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  • Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro divides opinion

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro drives a bus while leaving the airport after arriving in Caracas on 17 January, 2015 Image copyright AFP Image caption Mr Maduro, a former bus motive force, likes to be in the back of the wheel himself and is proud of his modest beginnings

    Nicolás Maduro, who used to be elected president of Venezuela five years in the past, has divided opinion almost as so much as his predecessor in administrative center, Hugo Chávez.

    The first half his presidency has observed the competition regain regulate of parliament and launch a united attempt to take away him from place of job.

    While he lacks the magnetism fans of Mr Chávez attributed to the late president, he is a commanding figure in Venezuela, and not simply because of his stature of 1.90m (6ft 3in).

    Derided as a negative copy of his mentor, Mr Maduro has no longer been ousted through the competition or by way of opponents in his own birthday celebration, as some had expected whilst he was once first elected.

    Even a year in the past few anticipated the leader, in a country in the midst of a severe financial quandary, to have the opportunity to take care of power for a second time period. But he seems likely to succeed in a 2d mandate in Sunday’s presidential election.

    Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Anti-govt protesters have been killed in clashes with police

    Mr Maduro has additionally set up a new constituent assembly with the facility to circumvent and even dissolve the opposition-led National Assembly. The Eu Union and leading Latin American nations mentioned they’d now not realize the brand new frame.

    The US imposed sanctions on Mr Maduro after a debatable ballot to elect the brand new frame. The Trump administration says the Venezuelan leader is a “dictator”.

    However, he has maintained really extensive support from the fans of his united states of america’s leftist Bolivarian Revolution, a lot of whom see him as a faithful defender of Chávez’s legacy.

    Nicolás Maduro

    A 55-12 months-vintage former bus driving force with an extended profession in industry unionism Assumed the meantime presidency when his mentor, President Hugo Chávez, died on FIVE March 2013 Previously served as Chávez’s international minister Elected on 14 April 2013 by means of a narrow margin for a six-yr time period Below his govt, Venezuela entered into recession and inflation skyrocketed

    His warring parties paint him as a ruthless despot who detains his political opponents on overly harsh fees pressed through a judiciary beneath his birthday party’s control, at the same time as his followers say he’s protective the rustic from every other coup.

    Mr Maduro has confronted a serious financial main issue hastened by the cave in within the price of oil, which gives the country with greater than 90% of its foreign earnings.

    Image copyright Getty Images Image caption There has been no glaring rift in the governing PSUV leadership under Mr Maduro as some had predicted

    Regardless Of hyperinflation and mass outward migration, he has insisted at the statist economic insurance policies began by way of Chávez, and prefer him, has blamed issues on “sabotage” through native elites and “imperialists”, while the opposition accuses him of mismanagement and increased authoritarianism.

    Such rhetoric is not sudden as Mr Maduro’s ties to Chávismo, the logo of socialism unfold by Hugo Chávez, go back a few 25 years, whilst Mr Chávez served time in prison for the attempted coup of 1992.

    Image copyright AFP Image caption Nicolás Maduro keeps to have a loyal middle of supporters who prove to show their backing

    in this time, Mr Maduro additionally met his long run wife, Cilia Flores, a prominent legal professional on Mr Chávez’s defence team.

    Mr Maduro is a political veteran, having been a member of Venezuela’s parliament, the Nationwide Meeting, and at one aspect becoming the assembly’s speaker.

    He served as President Chávez’s foreign minister from 2006 till 2013, and in short as vice-president, taking on as acting president upon Mr Chávez’s demise in March of 2013 until new elections have been held the following month.

    Symbol copyright Getty Images Symbol caption The Venezuelan leader is generally noticed in entrance of an image of his mentor, Hugo Chávez

    He invokes the memory of his predecessor steadily, quoting Mr Chávez and usually talking in front of an image of the past due leader.

    When You Consider That Mr Chávez’s death, he has stored the Chávismo legacy alive, a move welcomed by way of individuals who have benefitted from the reduction in inequality and poverty, however a lot to the chagrin of people who consider the country has been driven into smash by way of many years of what they consider erroneous insurance policies.

  • Celebrity Wars: Carrie Fisher and Richard E Provide among Episode IX forged

    Carrie Fisher poses for cameras as she arrives at the European Premiere of Symbol copyright Reuters Symbol caption The overdue actress Carrie Fisher will seem within the film the usage of photos recorded for Megastar Wars: The Power Awakens

    The Solid for the following Big Name Wars film has been discovered in a surprise announcement, with a mixture of veteran stars and new faces set to seem.

    The overdue actress Carrie Fisher will feature in Episode IX using in the past unseen pictures that was once recorded for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

    The superstar, who performed Princess Leia in the movie series, died in 2016.

    Billy Dee Williams, EIGHTY ONE, will reprise his function as Lando Calrissian and Richard E Supply will sign up for the solid.

    “We desperately cherished Carrie Fisher,” director JJ Abrams said in an announcement saying the road-up. “Finding a really pleasant conclusion to the Skywalker saga with out her eluded us.”

