hello, i'm maryam moshiri. this is outside source. tonight: the family of us basketball star brittany griner shares their relief after she was freed from a russianjail in a prisoner swap. as we celebrate bg being home, we do understand that there are still people out here who are enduring what i endured the last nine months. we'll cross live to washington shortly to get the latest on the athlete's release. rights activists condemn the execution of a protester in iran, the first since anti—government demonstrations began in september.

a suspended sentence to an american woman who caused the death of a motorcyclist in the uk. meghan and harry, in their own words. the first epsiodes of a new netflix series about the sussex royals have been released. the us basketball player brittney griner has been released from prision in russia. ms griner was exchanged for the notorious russian arms dealer viktor bout, who has been held in an american prison for 12 years. president biden has welcomed the release. after months of being unjustly detained in russia, held under intolerable circumstances, brittney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones and she should have been there all along. this is a day we have worked toward for a long time. we never stopped pushing for her release. it took painstaking and intense negotiations and i want to thank all the hard—working public servants across my administration who worked tirelessly to secure her release.

we know that brittney griner is now on a plane back to the us from the united arab emirates. the swap was made at abu dhabi aiport. it's been revealed that a joint saudi—uae team played a leading role in mediating the prisoner exchange. russia's foreign ministry also confirmed the swap. they said, "the russian citizen has been returned to his homeland". this was the response from ms griner�*s wife. as we celebrate bg being home, we do understand that there are still people out here who are enduring what i endured the last nine months of missing tremendously their loved ones, so thank you everybody for your support and today is just a happy day for me and my family, so i'm going to smile right now! brittney griner is one of the best—known sportswomen in america. she plays in the women's national basketball association — america's top women's basketball league. she won gold at the olympics

in 2016 and in 2020 for the us basketball team. this, though, relates to her time playing for the russian premier league during the wnba offseason. brittney griner�*s ordeal began on 17th february 17th, when she was returning to russia to finish her overseas season. customs official detained her at an airport near near moscow after they found cannabis oil in her luggage. ms griner admitted to possessing the oil but said she had no criminal intent and that she'd inadvertently packed them in haste. her lawyers later said she was prescribed cannabis to treat pain. in may, the us state department said ms griner is wrongfully detained. in august, she was convicted in moscow for drug possession and was sentenced to nine years injail. she then lost an appeal in october. last month, ms griner was moved to a penal colony in mordovia, a remote area some 500 killometeres south—east of moscow. russian penal colonies are known for their harsh conditions.

prisoners are placed in barracks, not cells. prisoners are forced to perform daily work. many players and figures in us basketball have welcomed brittney griner�*s release, among them was the twice wnba champion breanna stewart who tweeted "b6 is free!!! 294 days and she is coming home!!!" the wnba's commissioner has spoken about the release. here's her reaction. it is been a long ordeal, a horrible ordeal and i really look forward to her return and hearing her voice. i always call her this gentle giant. i really look forward to reuniting myself with her. she had written me a letter a couple of months ago and since then, obviously, the appeal occurred and it wasn't successful. brittney griner was exchanged for viktor bout, who was imprisoned in the us. he's a notorious figure. during the 1990s he sold arms to warlords and rogue governments, becoming one of world's

most wanted men. he was dubbed the "merchant of death" — and sold guns to the taliban and al-anda. this ended with his arrest in bangkok in 2008 in an operation carried out by the us. he was extradited two years later to the us and sentenced to 25 years injail on conspiracy to kill us citizens and officials, and delivery of anti—aircraft missiles and providing aid to a terrorist organization. when cool beach and began to secure the release of brittney griner with us try to include paul wheaton, the former us marine who was jailed on suspicion of spying on russia in exchange. it is currently serving 16 years on charges of espionage, which he denies. he said, i am gravely disappointed that moore has not been done to secure my release,

especially as the four year and adversity of my arrest is coming up. i was arrested for a crime they did not occur. let's hear from the us secretary of state. unfortunately, russia has continued to see paul's case through the lens of sham espionage charges and they are treating him differently than they treated brittney griner. we've made every possible offer available to us thus far to secure paul's release, but in this moment there was no way to bring him home along with brittney. our state department correspondent barbara plett usher is in washington. if the long ordeal for brittney griner. , ., ., ., , ., griner. yes, around ten months now. she was arrested _ griner. yes, around ten months now. she was arrested in _ griner. yes, around ten months now. she was arrested in february, - griner. yes, around ten months now. she was arrested in february, it - she was arrested in february, it went to trial and appeal, then last month sent to russian penal colony

to begin a nine—year sentence, all this time hoping that the biden administration would be able to secure her release sooner rather than later. the reports were there when she ended up in the prison colony she was very down, feeling that she would not be freed after all. we have been told by us officials that the russians did not seem to be engaging that much, they seem to be engaging that much, they seem to be stonewalling, although in the last couple of weeks there was a bit of cautious optimism on both sides. the announcement came unexpectedly and apparently the deals were sorted out in the past 48 hours. a big part of it, as you said, it was brittney griner or no one. the administration had worked very hard at it too for one swap, paul whelan and brittney griner for viktor bout, but they were told it would only be brittney griner and they need to take it or leave it,

and president biden decided to take it. ~ ., ., ., and president biden decided to take it. what more do we know about how washinuton it. what more do we know about how washington decided _ it. what more do we know about how washington decided to _ it. what more do we know about how washington decided to trade - it. what more do we know about how washington decided to trade viktor l washington decided to trade viktor bout with her —— for her? it is washington decided to trade viktor bout with her -- for her?— bout with her -- for her? it is a bi bout with her -- for her? it is a his prize- _ bout with her -- for her? it is a big prize. viktor _ bout with her -- for her? it is a big prize. viktor bout _ bout with her -- for her? it is a big prize. viktor bout was - bout with her -- for her? it is a - big prize. viktor bout was convicted in the united states for arms dealing and other charges and he had a reputation as a notorious arms dealer for decades. americans went to great lengths to get them as they had this elaborate sting in order to trap him and then put him on trial. the russians have been trying to get him for a long time. they said that the americans refused to put him on the americans refused to put him on the table. now they did. part of that was they wanted at two for one swap, they figured they needed a big player in order to do that. there is also the fact that there was so much attention paid to brittney griner case, there was a lot of pressure coming from her supporters, it was

very unusually high profile for the exhausted diplomacy negotiations, and they wanted to show they were doing everything they could to get her back. in the end they had to make that decision whether to make this trade, which is for a convicted arms dealer on the one hand and as sports star who was arrested for having less than one gram of cannabis oil, if it was only her. the secretary of state said they wanted to not lose a chance to at least get one american home. fin wanted to not lose a chance to at least get one american home. on some level it shows — least get one american home. on some level it shows that _ least get one american home. on some level it shows that at _ least get one american home. on some level it shows that at least _ least get one american home. on some level it shows that at least at _ level it shows that at least at lower levels there is some sort of communication between russia and the us for this to have happened. there are communications _ us for this to have happened. there are communications on _ us for this to have happened. there are communications on this - us for this to have happened. ti” are communications on this channel, yes, when it comes to prisoner swaps, which both sides have kept separate from the major tensions over russia's more in ukraine and

the fact that the united states is arming ukraine. you have had some results. in april when another american who was detained in russia, trevor reid, that give energy to the campaigns to get brittney griner release, as long as paul whelan. this was happening alongside the war in ukraine. . ~ this was happening alongside the war in ukraine. ., ~ ,, this was happening alongside the war in ukraine. ., ~ i. a, ., this was happening alongside the war in ukraine. ., ~ ., . in ukraine. thank you, barbara. we will be hearing _ in ukraine. thank you, barbara. we will be hearing from _ in ukraine. thank you, barbara. we will be hearing from a _ in ukraine. thank you, barbara. we will be hearing from a former - will be hearing from a former russian mp now dissident who investigated viktor bout about why president putin was pushing for his return. the first three episodes of prince harry and meghan's netflix series have been released. the couple co—produced the series, which has been billed as telling the truth of being part of the royal family. in the first episode, the prince said why he needed to make the programme. this is about duty and service and i feel as though, being part of this family,

it is my duty to uncover this exploitation and bribery that happens within our media. unfortunately, standing for something, they are destroying us. this isn'tjust about our story. this has always been so much bigger than us. the programme includes a series of interviews, home interviews and footage. the first episodes cover the events which led to the pair leaving the royal family. so far, the focus has been on the couple's interactions with the media and their loss of privacy. there were references to prince harry's mother, princess diana. meghan markle shared how drastically her life had changed. here she describes one interaction with police in canada. if any other woman in toronto right now said to you, "i have six grown men who are sleeping in their cars around my house and following me everywhere that i go and i feel scared", wouldn't you say

that it was stalking? and they said, "yes, but there's really nothing we can do because of who you are dating". prince harry said he was "genuinely concerned" for the safety of his family. this is what he thought of the royal family's response to those concerns. it was almost like a rite of passage. and some of the members of the family, it was like right, my wife had to go through that. so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? why should you get special treatment? why should she be protected? and i said the difference here is the race element. some of these claims aren't new. you may remember the couple spoke about racism and their treatment in the royalfamily in an interview with us personality oprah winfrey in march last year. the interview included claims of "several conversations" within the royal family about how dark the skin of the couple's first baby archie would be. meghan commenting that her mental health was so bad at one point that she "didn't want to be alive any more". also claims by the prince that his family cut him off financially, but editor in chief at majesty magazine,

ingrid seward, says she disagrees that the couple suffered "any more, or any less" than other members of the royal family. she explains why. you're in a very, very high profile position. and i think that if harry didn't tell meghan exactly what she was letting herself in for, it's actually, he probably didn't want to lose her. and i find that very sad. the first epsiodes of the netflix series also gives viewers a closer look into meghan and harry's relationship. the pair reflected on their first date and the first time meeting each others families. we also heard from their son, archie, for the first time. prince harry also talked about the sacrifices both had to make to stay together. let's hearfrom him again. and shejoined me in my world. and then, pretty soon after that, i ended up sacrificing everything i know tojoin her in her world. harry and meghan have faced

criticism for making the netflix series while at the same time appealing for more privacy. here's journalist afua hagan on how they've navigated that issue. yes, they have released pictures and videos of their children, but it is their narrative, on their terms. they never said they wanted complete privacy and it is something that has been misconstrued, what they wanted to do was do it on their terms. however, the bbc understands that neither buckingham palace, kensington palace nor any member of the family were approached for comment. the palace has so far not released any public statement. today, king charles continued his royal duties. here he is leaving an event in north london where he met with local charities and volunteer groups. bbc royal correspondent nicholas witchell had more on the likely palace reaction. i think, by and large buckingham palace will be relieved because on

the most sensitive area, the suggestion of any racial prejudice, there is no explicit single allegation against the royal family, though harry does say there is in his words a huge level of unconscious bias. his words a huge level of unconscious bias. londoners were asked what they thought of the series. responses varied — here are some. it is about time that the royals have a voice to say what they need to say and get it across to the people that think everything is cool and dandy, and it's not. the? people that think everything is cool and dandy, and it's not.— and dandy, and it's not. they are welcome to _ and dandy, and it's not. they are welcome to do _ and dandy, and it's not. they are welcome to do whatever - and dandy, and it's not. they are welcome to do whatever they - and dandy, and it's not. they are i welcome to do whatever they want and dandy, and it's not. they are - welcome to do whatever they want to do but _ welcome to do whatever they want to do but i'm _ welcome to do whatever they want to do but i'm not sure it is the right time _ do but i'm not sure it is the right time for— do but i'm not sure it is the right time for them to do it. the three remaining episodes are due to be released on the streaming service next week. but podcaster christine ross says the relationship between the sussexes and the royal family may already be beyond repair. evenif even if nothing dramatic is revealed, even if no family secrets come out, the threats will always

