Whatsapp allows users to edit sent messages, but only for 15 minutes

Popular messaging platform WhatsApp has announced that users can now edit their sent messages through a new ‘Edit’ feature.

With the feature rolling out globally in the coming weeks, senders will be able to modify their messages within 15 minutes of hitting send.

The function can be accessed by long-pressing the message and choosing “edit” in the drop-down menu.

The modified message will carry the label “edited”, without showing edit history. Previously, the only way to correct a message sent in haste or containing an error was to delete it and send a fresh one, with recipients alerted to the fact by the removed post being replaced with the phrase: “This message was deleted.”

“From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats. All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to 15 minutes after,” said WhatsApp.

Competing apps such as Telegram and Signal already allow users to edit messages, while Twitter rolled out the ability to edit tweets to select users last year.

Twitter offers an editing feature to subscribers to its Twitter Blue service, giving them a 30-minute window to edit a tweet after it has been sent.

Meta’s founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, flagged the WhatsApp change on his Facebook page, showing a message that had been changed from “Beast of luck!” to “Best of luck!”

Facebook, also owned by Meta, started to roll out the ability to edit posts and comments about a decade ago. Its fellow Meta social media platform Instagram allows users to edit posts but not comments.

Adidas to sell off $1.3 Billion worth of remaining Kanye West’s Yeezy left over

Adidas is set to start selling off $1.3 bILLION-worth of remaining Kanye West’s Yeezy left over after cutting business ties with the rapper following his antisemitic tirade last year.

The German athletic apparel and footwear corporation will also donate a portion of its upcoming profits from its Yeezy products to the Anti-Defamation League and other charities ‘working to combat discrimination and hate, including racism and antisemitism.’

TMZ is reporting the company is expected to start selling off the remainder of its Yeezy sneakers and other inventory items within days, which will mark the first time consumers can buy Yeezy products since October 25, when Adidas broke off business ties with the rapper and entrepreneur.

The controversy behind the business fall out for West began when he and some of his models wore a shirt emblazoned with the phrase ‘White Lives Matter’ on its back for his Yeezy Paris Fashion Week show on October 3.

The Southern Poverty Law Center says the phrase is one that was adopted by neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

The rapper later took to Twitter to use antisemitic rhetoric in his posts and in interviews.

One of the most infamous of his posts was when he appeared to threaten Jewish people in a tweet that came shortly after his Instagram account was restricted for content viewed by some users as antisemitic.

‘I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE,’ he began in the controversial post on October 8, 2022.

‘The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,’ he wrote, in one of his first tweets in two years.

Turkish Embassy organises cuisine week to help deepen ties with Nigeria

The Embassy of Turkey, in a bid to strengthen ties with Nigeria, has organised a week-long event, where both countries can learn more about each other’s culture through food.

Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar at the inaugural gala of the cuisine week on Friday in Abuja said that varieties of Turkish meals would be on the menu of the Frazer Suites, Abuja all week.

Bayraktar said that one of the symbols of Turkish culture, which has always been famous for its hospitality was Turkish Cuisine which symbolises the spirit of community and solidarity.

“This is the second of the Turkish cuisine week that will be held since last year and it was initiated by our first lady, Mrs Emine Erdogan.

“And the aim of this gathering is to show Turkish culture to other cultures.

“During this week, the hotel, chefs will prepare different varieties of food from different parts of Turkey.

“This year it is more from the Hatay region because of the earthquake that we just had on Feb. 6.

He disclosed that one aspect of culture was the food, the cuisine of Turkey.

“As everybody knows jollof rice all around the world is a Nigerian dish, of course, Turks have many dishes like that that are worldwide known.

“Which is why we have gathered friends and foreign mission colleagues to enjoy the food and see what we can cheer about our culture,” Bayraktar said.

He said that following positive reports on tasty Turkish meals from Nigerians who have visited Turkey, he would engage with Nigeria’s Ministry of Culture to jointly organize a food fair in both countries.

“On the food fair, we could do something like that. I need to talk to the Ministry of Culture, I believe it will be a good opportunity.

“I know that a lot of people that go from Nigeria to Turkey, they said they loved the food and enjoyed a lot of restaurants that they have gone to.

Mr Dele Oye, Chairman, Nigerian-Turkey Business Council commended the exquisite event.

He said that introducing a person to the food and culture of a country was the smartest way to strengthen business relations.

“I will tell you that once you eat someone’s food, you will definitely do business with that country.