    “we have now discovered some way to honour Carrie’s legacy and position as Leia in Episode IX through the use of unseen pictures we shot in combination in Episode VII.”

    Obituary: Carrie Fisher Has Star Wars reached height prequel? Big Name Wars enthusiasts make their very own tale

    Mark Hamill, who used to be catapulted to fame by means of the first Big Name Wars film in 1977, will go back as Luke Skywalker.

    He Will be joined by way of fellow collection veteran Anthony Daniels who performs android interpreter C-3PO and is the only actor to have appeared in all of the franchise’s leading films.

    British actress Naomi Ackie, who starred within the 2017 film Woman Macbeth, will sign up for the forged in an as but unnamed position.

    Media playback is unsupported on your device

    Media captionWATCH: The Remaining Jedi visual results discovered

    lots of the names shall be acquainted to fans of the previous instalment, Celebrity Wars: The Ultimate Jedi. Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong’o and Domhnall Gleeson will all go back for the brand new film.

    The Final Jedi was a massive good fortune, producing more than $450m (£337m) in world price tag gross sales on its opening weekend in December.

    It used to be the second largest-grossing opening weekend ever in North The Usa, trailing in the back of the 2015 unlock Big Name Wars: The Pressure Awakens which opened with $248m (£185m).

    Filming for Episode IX, which does not yet have a name, will begin in London on Wednesday. it is scheduled for release in December 2019.

    (more…)

  • Venezuela opposition legislator flees after ‘secret police threats’

    Deputies of the opposition Carlos Paparoni, (L) Jose Manuel Olivares (C) and Juan Andres Mejias shout slogans during a march to state Ombudsman's office in Caracas, Venezuela May 29, 2017. Image copyright Reuters Image caption José Manuel Olivares (centre) has been vocal in his protests against the Maduro management

    Venezuelan opposition legislator José Manuel Olivares has fled the country, accusing the government of threatening him and a number of other members of the family.

    In an open letter, Mr Olivares said that in up to date weeks mystery police marketers approached him, his wife and his brother saying they would be persecuted except he stepped away from politics.

    “My family’s wellness comes first,” stated Mr Olivares.

    Several senior competition leaders have left Venezuela over the previous year.

    They say intimidation and harassment by President Nicolás Maduro has made them concern for their lives.

    Symbol copyright Reuters Symbol caption President Maduro has unveiled new bank notes and introduced measures to restore the economic system

    The opposition was weakened by way of the arrests or self-imposed exile of lots of its leaders. Most anti-Maduro events boycotted the vote.

    Venezuela’s chief Nicolás Maduro divides opinion The Venezuelans who have had enough

    The president blames Venezuela’s elite and what he phrases imperialist forces led through the U.s. for the country’s financial crisis.

    This week, the federal government introduced it used to be reducing five zeroes from the forex, the bolívar.

    Critics say this may occasionally have little effect in curbing the world’s best inflation rate, expected at FORTY SIX,000% a year.

    ‘Not ready for this’

    Mr Olivares, who is additionally a physician, stated his circle of relatives was once taken abruptly via the hot levels of intimidation from the secret police, Sebin.

    “We weren’t ready for this neither politically, financially or emotionally,” he wrote from Colombia.

    Symbol copyright AFP Symbol caption medical experts have been protesting in opposition to low salaries and poor stipulations in hospitals

    “They were now even harassing my spouse, who gave start just a few months in the past.”

    He vowed to continue his political combat against the Maduro management from in a foreign country, alongside different dissidents.

    “i can highlight the issues confronted by way of sufferers in the well being machine, including the chronic shortage of medications.

    “And i can proceed to marketing campaign for the opening of a humanitarian channel, to carry food and medicine to the Venezuelan people,” Mr Olivares wrote in his letter, which was published on Twitter.

  • How can companies take on sexual harassment?

    Woman employee being victim of harassment Symbol copyright Getty Images Symbol caption Nearly half British girls and a fifth of men have been sexually careworn at work, in keeping with a contemporary BBC survey

    “I’ve just moved space, do you need to return over and test my mattress?”

    Charlotte reads from a list of #MeToo moments – the times in her profession where she has experienced some more or less unwanted sexual attention. As a solicitor working in assets, this text message from one in every of her purchasers is simply the tip of the jaw-shedding iceberg.

    “The worst one used to be by way of a married senior colleague. We were at an experience with a whole lot of alcohol and he was brushing my hair along with his wedding ceremony ring hand and saying i used to be very pretty.

    “He Is a very senior, neatly-revered particular person and identified to be a family man. So it was once very difficult for me to really feel that i could report him because he had an actual stature within the firm.”

    Cases similar to Charlotte’s (she asked us not to use her surname) dog every trade.

    Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Revelations approximately Harvey Weinstein’s behaviour have seen an increased consciousness by companies of the need to counter place of work sexual harassment

    Following the revelations of Harvey Weinstein’s behaviour and the outpouring of testimony on social media approximately underneath the hashtag #MeToo, sexual harassment is being scrutinised like never before. And companies are struggling to figure out how to take care of it.

    Reactions

    According to a contemporary BBC survey, nearly half British ladies and a fifth of fellows were sexually confused at work.

    Parliament is so involved about it that MPs are engaging in an inquiry into what can be done.

    Company shareholders also are piling at the drive, concerned in regards to the value and reputational damage of sexual harassment instances.

    Marija Kramer, from one of the world’s most influential shareholder advisory firms ISS, says buyers “are viewing sexual harassment as by means of-made of weak company insurance policies, processes, and controls”.

    But sexual harassment is often carried out by robust people, clear of company premises and possible witnesses, and prefer Charlotte many victims are reluctant to report it. So what can firms do?

    Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption The Usage Of the hashtag #MeToo many have now documented their very own circumstances of sexual harassment on social media

    For Radio 4’s In Business programme, we were taking a look at a few of the information which are being explored.

    Training

    For any downside, the HR manager’s answer of selection is sending workers on coaching courses.

    it might sound crude, but sexual harassment training has been not unusual follow in The Us because the 1990s and is spreading to Europe.

    Elizabeth Tippett, affiliate professor at the University of Oregon College of Law, says many such programmes need to be treated with a hearty dose of scepticism as businesses have a tendency to use them as a check field.

    She also says it may possibly have a chilling effect on relationships within the administrative center.

    “Especially in environments the place males dangle positions of power, they could shy clear of interacting with individuals who they perceive to be different from them or possible sufferers of harassment.”

    Others say it is an invaluable workout to get colleagues to speak about their obstacles and lift consciousness.

    Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Image caption Sexual harassment coaching has been not unusual follow in The United States because the 1990s and is spreading to Europe

    Tracy Powley runs UK-based totally Focal Point Coaching. She says the staff she works with have moments of realisation when taking her classes.

    “so much of instances of sexual harassment begin with a little of banter, it will be slightly bit teasing about something, but unless other folks recognise where the ones traces are it just starts to strengthen.”

    Effective or not, it’s without a doubt getting more popular.

    Navex International, which fits with some of the world’s most sensible companies on compliance problems, says it has observed an immense spike in enquiries because the #MeToo motion began.

    Reporting

    Sending other people on training classes is straightforward. it’s far tougher for trade to challenge the reasons why victims are often unwilling to speak up.

    Symbol copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption Sexual harassment sufferers are sometimes unwilling to publicly bitch

    Employment attorney Karen Jackson left a occupation within the Town to start out her personal criminal follow, partially as a result of she was a sufferer herself. She spells out this reluctance.

    “They realize there will be a big fallout from it. There will be people at work judging them, doubtlessly labelling them as a troublemaker and causing problems for their profession.

    “i’ve purchasers who cannot inform me what has came about as a result of they really feel one of these feel of disgrace.”

    One solution is unbiased whistle-blowing phone lines – already utilized by many blue chip companies.

    They are the backstop for staff once they do not feel they are able to check with their boss, who may even be the instigator or facilitator of harassment.

    Image copyright Julia Shaw Symbol caption “The Standard of your memory is evidence,” says Julia Shaw

    Dr Julia Shaw is making an attempt to carry this to small and large companies together with her reporting app check with Spot. it is a chatbot that asks customers authentic questions to create an account of what has happened that they may be able to present to their supervisor or keep for themselves.

    She argues that folks in the administrative center are hardly ever skilled in asking the “proper” roughly questions and it will also be difficult to open up to any individual in particular person.

    “The Standard of your memory is evidence and is significant to being believed, to actually ensuring that something can occur to take care of the location.

    “you’ll be able to chat to our bot immediately, you do not must wait for an HR person or marvel ‘do I accept as true with this individual or now not?’ you can report it, time stamp it, and produce the evidence whilst you need it.”

    She says a very easy factor for companies to do is acknowledge reviews inside 24 hours – her research has discovered that this cuts down on mental well being repercussions for the sufferer.

    Counting circumstances

    Acknowledging is one thing, however it’s how companies respond to those reviews that has resulted in a culture of silence around the issue.

    If sufferers are brave enough to file their considerations, critical instances usually end in a cost where the victim is required to signal an NDA – a non-disclosure settlement.

    Symbol copyright UK Parliament Image caption There needs to be a cultural change in the place of work, says Maria Miller MP

    This emphasis on a “cultural change” might seem nebulous – however it’s pointed out time and time again because the most efficient manner companies can get to grips with sexual harassment.

    Ingrid Fredeen at Navex International says it’s about executives taking it severely.

    “should you glance at the things that experience gone incorrect in companies over the past 18 months, it is while leaders didn’t listen, they did not respond, they did not take allegations significantly.

    “It doesn’t matter what techniques you place in, the company’s culture and the way issues are done is probably the most necessary aspect”.

