A True Inspiration! Alice Herz-Sommer: Pianist and Oldest Known Holocaust Survivor Dies Aged 110

Alice Herz-Sommer, who has died at the age of 110. She spent
two years in the Theresienstadt concentration camp.

THE GUARDIAN: Concert pianist said that optimism and discipline helped her survive two years in concentration camp

Tributes have been paid to Alice Herz-Sommer, a renowned concert pianist who was believed to have been the world's oldest known Holocaust survivor, after she died in London at the age of 110.

She was born into a German-speaking Jewish family in Prague at a time when it was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and endured the city's ghetto following the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia. She then spent two years in Theresienstadt (Terezín) concentration camp, where nearly 35,000 prisoners perished.

In an extraordinary life, which was the subject of film nominated for the best short documentary at next Sunday night's Academy Awards, she counted Franz Kafka as a family friend when she was young and carried a devotion to music that sustained her in the camp.

She died in a hospital on Sunday morning after being admitted on Friday, according to her family. Her grandson, Ariel Sommer, said: "Alice Sommer passed away peacefully this morning with her family by her bedside.

"Much has been written about her, but to those of us who knew her best, she was our dear 'Gigi'. She loved us, laughed with us, and cherished music with us.

"She was an inspiration and our world will be significantly poorer without her by our side. We mourn her loss and ask for privacy in this very difficult moment." » | Ben Quinn | Sunday, February 23, 2014


THE GUARDIAN: 'Life is beautiful': A renowned concert pianist and a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps, Alice Herz-Sommer has packed a lot into her 103 years. And despite the tragedy of losing most of her family in the Holocaust, she remains resolutely optimistic, she tells Alan Rusbridger » | Alan Rusbridger | Wednesday, December 13, 2006

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Holocaust survivor dies aged 110: Alice Herz-Sommer, who lived in London and was originally from Prague, was confined in a concentration camp in Germany during the Second World War » | News agencies | Monday, February 24, 2014

DIE WELT: Älteste Holocaust-Überlebende mit 110 gestorben: Während des NS-Regimes wurde Alice Herz-Sommer in Theresienstadt interniert, wo sie für das ganze Lager Klavierkonzerte organisierte. Ihr Talent rettete ihr das Leben. Nun ist die Pianistin gestorben. » | AFP/dpa/KNA/cbo | Montag, 24. Februar 2014

LE FIGARO: La plus vieille survivante de la Shoah est morte » | Par Lefigaro.fr avec l’AFP | lundi 24 février 2014

YNET NEWS: Oldest known Holocaust survivor passes away: Surviving through music and optimism: Alice Herz-Sommer, a pianist forced to play concerts for Nazis and subject of an Oscar nominated short subject documentary, dies at the age 110.‬‬ » | Michal Margalit | Sunday, February 23, 2014

A few precious moments with Alice… More wonderfulness with Alice Herz-Sommer. We had such an overwhelming response to our 1-min video of Alice, the 109-year old Holocaust survivor, who shared her optimistic philosophy of life, that we looked for more footage to share about this wonderful, amazing, wise, strong women.

Here's an interview with Anthony Robbins from a year or so ago -- and it's a little treasure: we can hear Alice talk about her ideas, and philosophy of life; there are archival photos of the Holocaust years, and Alice as a younger woman. We can also see Alice playing piano.

Alice survived the concentration camps through her music, her optimism and her gratitude for the small things that came her way - a smile, a kind word, the sun. When asked about the secret of her longevity, Alice says: "I look where it is good."

This film is life-affirming in its deepest meaning.

Life is short. It's a gift. Remember what's of value.

To cherish life, to be loved. And mostly: To have love in your heart.

Join our community where Everyone Matters! here


Alice Herz-Sommer – The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life – Official Trailer
The Lady in Number 6 is one of the most inspirational stories ever told. 109 year old, Alice Herz-Sommer, the world's oldest pianist and oldest holocaust survivor, shares her views on how to live a long happy life. She discusses the vital importance of music, laughter and having an optimistic outlook on life. This powerfully inspirational video tells her amazing story of survival and how she managed to use her time in a Nazi concentration camp to empower herself and others with music.


NickReedent.com »

Matteo Renzi's Female Ministers Face 'Sexist' Onslaught Over Dress Sense

Italy's new Prime Minister, 39-year-old Matteo Renzi, is
greeted by a well-wisher as he leaves a church

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The eight women appointed to Italy's new cabinet have been deluged with criticism over their outfits at the swearing-in ceremony

Eight women appointed as ministers in Italy's new government have faced an avalanche of criticism over their dress sense, with one stylist urging them to give Giorgio Armani a call.

New prime minister Matteo Renzi aimed at boosting equality in Italy at the weekend by naming the women to his 16-strong cabinet, including 33-year-old Marianna Madia, who is eight months pregnant.

But instead of hailing a breakthrough for gender equality the press has been dominated by catcalls revolving around the clothes they wore to the swearing-in ceremony.

In particular the electric blue trouser suit worn by Maria Elena Boschi, 33, the new minister for reform, was described by Corriere della Sera as a colour "unknown in nature".

La Stampa likened the blue of Ms Boschi's suit to that worn by "a Marvel superhero like Captain America", adding that her trousers were so tight that when she bent over to sign in as minister "many were reminded of Pippa Middleton's silhouette." » | Tom Kington, Rome | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Fireworks Farewell: Sochi Closing Ceremony Ends in Spectacular Show

After two weeks of cheering, intense competition, and record-breaking achievements, the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games finally bid farewell, as athletes and fans gather one last time to admire the sparkling closing ceremony at Fisht Olympic Stadium.

What about the Dark Side of Islam? (2010)

Compare Jesus with Muhammad (2010)

What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (2009)

What Will Happen If Islam Keeps Growing? (2009)

Documentary: Secrets of the Koran: Decoding the Past

Desmond Tutu Condemns Uganda's Proposed New Anti-gay Law

In condemning Uganda's proposed new law, Desmond Tutu
again equated discrimination against gay people with the
horrors of Nazi Germany and apartheid-era South Africa.