“If you look at the Chinese principle, they make sure all of us know about their food before they even came out with the business, that will make it a lot easier.

“When you go for business meetings you will feel comfortable doing business in a comfortable environment,” Mr Oye said.

Highlights of the event were when the Ambassador made “Pide” a popular cuisine called Turkish Pizza for guests in the kitchen.

Those present at the event include Nigerian government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps including the Chinese, Indians, Mexicans, and Ambassadors to Nigeria among others.

UN raises alarm as cholera threatens one billion people from Nigeria, 42 countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) say 43 countries, including Nigeria, now face outbreaks as increasing numbers of cholera cases are reported.

They said the outcome for patients was worse than 10 years ago.

In a statement on Friday, the UN agencies said that after years of steady decline, cholera was making a devastating comeback and targeting the world’s most vulnerable communities.

“The pandemic is killing the poor right in front of us,” said Jérôme Pfaffmann Zambruni, Head of UNICEF’s Public Health Emergency unit.

Echoing the bleak outlook, WHO data indicates that by May 2022, 15 countries had reported cases, but by mid-May this year, “we already have 24 countries reporting.

“And we anticipate more with the seasonal shift in cholera cases,” said Henry Gray, WHO’s incident manager for the global cholera response.

“Despite advances in the control of the disease made in the previous decades, we risk going backwards.”

The UN health agency estimates that one billion people in 43 countries are at risk of cholera, with children under-five particularly vulnerable.Cholera’s extraordinarily high mortality ratio is also alarming.

Malawi and Nigeria registered case fatality rates as high as three per cent this year, well above the acceptable one per cent.

Southeastern Africa is particularly badly affected, with infections spreading in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The development follows the destructive passage of Cyclone Freddy in February and March this year, leaving 800,000 people in Malawi and Mozambique internally displaced and disrupting healthcare.

These vulnerable communities are at high risk of cholera, a preventable disease in areas affected by heavy rains and floods.

A deadly combination of climate change, underinvestment in water, sanitation and hygiene services – and some cases, armed conflict – has led to the spread of the disease, agreed the two UN agencies.

Although vaccines exist to protect against cholera, supply is insufficient to face the increasing demand.

According to the WHO, 18 million doses of vaccines have been requested globally, but only eight million have been made available.“Increasing production is not an overnight solution,” Mr Grays said.

“The plan is to double the production of doses by 2025, but we won’t have enough if the current trend continues.”WHO’s wake-up call was echoed by UNICEF.

“Not only (do) we need long-term investments, but immediate investments in the water system to ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and dignity,” Mr Zambruni said.

To respond to the growing cholera threat, WHO is launching a 12-month Strategic Preparedness, Response and Readiness Plan, requiring $160 million, alongside UNICEF’s Call to Action for $480 million.

The combined cholera response plan will cover 40 countries in acute crisis. It will include coordination, infection surveillance and prevention, vaccination, treatment, and water, sanitation and hygiene.

Lesotho imposes curfew after killing of journalist

Lesotho has imposed a 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew to curb rising gun violence after investigative journalist Ralikonelo Joki, known as Leqhashasha, was gruesomely murdered.

Mr Joki ran a current affairs programme on radio which exposed corrupt dealings in government and the participation of state officials in organised crime.

In 2021, his story exposed no less than five notable politicians who were illegally trading alcohol.

He was killed on Sunday night while returning from his radio show with gunshots at close range to his head and body.

The curfew was enacted on Tuesday and will only exempt essential workers such as hospitals, media workers and security sectors.

Media organisations and press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), have condemned Mr Joki’s killing and urged the country’s government for a swift investigation.

CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, Angela Quintal, in her statement that the country must thoroughly investigate Mr Joki’s death and killers must be brought to justice to deter those who believe they could kill journalists without consequences.

“Authorities in Lesotho must thoroughly investigate the killing of Ts’enolo FM host Ralikonelo ‘Leqhashasha’ Joki and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” stated Ms Quintal.

She added,

“An attempted murder trial after a similar attack on Lesotho Times editor Lloyd Mutungamiri in 2016 has dragged on for years. Authorities must send a clear signal to those who believe they can attack or kill journalists without consequence, that in Joki’s case at least, there will be swift accountability.”

IFJ general secretary Anthony Bellange said it “is a matter of public interest to ensure the safety of those who fulfil their obligations towards the public’s right to know.”

Woman jailed six years for killing her rapist

An indigenous woman in Mexico was sentenced to six years and two months in prison for the murder of her rapist.