    Gender balance

    you’ll’t change company culture just by writing a memo or sending folks on a coaching path, however one lever that bosses can use is choosing who they rent.

    If the senior ranks of an organization are overwhelmingly male, it is more straightforward for a “boy’s club” culture to persist, the place harassment is tolerated and lawsuits aren’t taken significantly.

    Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Image caption Women nonetheless make up simplest 10% of govt directors in FTSE ONE HUNDRED corporations

    Ladies still make up simplest 10% of executive directors in FTSE ONE HUNDRED corporations, and consciousness of gender disparity is acute.

    there may be already so much of work being done on this space. The climate of #MeToo activism and the e-newsletter of eye-beginning gender pay hole information are propelling further this momentum for cultural amendment.

    Anecdotally, head-hunters are desperately trying to find ladies to fill best roles. As one senior female banker recently instructed us, following the e-newsletter of her bank’s gender pay hole information, “my chances of making handling director just doubled”.

    Perfect storm

    As corporations lift the profile of sexual harassment through training, reporting and audit, it is starting to have an impact in the workplace.

    “I indisputably assume we’re making progress,” says Ms Jackson. “The Fact that we’re speaking approximately this, that wasn’t the case 10 or twenty years in the past. i think the message is lovely clear that women are announcing, ‘we may not submit with this any longer’.”

    Maybe it’s too early to name it a tipping element, however with a rising openness about sexual harassment, slowly the taboo is being stripped clear of #MeToo.

    For more in this, you’ll be able to hearken to Radio 4’s In Trade programme, broadcast on Thursday 26 April at 20:30 BST, or obtain the podcast here.

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  • Why girls worry a backlash over #MeToo

    Women who are survivors of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual abuse and their supporters protest during a #MeToo march in Hollywood, California on November 12, 2017Symbol copyright Getty Images Symbol caption Women march in a #MeToo protest in California

    That whispering you listen from American girls right now? it isn’t elation, it’s nervousness; the fear of a backlash.

    Just months because the Harvey Weinstein accusations emerged, women here are already concerned that this revolution will indeed consume its personal.

    that is an incredibly arguable matter, as a result of even elevating a potential backlash in opposition to the #MeToo movement smacks of appeasement, of wanting to allow predators off the hook.

    There are ladies who say it’s been so unfair for therefore lengthy that if a couple of blameless men get wrongfully accused, that’s a price they’re satisfied to pay. I Am a lot more well-off with the primary 1/2 that sentiment than the second one.

    To be clear, nobody wants to forestall this motion, we want to to keep it alive in a way that creates secure work places and finally ends up serving to girls, rather than hurting us.

    Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Actress Rose McGowan and Founder Of #MeToo Marketing Campaign Tarana Burke embody on stage

    the final reason why is also the most complex because it raises the thorny factor of relativity. Are all incidents of harassment the same and equally egregious? do some apologies rely for more than others?

    Girls have so much of passionate views on those questions and there’s no unmarried proper answer.

    The backlash fear here’s that if all cases of bad behaviour are treated similarly this would quickly change into a vendetta in which so much and lots of fellows are implicated and punished. Males might be observed as the dangerous men merely for the crime of being male.

    Why such a lot of sexual harassment cases in US, no longer UK? the tale that highlights an unpleasant American tribalism

    Already men are nervously asking what is appropriate and what’s no longer. Is all flirting now banned? Is a pat at the back ok, however a pat on the backside all the time a sackable offence? This confusion may just fast turn to anger.

    the risk is that men, feeling beneath siege, kick back and say “sufficient is enough, this is not truthful”. Then we possibility shedding the toughen and sympathy of our male colleagues. We do indeed grow to be seen as witch hunters, or worse, as witches.

    Media playback is unsupported to your instrument

    Media captionRoy Moore: How Alabamans are protecting the accused judge

    To be transparent, men who have sexually abused and stressed women have to be called out. But we are all studying in this process. And we’re studying that during harassment, as in such a lot areas of life, what initially appeared one of these simple case of black and white, if truth be told has sunglasses of confusing grey.

    A backlash now against ladies could be the worst factor that may happen, it might shove this subject again beneath the carpet for years. So permit’s tread sparsely, act soberly and use this moment, with the prepared beef up of our male colleagues, to make our offices more secure and happier.

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  • What has #MeToo if truth be told modified?

    A BBC illustration showing a crane dropping the words 'Time's Up' above the Hollywood sign

    The Oscars, the Golden Globes, Cannes Movie Pageant. Till 2017 they were Tinsel Town’s glitziest back-slapping forums. Now they are its favorite protest events.

    Of direction it is down to #MeToo, the campaign against sexual harassment and abuse that swept thru Hollywood remaining autumn and has given that been Googled in each and every u . s . a . on Earth.

    In its present shape, the movement began with film executive Harvey Weinstein – or reasonably, with the dozens of ladies who accuse him of sexual harassment, abuse or rape. The Brand New York Times printed the primary allegations on FIVE October, and the tycoon used to be fired from his personal corporate inside of every week. Pandora’s field was open. Harvey Weinstein denies undertaking non-consensual sex.

