announcer: this is al jazeera. hello and welcome, you're watchi watching the al jazeera newshour, i'm peter dobie. top stories - uganda's main opposition candidate is under house arrest. hours before the result of the presidential election is expected. >> a huge tropical cyclone bears down on fiji, and wind speeds of 300 k/hr. dom ran -- david cameron

prepared to call a referendum on whether u.k. should stay in the european union and cullan smashes a record in his final test match. details later in the programme beginning the newshour in uganda where police put the main opposition candidate under rest. it's the fourth time he has been detained. police say it is to stop unrest after vote rigging in the poll. results show the president is on course to extend his 30 year recall. malcolm webb is in the capital

kampala. >> reporter: police have described this as house arrest. to keep people safe. the chief observer of the european elections joins us. has the election been free and fair? >> it's difficult it answer it directly. there were elements promising for the future of the country. the people, taking part in the election and voting - they have tries many things, bringing it to the attention. opposition arrival for the residents. so i think the country has come close to achieve that, to us. and the opposition says it's been treated unfairly. they've not been allowed to hold it in the last couple of days. there has been multiple

extensions. what is the european union's response to that? >> we have been informed of that. we have observed it all over the country. we are going to make it based on the information, but what you mention, we also witnessed here in kampala, and we want to issue complex, comprehensive statement with set of recommendations. what we think they should do, in order to be partner for the european union, which is the situation now, and we would like to calculate our partnership. but we'll be expecting the result. and some implementations or those recommendations. >> then the i suggest and local observers say there has been

rigging, ballot stuff. the electoral commission says there's no rigging, there's no evidence. what does the european observer say? >> we mention it in our report that the electoral commission failed to note it. it was badly organising things. and to the trust of everybody here in uganda who we were speaking to. so i say the failure of the commission, concerning the vote stuffing or rigging, we got that information from media. we ask our observers all over the country, and i have to say that they did confirm they didn't do any of these things which you mentioned. i had to speak on the findings in the region they are. >> okay. thank you very much.

edward, the chief observer. european union's election observation negotiating process on ending the conflict in syria is on the verge of collapse, fighting on the ground, head lines and protestation of hostilities having passed. u.s. forces have taken the rebel controlled town, cutting off supply lines. they continue to strike syrian rebel targets, particularly in aleppo as forces pushed towards the city. turkey is keeping up the shelling of kurdish divisions in the north. it's a major form. the u.n. security council called for an end to cross-border shelling. daniel lack with more from the u.n. headquarters in new york. >> photoing was supposed to ease across much of syria by friday.

instead, it intensified. in the north syrian turkish fighter made gains. turkey responded with intense cross-border shelling. russian air strikes in support of the regime hit hard as well as rebel targets. >> russia's actions made it worse. >> the military escalation is a direct result of brutal offensive in syria, led by the syrian regime, and here they must understand that it's unconditional support. it's a dead end that would be extremely dangerous. >> reporter: french president francois holland said there was a risk of war with russia. plans to hold a round of peace negotiations in geneva were postponed, and the u.s. syrian

envoy said no dates were set for resumption of talks. russia called an urgent security council meeting, drafting a resolution, calling syria and others to respect its territory and stop interfering in syria's affairs. >> there are elements in the resolution, elements repeated for everyone. all in consultations here. so they could refute that. >> there's little chance that it will come to a vote according to britain and france. a u.n. ambassador had existing resolutions, and this had stinging review. >> from what has to be implemented, we have a resolution on the books. the right resolution, we have committed ourselves to it and we are rushing to do the same. >> international diplomacy has failed. it's on the ropes as tension

increases and fighting is worse in syria. the talks begin in geneva, easing the situation. more escalation and fighting on the ground forcing a peaceful solution further away than it has been for some time turkey is blaming russia for the stalled talks. the turkish prime minister accused russia of ethnic cleansing. >> the purpose of russian attacks are clear. they want ethnic cleansing, returning all forces, all sunnis, kurds or arabs. and all those who are against

the regime. >> reporter: two staff were believed to be among the raids. at least 14 have been killed fiji is in the midst of an emergency, as it is battered by one of the strongest storms recorded in the southern hemisphere. the cyclone has gusts of winds up to 325 k/hr. more from caroline milton. >> reporter: racing to get out of way of cyclone winston, the strongest storm on record to hit fi fiji. it's been battering the outer island with hard winds and heavily rain. the curfew, 6:00p.m. local time. many opted to stay at home rather than go to government shelters. many buildings are flimsy and would not withstand the wind.

