Afghanistan's slain journalists were remembered on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, days after the deadliest attack on the country's media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Ten journalists, including AFP chief photographer Shah Marai, were killed on April 30, underscoring the dangers faced by the media as the war-torn country slips deeper into violence. Media workers from Tolo News, 1TV, Radio Free Europe and Mashal TV were also among the dead in Kabul.
The deadly assaults have shaken Afghanistan's tight-knit journalist community. Most of them are close friends as well as colleagues who look out for one another as they work in an increasingly hostile environment. But they remain defiant, with dozens of Afghan news editors and executives returning to the site of the Kabul blast hours later on April 30 in protest.
"World Press Freedom Day reminds me and my colleagues of the importance of reporting — reporting for a vibrant democracy," Parwiz Kawa, editor-in-chief of the Hasht-e-Subh Daily newspaper, told AFP.
1TV editor-in-chief Abdullah Khenjani said Thursday was a "mourning day" for the broadcaster, which lost a reporter and cameraman in the April 30 blast.
"Afghan journalists who work in an increasingly hostile environment deserve more support and protection," said Lotfullah Najafizada, director of Tolo News.
Around 100 journalists held a vigil outside the BBC's Broadcasting House in London on May 3 to pay tribute to the fallen journalists, observing a minute's silence while carrying photographs of Shah.
National Film Awards
Malayalam Actor Fahadh Fasil is one of the actors who have decided to boycott the proceedings.
Malayalam Actor Fahadh Fasil is one of the actors who have decided to boycott the proceedings.
More than 60 National Film Awards recipients on Thursday said they will skip the ceremony this evening because President Ram Nath Kovind will be presenting only 11 awards, a departure from established tradition.
U.S. team arrives in China
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (right) is seen as he and a U.S. delegation for trade talks with China arrive at a hotel in Beijing, China on May 3, 2018.
Top U.S. and Chinese officials prepared on Thursday to kick off crucial trade talks in Beijing. The gathering comes months after U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a series of tit-for-tat exchanges by threatening to impose huge tariffs on billions of dollars worth of goods, sparking fears of a potentially damaging trade war. The U.S. delegation includes seven senior officials: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, White House economic advisers Peter Navarro, Larry Kudlow, Everett Eissenstat and U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad.
Police officers injured at barricade scene in U.S.
North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda speaks to the media hours after emergency personnel responded at the scene of and explosion and reported stand-off in North Haven, Connecticut.
A barn behind a house in Connecticut exploded on Wednesday night while police and a SWAT team were negotiating with a man who had taken his wife and family hostage, leaving at least four officers injured, officials said. North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda said that at least four officers were taken to a hospital, but that none had suffered life-threatening injuries in the explosion at a barn at the home around 8-30 p.m.
Justin Langer confirmed as new Australia head cricket coach
Justin Langer, coach of Australia speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia on May 3, 2018.
Looking to move on from one of the darkest periods in its 140-year history, Cricket Australia has chosen Justin Langer as its new head coach, hoping the 105-test veteran will lead the national team out of the fallout from the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Ely Serna gets 23 years in prison
Logan Cole hugs family members after Ely Serna's sentencing at the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana, Ohio.
Logan Cole remembers in graphic detail being shot at his Ohio high school, in the bathroom where he had popped in to check his hair before a mock trial competition. Mr. Cole recounted the scene in court on Wednesday as he urged a Champaign County judge to give teen gunman Ely Serna the maximum possible sentence for the January 2017 shooting at West Liberty-Salem High School that critically injured Mr. Cole and slightly hurt another student.
Australian first lady 'flattered' by 'delicious' description
French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull clap during a war commemorative ceremony in Sydney.
French President Emmanuel Macron (left) and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull clap during a war commemorative ceremony in Sydney.
Australia (AP) Australia’s Prime Minister said on Thursday his wife was “flattered and charmed” to be described by President Emmanuel Macron as “delicious,” a compliment that has sparked lighthearted conjecture during the French leader’s first official visit Down Under. Mr. Macron raised eyebrows on Wednesday with his description of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s wife of 38 years, Lucy, during a Sydney press conference.
