www.thepeninsula.qa Sunday 2 August 2020 Volume 25 | Number 8337 12 Dhul-Hijja - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 11 SPORT | 16

Facebook quarterly Al Arabi hold profit rockets Al Rayyan as Al despite ad boycott, Shahania, Al Sailiya pandemic share points

Wishing you a warm and blessed Eid Prime Minister, French PM Eid: Katara offers agree to boost bilateral ties cheerful activities QNA — DOHA on second day Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin — DOHA Abdulaziz Al Thani held yesterday a tele- THE PENINSULA received gifts of Eid Al Adha which phone conversation with Prime Minister were prepared by Katara team fol- of the French Republic H E Jean Castex, Katara Cultural Village received a lowing international safety during which he congratulated his large number of visitors on the standard. Katara prepared French counterpart on his appointment second day of Eid Al Adha where favourite Eid gifts to children as Prime Minister wishing him success children received Eid gifts and according to their age. and the relations between the two coun- families enjoyed swimming and Katara beach which receives tries further progress. sporting. visitors from 3pm to 10pm is con- They reviewed the bilateral relations Katara is receiving visitors sidered one of the most beautiful and ways of enhancing and developing continuously under its special pro- beaches where families can swim them in all fields, especially economic grammes to celebrate Eid Al Adha and do sporting like parachuting. and investment. In addition, they dis- following State’s preventive and The beach administration desig- cussed several regional and interna- precautionary measures to curb nated pick up and drop point for tional issues of common concern, espe- the spread of COVID-19. water scooters away from cially the developments of the situation Katara is considered main tourist swimming areas. in Libya and ways of resolving it through destination where people go to enjoy Under Katara virtual activities, political dialogue and diplomatic H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz H E Jean Castex, Prime Minister of the during their free time and vacation a number of competitions are methods, where H E the Prime Minister Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister French Republic happily. Katara has something for being held including choosing best affirmed the stable and supportive of Interior every one to enjoy as part of Eid Al dress for children for Eid which position of the State of Qatar to the Adha activities, including ‘Eidiat’ requires to send picture or video brotherly Libyan people and the inter- They also discussed security coop- the Green Initiative Fund, and the latest Katara which is being held under the of participating children. nationally recognised legitimate gov- eration between the two countries developments of the coronavirus theme ‘Your Eid in Your Car’. Top 10 winners will get prizes ernment, and the concern for the unity regarding the FIFA World Cup Qatar (COVID-19) pandemic and ways of Cars of visitors passed by gifts from each competition — picture and stability of Libya. 2022, the Qatari-French cultural year, strengthening cooperation in this regard. distributing points where children and video. `P2 Cars of visitors passed by gifts Qatar sees significant decline in COVID-19 cases distributing points where children received Eid Al Adha gifts. THE PENINSULA — DOHA The Ministry further said cases early, expanding hos- – every day between 50 and that measures to tackle pital capacity, especially 100 people are admitted to Under Katara virtual activities, a The Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 in Qatar have suc- intensive care to ensure all hospital with moderate to number of competitions are being held. (MoPH) yesterday announced ceeded in flattening the curve patients receive the medical severe COVID-19 symptoms,” the registration of 216 new and limiting the spread of the care they need, protecting the the Ministry said. confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus. The number of daily elderly and those with “Unless we follow all pre- in the country. Another 201 new cases and hospital chronic diseases. cautionary measures, we people have recovered from admissions have gradually However the Ministry may experience a second the virus, bringing the total declined over the past few has emphasized on the wave of the virus and see number of recovered cases weeks. importance of taking precau- numbers increasing – there in Qatar to 107,578. The Ministry has also said tions against COVID-19. are already signs of this hap- All new cases have been that Qatar has one of the “Even though restrictions pening in other countries introduced to isolation and lowest COVID-19 death rates are being lifted, and numbers around the world. Now more are receiving necessary in the world, as a result of are declining, this does not than ever, we must be careful healthcare according to their Qatar’s young population, mean that the COVID-19 and protect the most health status. proactive testing to identify pandemic is finished in Qatar vulnerable.” Aspetar, LaLiga collaborate on strategies for safe return to sport MME dedicates some beaches THE PENINSULA — DOHA Aspetar and LaLiga held a challenges faced, and lessons Aspetar will exchange knowledge with LaLiga, virtual meeting on Thursday learnt after returning to training only for women In activation of the strategic focusing on COVID-19 and its impact on athletes’ (July 30) to discuss the medical and competition. partnership launched in 2019 developments with regard the Dr Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, CEO and families between Aspire Zone Foun- performance. return to the competitions and of Aspetar, member organisation dation (AZF) and LaLiga, the the safety of players during the of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: SANAULLAH ATAULLAH Spanish professional league, Aspetar and LaLiga held a virtual meeting to COVID-19 pandemic. Aspetar “We are thrilled to announce a THE PENINSULA both parties will collaborate discuss medical developments with regard the group of experts from various scientific collaboration with such more closely to develop strat- return to the competitions and the safety of players. medical specialities, and a a prestigious organisation like The Ministry of Municipality and egies for safe return to sport number of officials from LaLiga LaLiga, one of the most popular Environment (MME) has issued during COVID-19, considering The collaboration reinforces Aspetar’s status as attended the meeting. leagues in the world. We strongly a fresh list of 15 attractive beaches the significant impact of the the pioneer sports medicine and research hospital. Aspetar and LaLiga also dis- believe that our partnership with including those dedicated only disease on sports in general but cussed issues related to detection LaLiga will help catalyse further for women and families. particularly football. and management of athletes and efforts in the research field.” The MME also issued instruc- Aspetar recently published support staff who contracted “It reinforces Aspetar’s tions for the safety of visitors at the Aspetar Clinical Guideline: COVID-19; effective quarantine status as the pioneer sports beaches which are attracting safe return to sport during arrangements; different tests medicine and research hospital huge number of people due to COVID-19. Building on its required; current incidence of and demonstrates our com- Eid Al Adha vacations. exceptional expertise in clinical COVID-19; sensible use of face mitment to fulfilling our mission A part of Simaisma Beach sports medicine, research, and exchange knowledge with the impact on athletes’ per- masks and its role in preventing to assist athletes in achieving has been dedicated only for education, Aspetar, a member LaLiga, focusing on the ongoing formance and the broader coronavirus transmission, and their maximum performance women and similarly Sealine organisation of AZF, will COVID-19 developments and sports community. finally; and the most important and full potential." `P2 Beach receives families and general people in separate areas, the MME has tweeted. Seven beaches including Al ‘A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al Thani’ opens today at MIA Ghriya, Abu Zaluf, Al Zakhira, Farkiya, Simaisma, Al Wakra THE PENINSULA — DOHA to modern architecture, and centuries before the first and Sealine are only for families. from the exquisite gems and modern museums were estab- However, general people is Starting from today through jewellery of the Arabian Gulf lished, and that fascinated allowed to visit beaches of Al April 10, 2021, the Museum of and Mughal India to contem- Sheikh Saoud. Ruwais, Fuwairet, Dukhan, Al Islamic Art will present the porary art. The exhibition will fill the Kharaij and Al Udaid. special exhibition ‘A Falcon’s A Falcon’s Eye features Museum of Islamic Art’s entire The MME warned beach- Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al approximately 300 objects, first-floor temporary exhibition goers to take extra care of sea Thani’, featuring extraordinary some of which have never space, which will be named in wave and high tides while artworks and artifacts acquired before been exhibited to the honor of Sheikh Saoud, and swimming in the sea. The riders by Sheikh Saoud Al Thani (1966 public. They range in date from extend into the fourth-floor gal- of water scooters and motor- – 2014), both as a passionate the prehistoric Holocene period leries and balcony. A small boats have been asked to keep individual collector and on to the early 2000s and in geog- selection of objects will also be away at least 400 meters from behalf of the State of Qatar. raphy from South America and incorporated into the galleries seashore for the safety and Sheikh Saoud served as Europe to the Arabian Gulf and for the Museum of Islamic Art’s security of all visitors. Chairman for Qatar’s National China. permanent collection. The MME also prohibited Council for Culture, Arts and These sweeping displays Her Excellency Sheikha Al horse riding during the vacation Heritage from 1997 through will be presented in distinct, Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa A view of the exhibition. of Eid Al Adha. Water scooters 2005. His knowledge and thematic groups reminiscent of Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar and motorboats (tarad) should interests ranged from wildlife the “cabinets of curiosities” or Museums, said, “In the years his intense, wide-ranging per- dedication to developing the cul- be loaded and unloaded at the preservation to the history of Wunderkammer that individual before Qatar Museums was sonal curiosity and passion for tural and educational resources designated pickup and drop photography, from Egyptology collectors assembled in the founded, Sheikh Saoud combined collecting with a public-spirited of the State of Qatar." `P2 points. `P2 02 HOME SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY Hot daytime with local clouds and a chance of rain to the FAJR03.37 am SUNRISE 05.01 am o o west, Relatively humid by night. ZUHR 11.40 am ASR 03.07 pm 33 C 43 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 02:23 – 16:22 LOW TIDE 09:36–00:00 MAGHRIB 06.21 pm ISHA 07.51 pm W ALRUWAIS: 30o↗39o W ALKHOR: 31o↗41o W DUKHAN: 31o↗41o W WAKRAH: 34o↗43o W MESAIEED 34o↗43o W ABUSAMRA 29o↗48o

Qatar joins global community to promote breastfeeding OFFICIAL NEWS

FAZEENA SALEEM Manager at Sidra Medicine. and includes multiple benefits companions are tested for the “Raising awareness is Amir congratulates THE PENINSULA “We are planning a webinar including improving the health, virus before they are admitted. based on collaboration with President of Benin on certain topic — details of social and economic We also have a series of the wider healthcare network To mark World Breastfeeding which will be confirmed at a development of individuals guidelines to maintain the and engaging the community, DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Week (WBW), healthcare later date and found on events. globally and it is also friendly safety of our patients, their especially mothers. It is also bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir providers in the country are sidra.org,” said Judith, who also to the environment,” said families and our staff. This beneficial for employers to H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al hosting a number of virtual supervises the Lactation Judith. means that we are not allowing be a part of this awareness, Thani, and Prime Minister and Min- events and activities to Services at Sidra Medicine. Prompting breastfeeding any visitors during this time, as their support is also ister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid encourage and advocate the World Breastfeeding Week, amid COVID-19 is apart from a pre-selected crucial in putting in place bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani practice. which falls annually from challenging due to the companion (who along with policies, lactation rooms and sent yesterday cables of congratu- Hamad Medical August 1 to 7, is a global event general concern about safety the mother is tested for COVID- other measures for lations to President of the Republic Corporation (HMC) and Sidra to raise awareness and to of the child, though, evidence 19),” said Judith. breastfeeding mothers,” she of Benin H E Patrice Talon on the Medicine join the global inspire action on themes as to date suggests that the She also highlighted that added. anniversary of his country’s Inde- community to highlight the related to breastfeeding. risk of the newborn acquiring Qatar’s role in encouraging Judith emphasised on pendence Day. -QNA significant health benefits of This year’s call to action or the coronavirus infection breast feeding is very fathers’ role when it comes breastfeeding. theme is ‘Support Breastfeeding during the birth is low and ‘encouraging.’ to breastfeeding and said, Amir congratulates “Due to the pandemic and for a Healthier Planet.’ It is also when exclusively “It is very encouraging that “Fathers have a profound President of Swiss in order to follow safety about the impact of infant breastfeeding. the government in Qatar effect on breastfeeding and protocols, there has been a feeding on the environment “At Sidra Medicine, we recognises the importance of the well-being of both their Confederation change in approach regarding and the imperative outcome to adhere to the “rooming in raising awareness about the wife and their child.” DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin how we would usually mark protect, promote and support policy” which is not separating benefits of breastfeeding. As a According to available Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir H H the occasion with the breastfeeding for the health of the mothers and babies. matter of fact, Qatar has data, a 2012 study conducted Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, community. Like our partners the planet and its people. Newborns remain with their incorporated it into its National by government healthcare and Prime Minister and Minister of in health, our initiatives will be “The interconnected nature mothers for the entire hospital Health Strategy for 2022, entities says that just 29 Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa via social media whereby we of people and the planet stay. Mothers can even stay in aiming to increase percent of mothers bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent yesterday will be sharing key messages requires that we find the NICU (Neonatal Intensive breastfeeding rates to 15 percent breastfeed in Qatar during cables of congratulations to Pres- about the importance of sustainable solutions that Care setting) if their child is at six months — as a priority the first six months of an ident of the Swiss Confederation breastfeeding and in support benefit both. Breastfeding is there. Sidra Medicine also does initiative under its Healthy infant’s life, while worldwide H E Simonetta Sommaruga on the of this year’s theme,” said one of the best investment not treat COVID-19 patients Children and Adolescent the average rate is 37 occasion of her country’s National Judith Downey, Clinical Nurse solutions for saving infant lives and all inpatients and their programme,” said Judith. percent. Day. -QNA Eid: Katara offers cheerful activities on second day ‘A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh FROM PAGE 1 Saoud Al Thani’ opens today at MIA