have been there and the painting of the family drama and exposing the family's private lives in such a public way, i don't think that the royalfamily can really public way, i don't think that the royal family can really forgive that. can american woman who knocked down and killed at motorcyclist in the uk has been given an eight—month suspended sentence. more than three years after harry dunn died, his family came to the old bailey

to hear thejudge passed sentence on the american woman responsible. but anne sacoolas, the woman being sentenced, was not in court. seen on the right, she was appearing by video link with her lawyer from washington, dc. first the judge praised harry dan's family for how they had campaigned forjustice for him. there is no doubt that the calm and dignified persistence of these parents and the family of that young man has led, through three years of heartbreak and effort, to your appearance before the court, each and the opportunity for you to acknowledge your guilt of a crime. please stand up. for the offence of causing the death of harry dan by your careless driving, the sentence is eight months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. harry dunn's mother said that she has kept the machine made to him in hospital to getjustice. job done, justice complete, now. anne sacoolas has a criminal record. that was something that, you know,

she never thought she would see, the us government never thought they would see. anne sacoolas turned onto the wrong side of the road and stayed in the wrong lane for 350 metres, hitting harry dunn on a blind bend. the prosecution told the judge that a passer—by who arrived immediately after the crash found anne sacoolas looking disoriented with her children on the side of the road. "don't let me die". anne sacoolas said, it's all my fault. i was on the wrong side of the road. using her husband'sjob at the secretive us base at raf corten, anne sacoolas claim diplomatic immunity and left the country. she also works for a sensitive branch of the us government. we are concerned over how much it would appear that sometimes the uk are continuing to pander to the us. it's like, they continue

to choose to be a lapdog, and that needs to stop, that needs to change. but the family say that three years on, they can now remove the signs calling forjustice on the blind corner where harry dunn died. daniel sandford, bbc news. iran has announced the first execution of a protester who took part in the anti—government demonstrations that have rocked the country since september. this is mohsen shekari, he was convicted of injuring a volunteer militia member and blocking a street in the capital, tehran. for that, he was charged with "waging war against god" which carries the death penalty. this is footage of mr shekari's trial, which as bbc persian's kasra naji explains was unusually fast. the whole trial has taken about

seven weeks, very swift, no lawyers were present and we know what is worrying is that there may be more in the pipeline. we worrying is that there may be more in the pipeline-— in the pipeline. we know already there are another _ in the pipeline. we know already there are another 12 _ in the pipeline. we know already there are another 12 people - in the pipeline. we know already there are another 12 people who| in the pipeline. we know already i there are another 12 people who are on death row waiting for the high court, the appeal court, and then there are another 30 people who have been charged with crimes which carry the death sentence. been charged with crimes which carry the death sentence. the protests were sparked by the death of this woman — 22—year—old mahsa amini in september. she was arrested by the so—called �*morality police' for allegedly breaking strict hijab rules. they've range from non—violent, like this this silent march in kurdistan province this week. to protesters running as security forces open fire on them — this was in tehran. one trend we've seen

are massive protests at the funerals of protesters. this was one demonstration in the city of arak. the head of the organisation iran human rights says thousands have been detained. this is the driecotr. thousands. according to some iranian officials more than 15,000, but we think the numbers are actually much higher. many of them are facing similar charges and with the lawlessness that we see, they can basically sentence anyone they want to debt and execute them, unless the international community and the people inside iran show a reaction. there's been lots of internatioanl reaction. the uk's foreign minister tweeted "outraged by the tragic news of the first execution of a protestor in iran. the world cannot turn a blind eye to the abhorrent violence committed by the iranian regime against its own people. the uk is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances." germany said, "the iranian regime's inhumanity knows no bounds. moshen shekari was

tried and executed in a perfidious summary trial for disagreeing with the regime." and france said, "the execution comes on top of other serious and unacceptable violations. " but on wednesday iran's president hit out at the west. translation: here we have educated men and women- _ translation: here we have educated men and women. no, _ translation: here we have educated men and women. no, the _ translation: here we have educated men and women. no, the iranian - men and women. no, the iranian students don't let the protester to whatever they want. there's also been resistance from figures inside iran. badri hosseini khamenei, the sister of iran's supreme leader condemned his actions, she said in a letter, "i think it is appropriate now to declare that i oppose my brother's actions. "ali khamenei's revolutionary guards and mercenaries should lay down their weapons". and this man — former

iranian president mohammad khatami — made rare public comments praising anti—government protesters and urging the authorities to heed their demands. we can speak to azadeh pourzand, human rights researcher at the school of oriental and african studies here in london. how boring is this development of executing protesters with little or no justice. executing protesters with little or no 'ustice. ~ ., ., executing protesters with little or no 'ustice. ., ., , no justice. what we saw today is both extremely _ no justice. what we saw today is both extremely worrying, - no justice. what we saw today is both extremely worrying, but. no justice. what we saw today is i both extremely worrying, but also no justice. what we saw today is - both extremely worrying, but also it was expected by the human rights community who has monitored the situation on human rights in iran in the last 20 years, in particular in the last 20 years, in particular in the last 20 years, in particular in the last nearly three months of the protests. one of the things, other than the fact that this is an execution, it's obviously a tragic as it can get, a couple of points.

iran has a track record of executions. every year hundreds of people are executed in iran, so this is not unique in the sense of the sentence. what is really worrisome, as i think your coverage also stated, even shorter time it has taken thejudiciary to stated, even shorter time it has taken the judiciary to issue and execute a sentence of this nature. the islamic republic already does not go through the various stages of the due process, including discharges of waging war against god, the access to a lawyer is even more limited. i think we are going to see unfortunately a pattern of even faster rates of executions that we have seen before. and the intimidation technique. mei]! we have seen before. and the intimidation technique. well this

kind ofjustice have _ intimidation technique. well this kind ofjustice have an _ intimidation technique. well this kind ofjustice have an impact i intimidation technique. well this j kind ofjustice have an impact on the protests that are happening now? that is the hope of the regime, to intimidate the protesters by way of these executions. as you saw, the use of lethal force in the killings and the detentions of thousands and the torture, they haven't been effective in scenting the protesters home. personally, idon't effective in scenting the protesters home. personally, i don't think that the executions are also... they are not going to be effective in sending the protesters, especially because in iran we are familiar with executions. this is not something that has just happened today. i think that the islamic republic is certainly going to use it more and more as a way to intimidate the protesters and to also tell the world that they simply do not care about the international community's

request and demands and reactions. we have had some very strong statements from the french, the british, now the americans. how important is that international pressure for the protesters and for what they are aiming for? for pressure for the protesters and for what they are aiming for?- what they are aiming for? for the protesters. _ what they are aiming for? for the protesters, these _ what they are aiming for? for the protesters, these international. protesters, these international reactions are absolutely critical to make them feel seen and heard, recognised by the world. their own government is simply not listening to them and instead is killing them, so it is absolutely key. in terms of the islamic republic's regime has bad behaviour, i do not think that they are going to change behaviour because they have had years and years of opportunities to do so, to reform themselves, to change their behaviour and it looks like they have decided to just be at war with the world as well as their own people. i the world as well as their own --eole. ., . ., , ,

the world as well as their own --eole. ., ., ., , , ., people. i do apologise, but we are runnina people. i do apologise, but we are running out _ people. i do apologise, but we are running out of _ people. i do apologise, but we are running out of time _ people. i do apologise, but we are running out of time at _ people. i do apologise, but we are running out of time at the - people. i do apologise, but we are running out of time at the end - people. i do apologise, but we are running out of time at the end of. running out of time at the end of the programme. it has been so good to talk to. i do appreciate your time. despite it being sunny and dry for many of us today, iot was another very cold afternoon. wintery showers continue to be confined to the coastal areas. that is where were going to see through friday evening to the start of the weekend. and it is around coastal areas where we have wintery showers where icy stretches will be a problem. tonight will be very cold with severe frost for most of us. you can see the blue colours. the arctic air is enveloping the whole of the country through thursday. it will last friday and into the weekend. through tonight and again, it is coastal areas which will see these wintery showers stop many central and southern areas and inland areas was tend to stay dry. this cluster of cloud and snow flurries affected east anglia and the southeast by the end of the night.

don't be surprised if one or two areas in the low counties will see a light dusting of snow by the morning. a very cold night wherever you are. —3 to minus five degrees typically. perhaps even into the minus double digits. watch out for the ice risk in coastal areas through tomorrow morning. it will be a cold, frosty start but again dry and bright with plenty of sunshine for many of us. skies will brighten up in the southeast once that early cloud clears. snow showers continue to affect northern scotland and the northern irish seacoast as well. shssh temperature wise no better, from two to five degrees. the wind across northern and western areas it would likely feel colder than temperatures suggest. then as we head through friday night it looks like showers will continue. snow showers across the northern east of scotland. but more affecting western areas around irish sea coasts. so it is here we will see the ice risk once again. another very cold night to start saturday. minus two to minus five,

and lower than that in a few spots. as we head into the weekend it stays cold for all areas. and the wind turns lighter. so we could have problems with patchy areas and freezing fog. so it could be dense and stubborn to clear in places both saturday and sunday. you can see why. we are still in the cold air both saturday and sunday. low pressure just to the east. it is a very weak affair with a few isobars. which is why we see winds falling a little lighter. we could see some sunshine around in a very cold day on saturday. wintery showers around coastal areas perhaps a bit grayer with more low cloud and some fog around on sunday. don't forget you can always stay abreast of the weather where you are and where you are going by going through our bbc weather app. see you later.

hello, i'm maryam moshiri, this is outside source. tonight: the family of us basketball star brittany griner shares their relief — after she was freed from a russian jail, in a prisonerswap. as we celebrate bg being home, we do understand that there are still people out here who are enduring what i endured the last nine months. once investigated men nicknamed the root merchant of that. rights activists condemn the execution of a protester in iran — the first since anti—government demonstrations began in september. qatari authorities say they're investigating reports

of a death of a repair worker at the fifa world cup in doha. and — meghan and harry, in their own words. the first epsiodes of a new netflix series about the sussex royals have been released. lets return to our top story. us basketball player brittney griner has been released from russia in a prisoner swap with notorious arms dealer viktor bout. he was one of the world's most wanted men until his arrest in 2008. well vladimir osechkin was a russian mp who led a russian parliament committee investigating victor bout. he's now a dissident in france and has been speaking to my colleague olga malchevska about what his releases means to vladimir putin. translation: i was contacted by several mps _ translation: i was contacted by

several mps in _ translation: i was contacted by several mps in the _ translation: i was contacted by several mps in the intelligence i several mps in the intelligence services who were trying to lobby for working to advocate victor boot. but he was of course. it was obvious victor boot was linked to the russian intelligence services how did you find that out? translation: did you find that out? tuna/mom- did you find that out? translation: ~ ., , , ., , translation: we had seven people in arliaments translation: we had seven people in parliaments would _ translation: we had seven people in parliaments would been _ translation: we had seven people in parliaments would been serving - translation: we had seven people in parliaments would been serving in - parliaments would been serving in the military in just intelligence. they told me to be careful because victor booth was supervised by the g are you. one of them was lobbying me or pressuring me to get involved. however considering this story was linked to arm stealing and supplying terraces organisations. our team refused to be involved with the inquiry. we did not send any information to the us asking for his release. we asked his wife about his condition inside the us prison. of course when we see at the same time zones of complaints of prisoners in

russia being tortured raped and killed. we thought it would be unfair or reasonably unreasonable to file any complaints. as far as we know during all this time viktor bout has not been beaten or repair. do you think he was a political prisoner? translation: i prisoner? translation: ., ., 4' prisoner? translation: ., ., ~ a, translation: i do not think viktor bout was a political— translation: i do not think viktor bout was a political prisoner - translation: i do not think viktor bout was a political prisoner as - bout was a political prisoner as defined by amnesty international stop but vladimir putin and russian generals this person is symbolic. there've been trying to return them to russia over ten years. with; there've been trying to return them to russia over ten years.— there've been trying to return them to russia over ten years. why do you think russia is _ to russia over ten years. why do you think russia is interested _ to russia over ten years. why do you think russia is interested to - to russia over ten years. why do you think russia is interested to swap - think russia is interested to swap him now? translation: , , translation: does the mayor put in an russian intelligence _ translation: does the mayor put in an russian intelligence where - an russian intelligence where concern he would start to provide information about russian intelligence. it was a matter of honour for them to take their agent back.