THE GUARDIAN: Retired archbishop accuses president of breaking promise in reconsidering law extending penalties against homosexuality

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has condemned Uganda's proposed law against homosexuality, saying there is no scientific or moral basis ever for prejudice and discrimination – and accusing the Ugandan president of breaking a promise not to enact the law. The new law would extend the prohibitions and penalties in a country where homosexuality is already a crime, to include acts such as "suggestive touching" in public.

President Yoweri Museveni had first said that he would not sign the legislation, then that he would do so after seeking scientific advice, and at the weekend that he would delay it pending more advice.

The proposed law has drawn harsh criticism from US president Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton. The US warned that such a move could "complicate" approximately £240m in annual aid to Uganda. In a statement Tutu said: "When President Museveni and I spoke last month, he gave his word that he would not let the anti-homosexuality bill become law in Uganda. I was therefore very disheartened to hear last week that President Museveni was reconsidering his position."

Tutu equated discrimination against gay people with the horrors of Nazi Germany and apartheid-era South Africa. » | Maev Kennedy | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Moi, Ibrahim O., globe-trotter du djihad

LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR: Pendant trois ans, ce jeune Franco-Malien a fait le tour des points chauds du djihad pour rejoindre les combattants d'Al-Qaida. Incarcéré en France, il poursuit sa guerre sainte.

"Donnez-moi dix ans, je les prendrai avec un grand sourire. La prison, c'est les vacances pour moi." Derrière la vitre blindée du box du tribunal où il est jugé pour "association de malfaiteurs en vue de la préparation d'actes de terrorisme", Ibrahim O. affiche une parfaite sérénité. Une insolente décontraction. "Je ne suis venu que pour faire plaisir à mon avocat", s'amuse le jeune Franco-Malien de 26 ans au faux air de Sammy Davis Jr, fine moustache et regard malicieux.

En ce début février, pendant les dix jours de son procès, Ibrahim O., sourire aux lèvres, avoue tout. Et plus, s'il le pouvait. Oui, il suit "les lois d'Allah, pas celles de la République". Oui, il est bien ce "globe-trotter du djihad" décrit dans le dossier d'instruction, toujours prêt à partir en terre d'islam et, s'il le faut, à combattre la France, "cette terre de mécréance". Oui, il a longtemps tenté de recruter d'autres "frères" pour combattre les infidèles. » | Par Le Nouvel Observateur | dimanche 23 février 2014

Scientology Couple Who Won Supreme Court Challenge Get Married in London

Louisa Hodkin and Alessandro Calcioli got married at the
Scientology chapel in London

BBC: A couple who won a Supreme Court challenge have got married in a Church of Scientology chapel in London.

Louisa Hodkin started the legal action after officials refused to register the Church of Scientology chapel as a place for marriage for her and fiance Alessandro Calcioli.

In December, five Supreme Court judges ruled the church was a "place of meeting for religious worship".

After the wedding, Mr Calcioli said he was "ecstatic" about the occasion.

He added he was "a little bit speechless but just so, so happy that this day has finally come". » | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Should the Burqa Be Banned? BBC Newsnight with Sam Harris (March 2012)

Hague: "There Are Still Many Dangers" Facing Ukraine

BBC: The UK foreign secretary William Hague has told the Andrew Marr Show "there are still many dangers" facing Ukraine and the position of the opposition is "complex".

Speaking on the programme, Mr Hague said it was urgent that the Ukrainian government agree a constitution and improve their economic situation.

The foreign secretary said he was in constant discussion with Russia and warned Russia not to do "anything to undermine" the Ukrainian economic programme. » | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Pope Francis Urges New Cardinals to Avoid Vatican Intrigue and Gossip

Pope Francis holds the book of the gospels aloft.

THE GUARDIAN: Former archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols among 19 new cardinals told to embody holiness with zeal and ardour

Pope Francis has instructed his new "princes of the church" - among them Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the archbishop of Westminster - to avoid "intrigue, gossip, cliques, favouritism and partiality" as they don the Roman Catholic church's prized red biretta.

Speaking in St Peter's basilica a day after he created 19 new cardinals, the Argentinean pontiff strictly exhorted the men to reject the habits of a royal court that have in recent years come to be associated with parts of the Roman curia, or Vatican bureaucracy.

Looking up from his notes to address the massed ranks of cardinals, he told them: "A cardinal – I say this especially to you – enters the church of Rome, my brothers, not a [royal] court. May all of us avoid, and help others to avoid, habits and ways of acting typical of a court: intrigue, gossip, cliques, favouritism and partiality." » | Lizzy Davies in Rome | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Daily Mail Hateful Article Angers UK Muslims

ON ISLAM: CAIRO – Leading British Muslim and interfaith organizations have signed a letter of complaint to Daily Mail’s editor Paul Dacre, condemning an article that deployed hateful Muslim stereotypes and used slurs commonly found in racist and far-right websites.

“We write to express our condemnation of a recent article published by Richard Littlejohn in your newspaper. Entitled “Jolly Jihadi’s Outing to Legoland”, Mr Littlejohn deploys the most hateful stereotypes of Muslims to attack an individual,” the letter, signed by some 25 Islamic and interfaith organizations and published by Muslim Council of Britain website, reads.

“Our condemnation is not about the attacks on Mr Haitham al-Haddad: he is perfectly capable of responding to the accusations put to him if minded to do so.

“Many of us may well disagree with the views attributed to him. Rather, we are speaking out at the insidious and hateful tropes Mr Littlejohn uses for his argument,” it added.

Muslims’ anger followed the publication of an article by columnist Richard Littlejohn.

The column, headlined Jolly jihadi boys' outing to Legoland, "deployed hateful Muslim stereotypes" and "used slurs commonly found in racist and far-right websites."

Entitled “Jolly Jihadi’s Outing to Legoland”, the article satirizes a community event that is to be held at the theme park, organized through a private group booking. » | OnIslam Staff | Sunday, February 23, 2014

ON ISLAM: Far-Rightists Threaten UK Muslims Fun Day » | OnIslam & Newspapers | Sunday, February 16, 2014

Electric Chair Haunts US Former Executions Chief

Dr. Allen Ault tells HARDtalk why he is still haunted by the executions

BBC: Most guests come into the HARDtalk studio with their guard up, their defences prepared. Dr Allen Ault simply faced the cameras and bared his soul.