FROM PAGE 1 As per the condition for Jean-François Champollion, accepting the entry, the picture “Through his remarkable paintings and drawings of and video should be of high achievements, he left an inval- Egypt by the 19th-century quality and the intellectual uable legacy to his nation. British artist David Roberts. property rights of the contents Qatar Museums is pleased to A Passion for Antique will go to Katara which will commemorate Sheikh Saoud Worlds: exceptional works have right to use for any with this dazzling exhibition.” from the pre-Islamic Arabian purpose. Dr. Julia Gonnella, Director Peninsula, pre-Columbia South The contest of Katara 2020 of the Museum of Islamic Art, America, and ancient Bactria, on Katara Instagram is about said, “It is deeply satisfying to Greece, Rome and Assyria, quiz related to Katara activities present A Falcon’s Eye at this including mosaic, glass, textiles, in previous years. Winners will museum, not only because and sculptures in precious get valuable prizes from Katara. Sheikh Saoud was so instru- metals and stones There are virtual fireworks on mental in assembling QM’s A Passion for Gold and the website of the Katara. holdings but because his Jewelry: gold from ancient Visitors said that they driving passion as a collector Assyria and pre-Columbian enjoyed Katara and its Eid Al was so closely allied with the South America, and gems of Adha activities. A visitor, spiritual instinct. He was ani- Mughal India. Nasser, said that there was an mated by a sense of wonder at At the Table of the Col- excellent environment for cel- the natural world and the lector: rare masterpiece of ebration of Eid Al Adha in endless variety of human cre- ceramic from 16th-century Katara. ‘’I was looking for a A child receiving a gift during Eid Al Adha celebrations at Katara. ativity. We hope the visitors to France from the legendary col- safer place for celebration. I our exhibition will share in that lection of the Comtesse de found Katara where I enjoyed Another visitor, Abdul Aziz provided celebration envi- Ali Sulaiman lauded spiritual thrill.” Béhague, Orientalist paintings the moment following the social Al Marri thanked Katara saying: ronment which she missed arrangements and great efforts Principal sections of the by artists including Ludwig distancing and other precau- ‘’I would like to thank Katara because of COVID-19. ‘’As soon made by Katara for smooth dis- exhibition, and some of their Deutsch (1855-1935) and Jean- tionary and preventive management for organising as you enter Katara you will tribution of gifts to children. highlights, include: Léon Gérôme (1824-1904), measures,’’ said Nasser. A child varieties of activities following find decorations, lighting and a Katara activities will continue A Passion for Nature: a modern architectural projects Jassem who visited Katara said the preventive measures to warm welcome specially for until 4th day of Eid Al Adha as complete skeleton of a Glyp- for Doha commissioned by that he enjoyed Eid Al Adha cel- ensure the comfort of people.’’ children who received Eid Eid gifts are being distributed todon (a large, heavily Sheikh Saoud, a watercolor ebration at Katara. Khawla Ahmad said that Katara gifts,’’ said Khawla. from 5pm to 10pm. armored prehistoric mammal), portrait of Sheikh Saoud by the skeleton of a Pteranodon, David Hockney, 2002 a first edition of John James A Passion for Photography: Science India MME dedicates some beaches only for women, families Audubon’s Birds of America, selections from one of the volumes of the Thesaurus of largest collection of photo- FROM PAGE 1 Forum-Qatar holds of COVID-19 restriction a team Visitors are allowed to do the 18th-century Dutch natu- graphs and cameras in the webinar for teachers Necessary legal actions will comprising representatives barbeque under certain rules and ralist and collector Albertus world, ranging from the 1830s be taken against the violators from municipalities and regulations like avoiding wood Seba, geological specimens to the present, featuring rare THE PENINSULA — DOHA of the instructions. The security agencies was formed and coal fire directly on the sand including a giant amethyst, historic equipment, vintage municipal inspectors are to create awareness among vis- and clean out the area before photographs by Richard prints of masterpieces of pho- Science India Forum-Qatar deployed at the beaches to itors about hygiene and envi- leaving the place otherwise they Avedon of Sheikh Saoud and tography, and a suite of photo- (SIF-Q) has recently conducted ensure the visitors follow the ronmental protection. will receive fine tickets for envi- the wildlife at his Al Wabra graphs of Sheikh Saoud by webinar for teachers on instructions and maintain The patrolling team is ronmental violations. Wildlife Preservation. François-Marie Banier. “Competency Based Learning hygiene, the Ministry has said. working round-the-clock in The Natural Reserve A Passion for Egyptology: A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to and Challenges in Teaching The inspectors will keep cooperation with the General Department at MME in cooper- sculptures depicting the Sheikh Saoud Al Thani is Science Online”. monitoring the beaches in the Cleanliness Department during ation with authority concerned Pharaoh Akhenaten and his curated by Dr. Hubert Bari In its continuing efforts to morning and evening during official holidays and Eids to of lifeguard is participating in relatives during his reign at Tell (Qatar Museums Curatorial provide teachers with Eid Al Adha vacation in coop- educate people about the the operations for rescue and el Amarna, a sarcophagus and Consultant) and Dr. Mounia knowledge based informative eration with authorities con- hygiene rules and distribute maintaining safety and security mummy, funerary objects, Chekhab-Abudaya (MIA’s webinars, SIF-Q conducted its cerned to catch the violations. bags of garbage to the visitors at beaches which attract works by the founder of Curator for North Africa and workshop for teachers on Following the gradual lifting to avoid littering at beaches. growing number of visitors. modern Egyptology Iberia). “Competency Based Learning and Challenges in Teaching Science Online”. HMC records 1,066 emergency Principals of Ideal Indian Aspetar, LaLiga collaborate on School and Birla Public School conducted the session. cases on second day of Eid Syed Shoukath Ali, Principal strategies for safe return to sport of Ideal Indian School, touched FAZEENA SALEEM accidents reported are less than FROM PAGE 1 upon the scientific approach of THE PENINSULA previous years. Also all medical Competency Based Education and surgical cases reported “Now, we have a which included a deep under- Emergency Departments at were in stable condition,” he crucial role more than standing of the various aspects Hamad Medical Corporation’s told The Peninsula. ever in that regard of brain functioning. (HMC) Hamad General Hospital Of the cases, HGH attended amid the unprece- Making use of the “Brain (HGH) and Al Wakrah Hospital to 507 males and 199 females. dented time of Map” and the functional areas received a total of 1,066 cases on Al Wakrah ED received a total COVID-19,” Dr. Al of the brain that process the the second day of Eid Al Adha. of 360 cases including 237 Kuwari added. information he inferred how However, none of the cases males and 123 females. In both On this occasion, the brain played a vital role in were critical and the numbers hospitals 24 people were Guillermo Heredia, developing competency in a road accident cases have admitted due to medical and LaLiga’s International learner. He also emphasized reduced compared to previous surgical conditions. Development on the need of learner directed years, said an official. While, the Ambulance Manager for Middle education and the conglom- Most of the cases were Service has responded to 681 East, North Africa, eration of attitude, knowledge related to gastrointestinal tract cases and among those 137 Russia, and India said: and skills required to achieve as a result of change in food were due to road traffic acci- “We are happy to have competence. habits, during Eid celebrations, dents, said Ali Darwish, shared with Aspetar A P Sharma, Principal of said Dr. Galal Saleh Al Essai, Assistant Executive Director of our latest develop- Aspetar and LaLiga officials during the virtual meeting. Birla Public School, discussed Vice Chairman for Corporate the Ambulance Service. ments and health pro- the challenges in teaching Affairs, Department of Emer- “Among the cases, 116 were tocols with regards to the return of the compe- recommendations, the clubs were able to train Science in times of coronavirus gency Medicine, HMC. minor and treated on site, 21 of tition and the safety of our players.” again with all the safety measures for health, and pandemic without losing the “Since the COVID-19 them were treated and trans- “With the coordination of other European the matches were held again on June 11, 2020.” effectivity of teaching. While restrictions are still imple- ferred to hospitals. However all leagues as well as industry institutions, and clubs, Aspetar published the “Aspetar Clinical quoting “Observing is the key”, mented and due to the weather patients were in stable con- we worked with the CSD and the health author- Guideline: safe return to sport during COVID-19” he explained how observing conditions, we assume people dition,” he said, adding that ities on two ambitious protocols, a Training Tour in June 2020, developed by a group of 27 Aspetar could aid the process of keep indoors and safe. three patients were lifted to hos- Protocol and a Match Protocol. Thanks to these and international experts under the leadership learning in a student. Therefore the number of road pitals by life-light ambulance. projects and their set of strict rules and of Dr. Emin Ergin. SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 HOME 03 Doha-based Iraqi artist gives hope CMU-Q students take top amid pandemic in online exhibition spots in Qatar Sports Tech Virtual Hackathon 2020 RAYNALD C RIVERA THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA — DOHA cameras so those with mobility lim- itations could experience the Iraqi artist Salem Mathkour takes inspi- Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar stadium and player experience, and ration from the pandemic in his latest (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation included sign language commen- works displayed in an exclusive exhi- partner university, took first and tators and descriptive audio for bition which recently launched online second place in the Qatar Sports people with hearing and vision via Al Markhiya Gallery’s Artsy page. Tech (QST) Virtual Hackathon 2020. impairments. Titled “Radiant Darkness”, the exhi- The event hosted about 70 par- Sara Al Hemaidi noted that the bition features ten watercolour paintings ticipants from all over Qatar, students were supportive and encour- Mathkour has made in the recent days including tech professionals, engi- aging of one another during the chal- of the pandemic, all of which depict trees neers and entrepreneurs. lenging competition: “We were com- in darkness. Though the trees are All of the first and second place peting with very experienced people, without leaves, their trunks and team members are Qatari women so when our team saw that we were branches are splashed with a multitude studying either information systems second place, and then when we saw of colours reflecting optimism amid or business administration at our friends were in first, we were insurmountable challenges when hope CMU-Q. More than a dozen CMU-Q really shocked and proud.” seems hard to attain. students and alumni were accepted Nui Vatanasakdakul, associate “These paintings are based on a spot into the competition. teaching professor of information of coloured light that has been accom- The winning team was com- systems, coordinated CMU-Q’s par- panying me over the past 100 days. It is prised of Reem Al Dahneem, ticipation in the event. “I am so a dark epidemic; however, it is a radiant Alanoud Al Ghamdi, Reem Al pleased by the creativity and inge- darkness,” said the artist. Haddad, Aisha Al Jabir and Shouq nuity of our teams. While they Born in Amarah city in Iraq, Al Khuzaei. The team created an pursued very different ideas, both Mathkour moved to Baghdad where he augmented reality game for football teams were focused on serving the earned BFA Fine Arts and is now based fans to explore the fanzone spaces, fans and improving the sports in Doha. He exhibits a unique style collect augmented reality markers, experience.” evident in the distinct texture and One of the paintings by Iraqi artist Salem Mathkour on show at an online exhibition and unlock information about the Heba Q Al Masri, managing colours of his paintings which reveal his titled “Radiant Darkness.” PIC: AL MARKHIYA GALLERY’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE. stadiums. The application could also director at Qatar SportsTech, undeniable talent and highly technical be used to give augmented reality remarked: “We are very pleased skill gained from many years of expe- Qatari artist Mubarak Al Thani, “Heroes Al Hamadi, and Maryam Faraj Al directions to fans in the fanzone. with the quality of work submitted rience exploring his chosen artistic path. of the Experiment” by Palestinian artist Suwaidi. It was conceived to contribute “Our team was so excited to win, by the young female entrepreneurs Running until August 14, “Radiant Hayyan Monawar and “Quarantine to the development of a new visual and now we are considering devel- from Carnegie Mellon in the top two Darkness” follows Al Markhiya Gallery’s Diaries” by Qatari artist Sara Al Buainain. movement in Qatar and seeks to draw oping the idea further,” said Reem winning seats. QST will continue to series of recent virtual exhibitions, one Recently, Al Markhiya Gallery talented Qatari artists from multidis- Al Haddad. Among the prizes are work with the teams through men- of which was the first online edition of launched its first gallery exhibition ciplinary arts practices together, opportunities for mentorship and toring and coaching, further devel- its signature 50 x 50 exhibition which, during the pandemic at its Fire Station engaging them in creative and intel- coaching through QST. oping their MVPs, and launching on its seventh edition, featured works gallery. lectual encounters focusing on the The second place team was their ideas into a startup.” of 14 artists. Titled “2030 (Part 1)”, the ongoing future of Qatar. comprised of Sara Al Hemaidi, Amal Judges and mentors for the Other online exhibitions presented group show showcases works by A pioneering private art gallery in Al Korbi, Rawan Alkuwari and event included professionals from by Al Markhiya recently included Qatari artists Abeer Al Kuwari, Ahmed Doha, Al Markhiya Gallery continues Almayasa Al Naimi. The team a variety of sectors in Qatar, “Reformat” featuring works by Algerian Nouh, Mohammed Atiq, Khalifa Al its mission of promoting, exhibiting tackled the question of accessibility including CMU-Q faculty members artist Hamza Bounoua, “Social Dis- Thani, Hassan Manasrah, Yasser Al and selling Qatari and Arab contem- for people with disabilities. They Serkan Akguc, Houda Bouamor and tancing” which displayed works by Mulla, Nassar Al Attiyah, Mohammed porary art. incorporated point-of-view George White. Qatar, QF aiming to help make the world hepatitis-free

