WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 18:00 GMT, January 31, 2017 to 08:00 GMT, February 1, 2017.

Trump Gitmo order

The American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International have condemned US President Donald Trump's executive order to keep the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison open. Hina Shamsi said the US federal court system had multiple times described military tribunals at the prison as unlawful. Amnesty International’s Ashfaq Khalfan also said Guantanamo offers no deterrent to terror activities. The rights group called the detention facility “a stain on America's reputation”. Trump says he has signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to keep the prison open while re-examining the military's policy on detention. Guantanamo has drawn global protests and condemnations since its opening in 2001 due to reports of torture there.

US's ‘absurd’ list

Russia has condemned as absurd and strange a US sanctions list which potentially targets scores of Russian officials. The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson made the remarks during a weekly news briefing in the capital Moscow. The so-called Kremlin list names 210 top politicians, businessmen and officials as part of US efforts to expand sanctions against Moscow. All those blacklisted are said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Washington says they are not subject to new sanctions for now but may face punitive measures later.

Germany warns Israel over growing frustration

The German foreign minister has warned Israel that the regime faces growing frustration in Europe over its policies toward Palestinians. Speaking at a security conference in Tel Aviv, Sigmar Gabriel said some Israeli ministers are against peace. He added that this does not go unnoticed in Europe. Germany’s top diplomat noted that several members of his own Social Democratic Party see as unfair Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. His comments come as the US has fully supported Tel Aviv’s hostile policies in the occupied territories.

Sisi warning

Egypt’s president has threatened to take strong action against anyone trying to disrupt the country’s stability and security. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi issued the warning, saying he would not allow a repeat of the 2011 uprising. The remarks come after opposition politicians called for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election. Sisi further said that authorities would not tolerate any questioning of the legitimacy of the March 26-28 vote. The opposition says the election lacks credibility as several candidates have been arrested, forced out or dropped out in protest over the vote’s legitimacy. Sisi was the only candidate to run for the presidency until at the last minute on Monday a little-known politician stepped forward to enter the race.

Japan fire

Eleven people have died after a fire broke out at a residence for elderly people in northern Japan. The roof of the three-story building on Hokkaido Island apparently collapsed due to the fire. The victims include eight men and three women. A police spokesman says five residents survived the fire with minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the victims' identities. It’s still unclear what caused the fire. Police say they have launched an investigation into the incident.

Iran marks Imam Khomeini’s return   

Iranian people from all walks of life begin the celebrations for the 39th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution that toppled the regime of the last Shah of Iran. An event is currently underway at the mausoleum of founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini in downtown Tehran. The ceremony commemorates February the first, the day the late leader returned to Iran after 15 years of exile in Iraq and France. The return of Imam Khomeini was the beginning of ten decisive days that led to the fall of the US-backed regime of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on February 11, 1979. Iranians stage nationwide rallies on the occasion of the revolution each year.

US missile test fails

The US military has launched an unsuccessful test to shoot down an incoming dummy projectile amid heightened concerns about North Korea's developing missile and nuclear programs. A US official says the anti-missile test was carried out in the state of Hawaii, adding that the projectile which was fired failed to hit a missile launched from an aircraft. According to the official, it’s unclear why the test failed. The missile is used to target intermediate-range missiles and is being developed with Japan. An intercept test also failed last June.

Australia under fire

Advocacy group Amnesty International has condemned the Australian government for its treatment of hundreds of asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea. Amnesty said in a new report that the forced eviction of hundreds of men from a detention center on Manus Island last November resembles collective punishment. It adds that the refugees have been transferred to a new and less adequate facility where there is constant threat of violence against them from the local community. The rights group notes that moving refugees from what it calls a hellish situation to another one is not a solution and only prolongs their suffering. Amnesty International has urged Australia to accept a 2013 offer by New Zealand to resettle 150 asylum seekers.

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