    On 15 October, actress Alyssa Milano suggested on Twitter that anybody who were “sexually confused or assaulted” will have to reply to her Tweet with “Me Too”, to demonstrate the size of the problem. Part a million folks spoke back in the first 24 hours.

    A barrage of allegations has since emerged in opposition to high-profile men in leisure, the media, politics, and tech. Many deny any wrongdoing. The repercussions are nonetheless in flux, however Hollywood’s power dynamics have without a doubt shifted.

    That Is less clearly actual within the world beyond, and begs the question: What Is different for the millions of ordinary individuals who shared their very own #MeToo stories? Are the currents of the motion visual of their lives too? How a ways has the rallying cry been converted into real-international change?

    Testing ‘Time’s Up’: Who’s been helped by those Hollywood thousands and thousands?

    One initiative has made cast progress (and spent solid tens of millions) in a bid to make issues higher on the ground: the Time’s Up Prison Safeguard Fund.

    Greater Than THREE HUNDRED actresses, writers and administrators launched the challenge on 1 January, raising $21m (£15m) in barely a month to fund legal help for individuals who suffer harassment, abuse or attack at paintings.

    The National Women’s Legislation Heart (NWLC) in Washington DC is fielding the considerable admin, matching applicants with legal professionals who can be offering them free advice.

    “we’ve got received greater than 2,700 requests for the help of each and every state within the United States, and there are greater than 500 legal professionals within the community who’re able to take on Time’s Up cases,” Sharyn Tejani, director of the fund on the NWLC, advised the BBC.

    “The fund prioritises circumstances involving low-wage employees, women in non-traditional jobs, people of color, LGBTQ folks, and those going through legal retaliation as a result of they dared to talk out approximately sexual harassment,” stated Ms Tejani.

    Why ladies worry a backlash over #MeToo Mentioned intercourse offences towards males triple in 10 years Mystery world: the ladies who cannot file sexual abuse

    Tina Tchen, who collectively leads the fund’s felony assist efforts, mentioned the beneficiaries include “construction employees, prison guards and cops,” adding: “There are men who have come forward too. There are a few men who have skilled sexual harassment, and then there are a few men who are calling, for instance, on behalf in their wives or loved ones.”

    That Is unlikely to lift marvel in a few quarters. Sian Brooke of the Oxford Web Institute, who research gender and sexism on-line, says the truth that males are sometimes victims of sexual violence was one of essentially the most powerful takeaways from #MeToo.

    “One workforce may also be given consideration and be taken critically with regards to allegations of rape, without it taking any of the severity or weight away from any other part of it,” she notes.

    Has #MeToo helped abuse survivors are looking for give a boost to?

    From October to December 2017, calls to the Rape, Abuse & Incest Nationwide Community – a US difficulty hotline – rose through 23% when put next with the same duration in 2016.

    A Few abuse survivors have mentioned #MeToo as a anxious affect, saying it resurfaced the pain in their abuse. Others have reported feeling less on my own, announcing it encouraged them to handle earlier trauma via speaking to loved ones, counsellors, or individuals with similar studies.

    A BBC illustration showing a ring of chairs at a group therapy session

    “It’s introduced the speculation of sexual harassment and attack into the public awareness,” Ms Brooke says. “Despite The Fact That the dialogue around the motion is grievance, you’re still bringing about an consciousness that this occurs.”

    1in6 is a La-based totally non-profit staff that supports male intercourse abuse survivors. The group’s construction and communications director Meredith Alling told the BBC that #MeToo had a rapid, measurable impact on the choice of men reaching out to them while the hashtag first went viral.

    “We noticed a 110% building up in internet site visitors and a 103% building up in the use of our on-line helpline carrier between September and October 2017, and the fad has persevered,” she said.

    What Is being performed to create better offices?

    in the US, employers are considering how absolute best to create a positive workplace culture in the wake of #MeToo.

    Ted Bunch is a co-founding father of A Call To Males, a social activism crew that promotes wholesome, respectful ways of “being a person”, and says the gang has spotted an increase in enquiries.

    “Most significantly, we have now noticed a rise in firms trying to understand why sexual harassment in the administrative center is so pervasive,” he says.

    Mr Bunch believes problems can stand up since the place of job is a microcosm of society, during which men and boys are sometimes taught to view girls as items, and of less worth than men.

    “Most men don’t seem to be abusive,” he says, “however just about all males have laughed at a sexist funny story or objectified a lady in some way. when you connect the dots and show men how the jokes they see as risk free in truth validate and gasoline extra damaging behaviour, they’re quick to modify.”

    A BBC illustration showing work lanyards / door passes like the ones sometimes worn to work

    Has the push to ditch unhealthy work cultures spread past the u.s.? One British human instruments guide stated she have been surprised via the shortage of #MeToo-impressed queries.

