Russia steps up special security at all transport hubs
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday ordered a special security regime across the country's transport hubs following a Moscow airport blast that killed at least 31 people.
"A blast went off at Domodedovo that, according to preliminary information, was an act of terror," Medvedev said in remarks that were televised after a blast tore through Moscow's busiest airport.
"It is necessary to introduce a special regime in all airports and transportation hubs," Medvedev told an emergency meeting of top transportation officials. The Russian president said the security measures would be imposed in cooperation with the country's Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's main successor to the Soviet-era KGB.
Security sources said the blast, which also injured more than 130 people, some of them seriously, was probably set off by a suicide bomber from the country's turbulent North Caucasus region.
In his first remarks on the blast, Medvedev said the incident showed that Russia's security laws were not being followed in full. "What happened indicates that far from all the laws that need to be working are being used correctly," said Medvedev.
The President has also delayed his departure for the World Economic Forum , the Kremlin said on Monday. Medvedev was due to fly to Switzerland on Tuesday to deliver the opening speech at the annual forum.
Medvedev has now instructed his government to provide emergency assistance to those who suffered in the blast.
Less time to read?
Try Quickreads
-
China criticises blocs, invites 13 countries to Brics-related event
Besides the leaders of the Brics countries, China had invited leaders of 13 countries for the event, seen to be Beijing's push to expand the five-member bloc. It was a mix of countries: Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Malaysia and Thailand.
-
US Congress passes rare bipartisan gun legislation
In a rare political and legislative breakthrough, sparked by a surge in mass shootings across the country, the United States Congress, on a broadly bipartisan basis, passed a set of limited gun control measures on Friday. The Congressional push comes even as US Supreme Court limited the right of states to restrict people from carrying guns in public without special permit, striking down a New York law.
-
Roe v Wade: US top court ends 50 yrs of federal abortion rights
In a judgment that will transform America's political, legal and social landscape, the United States' (US) Supreme Court, on Friday, struck down the historic Roe v Wade judgment that had institutionalised abortion-related protections in the country. Minutes after the judgment, Missouri became the first American state to ban abortion. Case and judgment The judgment was triggered by a case which involved a Mississippi legislation that banned abortion beyond 15 weeks.
-
‘Horrific’, ‘heartbroken’: Biden, Obama, others react to abortion ruling
Trudeau called the abortion ruling 'sad day for the court and for the country', saying the Supreme Court 'took' right away. “My heart goes out to the millions of American women who are now set to lose their legal right to an abortion. I can't imagine the fear and anger you are feeling right now,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions on the US Supreme Court ruling.
-
Abortion access threatened in these US states after Supreme Court ruling
The US Supreme Court's overturning of America's constitutional right to abortion gives all 50 states the freedom to ban the procedure, with nearly half expected to do so in some form. Idaho provides exceptions for rape or incest but Kentucky only does so if the pregnant woman's life is in danger. Laws in Louisiana could see health professionals jailed for up to ten years for carrying out in abortions. In Missouri, it's 15 years.