THE PENINSULA — DOHA Fund, a member of Qatar Foun- comprehensive understanding evidence, cost-effectiveness dation – have played a key role of viral hepatitis in the region and and economic impact analyses.” Within one of Qatar Founda- in improving the understanding to assess the geographic variation It will also offer students an tion’s international partner of the epidemiology of these in prevalence and treatment invaluable opportunity to par- universities, a specialised group diseases, with several of them needs. These findings are then ticipate in meaningful practice- of experts is working to make being instrumental in helping used to prioritize testing of based research projects and the region more resilient against WHO formulate its public health heavily affected regions and to possibly even be involved with the ravages of infection diseases policy and programs for the formulate localised intervention WHO in implementing some of – including hepatitis. region. programmes. their programmes. The Infectious Disease Epi- “Achieving WHO collabo- “With the Eastern Mediter- “This is very important for demiology Group (IDEG) at rating centre status is the fruit ranean Region being the most us as a college because we Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of relentless work done by the severely affected region, there believe our role is not just to (WCM-Q) has been designated IDEG over the past decade,” said is no doubt we have a mammoth generate scientific knowledge as a World Health Organization Professor Abu Raddad. task ahead of us, but we are but also to nurture the gener- (WHO) Collaborating Center for “This designation allows us positive we will play a key role ation that will carry the torch Infectious Disease Epidemi- to become a formal partner of in supporting WHO in achieving forward and become ology Analytics. It is the first of an international collaborative its vision for a hepatitis-free researchers that will benefit its kind in the Eastern Mediter- network carrying out activities world by 2030.” Qatar and the wider region.” ranean Region, which consists in support of WHO’s public The long-term goal of the Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, of 22 countries and has a pop- health mission and programs, centre is to be a resource and ref- WHO Regional Director for the ulation of nearly 583 million and allows us to make a real tan- Professor Laith Abu Raddad (centre) with the Infectious Disease erence point for the region’s pol- Eastern Mediterranean, said, people. gible impact in the region’s fight Epidemiology Group at Weill Cornell Medicine- Qatar. icymakers to ensure that public “Collaborating centres such as The WHO designation rep- against infectious diseases.” health policy and programs are IDEG are our critical partners resents a landmark for the IDEG The centre’s short-term goal Hepatitis Day, which takes realise that goal. informed by rigorous science. in our endeavor to achieve our which was established a little is to focus specifically on viral place on July 28 every year. It “The biggest challenge with “Its population is rapidly vision for the region, ‘Vision over a decade ago. Led by Pro- hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and STDs. is also the fifth leading cause of viral hepatitis is that most aging, which means increased 2023’, with its goal of ‘Health fessor Laith Abu Raddad, Pro- Known as the “silent killer” death in the Eastern Mediter- people that contract it are healthcare and public health for All, by All’. fessor of Infectious Disease Epi- disease, viral hepatitis is a ranean Region, which is more unaware of it, which means needs. Unfortunately, many “I would like to commend demiology at WCM-Q, the group disease that causes inflam- severely affected by hepatitis they are also likely to infect governments are unprepared the high-level political support has since carried out over 100 mation of the liver leading to an than any other region in the others without realising it,” said to face these growing chal- by the State of Qatar and the studies on the epidemiology of array of complications such as world. Professor Abu Raddad. lenges. Our long-term goal is to farsighted leadership of the viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and liver cancer and liver cirrhosis. With the recent availability “The first step to reducing its be the center of excellence for Qatar Foundation and the Min- sexually-transmitted diseases It is a major public health of effective treatments, WHO’s incidence is to identify its carriers. our region, to work with gov- istry of Public Health, which (STDs) in the region. The studies burden and a leading cause of global strategy has the goal of For the past 10 years, we have ernments to help formulate have made these strategic part- — most of which were funded death globally, a fact that is eliminating viral hepatitis by been doing mapping in different their public health policy and nerships and investments for by Qatar National Research being emphasised on World 2030. The IDEG aims to help it countries to facilitate a programs based on scientific global health possible.” Ashghal announces closure on NU-Q students experience home campus part of Al Gharrafa Service Road THE PENINSULA — DOHA “I didn’t think I would be dis- cussing Middle Eastern politics and THE PENINSULA — DOHA the General Directorate of A group of Northwestern University in Qatar culture with students in Evanston, Traffic, road users on Al (NU-Q) student ambassadors recently but it was enlightening to meet stu- The Public Works Authority Gharrafa underpass heading traveled to Northwestern’s US campus to dents who were interested in the ‘Ashghal’ has announced a towards Thani Bin Jassim Street spend some time with fellow students and region and its complexities. I hope I three weeks closure on Al will have to use the first exit learn more about the student experience was able to bring something new to Gharrafa underpass second ramp towards the signalised on the Evanston campus. the table,” Al Qahtani said. ramp exit towards Al Gharrafa Tilted Interchange, as shown The trip was part of NU-Q’s Ambassador Journalism students Nadege Biz- Service road and Thani Bin on the attached map. Program, which offers a select group of stu- imungu and Roja Pande were paired Jassim Street, starting today The Public Works Authority dents opportunities and activities that help with a sociology student, Vanessa (August 2) until August 21, 2020 will install road signs advising to shape their leadership skills. Ambas- Garcia, and a fellow journalism major, to enable road enhancement motorists of the closure and has sadors work closely with the dean and Katie Song, which opened doors for works as part of Khalifa Avenue requested all road users to engage with VIP guests, develop leadership them with the student newspaper The Project. abide by the existing speed skills, and serve as ambassadors to the Daily Northwestern. During this traffic change limit and follow the road signs Northwestern Qatar student experience. Bizimungu and Pande are both which is in coordination with to ensure their safety. One of this year’s ambassadors, Abdulla reporters for The Daily Q, North- Al Qahtani, was a member of the Model western Qatar’s student-run news- United Nations in high school and when he paper, and having the opportunity to heard about the ambassadors’ program at observe how the students run the Northwestern Qatar, he was attracted to its newspaper was a highlight of their trip. focus on developing leadership skills. “The reporters at The Daily do a lot of “I’ve always liked these leadership great work, and I left feeling very opportunities,” he said, adding that he also inspired by the amazing work they do,” enjoys “being a role model because I like Pande said. to do good deeds and visit places I haven’t For Bizimungu, the visit also been to,” he said. learned about the different chal- While in Evanston, Al Qahtani, who was lenges they face while reporting the shown around campus by an Evanston news. “It was interesting to compare political science major, Tom Abers, was our different perspectives on what it means of a retina lab where students study eye invited to put his leadership skills on display to be a journalist,” she said. disorders and diseases. “I was super excited during an Arabic language class where he Evanston student Rawan Ibrahim, who to visit the lab,” said Mefleh. “Northwestern led a conversation with the Evanston stu- is majoring in neuroscience, introduced has top-notch research facilities,” and I dents on regional issues and helped them Elissa Mefleh to an area of study that was wanted to learn about “a field I don’t major practice their Arabic. very new to her – and took her on a tour in or have experience with.” 04 MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 Iran detains US-based opposition leader over 2008 mosque attack AP — TEHRAN Iran’s Intelligence Reza Pahlavi fled the country in 1979 just before its Islamic Rev- Iran yesterday said it had Ministry also alleged olution. The group’s founder dis- detained a leader of a little- Jamshid Sharmahd appeared in the mid-2000s. known California-based oppo- Authorities did not elaborate sition group for allegedly of the Kingdom on how they apprehended planning a 2008 attack on a Assembly of Iran Sharmahd, though Iranian intel- mosque that killed 14 people and planned other attacks ligence operatives in the past wounded over 200 others. have used family members and Iran’s Intelligence Ministry around the Islamic other tricks to lure targets back also alleged Jamshid Sharmahd Republic. to Iran or friendly countries to of the Kingdom Assembly of Iran be captured. An alleged Iranian planned other attacks around government operative who Travellers arrive at the Kuwait international Airport, in Farwaniya, about 15km south of Kuwait City, the Islamic Republic amid 2008 bombing of the Hos- allegedly tried to hire a hitman yesterday. heightened tensions between seynieh Seyed Al Shohada to kill Sharmahd disappeared in Tehran and the US over its col- Mosque in Shiraz. It also said his 2010 before facing trial in Cali- lapsing 2015 nuclear deal with group was behind a 2010 fornia, likely having returned to world powers. bombing at Ayatollah Ruhollah Iran. Kuwait bans flights to 31 ‘high It remains unclear how Khomeini’s mausoleum in While overshadowed by Sharmahd, whom Iran accused Tehran that wounded several other exiled opposition groups, of running the opposition people. Iran reportedly brought up the risk’ countries due to virus group’s Tondar militant wing, The report also alleged Kingdom Assembly multiple ended up detained by intelli- without providing evidence that times while negotiating the REUTERS — DUBAI Lebanon and Sri Lanka, which 30 percent capacity from yes- gence officials. Requests for Tondar, or “Thunder” in Farsi, terms of the 2015 deal, which all have large numbers of expa- terday, gradually increasing in comment sent by email to the also plotted attacks on a dam saw Tehran limit its enrichment Kuwait has banned until further triates in Kuwait. The list also coming months. Glendora-based Kingdom and planned to use cyanide of uranium in exchange for the notice commercial flights to 31 includes China, Iran, Brazil, Kuwait, which has recorded Assembly of Iran were not bombs at Tehran’s annual book lifting of economic sanctions. countries it said that it regarded Mexico, Italy and Iraq. nearly 67,000 coronavirus immediately answered and a fair. The Kingdom Assembly of A statement attributed to as high risk due to the spread The ban was announced the cases and more than 400 telephone number for the group Iran, known in Farsi as Tondar claimed the assassi- of the coronavirus, the Direc- same day Kuwait began a deaths, began a five-phase plan no longer worked. Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran, nation of an Iranian nuclear sci- torate General of Civil Aviation partial resumption of com- at the start of June to gradually Iranian state television and Tondar seek to restore Iran’s entist in 2010 by a remote- said yesterday. mercial flights. The authorities lift restrictions imposed to curb broadcast a report on Shar- monarchy, which ended when control bomb, though it later The countries include India, said Kuwait International the spread of the virus. A partial mahd’s arrest, linking him to the the fatally ill Shah Mohammad said it wasn’t responsible. Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Airport was running at about curfew remains in place.

Israel’s attacks Cameroon army spearheads fight against COVID-19 violate UNSC ANATOLIA — DOUALA one our country waged merci- first cases of COVID-19 government, including limi- Guemo said no infections lessly against the obscurantist appeared in Cameroon. Disin- tation of passenger numbers in have been reported the military resolution: Atonfack Guemo, the Defence Boko Haram sect or during dis- fection and distancing measures vehicles and wearing masks so far. According to figures pub- Lebanon President Ministry’s head of communi- asters on the national territory,” were taken too. It is still the case when necessary. lished on July 29 by Public cation, detailed the army’s he said. today,” he added. At the same time, there is Health Minister Manaouda ANATOLIA — BEIRUT involvement in the fight against According to Guemo, this The country’s military is also the issue of Malachie, Cameroon has 17,255 the current health crisis. tandem also works against the regularly subjected to barrier communication. confirmed cases, including Lebanon is prepared to defend Guemo said that despite COVID-19 and the army brings measures, while confirmed “Awareness campaigns 15,320 recovered, 387 fatalities, itself against Israel’s attacks, Boko Haram’s attacks in the relief to people in difficulty, cases are taken care of in mil- have increased since the 1,548 active infections, and 155 which are in violation of the north and the so-called anglo- through making available mil- itary hospitals in the regions appearance of the virus in our hospitalised — including nine 2006 UN Security Council phone crisis, “the link between itary premises and its nursing and different military health country,” added Guemo. on ICUs. (UNSC) resolution, Lebanese the army and the nation has staff’s expertise, and also by facilities. He said that the team in The country has conducted President Michel Aoun said been amply valued.” offering “graciously” masks Also to deal with the pan- which he works conveys all 149,000 tests. The cure rate is yesterday. “As in the past when Cam- made by the army to civilians. demic, the strategy of the messages and other commer- 88.78 percent and lethality rate In a televised address, the eroon was confronted with a Such support mechanism Defence and Security Forces cials prescribed by the WHO is recorded as 2.2 percent, while president said Israel’s attacks peril, the army and its people was “set up in the different bar- focuses on the security aspect and Cameroon Ministry of the severity rate is 0.5 percent, in southern Lebanon had once were able to stand together — racks and services linked to the by helping ensure implemen- Public Health so that the mil- with the bed occupancy rate again flouted UNSC Resolution whether in a war such as the Defence Ministry as soon as the tation of measures issued by the itary can identify with them. standing at 4.9 percent. 1701, which calls for full ces- sation of hostilities and Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Tanzania bans Kenya Aoun asserted that Lebanon remains willing to abide by the resolution and Airways flights as resolving all disputes under UN supervision. “We are committed to virus spat escalates defend ourselves, our land, our water, and our authority. We AFP — DAR ES SALAAM previous arrangements that will not compromise on this permit KQ flights into the United matter,” he said. Tanzania banned Kenya’s Republic of Tanzania.” Kenya The president’s comments national airline from entering the Airways chief executive Allan come after Israeli forces country effective yesterday, in Kilavuka said yesterday he was bombed the border town of the latest move in a deepening “saddened” by the letter and Kafr Shuba on July 27 because row triggered by Tanzania’s hoped the situation would soon of a “security incident.” On the controversial handling of the be resolved. same day, Lebanon said it coronavirus pandemic. Tanzania has taken a con- would lodge an official com- Tanzania said Kenya troversially relaxed approach to plaint with the UNSC. Airways flights were being tackling the coronavirus pan- The Israeli military banned “on a reciprocal basis” demic and began reopening the claimed it had “thwarted an after Kenya decided against country two months ago. infiltration attempt by Hez- including Tanzania in a list of President John Magufuli’s bollah” in the Jabal Ros area. countries whose passengers refusal to impose lockdowns or Hezbollah, however, would be permitted to enter social distancing measures, and denied the claim, saying: Kenya when commercial flights to halt the release of figures on “There was no clash or resumed on 1 August. infections since late April, has shooting on our part in the Enjoying the ride “Tanzania has noted... its made him a regional outlier and events that took place today exclusion in the list of countries caused concern among Tanza- on the southern border in whose people will be allowed to nia’s neighbours and the World Lebanon, but rather it was only Palestinian children enjoy the Eid Al Adha at a playground in Rafah, Gaza, yesterday. Eid Al Adha in travel into Kenya,” Tanzania Health Organization. one party which was the the Gaza Strip is celebrated under economic and social conditions that are getting harder every day Civil Aviation Authority director Magufuli declared Tanzania fearful, anxious, and tense due to the new coronavirus pandemic and the blockade imposed by Israel. general Hamza Johari said in a free of coronavirus in June, enemy.” letter sent to Kenya Airways on thanking God and the prayers of It also vowed to respond Friday. citizens for the disease’s defeat to the killing of one of its Restricted Haj hits Somalia’s livestock economy “The Tanzanian government disease. The diplomatic spat members in “Israeli has decided to nullify its between Kenya and Tanzania aggression” in Syria’s capital AFP — MOGADISHU fear of infection.” “There is a ceremony for most. Saudi approval for Kenya Airways (KQ) erupted soon after the outbreak Damascus last week. Israel has major decrease in demand,” demand accounts for nearly flights between Nairobi and Dar/ of the pandemic in East Africa, recently increased the number The annual Muslim pilgrimage confirmed Nur Hassan, another two-thirds of Somalia’s annual Kilimanjaro/Zanzibar effective when Kenya blocked Tanzanian of troops along its northern to Makkah is a time for cele- Mogadishu-based livestock livestock exports, according to August 1, 2020 until further truck drivers from entering the borders in anticipation of bration, not least among Soma- trader, who said the shortage the World Bank, which reports notice,” Johari wrote. country, fearing they would retaliatory attacks by lia’s livestock herders and of domestic and foreign buyers that more than five million “This letter also rescinds all spread the disease. Hezbollah. traders who export millions of was catastrophic, while supply sheep, goats, camels and cattle livestock to feed pilgrims. had also seen a dip as herders were shipped northwards from But this year coronavirus stay away. Somali ports through the Gulf Soldier shoots dead at least 13 civilians in eastern DR Congo restrictions mean the Haj is a The Haj, which began last of Aden and the Red Sea to small, largely Saudi affair, and week, is mandatory for all Saudi Arabia in 2015. AFP — BUKAVU stationed in the district pull out. Kasereka, an army spokesman, Somalia’s economy is Muslims, who are physically Exports are predicted to be Shocked relatives of the said the soldier shot 13 people suffering. and financially able, to sliced in half this year, pri- A drunken soldier in the Demo- victims drifted around as they who died, and wounded nine “Business is bad,” said undertake at least once in their marily due to COVID-19 travel cratic Republic of Congo’s tried to make sense of the others”. Yahye Hassan who works in the lifetime and involves pil- restrictions. troubled east opened fire on tragedy. The gunman was still armed capital Mogadishu’s largest grimage to the holy city of “The Haj cancellation has passers-by, killing at least 13 The incident happened late and on the run, Kasereka livestock market where the Makkah and its Grand Mosque. massive implications on the people including a two-year- Thursday at Sange, in the ter- added. pandemic has suppressed But this year Saudi author- lives and livelihoods of the old girl and seven women, ritory of Uvira in South Kivu “An army delegation and a trade. ities have restricted the Haj to Somali population,” said sources said on Friday. province, the sources said. UN team is in the area to calm “The effect of coronavirus those already inside the Ahmed Khalif, Somalia country The murders incensed “The person responsible is the population, which is dem- is apparent,” said Hassan. “The country — fewer than 10,000 director at the Action Against locals who laid out the victims’ a drunken member of the onstrating against the army,” Arab countries are not in need domestic pilgrims are expected, Hunger charity, adding that shrouded bodies. FARDC (DR Congo armed he said. of animals from Somalia, and compared with the two million livestock accounts for around Youths built a big fire forces) who opened fire on at Angry residents blocked the nomadic people who would mostly foreign visitors who 60 percent of household nearby and a local leader vil- least 20 civilians who crossed Highway 5 which runs through bring the livestock to town for attended last year — effectively income in the largely rural ified the army and demanded his path,” a prosecutor in Uvira the area, using branches, rocks trading are reluctant due to the cancelling the annual country. that its troops and a UN force said. Captain Dieudonne and burning tyres. SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 ASIA 05