let's turn to the qatar football world cup. we're hearing that a migrant worker has died while working at a world cup facility. the atheltic website reported on wednesday that a filipino worker fell to his death while carrying out repair work at a resort where the saudi arabia team was staying. repair work at a resort where fifa has released a statement in response. it said:"fifa is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker's family" qatari authoriteis said the incident is now being investigated. here's the world cup's chief executive. i think every fatality. unfortunately that happens on our watch we investigate and we make sure that we find the reason for it. and of course we also make sure that everything is taken care of regarding repatriation and making short benefits are taken by the family.

but mr al khater has also tried to downplay the incident. let's hearfrom him again. death is a natural part of life, whether it is at work or in your sleep. a worker died, our condolences go to his family. human rights groups have criticized his remarks. the amnesty international said:"unfortunately mr al khater is mistaken when he says that every fatality is investigated. this is simply not true." "we and others have been calling on the qatari authorities to conduct such investigations on workers' deaths for years to no avail." qatar's treatment of migrant workers has been one of the main controversies of this world cup. last year, the guardian newspaper reported that 6,500 migrant workers had died in qatar since 2010 , that's when the country won the bid to host the world cup. the qatari authorities deny that figure. they say there have only been three work—related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament and a further 37 non work—related deaths. this is what the tournament's chief executive said. workers�* death has been a big

subject during the world cup. everything that has been said and everything that has been reflected about workers' death here has been absolutely false. this theme, this negativity around the world cup has been something that we have been faced with. and this is fifa's response. we have already collaborated. long, long interventions and messages on what we are doing with qatar. i don't think that is appropriate when people are coming here to learn things. that we are talking about that we have already discussed. months and months and months. time and time again. sorry, thank you bye. let's now turn our attention to the action on the pitch. players are right now enjoying two days of rest before the quarter finals get under way on friday. the final eight countries still in the competition are brazil, croatia, argentina, the netherlands, morocco, portugal, england and france. despite no matches being played — there have been plenty

of football—related developments. let's take a look at some of them. luis enrique has left his role as spain's coach. this follows spain's exit from the world cup after being knocked out by morocco in the last 16. the portuguese football federation has denied that cristiano ronaldo threatened to leave the world cup. portugese publication record reported that the 37—year—old made the threat after being told he would not start their last—16 game against switzerland. ronaldo's replacement — the 21—year—old goncalo ramos was the man of the match scoring a hat trick to lead a thumping six — one victory for portugal. the england player raheem sterling is returning to qatar before saturday's quarterfinal match against france. the chelsea player flew back to england on sunday following a break—in at his family home. he missed england's 3—0 win over senegal in the last 16, but is expected to rejoin the squad on friday. the bbc sport's olly foster

joins us from doha. let us talk about the football first of all. some big matches being played tomorrow what are we expecting? i played tomorrow what are we meeting?— played tomorrow what are we exectinu? ., , , expecting? i was worried because he took all your— expecting? i was worried because he took all your my _ expecting? i was worried because he took all your my menus _ expecting? i was worried because he took all your my menus away - expecting? i was worried because he took all your my menus away from . took all your my menus away from you. looking forward to the quarterfinals because we had these two arrestees that have been awful. because we had 17 days of nonstop action but now we are almost back in it with the quarterfinals on friday. two terrific matches. i saw your graphic and picking out some of those key players. croatia versus brazil first up on friday. brazil have been playing brilliantly here. their team is all around, newmark was injured in the group stages but she is back and they scored in their last match as they made it safely through. croatia just squeaked through. croatia just squea ked through. croatia just squeaked through on penalties. with luka modric. their captain. they are

quite a force they reach the final four years ago in russia. if we were to back one team you would see the momentum is with brazil and that they could be on for a tasty semifinal against argentina. wouldn't that be something? but argentina with lee in a messy plane in what will it be his last world cup. he is 35. he said this is his last hurrah. they have to get past the netherlands who have been under the netherlands who have been under the radar and playing some good football. argentina doing enough to get this far but there will have to up get this far but there will have to up their game again and those two would have quarterfinals which is something to look forward to on friday. something to look forward to on frida . ., . ., ., friday. indeed and we come to saturday where _ friday. indeed and we come to saturday where england - friday. indeed and we come to saturday where england take l friday. indeed and we come to | saturday where england take on france but also morocco take on portugal and that should be a really excited match.— excited match. what a story, morocco have been. knocking _ excited match. what a story, morocco have been. knocking out _ excited match. what a story, morocco

have been. knocking out the - excited match. what a story, morocco have been. knocking out the rainy - have been. knocking out the rainy champions spain. spain were poor but morocco were absolutely amazing. yes, it went to penalties but their fans have been immense. there coach said they are notjust here now represented africa as the last african nation still standing stock but the whole of the arab world. as you can imagine these saudi fans the qatari nation are getting on board with that. that is the first of the quarterfinals on saturday. but to go. with cristiano ronaldo start? there was a lot of intrigue around that. and then we build up to france against england. france, the reigning champions. how do you stop kylian mbappe a? five goals for the man who pretty much carried them to the title in four years ago. england going on quite nicely as well. they played very well against senegal with a 3—0 win. and harry kane

getting his first goal of the tournament as well. so each of these four quarterfinals has a subplot to look forward to. looking forward to the football starting again after these two arrestees. it is the football starting again after these two arrestees.— these two arrestees. it is quite stranue these two arrestees. it is quite strange having _ these two arrestees. it is quite strange having no _ these two arrestees. it is quite strange having no football- these two arrestees. it is quite strange having no football to i these two arrestees. it is quite - strange having no football to follow thank you olly foster in doha for us. some breaking news from peru. when a judge has ordered the detention of the former president for seven days while he's been investigated for alleged rebellion and conspiracy. yesterday the president was impeached by congress and removed from power hours before he tried to dissolve congress. so, he is now paying seven days of preliminary detention. a big fall from powerfor

him. more on that story is always on a website for sub and updates i would bring you on outside source. denmark and greenland have formally agreed to launch a two—year investigation into historic birth control practices carried out on inuit greenlanders for many years. thousands of women and girls were secretly fitted with contraceptive coils during the 1960s and 70s. as elainejung reports, the bbc has discovered the procedure may still be going on. some viewers may find the following report distressing. thousands of women in greenland are looking for answers. every time i would get my period and i didn't conceive, i would cry every time. this woman recalls her struggle to conceive. desperate for a baby but needing a break she went to a doctor in 2009 to get a coil fitted, hoping it would ultimately boost her fertility. she wasn't expecting

what happened next. when i went to the doctor's room, there were two doctors and when they were about to put it in, they both began whispering to each other. and from that i could feel something was wrong. to her complete disbelief, the doctors told her she already had a coil and removed it to show her. i remember the tears just rolling down my cheeks and i told them that i could not understand how i already had a call in me. i could not understand how i already had a coill in me. she believes that when she had an abortion at the age of 16 in 2004, those involved in the procedure must have inserted the coil without her consent. the greenlandic and danish governments have launched an independent investigation into a danish birth control scandal. at least 4500 women had an iud fitted between the mid 60s and early 70s, often as young girls without consent from them or their parents. this woman was one of them.

i was maybe 13 years old when they gave me coil when it was put inside me. it felt like i was dead. i felt like my body was colonised. they— i felt like my body was colonised. they violated my rights. the details of this dark chapter in their relationship only emerged this year. half the fertile population at the time were potentially affected. families quickly went from having an average of seven children to 2.3. the birth rates in some of those small villages, well, _ it just almost disappeared. no, no child was born in those years. - it's almost impossible to imagine. babienne left the hospital without a coil and fell pregnant within months. but for her and increasing numbers of other women, the independent inquiry into this

doesn't go far enough. i would like that the investigation doesn't stop with 1991, but continues today. the bbc has gathered multiple accounts from women across greenland who have spoken of receiving various forms of contraception without their consent. greenland's health minister has asked their national health board to look into the extent of the issue and whether it's tied to old practices. at a vigil women are now speaking up, but they're waiting for answers and hoping forjustice. elaine yung, bbc news, greenland.

an interest england says it stood at 7.2 million in december. analysis showed nearly 40% of patients are waiting at least four hours. jim read reports. and in departments are under greater pressure than before.— pressure than before. spoke to the nurses at the _ pressure than before. spoke to the nurses at the excess _ pressure than before. spoke to the nurses at the excess weight. - pressure than before. spoke to the | nurses at the excess weight. doctor said their concern _ nurses at the excess weight. doctor said their concern about _ nurses at the excess weight. doctor said their concern about the - nurses at the excess weight. doctor said their concern about the sickest| said their concern about the sickest patients who need to be moved on from the emergency department to another ward of the hospitalfor surgery or more complex treatment. record numbers are not stuck in a and e for more than four hours onto and e for more than four hours onto a free bed can be found. partly because hospitals are struggling to discharge patients into social care. if your hospital is full and more the 19—

if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds_ if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds of— if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds of work— if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds of work 20 - if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds of work 20 of- if your hospital is full and more the 19 odds of work 20 of our. if your hospital is full and more - the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full~ _ the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full~ it _ the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full. it means— the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full. it means it's _ the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full. it means it's a _ the 19 odds of work 20 of our boards are full. it means it's a challenge - are full. it means it's a challenge for emergency— are full. it means it's a challenge for emergency departments - are full. it means it's a challenge for emergency departments to i for emergency departments to transfer— for emergency departments to transfer paper— for emergency departments to transfer paper chains- for emergency departments to transfer paper chains onto - for emergency departments to transfer paper chains onto the | for emergency departments to - transfer paper chains onto the ward. l9-vear-old — transfer paper chains onto the ward. 19-vear-old pat— transfer paper chains onto the ward. 19—year—old pat is— transfer paper chains onto the ward. 19—year—old pat is recovering - transfer paper chains onto the ward. 19—year—old pat is recovering after. 19—year—old pat is recovering after falling and breaking her pelvis. when she got to e and e. a specialist team centre straight to a bed here in a dedicated unit for the most frail so she wouldn't have to wait in pain. the france awards and the team next door in the acute centre for some are designed to take the pressure off a and e. the idea is the more complex cases are centre quickly for treatment. before being referred to specialist or ideally, sent home to free up the bed. the government has said there is more money to improve a and e performance in england. but with colder weather on the way and rates of flu also rising. hospitals are bracing for a busy winter. jim read. bbc news.

