make up your. minds. low and welcome to focus on europe with me liz show glad to have your company today recently german authorities seized the largest haul of cocaine ever found in the country the drugs were discovered in containers at the port of palm book they were hidden in tins that were supposed to contain wall filler but when officials cans

the cargo they found a total of 16 of co-pay. apparently the officers had been tipped off by sources in the netherlands this doesn't come as much of a surprise given that the country is a major gateway for drug smuggling to europe but now dutch authorities wants to take serious action and some high profile drug lords have been charged in one of the biggest trials ever in the country defense lawyer vito is familiar with the drug scene and he knows a lot about the brutal world of his clients. are just streeters defense lawyers public prosecutors and judges arrive at the heavy fortified courthouse some of the most kept their identity hidden because of death threats they're working on one of the biggest criminal cases in dutch history. centered on this man reader one tacky police have offered 100000 euro for

information about his whereabouts cash he was one of europe's most wanted fugitives until his arrest in dubai 16 other defendants are now on trial with em. it's about vast sums of money in the drug trade. and on president acts of gangland violence and about whether the state has it under control for instance there was a hat that was part of it was found from a physician a large. loss of being murdered or sometimes over feeling like they put some inspiration from what they see in colombia. numerous shootings and attacks on top soil have been linked to these underworld figures but who are they and how could they be console powerful. this building in eastern i'm saddam houses vito sugarless office the attorney defends individual standing trial for murder and drug trafficking some of his clients belong to the so-called democracy mafia whose members often have moroccan roots crime bosses they take over in those

neighborhoods and they show was a boss there and people listen to them and they see if i commit a murder i can also drive a nice mercedes 'd and also have a nice watch and also have all these beautiful women and champagne bottles in a club. for cocaine trade is highly lucrative each day some $40000.00 containers arrive at rotterdam's a vast port only a fraction of them are checked criminals have infiltrated the ports system. last year an estimated 600 tons of the drug often hidden among bananas and other fruit shipments arrived here cocaine with a least 50000000000 euros reached europe via the ports of antwerp and rotterdam problem with that amount of cocaine a lot of money comes in and people get rich very fast and if someone is absurd. and has for almost 500000000 to his dispose and. hire hit men to do as he

pleases it undermines the whole government structure. the mafia bribes officials and business figures and its influence doesn't and there. on one occasion a cocaine shipment was concealed in a pineapple consignment small as well as if you have someone in the harbor who knows where it went there is who can check the computer someone who picks it up with it with the truck he also has to have to have the right papers so everything else it has to fit perfectly you know. the cocaine delivery hidden among the pineapples was intercepted but most shipments go undetected and demand for the drug is growing that's why more and more criminal networks want a piece of the pie. last summer at least and a major blow to the mafia. for weeks investigators have been reading criminals encrypted chats messages. when the

operation risks been exposed europol agent struck. seizing weapons drugs and arresting suspects all over europe. authorities even found a torture chamber with a repurposed dentist chair. vito she successfully defended one individual accused of accessory to murder his legal skills have gained him a strong reputation in gangland circles sugarland has arranged for us to meet one of his clients who wishes to conceal his identity the man won't talk to us about the ongoing trial of the you want to break him not to give up a little younger generation needs to consider the kinds of problems they could have . what will they do with all the money it won't necessarily keep you alive and what's the point of all those expensive toys when you're dead in a coffin or the barricade though going against the man says he now has

a car dealership and a few other businesses as he puts it we ask why he defends suspected criminals i know how to feel because i used to be one of those children back in the days ringback when i went to school. people also tried to stop me to go to the gymnasium sometimes you don't get the same opportunities. in a different way the police and prosecutors office like you describe. public prosecutors have called the crime network a well oiled killing machine says the state wants to prove it is not succumbing to narco gangs but the cocaine shipments keep pouring in the trial in amsterdam looks set to go on for some time accused going leader taki has marked prosecutors during the to hunt down a life sentence meanwhile others have already taken his place in the underworld. this woman was a pioneer her name is valentino. and in 1953 she became the 1st woman to