>> with the support of the international community, we have constantly been in contact with communities, where it is highly likely places that a cyclone may be. >> reporter: rough seas across a wide area are mp there. crews are required to set in. fiji is an archipelago of low-lying islands in. the storm is slow moving. >> we were scared. people living in nadi, the third-largest city were prepared. >> most of them - locals are getting all the cash they can from the bank. there's only so much others can do to prepare for a massive

storm. expected to bring the full force to populated parts of fiji overnight. >> let's get up to speed. just along the north coast, the main line at the moment. it's probably at its peak now: there is what it had in the south pacific. it's a close look. there's a few things. it's been there for days and days and days. and you can see - ignore the international hard data. it's the first history. it's only the 11th.

it's the strongest cyclone. why is it so strong? >> well, we are back to el nino. it's 31 degrees. it's very warm. also, the wind and the way it changes with speed through the atmosphere is not that great. it's a light wind. it's annual characteristics. it means that it could last for some time. they have the cyclone, some of which caused fatalities, and vast amounts of damage. people are aware that this is how it is at the moment. 220 k/hr. close to 350. certainly 325 at least.

the movement is towards the west. it will take a turn to the west and head southwards. it's a slow process. running the sequence, the rain that is over there, 304mm of rain. waves of 13-14 meters will be a grim few hours. >> thanks very much. >> lots more ground to cover for you on al jazeera newshour. >> political tensions are high. sitting president vows to crush security threats, plus, i'm in south carolina. the republican presidential race enters. there's a challenge for the candidates, they are more diverse for the rest of america. >> and rory mcilroy moves up the leader board at the northern part of california. it's not a good day for the world number one jordan spieth. details coming up

the british prime minister david cameron says he will announce the date for a referendum on whether the u.k. should stay in the e.u., we are expecting that announcement in the next half hour. david cameron reached a deal this gave special status within europe. we'll be live outside downing street in a moment. first, emma heyward is at the event in brussels. >> reporter: after weeks, days, hour of negotiations, david cameron wasted no time. >> we negotiated a deal giving the u.k. special status inside the european union. >> reporter: david cameron arrived at the summit saying he was battling for britain. something that he won. >> i believe it's enough to recommend that the kingdom remain in european union, having the best of both worlds. we are in the parts of europe

that work for us. driving a seat to the world's biggest market. and the ability to take action to keep articles safe. and into the parts that don't work for us. out in the open borders. out of bailouts for the euro. >> support for the deal was unanimous. reaching the point was tough. breakfast became lunch, and then dinner. the talks dribbled on. others said it was too little. too hollow. many believe he's secured an opt out to the ever closer union or more integration. new restrictions on the welfare system and safeguards against regulations being imposed on the financial sector. >> i don't want there to be different rules for the london financial markets to other

european markets. when you had a backing of a financial crisis, you can't take risks. >> at the heart of this summit, the role of britain, one of the biggest autoon miss in the european union. cameron, promising the membership with the european union. >> the final decision in the hands of the british people. let me say i love russia. i love them. >> david cameron at times said it might end without agreement. he now goes back to the u.k. knowing that he has to convince the british people that he has a good deal. david cameron will meet the cabinet on saturday. some of whom who are preparing to campaign. they are expected to confirm that the referendum will take place in june. hard work, it seems, has only just begun

