The European Union and the United Kingdom are preparing sanctions against new Russian gas projects that will be imposed in case of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, media reported.
According to Financial Times, the new set of sanctions is being developed with the US support, and will be aimed at curtailing financing and technology transfer for future gas projects. If introduced, these sanctions will affect European giants – such as BP, Total and Shell – which are investing in the Russian energy sector.
In the past few months, the West and Ukraine have accused Russia of concentrating troops near the Ukrainian border in alleged preparation for an invasion. Russia has repeatedly said that it has no intention of invading Ukraine, while stressing that it has the right to move forces within its own territory.
UN expresses concern over human rights violations in Afghanistan
Kabul [Afghanistan], January 28 (ANI): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed deep concern over the reports of human rights violations in the country.
During a meeting with Taliban officials at the Ministry of Interior Affairs- Afghanistan, the UNAMA Human Rights said that there is a need for investigations, transparency and accountability of such cases in Afghanistan. “UNAMA Human Rights met with Taliban officials at @moiafghanistan today. Discussed alleged cases of human rights violations and concerns re ex-ANSF/Govt members, civsoc, media, judiciary, religious clerics and women activists. Need for investigations, transparency & accountability,” the “UNAMA said in a Tweet on Thursday.
Several media persons, government members, religious clerics and women activists have been killed in Afghanistan.
At least 30 journalists and media workers have been killed, manhandled, and injured in Afghanistan from the start of 2021 till July 2021, while many of them were also threatened by government officials, according to a report by an Afghanistan non profit Nai.
Last year in December, a religious scholar was killed in Afghanistan’s western Farah province.
In November, four women activists in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif in the northern Balkh province were killed.
Various violent incidents against women have emerged since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan after the fall of the government in August.
Despite repeated calls from all around the world, the Taliban have failed to deliver its promises on women’s safety and their assurance of an inclusive government. (ANI)
Three police officers shot in Texas, suspect fled scene in vehicle
Texas [US], January 28 (ANI/Sputnik): Three police officers were shot in an altercation near downtown Houston, Texas, by a suspect who fled the scene in a white Mercedes, the Houston Police Department (HPD) said in a statement.
“[Three] HPD officers have been shot in the 2100 block of McGowen St. The suspect fled the scene in a white Mercedes and is being sought at this time. Please avoid the area,” the Houston Police Department said via Twitter on Thursday. The HPD commanders are en route to the hospital where the shot officers were being taken. The severity of the officers’ wounds and the motive for the shooting remain unclear at present.