    “we haven’t observed any spikes within the quantity of coaching requests, or the amount of training we’re recommending. i do not suppose it’s had a significant impact,” stated Elaine Howell, HR manager at PlusHR.

    “we’ve clients in professional services, manufacturing purchasers, monetary, advertising and marketing… it sounds as if to be quite particular to that business entertainment.”

    Teaching boys that ‘actual males’ would forestall rape How can businesses tackle sexual harassment?

    Speak to Fairness, the 43,000-sturdy British actors’ union, and it is clear they have got had a different revel in. The union may not give actual figures, however says it is witnessed a “significant building up in enquiries and case work since #MeToo”.

    Vice President Maureen Beattie will take on Fairness’s presidency this summer time, and she’s keen to get the message out: poisonous behaviour won’t cross unpunished. Or as she puts it, “in the event you do something to one among our members which is improper, unacceptable, we’re going to come back after you. And we will come once you large-time.”

    “Those folks haven’t long gone away,” she says. “they’re under a stone. they’re lurking, just looking ahead to the time they believe nobody’s taking a look any further.

    “certainly one of the things we’re doing is asking people who were within the business for a long time, people who are stars, people who have clout, to keep a watch out. No Longer that they have got to be taught up in assist somebody who is been sexually careworn, however they can say – with impunity and no risk of by no means being labored with once more – ‘Excuse me? you can not behave like that with other people’.”

    How does an online motion protected an offline legacy?

    The #MeToo such a lot people know is still a brand new-ish introduction. nevertheless it had a lifestyles before the viral hashtag. In 2006, black activist Tarana Burke founded the motion as an initiative to unite survivors of sexual violence.

    Since it morphed from a low-key project right into a world byword, she has embraced #MeToo’s A-List flag-bearers – but her focal point is on lasting amendment at all ranges of society.

    A BBC illustration showing a flock of the birds shaped like the Twitter logo flying over a row of houses

    one of her most telling feedback came the week ahead of she walked the red carpet at the 2017 Oscars: “If we stick with it ‘making statements’ and not in reality doing the paintings, we’re going to be in bother.”

    Sarah J Jackson, a professor of verbal exchange research at Northeastern School, believes context is the key to anchoring Me Too.

    “i would not call hashtag ‘Me Too’ a motion at all,” she says. “i would name it a campaign that is part of a larger motion. So i might name ladies’s rights the motion, and feminism the motion. And i would say #MeToo is one indication of the sort of conversations that wish to happen.

    “the following step is, ADEQUATE so now we know the problem – how can we as a world neighborhood expand this dialog?”

    Via its “Me Too Rising” undertaking, Google has charted how awareness spread around the world. Whilst data shows the term has been looked for in each and every corner of the planet, its resonance has necessarily been larger in a few nations than others. the freedom of a nation’s press and social media can certainly have have an effect on on that – and it’s too soon to tell how the movement will form countries the place it’s won traction more slowly – Japan and South Korea, for instance.

    Karuna Nundy, a outstanding legal professional in India’s Best Courtroom, shared her view on #MeToo’s relevance to India, the place outrage over sex crimes has sparked waves of public protests in contemporary years.

    “The #MeToo conversations in India are limited to a swathe of English-talking, web-enabled people. It Is somewhat a lot in absolute numbers, but small for India. It’s delivered, although, to the large conversations that were already happening. the theory that due process is failing ladies, and civil disobedience may also be professional.”

    A colour-coded BBC map of the world showing where the hashtag #MeToo has been most popular

    Ms Nundy, who helped draft India’s tougher anti-rape regulation in 2013, says sufferers are now more likely to be believed.

    “I had a rape case the previous day towards a leading Bollywood producer. My client is an excessively young lady; we informed the court docket that she was raped over a length of six months on ache of bodily hurt. without reference to what the court decides, i think the best way we have been heard through the chief justice of the Best Court Docket and the two judges may be very different from the way in which we might were heard, say, 15 years ago.

    Used To Be Delhi gang rape India’s #Metoo moment? Bollywood: The Reality of sexual harassment

    “There May Be an interaction between public awareness, and the law and due process. and that’s the reason precisely what i believe is occurring.”

    Most Likely, then, #MeToo is not an endgame – however a clarion name to something larger. A reminder for people to hunt change in their communities, and push to make harmful systems better – especially for folks who lack the ability to combat on my own.

    Short presentational grey line

    there is data and support available for somebody affected by sexual abuse:

    A Few enterprises in the UK

    Rape Obstacle Community Europe has contact knowledge listed via country

    in the US, you’ll name the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE – or get help on-line

    … and 1in6 gives unfastened 24/7 support for male abuse survivors

    Short presentational grey line

    Illustrations via Katie Horwich

  • Idaho inmates hack prison system and scouse borrow $225,000 in credit

    An inmate in New Jersey demonstrates JPay, an online network used by prisoners Image copyright Reuters Image caption An inmate in New Jersey demonstrates JPay, a web based community used by prisoners

    Masses of Idaho jail inmates have hacked jail instrument to “artificially” boost the amount of money in their personal money owed, officers say.

