A powerful explosion ripped through a supermarket in Russia. The protests in Myanmar also continue after a military coup, and the prison, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, will appear in court again. Meanwhile, Beijing has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in China. CBS News’ foreign correspondent Ian Lee joined CBSN AM from London with the headlines.
Video transcription
ANNE-MARIE GROEN: Emergency personnel are on the scene after a powerful explosion ripped through a supermarket in southern Russia – rather in a southern Russian city. Our Ian Lee followed the story for us and other international news. Ian, you’re joining us from London. What can you tell us about this?
IAN LEE: Good morning, Anne Marie. Things could have been much worse in Russia if the explosion in the supermarket had taken place hours later when it was open. The aftermath only shows the force of the explosion. The one-story building collapsed completely and was left smoldering. Nearby apartments were also damaged and debris was dumped in the surrounding area.
Emergency teams believe a gas leak caused the blast. No one was presumed dead while a guard who was sleeping in the building at the time was able to crawl to safety relatively unharmed.
Next we are in Myanmar where protests continue in the wake of a military coup earlier this month. The generals called for unity, but the people did not. They want to restore democracy in the country. Local reports say the protesters have been the largest participants so far today.
On the same day, more than 23,000 prisoners were released in a gesture of unity. The military is now threatening to use more repressive measures against protesters if unrest continues.
Next we are in Russia where opposition leader Alexei Navalny will appear in court again today. This time he is accused of slandering a veteran and supporter of President Putin from World War II. Navalny calls the case a fabricated attempt to discredit him. And if convicted, the Kremlin critic could face a fine or a jail sentence. The trial comes after a judge sentenced him to nearly three years in prison earlier this month for violating the trial.
To keep its anti-Putin campaign going, Navalny’s team is accepting donations, including Bitcoin. So far this year, he has received the nearly $ 300,000 cryptocurrency.
Finally, we have a spit between the UK and China. It began when British authorities revoked China’s state broadcasting license for violating regulations after broadcasting an alleged forced confession of a British citizen. In a tit-for-tat, Beijing retaliated by banning “BBC World News” from broadcasting in China. Chinese authorities have said the British broadcaster violates guidelines that harm the country’s national interest. Both the UK and the US have condemned China’s decision, calling it part of a broader campaign to suppress free media in the country.
Anne-Marie, we must note that CBS has collaborated with the BBC. But there is also a lot of concern about China using its state broadcaster as a front for espionage. And just last weekend, British authorities deported three Chinese journalists accusing them of espionage.
ANNE-MARIE GROEN: Yes, and I think, I do not know if this is one of the three, but I know that Beijing holds at least one Australian anchor and makes the same accusation. If you are deported, it seems much better than being held against your will. Ian Lee, thank you very much.