Three children Japan’s Okinawa declares state among 5 dead in Nepal landslides of emergency as virus cases soar REUTERS — KATHMANDU Five people including three Governor Denny Tamaki on Friday asked children were killed in two residents to avoid non-essential outings landslides in Nepal, raising to 175 the toll of dead since the following a record new daily addition to the monsoon season began in May, southern island’s total cases, the majority of a home ministry official said yesterday. which have been detected among US forces A 30-year-old woman and based there. her three children, aged between 10 months and nine years, were killed when a TOKYO AGENCIES — respected in Japan. landslide triggered by heavy Okinawa reported 71 new rains swept their house away Japan’s Okinawa region has coronavirus cases Friday, in Gulmi district in the west of declared a state of emergency bringing its total to 395. the Himalayan nation on and asked people to stay home US forces account for 248 Friday, Murari Wasti said. for two weeks as the popular of those cases, according to the One person was killed in tourist destination sees an local government, which has another landslide in Sunsari “explosive spread” of corona- created tensions with local offi- district in east Nepal. virus cases. cials, including the governor Wasti said at least 108 Governor Denny Tamaki on who has said he was “shocked” people were missing and 52 Friday asked residents to avoid by the high numbers. others injured in landslides non-essential outings following There are approximately and floods since the monsoon a record new daily addition to 20,000 US Marines in Okinawa, began in May. the southern island’s total cases, along with thousands more In India, floods caused by the majority of which have been troops from other US military heavy monsoon rains have detected among US forces based services. wreaked havoc. About 8 there. Their presence on the island People wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the new coronavirus visit a shopping million people have been dis- “We’re seeing an explosive is a longstanding sore spot, with street, in Tokyo, yesterday. placed and more than 110 have spread of infections. We declare many in the region arguing they died since May in India’s a state of emergency” through bear a disproportionate share of Koike said the capital would row that the number of cases in around the nation. Japan has so eastern Bihar and north- August 15, Tamaki told reporters, the burden of hosting American have to issue a state of emer- the capital rose by more than far escaped the worst of the epi- eastern Assam, two of the adding hospitals were being forces. gency if cases continued to rise. 400. demic, with around 35,200 nation’s poorest states. overwhelmed by the surge. Okinawa’s move comes as The number of new corona- Though Tokyo Governor infections and just over 1,000 In neighbouring Bang- The measures are non- Tokyo called for restaurants, virus cases confirmed in Tokyo Yuriko Koike has said the city deaths since the first case was ladesh, heavy floods have sub- compulsory and without the clubs to shut at 10pm from was around 472 yesterday, a could declare its own state of detected in January. merged nearly 50,000 hec- aggressive enforcement August 3 until the end of the new record, NHK public tele- emergency, the central gov- The number of cases has tares of paddy fields, according measures seen in Europe, but month after the number of daily vision quoted Tokyo officials as ernment says there is still no been on the rise since the central to officials from the Agri- similar requests from author- cases hit a new record. saying. need to do so nationally despite government lifted a nationwide culture Ministry. ities have been widely Tokyo Governor Yuriko It was the second day in a a record spike in several cities state of emergency in May. Australian, PNG India records over 57,000 virus cases in 24 hours; total nearly 1.7 million police arrest five ANATOLIA — NEW DELHI climbed to 1,695,988, including three positive cases nationwide rate is also progressively since it originated in China last 764 who had died of the disease were under medical care. reducing and currently stands December. More than 17.5 over cocaine haul India yesterday recorded over over the last day. “India has achieved the at 2.18 percent, one of the million COVID-19 cases have 57,000 more cases of the novel Figures from the Indian milestone of more than 1 million lowest globally,” said Vardhan. been reported around the world REUTERS — MELBOURNE coronavirus over the past 24 Council of Medical Research recoveries, which has taken the New virus hotspots are on so far, with recoveries nearing hours, raising the overall (ICMR) revealed that 525,689 recovery rate to 64.54 percent. the rise in India as cases decline 10.3 million, according to A small plane which crashed infection tally to nearly 1.7 tests had been conducted to This shows that the active cases in the major cities of Mumbai figures compiled by the US’ shortly after takeoff on a flight million. identify infections. under medical supervision are and Delhi. Johns Hopkins University. from a remote airstrip in Papua According to the Health During a Cabinet meeting only 33.27 percent, or approx- The coronavirus pandemic The US, Brazil, India, and New Guinea to Australia last Ministry, the total number of on Friday, Health Minister imately one-third of total pos- has claimed over 679,000 lives Russia are currently the worst- week was overloaded with COVID-19 cases in India Harsh Vardhan said only one in itive cases. India’s case-fatality in 188 countries and regions hit countries in the world. more than 500kg of cocaine, police said yesterday. Police from Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) said Australia’s Victoria sees they had recovered 28 bags of cocaine worth $57m and arrested five suspected drug drop in new infections, traffickers connected to the Cessna which came down still mulling curbs shortly after takeoff from Papa Lea Lea, north of Port Moresby, REUTERS — MELBOURNE numbers, there is a growing on July 26. concern in relation to the The five men were Australia’s second most number of community trans- members of a Melbourne-based populous state, Victoria, mission within the data.” Vic- criminal syndicate, with alleged reported 397 cases of the new toria, where the capital Mel- links to Italian organised crime, coronavirus yesterday, down by bourne is under a reimposed the police said. If convicted, all more than a third from Friday, six-week stay-home order, had five face life imprisonment. but authorities said they are prided itself early in the pan- “The AFP (Australian considering further restrictions demic on a tough approach to Federal Police) alleges greed as numbers remain worrisome. social distancing. Now the state played a significant part in the Three people died from accounts for about 60 percent syndicate’s activities and cannot factors related to COVID-19 in of Australia’s 17,300 cases. rule out that the weight of the the 24 hours to early Saturday, On Thursday, the state, cocaine had an impact on the Victoria Premier Daniel where wearing face masks is plane’s ability to take off,” the Andrews said. This brings the now mandatory, reported a police said in a statement. state’s deaths in the pandemic record 723 infections and 13 The plane was found aban- to 116 and Australia’s tally to deaths. Victoria reported 627 doned and empty. The drugs 201. new infections and eight deaths were subsequently recovered A patient is being discharged from an aged care facility experiencing an outbreak of the coronavirus “The numbers are too high on Friday. Andrews had warned at a different location in Papua disease, in Melbourne, Australia. and there is a growing case for this week that Melbourne’s New Guinea. us to do more,” Andrews told a lockdown restrictions could be The Australian pilot pre- televised briefing. extended past the initial mid- Yesterday he said that turn on or off, and they are not Wales, Australia’s most pop- sented himself to the Australian “This is a very significant August end date and further “active consideration” is being decisions that would be taken ulous state, reported 17 cases of Consulate in Papua New Guinea number of new cases, and while social-distancing measures given to new steps but would lightly because there are signif- COVID-19 and one death yes- after the crash. He has been there is always a temptation to taken if daily case numbers not reveal any details. icant costs,” Andrews said. terday — the state’s first death arrested and charged with an try and read trends in these remained high. “It’s not a tap you can just Neighbouring New South in more than a month. immigration offence. Taiwanese pay respects to former President Lee Teng-hui Cambodian labour leader held AP — TAIPEI person that was very important to each other.” over political comments Taiwan’s leaders and its people “He laid the foundation for were paying their respects this free and democratic Taiwan AP — PHNOM PENH The court’s action was gen- yesterday to former President of today,” Hiroyasu said. erally seen as intended to ensure Lee Teng-hui, who died this Hsu, a woman from the A prominent Cambodian labour victory for Prime Minister Hun week at age 97 after bringing full central city of Taichung, said she union leader who is a longtime Sen’s ruling Cambodian Peoples democracy to Taiwan and came to “express my gratitude government critic has been Party. incurring the wrath of China in and respect.” “In our times, he arrested on a charge of inciting On Wednesday, Rong Chhun the process. witnessed the martial law and the social unrest because of his led several dozen factory A traditional funeral bier was lifting of it. I saw him lead Taiwan comments about a politically workers to present a petition at set up at the Taipei Guest House, to become a democracy,” Hsu sensitive matter concerning the Hun Sen’s residence asking him an ornate European-style said. country’s borders. to help with their welfare after building that was home to Jap- The memorial will remain Rong Chhun, president of the their factory was shut down due anese governors during Taiwan’s until August 16. No official word Cambodian Confederation of to the coronavirus pandemic. 1895-1945 colonial period. has been given on funeral Unions, was arrested on Friday He also gave an interview Among the visitors yesterday arrangements. night at his home and taken yes- this past week to US gov- was current President Tsai Ing- People wait to pay their respects to Taiwan’s late former President China, which frequently terday to Phnom Penh Municipal ernment-supported Radio Free wen, who wrote in a book of con- Lee Teng-hui at the Taipei Guest House, in Taipei, yesterday. hurled angry epithets at Lee over Court, where he was formally Asia in which he spoke about dolences, “You shall forever be his promotion of Taiwan’s’ sep- charged with “incitement to meeting farmers in eastern watching over democratic in 1996 and other democratic Lee studied in Japan, spoke arate status, has largely ignored commit felony” for statements Cambodia who complained Taiwan.” Lee strove to create a changes to the self-governed fluent Japanese and strove to his passing. alleged to be provocative. If tried about their land being infringed separate, democratic identity for island despite missile launches maintain traditional ties between Foreign ministry spokes- and found guilty, he could face upon by neighbouring Vietnam. Taiwan, angering not only China, and other fierce saber-rattling by Tokyo and its former colonial person Wang Wenbin on Friday up to two years in prison. The issue of Vietnam which considers the island part China. possession. responded only by saying Rong Chhun served on the encroaching on Cambodian of its territory, but also members Taipei Veterans General Hos- Along with Tsai and Premier “Taiwan independence is an national election committee of territory is a highly sensitive of his Nationalist Party who pital said Lee died on Thursday Lai Ching-te, Japan’s chief rep- impassable road. China’s national the opposition Cambodia one with domestic political sig- hoped to return victorious to the after suffering from infections, resentative in Taiwan, Izumi reunification and national reju- National Rescue Party before it nificance in Cambodia because mainland. cardiac problems and organ Hiroyasu also paid his respects, venation is a major historical was dissolved by court order in of widespread historical antag- Lee ushered in the island’s failure since being hospitalized reading in a statement that trend and cannot be stopped by November 2017, ahead of the onism toward the country’s first direct presidential elections in February. “Japan and Taiwan both lost a anyone or any force.” 2018 general election. larger neighbour to the east. 06 ASIA SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 Calm prevails across Afghanistan as ceasefire holds on second day