His account of supervising executions in the US state of Georgia was one of the most painful, searingly honest and courageous testimonies I have ever heard.

Dr Ault is a soft-spoken Midwesterner with steel-grey hair and a steady gaze.

As he spoke about his years as corrections commissioner for the US state of Georgia, he appeared to forget the artifice of the TV studio and relive his experiences in the execution chamber.

"I still have nightmares," he told me.

"It's the most premeditated form of murder you can possibly imagine and it stays in your psyche for ever." » | Stephen Sackur | HARDtalk | Sunday, February 23, 2014

Homophobie in Afrika

«Mama, ich bin homosexuell», verkündete einer der prominentesten Autoren Afrikas, der Kenyaner Binya-vanga Wai-naina in einer Kurzgeschichte im Internet. Das ist mutig. Sehr sogar. In Kenya stehen auf homosexuelle Akte bis zu zehn Jahre Gefängnis. Afrikakorrespondent Patrik Wülser hat mit ihm gesprochen.

Doctor Dilemma: Physicians Switching to Higher-paying Jobs

Changing health care market forcing doctors to give up private practices

Women of Iran Defy Mullahs by Embracing Western Fashions

Women who flaunt fashion run the risk of being publicly
reprimanded by the so-called "morality police."

FOX NEWS: The regime in Tehran is increasingly feeling the pressure, but not from sanctions or the threat of a military strike.

It’s a vibrant and growing fashion scene, one that enables Iranians to defy the strict religious leaders who have ruled the nation with an iron fist since the 1979 revolution.

Many young Iranians have become emboldened in how they walk the streets, showing an affinity for Western clothing, jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. But it is more than just a fashion statement, say Iranians. It's a political statement.

“Violating the dress code is another way young Iranians can express political dissent,” said journalist and political activist Mansoureh Nasserchian.

Since the 2009 uprisings, when Iranians flooded the streets of Iran protesting the corruption of their government in the aftermath of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s contested re-election, the world was introduced to a new brand of Iranians influenced by social media and Western styles and ideologies, according to Nasserchian, who fled the country for Canada shortly after the uprisings.

“When the young people filled the streets, not caring how they dressed or if they had hair covering, things really changed in Iran,” Nasserchian said. “Social media gave the courage to the new generation to break taboos and be open about political and social issues.” » | Lisa Daftari | Fox News contributor specializing in Middle Eastern affairs | Sunday, February 23, 2014

HSBC to Announce Bonuses Totalling £2.4 Billion

LONDON EVENING STANDARD: HSBC will announce staff bonuses totalling just under £2.4 billion globally for 2013 and is expected to report a significant rise in pretax profit, according to reports.

Europe's biggest bank is expected on Monday to announce the size of its bonus pool, a sensitive issue as many Britons still blame banks for the 2008 financial crisis after which the state was forced to bail out RBS and Lloyds.

Earlier this month Barclays prompted an angry reaction from politicians and labour unions after it increased its bonuses by 13 per cent to £2.4 billion even as it announced plans to axe 12,000 jobs. » | Agency | Saturday, February 22, 2014

Umfrage: Gehört der Islam zu Deutschland?

Eine Umfrage in München zum Thema: Gehört der Islam zu Deutschland?

Sensation! Pope Tawadros and Saudi Ambassador Agree to Open Saudi Arabia’s First Church

Pope Tawadros II

MIDEAST CHRISTIAN NEWS: A reliable source has told MCN that Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark's Episcopate, has reached an agreement with the Saudi ambassador in Cairo, Ahmed Kattan, to establish the first church ever built inside Saudi Arabia. » | Irin Moussa | MCN | Cairo | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Saudis erlaubten Gottesdienst für Christen

DIE PRESSE: Riad ließ erstmals orthodoxe Christen feiern. Der koptisch-orthodoxe Papst-Patriach Tawadros II. bestätigte dem evangelischen Berliner Bischof Dröge, dass die christliche Feier auf saudischem Boden durchgeführt wurde.

Riad/Wien. Der Bau von Kirchen ist genauso verboten wie das Tragen von Kreuzen: In Saudiarabien kann jede öffentliche Glaubensbekundung von Nichtmuslimen bestraft werden. Es ist daher eine kleine Sensation, dass nun erstmals ein christlich-orthodoxer Gottesdienst in der ultrakonservativen Golfmonarchie stattfinden durfte. Der koptisch-orthodoxe Papst-Patriach Tawadros II. bestätigte dem evangelischen Berliner Bischof Markus Dröge während dessen Ägypten-Besuch, dass die christliche Feier auf saudischem Boden tatsächlich durchgeführt wurde. „Das ist ein erfreuliches Ereignis und ein erstes Zeichen wachsender religiöser Toleranz“, erklärte Dröge gegenüber der „Presse“. » | Doe Presse | Freitag, 21. Februar 2014

USA ändern Medienregeln für Jagd auf Whistleblower

DIE WELT: Bei der Jagd auf Whistleblower greifen Justizermittler heimlich auf Daten von Journalisten zu. Nach einem Aufschrei der Empörung verkündet ihr Chef Eric Holder nun neue Regeln im Umgang mit Medien.

Das US-Justizministerium will sich bei Ermittlungen gegen Whistleblower strengere Regeln im Umgang mit Medien auferlegen. In den meisten Fällen werde der Staat betroffene Presseunternehmen künftig vorab informieren, bevor Daten aus investigativen Recherchen angefordert würden, teilte die Behörde am Freitag mit. » | AP/cbo | Samstag, 22. Februar 2014

Focus on Religious Right Hides Dwindling Number of US Churchgoers

This image released by 20th Century Fox shows Diogo
Morgado in a scene from 'Son of God'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: As research suggests just 25 per cent of Americans now attend church weekly, Republicans must cater for increasingly secular mainstream without alienating evangelical base

This week millions of the religious faithful in America are to be shepherded into the nation's cinemas in order to watch 'Son of God', a conventional Hollywood biopic of Jesus Christ that premieres on Thursday.