the proposed combat will dig up called fort steel production in the k. bbc news analysis editor russ atkins takes a look at why it takes to go ahead despite its concern about climate impacts. last to go ahead despite its concern about climate impacts. last year the uk made a cause — about climate impacts. last year the uk made a cause of— about climate impacts. last year the uk made a cause of action _ about climate impacts. last year the uk made a cause of action on - about climate impacts. last year the | uk made a cause of action on climate change. it said the world should consign because her history. this week for the first time in 30 years the uk government approved a new coal mine. it will be located on the coast and with it like this when it

is built. i will take cold from the irish sea. in defence of the mind that the government made this distinction. that the government made this distinction-— that the government made this distinction. , ., ,., , ., ., distinction. the proposal granted esterda distinction. the proposal granted yesterday for _ distinction. the proposal granted yesterday for cooking _ distinction. the proposal granted yesterday for cooking coal - distinction. the proposal granted yesterday for cooking coal for - distinction. the proposal granted | yesterday for cooking coal for use in steet— yesterday for cooking coal for use in steel production. it is not an energy— in steel production. it is not an energy proposal. the in steel production. it is not an energy proposal-— in steel production. it is not an energy proposal. the call won't be used for energy — energy proposal. the call won't be used for energy but _ energy proposal. the call won't be used for energy but to _ energy proposal. the call won't be used for energy but to labour- energy proposal. the call won't be used for energy but to labour that | used for energy but to labour that distinction is academic.— used for energy but to labour that distinction is academic. opening a new coal mine _ distinction is academic. opening a new coal mine marks _ distinction is academic. opening a new coal mine marks the - distinction is academic. opening a new coal mine marks the nero - distinction is academic. opening a new coal mine marks the nero forj distinction is academic. opening a - new coal mine marks the nero for any claims _ new coal mine marks the nero for any claims this— new coal mine marks the nero for any claims this government _ new coal mine marks the nero for any claims this government has _ new coal mine marks the nero for any claims this government has to - claims this government has to climate — claims this government has to climate leadership— claims this government has to climate leadership and - claims this government has to climate leadership and it - claims this government has to| climate leadership and it won't provide — climate leadership and it won't provide the _ climate leadership and it won't provide the sustainable - climate leadership and it won't provide the sustainable jobs i climate leadership and it won'tl provide the sustainable jobs we need _ provide the sustainable 'obs we need. . ,., provide the sustainable 'obs we need. ., , , provide the sustainable 'obs we need. . , , ., need. labour said this is the wrong decision so — need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it _ need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it is _ need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it is the _ need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it is the chair _ need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it is the chair of - need. labour said this is the wrong decision so it is the chair of uk's i decision so it is the chair of uk's independent climate change, beastie. wyvern should jobs to make the climate — wyvern should jobs to make the climate of everyone in this country worse _ climate of everyone in this country worse it _ climate of everyone in this country worse it is— climate of everyone in this country worse. it is entirely unacceptable. whether— worse. it is entirely unacceptable. whether it — worse. it is entirely unacceptable. whether it is acceptable it is a matter of fierce debate. what is not accepted is the uk has moved away from generating energy with court. in the 1950s a large percent of

energy came from because that has fallen since. indeed the uk intends to stop using coal powered completely by 2024. they say the mind does not affect that. the government said this would be used for the production of steel and would otherwise need to be imported. it's true that most coal use first production in the uk is important. this is where it is complicated. it is far from knowing this is where it is complicated. it is farfrom knowing how this is where it is complicated. it is far from knowing how much coal from the mind will be used by you steel manufacturers. and in the future whatever the mind there has been will certainly go down. fir been will certainly go down. or estimate is only 10% of the production— estimate is only 10% of the production of— estimate is only 10% of the production of mine - estimate is only 10% of the production of mine would i estimate is only 10% of the. production of mine would be estimate is only 10% of the - production of mine would be used in the uk industry— production of mine would be used in the uk industry in _ production of mine would be used in the uk industry in the _ production of mine would be used in the uk industry in the first— production of mine would be used in the uk industry in the first ten- the uk industry in the first ten years and _ the uk industry in the first ten years. and that _ the uk industry in the first ten years. and that will _ the uk industry in the first ten years. and that will quite - the uk industry in the first ten| years. and that will quite soon the uk industry in the first ten- years. and that will quite soon four to zero— years. and that will quite soon four to zero as — years. and that will quite soon four to zero as we — years. and that will quite soon four to zero as we transfer _ years. and that will quite soon four to zero as we transfer to _ years. and that will quite soon four to zero as we transfer to new - to zero as we transfer to new energies. — to zero as we transfer to new energies-— to zero as we transfer to new energies._ here i to zero as we transfer to new| energies._ here is to zero as we transfer to new - energies._ here is the energies. that's right. here is the government _ energies. that's right. here is the government or — energies. that's right. here is the government or not. _ energies. that's right. here is the government or not. the _ energies. that's right. here is the l government or not. the exportation of some _ government or not. the exportation of some of— government or not. the exportation of some of the court to uk markets

will make _ of some of the court to uk markets will make a — of some of the court to uk markets will make a significant contribution to the _ will make a significant contribution to the uk's balance of payment. one arr uinu to the uk's balance of payment. one aruauin for to the uk's balance of payment. one arguing for the _ to the uk's balance of payment. que: arguing forthe mine to the uk's balance of payment. que: arguing for the mine employment to the uk's balance of payment. iez arguing for the mine employment is another. , ., , :: :: another. this mind would bring 500 direct 'obs another. this mind would bring 500 direct jobs and _ another. this mind would bring 500 direct jobs and 1500 _ another. this mind would bring 500 direct jobs and 1500 dogs. - another. this mind would bring 500 direct jobs and 1500 dogs. it's - another. this mind would bring 500 direct jobs and 1500 dogs. it's a - directjobs and 1500 dogs. it's a worth— directjobs and 1500 dogs. it's a worth of— directjobs and 1500 dogs. it's a worth of private _ directjobs and 1500 dogs. it's a worth of private investment - directjobs and 1500 dogs. it's a worth of private investment and direct jobs and 1500 dogs. it's a - worth of private investment and will make _ worth of private investment and will make a _ worth of private investment and will make a huge — worth of private investment and will make a huge positive _ worth of private investment and will make a huge positive difference. . worth of private investment and will make a huge positive difference. inl make a huge positive difference. addition to making the argument make a huge positive difference.“ addition to making the argument for jobs and national income. the government is rejecting environmental concerns around this mind. around decision michael gove says he agrees that the proposed development would have a broadly neutral effect on the global reese of neutral global gases. regardless of neutral global gases. regardless of where the call is from. the chair of where the call is from. the chair of the uk's time climate share, mitty says mr groves arguments are not true. �* ., , , , not true. and adds every expert we know sa s not true. and adds every expert we know says this _ not true. and adds every expert we know says this will _ not true. and adds every expert we know says this will increase - not true. and adds every expert we know says this will increase the - know says this will increase the emissions — know says this will increase the emissions thatjust the

know says this will increase the emissions that just the bit we are using _ emissions that just the bit we are using is— emissions that just the bit we are using is likely to increase the emissions of about 200,000 cars a vear~ _ emissions of about 200,000 cars a ear. , ., ., , year. the debates around this mine isn't the only _ year. the debates around this mine isn't the only around _ year. the debates around this mine isn't the only around emissions. - year. the debates around this mine isn't the only around emissions. itl isn't the only around emissions. it isn't the only around emissions. it is about emissions two. the president for the cop26 summit in glasgow last year says opening this mine would not only be a backward step for uk climate action but also damage the uk's hard—won international repetition as a leader international repetition as a leader in the globe fight against climate change. while the government will point to its payment commitments. michael gove acknowledges of the difficulties of this decision. there are almost _ difficulties of this decision. there are almost disagreements - difficulties of this decision. there are almost disagreements against any pending _ are almost disagreements against any pending scream. including this kind which _ pending scream. including this kind which can— pending scream. including this kind which can create serious and passionate debate.— which can create serious and passionate debate. which can create serious and assionate debate. . , , passionate debate. that shoots some of these elements _ passionate debate. that shoots some of these elements will _ passionate debate. that shoots some of these elements will call _ passionate debate. that shoots some of these elements will call for - of these elements will call for more. in this casejohnson income and the message the disclosure was

standing. of course this is not the end of the matter. the vaccines were handed over to that house minister aaron timmy and at team of ugandans will start their work. doses will be admitted to those remaining contacted with those who protested positive for the virus. the vaccine made by an institute in the us has been proven to be safe for use in human trials. however there have been concerns that the vaccines have arrived at the tail end of the epidemic in uganda. the tail end of the epidemic in uranda. ., ' the tail end of the epidemic in uranda. . ' , , uganda. there are different designs

we use to the _ uganda. there are different designs we use to the effectiveness - uganda. there are different designs we use to the effectiveness of- uganda. there are different designs we use to the effectiveness of the i we use to the effectiveness of the vaccines — we use to the effectiveness of the vaccines. so right now we say we are sort of— vaccines. so right now we say we are sort of in _ vaccines. so right now we say we are sort of in the — vaccines. so right now we say we are sort of in the artwork and looking into options of which designs can be used for— into options of which designs can be used for effectiveness.— used for effectiveness. there have not been any _ used for effectiveness. there have not been any new— used for effectiveness. there have not been any new positive - used for effectiveness. there have not been any new positive it - used for effectiveness. there have not been any new positive it will. not been any new positive it will lead cases in the last three weeks. the last of the people who wed been hospitalised have been released last month. officials say this is due to the resilience of their countries held since then. we the resilience of their countries held since then.— the resilience of their countries held since then. we are 90s today countdown- _ held since then. we are 90s today countdown. so _ held since then. we are 90s today countdown. so it _ held since then. we are 90s today countdown. so it does not - held since then. we are 90s today countdown. so it does not mean i held since then. we are 90s todayl countdown. so it does not mean we will not _ countdown. so it does not mean we will not get — countdown. so it does not mean we will not get another _ countdown. so it does not mean we will not get another case. _ countdown. so it does not mean we will not get another case. uganda i countdown. so it does not mean we| will not get another case. uganda is a country— will not get another case. uganda is a country that— will not get another case. uganda is a country that always _ will not get another case. uganda is a country that always wants - will not get another case. uganda is a country that always wants to - a country that always wants to be prepared — a country that always wants to be prepared and _ a country that always wants to be prepared and ready. _ a country that always wants to be prepared and ready. whenever. a country that always wants to be i prepared and ready. whenever any outbreak— prepared and ready. whenever any outbreak occurs. _ prepared and ready. whenever any outbreak occurs. and _ prepared and ready. whenever any outbreak occurs. and you - prepared and ready. whenever any outbreak occurs. and you have - prepared and ready. whenever anyl outbreak occurs. and you have seen the preparedness— outbreak occurs. and you have seen the preparedness demonstrated - outbreak occurs. and you have seen the preparedness demonstrated in i the preparedness demonstrated in handling _ the preparedness demonstrated in handling this — the preparedness demonstrated in handling this ebola _ the preparedness demonstrated in handling this ebola epidemic. - the preparedness demonstrated in handling this ebola epidemic. if. handling this ebola epidemic. if there handling this ebola epidemic. there are no new positive handling this ebola epidemicm there are no new positive cases reported in the coming weeks. this

importer argument could be declared over. bbc news. that's it for me watching goodbye. hello, there. despite it being sunny and dry for many of us today, it was another very cold afternoon. wintery showers continue to be confined to the coastal areas. that is where were going to see them through friday evening and into the start of the weekend. it is around coastal areas where we have the wintery showers where icy stretches will be a problem. tonight will be very cold with severe frost for most of us. you can see the blue colours. the arctic air is enveloping the whole of the country through thursday. it will last from friday and into the weekend. through tonight and, again, it is coastal areas which will see these wintery showers. many central and southern areas and inland areas will tend to stay dry. this cluster of cloud and snow flurries affect east anglia and the south—east by the end of the night. don't be surprised if one or two areas in the low counties will see

a light dusting of snow by the morning. a very cold night wherever you are. minus three to minus five degrees typically, perhaps even into the minus double digits in some prone areas. watch out for the ice risk in coastal areas through tomorrow morning. it will be a cold, frosty start, but again dry and bright with plenty of sunshine for many of us. skies will brighten up in the south—east once that early cloud clears. snow showers continue to affect northern scotland and the irish sea coasts, as well. temperature—wise, no better from two to five degrees. with the wind across northern and western areas it will likely feel colder than temperatures suggest. then, as we head through friday night, it looks like showers will continue. snow showers across the north and east of scotland, also affecting western areas around irish sea coasts. so it is here we will see the ice risk once again. another very cold night to start saturday, minus two to minus five, and lower than that in a few spots. as we head into the weekend, it stays cold for all areas and the wind turns lighter, so we could have problems with patchy areas of freezing fog

which could be dense and stubborn to clear in places both on saturday and sunday. you can see why. we are still in the cold air both on saturday and sunday. low pressure just to the east, it is a very weak affair with a few isobars, which is why we see winds falling a little lighter. we could see some sunshine around. a very cold day on saturday. wintery showers around coastal areas, perhaps a bit grayer with more low cloud and some fog around on sunday. don't forget you can always stay abreast of the weather where you are and where you are going by going through our bbc weather app. see you later.