live to our correspondent outside the british prime minister's special residence, 10 downing street. when can we expect the announcement, and what do we think the date will be. >> well, that is the question. the cabinet meeting behind me now, and the ministers arrived. michael goh, the senior cabinet minister to come out and say he will oppose, he want the u.k. to be active in the european union. in terms of the timeline we understand the speculative that june the 23rd would be for the referendum. the question will be how the campaign goes. when the prime minister speaks to the media, he will tell us what links as a great deal for the u.k. has been achieved. all the opts out referred to. but because of the fact that there's a great deal of

opposition arriving at this deal here that they arrived at. in terms of his own party and outside his party in the u.k. which is criticized and is overlooking the views of many voters. >> if the people vote know, assuming it's june 23rdrd. is that impossibly to terminate the premiership. so would he be the leader or have a general election? >> well, i don't think that mr cameron will entertain any' publicly, whether he does so privately is another question. opinion polls suggested that the party would not win, it's a mandate he can take for a full term. he'll call for a second full-term. and from his point of view. the main aim will be to persuade

the british electorates to vote in favour of the deal negotiated, but so that such ideas don't come to fruition, but there'll be pressure on him, not just in terms of his party, but from the media there's a euro sceptic in the uk, and there'll be many people who have access, as it were, who might speculate and say if there was no vote, if there was a vote to leave the european union. his position would be untenable. from his perspective, mr david cameron will do what he can do prevent a reality happening. >> thank you so much. that's to downing street there. you can see a live shot there in the white call. as soon as he comes out with the announcement, we'll bring it to you live and put it in context. do stay with us on the newshour e.u. world in brussels discussed ways to ease the

refugee crisis, talks were hemmed. greece threatened to block a deal with the u.k., unless the orders were kept open. non-e.u. members. macedonia and serbia closed their frontiers, several hundred stranded on the board. our correspondent has more. >> the main issue for greece is the domino effect of the number of refugees allowed into a country like austria, that has domino effect. you have more people, croatian, serbian, macedonian. greece has a problem with the so-called economic migrants. those are people from north africa, from iran, from pakistan. they came here, who are not allowed to across the boarder at the moment. they are not considered refugees. they have to sneak in by day.

we spoke to many of these people over the past few days, and they say if things get across one or two borders, if they are caught by police they'll be sent all the way back to greece. that is a huge concern for the country, because these people either try to leave or they are stranded in greece. it has its own economic problems. at the moment they can handle having this issue going on in its territory. many of the people say our borders are unique, in the sans that we have hundreds of islands in across from turkey, and randomly on the islands in. if you want to impose real controls, that should start on the beech. >> the prime ministers of india and nepal in an attempt to end tensions on the border.

there were tensions between the neighbours because of nepal's constitution. an unofficial 4-month blockade on the border was lifted this month it's a day for trump and other republicans hoping to become the next u.s. president. south carolina is the first state to hold a republican presidential primary with a significant number of black voters. republicans on the campaign trail risked alienating minority voters. allen fisher reports from columbia. >> reporter: after the snow, the sun shine, the american presidential rate moves south. the different weather, seat brings challenges for a party searching for a candidate and an identity. >> south carolina is different to the first few contexts. the population is greater. the diversity of the population is different that oi iowa and new hampshire. the challenge is to tap into

that diversity so the voters don't stop the republican voters from iowa and new hampshire. >> south carolina, although it is diverse in terms of ethnicity and race. the republican party is not deepening its range on to citizens of colour or latinos. it's ironic that two of the most influential members, including the american governor and an african american senator. >> they favour a democratic party. the republican presidential candidate told me they think that's a change. >> the democratic party tried to convince blacks they are the only option. i think more people are starting to open their eyes and say where has that gotten us? we have more property. broken families, food stamps.