Coming after last year's HBO mini-series 'The Bible', which garnered 95 million viewers, it would seem a fair bet that this film is pretty much guaranteed to be another hit.

One Texas congregation alone has bought 9,000 tickets. But such displays of mega-church muscle only serve to conceal how far and how fast the ground has shifted under America's Religious Right over the last decade or so.

It's not that America has suddenly abandoned its faith, but more that a large chunk of previously nominal Christians - the Christmas and wedding-only types - have become much happier to declare themselves in the religious camp marked 'don't really care'. » | Peter Foster in Washington | Saturday, February 22, 2014

Related »

Auch ohne Volksabstimmung: Island will nicht mehr in die EU

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Die Regierung in Reykjavik will Islands Kandidatur wieder zurückziehen. Ein ursprünglich vorgesehenes Referendum dazu soll es nicht geben. Die EU-Ablehnung hängt nicht nur am Euro.

Islands Regierung will auf den ursprünglich geplanten EU-Beitritt des Inselstaats verzichten, ohne das Volk zuvor nach seiner Meinung zu fragen. Die regierende Fortschrittspartei und ihre ebenfalls euroskeptischen Koalitionspartner der Unabhängigkeitspartei einigten sich am Freitag auf ein Gesetzesvorhaben, mit dem die 2010 eingereichte Kandidatur auf einen Beitritt zur Europäischen Union wieder zurückgezogen werden soll. Außenminister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson erklärte im öffentlichen Rundfunk, er werde die Umsetzung des Kurswechsels persönlich vorantreiben. » | Quelle: AFP | Freitag, 21. Februar 2014

Ukraine : Ioulia Timochenko libérée

Ioulia Timochenko

LE POINT: L'ex-opposante a été libérée samedi après-midi. Elle est en route pour le centre de Kiev, où elle devrait arriver dans la soirée.

Le symbole est de taille. Ioulia Timochenko a été libérée samedi après-midi, quelques heures à peine après un vote du Parlement ukrainien. Ce vote intervient alors que plusieurs proches de l'opposante occupent désormais des postes-clés.

Ioulia Timochenko est en route vers le Maïdan, haut lieu de la contestation dans le centre de Kiev. Dans une voiture, Mme Timochenko, coiffée de sa tresse emblématique, a fait un signe de la main aux journalistes et à ses partisans qui l'attendaient devant l'hôpital carcéral où elle était soignée pour hernies discales à Kharkiv (est). Elle va prendre un avion et se rendre à Kiev sur le Maïdan, a indiqué son allié Arseni Iatseniouk. » | Source AFP | samedi 22 février 2014

Plan to Split California into Six States Gains Ground

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The proposal would create a state out of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants Google, Facebook and Apple

A plan to divide California into six separate US states is closer to making it on to a November ballot, with organisers gaining approval to collect signatures.

The seemingly far-fetched initiative, sponsored by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, claims "political representation of California's diverse population and economies has rendered the state nearly ungovernable."

And on Tuesday, the California Secretary of State's office gave the movement a boost, saying that proponents "may begin collecting petition signatures."

At least 807,615 voters will need to sign the petition by July 18 to make it onto the ballot. » | AFP | Friday, February 21, 2014

Mehdi Hasan – Non-Muslims Live Like Animals

"We know that keeping the moral high-ground is key. Once we lose the moral high-ground we are no different from the rest, of the non-Muslims; from the rest of those human beings who live their lives as animals, bending any rule to fulfil any desire."

"Ayatollah Khameinei has issued a fatwa saying the stockpiling, the production, the use of nuclear weapons us forbidden under Islam. Spot on. Islamic Republic of Iran. The fatwa of the Supreme Leader."


HT: Roger Murray Clark »

Head to Head: Do Arab Men Hate Women?

With one question, journalist Mona Eltahawy unleashed a harsh critique of women's rights in the Arab world.

Men Banned from Becoming Queen as 700 Years of Law Redrafted ahead of Gay Marriage

Men banned from becoming Queen as 700 years of law
redrafted ahead of gay marriage

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Words such as “widow” removed from statutes while medieval treason laws and even rules on royal titles amended ahead of gay marriage

Men are to be banned from becoming Queen or Princess of Wales as part of an unprecedented effort to rewrite more than 700 years of law to prevent unintended consequences of gay marriage.

Even a 14th Century act declaring it high treason to have an affair with the monarch’s husband or wife is included in the sweeping redrafting exercise.

Civil servants have drawn up a list of scores of statutes and regulations dating back as far 1285 to be amended or specifically excluded when the Government’s Same-Sex Marriage Act comes into force next month.

Under proposals to be debated by MPs and Peers as early as next week, terms such as “widow” will be deleted or reworded in legislation covering topics as diverse as seamen’s pensions and London cab licences to take account of the new definition of marriage.

References to mothers, fathers, husbands and wives are also to be amended to avoid future confusion. » | John Bingham, Social Affairs Editor | Friday, February 21, 2014

Familientreffen: Nordkoreaner wollten Süd-Verwandte indoktrinieren

Für viele der 82 südkoreanischen Teilnehmer ist das Treffen
in Nordkorea die wohl letzte Möglichkeit, ihre Verwandten zu sehen

DIE WELT: Erstmals seit drei Jahren durften sich Südkoreaner privat mit nordkoreanischen Verwandten treffen. Einige von diesen sollen aber versucht haben, ihre Familienmitglieder ideologisch zu beeinflussen.

Beim ersten Familientreffen zwischen Nord- und Südkoreanern nach mehr als drei Jahren haben sich die Teilnehmer am Freitag privat sehen können; am Tag zuvor hatte es bereits ein solches Treffen unter Anwesenheit von Fernsehteams gegeben. Nach den Privattreffen im nordkoreanischen Feriengebiet Kumgang beklagten sich allerdings mehrere Südkoreaner. Grund: Ihre nordkoreanischen Angehörigen hätten versucht, sie zu "indoktrinieren".