hello, i'm maryam moshiri, this is outside source. tonight: the family of us basketball star brittany griner shares their relief after she was freed from a russian jail, in a prisonerswap. as we celebrate bringing her home, we do understand there are still people out here who are enduring what i endured the last nine months. the athlete was exchanged for notorious arms deals viktor bout we'll hear later from a former russian mp who once led an investigation into the man nicknamed the "merchant of death". rights activists condemn the execution of a protester in iran the first since anti government demonstrations began in september. and meghan and harry, in their own words. the first epsiodes of a new netflix series

about the sussex royals have been released. the us basketball player birttney griner has been released from prision in russia. ms griner was exchanged for the notorious russian arms dealer, viktor bout who has been held in an american prison for 12 years. president biden has welcomed the release. after months of being unjustly detained in russia, held under intolerable circumstances, britney will soon be back in the arms of her loved ones, and she should have been there all along. this is a daily worked toward for a long time. he never stopped pushing for her beliefs. it took painstaking and intense negotiations, and i want to thank all the hard—working public servants across my administration who worked tirelessly to her release. we know that brittney griner is now

on a plane back to the us from the united arab emirates. the swap was made at abu dhabi aiport. it's been revealed that a joint saudi uae team played a leading role in mediating the prisoner exchange. russia's foreign ministry also confirmed the swap. they said: "the russian citizen has been returned to his homeland". this was the response from ms griner�*s wife. as we celebrate bringing her home, we do understand that there are still people out here who are enduring what i endured the last nine months of the next thing tremendously their loved one. so thank you everybody for your support, and it is a happy day for me and my family. so i am going to smile right now. brittney griner is one of the best known sportswomen in america. she plays in the women's national basketball association america's top women's basketball league. she won gold at the olympics in 2016 and in 2020 for the us basketball team. this though relates to her time

playing for the russian premier league during the wnba offseason. brittney griner�*s ordeal began on february 17th when she was returning to russia to finish her overseas season. customs official detained her at an airport near moscow after they found cannabis oil in her luggage. ms griner admitted to possessing the oil but said she had no criminal intent and that she'd inadvertently packed them in haste. her lawyers later said she was prescribed cannabis to treat pain. in may the us state department said ms griner was wrongfully detained. in august she was convicted in moscow for drug possession and was sentenced to nine years in jail. she then lost an appeal in october. last month ms griner was moved to a penal colony in mordovia, a remote area some 500 killometeres south east of moscow. russian penal colonies are known for their harsh conditions. prisoners are placed in barracks not cells. prisoners are forced to perform daily work. many players and figures in us

basketball have welcomed britney griner�*s release. among them was the twice wnba champion breanna stewart who tweeted "bg is free!!! 294 days and she is coming home!!!" the wnba's commissioner has also spoken it's been a long ordeal, horrible ordeal, and really look forward to her return and hearing her voice. i always call her this gentle giant, but they look forward to reuniting myself with her because she had written me a letter a couple of months ago, and since then, obviously the appeal occurred it wasn't successful. brittney griner was exchanged for viktor bout who was imprisoned in the us. mr bout�*s mother thanked president putin for his release. a notorious figure, he sold arms to warlords and rogue governments during the 1990s, becoming one of world's most wanted men. he was dubbed the "merchant of death" and sold guns to the taliban and al-qaeda. this ended with his arrest

in bangkok in 2008 in an operation carried out by the us. he was extradited two years later to the us and sentenced to 25 years injail on conspiracy to kill us citizens and officials, and delivery of anti aircraft missiles, and providing aid to a terrorist organisation. now, when negotiations began to secure ms griner�*s release during the summer, the us tried to include paul whelan, a former us marine who was jailed in 2018 on suspsicion of spying in russia in the exchange. mr whelan is currently serving 16 years in russianjail on charges of espionage which he denies. speaking to the cnn over the phone following ms griner�*s release he said... let's hear from the us

secretary of state. u nfortu nately, unfortunately, russia has continued to see the case through the lens of a sham, espionage charges and they are treating them differently than they treated britney. we have made every possible offer available to us as far as securing data released, but in this moment, there was no way to bring him home along with britney. earlier i spoke to our correspondent barbara plett usher who's in washington. around ten months now, she was arrested — around ten months now, she was arrested in — around ten months now, she was arrested in february, went to at trial, _ arrested in february, went to at trial, on— arrested in february, went to at trial, on appeal, and then last month— trial, on appeal, and then last month send to a russian penal colony to begin _ month send to a russian penal colony to begin a _ month send to a russian penal colony to begin a nine year sentence, all this time — to begin a nine year sentence, all this time hoping that the biden administration would be able to secure — administration would be able to secure her release sooner rather than _ secure her release sooner rather than later, — secure her release sooner rather than later, and the reports where that when— than later, and the reports where that when she ended up in the prison colony, she _ that when she ended up in the prison colony, she was very down feeling

that perhaps she wouldn't be freed after all. _ that perhaps she wouldn't be freed after all, and we have been told by us officials that throughout the past month, the russians did not seem _ past month, the russians did not seem to — past month, the russians did not seem to be engaging that munch, they seem to be engaging that munch, they seem to _ seem to be engaging that munch, they seem to he _ seem to be engaging that munch, they seem to be stonewalling. although in the last— seem to be stonewalling. although in the last couple of weeks, little bit of cautious optimism on both sides, but the _ of cautious optimism on both sides, but the announcement came unexpectedly, and apparently the deals— unexpectedly, and apparently the deals were sorted out in the past 48 hours. _ deals were sorted out in the past 48 hours. and _ deals were sorted out in the past 48 hours. and a — deals were sorted out in the past 48 hours, and a big part of it is, as he said. — hours, and a big part of it is, as he said. that— hours, and a big part of it is, as he said, that it was britney or no one _ he said, that it was britney or no one the — he said, that it was britney or no one. the administration had worked very hard _ one. the administration had worked very hard at— one. the administration had worked very hard at her two—for—one swap, paul whelan— very hard at her two—for—one swap, paul whelan plus britney greiner for the convicted arms dealer, victor, but the convicted arms dealer, victor, hut they— the convicted arms dealer, victor, but they were told that it would be only britney, and that they needed to take _ only britney, and that they needed to take it— only britney, and that they needed to take it or leave it and president biden decided to take it. what more do we know — biden decided to take it. what more do we know about _ biden decided to take it. what more do we know about why _ biden decided to take it. what more do we know about why washington i do we know about why washington decided to trade? it’s do we know about why washington decided to trade?— decided to trade? it's a big step. it's a bi

decided to trade? it's a big step. it's a big prize. _ decided to trade? it's a big step. it's a big prize, because - decided to trade? it's a big step. it's a big prize, because victor i decided to trade? it's a big step. i it's a big prize, because victor was convicted in — it's a big prize, because victor was convicted in the united states for arms— convicted in the united states for arms dealing and other charges, and he was, _ arms dealing and other charges, and he was, had a reputation as a very notorious— he was, had a reputation as a very notorious arms dealer for decades, and the _ notorious arms dealer for decades, and the americans went through great lengths— and the americans went through great lengths to _ and the americans went through great lengths to get them, have this very elaborate _ lengths to get them, have this very elaborate staying in order to trap him and — elaborate staying in order to trap him and then put him on trial. the russians have been trying to get him for a long _ russians have been trying to get him for a long time, but they have said that the _ for a long time, but they have said that the americans refused to put him on _ that the americans refused to put him on the — that the americans refused to put him on the table. now they did. part of that— him on the table. now they did. part of that is— him on the table. now they did. part of that is they wanted a two—for—one swap, _ of that is they wanted a two—for—one swap, and _ of that is they wanted a two—for—one swap, and they wanted they figured they needed a big player in order to do that, _ they needed a big player in order to do that, but also the fact that there — do that, but also the fact that there was so much attention paid to britney— there was so much attention paid to britney griner's case, there was a lot of— britney griner's case, there was a lot of pressure coming from her supporters, a lot of unusually high profile _ supporters, a lot of unusually high profile things for these kinds of hostage — profile things for these kinds of hostage negotiations or hostage diplomacy, and they wanted to show that they— diplomacy, and they wanted to show that they were doing everything they could to _ that they were doing everything they could to get her back. in the end, they— could to get her back. in the end, they had — could to get her back. in the end, they had to — could to get her back. in the end, they had to make that decision whether— they had to make that decision whether to make this trade, which of

course _ whether to make this trade, which of course is _ whether to make this trade, which of course is for — whether to make this trade, which of course is for a convicted arms dealer on— course is for a convicted arms dealer on the one hand and somebody, a woman, _ dealer on the one hand and somebody, a woman, a _ dealer on the one hand and somebody, a woman, a sports star who was arrested _ a woman, a sports star who was arrested for — a woman, a sports star who was arrested for having less then one gram of— arrested for having less then one gram of cannabis oil, if it was only her. if_ gram of cannabis oil, if it was only her. if they— gram of cannabis oil, if it was only her, if they were going to get does make _ her, if they were going to get does make an _ her, if they were going to get does make an exchange come in the secretary of state said they wanted to not _ secretary of state said they wanted to not lose a chance to at least get one american home. but it was a big decision _ iran has announced the first execution of a protester who took part in antigovernment demonstrations that have gripped the country since september. this is mohsen shekari, he was convicted of injuring a volunteer militia member and blocking a street in the capital, tehran. for that, he was charged with "waging war against god" which carries the death penalty. this is footage of mr shekari's trial, which as bbc persian's kasra naji explains was unusually fast. the whole trial has taken about seven weeks, very swift, no lawyers present and we know what is worrying is there may be more in the pipeline we know

there are another 12 on death row waiting for the high court, the appeal court and then there are another 30 people who have been charged with crimes which carry the death sentence. the protests were sparked by the death of this woman 22—year—old mahsa amini in september. she was arrested by the so called 'morality police' for allegedly breaking strict hijab rules. some protests have been non violent, like this this silent march in kurdistan province this week. others have been more violent like this demonstration in tehran when security forces opened fire.. analysts say unrest has increased significantly in the last week. one trend we've seen are massive protests at the funerals of protesters. this was one demonstration in the city of arak. the head of the organisation

�*iran human rights�* says thousands have been detained. this is the driecotr. there are thousands, according to some iranian officials it�*s more than 15,000 but we think numbers are actually much higher many of them are facing similar charges and with this lawlessness we see in the iranian judiciary they can basically sentence anyone they want to death and execute them unless the international community and people inside iran show a reaction there�*s been lots of internatioanl reaction. the uk�*s foreign minister tweeted "outraged by the tragic news of the first execution germany said...

and france said... but on wednesday iran�*s president hit out at the west. thw west think iran is like the other countries who might give in. here we have educated men and women. no, they won�*t let the protesters do whatever they want. there�*s also been resistance from figures inside iran. badri hosseini khamenei, the sister of iran�*s supreme leader condemned his actions, she said in a letter... earlier, the us has called the execution a �*grim escalation�*. and this man made a rare public comments praising antigovernment protesters and urging the authorities to heed their demands.