The court acknowledged that the woman, named only as Roxana N, acted in self-defence when she killed her attacker in 2021 but said she used excessive force.

The woman, 23, first knocked the man unconscious, then strangled him and finally tried to dismember his body.

She kept the body for at least 20 hours before putting it in a plastic bag on the street.

The court said it took into consideration the woman’s “vulnerability as a woman and as an indigenous person” in its sentencing.

“It was my life or his life,” the woman said. “I only wanted to defend my life from a rapist,” she said, adding that she acted out of fear.

She can still appeal the verdict.

The single mother from the southern state of Oaxaca is supported by women’s organisations.

She had already spent nine months in pre-trial detention before being released for the trial.

WWE Legend Billy Graham is dead

WWE superstar, Billy Graham has passed on at the age of 79.

Graham died on Wednesday, May 17, after being taken off life support. His daughter and wife were by his side.

Billy’s wife Valerie announced on Monday, May 15, that he had been in the ICU for three weeks as a result of various health issues.

She said doctors wanted to take Billy off life support Monday night, but she initially refused.

Known for his prowess as a wrestler and a bodybuilder, Billy rose to fame back in the day wrestling for the American Wrestling Association and later the World Wrestling Federation.

Billy mentored big-time wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Ric Flair and Jesse Ventura, and in 2004 the WWE inducted Billy into its Hall of Fame.

Billy’s recent health issues took a toll on his body; his family said he lost 45 pounds while suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss, and a significant infection in his ears and skull. His kidney was also failing.

Sudan denounces attacks on churches, diplomatic missions

Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced the attack on worshipers by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), saying it grossly violated human rights and international law.

This is contained in a statement by Mohamed Abdelmannan, the Sudanese ambassador to Nigeria, released on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The ministry denounces the barbaric behaviour of the rebel RSF and calls on the international community to condemn it in the strongest terms.

Such irresponsible acts also call upon the international community to designate the rebel RSF a terrorist group,” the ambassador said.

The condemnation is against the backdrop of terrorists’ acts by the RSF on the Episcopal Anglican Church of Sudan, All Saints Cathedral, Khartoum, Sudan, on May 14, 2023.

The church is the second worship centre attacked after Margis Church in the Al-Masalma neighbourhood of Omdurman.

The envoy decried the continuation of terrorist behaviour, infringement of international laws and norms and armed attacks carried out in many other places by the rebel RSF.

According to him, such places include headquarters of the diplomatic missions in Khartoum, embassies of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, South Sudan, and Somalia and the premise of the Military Attaché of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The attacks resulted in the looting of these properties, robbery of valuable items, including computers and diplomatic vehicles, official documents, and damage of the premises’ furniture and belongings,” explained Mr Abdelmannan.

He added,

“The group should be held responsible for its criminal and terrorist acts before international, regional and national justice.”

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken calls Tinubu, pledges to strengthen US partnership with Nigeria

The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, on Tuesday, May 16, called President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement released by Blinken’s office says during the call, Blinken emphasized his continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.

It further stated that the Secretary noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect Tinubu’s tenure.

The statement added that Secretary Blinken and President-elect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.

Tinubu who is currently in Europe will be sworn into office on May 29.

Three people killed and two officers injured in mass shooting in New Mexico

At least three people have been killed and two officers injured in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico.

A suspect was reported to have two pistol-type weapons, according to local New Mexico newspaper The Journal.

The suspect was killed on the scene and there is no ongoing threat, police said.

Multiple civilians and officers from the Farmington Police Department were involved in the shooting, which happened at around 11am on Monday morning, the department said in a statement.

Two officers were shot, one from the Farmington Police Department and one from New Mexico State Police.

Both were taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center and treated for their injuries but said to be in stable condition.

It is not clear yet how many civilians were injured.

The shooting happened in the area south of Brookside Park in Farmington soon after 11 am on May 15.

Multiple vehicles and houses were reported to have been struck by bullets.

Four nearby schools were placed under lockdown at the request of the Farmington Police Department within around 15 minutes, according to Farmington Municipal Schools.

One victim was reported to be a 35-year-old male who had been shot in the arm.

A person claiming to work at the San Juan Regional Medical Center described on Facebook the moment an injured officer arrived at the facility.

‘I know, we saw the first police cars come in and one pulled an officer out of the back seat and dragged them inside,’ they wrote.

