuffed her in the back seat of his car and “that was the start of her lengthy ordeal, including an 80-mile journey whilst detained which was to lead first to her rape and then her murder,” Tom Little QC told the court.
- I have not the slightest doubt that the defendant used his position as a police officer to coerce her on a wholly false pretext into the car he had hired for this purpose - Lord Justice Fulford said.
He said: “It is most likely that he suggested to Sarah Everard that she had breached the restrictions on movement that were being enforced during that stage of the pandemic.
- Any explanation other than coercion fails to take into account her character and the evidence of the occupants of a passing vehicle who saw her being handcuffed.-Fulford added: “Sarah Everard was a wholly blameless victim of a grotesquely executed series of offences that culminated in her death and the disposal of her body.”

Couzens had worked a shift as an armed police officer guarding the US Embassy in London hours before the kidnapping, got Everard into the hire car “by handcuffing her, as well as showing her his warrant card,” Little said.

- At some point fairly soon after driving from the pavement on to the South Circular and having not gone to a police station, Sarah Everard must have realised her fate.-The prosecution added that the crimes were so serious, involving the abuse of his position and trust as a police officer.
Little said: “She was detained by fraud. The defendant using his warrant card and handcuffs as well as his other police issue equipment to effect a false arrest.”
He also said Everard was the victim of “deception, kidnap, rape, strangulation, fire.”
Everard’s kidnap and murder sent shockwaves across the country in March and women’s safety on streets has become a hot topic.
Earlier in September, Sabina Ness, a 28-year-old primary school teacher, was attacked and killed as she was taking a five-minute walk from home to meet her friends in London.
Her body was found near the One Space Community Center at Kidbrooke Park Road in Greenwich nearly 24 hours after the murder, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Wayne Couzens staged fake arrest before kidnapping, raping and murdering 33-year-old Sarah Everard in March, court heard

Couzens used his police warrant card and handcuffs to stage an arrest before kidnapping the victim on March 3

UK police officer sentenced ‘to whole life order' over murder of woman

Amid ongoing drive against Muslims and their worship places, France has shut down one-third of 89 inspected mosques since November 2020, the French interior minister said.

Gerald Darmanin told Le Figaro newspaper that before the "anti-separatism law" was enacted, 650 places were closed in the country for allegedly housing "extremists", and 24,000 places were inspected by French police.
Darmanin stated that as a result of the inspections carried out in 89 mosques since November 2020 over radicalization allegations, one-third of them have been closed, adding they are taking action to close six more mosques in Sarthe, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Cote-d'Or, Rhone, and Gard regions.
Darmanin added they also opposed the construction of a mosque called "Eyup Sultan" in Strasbourg, which is affiliated with the Islamic Community National View (IGMG), despite the approval from local authorities.
Noting that five Muslim associations allegedly promoting the so-called "political Islam" have been closed so far, the minister said the separatism law allows them to do more than that.
There will be a total of 10 additional associations closed, with four of them closing in October, he said, adding bank accounts of 205 associations were confiscated and two imams were expelled.
- We spread terror among those who want to impose terror on us - he said, adding that religious officials from abroad will not be able to come to the country starting 2023 and that he has instructed the governors not to renew the residence permits of those who are here.
He said they do not renew residence cards of people sentenced for drug trafficking and domestic violence in the country.
France has limited the number of visas issued to Algerian, Tunisian, and Moroccan citizens in order to enable these countries to readmit their citizens deported by France, he said.

In August, France’s highest constitutional authority approved a controversial “anti-separatism” law that has been criticized for singling out Muslims, striking down just two of its articles.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly in July, despite strong opposition from both rightist and leftist lawmakers.
The government claims that the legislation is intended to strengthen France's secular system, but critics believe that it restricts religious freedom and marginalizes Muslims.
The bill has been criticized for targeting France's Muslim community – the largest in Europe, with 3.35 million members – and imposing restrictions on many aspects of its members' lives.
The law allows officials to intervene in mosques and associations responsible for their administration, as well as control the finances of Muslim-affiliated associations and NGOs.
It also restricts the educational choices of Muslims by making homeschooling subject to official permission.
Under the law, patients are prohibited from choosing their doctors based on gender for religious or other reasons, and "secularism education" has been made compulsory for all civil servants.
France has been criticized by international organizations and NGOs, especially the UN, for targeting and marginalizing Muslims with the law.