earlier, the us has called and this a the execution a �*grim escalation�*. i spoke earlier to azadeh pourzand. what was i was extremely worrying, but it was expected by the human rights community who has monitored the situation of human rights in iran in the past many years and in particular the past nearly three months of the protest. i think one of the things other than the fact that this is an execution, it is obviously a tragic... as tragic as it can get. a couple of points here, iran has a track record of executions every year, hundreds of people are executed in iran the so this is not unique in the sense of the sentence, but what is really wary simon is, as i think your coverage also stated, that even shorter time that it has taken the

judiciary to issue and execute a sentence of this nature, iran has already does not to adhere to the various visions of the due process, especially with charges like beijing were, access to a lawyer is even more limited, but i think we are just going to see, unfortunately, a pattern of even faster rates of execution that we have seen before and it intimidation techniques. this execution, will _ and it intimidation techniques. this execution, will this kind ofjustice have an impact on protests and protests that are happening right now? i protests that are happening right now? ~ ., �* , protests that are happening right now? ~ . �* , ., , protests that are happening right now? ~ . �*, .,, ., now? i think that's the hope of the islamic republic _ now? i think that's the hope of the islamic republic regime _ now? i think that's the hope of the islamic republic regime to - islamic republic regime to intimidate the protesters by way of these executions, as you saw the use of lethal force and the killings and that the tensions of thousands in the torturous, they haven�*t been

effective in sending the protesters home, and personally, i don�*t think that the executions are also going to... they are not going to be effective in sending the protesters home, especially because, unfortunately and iran, we are familiar with executions. this is not something that has happened today, but i think that the islamic republic is certainly going to use it more and more as a way to intimidate the protesters and to also tell the world that they simply do not care about the international communities request and demands and reactions. ., , , ., reactions. some developing news now from peru. reactions. some developing news now from peru- a — reactions. some developing news now from peru. ajudge _ reactions. some developing news now from peru. ajudge has— reactions. some developing news now from peru. ajudge has ordered - reactions. some developing news now from peru. ajudge has ordered that i from peru. ajudge has ordered that the former president to serve seven days of preliminary detention while she�*s investigated for alleged rebellion and conspiracy. yesterday, the former president was impeached

by congress shortly after he declared a state of emergency and attempted to dissolve congress. he was removed from power and later detained. the left—wing president has been replaced by the former vice president, she is the first female president in peru�*s history. stay with us on outside source still to come... prince harry calls out unconscious bias in the royalfamily prince harry calls out unconscious bias in the royal family and prince harry calls out unconscious bias in the royalfamily and a new netflix series released today. john lennon was shot at the entrance to the dakota building in the centre of new york. there has been a crowd here standing in more or less silent vigil, and the flowers have been piling up. the 14th ceasefire of this war ended at the walls of the old city of dubrovnik. this morning, witnesses said shells

were landing every 20 seconds. people are celebrating the passing of a man they hold responsible for hundreds of deaths and oppression. elsewhere, people have been gathering to mourn his passing. imelda marcos, the widow of the former president of the philippines, has gone on trial in manila. she is facing seven charges of tax evasion, estimated at £120 million. she pleaded not guilty. the prince and princess of wales are to separate. a statement from buckingham palace said the decision had been reached amicably. this is outside source, live from the bbc news room. ourfirst—rate... american basketball star brittney griner has been released from jail in russia in a prisoner swap for a notorious arms dealer

nicknamed the merchant of death. harry and meghan have faced criticism for making the netflix the first three episodes of prince harry and meghan�*s netflix series have been released. the couple co produced the series, which has been billed as telling the "truth" of being part of the royal family. in the first episode, the prince said why he needed to make the program. so far, the focus has been on the couple�*s interactions with the media and their loss of privacy. there were references to prince harry�*s mother, princess diana. meghan shared how drastically her life had changed. here she describes one interaction with police in canada. if any other woman in toronto right now said to you, i have six grown men who are sleeping in their cars around my house and following me everywhere i go and ifeel scared, wouldn�*t you say that was stocking? and they said, yes, but there�*s really nothing we can do because of who you are dating. prince harry said he was �*genuinely concerned�* for the safety of his family. this is what he thought of the royal family�*s response to those concerns. it was almost like a rite of passage, and some members of the family— passage, and some members of the family would like to my right, but my wife _ family would like to my right, but my wife had to go through that, so

why should — my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated — why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? why should you get _ treated any differently? why should you get special treatment? why should — you get special treatment? why should be —— why should she be protected? _ should be —— why should she be protected? i said the difference here _ protected? ! said the difference here is— protected? i said the difference here is the race. some of these claims aren�*t new. you may remember the couple spoke about racism and their treatment in the royalfamily in an interview with us personality, oprah winfrey in march last year. the interview included claims of "several conversations" within the royal family about how dark the skin of the couple�*s first baby archie would be. meghan commenting that her mental health was so bad at one point that she "didn�*t want to be alive any more". claims by the prince that his family cut him off, financially. but editor in chief at majesty magazine, ingrid seward says she disagrees that the couple suffered "any more, or any less" than other members of the royal family. she explains why. you are in a very, very high—profile position, and i think that if harry didn�*t tell megan exactly what she

was letting herself and for, it is actually to me probably didn�*t want to lose her, and ifind actually to me probably didn�*t want to lose her, and i find that very sad. the first epsiodes of the netflix series also gives viewers a closer look into meghan and harry�*s relationship. the pair reflected on their first date, and the first time meeting each others families. we also heard from their son, archie, for the first time. harry and meghan have faced criticism for making the netflix series, while at the same time appealing for more privacy. here�*sjournalist afua hagan on how they�*ve navigated that issue. yes, they have pictures and videos of their children, but it is all they are narrative, it�*s on their terms. they never said they wanted complete privacy, that is something that has actually been misconstrued. what they wanted to do was do it on their terms. the bbc understands that neither buckingham palace, kensington palace nor any member of the family were approached by netflix for comment. and since its release, the palace hasn�*t made any public statement. today, king charles continued his royal duties.

here he is leaving an event in north london, where he met with local charities and volunteer groups. bbc royal correspondent nicholas witchell had more on the likely palace reaction. i think by and large, buckingham palace will be relieved because, of course, the most sensitive area, the suggestion of any racial prejudice, there is no explicit single allegation against the royal family, though harry does say there is, in his words, huge level of unconscious bias. the three remaining episodes are due to be released next week, but the podcast or ——but podcaster christine ross says the relationship between the sussexes and the royal family may already be beyond repair. evenif even if nothing dramatic is revealed to him even if no family secrets can outcome the threat will always have been there. and the painting of the family drama and exposing, you know, the family�*s private lives in such a

public way. i don�*t think that the royal family public way. i don�*t think that the royalfamily can public way. i don�*t think that the royal family can really forget that. let�*s turn to the qatar football world cup. we�*re hearing that a migrant worker has died while working at a world cup facility. the atheltic website reported on wednesday that a filipino worker fell to his death while carrying out repair work at a resort where the saudi arabia team was staying. fifa has released a statement in response. it said... qatari authoriteis said the incident is now being investigated. here�*s the world cup�*s chief executive. i think every fatality that unfortunately happens on our watch, we investigate and we make sure we find the reason for it. and of course, we also make sure that everything is taking care of, from the repatriation to making sure that their benefits

are taken by the family. but mr al khater has also tried to downplay the incident. let�*s hearfrom him again. death is a natural part of life, whether it�*s at work, whether it�*s in your sleep. of course, a worker died. our condolences go to his family. human rights groups have criticised his remarks. the amnesty international said... qatar�*s treatment of migrant workers has been one of the main controversies of this world cup. last year, the guardian newspaper reported that 6,500 migrant workers had died in qatar since 2010 that�*s when the country won the bid to host the world cup. the qatari authorities deny that figure.

they say there have only been three work related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament and a further 37 non work related deaths. this is what the tournament�*s chief executive said. workers�* death has been a big subject during the world cup. everything that has been said and everything that has been reflected about workers�* deaths has been absolutely false. this theme, this negativity around the world cup has been something that we�*ve been faced with. let�*s now turn our attention to the action on the pitch. players are right now enjoying two days of rest before the quarter finals get under way on friday. for more i spoke earlier to bbc sport�*s olly foster. on friday, two absolutely fantastic match has out some of the key players in croatia against brazil. on friday. of course, brazil have been playing brilliantly here, and they team is all around, injured in

they team is all around, injured in the group stages, but back and scored in their last match as they made it through very safely to the last eight. croatia, theyjust squeaked through, you know, the croatians on penalties, and with a look at my church they are, their captain, they are quite a force, and of course, they reached the final four years ago in russia. so, if we were to back one team, you would probably say the momentum is with brazil, and then they could be on for a very tasty semifinal against argentina, wouldn�*t that be something, but argentina with lionel messi, the great lionel messi playing and what will be his last world cup, he is 35. he said this is the last hurrah for him. they have got to get past the netherlands who have been a little bit under the radar, but playing some very good football. argentina just about doing enough to get this far, but they are going to have to up their game again, so those two quarterfinals are really something to look forward

to on friday. you have been watching outside source on the bbc. thank you for your company. hello there. despite it being sunny and dry for many of us today. it was another very cold afternoon. wintery showers continue to be confined to the coastal areas. that is where were going to see through friday evening to the start of the weekend. and it is around coastal areas where we have wintery showers where icy stretches will be a problem. tonight will be very cold with severe frost for most of us. you can see the blue colours. the arctic air is enveloping the whole of the country through thursday. it will last friday and into the weekend. through tonight and again, it is coastal areas which will see these wintery showers stop many central and southern areas and inland areas was tend to stay dry. see this cluster of cloud and snow flurries affected east anglia and the southeast by the end of the night. and don�*t be surprised if one or two

areas in the low counties will see a light dusting of snow. by the morning. a very cold night wherever you are. —3 to minus five degrees typically. perhaps even into the minus double digits. in some prone areas. watch out for the ice risk in coastal areas through tomorrow morning. it will be a cold frosty start but again dry and bright with plenty of sunshine for many of us. skies will brighten up in the southeast once that early cloud clears. snow showers continue to affect northern scotland and the northern irish seacoast as well. temperature wise no better, from two to 5 degrees. the wind across northern and western areas it would likely feel colder than temperatures suggest. then as we head through friday night. it looks like showers will continue. snow showers across the northern east of scotland. but more affecting western areas around irish sea coast. so it is here we will see the ice risk once again. another very cold night to start saturday. —2 to —5 and lower than that in a few spots. as we head into the weekend, it stays cold for all areas.

and the wind turns lighter. so we could have problems with patchy areas and freezing fog. which could be dense and stubborn to clear in places both saturday and sunday. you can see why we are still in the cold air both saturday and sunday. low pressure just to the east. it is a very weak affair with a few isobars. which is why we see winds falling a little lighter. we could see some sunshine around, a very cold day on saturday. wintery showers around coastal areas perhaps a bit grayer with more low cloud and some fog around on sunday. don�*t forget you can always stay abreast of the weather where you are, and where you are going by going through our bbc weather app. see you later.