AFP — KABUL President Ashraf Under a deal signed by the Taliban and the US in February, Calm prevailed across much of Ghani and the Taliban “intra-Afghan” talks were Afghanistan yesrterday as a have both signalled slated to start in March, but ceasefire between the Taliban were delayed amid political and government forces that peace talkas infighting in Kabul and as a appeared to be holding on its could begin straight contentious prisoner swap second day, boosting hopes that after Eid, and there dragged on. the two foes could soon begin As the ceasefire kicked off, peace talks. are widespread the authorities begun releasing There were no reports of calls to extend the what they said were the final major clashes since Friday, and 500 Taliban prisoners on Friday. Afghans took advantage of it to ceasefire. But it is unclear if the Taliban continue celebrating the Eid Al will accept the move, after Adha festival. authorities refused to release The three-day truce is “There have been no hundreds of inmates accused of Muslims offer prayers during Eid Al Adha, in Karachi yesterday. slated for the duration of the Eid reports of any terrorist attacks serious crimes that the insur- festival and is only the third in the past two days since the gents had requested be freed. official pause in the nearly 19 ceasefire began,” Attaullah The Taliban have said they years of war that has ravaged Khogyani, spokesman to the have already fulfilled their Pakistan President, PM urge people Afghanistan. governor of the eastern pledge to release 1,000 gov- President Ashraf Ghani and province of Nangarhar said. ernment forces. to observe precautionary measures the Taliban have both signalled Nangarhar has seen regular “There were some issues in that peace talks could begin clashes between government our country and that is why we INTERNEWS — ISLAMABAD felicitating the nation, they said Prime Minister Imran Khan straight after Eid, and there are forces and the Taliban, and also joined the Taliban,” Nasir, one this is a day of remembrance of in his message said the whole widespread calls to extend the attacks claimed by the inmate who was freed on Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi the obedience of Hazrat world is facing a critical situ- ceasefire. “I think we are closer extremist Islamic State group. Friday night from Pul el- and Prime Minister Imran Khan Ibrahim (AS) and the reverence ation right now due to corona- to peace talks more than any In the southern province of Charkhi prison near Kabul said. have urged the nation to strictly of Hazrat Ismael (AS), who set virus as the coronavirus pan- other time,” said Kabul resident Kandahar, where the Taliban “After my release I will not observe precautionary an extraordinary example of demic has become a challenge Ahmad Rashed as he visited an control swathes of rural ter- rejoin the Taliban. I joined once measures on the occasion of Eid sacrifice and selflessness. for all humanity. animal market in the capital. rains, there were no reports of and made a mistake.” Ghani Al Adha and perform the oblig- The President in his He said the government is “The sooner they start, more fighting. said more than 3,500 Afghan atory rituals of Qurbani, taking message said coronavirus pan- utilizing its capabilities to deal lives could be saved.” Muslims “There are no enemy move- troops and nearly 800 civilians care of the poor and needy demic has negatively affected with the epidemic and the across the world buy sheep or ments or attacks by the Taliban,” had been killed in attacks by the people. the economy, urging people to nation should also follow the cows to slaughter in an annual said Baheer Ahmad, spokesman Taliban since their deal with In their separate messages help the poor and needy in this precautionary measures in this ritual during the Eid Al Adha. to Kandahar governor. Washington. on the eve of Eid Al Adha, critical situation. regard. South Korean Philippines losing virus war, doctors warn Duterte sect leader held AFP — MANILA “Health care workers are are among those who have died Philippine economy will fall up other strategies after the for hindering united in sounding off a distress of the disease in the Philippines. into recession, with millions of lockdown “served its purpose”. Dozens of doctors’ groups signal to the nation — our Total deaths stood at 2,039 as jobs already lost. But hours later Roque issued virus efforts yesterday warned that the Phil- healthcare system has been of yesterday. In the open letter, doctors a new statement saying the gov- ippines was losing the corona- overwhelmed,” the letter said. The government has blamed urged Duterte to put the capital ernment will consider their virus fight, urging President “We are waging a losing poor compliance with health Manila and surrounding prov- proposals. AFP — SEOUL Rodrigo Duterte to tighten a battle against COVID-19, and protocols for the sharp increase inces back under “enhanced “Your voices have been recently eased lockdown as we need to draw up a consoli- in infections. community quarantine” until heard. We cannot afford to let The elderly leader of a cases surged and hospitals dated, definitive plan of action.” The country imposed one of August 15 to give the country down our modern heroes,” secretive South Korean sect at turned away patients. An increasing number of the harshest lockdowns in the time to “refine our pandemic Roque added. the centre of the country’s Eighty medical associations health workers have fallen ill world in mid-March, that kept control strategies”. Health department officials early coronavirus outbreak representing tens of thousands or quit their jobs, while some people at home except to buy In response, Duterte’s earlier this week acknowledged was arrested yesterday for of doctors signed the open letter packed hospitals are now food and seek health treatment. spokesman Harry Roque ini- hospital bed availability was allegedly hindering the as the country posted another refusing to admit new patients, But the government recently tially said the government was drying up and the government government’s effort to contain record nearly 5,000 new cases it added. loosened the restrictions to balancing the health and has had limited success in hiring the epidemic. on Saturday, pushing the total The health department allow people to return to work economy of the nation and that new doctors, nurses and other Lee Man-hee, 88, is the to more than 98,000. earlier said 34 health workers after predictions that the it was now looking at stepping health care workers. head of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult. People linked to the Hong Kong opens church accounted for more than half of the South’s coro- navirus cases in February and makeshift hospital March, when the country was enduring one of the worst early outbreaks in the world. As of July 19, more than for virus patients 5,200 Koreans who are con- nected with the sect were AFP — HONG KONG virus first hit the city in late infected, making up 38 percent January. of all confirmed cases in the Hong Kong opened a The new makeshift hospital country, according to the temporary field hospital with set up at the city’s AsiaWorld- Korea Centres for Disease 500 beds yesterday to house Expo exhibition centre near the Control and Prevention. stable COVID-19 patients as the airport, will take in COVID-19 Lee is accused of giving inac- city battles a new wave of virus patients aged from 18 to 60. curate records of church gath- infections. “Our goal is to triage the erings and false lists of its The financial hub had been patients from the community members to health authorities. a poster child for tackling the and provide them with appro- He was taken into custody coronavirus, with local trans- priate treatment and hospital- early yesterday “after the missions all but ended by early isation arrangement,” doctor Suwon District Court granted summer. Larry Lee from the Hospital an arrest warrant at 1.20am”, But since July the pathogen Authority told media, adding a court spokesperson said. has returned, with some cases that around 20 to 30 patients The judge said there “have brought in by the tens of thou- are expected to be admitted on been circumstances indicating sands of people who were the first day. systematic attempts to destroy People affected by flash floods salvage their belongings from damaged houses in Kuz Kunar district exempted from a mandatory Lee said that arriving evidence” by Lee, Yonhap in the eastern province of Nangarhar, Afghanistan, yesterday. quarantine imposed on most patients will go through X-rays news agency reported. arrivals. as well as blood, saliva and Shincheonji has claimed its The opening of the hospital heart tests. If found unstable, members face social stigma Floods in eastern Afghanistan, 16 dead comes a day after city leader patients will be sent to hospitals and discrimination if their Carrie Lam announced the while stable ones will get beliefs become publicly AP — KABUL Khogyani, spokesman for the emergency services following postponement of upcoming treatment and be put under known, dissuading some from governor of Nangarharn the foul weather. The flash legislative elections for a year, medical observation at the responding to official inquiries. Flash flooding in eastern province. He added that four floods damaged dozens of saying the decision was purely facility. It released a statement Afghanistan killed at least 16 others were wounded in the homes, the spokesman added. to protect public health and had The city recorded 125 new later yesterday, stressing Lee’s people after heavy rains swept incident. Summer often brings heavy “nothing to do with politics”. cases on Saturday, the 11th day arrest “doesn’t mean a guilty parts of a mountainous area, an The majority of the victims rainfalls in eastern Afghanistan More than 2,000 new in a row above 100, with total verdict”. Afghan official said yesterday. are children, said Khogyani. He leading to floods that can leave infections have been detected infection numbers rising to Lee was only concerned Heavy floods hit the Khewa added that a team has been sent hundreds of people dead and since the start of July — 60 3,396. The death toll has risen about authorities’ “excessive district, said Attaullah to the area to help with many more injured every year. percent of the total since the from seven to 31 since July. requests” for personal details, and “never ordered” his sub- ordinates to withhold infor- mation, the church added. Vietnam reports 28 new virus cases, third death The sect, founded in 1984, proclaims Lee has donned the AP — HANOI Nang hospital. It has spread to from local community trans- Fifteen other patients with of the 54,000 people returning mantle of Jesus Christ and will six parts of the country, missions in the city. The other COVID-19 are in critical con- from Da Nang. take 144,000 people with him Vietnam reported more than including three of the largest two are Vietnamese nationals dition, officials said. All have In Ho Chi Minh City, the to heaven on the day of two dozen new cases of the cities, forcing authorities to returning from Indonesia. other underlying illnesses. country’s southern hub, five judgement. It is known to have coronavirus yesterday, while a reimpose virus restrictions. The Health Ministry said the Experts worry the actual people who returned from Da some 200,000 followers. third person died of COVID-19 Da Nang is Vietnam’s most latest fatalities included a number of cases could be far Nang have tested positive for Lee is also accused of complications a day after the popular beach destination, and 68-year-old woman who was higher. Before the latest out- the virus. The city is testing embezzling 5.6 billion won country reported its first-ever thousands of visitors were in the treated for blood cancer and a break Vietnam had a total of some 20,000 other returnees. ($4.69 million) from church death from the disease. city for summer vacation. Across 61-year-old man who suffered only 416 cases. “The COVID-19 outbreak is funds and holding religious Vietnam had been seen as the country, authorities are rushing septic shock and chronic kidney In Hanoi, the capital, where no longer an issue in Da Nang events at public facilities a global success story in com- to test people who have returned failure. The country’s first two people have tested positive only when we have recorded without approval. bating the coronavirus, with no home from the coastal city. COVID-19 death was a 70-year- after returning from Da Nang, cases in Quang Nam, Hanoi, Ho He apologised back in confirmed cases of local trans- Of the 28 new cases old man who was admitted with over 100 clinics have been set Chi Minh City among other March for the spread of the mission for 99 days. But a week reported yesterday, 20 are from a kidney illness. All three died up with test kits to detect the locations,” acting health min- disease. ago, an outbreak began at a Da Da Nang hospitals and six are in a hospital in Da Nang. virus. Hanoi has tested a third ister Nguyen Thanh Long said. SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE 07 Berlin protest against virus curbs draws thousands AFP — BERLIN Despite Germany’s deaths as of yesterday — a far lower toll than its neighbours. Loudly chanting their oppo- comparatively low Saskia Esken of the Social sition to face masks and vac- toll, authorities are Democrats, a junior coalition cines, thousands of people concerned at a rise in partner in Angela Merkel’s gov- gathered in Berlin yesterday to ernment, blasted the demon- protest against coronavirus infections over recent strators as “Covidiots”. restrictions. weeks and politicians In a tweet Esken railed: “No Police put turnout at around distancing, no mask. They are not 17,000 — well below the took to social media only putting at risk our health but 500,000 organisers had to criticise the rally also our success against the pan- announced as they urged a “day as irresponsible. demic as well as economic of freedom” from months of recovery, education and society. virus curbs. Irresponsible!” Jan Redmann, Despite Germany’s compar- cannot be applied we shall con- regional head of Merkel’s atively low toll, authorities are tinue to talk to the organiser of Christian Democrats in the concerned at a rise in infections the event and that could lead to eastern state of Brandenburg, over recent weeks and politicians the event being called off,” also took aim at the marchers. took to social media to criticise warned police spokesman Thilo “A thousand new infections the rally as irresponsible. Cablitz. a day still and in Berlin there “We are the second wave,” A handful of people held a are protests against anti-virus shouted the crowd, a mixture counter demonstration. measures? We can no longer of hard left and right and con- Dubbing themselves “grand- allow ourselves these dan- spiracy theorists as they con- mothers against the extreme gerous absurdities,” Redmann verged on the Brandenburg right”, they hurled insults complained. A demonstrator holds a copy of the German constitution during a protest against the government’s Gate, demanding “resistance” against “Nazi” protesters. The Interior Minister Horst See- restrictions amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. and dubbing the pandemic “the protest’s “Day of Freedom” hofer, who hails from Merkel’s biggest conspiracy theory”. slogan echoes the title of a 1935 traditional right ally the Christian Few protesters wore a mask documentary by Nazi-era film- Social Union, showed a measure Yesterday saw 955 new “I don’t know any other sick Baden-Wuerttemberg in the or respected the 1.5-metre maker Leni Riefenstahl on a of understanding, however. infections — a level which the people. I knew many in March — southwest, shared that view. social distancing requirement, party conference by Hitler’s “Of course there are always country had not seen since May skiers, holidaymakers. Something “People who don’t inform despite police repeatedly calling National Socialist German different opinions regarding 9, according to the Robert Koch was really afoot in February — themselves — unlike ourselves on them via megaphone to do Workers’ Party. infringements of basic rights health institute. But marchers but now there are no longer any — remain ignorant and believe so. Berlin police tweeted they Several politicians con- and restrictions of freedom — insist the risk of catching the virus sick people,” she insisted. what the government tells them. had launched legal proceedings demned the demonstration as first, it’s normal and, in my is being much overblown. “It’s Another demonstrator, They get caught up in the fear action against organisers for not Germany seeks to minimise view, it’s not the majority,” See- pure scare tactics. I don’t see any Anna-Maria Wetzel, who had the government puts in our respecting virus hygiene rules. transmission of a virus which hofer told Bavarian daily Pas- danger with the virus,” one come to the capital after heads — and that fear weakens “If physical distancing had claimed just over 9,000 sauer Neue Presse. marcher, Iris Bitzenmeier,” said. attending similar rallies in the immune system,” she said.