‘The ambulance entrance is right by my window. Many ambulances came in and out. Several ems personnel hugging and crying. Whole hospital on lockdown. Made me very sad,’ they added.

US govt imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the 2023 general elections

The United States government has imposed visa restrictions on some Nigerians who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, disclosed this on Twitter on Monday afternoon, May 15.

He however did not mention the names of those affected.

His tweet reads;

‘’We have imposed visa restrictions on specific individuals who undermined the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections. We remain committed to supporting Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and rule of law.”

160 women claiming to be Nigerians in Sudan without passports to fly back – Federal Government

The Federal Government says 160 women claiming to be Nigerians in Sudan who are without passports, are to fly back to the country.

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed disclosed this during a chat with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, May 14, on the evacuation of Nigerians from war-torn Sudan.

Channels TV reports that Ahmed said the women claimed to be Nigerians but do not possess Nigerian passports to verify their claims. He said the agency is being careful not to evacuate persons who are not Nigerians.

It will be recalled that before the commencement of the evacuation exercise, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission had said there were about three million Nigerians in Sudan and a total of 5,000 students.

However, the NEMA boss said apart from the 2,518 Nigerians that have so far been evacuated and 15 flights operated so far, the citizenship of many of those claiming to be Nigerians cannot be verified.

He said some of them claimed their great-grandparents up to the fifth generation were Nigerians while they were born in Sudan but that remains unverified.

Ahmed disclosed how some desperate Sudanese tried to enter the vehicles that were meant to move Nigerians from Sudan to Egypt border.

Asked how much was expended to evacuate Nigerians from Sudan, Ahmed did not give the exact amount but he disclosed that Nigeria paid a total of $22,662 as exit fees at the point of moving the evacuees from Sudan and $62,950 dollars for entry visa into Egypt.

Meanwhile, NEMA said the door of opportunities is opened to any Nigerian with verified documents who is interested in returning to the country.

Among the 2,518 Nigerian returnees is a pregnant woman who was said to have given birth while waiting to be evacuated. Her child was the only infant among the evacuees.

The eight-day infant is currently being treated for jaundice at the University Of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

No Nigerian life was lost to the war in Sudan, according to NEMA.

However, a total of 23 sick evacuees were received, out of which 10 were treated on arrival by medics while 13 were referred to the 108 Nigerian Airforce Hospital, Abuja.

Sudan Government Calls for Classification of rival group RSF as Terrorist Group

The Sudanese Government has called for the classification of the rebel group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which is currently in battle with the Sudanese Army, a terrorist group.

The military government also said it is still open to dialogue and re-admitting the group back into government and the country’s Army.

This was communicated during a press conference by the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Abdelmannan in Abuja.

The envoy said the flagrant violation of the truce by the RSF stands condemnable, but reassured that the Sudanese Government’s would employ strategic measures to ensure safety of all foreigners in the troubled country.

He said the country would honour its obligation under the international laws and Vienna conventions to protect all premises and staff of diplomatic missions.

He said:

“The government of Sudan strongly condemns these terrorist and criminal attacks, and urges the international community, the UN, AU, Arab League, OIC, and human rights organisations to take similar actions.

“By designating the insurgent RSF as a terrorist organisation and holding them accountable before the national and international justice mechanism, for violation of the international and humanitarian law.

“In this regard, we reiterate the firm commitment of Sudan and its competent authorities to take all measures to guarantee safety and protection of all foreign communities, and diplomatic representation in Sudan.

“In accordance with its obligations and international law, as well as the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations of the year 1961.”

On the allegation that both parties have failed to adhere to policy on truce and ceasefire, the envoy said Sudan government accepted and upheld the agreement, insisting that the RSF never observed the truce.

He said:

“A responsible and professional army will observe truce for humanitarian opportunities for people to access help.

“Repair and rehabilitation of the damages will be carried out after ceasefire and after the war has stopped in the country, particularly the capital city of Khartoum needs to be rehabilitated.

“The civilians there need to be provided with medical assistance, because the RSF evacuated all the patients from the hospitals and took the place as a military place for treating their injuries.”

He mentioned that moves were made to integrate the RSF into the SAF to bring about a unified army, but the RSF rejected them. Last month, RSF leader Mohamed Dagalo and Sudan de facto leader Abdel Al- Burhan claimed to be in control of key government sites, including the general military headquarters, the presidential palace, Khartoum International Airport, the Army chief’s official residence as well as the Sudan Tv headquarters after ear broke out in the country.

The war has led to a mass exodus of people out of the country.