travel to space her successful mission made her a role model for women everywhere meant was also a symbol of gender equality in her home country but almost 60 years later there are many jobs that women in russia are officially banned from doing because they are allegedly too dangerous for example it was not allowed to drive a subway train but this year things changed. and. women are finally in the driving seat and are pushing full speed ahead on gender equality in the russian capital. is doing her dream job as a metro driver she started working at the moscow metro almost 18 years ago at the time she didn't know that women couldn't legally drive the subway trains now they finally can and the rena says for her it was worth the wait the study of yeah exactly. i used to think i was planes with the boy you know my father was

a pilot i'd like technical stuff because i was little so by the metro somehow it drew me in to the fact that it's underground i guess it's like flying but under the ground. before every shift irina gives the metro train she'll be driving a once over she looks for damage and vandalism and checks that all the fire extinguishers are where they should be a moment of calm before the empty cars fill up with commuters again irina has a lot of experience dealing with passengers she worked as a station guard on the platform for years now as a driver she tries to get a sense of each individual metro train her connection to the train she's driving feels almost spiritual to her. in russia people say the way a ship sails depends on what name you give it for the train like

a person and i think each train has a soul to. one train i drove him a little for the most of the nothing. for the feeling of driving the metro it's like i feel happiness if i'm happy when i'm driving. the rena is proud to be one of the 1st 12 female metro drivers after all the moscow subway is legendary its construction began in the 1930 s. at the time the soviet government wanted to build a palace for the people for commuting workers and it shows. in the 1980 s. the government banned women from the driver's seat of these trains they said the metro is too deep underground too loud and too dark to be safe for women and they said the constant vibration from the trains could damage women so-called child bearing function. a new generation brought new trains and a drive for change though it's not quite a u. turn for now women drivers are only being deployed in the most modern trains and

only on the field line which runs over ground for part of its route and that's despite the fact the women have the exact same training as their male counterparts . we don't differentiate between women and men that through training program all the metro drivers need to know what the but of course there are still the 1st women themselves this metro line is less busy volume of passengers isn't quite as high. because this line runs mainly overground it is less of a health risk on which. the moscow metro has been celebrating its new generation of women drivers they've even released a limited edition barbie for the occasion admittedly not the most clear cut symbol for gender equality their advertisements for the dolls in the subway itself you can be who you want to be is the slogan but for women in russia that's still not quite true. metal manufacturing like the work in this steel mill is still off limits to

women mining and drilling on an oil rig are also considered men's work $100.00 jobs are still bound for women the list of found jobs. was initially introduced after the 2nd world war to drive up the birth rate this year the russian government published an updated list but lawmakers in the country are still driven by traditional family values and deep seated patriarchal attitudes. vision american news no. women with care here. just very tough jobs and hard labor are still seen as men's work in our society. also women are mothers. so providing for and taking care of their health and their reproductive functions is important. that is why we used recommendations from doctors to determine factors that are harmful to women at work. that it. is on her way to

work she does her commute there on the metro to mixing with the other passengers ahead of her shift. i think the moment will come when the government allows women to carry out the band professions i'm sure they are working on it already but the bands must be in place for a reason you know the government is taking care of women. i would tell other women to keep believing and keep hoping then that dream will come true to you. no matter who you want to become everything is possible. already has her dream job and the next group of women will start training to become drivers soon but outside of these metro tunnels gender equality is still a long way away. it is paving the way for others and her new job is much better paying than many jobs normally done by women in russia.

home schooling is pretty challenging for many parents during the covert 19 pandemic how do you come up with ideas to motivate and feed kids busy nathan jones was faced with that same question only that his case is special the lives in the u.k. with his son noah but 12 year old boy has a physical disability is bound to a wheelchair and he can't speak so his father designed an art project that has turned noah into quite a celebrity you know goes by the nickname background bob. these are the one expired international artists in collaboration with background bob that's 12 year old noah and his father nathan. suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy he's unable to speak but he can paint which makes sense help.

