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London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed Wednesday that it had opened a new investigation into sexual assault claims against the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, which has so far identified 90 victims.It comes in the wake of a BBC documentary, aired in September, that detailed several claims of rape and sexual assault against the billionaire Egyptian businessman, who …

London police say 90 victims identified in new Al-Fayed probe Read More »

Liverpool are the only team with a perfect record in this season’s Champions League after beating title-holders Real Madrid 2-0 in their heavyweight clash on Wednesday, with last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund among the night’s other winners.The showdown at Anfield saw Real attempting to extend a run of eight games unbeaten against Liverpool.However, Arne Slot’s …

Perfect Liverpool on top of Champions League, Dortmund also among winners Read More »

Air pollution caused by fires is linked to more than 1.5 million deaths a year worldwide, the vast majority occurring in developing countries, a major new study said on Thursday.This death toll is expected to rise in the coming years as climate change makes wildfires more frequent and intense, according to the study in The …

Air pollution from fires linked to 1.5 million deaths a year Read More »

The outgoing US administration of President Joe Biden urged Ukraine Wednesday to reduce the minimum conscription age to 18 from 25 to tackle a manpower shortage as Russian forces press in.The call for Kyiv to boost its ranks came amid speculation that incoming president Donald Trump will take a new approach that could include pushing …

US tells Ukraine to lower conscription age to 18 Read More »

Tens of thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war between Israel and Hezbollah headed back to their devastated towns and villages Wednesday as a ceasefire took hold.Under the terms of the deal that brought the war to a halt, the Lebanese military started reinforcing its presence in the country’s south, where Hezbollah has long held …

Tens of thousands in Lebanon head home as Israel-Hezbollah truce takes hold Read More »

Logistical issues meant that thousands of Namibians were still waiting to vote in pivotal presidential and legislative elections late on Wednesday as the polling stations were scheduled to close.The vote could usher in the desert nation’s first woman leader even as her party, the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) faces the strongest challenge …

Thousands still queuing to vote after Namibia polls close Read More »

France does not get to decide whether a free trade deal between the EU and South America’s Mercosur bloc goes ahead — only Brussels does, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday.Lula added firmly: “I intend to sign this agreement this year.”Brazil’s position, stressed by Lula in a speech on Brazilian industry, …

Brussels, not Paris, will decide EU-Mercosur trade deal: Lula Read More »

Ruby slippers worn by actress Judy Garland in classic film “The Wizard of Oz” will be sold at auction next month, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.Heritage Auctions showed off the magical footwear in London before they go under the hammer in Dallas on December 7, with predictions they could sell for up to …

Ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ up for auction Read More »

A lawyer for the chief defendant in a French mass rape trial on Wednesday urged the court to recall his good side after prosecutors demanded lengthy jail terms for the dozens of suspects.The main defendant, Dominique Pelicot, has admitted enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his then-wife while she was drugged and unconscious.Prosecutors have called …

Defence lawyers plead to judges in French mass rape trial Read More »

China has freed three Americans considered wrongfully detained in a swap with the United States, US officials said Wednesday, meeting a key goal of outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration.The three Americans — Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung — were the last prisoners in China classified by the State Department as wrongfully detained, although …

US says China releases three ‘wrongfully detained’ Americans Read More »