Princess Diana’s jewellery to go on sale for £10m to raise money for Ukraine

A diamond and pearl necklace and earring set, which was reportedly given to the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana by Dodi Al-Fayed, will go for sale next month according to the Telegraph UK and could fetch up to £10 million.

The necklace was worn by Diana at her last official engagement before her death in 1997, at the gala evening for Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall.

The set has been owned by a Ukrainian family since 2008, The Telegraph reports.

This is believed to be the first time Diana’s privately owned jewellery will be sold publicly.

Most of the jewellery she wore was loaned to her by the Crown when she was a member of the royal family.

The jewelry will be displayed in London before being auctioned off in New York next month.

Arlan Ettinger, president of Guernsey’s Auctioneers, said:

‘While many accomplished figures fade from view, Princess Diana is as vibrant today as when she was indeed the most admired woman on the planet.

‘The Swan Lake Suite was especially made for her. She was part of the design process. ‘It is thought to be her only jewellery to have ever been sold, making it extraordinarily important.

‘There are many people who have described it as priceless but we have given it a very broad estimate.’ The jewelry was bought in 1999 by American businessman Jim McIngvale for just under $1 million, but he sold it to a Ukrainian family who are big fans of the royal family during the economic downturn in 2008.

Mr Ettinger added:

‘The war in Ukraine has been a motivating factor in them deciding to sell the Swan Lake Suite now.

‘They have had them for 14 years but given what is going on, their thoughts are now very much on rebuilding their country.’

The necklace was made from 178 diamonds totalling 51 carats and paired with five matching 12mm South Sea pearls.

Nigeria doesn’t have ECOWAS biometric card- Official

Omar Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, said only six of the 15 member states had the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC).

The commission’s president named the member states as Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

Mr Touray said this while presenting his address on the implementation status of the community work programmes at the ongoing first ordinary session of the ECOWAS parliament in Abuja on Wednesday.

“ECOWAS is introducing innovative measures to facilitate free movement across the sub-region. We are working on introducing an ECOWAS Visa, ECOVISA, like that of Schengen VISA,” stated Mr Touray.

In a presentation on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the commission’s president said enforcement of the court’s decisions remained a challenge.

“Records at the court show that there are a total of 106 judgments that have not been enforced by member states and another 11 by ECOWAS institutions,” he explained.

Moreso, he urged parliamentarians to facilitate the challenges militating against enforcing the court’s decisions.

“Even though the court is engaged with member states to resolve the challenges militating against the enforcement of its decisions, this is hopefully an area that the parliament can help in facilitating the resolution of the challenges,” he stated.

Mr Touray lauded the role of the court as a community institution. He said this was particularly an important force for promoting human rights, regional stability, and peace and security.

“Enforcement of its decisions is a critical component in determining its efficiency,” Mr Touray noted.

He said as of March 24, 641 cases had been filed at the court since 2003, of which 347 judgments and 135 rulings had been delivered.

The bloc first announced the biometric ID card programme in 2016 after leaders within the sub-region at the ECOWAS proposed to replace residence permits with biometric identification cards.

In 2019, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the production of the identity card to replace the ECOWAS certificate by January 2020.

UN rights council to meet as fighting in Sudan continues

The UN Human Rights Council, acting on the request of Germany and other countries, will hold a special session on Thursday due to the ongoing fighting in Sudan.

The purpose of the meeting is to condemn the violence and to insist on the observance of human rights and international humanitarian law, diplomatic sources said.

However, in principle, many countries are opposed to addressing problems in individual countries since they regard this as interference in internal affairs.

It is, therefore, unclear whether a planned resolution would receive the necessary majority in the Council, which has 47 member countries.

Fighting first broke out in Sudan in mid-April after a long-simmering power struggle erupted between de facto president Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the paramilitary RSF.

Ceasefire agreements have repeatedly been broken since the clashes began, and fighting has continued despite the ongoing talks between delegations from both parties.

The United Nations estimates that the conflict has displaced more than 700,000 people.

Sudan was already one of the poorest countries in the world before the latest conflict, with some 19 million people threatened by hunger there.

EFCC nabs ‘Obago’ for defrauding U.S. citizen of $268,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Precious Ojo, aka ‘Obago’, in Oghara, Delta.

EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren confirmed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, Ojo, 26, was arrested following a petition received from a United States of America citizen on his fraudulent activities.”