Thousands dive France starts testing into Lake Balaton in Hungary for travellers from 16 swimming contest nations for COVID-19 REUTERS — HUNGARY AP — PARIS “It’s very fast, but I have to Under cloudless summer skies, say that it’s not very pleasant,’’ thousands of competitors Travellers entering France from he said. “But we have to do it.’’ plunged into the balmy waters 16 countries where the coro- Another passenger who got of Balaton yesterday to swim navirus is circulating widely tested after landing at Paris’ across Central Europe’s largest now must undergo virus tests main airport, Nadia Vusik of freshwater lake. upon arrival at French airports Belarus, said she thought the Despite the coronavirus and ports. new policy made sense. pandemic, organisers said more French Prime Minister Jean “It is definitely necessary, than 10,000 people including Castex announced last month and I am happy that in France children, pensioners and pro- that the tests would be required it is possible to do right here. fessional athletes had registered starting August 1 for passengers It’s very convenient,” she said. to take part in the annual lake France is allowing in from a list French health authorities swim — Europe’s longest open- of approved countries unless say the number of daily con- water swimming contest. they present proof of a negative firmed COVID-19 cases has Bela Gurban, 66, who test done within 72 hours of jumped on the French swam the 5.2km course for the their departure. mainland in recent weeks. The 38th time this year, said London Eye capsule Those who test positive in government has already made nothing would deter him from France as of yesterday must mask-wearing mandatory in taking part in the swim from A capsule of the newly reopened London Eye is seen, amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in quarantine for 14 days. all indoor public spaces. Revfulop, a village on the hilly London, Britain, yesterday. France is not permitting France has had over 225,000 northern shore to Balaton- general travel to and from the confirmed infections and over boglar on the southern side. 16 countries, which include the 30,200 virus-related deaths, “Climbing out on the other United States and Brazil. The according to a tally by Johns shore feels like a miracle,” Study points to race, equipment access testing requirement therefore Hopkins University, but experts Gurban said, adding that his only applies to people entering say all numbers in the pandemic dream is to swim the stretch for higher virus risk among health staff under limited circumstances: are too low for various reasons, of water accompanied by all French citizens who live in including limited testing and six of his grandchildren. AFP — PARIS workers was 2,747 per 100,000 “Our results underscore the these countries or citizens of missed cases. Due to measures to contain app users, compared with 242 importance of providing ade- these countries with an estab- The French government the virus, all the race partici- Researchers raised fears that per 100,000 in the general quate access to PPE and also lished residence in France. has so far ruled out imposing pants had temperature checks “systematic racism” in the pro- community. suggest that systemic racism Daniel Court was tested at another nationwide lockdown before starting and were let vision of protective equipment When they took into account associated with inequalities to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport after the one that brought the into the water one by one at was putting minority health the health workers’ greater access PPE likely contribute to after coming in from Nice. He country to a standstill for nearly entry points to allow social workers at greater risk, as a study access to testing, the researchers the disproportionate risk of acknowledged not loving the two months between March distancing. showed higher coronavirus estimated that frontline medical infection among minority experience. and May. Sailing boats escorted the infection rates among British and workers were around 3.4 times frontline healthcare workers,” swimmers across the lake to American medical staff. more likely to test positive for said senior author Andrew the opposite shore, where The report, published in The COVID-19 than app users in the Chan, of Massachusetts General crowds of people waited on Lancet Public Health journal, wider population. Hospital. UK seeks ‘tougher action’ from the beach to greet them. found that frontline healthcare After accounting for pre- Minority healthcare The winner, Hungarian workers were over three times existing medical conditions, workers were “more likely to France on Channel migrants world and European champion more likely to test positive than researchers estimated that work in high-risk clinical set- openwater swimmer Kristof the general population early in healthcare workers from black, tings, with known or suspected AFP — LONDON Rasovszky, completed the dis- the pandemic, with the rate Asian and minority ethnic back- COVID patients, and had less tance in 57 minutes, setting a rising to five times for ethnic grounds were almost five times access to adequate PPE”, said Britain yesterday urged France to get tougher on stopping migrants new record despite the swel- minority medical staff. more likely to report a positive co-author Erica Warner of using the Channel to reach the UK, with immigration compliance tering conditions. Researchers from the US COVID-19 result than somebody Harvard Medical School. minister Chris Philp saying the crossings were “unacceptably The water was 26 degrees looked at data from almost from the general community. Around one in three BAME high”. The call came after Border Force figures showed 96 migrants Celsius (79F), with outside 100,000 healthcare workers in The study also found that healthcare workers reported were intercepted by police on Friday. Twenty four hours earlier, temperatures scaling 33C. Britain and the US taken from frontline healthcare workers that they had needed to re-use official figures showed at least 202 migrants managed to cross to The oldest participant, self-reported information on who said they did not have suf- protective equipment, or had Britain in 20 boats, a single-day record. 83-year-old Tivadar Runtag, the COVID-19 Symptoms Study ficient protective equipment — been provided with inadequate Earlier this month, the interior ministers of France and Britain said he had swam across the smartphone app between like masks, gloves and gowns — PPE (36.7 percent), compared signed an agreement to create a new joint police intelligence unit lake 14 times before. He March 24 and April 23. They were 1.3 times more likely to test with around one in four non- to combat migrant traffickers and reduce the number of illegal thanked his wife for “toler- found that the prevalence of positive than those who said they Hispanic white care workers Channel crossings. Reports claim that more than 3,400 people ating” his hobby during their infection among frontline care had the proper equipment. (27.7 percent). have made the crossing so far this year. 59-year marriage. In southern Spain, fruit pickers ditched as virus spreads AFP — LEPE, SPAIN that’s a risk for us and for the Even so, many have gone In mid-July, three shanty- rest of the population.” Known on to work in other areas of towns went up in flames Lamine Diakite has been on for its strawberries, Lepe in Spain, such as Lerida in the around Lepe in a string of fires the street for two weeks since southern Spain supplies a large north east where regional that began just after the picking the Spanish shantytown he was part of the European market. authorities reimposed a two- season for strawberries, rasp- staying in burnt down, one of Here, as in other agricul- week lockdown in July after berries and blueberries ended. hundreds of fruit pickers aban- tural areas, workers live in the emergence of a new out- “It was a crazy night,” doned as coronavirus cases basic shelters without light or break linked to seasonal recalls Ismaila Fall, a 30-year- soar. running water, cobbled workers. old Senegalese man who tried To protest at their situation, together from wooden pallets, “It’s very likely there will to put out the blaze with water he and dozens of other African plastic sheeting and mat- continue to be outbreaks linked and sand and suspects it was workers have taken their mat- tresses, spaces they trade to seasonal workers,” the health deliberate. But when it comes tresses and are sleeping in a among themselves for around ministry’s emergencies coordi- to finding a solution, neither square outside the town hall in €250 ($300). nator Fernando Simon warned the state nor local authorities Lepe, near the Portuguese Despite the unsanitary this week. At the moment, only are willing to take Traffic jam border. “Our huts have been conditions and impossibility of the northern region of La Rioja responsibility. People drive their vehicle on the highway as they are stuck in a traffic burnt down leaving more than observing social distancing, no has taken drastic measures, “Everyone is just passing jam, near Reventin-Vaugris, southeastern France, yesterday during a 200 of us in the street,” said coronavirus tests have been pledging to test all seasonal the buck,” explained Antonio Diakite, a 32-year-old Malian. carried out in the camps, the workers whether they have a Abad who heads an NGO called major traffic weekend of the French summer holidays. “And during the pandemic, migrants and Lepe officials say. contract or not. ASISTI that helps migrants. 08 VIEWS SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020

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CHAIRMAN DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

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DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR MOHAMMED OSMAN ALI [email protected]

EDITORIAL British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attending a remote press conference to update the nation on the novel coronavirus pandemic inside 10 Downing Street in central London. Remarkable achievement Johnson’s desperate change THE world is witnessing a new wave of liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand boom. Despite the decline of spot gas and LNG prices and the impact of COVID-19 pan- demic, Qatar has had a “remarkable” run in the first half of 2020. of direction on coronavirus Dexter Wang, Manager for Asia Pacific (APAC) Market Engagement at S&P Global Platts, said at the eager not to highlight in those to spread faster and farther, 43rd monthly Gas Lecture series of the Gas Exporting charts: England had the highest making it harder to suppress. Countries Forum (GECF), that Qatar managed to excess mortality rate in Europe. The UK's excess mortality increase its LNG exports for the majority of the first Understanding why the gov- rates were also more geographi- half of this year which is truly remarkable, considering ernment made the decisions it cally dispersed than in most of the current low price environment. did as the pandemic arrived in western Europe. That could be Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of LNG, has a Europe will occupy journalists, due to a number of factors. Trav- historical partnership with APAC as a reliable LNG THERESE RAPHAEL · historians and Parliament for ellers returning from Europe and supplier to the region. It is also worth mentioning that BLOOMBERG many years. The data can't Asia to various parts of Britain Qatar is one of the key member countries of the GECF, provide those answers, but they faced no quarantine restrictions hosting its permanent Secretariat since its inception do give an indication of how in the early stages of the out- in 2008. Back in April, Britain's Deputy Britain can better arm itself in break and could have easily In February this year, H E Saad bin Sherida Al The UK's excess Chief Medical Officer Jonathan fighting a second wave, or pre- brought it home. Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Pres- Van-Tam told a news conference paring for the next virus. That the spike in deaths hap- ident and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said that Qatar is mortality rates that the UK's relative It will be unforgivable for the pened all over the place also moving forward with implementing its mega projects were also more performance in combating the government to again drag its feet reflects public health problems that will see its LNG production rise from 77 to 126 coronavirus would become clear on lockdowns, ignore what's hap- peculiar to the UK, especially million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2027. “This will geographically only once there were compar- pening elsewhere in Europe and high levels of obesity and not just enhance our ability and flexibility to meet addi- dispersed ative figures on excess mortality not prepare adequately for a weight-related disease. That tional global demand, but will also help the shift to less (deaths above a five-year medical emergency. Late on conclusion is borne out by carbon intensive energy in many parts of the world,” than in most average). Shortly afterward, the Thursday, Health Secretary Matt another piece of ONS data - H E Al Kaabi said. of western government stopped showing Hancock surprised many with excess deaths among people “Addressing environmental concerns remains a Europe. That charts with comparative death new lockdown restrictions on a under the age of 65. Here again, key focus area for the energy industry, as global rates altogether. large swath of northern England, Britain ranked worst. efforts continue to combat climate change and to could be due It wasn't hard to see why: The including Greater Manchester. The While England is singled out reduce CO2 and other emissions,” H E the Minister to a number emerging trends were deeply new mantra seems to be "better for particular shame, Scotland, added. unflattering to Britain. But Boris safe than sorry," although the Northern Ireland and Wales also According to the key findings of the 4th edition of of factors. Johnson's administration also timing and lack of clarity about the scored poorly, suggesting similar the Global Gas Outlook report, the global natural gas Travellers had a point. COVID-related data used for the decision have missteps and vulnerabilities. That demand is expected to increase by about 52 per cent deaths are recorded unevenly created confusion that won't help provides some political ammu- from 3,924 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2018 to 5,966 returning from across countries, making com- with getting people to comply. nition for Johnson as he battles to bcm by 2050, with 1.3 percent CAAGR (compounded Europe and Asia parisons difficult. Pressed on the What made the UK the most hold onto Scotland, where the average annual growth rate) over the period. And the issue, the prime minister said deadly place for COVID-19 wasn't governing Scottish National gas production in GECF countries, including Qatar, to various parts there would be time for drawing big spikes in mortality in badly hit Party has argued its superior will grow by almost 50 percent by 2050 to over 2.5 of Britain faced conclusions about relative per- cities or regions. Some places in handling of the pandemic shows trillion cubic metres (tcm), underlining the continued no quarantine formance later and he promised Italy and Spain suffered worse. In the nation is better off on its own. importance of the group. an independent investigation. Bergamo, the peak of deaths was Scotland's excess deaths were Oil and gas companies have heralded LNG as the restrictions in On Thursday the UK Office of 857% the normal rate; in Madrid it higher than Italy's. fossil fuel of the future thanks to its relatively low the early stages National Statistics released a was 432%. Brent in London had Dealing better with future carbon emissions. Qatar already has strong and good trove of excess mortality data that the highest UK peak at 357% of strains on the health-care system relations with major LNG consumers in the world. LNG of the outbreak allow more reliable comparisons the usual level. will be paramount. A study pub- is the cleanest of hydrocarbon fuels and Qatar is well- and could have to be made. The ONS got around The real killer in Britain - lit- lished Thursday from placed to meeting world’s energy demand in envi- the comparability problem by erally - was that excess mortality researchers at Sheffield and ronment-friendly way. easily brought using total mortality figures, continued longer than in any Loughborough universities, it home. rather than simply COVID-related other European country. That along with Economic Insight, deaths, and drawing on data from may reflect the lockdown-lite estimates that some 21,000 UK Eurostat, which sets out clear cri- policies Johnson pursued in the deaths can be attributed not teria for reporting. early stages. Britain's slowness in directly to COVID but to the The data confirmed the shutting things down and its less lockdown, and especially lack of picture the government was stringent rules allowed the virus access to critical medical care.