    The Idaho Department of Corrections stated 364 inmates had been “intentionally exploiting a vulnerability” to take nearly $225,000 (£171,000).

    Fifty prisoners credited their accounts with greater than $1,000 each and every while another inmate transferred $NINE,990.

    A prisons spokesman said the “incorrect conduct involved no taxpayer dollars”.

    In a press release to BBC Information, Idaho Department of Correction spokesman Jeff Ray mentioned the inmates had hacked the JPay system.

    Image copyright Reuters Symbol caption A JPay tablet instrument shown on the East Jersey State Jail in New Jersey

    “This habits was intentional, not accidental,” mentioned Mr Ray.

    “It required a data of the JPay system and multiple movements by means of each and every inmate who exploited the machine’s vulnerability to improperly credit score their account.”

    Prisoners from 4 state establishments and one private prison were came upon to have taken part within the scheme earlier this month.

    In an announcement to the Related Press (AP), JPay spokeswoman Jade Trombetta said the corporate “is proud to offer services and products that allow incarcerated individuals to communicate with buddies and circle of relatives, access instructional programming, and enjoy sure entertainment options that help prevent behavioural issues”.

    “At The Same Time As the vast majority of individuals use our protected technology correctly, we are regularly working to enhance our merchandise to prevent any makes an attempt at misuse.”

    Symbol copyright Reuters

    Mark Molzen, a spokesman for web supplier CenturyLink, which supports JPay, said the vulnerability within the instrument have been fixed however declined to give an explanation for how the transfers occurred.

    JPay has up to now recovered more than $SIXTY FIVE,000 value of credits from the prisoners.

    They have been suspended from downloading music and games until they pay the corporate for its losses, however they’re nonetheless able to send and obtain emails.

    The Idaho Division of Corrections has also issued disciplinary experiences to the inmates that have been involved, meaning that they’d lose sure privileges and be reclassified to a better safety chance stage.

  • Les Moonves: CBS investigates report of ‘misconduct’

    Moonves and his wife, CBS host Julie Chen Symbol copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption Moonves and his spouse, CBS host Julie Chen

    US television community CBS says it is investigating amid reports its most sensible executive has been accused of sexual misconduct.

    The claims of undesirable kissing and touching via Les Moonves are set to be published within the New Yorker magazine on Friday, according to US media.

    In a statement, CBS stated it was once taking a look into the allegations and could “take appropriate action”.

    CBS’ stock worth dropped on Friday amid the reports.

    Shares dropped through 6% prior to an expected exposé by Ronan Farrow, who this year gained a Pulitzer Prize for detailing attack accusations towards Hollywood manufacturer Harvey Weinstein.

    Image copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption CBS news presenter Charlie Rose (right) was fired for sexual misconduct earlier this 12 months

    “The Impartial Administrators of CBS have dedicated to investigating claims that violate the Company’s clear insurance policies in that regard.

    “Upon the realization of that investigation, which comes to just lately said allegations that return several decades, the Board will directly review the findings and take suitable action.”

    Mr Moonves, SIXTY EIGHT, who is chairman and leader government of CBS, has yet to reply to BBC requests for comment.

    Earlier this 12 months, CBS’ fired veteran presenter Charlie Rose, who used to be accused of sexual harassment by a number of ladies, together with a few CBS employees.

    Mr Moonves has long been considered one among the most tough males in Hollywood, helping steer the network broadcaster into the virtual age.

    Image copyright Getty Photographs Symbol caption Moonves (2nd from proper) making a song with CBS chat display host James Corden

    Media colossus

    Analysis via James Cook, BBC Los Angeles

    He started out as a TV actor earlier than growing Friends and ER with Warner Bros and then reviving an in poor health CBS with hits together with CSI, Everyone Loves Raymond and, so much lately, The Large Bang Theory.

    For a decade beneath his leadership, CBS has been probably the most-watched community within the US, narrowly protecting its crown ahead of NBC within the 2017-18 season.

    Mr Moonves earned $69.3m (£53m) in 2017 making him one of the highest paid leader executives in the global.

    But his tenure on the top of the community, which he joined in 1995, has been marked through an influence battle with Shari Redstone who, via her family’s trade National Amusements, is the controlling shareholder in each CBS and the media conglomerate, Viacom.

    Ms Redstone and Mr Moonves are currently scuffling with in the courts as he attempts to thwart her plan to merge the 2 corporations.

    He has been married to Julie Chen – host of CBS’ Large Brother – on account that 2004.

    The wed not up to two weeks after he finalised his divorce from Nancy Wiesenfeld, to whom he have been married considering 1978, consistent with the Hollywood Reporter.

    Image copyright Getty Pictures Symbol caption From left: Actor Bryan Cranston, host James Corden, LA Bafta CEO Chantal Rickards, and Mr Moonves

    In The Course Of The 2016 presidential election, he was criticised for announcing Donald Trump’s candidacy “won’t be just right for The United States, however it’s rattling excellent for CBS”.

