World in Focus: Sputnik’s Daily Current Affairs Program | 01/12/16

Thursday: Crisis in the Iraqi city of Mosul, as up to a half million people face a drinking water shortage; and Brazil’s congress stands accused of watering down anti-corruption legislation, as the nation is distracted, mourning this week’s plane crash in Colombia.

Up to half a million people in the Iraqi city of Mosul could be facing a disastrous drinking water shortage as Iraqi forces advance on the Daesh-controlled city.  Becky Bakr Abdulla, from the Norwegian Refugee Council, is helping with humanitarian efforts just an hour from Iraq’s second city.  We’ll be hearing from her in just a few moments.

As Brazil takes part in a three day period of official mourning, congress stands accused of opportunistically passing an anti-corruption bill which, according to its critics, will shield politicians from investigation, and QUOTE “intimidate and weaken the judiciary”.

The prominent Kashmiri human rights activists Kharrum Parvez has been released from prison after being detained by Indian authorities 76 days. His arrest was deemed unlawful by the Jammu and Kashmir high court – but just how commonplace are long term detentions without charges or trials in Indian-administered Kashmir?

From U.S President Jimmy Carter calls on Barack Obama to recognize the state of Palestine before he leaves office. His statements come amid fears that Donald Trump’s presidency may extinguish any remaining hopes for a two-state solution in the region.


You can find previous editions of World in Focus here.

Tune in to Radio Sputnik five days a week for Sputnik’s daily current affairs program, broadcasting live from Edinburgh Scotland, with Jack Foster and Carolyn Scott.