WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV Newsroom's headlines from 0900 GMT to 1700 GMT, February 25, 2019.

Bahrain crackdown

Bahrain’s highest court has upheld three-year jail sentences against relatives of a prominent exiled political activist. The court rejected the appeal of Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei’s family members. Alwadaei's brother-in-law, Sayed Nazar Alwadaei, his cousin Mahmood Marzooq Mansoor and his mother-in-law Hajar Mansoor Hassan were sentenced on security-related charges in December 2017.They were arrested after Alwadaei attended the 34th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The United Nations has described the case as an unlawful act of reprisal over family connections. The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy has also slammed the ruling and urged Bahraini authorities to ensure the prisoners’ immediate and unconditional release. Bahrain has launched a heavy-handed crackdown on dissent since anti-regime protests began in 2011.

US Venezuela intervention

A senior US administration official says Vice President Mike Pence is set to announce concrete steps and clear actions on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The official has told reporters on the condition of anonymity that Pence will announce the steps at a summit of regional leaders in Colombia later on Monday. He did not elaborate on the planned measures. Tensions run high between the United States and Venezuela over the political crisis in Venezuela. They’ve worsened in recent days, after President Nicolas Maduro blocked the entry of US-supplied humanitarian aid through Brazil and Colombia. On Sunday, Venezuelan troops and protesters clashed over the aid delivery at the border with Brazil.

Combating hate speech

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the importance of tackling issues such as hate speech and anti-refugee policies. Guterres made the remarks during his opening speech at the Human Rights Council's 40th session. The UN chief also talked about the vast campaign mobilized against the UN Global Compact on Migration. He slammed those who have “poisoned” the debate with false narratives, saying the campaign is linking refugees and migrants to terrorism and blaming them for many of society's ills.

Nigeria elections

Civil society groups say nearly forty people have been killed in the violence that broke out during presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria. The data was provided by the Situation Room, which represents more than 70 civil society groups. Authorities, however, have not announced the exact number of fatalities, saying they’re still gathering information. This goes against comments made by African Union observers who said Saturday’s elections took place in a generally peaceful environment. The observers urged supporters of the candidates to remain calm. There are worries of bloodier violence once the final results are out.

No to military intervention in Venezuela

The European Union has called for avoiding a military intervention in Venezuela. Maja Kocijancic said the bloc will condemn any military meddling in the Latin American country. Kocijancic added the EU will not accept an escalation of tensions in Venezuela. She stressed the EU supports a peaceful and democratic solution that excludes the use of force. Meanwhile, a senior US official has said Vice President Mike Pence is to announce concrete steps and clear actions on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Pence is expected to deliver the measures at a summit of the Lima Group in the Colombian capital Bogota. Tensions between Washington and Caracas have worsened in recent days after President Nicolas Maduro blocked the entry of US-supplied humanitarian aid through Brazil and Colombia.

Brexit uncertainty

British Prime Minister Theresa May says it’s within her government’s grasp to leave the European Union on schedule, and with a deal. May made the comments in a press conference during the EU-Arab leaders’ summit in Egypt, where she held a meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk. Tusk earlier encouraged a deadline extension to Britain’s exit from the bloc by calling it a rational solution. The British prime Minister has however delayed a parliamentary vote on her withdrawal deal, to buy more time for renegotiation with Brussels. Britain is set to leave the EU on March 29. The bloc has repeatedly declared it will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement with London.