6 more mosques to be shut over radicalization, says French interior minister

Gerald Darmanin told Le Figaro newspaper that before the "anti-separatism law" was enacted, 650 places were closed in the country for allegedly housing "extremists", and 24,000 places were inspected by French police

France closes nearly 30 mosques in less than a year

Pakistani authorities on Thursday announced strict restrictions on non-vaccinated people in the country, including a ban on boarding domestic and international flights.

Non-vaccinated people will also not be allowed into educational institutions, shopping malls, or restaurants as of Friday, said the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), Pakistan's anti-virus task force, urging people to get vaccinated before the Friday deadline.
On Tuesday, the NCOC relaxed restrictions in eight most-vaccinated cities, namely Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Skardu.
Asad Umar, who heads the nation’s anti-virus strategy, said in a separate statement that the only way to overcome the coronavirus pandemic was to "get a high percentage of citizens vaccinated."
- Therefore, as part of the strategy to reward citizens &amp; cities which vaccinate, there will be higher restrictions on cities with low level of vaccination &amp; on citizens who are not vaccinated - he added.
Umar also announced that children older than 12 would be eligible for vaccination and that an initiative would be launched to administer jabs in schools.
Pakistan has expedited its inoculation drive in recent weeks, with over 80 million vaccine doses given to date and nearly one million shots in the last 24 hours.
Over 27.4 million people have been fully vaccinated so far, according to Health Ministry data, while the country recorded 1,742 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 1.24 million.
With 39 additional fatalities, the death toll also increased to 27,729 and 1.16 million people have recovered.

Unvaccinated people to be barred from shopping malls, restaurants, domestic, international airline travel starting Friday

Non-vaccinated people will also not be allowed into educational institutions, shopping malls, or restaurants as of Friday

Pakistan imposes strict restrictions for non-vaccinated travel

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s help for the release of Ukrainian citizens detained by Russia, the Ukrainian foreign minister said on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference, Dmytro Kuleba recalled that Zelensky and Erdogan held one-on-one and delegation-level talks in New York, where they attended the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
Kuleba said that during the meeting, Zelensky handed Erdogan a list of 450 Ukrainian detainees, including Nariman Dzhelyal, the deputy head of the Crimean Tatar National Assembly.
Russian forces entered the Crimean Peninsula in February 2014, with Russian President Vladimir Putin formally dividing the region into two separate federal subjects of the Russian Federation the following month.
Crimea's ethnic Tartars have faced persecution since that time, a situation especially decried by Turkey.
Turkey, the EU, and US, as well as the UN General Assembly, view the annexation as illegal.

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Matthew Palmer for "Avaz": Electoral and judicial reform in B&H is necessary

Palmer continues talks with B&H political leaders: Electoral reform is imperative

B&H politicians continued talks with Matthew Palmer

Sattler: Question is not whether but when WB countries will become part of EU

UK police officer sentenced ‘to whole life order' over murder of woman

France closes nearly 30 mosques in less than a year

Pakistan imposes strict restrictions for non-vaccinated travel

Ukraine seeks Turkish president’s help for release of prisoners from Russia

News

Covid -19 confirmed in 335 people, 46 deaths in B&H

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ann Linde visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina today

Cumbre Vieja volcano ashes blanket most of island in Spain

Merkel assures Libyan leader of continued German support

"Ventilators" affair: Who did Aleksandar Zolak call, and who did Fikret Hodžić call?

New scandal of the Court of B&H headed by Ranko Debevec: This is the reason why SIPA did not arrest Fikret Abdić

The trial continues: See the arrival of Fadil Novalić and the other indictees

Radončić: There is much more at stake than the Election Law

Matthew Palmer for "Avaz": Electoral and judicial reform in B&H is necessary

Palmer continues talks with B&H political leaders: Electoral reform is imperative

B&H politicians continued talks with Matthew Palmer

Sattler: Question is not whether but when WB countries will become part of EU

UK police officer sentenced ‘to whole life order' over murder of woman

France closes nearly 30 mosques in less than a year

Pakistan imposes strict restrictions for non-vaccinated travel

Ukraine seeks Turkish president’s help for release of prisoners from Russia