So erzählte der 81-jährige Kim Dong-bin aus Südkorea, seine beiden im Norden lebenden Schwestern hätten viel Zeit darauf verwendet, die andauernde Präsenz von US-Truppen im Süden zu verurteilen. Sie hätten ausgeführt, dass es eine Wiedervereinigung der beiden koreanischen Staaten nur bei einem Abzug der amerikanischen Soldaten geben könne. » | AFP/dpa/jw | Freitag, 21. Februar 2014

Dalaï-lama aux USA: Obama exprime son soutien aux Tibétains

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Barack Obama a reçu vendredi le dalaï lama, malgré la colère de la Chine. Il a à nouveau exprimé vendredi son «soutien» à la protection des droits de l'homme au Tibet.

Le président américain Barack Obama a reçu vendredi le dalaï lama et dit soutenir les droits de l'homme au Tibet, ignorant la colère de la Chine qui avait exigé l'annulation de cette rencontre à la Maison Blanche.

«Le président a réitéré son soutien appuyé à la préservation des traditions religieuses, culturelles et linguistiques du Tibet et à la protection des droits de l'homme pour les Tibétains au sein de la République populaire de Chine», a indiqué l'exécutif américain dans un compte-rendu de la réunion.

Pas considéré comme un dirigeant politique

Plus tôt, la Maison Blanche avait souligné que le dalaï lama avait été reçu «en tant que leader religieux et culturel respecté internationalement», sous-entendant qu'il n'était pas convié en qualité de dirigeant politique.

En outre, dans le but apparent d'atténuer la colère de Pékin, la présidence avait organisé la réception du dalaï lama dans la salle des cartes de la Maison Blanche et non le prestigieux Bureau ovale, réservé aux chefs d'Etat et de gouvernement étrangers. Continuez à lire et ajouter un commentaire » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 21 février 2014

L'homophobie devrait être poursuivie comme le racisme

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Par 14 voix contre 10, la commission des affaires juridiques du National souhaite étendre la norme pénale antiraciste à la discrimination basée sur l'orientation sexuelle

L'homophobie devrait être combattue en Suisse au même titre que le racisme. C'est en tout cas l'avis de la commission des affaires juridiques du National.

Selon Mathias Reynard (PS/VS), l'auteur de cette initiative parlementaire, un vide juridique existe dans la répression des incitations à la haine basées sur l'orientation sexuelle des individus. La législation ne permet pas de s'attaquer aux propos homophobes exprimés en termes généraux. » | ats/Newsnet | vendredi 21 février 2014

Chess in a Minefield: The Global Implications of the Ukraine Conflict

Smoke rising on Independence Square in Kiev on Thursday.

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: The bloody conflict in Ukraine could trigger yet another confrontation between the West and Russia. Dominance in Europe is at stake on the geopolitical chess board. While Ukraine itself could descend into civil war.

The quote printed in SPIEGEL 33 years ago was a noteworthy one, and still sounds remarkably topical: "We have to ensure that this Soviet empire, when it breaks apart due to its internal contradictions, does so with a whimper rather than a bang." The sentence was spoken by US Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger during an interview conducted in September of 1981.

This week in Ukraine, one of the core regions of that former empire, it is looking very much like a "bang." Thursday in Kiev has seen bloody violence that has cost the lives of dozens amid gunfire and brutal clashes on Independence Square. Hundreds have been wounded, many seriously. The violence comes on the heels of similar battles on Tuesday -- and mark the beginning of what could become an extended and dramatic conflict over the country's future. » | Uwe Klussmann | Thursday, February 20, 2014

What’s Next for Venezuela’s Opposition?

CNN: Venezuela tells CNN journalists to ;get out’ » | CNN Staff | Friday, February 21, 2014

The Changing Face of Britain! My Story, My Journey, My Islam – Yusuf Liam (September 2013)

Faith Change: Islam Rapidly Grows as Christianity Declines in UK

Christianity's central place in British culture could be increasingly under threat, with church attendance numbers in severe decline. Meanwhile, the nation's second largest religion, Islam, is growing faster than ever; with some studies suggesting it could eventually become the dominant faith. RT's Polly Boiko has the story.

Muslims Demand "Right of Return" to Spain

GATESTONE INSTITUTE: Observers say that by granting citizenship to all descendants of expelled Muslims, Spain, virtually overnight, would end up with the largest Muslim population in the European Union.

"Is Spain aware of what might be assumed when it makes peace with some but not with others? Is Spain aware of what this decision [not to include Muslims in the return] could cost?... Does Spain have alternatives to the foreign investment from Muslims?" — Ahmed Bensalh, Morisco-Moroccan journalist.

"Persecution of Jews was just that, while what happened with the Arabs was part of a conflict. There is no basis for comparison." — Jose Ribeiro e Castro, Portuguese lawmaker who drafted Portuguese law of return.

Muslim groups are demanding Spanish citizenship for potentially millions of descendants of Muslims who were expelled from Spain during the Middle Ages.

The growing clamor for "historical justice" comes after the recent approval of a law that would grant Spanish citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492.

Muslim supporters say they are entitled to the same rights and privileges as Jews because both groups were expelled from Spain under similar historical circumstances.

But historians point out that the Jewish presence in Spain predates the arrival of Christianity in the country and that their expulsion was a matter of bigotry. By contrast, the Muslims in Spain were colonial occupiers who called the territory Al-Andalus and imposed Arabic as the official language. Historians say their expulsion was a matter of decolonization.

In any event, the descendants of Muslims expelled from Spain are believed to number in the millions—possibly tens of millions—and most of them now live in North Africa. Observers say that by granting citizenship to all of them, Spain, virtually overnight, would end up with the largest Muslim population in the European Union.

Much of the Iberian Peninsula was occupied by Muslim conquerors known as the Moors from 711 until 1492, when the Moorish Kingdom of Granada surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain (Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon), in what is known as the Christian Reconquest.

But the final Muslim expulsion from Granada did not take place until over a century later, beginning in 1609, when King Philip III decreed the expulsion of the Moriscos.

The Moriscos—Moors who decided to convert to Catholicism after the Reconquest rather than leave Spain—were suspected of being nominal Catholics who continued to practice Islam in secret. From 1609 through 1614, the Spanish monarchy forced an estimated 350,000 Moriscos to leave Spain for Muslim North Africa.

