A powerful explosion hit a supermarket in Russia. In addition, protests in Myanmar continue after a military coup, and Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny is expected to appear in court again. Meanwhile, Beijing has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in China. CBS News foreign correspondent Ian Lee joined London’s “CBSN AM” with these headlines.
Video transcription
ANNE-MARIE GREEN: Emergency teams are in place after a powerful explosion destroyed a supermarket in southern Russia – instead of a city in southern Russia. Our Ian Lee has been following this story for us and other international headlines. Ian, you are coming from London with us. What can you tell us about it?
IAN LEE: Good morning, Anne Marie. Things could have been much worse in Russia if that explosion in the supermarket happened hours later, when it was open. The result shows only the power of the explosion. The one-story building collapsed completely and went up in flames. Nearby apartments were also damaged and debris was thrown into the neighborhood.
Emergency crews believe a gas leak triggered the explosion. No one is believed to be dead while a guard who was sleeping in the building at the time managed to crawl to a relatively safe place.
Next, we are in Myanmar, where protests continue after a military coup earlier this month. The generals asked for unity, but the people are not allowing it. They want the restoration of democracy in the country. Local reports say that today was the biggest turnout of protesters so far.
On that 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 the unrest continues.
Next, we are in Russia, where the arrested opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, is due to appear in court again today. This time, he is being accused of slandering a World War II veteran and supporter of President Putin. Navalny calls the case a fabricated attempt to discredit him. And if convicted, the Kremlin critic could face a fine, community service or imprisonment. The trial comes after a judge earlier this month sentenced him to nearly three years in prison for violating parole.
To maintain its anti-Putin campaign, Navalny’s team is accepting donations, including Bitcoin. So far this year, he has received almost $ 300,000 in cryptocurrencies.
Finally, we have a fight between the UK and China. It all started when British authorities revoked China’s state broadcaster’s license for violating regulations, after airing an alleged forced confession by a UK citizen. In the same vein, Beijing retaliated by banning the broadcast of “BBC World News” in China. Chinese officials said the British broadcaster had violated guidelines that harm the country’s national interest. Both the UK and the US condemned China’s decision, calling it part of a broader campaign to suppress free media in the country.
Anne-Marie, we should note that CBS is a BBC partner. But there has also been a lot of concern that China will use its state broadcaster as a front for espionage. And last weekend, British authorities deported three Chinese journalists who accused them of spying.
ANNE-MARIE GREEN: Yes, and I think, I don’t know if they are among the three, but I do know that Beijing is holding at least one Australian anchor, making the same accusation. It seems that being deported is much better than being held against your will. Ian Lee, thank you very much.