this is bbc news, i�*m ben boulos. the headlines... us citizen anne sacoolas, who caused the death of the teenage motorcyclist harry dunn in 2019, has been given an eight—month prison sentence suspended for 12 months. and we have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to make sure that she, in the end, still had to do what you and i would�*ve done. and so, yeah, harry, we�*ve done it! and we�*re good, we�*re good. a&e wait and ambulance response times have hit their worst levels on record. more than 40% of people needing a hospital bed spent over four hours waiting on trolleys. prince harry and meghan�*s netflix documentary series has released its first instalments, where harry repeats accusations of press intrusion

by the british media. thousands of people on the lowest incomes will receive a cold weather payment of £25 as temperatures plunge below zero. iranian state media has announced the first execution of a protester, mohsen shekari, convicted over the recent anti—government unrest. hello, a very warm welcome to bbc news. an american woman who killed a teenage motorcyclist while she was driving on the wrong side of the road in northamptonshire has been given a suspended prison sentence of eight months and banned from driving for a year. anne sacoolas returned to the us shortly after the collision in 2019. she has since admitted causing harry dunn�*s death by careless driving, though didn�*t return to the uk and attended court via video link. daniel sandford reports from the old bailey. more than three years after harry dunn died,

his family came to the old bailey to hear thejudge passed sentence on the american woman responsible. but anne sacoolas, the woman being sentenced, was not in court. seen on the right, she was appearing by video link with her lawyer from washington, dc. first, thejudge praised harry dunn�*s family for how they had campaigned forjustice for him. there is no doubt that the calm and dignified persistence of these parents and the family of that young man has led, through three years of heartbreak and effort, to your appearance before the court, and the opportunity for you to acknowledge your guilt of a crime. please stand up. for the offence of causing the death of harry dunn by your careless driving, the sentence is eight months�* imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

harry dunn�*s mother said that she has kept the promise she�*d shmade to him in hospital, to getjustice. job done, justice complete, now. anne sacoolas has a criminal record. that was something that, you know, she never thought she would see, the us government never thought they would see. anne sacoolas turned onto the wrong side of the road and stayed in the wrong lane for 350 metres, hitting harry done on a blind bend. —— harry dunn. the prosecution told the judge that a passer—by who arrived immediately after the crash found anne sacoolas looking disoriented with her children on the side of the road. harry dunn was conscious and repeatedly said, "don�*t let me die." anne sacoolas said, "it�*s all my fault. i was on the wrong side of the road." but using her husband�*s job at the secretive us base at raf corten, anne sacoolas claim diplomatic immunity and left the country. she also works for a sensitive

branch of the us government. we are concerned over how much it would appear that sometimes the uk are continuing to pander to the us. it�*s like, they continue to choose to be a lapdog, and that needs to stop, that needs to change. but the family say that three years on, they can now remove the signs calling forjustice on the blind corner where harry dunn died. daniel sandford, bbc news. the nhs is bursting at the seams, so says the independent health think tank the kings fund. under the most intense strain are accident and emergency departments which in, england experienced their busiest month ever in november. nhs waiting lists also hit a record high. in october, 7.2 million people were waiting to start routine treatment in england.

and these are the figures for a&e waiting times showing how many people were seen within the target time of four hours across the uk — our health editor hugh pym spent the day with a&e staff at the royal berkshire hospital, in reading, to see first—hand how much strain they are under. we have a full resus, a full majors, a full waiting room and a full paediatric department and we have three priority calls, within the space of five minutes. there�*s a rush of patients, all needing immediate care. a&e is close to being full. it�*s relentless. so, it looks like the current wait time in paediatrics is about three hours. tarj is a receptionist in the emergency department. upbeat, despite the pressure. perfect, we'll see you then, 0k? bye. sorry about that. does it get very crowded when they get frustrated? oh, yes, very much so. yesterday i believed we had 120 people in the waiting rooms. the patients in there were crammed in like sardines. you know, when you see the london underground during rush—hour, very similar to that.

and difficult patients sometimes? funnily enough we had a screen broken yesterday from a quite difficult patient, so it is one of those things where this here is quite for our own protection as well because sometimes people can be not as nice to us as we like. paediatric a&e is especially busy. some parents, worried about strep a, mostly winter viruses. so, we got told to come in by the gp. 0k. a nurse is checking out rafe, who has come in with his father, richard. four hours later, we caught up with them again. have they told you how long the wait will be? no. i haven�*t asked yet. i know they�*re busy but i haven�*t asked. i�*ll probably give it another half—an—hour, then i�*ll ask. this department was built to see about 20—30 patients. on saturday night, we had 53 patients in here, so you can imagine 53 patients, that'sjust patients. if you take into account each one of those will have a parent, that's already 100 patients. if they had a sibling, that's 150 patients. omar, who is lead consultant, is urging people to come to a&e

only if they really need to. there's a lot of people who worry and have been worried since the pandemic that if they have a symptom it means they have something more serious. i think they don't seem to want to wait to go and seek medical advice elsewhere. they want an answer, and they want it yesterday. noisy, busy, pressurised, this is everyday life for staff and patients here in a&e, and at most other leading hospitals. harriet has been slapped and bitten by a dementia patient. she is known to be quite aggressive at times but she obviously didn�*t like this, so she grabbed the drip stand and grabbed my arm and she bit my arm. i was able to get her off. unfortunately we can�*t give her the fluids, but we�*ll try the next step. security has been called as staff are dealing with another dementia patient who is trying to walk out of a&e. safina is mentoring student nurse emily. it's a long day. get tired doing it all day. he�*s constantly trying to get out

of the bed and do stuff you don�*t want him to do. how much pressure do you feel right now, every day? the winter pressure, you can feel the winter pressure. like, more people coming in each day. yeah. how are you finding it, emily? yeah, really good. so, this is my 12th week out of 12, so i've been here three months now, but i've learned so much. it's been a great placement. however busy, the hospital is trying to get patients quickly out of a&e. we don�*t do corridor care, here. we have really high standards and we avoid that at all costs. it�*s something that isn�*t right for patients and it�*s not an experience we want to inflict on them. the strain on staff, though, is all too clear. where an amazing service, and we cope. “ we are “ we are an amazing —— we are an amazing service. our ability to keep on coping is running out, but you can't keep relying on us to make spaces and find places for patients to be seen at the drop of a hat when they keep coming in and in.

it is hectic now so they are worried what may happen in the new year, the busiest time for the nhs. hugh pym, bbc news, reading. the duke and duchess of sussex have again heavily criticised the way they have been treated by the media and by the royal family in their new netflix series. in the first three episodes, released today, the couple focussed on press intrusion and what they said were "racist overtones" in some of the coverage as their relationship was made public. the duchess of sussex accused the media of wanting to destroy her, and prince harry accused the royal family of having a "huge level of unconscious bias". buckingham palace has yet to comment on the programme. our royal correspondent nicholas witchell has been watching here�*s his report. she sacrificed everything that she ever knew, the freedom she had. tojoin me in my world. and then pretty soon after that, i ended up sacrificing everything that i know tojoin her in her world.

it is the truth according to harry and meghan, the story of two people who fell in love but whose lives, in their view, were compromised by others conspiring against them. no—one knows the full truth. we know the full truth. the institution knows the full truth, and the media know the full truth because they�*ve been in on it. the behaviour of the press is a constant theme. harry believes there was a racial undertone to media coverage when it emerged that he was in a relationship with meghan markle, a woman of mixed race. the couple think the royal family and buckingham palace should have done more to support them. it was almost like a rite of passage. and some of the members of the family was like, "but my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently? why should you get special treatment? why should she be protected?" i said the difference here is the race element. meghan too evidently believes she wasn�*t given a fair chance by the palace or the press.

but truth be told, no matter how hard i tried or how good i was, no matter what i did, they were still going to find a way to destroy me. there is no explicit allegation against royal family members on the race issue, though harry says there is unconscious bias. in this family, sometimes you are part of the problem rather than part of the solution, and there is a huge level of unconscious bias. the thing with unconscious bias is it is actually no—one�*s fault, but once it has been pointed out or identified within yourself, you then need to make it right. it is education, it�*s awareness. from meghan, there�*s an implied criticism of william and catherine for not having been sufficiently

demonstrative towards her. even when will and kate came over and i had met herfor the first time, they came overfor dinner. i remember i was in ripped jeans and i was barefoot. like, i was a hugger, i have always been a hugger. i didn�*t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of brits. i guess i had started to understand very quickly that the formality on the outside carried through on the inside. that there is a forward facing way of being. and then you close the door and you go, i can relax now! but that formality carries over on both sides, and that was surprising to me. queen elizabeth, though, was warm and welcoming. meghan recalled their first meeting at windsor castle and her first curtsy. i curtsied as though i was like...

"pleasure to meet you, your majesty!" so, have these programmes changed anything? this morning, king charles was out and about on an official visit. buckingham palace is saying nothing publicly, though privately, officials are growing weary. i think there is a sort of sense of both disappointment and exasperation in the palace that the couple feel the need to keep going on about how miserable they were in their royal existence. at the same time, the couple feel they need to keep telling the world why they left. i accept there will be people around the world who fundamentally disagree with what i've done and how i have done it, but i knew that i had to do everything i could to protect my family. three more hours of harry and meghan telling their truth will be released next week. especially after what happened to my mum. that's your grandma, diana. you know, i didn't want

history to repeat itself. nicholas witchel, bbc news. will be discussing that story tonight in the papers at 10:30pm and 11:30pm tonight. temperatures across the uk plummeted overnight dipping to minus nine in the scottish highlands. the freezing conditions have triggered cold weather payments which are made by the government to those on the lowest incomes in some areas. the met office has issued yellow weather warnings for ice and snow for parts of scotland, northern ireland, wales, and parts of england. phil mackie reports. most of us are having to get used to this — freezing at night, bitter during the day. in derbyshire, charmaine takes hot meals to vulnerable clients who are worried about the first cold snap since the cost—of—living crisis. there are people that i have been to an i�*ve said to them, it is really cold in here, maybe you should put the heat on for a little while, even if it�*s just for a short time

just to take the chill off. hi, kathleen. hello, my darling! there is help on offer, notjust if you rely on people like charmaine, but with money for your heating too. there we go, my dear. kathleen�*s one of thousands of people who will get an extra £25 towards their bills. she�*s being sensible, not letting her flat get cold, but she is grateful for the extra money. every little helps. i've also got the cost—of—living rise and my fuel, my energy money. that's all gone into the bank. the cold weather has a massive impact on everybody, not least the homeless. this is derby city mission where up to eight people will sleep tonight in pods like this. they can have 12 people in a day and they are always full year round. there is something called the severe weather emergency protocol that has been put into place in derby. that means that they guarantee everybody who can�*t get in here will get a bed somewhere, perhaps in a bed and breakfast. in hundreds of homes in stannington in sheffield, a burst water main leaked

into the gas supply, so for six days it�*s been electric heaters or nothing. that�*s left people like nikki, a nurse, shivering in her own home. last night i was absolutely fed up and just wanted to go to bed and go under the covers and, you know, think at least i�*m warm, but then dreading getting up and getting out of the covers because the house is freezing, you don�*t want to get dressed. it�*s horrible. no gas coming through at the minute. it�*s bad news for nikki, the gas supply is still waterlogged, so no central heating soon. for kathleen, at least she�*s got a hot meal. phil mackey, bbc news, derbyshire. 15 children have now died in the uk from strep a, according to the figures. new data shows 13 children under 15 have died in england since september. two other deaths of

children have been recorded in belfast and wales, taking the total to 15. group —based or bacteria can cause many different infections from minor illnesses to deadly diseases. the water industry regulator off what has castigated uk water companies, saying they are falling short into many areas. in its annual assessment of performances, it points out the six worst performing. thames water, welsh water, and yorkshire water, which et said were "lagging behind expectations". as mae stollar reports. this �*lagging behind expectations". as mae stollar reports.— mae stollar reports. this report looks across — mae stollar reports. this report looks across the _ mae stollar reports. this report looks across the performance i mae stollar reports. this report| looks across the performance of mae stollar reports. this report - looks across the performance of all water companies in england and wales, and the water regulator have said they are deeply concerned about the state of affairs in some companies. they say there�*s been serious pollution issues over the last year, which audiences will have