    “The money’s rolling in and this is a laugh,” he mentioned at a media event in San Francisco.

  • In pictures: Blood moon across the international

    Other People in lots of nations were catching a glimpse of a blood moon for the longest lunar eclipse of the 21st Century.

    The Moon rises behind the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, near Athens Image copyright Reuters

    In Greece, the moon rose behind the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, close to Athens.

    In a lunar eclipse, the Earth stands between its herbal satellite tv for pc and the Sun.

    A Symbol copyright Reuters

    Although not right away illuminated by means of the Sun, the moon nonetheless catches mild filtered and bent by way of the Earth’s atmosphere. this provides it a ghostly orange, brown and red hue.

    rises behind the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi Image copyright Reuters

    Because The eclipsed omitted Abu Dhabi, the Moon might be noticed behind the minarets of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

    Clouds over Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire obscuring a view of the blood moon Symbol copyright PA

    But not everyone used to be in a position to see the eclipse. England has been scorched by means of a ruthless sun for weeks, but in some spaces stargazers gathered most effective to look the moon obscured by way of a surprising spell of cloudy weather.

    Star gazers in Sinpapore Image copyright Reuters

    For the ones capable of study the development, no protective eye gear is critical.

    A full moon is seen near a picture of Brazilian footballer Neymar, before the start of a lunar eclipse over Cairo, Egypt 17 July Symbol copyright Reuters

    In Cairo, the moon eclipsed a star, as it stood above an image of Brazilian footballer Neymar.

    The eclipse will had been visible from Southern Africa to the center East, Russia, India, and Australia.

    People set up telescopes to witness a rare lunar eclipse near 27 in Taipei, Taiwan Image copyright Getty Photographs

    Other People in Taipei, Taiwan, set up telescopes to observe the development. the overall eclipse will final nearly one hour and FORTY THREE minutes.

    All photos copyrighted.

  • Pakistan election: Rival parties reject end result and get in touch with for brand spanking new ballot

    Pakistani opposition leader Maulana Fazalur Rehman (2nd R) and Shahbaz Sharif (2nd L), younger brother of Nawaz Sharif, attend an All Parties Conference in Islamabad on July 27, 2018 Image copyright AFP Symbol caption Party leaders included PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif (second left) and Maulana Fazalur Rehman of the MMA (second proper)

    a bunch of Pakistani political events has rejected the results of Wednesday’s general election that looks poised to bring ex-cricketer Imran Khan to power.

    Mr Khan’s PTI birthday party is beforehand in the ballot and has declared victory, but rival parties allege vote rigging.

    After joint talks in Islamabad, one birthday party chief stated they might release protests to demand contemporary elections.

    The rival events include that of ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, which had in advance stated it used to be able to move into competition.

    PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif, brother of Nawaz Sharif who’s in prison on corruption charges, mentioned the celebration had but to come to a decision whether or to not boycott parliament.

    Symbol copyright AFP Symbol caption Supporters of Imran Khan are already celebrating victory

    On Thursday Mr Khan – who captained Pakistan to a world Cup victory in 1992 – mentioned the vote were the “clearest, fairest election Pakistan has ever had”.

    What has Nawaz Sharif’s party stated?

    In Advance on Friday, senior PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif stated the birthday party had “reservations” over the best way the election used to be held, but it surely might concede victory so as to “make stronger democracy in the u . s . a .”.

    “We Are going to sit down on opposition benches, despite all the reservations,” the previous prime minister’s nephew stated.

    “even supposing democracy is defective, its answer is extra democracy, and then extra democracy.”

    Nawaz Sharif, who’s in jail after being convicted on corruption charges he disputes, mentioned the election had been “stolen”.

    He introduced that the “tainted and dubious” results would have a unfavourable have an effect on on the rustic’s politics.

    What might be the following PM’s major challenges?

    Before the election Mr Khan told the BBC that if he were to be elected, his preliminary center of attention could be at the economy. the value of Pakistan’s forex, the rupee, has been falling. Inflation is on the upward push and the business deficit is widening.

    Exports corresponding to textiles have taken a hit from less expensive merchandise via regional competition, together with China. Analysts say the new executive might have to turn to the World Financial Fund (IMF) for the country’s 2d bailout since 2013.

    who’re the ‘angels’ and the ‘electables’? Fears of ‘creeping coup’ in Pakistan

    The BBC’s Secunder Kermani in Islamabad says tricky decisions that would entail curbs on spending might be more straightforward in a government Mr Khan is in a position to dominate.

    Why does this election subject?

    Pakistan has a inhabitants of just about 200 million and is a nuclear-armed rival to India. it is additionally a key developing economic system and one among the world’s greatest Muslim-majority nations.

    The u . s . a . has been ruled on and rancid through the army right through its 71-12 months historical past, so this election is very important because it is thought of as the country’s 2nd consecutive democratic transition.

    (more…)