US expands sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• The US Department of the Treasury has announced a series of new sanctions against Russia over Moscow’s alleged involvement in Ukraine and the rejoining of Crimea to Russia in 2014. The sanctions include dozens of Russian companies and individuals as well as 11 Crimean officials.
• The Turkish prime minister says Ankara cannot change its anti-terrorism law. Binali Yildrim made the remarks after European Parliament President Martin Schulz called on Turkey to respect the basic rights of its citizens. The EU has accused Ankara of going too far in its crackdown against opposition supporters.
• The Turkish President has defended the country’s crackdown on high-ranking judiciary officials following the failed coup back in July. Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the mass detention of judges and prosecutors gives a tremendous relief, paves the way for the implementation of justice and does not weaken Turkey's judicial system.
• A retired Israeli major general creates controversy for glorifying the occupation of Palestine. Gadi Shamni, boasted that Israel is bringing occupation to an art form. Speaking at an event in Israel, he talked about his time as a General and was proud of oppressing Palestinians.
• Bahraini clerics of the Olamaa Islamic Council have slammed sentences handed to three Shia clerics who opposed to the revocation of Ayatollah Isa Qassim's citizenship. The clerics stressed that the regime's intensified crackdown on dissent will not stop them from seeking justice.
• Iraqi officials have beefed up security as pilgrims flock to the holy city Kadhimiyah to mark the martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Shia Imam. Millions of mourners from across Iraq and other countries have traveled to the holy city to pay homage to Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.
• Indian forces have extended a curfew in several districts across the Kashmir valley. The decision comes after angry protests broke out over the killing of a teenager by Indian forces in the Baramulla district. Indian-controlled Kashmir has been the scene of violent demonstrations for about two months.
• The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called for the immediate release of political detainees arrested in Gabon’s post-election violence. Opposition sources say police have arrested nearly eleven-hundred people over the past two days. Reports say at least three people have also been killed.

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