WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, September 20, 2018 to 0800 GMT, September 21, 2018.

US anti-Russia sanctions

The United States has announced sanctions against 33 Russian individuals and entities over what it calls Moscow’s malign activities. The US Department of State says those blacklisted are linked with the Russian defense and intelligence sectors. According to a State Department official, some of those sanctioned are suspected of meddling in US elections. Washington has also imposed sanctions on the Chinese military for buying jets and missiles from Russia. The US says the ultimate aim of the anti-China sanctions is to punish Russia for its alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Moscow has repeatedly announced that accusations of election meddling are unsubstantiated.

Israel collective punishment

The Israeli military has decided to tear down a four-storey building in a refugee camp in occupied Ramallah. The building belongs to a mother of six Palestinian prisoners and a martyr. The decision was taken after one of her sons was arrested on suspicion of killing an Israeli soldier.  

Barcelona protest

Thousands have gathered in Barcelona to mark the first anniversary of a police raid on Catalan government offices in the Mediterranean city. People chanted pro-independence slogans, shouting "freedom for political prisoners". Streets in downtown Barcelona were filled with banners showing pro-independence jailed politicians and civil rights activists. The rally was attended by current regional leader, Quim Torra, and Catalan parliament speaker, Roger Torrent. In 2017, the police raid and subsequent protests stoked a tense atmosphere that saw Spanish police wielding batons and firing rubber bullets at crowds.

Kavanaugh misconduct case

The lawyer of the woman who had accused President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court pick of sexual abuse said her client would testify, but under certain conditions. Professor Christine Blasey Ford said she would testify next week if her safety was ensured and the terms of the hearing were fair. The Republican-led Senate committee wants Ford to testify on Monday. She had ruled that out. Ford’s lawyer said her client had received death threats and her family had been forced out of their home. Ford had also wanted a full investigation into the matter but has now dropped her request for FBI involvement. The law professor alleges Brett Kavanaugh sexually abused her when she was fifteen and he was seventeen. He denies the accusation. President Trump has stood by his nominee.

Khan al-Ahmar demolition

Eight European countries at the UN, including five Security Council members, have called on Israel not to demolish the Palestinian village of Khan al-Ahmar. The EU countries said the illegal demolition of Khan al-Ahmar would have very serious consequences for its residents. They said Israel would undermine the prospects of peace if it pushed ahead with the decision. Khan al-Ahmar belongs to Palestinian Bedouins. It’s located near Jerusalem al-Quds between two Israeli settlements, which Tel Aviv wants to expand. The planned demolition of the village has been condemned by Palestinians as well as the UN.

Tanzania ferry tragedy

Above 100 people have drowned and scores are feared missing after a ferry sank in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria. Government officials say the final death toll could be more than 200. A search-and-rescue operation is underway. Initial estimates suggest that the ferry was carrying more than 400 people. About 100 people have been rescued with dozens being in a critical condition. The vessel sank on Thursday near Ukara Island in the southeast of Lake Victoria. In 1996, a ferry disaster in the same region killed more than 800 people. It was one of the worst ferry disasters of the last century.

Brexit deal row

Britain has warned that it would leave the European Union without a deal unless the bloc’s leaders soften their position on the Irish border. British Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, said what the EU wanted at the moment about Northern Ireland was simply impossible for any UK government to accept. Grayling said he was confident that the two sides would reach an agreement. This came as EU leaders earlier cautioned British Prime Minister Theresa May that unless she gave ground on trade and the Irish border by November, they would be ready to cope with Britain crashing out. The UK is due to leave the EU next March, but no divorce deal has been reached yet with the European Union.

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