the 2 of them create backgrounds and other artists then add bad designs. nathan explains that it all began last year to give nell us something to do during the lockdown. we went out of the carriage to our small cold and we just started your. not just your friends not all america shopped out just as the best found the city will collaborate with. and by the end of the 1st day i think that you are just really involved and it just grew from there they began sending their colorful backgrounds out across the world and a whole load of artwork returned from spain australia colombia and many other countries. now i love getting post that isn't from his doc says that little out in background always becoming a new name of. the air act for his school background although he really loves it he

loves all of the attention. no one needs help coordinating his movements but he communicates what he wants very open to what you think the colors are all the true colors on which you want to. look back musing or gazing is the comma. of the earth and then he worked his magic song goes on a cardboard. guitar and forged what you read nicely and then also dissolved flintoff and i reserve the rare. background cope with an instant success on social media it was even a real life exhibition the family can hardly keep up with the demand for backgrounds and now the book has come out to showcase the works the next step is to auction off the artworks with the proceeds going to hospitals and clinics where no one gets his treatment. frankie curtis is an illustrator she's very enthusiastic

about the project and not at all surprised that so many artists want to participate . a fun to. get involved and bring a bit of light light. to the town it's a set since she mean in a sense it's like doing stuff other people. are. like family really aren't really tends to bring people together. she thinks that no one has all the hallmarks of a good artist. i think that noah's ark is really expressive and he kind of. isn't really doesn't really set itself any boundaries and limits and he just kind of you know thankfully. shapes and happens i'm really sick of it stresses and so i removed the project has brought now are a nathan even closer together than before. and i can. make

a lot mash. up of a muffin. i actually haven't got any closer however i can go i enjoy don't have to dream dream big challenge. in finance mavens love and the imagination of many artists have opened up a new creative well it. brought some color to knock down. last year's election in belarus was followed by country wide protests hundreds of thousands took to the streets rejecting the election results that gave the country's leader alexander look at shank or yet another term in office the opposition braved a crackdown by security forces and called for fresh elections hundreds have been imprisoned now those who want to question call outs have grown weary of facing off

with police but their protests haven't stopped small groups of demonstrators still needs in revolt locations. yes. the forest outside minsk residents of a district in the bell russian capital have come out at minus 18 degrees celsius to gather dance warm themselves before the colors of the blue sea in opposition. pretty of fear. much of the blood there a could have been discussed of the 1st we turn up in us an open spaces like stadiums and then in courtyards but the special police units came by the busload anyway but they hauled us off stuck us in jail for days and beaters eventually our fear of physical violence was greater than our desire to go dancing. so then i suggested we come out here. the way it's for the. marks and used

to produce computer games another of the dancers cassette you know ropes and to reserve up. most of the fears and run circles that we used to come here every year to get cross country skiing or because of the fresh air but now we come because of the freedom. we can't breathe in the city anymore because of these monsters the security forces at the just everywhere this bit of pay you can talk yeah let only energy out of business so that they are not to give. up. their call for the release of some 250 detainees who they say are political prisoners they try to give each other hope and keep up their spirits with a humorous slogans. and. see if.

that was the future of the rulers are trying anyway they can to discourage the people and incapacitate them started so that you just sit at home. you've been crying no more you. for nothing cannot assume is one of many who are seeking help from a psychologist delusion society appears traumatized by the brutality of the special police units by the ever present danger of being picked up by an unmarked transporter many are disappointed that in spite of everything that's happened. is still in power. at the window shop for many of the one some of the most active and helped the political situation would change on a sinking into depression the people in the world i think is haven't turned out the way they expected or the ira for half of my clients to psychiatry ists or to get medications. the right many of them only come to me fairly late on any medication

can have a committal slam by the couple mush because saying it takes your mind off of things by weaving baskets. she doesn't read books anymore and can only fall asleep with the help of tranquilizers the sense of hope and pride she felt when she marched with hundreds of thousands through men's holding opposition flags has faded. as krisna much of give us it is the sunday much is turned into a really terrifying again when it got to the point we had to run away. the mass protests a much few announcements but the gatherings in the courtyards haven't stopped and the shelves. to simulate maxim's group also venture out to state smaller acts of protest in the city they even made it into a closely guarded victory square. who was the more it's a big don't keep on putting up with the will they say something about the minister