The petitioner had alleged that the suspect impersonated one Raymond Bush, who works in the US Treasury, to defraud her of $268,000. The suspect was arrested in his hotel in Oghara,” said EFCC.

“He confessed to building the luxury hotel with his proceeds of the said crime.”

The anti-graft agency added,

“Other items recovered from him included a Mercedes Benz car with personalised plate number and mobile phones. The suspect will be arraigned soon.”

Ten people executed by Iran on average each week- UN

UN human rights chief Volker Türk has called on the Iranian authorities to abolish the death penalty or halt all executions.

Mr Türk, who made the call on Tuesday in a statement, said the number of executions in Iran this year was “frightening.”

According to him, executions are carried out “mostly” for drug-related offences, noting this is “incompatible with international human rights norms and standards.”

More than 10 people are put to death each week in Iran, high commissioner Türk said, making the country “one of the world’s highest executors,” with at least 209 people executed since the beginning of the year according to sources quoted by the UN rights office (OHCHR).

OHCHR said that minorities were over-represented on Iran’s death row and said that according to sources, at least 45 people, including 22 from the Baluch minority, were executed in the last 14 days alone.

“Most were executed for drug-related charges,” added the UN rights chief.

At this rate, Iran is worryingly on the same track as last year, when around 580 people were reportedly executed, said Mr Türk, stressing that this “is an abominable record, particularly when you consider the growing consensus for universal abolition of the death penalty.”

Only a small number of countries still impose and apply the death penalty, said OHCHR.

On Saturday, Iran executed Habib Chaab, a Swedish-Iranian citizen from the Ahwazi Arab minority, the rights office added, who had been charged and found guilty of “corruption on earth” – a capital offence under Iran’s strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Reports on Monday said Yousef Mehrdad and Sadrollah Fazeli Zare had been executed for crimes including blasphemy, said OHCHR.

Record-breaking World Cup goalkeeper Carbajal dies at 93

Former Mexico goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal, the first footballer to play in five World Cups, has died at the age of 93, local media announced on Tuesday.

‘Tota’, as Carbajal was known, appeared in goal for Mexico at the World Cups in Brazil in 1950, Switzerland in 1954, Sweden in 1958, Chile in 1962 and England in 1966.

He made 11 caps for his country in these competitions.

Carbajal held the record of playing in five World Cups for 32 years until 1998, when German midfielder Lothar Matthaus reached the mark.

Carbajal’s compatriots Rafael Marquez and Andres Guardado, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have also since equalled his record.

Although Carbajal said Real Madrid scouted him between 1950 and 1954, the Mexican never left his domestic league.He played most of his career in his hometown with Club Leon.

Buckingham Palace releases official portraits from King Charles’ coronation

Buckingham Palace has released official portraits from King Charles’ Coronation.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured posing with working members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace to mark last weekend’s historic occasion.

The King is pictured in full regalia, wearing the Imperial State Crown along with his regal purple tunic and Robe of Estate.

He stood alongside Camilla, who was wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, with the train of her lengthy embroidered Robe of Estate spread in front of her.

To their immediate left are the Prince and Princess of Wales, who wore her Alexandra McQueen dress and leaf embroidery headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen.

On the other side of Charles was his sister the Princess Royal in military dress.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also pictured on either side of Princess Alexandra, the late Queen Elizabeth’s cousin.

The Duke of Kent and the Gloucesters are also included in the image by Hugo Burnand.

A royal expert told MailOnline that Anne, the Princess Royal, being positioned next to her brother King Charles is ‘most significant’ and ‘shows much he appreciates her and will be relying on her’. Richard Fitzwilliams said Princess Anne’s proximity to the King ‘is no accident’, adding that the fact she is ‘experienced and hard-working’ will have been noticed by Charles.

He said: ‘Princess Anne’s proximity to the sovereign, that’s no accident. She’s experienced and hard-working.

‘Anne’s been at it a long long time, she knows the ropes. The King knows how popular she is, so it’s no accident his sister is next door to him.’It shows much how much he appreciates her and how much he will be relying on her, she is extremely popular and has a high profile. People know who she is and respect her, that’s very important.’

Mr. Fitzwilliams said the portrait of the working royals signified ‘the people who the King can depend on’, adding: ‘The absentees, everyone knows the reasons for that’.

Of the King’s solo portrait, he said: ‘This one is a strong forceful portrait of a monarch who knows his own mind and is very experienced’.

Queen Camilla looked ‘more relaxed and comfortable’ wearing the crown in her solo portrait than she did in Westminster Abbey, he added.