Today, up to five million descendants of the Moriscos are living in Morocco alone; there are millions more living in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia and Turkey. Read on and comment » | Soeren Kern | Friday, February 21, 2014

Inside Story: Journalism On Trial in Egypt

Al Jazeera case strikes at the heart of press freedom.

UK Journalists Call for Free Press in Egypt

Demonstrators in London demand better treatment of press in the country where an Al Jazeera team is being detained.

Arizona Legislature Sends ‘Anti-gay’ Bill to Republican Governor Jan Brewer

It is unclear if Arizona governor Jan Brewer will sign into law
a bill allowing businesses and others to deny service to gays.

THE GUARDIAN: Bill would allow businesses, churches and individuals to cite religion as reason for denying service to gay people

The Arizona legislature gave final approval to legislation that allows business owners asserting their religious beliefs to refuse service to gays, drawing backlash from Democrats who called the proposal “state-sanctioned discrimination” and an embarrassment.

The 33-27 vote by the House Thursday evening sends the legislation to Republican Governor Jan Brewer and puts Arizona back at the forefront of a polarizing piece of legislation four years after the state enacted an immigration crackdown that caused a national furor.

Similar religious protection legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma, but Arizona’s plan is the only one that has passed. The efforts are stalled in Idaho, Ohio and Kansas.

Republicans stressed that the bill is about protecting religious freedom and not discrimination. They frequently cited the case of a New Mexico photographer who was sued after refusing to take wedding pictures of a gay couple and said Arizona needs a law to protect people in the state from heavy-handed actions by courts and law enforcement. » | Associated Press in Phoenix | Friday, February 21, 2014

THE GUARDIAN: Kansas Republican leaders get cold feet over 'anti-gay' bill: Bill approved by Kansas house would give religious individuals and groups the right to deny services to same-sex couples » | Ed Pilkington in New York | Friday, February 14, 2014

Swiss Court Rules Police Officer's Slurs Did Not Breach Anti-racism Law

Switzerland's highest court said calling someone 'dirty' –
even if nationality was mentioned – was not against the law.

THE GUARDIAN: 'Foreign pig' and 'dirty asylum seeker' insulting but not against anti-racism law because specific ethnic group not mentioned

Calling someone a "foreign pig" or "dirty asylum seeker" is insulting but is not against Switzerland's anti-racism law, the country's top court has ruled.

The federal tribunal found in favour of a police officer who had used the slurs when he arrested an Algerian suspected thief. » | Agence France-Presse | Friday, February 21, 2014

101-year-old Runs for US Congress in Florida

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Florida centurion bids to become oldest person to be elected to US Congress

A Florida great-great grandfather has launched a campaign to run for the US Congress in November, running on a record of 101 years of life experience.

In a bid to become the world's oldest freshman, Joe Newman announced on his website joenewman101.com that he will present his candidacy to the House of Representatives for the first time on a promise that "all citizens be heard".

He is 76 years older than the minimum age of 25 required to serve in Congress. » | AFP | Friday, February 21, 2014

Bernie Ecclestone ‘Completely Agrees’ with Vladimir Putin’s Anti-gay Laws, and So Do ‘90 Per Cent of the World’, Says F1 Boss

THE INDEPENDENT: In an ill-advised move, the Formula One boss gave his support for Russia’s controversial laws ahead of the first Russian Grand Prix this year

Bernie Ecclestone has said that not only does he "completely agree" with Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay propaganda laws, but that he believes "90 per cent of the world" do too.

In an ill-advised move, the Formula One boss lent his support for Russia’s controversial legislation, which prohibits the publicity of what it calls "homosexual behaviour" in the country.

"He [Putin] hasn't said he doesn't agree [with homosexuality] just that he doesn't want these things publicised to an audience under the age of 18," Ecclestone told CNN in an exclusive interview.

"I completely agree with those sentiments and if you took a world census you'd find 90% of the world agree with it as well."

"I've great admiration for him and his courage to say what he says," the 83-year-old added. "[It] may upset a few people but that's how the world is. It's how he sees [the world] and I think he's completely right." » | Jenn Selby | Friday, February 21, 2014

Korruptionsprozeß: Christian Wulff kommt ohne Strafforderung davon

Could This Be the Next Queen of Scotland? As Independence Looms, Will Stuart Crown Return?

Could the Duchess of Alba be the next Queen of Scotland?

DAILY EXPRESS: A YES vote in September’s referendum on independence for Scotland could reawaken centuries old claims to the Scottish crown from members of the House of Stuart.

And an 87-year-old billionaire from Spain might argue she has the strongest claim.

For the Duchess of Alba is said to be one of two main contenders from the Stuart dynasty, whose Scottish monarchs transformed the country during their time in power.

While First Minister Alex Salmond insists Queen Elizabeth II would remain as head of state after a Yes vote, others are not so sure.

Some Scots look back fondly in the history books to their Stuart kings, the first of whom was Robert II in 1371.

By the 17th century, they ruled all of England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

In 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I in London, unifying the two crowns. His son Charles I was executed and Charles II ascended to the thrones after Oliver Cromwell’s inter-regnum.

Charles II’s brother, Roman Catholic James II, then ruled until the Glorious Revolution saw him depart the British Isles.

The last Stuart monarch was Queen Anne, who died childless in 1714.

The Crown passed to the House of Hanover, but the Stuart line continued abroad. » | Ted Jeory | Thursday, February 20, 2014

Bittersweet Tears as Divided Koreans Meet after 60 Years

South Korean Park Yang-gon (R), 53, and his North Korean brother
Park Yang-su, who was abducted by North Korea, cry during their
family reunion at the Mount Kumgang resort in North Korea

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Elderly relatives meet in snowy North Korean resort at reunion brokered by high-level negotiations between Pyongyang and Seoul

Several hundred elderly South and North Korean relatives yesterday clung to each-other, rocking and weeping, and trading photos and faded memories as they met after 60 years Thursday at a reunion for families divided by the Korean War.

The emotional gathering at North Korea’s Mount Kumgang resort was the result of tortuous, high-level negotiations between Pyongyang and Seoul, which had nearly broken down over the North’s objections to overlapping South Korea-US military drills.