everything is worse. maybe if it's not working, they should vote tore something else. >> reporter: this woman doesn't want parties addressing particular groups, but wants to hear the real issues. >> issues really matter. you can say bull crap or you can say something you believe in. or you can say i'm a republican. i think it's a little more passion and what the issues are. >> it's been said the road to the white house goes through north carolina. they are not attracting a broad base support. it could be a hollow victory elections will be held in the philippines on may the 9th. nearly 54 million people will choose a new president and vice-president. the candidates take the stage on

sunday for televised debates on the key issues. now from the capital city manila. >> the campaigning is under way for the election of a new president. people seem to know what they want. >> translation: address poverty, help the street children. softer drug problem. a president that will solve our problems. >> reporter: there are five candidates to choose from. the vice president. he's attacked by all sides over allegations of past election corruption, he fought from an anticorruption platform. plus it's the current president, and the former minister. he has the president, as a support base. there were two women candidates. one woman running for president for the third time. a politician with a track record

for good governance. another is the adopted daughter of an actor. she's a popular senator. straight-talking politician, popular with the younger voters. >> and another promising to clean up criminality across the country. >> each candidate has a larger than life personality, seen as an advantage election time. >> elections have been conducted and this is something to do with the lack of strong political institution. notably problematic parties that could present at coherence action or vision for the country. >> the issues for the next president vary, many working abroad. many had to support their families. it may mean expatriot workers returning home. will the economy absorb them. and the next president will have to work with china against a

background of territorial disputes in the south china sea. and the new president has to deal with rebel groups on mindanao. rebels say the debate may help the candidates. >> there's a lot of negative campaigning, criticism between one near rather than having a presentation for the country. >> this is one. first debates scheduled. filipinos love the celebrity and drama. this is expected. for the voter, it's an opportunity to be better informed when the vote somes around in may still to come on the newshour. doctors hold silent protest in defines of a ban on public

dissent free at last, one of the longest serving prisoners released after 43 years from solitary confinement. >> she may ski towards an eighth world cup title. we'll tell you why it went wrong for lindsay von in italy. details in 20 minutes. 20 minutes.

welcome back. you're watching the al jazeera newshour. top stories. you glandsan police put the main opposition for the day under house arrest.

they say it's to prevent unrest after the opposition alleged vote rigging in presidential polling. >> fiji is being battered. a strongest storm recorded there. a curfew has been imposed because of tropical cyclone winston packing wind speeds of 300km an hour. damage has been caused the u.k.'s prime minister says david cameron will announce a date of an e.u. referendum in london, going on now behind the doors of number 10. helle campaign on a -- he'll campaign on a yes ticket. he has to convince colleagues within the party and the electorate in the u.k. . >> doctors and medical staff in egypt urge a sit-in protest against abusive behaviour by the police. the demonstrations at the hospital in cairo are being held in silence, highlighting a government ban on public protests. another sit in is taking place

in suez. egypt president is urging the introduction of new laws, thwarting attacks on doctor, and the shooting death of a taxi driver. we have this story. >> it's scenes like this that the president is hoping to avoid. the funeral of a 24-year-old taxi driver shot and killed by a police officer during an argument. >> i want government to insist. the president himself. why would this policeman shoot my son. what is he guilty of. all they care about is themselves. there's no justice. >> the president wants new laws to curb police brutality, saying that a police officer should be held accountable for their

actions. >> the government has brought in laws banning demonstrations. a week ago thousands of mediation filled the strips outside the hospitals. they accused police of beating up two doctors during a dispute. >> when thousands of people come to the street to protest against police brutality, it is unsettling. we rault the initial moment of the january 25th resolution was against police brutality because of the death in the hands of police. what we so is a return to mass demonstrations of police brutality. the doctors protest will continue on saturday. instead they agreed to hold sit-ins in silence. let's get more on that story for you. joining us in doha is an associate professor of the institute for graduate studies.

