WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, August 13, 2017.

Iran’s reaction to US sanctions

Iran’s parliament has overwhelmingly passed a bill that aims to counter “the United States’ acts of adventurism and terrorism” in the Middle East. The motion, which received 240 votes in favor, comes in retaliation for America’s latest sanctions imposed on Iran’s missile program last month. Under the new legislation, Iranian lawmakers have increased funds for the development of the country’s missile power and anti-terror operations by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. The bill also calls for slapping sanctions on US intelligence and military organizations that support terror groups. Following the vote, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed support for the measure, saying it is only part of Iran’s response to the US sanctions.

UK health inequality

New official data reveals serious health inequality in parts of Britain, with a stark life expectancy gap between the rich and the poor. The Health Department data from England shows life expectancy among poor men is 9.2 years less than rich men. The gap is 7.1 years for women. The poor also have a far greater risk of living a life of disability and disease as well as suffering premature death. The report also shows health inequality between the rich and the poor has been growing since 2010 after a period of improvement in the 2000’s. Health experts have described the figures as shocking and a wake-up call for the government of Theresa May who, last year, called health inequality in Britain a “burning injustice”.

Saudi siege of Awamiyah

Human Rights Watch expresses concern over Saudi Arabia’s siege of the Shia-majority town of Awamiyah in the Kingdom’s Eastern province. The HRW released a report on Sunday, condemning the Saudi regime’s deadly crackdown after months of unrest and escalating clashes with the police. The HRW’s Middle East director called on Saudi authorities to take immediate measures to allow internally displaced people's safe return to their home and allow businesses and clinics to reopen. The Saudi regime raided Awamiyah last week after a weeks-long siege. The group also called for compensation of residents’ property damage and destruction caused by security forces. Awamiyah has been the hub for a protest movement against discrimination and marginalization of the Kingdom's Shia Muslim minority since 2011. Riyadh blames terrorists for the recent unrest, while local residents say authorities had been hunting down activists in the area.

‘Bibi corrupt’

Thousands of Israelis have rallied to demand indictments in corruption investigations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protesters gathered near the home of Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit who is accused of dragging his feet in the cases. Saturday’s protest in the city of Petah Tikva marked the second week in a row after Netanyahu’s former chief of staff turned state’s witness. Earlier this week, the ruling Likud party held a rally in support of Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he accused the left and the media of plotting a coup against his government. Netanyahu is engulfed in a series of scandals, including improperly accepting lavish gifts from Hollywood and international business figures. The Israeli premier denies any wrongdoing. But a recent survey found that 72 percent of the Israelis are in favor of pushing ahead with the corruption investigations.

Kashmir killings

Clashes have erupted between Indian forces and militants in Kashmir leaving two soldiers and three gunmen dead. The gun battle occurred as hundreds of Indian troops encircled militants in a village near the local capital of Srinagar. It triggered an intense firefight between the two sides that led to the fatalities. Authorities reportedly identified the militants as a local armed group. Separately an army convoy came under fire in a northern region of Kashmir on Sunday in an incident that left two police officers and a soldier injured. Kashmir has witnessed deadly clashes between Indian forces and anti-Indian rule militants over the past decades. The violence has left scores of people dead this year.

Kenya crisis

Kenya's defeated opposition leader urges his supporters to skip work on Monday in protest at alleged vote rigging during Friday’s election. Raila Odinga told his supporters to wait for the next course of action. He says he will outline a new strategy on Tuesday. Odinga reiterated claims the vote has been stolen accusing the government of planning to rig the elections and then kill his supporters. The comments come amid a chorus of calls from the international community urging him to calm his followers. Angry opposition supporters have taken to the streets again.

Charlottesville's ‘act of terrorism’

The mayor of Charlottesville in Virginia has condemned a deadly car ramming attack at the White Nationalist Rally. Mike Signer called the attack an act of terrorism with a car used as a weapon. A woman was killed and nearly 20 others were injured when a car plowed into a group of protesters opposed to the white supremacists who had gathered for a rally. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 20-year-old James Alex Fields Junior has been charged with second-degree murder and other counts. Charlottesville was engulfed by violence on Saturday as white nationalists and counter protesters clashed over the removal of a confederate monument.

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