seen that across the uk earlier this year. they also drew attention to the fact there has been a lot —— lack of investment by these companies despite commitments in their business plans. they�*ve tried to step up fines for these companies, noting that in november last month, they found a record £102 million against these companies, some witchel go back to the treasury, and £17 million of that will go directly to customers to improve their service. there has been criticism that there hasn�*t been criticism that there hasn�*t been much change despite these new finds they put in place, so we will have to see over the next year or so whether those improvements will be made. , . whether those improvements will be made. ,. ., , ., whether those improvements will be made. ,. . , whether those improvements will be made. ,. ., , ., made. rescue teams are searching for eo - le who made. rescue teams are searching for people who were _ made. rescue teams are searching for people who were on _ made. rescue teams are searching for people who were on a _ made. rescue teams are searching for people who were on a fishing - made. rescue teams are searching for people who were on a fishing boat - people who were on a fishing boat which is believed to have sunk off the coast ofjersey this morning. several lifeboats joined fishing vessels and aircraft in the channel islands, and france as the freight company condor confirmed one of its

ships was involved in the collision. the fishing vessel is believed to have sunk in 40 metres of water, and specialist equipment will be needed to locate it. a marine accident report has found deaths of four people on a paddle boarding trip and wales was a voidable. safety investigators say they became trapped by current caused by the we�*re in haverford west last autumn. the trip organisers were criticised for overlooking the risks and inadequate planning and preparation. tributes have been paid to the last survivor of the world war ii dam busters, whose died at the age of 101. squadron leader georgejohnson 101. squadron leader george johnson was 101. squadron leader georgejohnson was in the 617 squadron which destroyed key dams in germany during the war. danny savage looks back at his asked ordinary life. geoirge �*johnny�* johnson flew in one of these in arguably the most famous operation in world war ii. he was a dambuster, a member of 617

squadron who dropped bouncing bombs from their lancaster aircraft. he was just 21 years old. i feel privileged and honoured to have been able to take part in that raid, one which i shall never forget. johnnyjohnson was the bomb aimer on his lancaster and he would lie flat on its stomach in the front of the aircraft here. on the night of the raid, once they were over the target, he wasn�*t happy with the approach so he asked his pilot to go round again and again, leading to some anxious comments from the rest of the crew. dave rodger in the rear turret, after about the sixth or seventh dummy run said, "won�*t somebody get that bomb out of here?" to me, to not do it properly was a waste of time, so on the tenth run, we were down at 30 feet and i said, "bomb gone". "thank christ!", came from the rear turret. his squadron�*s exploits were immortalised on film — a barely believable but true story

of an operation to destroy german dams by skimming bombs off the water below. we're in shock and awe at what they achieved, to be flying at night, at 60 feet in mountainous terrain, to drop an ingenious weapon that had never been used before, it's genuinely the stuff of legends. are you a member. of the 617 squadron? yes, indeed. are you? one of the originals. wow! and that status was often reflected as he met young people throughout his life. in 2017, the queen awarded him an mbe. she said "nice to see the dambusters are still around and i thanked herfor the honour. george �*johnny�* johnson�*s death means the dambusters are no longer around. he says he had a very lucky life, living to 101, when many of his friends didn�*t make it much past 21.

georgejohnnyjohnson, george johnnyjohnson, whose died georgejohnnyjohnson, whose died at the age of 101. a public inquiry into the post office scandal is holding a hearing into the issue of compensation, after the issue of not much being made. thousands of postmasters lost everything after being wrongfully accused of stealing. one victim has told the bbc that he�*s not seen a penny. emma simpson reports. lee castleton ended up bankrupt and still waiting for a full and fair compensation. 18 still waiting for a full and fair compensation.— still waiting for a full and fair compensation. still waiting for a full and fair comensation. 'j~ , ., , ., compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think— compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think there's _ compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think there's been - compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think there's been a - compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think there's been a lot - compensation. 18 years for me, i don't think there's been a lot of. don�*t think there�*s been a lot of progress. wejust don�*t think there�*s been a lot of progress. we just want clarity, to know how to fix the micro finish this. we know we�*ve won, we know we were right from the beginning, we

know that there were computer problems throughout, all hidden from us. now wejust problems throughout, all hidden from us. now we just want to bring it to an end and get on with their lives. i highlighted in 2002, saying there was a _ ! highlighted in 2002, saying there was a fall— i highlighted in 2002, saying there was a fall in our system. this i highlighted in 2002, saying there was a fall in our system.— was a fall in our system. this man hasn't received _ was a fall in our system. this man hasn't received a _ was a fall in our system. this man hasn't received a penny _ was a fall in our system. this man hasn't received a penny of- hasn�*t received a penny of compensation. he and his wife were forced to close their post office business in essex after a huge shortfall in the accounts. they ended up in a form of bankruptcy too. �* , ~ ., ended up in a form of bankruptcy too. �*, ~ .,, ., ., too. it's like a sword hanging around your neck. _ too. it's like a sword hanging around your neck. so - too. it's like a sword hanging around your neck. so much i too. it's like a sword hanging . around your neck. so much time too. it's like a sword hanging - around your neck. so much time has passed _ around your neck. so much time has passed to— around your neck. so much time has passed. to tell you the truth, i 'ust passed. to tell you the truth, i just want— passed. to tell you the truth, i just want to forget about it because it's not— just want to forget about it because it's not only ruined our lives, but it's not only ruined our lives, but it's 20 years _ it's not only ruined our lives, but it's 20 years we should've been enjoying — it's 20 years we should've been enjoying with our grandchildren. no amount— enjoying with our grandchildren. no amount of— enjoying with our grandchildren. no amount of money can undo what we've undergone _ amount of money can undo what we've undergone. the amount of money can undo what we've undertone. ,.,, .,' . amount of money can undo what we've undertone. . amount of money can undo what we've underone. . �*, undergone. the post office says it's auoin as undergone. the post office says it's going as fast _ undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as _ undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as it _ undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as it can _ undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as it can with - undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as it can with all - undergone. the post office says it's going as fast as it can with all the i going as fast as it can with all the claims, and the compensation scheme that he�*s in, 94% of victims have

been made offers and three quarters have accepted and been paid. but there are a whole raft of concerns about how this process is going, including the desperate financial situation some claimants are now in. and for many, it�*s a slow, hard road to get what they deserve. this woman was forced to resigned from her branch and she lost everything. the --eole are branch and she lost everything. tie: people are sitting pretty and places, sitting behind desks and pushing papers about, not getting further forward. the pushing papers about, not getting further forward.— further forward. the battle for compensation _ further forward. the battle for compensation still _ further forward. the battle for compensation still has - further forward. the battle for compensation still has a - further forward. the battle for compensation still has a long | further forward. the battle for . compensation still has a long way further forward. the battle for - compensation still has a long way to run. emma simpson, bbc news, central london. iran has announced the first execution of a protester who took part in the antigovernment demonstrations that have rocked the country since september. he�*d been convicted of entering a volunteer militia member. let�*s get more with

fatima... a washington—based institution dedicated to the study of the middle east. it�*s very good to have you with us. what do we read into the announcement of this execution and the speed with which this has happened?— this has happened? thank you for havin: this has happened? thank you for having me. _ this has happened? thank you for having me. it's — this has happened? thank you for having me, it's very _ this has happened? thank you for having me, it's very clear- this has happened? thank you for having me, it's very clear that . having me, it�*s very clear that there has been no due process in this entire situation. the islamic regime is starting to crack down on the protests, using all tools and the protests, using all tools and thejudiciary, and the the protests, using all tools and the judiciary, and the court system to make it clear to the protesters that they�*ll prosecute and stand up to everything that�*s happening. so it�*s trying to intimidate the protesters and silenced them in every way it can, every way it�*s possible because it hasn�*t been able to so far, to stop the impact of

this widespread movement, and it�*s using every tool in its arsenal to do this. so this was a quite shocking thing today to see the execution of the first protester, it is a travesty ofjustice given the fact that the judge who presided on this is also really well known in handing out execution sentences. he�*s been sanctioned by the us treasury in 2019 for his role in giving out execution sentences for any kind of dissidents, dual citizens and carrying them through. so at the islamic regime is trying to do is primarily demoralise people, showing them they don�*t have so much power and try to reverse from what�*s happening or contain it,

it�*s doing everything. [30 from what's happening or contain it, it's doing everything.— it's doing everything. do you think the 'll it's doing everything. do you think they'll achieve _ it's doing everything. do you think they'll achieve that _ it's doing everything. do you think they'll achieve that or _ it's doing everything. do you think they'll achieve that or it'll - it's doing everything. do you think they'll achieve that or it'll have . they�*ll achieve that or it�*ll have they�*ll achieve that or it�*ll have the opposite effect and fire a protesters and their anger even more? ., ~ ., , , , ., more? you know, this is 'ust a erfect more? you know, this is 'ust a perfect example fl more? you know, this is 'ust a perfect example of- more? you know, this isjust a perfect example of every - perfect example of every dictatorship that�*s fallen has done all of these oppressive measures, and was met with even more resistance because people now understand that everyone is under threat. the irony is that there was no justice brought to the threat. the irony is that there was nojustice brought to the protesters who�*ve lost their lives, no justice brought to mahsa amini or the 400 and more who have been killed by the regime forces. but at the same time, the regime was quick to prosecute anyone who has disturbed to the system. so that�*s something people are... system. so that's something people are... , , , �* , system. so that's something people are... ., , are... just briefly, there's been condemnation _ are... just briefly, there's been condemnation from _ are... just briefly, there's been condemnation from the - are... just briefly, there's been condemnation from the uk - are... just briefly, there's been . condemnation from the uk foreign

secretary, the german foreign secretary, the german foreign secretary — does that kind of international reaction make any difference? it international reaction make any difference?— international reaction make any difference? .~ , . difference? it makes a difference for the people — difference? it makes a difference for the people who _ difference? it makes a difference for the people who want - difference? it makes a difference j for the people who want support. difference? it makes a difference - for the people who want support. the people who want to have the regime isolated, that�*s what they�*ve been asking for. they are saying, "please don�*t make any deals with the islamic republic of iran." everyone islamic republic of iran." everyone i speak to inside iran and outside the dennis borah say that if you engage the regime in any way, it comes back to haunt and reinforces that iranians are isolated under the islamic regime. so people need his words from you. me islamic regime. so people need his words from you.— islamic regime. so people need his words from you. we are out of time, thank ou words from you. we are out of time, thank you very _ words from you. we are out of time, thank you very much _ words from you. we are out of time, thank you very much for _ words from you. we are out of time, thank you very much forjoining - thank you very much forjoining us from washington. time now for a look at the weather. hello there, it�*s been a cold day for all areas despite the sunshine for most of us, wintry showers continue to affect coasts. that�*s what we will see from friday evening into the start of the weekend, and where we will have these showers, icy stretches could

be a problem tonight. those temperatures fall away quickly this evening, overnight ice affecting coastal areas that we have wintry showers, some clusters of cloud where wintry showers affecting the southeast, but for most those temperatures, minus 3—5 c and prone spots could be into the minus double digits once again. a cold start to friday, plenty of sunshine around, mind you, watch orfor ice. friday, plenty of sunshine around, mind you, watch or for ice. these showers are likely to continue on through the day, but most places like thursday will be dry with plenty of sunshine around, temperatures only reaching highs of 2-5 c temperatures only reaching highs of 2—5 c into the afternoon. stays cold into the weekend as well, with winds turning later, likely to see issues of freezing fog patches as well. see you later.

hello, i�*m christian fraser. you�*re watching the context on bbc news. russia frees the us basketball star brittney griner, in exchange for the notorious international arms dealer, viktor bout. butjailed us marine paul whelan says he is "greatly disappointed" not to have been included in the prisoner exchange. he has been left behind. an agonising decision for the us president. we never forgot about brittney, we�*ve not forgotten about paul whelan, who has been unjustly detained in russia for years. a british court gives american anne sacoolas a suspended sentence — for causing the death of teenage motorcyclist harry dunn. i knew that i had to do everything i

could to protect my family.