what do you think is going on here? >> well, i think there has been a marked increase in the abuse at the hands of the police over several years, since the ouster of mohamed mursi. police abuse, violence, police being the law and so on, is a long-standing widespread issue, and torture has been systematic for decades, and, in fact, that was a reason why people took to the streets specifically on january 20th, 2011, to protest police day. one has to understand the historical context, the specific market increase over the last couple of years. >> the government is coming up with new legislation. they are used to the word abuse, they recognised and admitted that there is an issue here. the abuse is a change in policy - or is that something that is happening spontaneously

across the country? >> well, i don't think it's happening spontaneously. in some ways. 2011 uprising was against the police, and in many ways the 2013 ousting of mohamed mursi was the police and security forces coming back again. many feel that at the same time there are more people to repress. not just islamists, but youth, doctors and so on. in the last several weeks, it came to a head. the case of doctors that were abused, and the case of italian ph.d. student. brutally murdered, and we think it's at the hands of the police. and yesterday, a police officer. this has come to a head in the last couple of days. >> how worrying is this for the government, mr abdul fatah al-sisi. because people are saying well,

you go back not many years, mubarak is describing egypt, and put in abdul fatah al-sisi, and there wouldn't be much in terms of how the country is behaving. this is not the arab street. this is it intelligent. well-educated people having a silent protest. they are doing it within the strictures of how they can do it. >> well, two answers to your question. one, the level of professionalism is greater now than under mubarak. and in other things of people disappearing and so on. secondly, the regime is there. as we saw, out in mass in terms of security forces. it is a conscious issue. >> thank you more than 7 million voters are expected to elect a new president in niger.

up to 80 political parties, and half are rallying behind the governing party. our correspondent has more now from the capital city final moments of heated election campaigns in the capital. thursday, thousands of separatists turned out for a final rally at this staging. in jubilation of what they expect to be a clear victory. they are shelled by. the sitting president spoke to al jazeera. >> translation: it's one of the democratic countries. it's under a rule of law. the country will be strong and stable. >> reporter: the president is running for a second term,

facing a determined opposition. there are challenges. leading a coalition intending to support the candidate. in case. it includes the head of the national assembly. she is behind bars, accused of complicity in a baby abducting scandal. the opposition says it's political, and the election could be rigged. >> as political parties we'll ute lines means, we -- utilize the means. >> reporter: niger's first democratic election was in 1993. it's been marred by military coups. the last one was in 2010. security - niger is involved in a regional war in boko haram in

the east. it's sure enough security along the borders, and the conflict in libya and mali. the pressing demands are employment, education and health. the country is international resources, but half of the population is in poverty the u.s. president obama paid respects to the late supreme court justice antonin scalia. his death left several major cases in limbo. >> reporter: with the death of antonin scalia, a champion, the court is evenly divided between appointees of republican and democratic judges. it has resulted in mixed outcomes to some high profile matters before the court. including labour unions,

contraceptions, challenges to the landmark health care law. and undocumented child immigrants. stake may be highest for president obama's plan for carbon plants to cut carbon emissions, in keeping with a commitment to clinch the paris climate deal in december. >> we take it by example. we set first nationwide standard for the carbon pollution power plants. >> that plan has been changed which more than half the states which are charged with carrying it out. shutting down the coal-fired generators, days before scalia died, the high court issued an unprecedented order to freeze all action. >> the supreme court set a message to all of the states. put down your pencils, the e.p.a. has no authority to issue and force this rule down your threats. had scalia been on court it

seemed likely to overturn the emissions plan. >> if the supreme court threw out the rule. first of all, it would be disastrous from an environmental perspective. i think that stepping back climate change is clearly the issue of the day. >> reporter: as long as scalia's seat is empty, possibly until the next president takes office, the outcome is uncertain. >> in each case, the court has one or two options - here the arguments a second time or let the lower court rulings stand. if the court losses the second option, it would mean victory for the environmental agenda well, staying in the u.s., police unions in three american cities are advising members to refuse to work at an upcoming concert. saying khaled bahah's -- beyonce's performance had an ant