D-RING ROAD, POST BOX: 3488, DOHA - QATAR EMAIL: [email protected] Expansion of PCR testing will help put brakes on spread of infections JAPAN NEWS - YOMIURI It is hoped that the testing infection is unknown is also concentration of infected EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OFFICE: TEL: 4455 7741 / 767 system will be strengthened increasing, it is vital that the people, such as downtown FAX: +974 4455 7758 The number of newly as much as possible so that scope of testing be further areas, mass tests will be detected novel coronavirus those who need the test can expanded to include more carried out on the residents of MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4462 7505 cases in Japan has remained take it smoothly. people and that aggressive those areas. at a level of over 1,000 a day. Observers have said that testing be undertaken. If infected people are DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: TEL: 4455 7769 The scope of polymerase there are many obstacles to The Tokyo metropolitan quarantined at an early stage chain reaction (PCR) testing the smooth implementation government has started group through aggressive testing, the LOCAL NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7743 should be urgently expanded of the tests, such as a shortage testing of people involved in chain of infection can be to prevent the further spread of personnel to deal with the businesses in nighttime enter- broken. Dispatching testing BUSINESS NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4462 7535 of the virus. tests at public health centers. tainment districts that involve vehicles to sites that require PCR testing detects the The government should solve close contact with customers. intensive testing, such as those SPORT NEWS SECTION: TEL: 4455 7745 presence of the virus in nasal the problems one by one by The Saitama prefectural gov- where mass infections are mucus or saliva. It is an helping hospitals and testing ernment has decided to test all occurring, is likely a good idea. ONLINE SECTION: TEL: 4462 7501 important tool for the gov- laboratories introduce the people who were in the same The Japan Chamber of email: [email protected] ernment to assess the status latest equipment and place if someone is confirmed Commerce and Industry has of the infection and formulate increasing the number of lab- infected in a school or a shop, requested support from the PUBLIC RELATIONS: TEL: 4455 7613 countermeasures. oratory technicians. not just those who were in close government to make it easier email: [email protected] When the infection began The scope of testing, contact with infected people, to for employees of small and to spread, people became which had been limited to nip clusters in the bud. medium-sized companies to ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7837 / 780 increasingly anxious because those with symptoms, has Possible measures include undergo testing. The aim is FAX: 4455 7870, email: [email protected] the tests could not keep up with now been expanded to that all employees and resi- said to be to reduce the risk of the spread of the infections. include people who have dents or patients of hospitals infection among those with CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT: TEL: 4455 7857 Currently, the testing capacity shown no symptoms but had and elderly care facilities domestic and foreign business email: [email protected] has been increased to about close contact with infected where infected people are partners. More testing would 35,000 cases a day, but it is still people. As the number of found will be tested. Also, in also help boost economic SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION: TEL: 4455 7809 / 839 considered not sufficient. people whose route of places where there is a high activity. FAX: 44557819, email: [email protected]

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+974 6698 6188 Xi Jinping, Chinese President SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 EUROPE / AMERICAS 09 Massive protests in Russia’s far east rattle Kremlin

AFP — KHABAROVSK Such protests are rare in the region seven time zones away from the capital, where Locals say a struggle for demo- cratic freedoms is unfolding in most opposition protests take place. They the far eastern Russian city of were sparked by the arrest on July 9 of Khabarovsk, where the arrest of a popular governor has regional governor Sergei Furgal. Investigators unleashed massive protests. accused the 50-year-old former businessman “Sometimes I feel like crying of ordering two contract killings and an with joy when I see everyone so united,” 21-year-old student attempted murder 15 years ago. Yekaterina Ishchenko said. For the last three weeks, she and thousands of other residents elected in 2018 after standing million. of the city 6,000km east of against an incumbent from the One factor fuelling protests Moscow have taken to the ruling party backing President is long-standing resentment streets, with another huge rally Vladimir Putin. among residents who feel due yesterday. “It’s a slap in the face for us. ignored by Moscow. For Ishchenko, this is her We voted for him!” said 72-year- Added to this are the eco- first taste of political activism. old pensioner Marina nomic worries in this region bor- Tens of thousands attended Beletskaya. dering China where metallurgy, a rally last weekend, according Furgal is a member of the coal mining and forestry are the to journalists and activists, while nationalist party LDPR which is main areas of employment. police put the figure at just generally loyal to the Kremlin. State media has largely 6,500. Such protests are rare in He became a popular gov- ignored the protests but more the region seven time zones ernor, with supporters independent outlets have Russian policemen detain a man during an anti-Kremlin rally in Saint Petersburg, Russia, yesterday. away from the capital, where describing him as energetic and described the events positively. most opposition protests take ready to listen. Locally, his level In a recent editorial Vedomosti place. They were sparked by the of popularity rivalled Putin’s. daily called the protests a “new In a bid to appease the pro- “We should have chosen a and only detaining a handful of arrest on July 9 of regional gov- “After we elected Furgal, symbol” representing opposition testers, Moscow appointed a local person to replace him our- people. Even Kremlin ernor Sergei Furgal. the capital of the Far Eastern of “regions against the centre”. new acting governor from Fur- selves. But instead we were sent spokesman Dmitry Peskov this Investigators accused the Federal District was moved from Some protesters shout gal’s LDPR party, Mikhail someone who only knows week praised the police’s for- 50-year-old former busi- here to Vladivostok,” said slogans expressing anger at Degtyarev. Khabarovsk from 5,000-ruble bearance while unauthorised nessman of ordering two con- 22-year-old Victoria Sakharova, Putin. But the 39-year-old MP, banknotes,” said Sakharova. The protests are usually quickly tract killings and an attempted a sales assistant, referring to the Khabarovsk was one of known for proposing wacky banknote (worth $68) depicts broken up in Russia. murder 15 years ago. port city on the Pacific coast. those least supportive regions in bills, has faced a chilly reception. views of the city. “We still fear they’ll arrest He was flown to Moscow “This was clearly because we a July 1 vote on changing the He made matters worse by In a sign that the scale of the us,” said 47-year-old protester where he is being held in elected an opposition can- constitution to allow Putin to claiming not to “have time” to protests may have spooked the Yury Petrov. custody. His supporters see the didate.” Around the size of extend his rule. The “yes” vote meet protesters and alleging regional authorities the police “We’re living through a probe as aimed at removing an Turkey, the Khabarovsk region was 15 percent below the they received backing from have shown unusual restraint, moment of democracy but it will overly independent politician, has a population of just 1.3 national average. foreign “provocateurs”. allowing the protests to go ahead doubtless be fleeting.” Brazil judge fines Facebook for not blocking Bolsonaro supporters Poland reports

REUTERS — BRASILIA Justice Alexandre de Moraes daily fines of 100,000 reais per jurisdiction.” The company did and 12 Facebook accounts of Bol- record virus had ruled a day earlier that day if it does not block the not immediately comment after sonaro supporters who have A Brazilian Supreme Court judge Facebook and Twitter failed to accounts in question globally. the fine was announced. been linked to a probe into the cases for slapped Facebook with a 1.92 comply with orders to block the Before the fine was The judge’s fine only spreading of fake news during million reais ($367,710) fine on accounts because they were only announced, Facebook said on addressed Facebook’s non-com- Brazil’s 2018 election. The the third day Friday for not complying with an blocked within Brazil, but Friday that it would appeal the pliance. It was not clear whether accounts were blocked due to order to block globally certain remained accessible with foreign decision. The world’s largest Twitter would face a similar fine. allegations that they violated REUTERS — WARSAW accounts controlled by IP addresses. social network said it respects the Twitter said it would also laws on hate speech. Bolsonaro supporters of President Jair On Friday, he ruled that laws of countries where it appeal the decision to block the said his government would also Poland reported its highest Bolsonaro implicated in a fake Facebook must pay the fine for operates, but that “Brazilian law accounts. The judge decided in launch a legal challenge against number of new coronavirus news inquiry. not complying and face further recognizes the limits of its May to block 16 Twitter accounts blocking the accounts. cases for a third day in a row yesterday with 658, the Health Ministry said. More than 200 cases were Fires in Brazil’s Amazon reported in the Silesia mining region in southern Poland, which has been grappling with rainforest surge in July, an outbreak among miners. The ministry also reported worst in recent days five new deaths. Poland has reported a total REUTERS — BRASILIA Alencar, science director at Bra- of 46,346 coronavirus cases zil’s Amazon Environmental and 1,721 deaths. The number of fires in Brazil’s Research Institute (IPAM). “We The prime minister this Amazon rainforest jumped 28 can expect that August will week did not rule out tight- percent in July from a year ago, already be a difficult month and ening some restrictions if the official data showed yesterday, September will be worse yet.” situation worsens. as some environmentalists Environmental advocates blame Health Minister Lukasz warned a jump this week could right-wing President Jair Bol- Szumowski said yesterday that signal a repeat of last year’s sonaro for emboldening illegal curbs may be imposed on wed- surging destruction of the world’s loggers, miners and land specu- dings, which have become a largest rainforest. lators to destroy the forest with source of many infections in Brazil’s space research his vision of economic devel- recent weeks. A file photo shows a tree trunk burning in the Amazon rainforest, near Abuna, Rondonia state, Brazil. agency Inpe recorded 6,803 fires opment for the region. Bolsonaro “We are thinking whether in the Amazon last month, up defends his plans to introduce to launch, in the regions with from 5,318 in July 2019. mining and farming in protected Non-government organi- Criminals generally extract Amazon landscape becomes dry the highest number of infec- Although that is a three-year reserves as a way to lift the region zation Amazon Conservation says valuable wood from the jungle and flammable, making human- tions, restrictions saying that high for July, the figure pales in out of poverty. it has tracked 62 major fires for before setting fire to the land to set fires used for agriculture and fewer people could attend comparison to last year’s peak of This year, the president the year as of July 30. Many of increase its value for farming and land clearing more prone to weddings or whether to reg- 30,900 fires in August — a authorized a military deployment those came after July 15, when ranching. Natural fires are very growing out of control and ister weddings, so that they 12-year high for that month. from May to November to the fire ban went into affect, indi- rare in the Amazon. spreading,” NASA said on its could be better controlled,” Still, environmental groups combat deforestation and forest cating it has not been entirely Deforestation hit an 11-year website. Szumowski told private radio say there are worrying signs of fires. He has also banned setting effective, said Matt Finer, who high in 2019 and has soared a Fires are also worsening in RMF24. what may come, with the final fires in the region for 120 days. leads the NGO’s fire tracking further 25% in the first half of the Pantanal, the world’s largest Currently Poland allows days of the month showing a In 2019, Brazil instituted the project. 2020. wetlands, adjacent to the 150 guests at a wedding. sharp spike. More than 1,000 same temporary policies later in The overwhelming majority Earlier this month, scientists southern Amazon. In July, the Sanitary services said that fires were registered on July 30, the year, only after fires in the of large fires, where elevated with US space agency NASA said number of blazes there more the resurgence of COVID-19 the highest number for a single Amazon provoked global outcry levels of aerosols in the smoke higher surface temperatures in than tripled to 1,684 compared among coal miners is a result day in July since 2005, according in August. Scientists say the rain- indicate large amounts of burning the tropical North Atlantic Ocean to the same month a year ago, of loosening restrictions and to an analysis by advocacy group forest is a vital defense against biomass, happened in recently in 2020 were drawing moisture according to INPE data, the most the working conditions in coal Greenpeace Brasil. climate warming because it deforested areas, with none away from the southern Amazon. for that month since records mines, in which it is difficult to “It’s a terrible sign,” said Ane absorbs greenhouse gases. found in virgin forest, Finer said. “As a result, the southern began in 1998. enforce social distancing. Swiss mountains light up in a national day celebration Greece reopens six