Television footage showed snow falling hard as 82 South Koreans - some so frail they had to be stretchered indoors - arrived at the resort in a convoy of buses to meet 180 North Korean relatives they have not seen for decades.

Inside the main hall, where numbered tables had been laid out, there were moving scenes as divided brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, step-siblings and in-laws sought each other out and then collapsed into each others’ arms.

One of the oldest South Koreans, a 93-year-old man who was separated from his pregnant wife during the 1950-53 conflict, met the now 64-year-old son he had never seen. » | AFP | Thursday, February 20, 2014

Inside Story: Holy War in the Central African Republic?

We ask if the violence in the CAR is turning into a religious war.

WIKI: Anti-balaka »

Student Support: Snowden Elected Rector at Glasgow University

Fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden may be in limbo over where his future lies, but one of the UK's most venerable institutions is happy to give him a position of trust. Students at Glasgow University in Scotland have nominated him as rector. Tesa Arcilla explains.

Edward Snowden élu recteur de l’Université de Glasgow »

My Journey, My Story, My Islam: Ex-Hindu (September 2013)

Edward Snowden élu recteur de l'Université de Glasgow

LA PRESSE: L'ancien consultant de l'Agence américaine de sécurité (NSA) Edward Snowden, inculpé d'espionnage dans son pays et réfugié en Russie, a été élu au poste purement honorifique de recteur de l'Université de Glasgow, a annoncé mardi la faculté écossaise sur son compte twitter.

Edward Snowden avait accepté l'invitation d'un groupe d'étudiants à se présenter à ce poste.

Il a été préféré à l'ancien champion cycliste écossais Graeme Obree, à l'écrivain Alan Bissett et à l'ecclésiastique Kelvin Holdsworth. Il succède à l'ancien dirigeant du parti libéral démocrate britannique, Charles Kennedy.

Parmi les précédents recteurs figurent également Winnie Mandela et le lanceur d'alerte israélien Mordechai Vanunu.

«Nous sommes ravis de voir Edward Snowden élu nouveau recteur de l'Université de Glasgow», ont également écrit dans un communiqué le groupe d'étudiants qui l'avait sollicité. » | Agence France-Presse, Londres | mardi 18 février 2014

Muslims 'Warned in Fatwa Not to Live on Mars'

'Fatwa' issued against Muslims going to live on Mars

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Fatwa reportedly issued warning Muslims not to make 'hazardous trip' to live on Mars

Muslims have been warned in a Fatwa not to go and live on Mars because it would pose "a real risk to life", according to a Dubai news organisation.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowment (GAIAE) in the United Arab Emirates said that anyone making such a "hazardous trip" is likely to die for "no righteous reason".

They would therefore be liable to a "punishment similar to that of suicide in the Hereafter", the Khaleej Times reported. » | Barney Henderson | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Barack Obama Apologises for Mocking Art History

President Obama wrote a note apologising for his "glib remark"

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Presdient pens personal note of apology to art historian who wrote to the White House

When the apology came it was handwritten and on White House stationary.

President Barack Obama sent a personal note of contrition to a university professor after she complained about him mocking art history during a recent speech.

Speaking in Wisconsin on a trip to promote American manufacturing, Mr Obama noted that workers could make more money in "skilled manufacturing or the trades than they might with an art history degree".

Sensing he may have offended academic sensibilities, Mr Obama quickly added: "Now, nothing wrong with an art history degree - I love art history. So I don't want to get a bunch of emails from everybody." » | Raf Sanchez, Washington | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

New Dark Age Alert! 24 Hours after the Establishment of the Islamic Caliphate (Khilafah)

Sarah Palin: "I Was Not Allowed" to Tell the Truth about Obama in 2008 (July 26, 2013)

Baroness Warsi ‘Saddened’ by Rise in Islamic Sectarianism

MP's comments come after Briton carries out suicide attack
in Shia-Sunni Syria conflict

THE INDEPENDENT: Islamic sectarianism has become a “deep and dangerous” problem in Britain that is being used to justify acts of religious extremism, the country’s most senior Muslim politician has warned.

In a speech during a trip to the Middle East, Baroness Warsi said that differences between branches of Islam were being used by extremists to cause “tension, turmoil and terrorism”. She warned that such preaching was stripping the “soulfulness and kindness of spirit” from the heart of the religion and called on Islamic leaders to “reclaim the true meaning of the religion”.

Her comments come just days after it emerged that a UK citizen had become the first known Briton to carry out a suicide attack in Syria. Abdul Waheed Majeed, from Crawley, joined Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qa’ida-aligned group, and drove a truck laden with explosives into the gates of a prison in Aleppo.

While the Syrian conflict is in part about the rule of President Assad it also has a very significant sectarian dimension. Mr Assad is supported by the Shia minority in Syria, while the opposition come from the almost exclusively Sunni majority.

In her speech, given at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman, Baroness Warsi said such divisions were rarely confronted but posed “a great danger to faith and our world”. “The hatred that can exist between sects – between people who follow the same God – disturbs and saddens me,” she said.

“And even in Britain we are not immune from it. With division being preached by some, and belittling another’s faith or denomination being used as a way of reaffirming one’s own. Often the strongest condemnation seems to be reserved for your brother or sister in faith.” » | Oliver Wright | Tuesday, February 18, 2014

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Warsi warns of sectarian threat: Religious sectarianism “threat to world” says Baroness Warsi » | Matthew Holehouse, Political Correspondent | Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Extremist Preacher Anjem Choudary Taunts Home Secretary Theresa May

DAILY STAR: VILE Anjem Choudary yesterday laughed off calls to deport him, insisting: “Theresa May will have to chuck me in the North Sea.”

The notorious hate preacher sparked fresh fury after appearing on Channel 5’s The Big British Immigration Row: Live on Monday night.

He prompted a flood of complaints to Ofcom after warning more British troops would be targeted in Lee Rigby-style horror killings.

There were even calls to boot him out of the UK or seize his passport, with Choudary himself quipping that Home Secretary May, 57, was on his case.