it's like some kind of concentration camp and unless we do something about it the door when eventually just close again with us in sight. next image it's together videos of their little protest events including the forest gathering so the opposition will remain visible. messam says he's not afraid of prison that life in bill roos is almost like prison anyway. there's no record you know in the end the political order invalid will definitely change votes which is clear that the current order no longer works you know which ones have been you know it's like a corpse that you just have to get rid of. but that's yet there is little indication of that happening back some of the others perhaps to produce many of their motivational videos for change comes to build a roost. here in germany gems

and public swimming pools are closed due to the coronavirus lockdown well in berlin those who really missed the water have had the wintertime option of ice swimming in one of the lakes are on the german capital like the nymph it's a tradition that has been practiced year for centuries a hobby that's definitely not for those of us will like it's warm and cozy. it's saturday morning and your 100 starker is off to one of his favorite spots in the forests around berlin. he comes here to lake nymph and see at least once a week. this time he's not the 1st i swimmer to arrive. the thermometer reveals a water temperature of one degree above freezing. it's high stakes say you should only stay in the water as long as it's temperature height so i don't overdo it but i don't stay in longer than one minute but i haven't kept track with. icy water

temperatures don't scare you hundreds starker. on the contrary. this winter more i swimmers than ever before came to berlin's lake cabin monsignor on sunday mornings. chainsaws and axes are essential equipment but. begin a margin of against training is a cloud of it that's a bit difficult right now the clubs are all closed we meet in small groups so everything's kept within the limits of what's allowed but it's especially tricky today because the ice is over 10 centimeters think some of the eye swimmers have been doing this since the mid 1980 s. during the winter not down this extreme sport had a noticeable burst of popularity. i swimming is good not only for the body but for the soul as well if there's a sort of a door opens when you go into the water but you have been when you get the courage up even to go and then comes the feeling

a well being and you really do feel good and continue with when you come out of your body gets the cue to warm up. well and you actually feel most in work there's a suit for a feeling so yes it's fun. and this time in 1000 twenties i should a 100 years ago berliners were already taking a leap into the icy waters. well. before we start freezing here. what's always cool is when you hold your hands and arms out and it gets extra cold . back at least in infancy you have a stark isn't out to prove anything after his one minute he reemerges into the winter air. i can really feel that it's cool but it's good it actually feels worm when you come out if it weren't for my cold feet and i could just keep on standing here like this. in the demick winter venturing out to be warmed by

a quick dip in freezing water can seem like a great adventure. you'll never catch me doing that well we've come to the end of the day's take care and good back. to. going.

into the conflict zone to sebastiano for the world health organization is on the phone from governments and so exists only good news was showing that enjoying the benefits my guess is we forego the use the european regional director of the w.h.o. comes clean clothes his organization of the ducks the box of the choices clearly feeds 2. conflicts so for. 90 minutes on t.w.

. different on the islands of. the show here women are in charge. the archipelago has had a matriarchal system for centuries. do women do from. the focus of the rainbow starts marching on d w. change is possible that's why visual artist. is using her art to challenge a barrier. for meaning to be able to seem big m.g.m. feel. and to imagine the life that beats one choice to be. more freedom more and some determination more right. women speaking out today on arts and culture on d w. w's crime fighter are back ever goes most successful in radio

drama series continues this season the stories focus on hate speech color of the mention and sustainable charcoal production. all of us are those are available online and of course you can share and discuss on africa's facebook page and other social media platforms. crime fighters to mindanao. frank food. international gateway to the best connection self road and rail. located in the heart of europe connected to the whole world. experience outstanding shopping and dining offers and try our services. biala gassed at frankfurt airport city managed by from.

this is due to the news a libel from berlin and germany enters a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic chancellor angela merkel says the country's lockdown that will be extended for a nother 3 teams but announces steps toward a gradual reopening also coming up on the show security on high alert outside the u.s. capitol in washington the once again this after police received a tip off that the militia group could be plotting in another attempt to breach the built. against the exact toll from yemen.