REUTERS — EVOLENE regulations.” Gatherings of ports to cruise ships more than 1,000 people are A section of the Alps turned currently banned to prevent amber on Friday night in a the spread of coronavirus. AFP — ATHENS Giannis Plakiotakis said on massive pyrotechnic display Thousands of spectators Thursday that cruises would as Switzerland marked its gathered in the Evolene Greece yesterday reopened six only restart after August 20. national day with an event valley below to see the three- of its main ports to cruise ships He said foreign cruise lines suited to COVID-19 and minute long display, at a safe for the first time in the corona- had expressed their interest in social distancing rules. distance from each other. virus-shortened tourism season, operating in Greek waters but The mountain chains of The show followed a but no ships are expected before that “cruises are an international Veisivi and Dent de Perroc, similar display in 2015, when three weeks. operation and face serious which tower nearly 4,000 magnesium powder was used In a letter to the Cruise Lines problems because of the metres in the southern canton to turn mountains red for the International Association and coronavirus”. of Wallis, saw more than 100kg anniversary of Wallis joining three major cruise operators With a quarter of the of magnesium powder ignited Switzerland, an event also early this week, Tourism Min- economy dependent on tourism, in the event. Although Swiss organised by Morard. ister Harry Theoharis said the Greece has sought to capitalise Flares of magnesium powder are pictured during the illumination National Day is on August 1, Morard, 62, said many ports of Piraeus in Athens, on its relatively low infection of the mountain chains of Veisivi and Dent de Perroc to celebrate many people celebrate the night events he was organising this Rhodes, Iraklio, Volos, Corfu rate to bring in visitors. Swiss National Day following the coronavirus disease outbreak in before. The date marks the year had to be cancelled and Katakolo would accept pas- So far officials have Evolene in the Val d’Herens, Switzerland. foundation of Switzerland in because of COVID-19. sengers, state agency ANA announced nearly 4,500 infec- 1291. The show, which illumi- “As a Swiss person I am reported. After docking at one tions and 206 deaths. nated 12skm of the mountains, lovely warm glow,” said Switzerland normally have very proud to have an idea of the six ports, cruise ships will Last month, Greece began was visible from 20km away. organiser Jacques Morard, fireworks to celebrate our which works to mark our be able to travel elsewhere in to reopen its land borders to “It is like 100 million who runs Jimagine, an events national day, but they national day, and bring some Greece, depending on local select countries, before allowing candles being lit on the company in Montreux. weren’t able to this year joy even in this terrible situ- coronavirus conditions. mostly European flights to all its mountains and gives them a “Lots of people around because of distancing ation,” Morard added. But shipping minister airports on July 1. 10 AMERICAS SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2020 Florida teen arrested as mastermind of Twitter hack

AP — MIAMI sent out on July 15 from the messaging to deceive people into appropriate. He called Clark the Sheppard purchased @anxious accounts of Barack Obama, Joe sharing access credentials. leader of the hacking scam. and Faceli wanted @foreign. A Florida teen was identified as Biden, Mike Bloomberg and a “There is a false belief “This defendant lives here in Internal Revenue Service inves- the mastermind of a scheme number of tech billionaires within the criminal hacker Tampa, he committed the crime tigators in Washington, DC, earlier this month that com- including Amazon CEO Jeff community that attacks like the here, and he’ll be prosecuted identified two of the defendants mandeered Twitter accounts of Bezos, Microsoft co-founder Bill Twitter hack can be perpetrated here,” Warren said. Security by analyzing Bitcoin transac- prominent politicians, celebrities Gates and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. anonymously and without con- experts were not surprised that tions on the blockchain — the and technology moguls and Celebrities Kanye West and his sequence,” US Attorney David the alleged mastermind is a universal ledger that records scammed people around the wife, Kim Kardashian West, L Anderson for the Northern 17-year-old, given the relatively Bitcoin transactions — that they globe out of more than $100,000 were also hacked. District of California said. amateurish nature of both the had sought to make anon- in Bitcoin. Two other men were The tweets offered to send The evidence suggests, operation and how participants ymous, federal prosecutors said. also charged in the case. $2,000 for every $1,000 sent to however, that those responsible discussed it with New York Times Fazeli’s father said he hasn’t Graham Ivan Clark (pic- an anonymous Bitcoin address. did a poor job indeed of covering reporters afterward. been able to talk to his son since tured), 17, was arrested on Friday The hack alarmed security their tracks. The court documents The hack targeted 130 Thursday. “I’m 100% sure my son in Tampa, where the experts because of the grave released on Friday show how accounts with tweets being sent is innocent,” Mohamad Fazeli Hillsborough State Attorney’s potential of such an intrusion The documents do not federal agents tracked down the from 45 accounts, obtained said. “He’s a very good person, Office will prosecute him as an for creating geopolitical specify Kirk’s real identity but hackers through Bitcoin transac- access to the direct message very honest, very smart and adult. He faces 30 felony charges, mayhem with disinformation. say he is a teen being prose- tions and by obtaining records of inboxes of 36, and downloaded loyal.” “We are as shocked as according to a news release. Court papers in the California cuted in the Tampa area. their online chats. Twitter data from seven. everybody else,” he said by Two men accused of bene- cases say Fazeli and Sheppard Twitter has said the hacker Although the case was inves- Court papers suggest Fazeli phone. “I’m sure this is a mix up.” fiting from the hack — Mason brokered the sale of Twitter gained access to a company dash- tigated by the FBI and the US and Sheppard got involved in Attempts to reach relatives Sheppard, 19, of Bognor Regis, accounts stolen by a hacker who board that manages accounts by Department of Justice, the scheme after Clark dangled of the other two weren’t UK, and Nima Fazeli, 22, of identified himself as “Kirk” and using social engineering and spear- Hillsborough State Attorney the possibility of obtaining so- immediately successful. Orlando — were charged sepa- said he could “reset, swap and phishing smartphones to obtain Andrew Warren said his office is called OG Twitter handles, short Hillsborough County court rately in California federal court. control any Twitter account at credentials from “a small number” prosecuting Clark in state court account names that due to their records didn’t list an attorney In one of the most high- will” in exchange for cybercur- of Twitter employees “to gain because Florida law allows brevity are highly prized and for Clark, and federal court profile security breaches in rency payments, claiming to be access to our internal systems”. minors to be charged as adults in considered status symbols in a records didn’t list attorneys for recent years, bogus tweets were a Twitter employee. Spear-phishing uses email or other financial fraud cases when certain milieu. They said Sheppard or Fazeli. 8 still missing Hurricane lashes Bahamas after US Marine while Florida battens down amphibious vehicle sinks AP — SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Hurricane Isaias to 5am curfew. He said super- headed toward markets, pharmacies, gas sta- AFP — LOS ANGELES Hurricane Isaias snapped trees tions and hardware stores and knocked out power as it the Florida coast, would be open as long as Eight military personnel blew through the Bahamas yes- where officials said weather permitted. remained missing at sea on terday and headed toward the they were closing The Bahamas has reported Friday nearly a full day after a Florida coast, where officials more than 570 confirmed US Marine amphibious assault said they were closing beaches, beaches, parks and COVID-19 cases and at least 14 vehicle sank in deep water off parks and coronavirus testing coronavirus testing deaths. It recently barred trav- the California coast during sites. sites. ellers from the US following a training exercises. The hurricane is bearing surge in cases after it reopened Officials at Camp Pend- down on places where the virus to international tourism. leton in southern California is surging, threatening to com- Center said. The storm was Paula Miller, Mercy Corps said that one of eight Marines plicate efforts to contain it and expected to drop from 4 to 8 director for the Bahamas, said rescued in the mishap off the piling another burden on com- inches of rain in the Bahamas people on the island were still shore of San Clemente Island munities already hard-hit by and the Turks and Caicos standing in line for fuel ahead was declared dead after being other storms and sickness. Islands. of the storm. The area was still taken to hospital and two more Florida authorities said they The center of the storm is recovering from Dorian, com- remained in intensive care. have prepared shelters, but expected to move over northern plicating preparations for this The fate of seven other didn’t expect to have to Andros Island in the next hours, one. “People are doing the best Marines and one sailor was evacuate people. “The most on to Grand Bahama Island in they can to prepare, but a lot of unknown nearly 24 hours after important thing we want people the northwestern Bahamas later businesses still have not fully the accident as rescue opera- to do now is remain vigilant,” then near the east coast of repaired their roofs or their tions involving multiple air- said Governor Ron DeSantis. Florida overnight. It is expected structures,” she said. craft and boats continued, said Authorities in North to weaken slowly on Monday. The storm has already been Lieutenant General Joseph Storm clouds are seen as Hurricane Isaias approaches the east Carolina ordered the evacu- Bahamian officials said they destructive in the Caribbean: On Osterman. coast of Florida, in Miami, yesterday. ation of Ocracoke Island yes- were concerned about a Cat- Thursday, Isaias uprooted trees, The accident took place terday, which was slammed by egory 1 storm hitting amid the destroyed crops and caused during routine training by the last year’s Hurricane Dorian. coronavirus pandemic. widespread flooding and small from floodwaters that swept the virus. State-run testing sites 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Meanwhile, officials in the “The center of COVID-19 now landslides in the Dominican away one woman who remained are closing in areas where the in the area of San Clemente Bahamas cleared people out of is in Grand Bahama,” the island’s Republic and Puerto Rico. One missing. As it moves now toward storm might hit because the sites Island, in the Pacific Ocean Abaco island who have been minister, Sen. Kwasi Thompson, man died in the Dominican the southeast coast of Florida, a are outdoor tents. about 105km west of San Diego. living in temporary structures told government-run ZNS Republic, where more than hurricane warning is in effect DeSantis, the governor, said The vessel, which was since Dorian devastated the Bahamas. “No one wanted to see 5,000 people were evacuated, from Boca Raton to the Volusia- that 12 counties have adopted more than 1,000 meters off the area, killing at least 70 people. a situation where we are now hundreds of homes were Flagler county line, which lies states of emergency, although island’s northwest coast, Isaias had maximum sus- facing a hurricane.” damaged or destroyed and about 240km north. no immediate evacuation reported taking on water at tained winds of 130km per hour Bahamian Prime Minister more than 130 communities Florida has been a corona- orders have been given. He also around 0045 GMT Friday. at 11am early yesterday, a slight Hubert Minnis relaxed a coro- were cut off by floodwaters. virus hot spot in the United States said that hospitals are not being There were 16 aboard the decline from earlier in the day, navirus lockdown as a result of In Puerto Rico, the National in recent weeks, and the storm is evacuated of coronavirus or vehicle, which are armored the US National Hurricane the storm, but imposed a 10pm Guard rescued at least 35 people upending some efforts to control other patients. and meant to carry troops from a ship to shore. At the time, they were returning to Federal agents to their ship from the island, Trump says will bar TikTok from US which is used exclusively by stay in Portland the military for training and as a ship-to-shore firing range. until police finish AFP — WASHINGTON the Chinese government. TikTok declined to affecting US national security. “When the AAV began to ‘cleanup’ Speaking to reporters on Air comment on the reports of the The firm this week pledged take on water they signalled President Donald Trump said Force One, Trump said: “As far forced sales, saying only: “We a high level of transparency, to the rest of the unit” that they AFP — WASHINGTON on Friday that he will bar fast- as TikTok is concerned, we’re are confident in the long-term including allowing reviews of were in trouble, said growing social media app banning them from the United success of TikTok. “Hundreds its algorithms, to assure users Osterman. Two other AAVs US federal officers will stay in TikTok from the United States States.” He added he would take of millions of people come to and regulators. and a safety boat accompa- the protest-wracked city of as American authorities have action soon using emergency TikTok for entertainment and Earlier this month Secretary nying them came to their aid, Portland until local law raised concerns the service economic power or an exec- connection, including our com- of State Mike Pompeo told Fox rescuing eight. enforcement officials finish a could be a tool for Chinese utive order. However, it was munity of creators and artists News that the administration It was not known how “cleanup of anarchists and agi- intelligence. unclear how such a move may who are building livelihoods was “looking at” banning the many others, who carried tators,” President Donald US officials and lawmakers be enforced. from the platform.” app in the US. heavy gear but had life pre- Trump said. in recent weeks have voiced fears TikTok, especially popular Trump’s move comes fol- The comments prompted servers, got off the 26 tonne The forces — whose of the wildly popular video with young audiences who lowing a review by the Com- popular TikTokers to consider vehicle or may have been deployment was seen by many platform being used by Beijing create and watch its short-form mittee on Foreign Investment migrating to platforms such as stuck inside. It sank in several as part of the President’s law- for nefarious purposes, but the videos, has an estimated billion (CFIUS) in the United States, YouTube, the New York Times hundred feet of water, and-order strategy for re- company has denied any links to users worldwide. which investigates deals reported. Osterman said. election and exacerbated ten- sions between authorities and anti-racism protestors — had been scheduled to begin their Fauci urges caution on phased pullout from Portland on Thursday. Trump tweeted late on China, Russia vaccines Friday: “Homeland Security is not leaving Portland until local AFP — WASHINGTON problematic, at best. “We are police complete cleanup of going very quickly. I do not Anarchists and Agitators!” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United believe that there will be vac- Hundreds of demonstrators — States’ top infectious disease cines, so far ahead of us, that we some with makeshift shields official, raised concerns regarding will have to depend on other — were still on the streets of the safety of COVID-19 vaccines countries to get us vaccines.” downtown Portland late on under development by China and Last month, Chinese media Friday, without any federal Russia. Several Chinese com- announced a coronavirus law enforcement in sight. panies are at the forefront of the vaccine developed by CanSino One protestor, who gave global vaccine race, while Biologics was being used to only her first name Rudi, Russia has said it hopes to be immunize the Chinese military asked: “What does clean up the first in the world to produce — making it the first approved mean? There’s nothing hap- a vaccine for the public, with a for people, albeit in a limited pening that needs cleanup... no target date of September. population. rioting, no looting. Trump is Fauci, who was asked Russia aims to bring two to just speaking to riot his base,” during a Congressional hearing market by September and the 39-year-old said. whether the US could make use October, respectively. The first Earlier, Portland police of Chinese or Russian vaccines is being developed by the cleared parks and nearby if they arrived first, indicated Moscow-based Gamaleya roads around the city center that was unlikely. institute and the defense min- A medical worker in full PPE prepares to conduct COVID-19 tests on patients at the Ohio State East on Friday in anticipation of He added: “Claims of having istry, and the second by the Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Anthony Fauci has warned that the midwest is the next hot bed for the phased pullout by federal a vaccine ready to distribute Vektor state laboratory near the forces. coronavirus infections in a recent press briefing. before you do testing, I think, is Siberian city of Novosibirsk.