But yesterday the defiant cleric, 47, snarled: “I was born here." » | Jimmy McCloskey | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The Big British Immigration Row » | First broadcast on Monday, February 17, 2014

Assessment: North Korea

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kim Jong-un out-spending extravagant father: UN report: North Korean leader raised $645 million for luxuries from ivory trade, underground sale of alcohol » | Julian Ryall, Tokyo | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Prince of Wales Joins Saudi Sword Dancers in Traditional Dress

The Prince joined members of the Saudi royal family taking part in an Ardah or sword dance in a stadium in the capital Riyadh

Read the short Telegraph article here | News agencies | Wednesday, February 19, 2014
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: BAE agrees pricing on Typhoon deal with Saudi Arabia: Years of uncertainty ends over multi-billion pound sale of fighters to Saudi Arabia in boost to defence giant ahead of annual results » | Alan Tovey | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Ukraine Crisis: Kiev Clashes 'Like a War Zone'

BBC: At least nine people, including two police officers, have been killed in violent clashes in Ukraine's capital, Kiev.

Police used rubber bullets and stun grenades to stop thousands of protesters marching on parliament.

Bridget Kendall reports. (+ BBC video) » | Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Venezuela: Maduro fürchtet den Staatsputsch

Venezuelas Präsident Nicolas Maduro

ZEIT ONLINE: Wie sein Vorgänger Hugo Chávez wittert Venezuelas Präsident Maduro Verschwörung von allen Seiten. Die Opposition demonstriert, ihr Anführer stellte sich nun der Polizei.

Nicolas Maduro kämpft um seine Präsidentschaft. Venezuelas Staatschef hätte das Land aus der Krise führen müssen, in die sein Vorgänger Hugo Chávez es in seiner 14-jährigen Amtszeit gesteuert hatte. Stattdessen ging es in den vergangenen Monaten wirtschaftlich weiter rapide bergab.

Es kann daher kaum verwundern, dass sich die Unzufriedenheit in der Bevölkerung jetzt auf der Straße zeigt. Für den heutigen Dienstag ist eine weitere Großkundgebung in der Hauptstadt Caracas angekündigt. Nach dem Willen von Oppositionsführer Leopoldo López soll diese friedlich bleiben.Dass dies jedoch keinesfalls garantiert ist, beweisen die Proteste der vergangenen Woche, bei denen zwei Studenten sowie ein regierungsfreundlicher Aktivist getötet wurden. » | Von Sybille Klormann | Dienstag, 18. Februar 2014

Un rendez-vous secret entre Nicolas Sarkozy et Angela Merkel ?

Selon "Le Parisien". Nicolas Sarkozy et le chancelière allemande Angela Merkel
"ont prévu de se voir très prochainement sans doute en Allemagne".

LE POINT: Nicolas Sarkozy, qui se rendra à Berlin le 28 février pour une conférence devant la fondation de la CDU, pourrait en profiter pour rencontrer Angela Merkel.

Nicolas Sarkozy se rendra à Berlin le 28 février pour donner une conférence sur le thème des relations franco-allemandes devant la Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung, la fondation de la CDU, parti d'Angela Merkel, a-t-on appris lundi de sources concordantes. Selon un porte-parole de la CDU à Berlin, cette conférence portera sur le thème des relations franco-allemandes et sur l'avenir de l'Europe.

Vingt-deux mois après la défaite électorale de mai 2012, le couple "Merkozy" serait-il en passe de se reformer ? Le Parisien affirme en tout cas lundi, sans préciser de date, que l'ancien président et la chancelière allemande Angela Merkel "ont prévu de se voir très prochainement, sans doute en Allemagne". Cette rencontre, précise le journal, "a été préparée dans le plus grand secret par leurs deux entourages pour éviter 'les interprétations fâcheuses'". » | Le Point.fr | mardi 18 février 2014

Ukraine Crisis: Flames and Stun Grenades as Police Launch All-out Assault on Protesters in Kiev

Anti-government protesters throw stones and molotov cocktails
towards Interior Ministry members

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Police in the Ukrainian capital Kiev launch fierce attack on protesters in main city square after a day of violence and deaths

Fires lit up central Kiev as Ukraine’s security forces launched an assault on protest camps in the heart of the capital after a day of bloodshed that claimed nine lives.

A long-feared attack on the demonstrators who have occupied central Kiev since December appeared to have begun on Tuesday evening. The interior ministry announced the onset of an “anti-terrorist” operation after setting a deadline of 6pm local time for the protests against President Viktor Yanukovych to end.

Afterwards, central Kiev was sealed off and the metro closed down. Specialist riot police armed with assault rifles closed on Independence Square, the site of the biggest protest camp. Security forces overran the main barricade protecting this area and set the tents belonging to demonstrators ablaze. » | Roland Oliphant, David Blair and agencies | Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Gay No Go: Kansas Approves Bill Discriminating Against Same-sex Couples

A decision by the Kansas House of Representatives to pass a bill which would have allowed the legal discrimination of gay couples was met with outrage across the U.S. A somewhat embarrassed state Senate now plans to sink the legislation which would have allowed people to use their religious beliefs to openly deny services, care or employment to same-sex couples. RT's Gayane Chichakyan reports.

Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Talks about the Boycott of the Jewish State

Related »

New Catholic Cardinal Renews Attack on 'Disgraceful' UK Austerity Cuts

The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols, said the
government's crackdown on benefit cheats was disproportionate
as only 1% of the welfare budget went on fraudulent claims.

THE GUARDIAN: Roman Catholic archbishop Vincent Nichols, who is to be made a cardinal by Pope Francis, inundated with messages of support

The leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales says he has been inundated with messages of support after branding the government's austerity programme a disgrace for leaving so many people in destitution.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme to mark his imminent appointment as a cardinal by Pope Francis, Archbishop Vincent Nichols expanded upon his comments to the Telegraph when he criticised the government's welfare reforms as "punitive".

"The voices that I hear express anger and despair … Something is going seriously wrong when, in a country as affluent as ours, people are left in that destitute situation and depend solely on the handouts of the charity of food banks," Nichols said. » | Matthew Weaver | Tuesday, February 18, 2014