police message, seeing doctors in black panther dress. one of america's longest serving prisoners has been released after 43 years in solitary confinement. he was kept in isolation because of his ties to the black panthers. here is jonathan martin. [ cheering ] >> reporter: on his 69th board, albert woodstock walked out of the louisiana penitentiary a free man after four decades. he had been convicted twice of murdering a prison guard. he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. both overturned on appeal. last summer a judge ordered his release. an appeals court decided he had to stay behind bars while the state challenged the release. his release on friday came after he was subjected to a third

trial. he pleaded no context. >> a statement said although i was looking forward to proving my innocence at a new trial: woodstock was one of the so-called angola three, and he with two others spent a long stretch in solidary in angola, their only prison. many believed they were political prisoners, held for an involvement with the black panthers, and they fought for black conditions. >> they were the scapegoats. it was an opportunity for the present administration to continue in the efforts to destroy the black panther movement. >> in a statement on friday, woodstock thanked the two men for their support. king was released after having a separate connection overturned

in 2001. the other in 2013, after three years in solitary confinement. he died later. woodstock's attorney said on friday: still to come - all the international sports news for you with joe. and the golden state warriors brought down to earth, and by a player in particular. that's coming up in 5 minutes or so. so.

welcome back. this year's oscar nominations are under scrutiny for a lack of diversity, and because it is dominated by white. the same issue is being debated in australia in the independent film industry. andrew thomas has that story from sydney. >> reporter: in a sydney park, the odd famous face gathers for what organizers say is the shortest film festival. each year 16 films are short-listed from hundreds lifted. each is made specifically for the competition. just as the oscars are criticized for lack of diversity among those celebrated. the same has been said of these directors, short-lifted for the

grassroots surprise. >> this year you have 16 finalists, and one of them is a woman. and all of them are white. you know, it's luke - this being a white event. you think how does this happen every year. >> the criticism as director is intense. >> in an industry, the issue of diversity. we are not going to pretend. we can only choose it, the films entered. we are always looking for different films. >> it's quood weather. financial problems. a left-minute corporate sponsor, an injures company. it was the lead. there's no guarantee for the future. >> does that many film-makers

don't need formal screenings to get their work screen. the internet can't match this. this is something special. a warm australian summer. an excellent crowd of 60,000 people. >> it was at this festival that man, a boy was shown. with if, tropfest was won by a woman, who is in los angeles, working in drama. >> the access and the platform of tropfest, with circulating recollects and pointing people towards the short films, that's inval usual. >> reporter: this prize was within by an animated film. it's director already works in los angeles. but his career shines.

okay. i've teased you with the sports news three times, it's going to happen. >> he's playing his 101st and final test match. new zealand's captain cullen made history in the opening day of the test, scoring the fastest test 100 of all time, coming in at 3/32. he reached his century of 54 balls. in total, 145, having hit six 6s, 21, 4s. and new zealand all out for 370. the australians 57/1 at stumps. as i mentioned. the 100 came after 54 balls, making it the quickest century. that beats a record set 30 years ago by this man, the great western batsman viv richards.

that match by the current pakistan test captain - his effort coming against australia in abu dhabi in 2014. fourth on the list is australian adam gilchrist. his 57 balls in 2007 against england in perth. after setting a record, cullen had no idea he had broken the milestone set by viv richards. >> it was incredible. yavering to be honest -- embarrassing to be honest. i had no idea. no, i wasn't aware of the record. being there before, and held it before. it's nice to win the test match. >> staying with cricket. and a narrow beating of england in cape town.

visitors batted first. they picked up the wicket. england made 134/8 in the 20 overs. their own batsman de villiers got the home side innings going. it's nail biting stuff. >> south africa needed two runs to win. he and kyle abbott scrambled for two. sav da - 3 wicket winners. >> in the n.b.a., breaking the record for the best-ever start. they are closing in with 72 wins in a single set competition since 1996. on friday, on top of the trailblazers. miller scoring a career best 51.

leading to a 107-105 victory. the warriors are are still close to matching the bulls match record of 72 wins on to golf. playing better on friday than the day before. it wasn't enough as the world number one missed the cut. jordan spieth headed home, rory mcilroy was heading up the leader boy with parts like this one down from 58 feet away. he's four shots off the pace at the halfway stage rafael nadal is through to the rio semifinals without hitting a ball. his opponent alexander pulled out with an injury. nadal is building back his confidence after a shock defeat in the semifinals last week.

on friday they disposed of the compatriot, winning on a contested line call. 6-3, 6-2. >> sarah rarny advanced to the tennis championships. the 6-4, 6-4 win and a match-up, that final match to be played on saturday. >> football now, and the world's oldest knock out competition, the english f.a. cup resumed on saturday. arsenal is going to a hat-trick of titles. playing a team that beat them two years ago. it's the start of a big few days for the gunners, hosting barcelona, travelling to old trafford to face manchester united in the premier league. >> it's an exciting moment. and an important one.

and it's a real test. for our potential and to see how far we can go. i think i'm very confident, of course, what matters is on the day of a game, a top player performance. >> arsenal winning one of four. redding hosted west brom. a late kick-off is a premier league affair with the winner going to bournemouth. >> moving on to spain, and lara gout cruised to victory at the women's world cup down him, the win propelling her to the top of the standings, lindsay von surrendered her league, her equipment failed and she fell. she didn't finish the race. vonn intends to return on saturday. as for good.

she's miles with a sixth win, and 18 in her career. >> lindsey vonn had to apologise for posting this video, showing her punishing her skin binding. she remembered that it was okay to lose and it makes winning feel better and that is all the port for now. >> sponsors are emailing as we speak spreading the message of racial tolerance with a prize-winning novel "to kill a mocking bird", she withdrew from the public eye. she walls 89 when she died in her sleep on friday. >> reporter: the words of harper lee paints picture of life in america's deep south. it was a world she called home. >> we didn't have much money, nobody had any money. we didn't have many toys to play

with. nothing was done for us, so the result was that we lived in our imagination most of the time. >> reporter: childhood was reflected in her pulitzer prize 1960 best seller "to kill a mockingbird" about a little girl named scout. in atticus finch she cast a hero. he was drought to life by gregory peck in a film adaptation. >> gentlemen, in this country, our courts are the great levellers. all created equal. i'm no ideologist to believe firmly in the integrity of the courts and the jury system. that's ideal for me.

the reality set in the depression in the 1930s, "to kill a mockingbird" fuelled in part the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and therefore. >> this is before the march on washington in 1963. this coming out in 1960 was a time when civil rights were becoming very visible or controversial, and fortunately the book was not blaming, it was an engaging, compassionate look at an injustice in america through the eyes of a 19-year-old girl. >> she emerged from seclusion in 2007. and received the president's medal of freedom from president george bush. >> it can't be estimated how popular the book is. it sold 40 million copies, won the pulitzer prize and was the subject of a beloved movie. many, many people tell me it's their favourite book.

>> "to kill a mockingbird" was harper lee's sole publy gags until "go setter watchman", telling the story of the fate of atticus finch, portrayed as an ageing man. >> she was trying to write a tribute to her father whom she loved. and the first attempt "go setter watchman", was full of anning ir, and the second attempt "to kill a mockingbird" was more understanding, when it was told through the eyes of a girl who was admiring of her father. the storyteller whoion the like into dark corners of history. >> memories of harper lee. let's wrap up the newshour where we started it. downing street in london. we are expecting david cameron to come out the door any second now. we think to confirm the referendum on the u.k.'s membership, whether they'll be in or out.

more news on the top of the hour. >> welcome to al jazeera america. weekend news20160206_0600 news live doha weekend news >> we've got global news covered.

you glandsa's main -- uganda's main opposition candidate is under house arrest hours before the result of the presidential election is expected. you're watching al jazeera live from our headquarters here in doha. also ahead - a huge tropical cyclone bears down on fiji packing wind seeds of 300kph -- wind speeds of 300 k/hr. david cameron prepared to call a referendum