even further, ah, the ah top headlines are not c whistleblower daniel hale. the centers to 45 months in prison for leaking classified details about america's drone assassination program. all the program, we also speak to fellow whistleblowers when we kill civilians and then put in the official reports that they weren't children for example, they were go. that is a war crime. it's really a war interest. and i just went to the government exam war with its own people. germany's rock by a huge explosion with an industrial park housing, chemical company, environmentalists concerned about the black smoke that's being created full of possible offices police officers,

lawmakers alike are unable to hold back the tears on day one of a us congressional hearing into january's capitol hill riot where a supposedly balanced panel spread, the session, largely gushing from supporters and france approved the new law restricting travel and entry to public places for people without so called covey passports. the move is proving hugely divisive among businesses and the public at large ah, around the world around the clock. welcome to your stories on the international i'm role research was a blow. daniel hale has now been sentenced to 45 months in prison for leaking classified information about america's drone program, as well. so thing of the bag grab a bass enough canister on a decade ago,

a hail helps identify target for assassination. when he came back home to america, in 2013, he shared secret details about the drawing program with journalists to the intercept, ultimately revealing the true extent of civilian casualties. in both the middle east and africa in march, hail pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents. now ahead of today's sentencing hail wrote a letter detailing some of the things he had witnessed in his work, including the death of 2 children in one strike. he also slammed been president brock obama's claim that drone killings abroad some help protect the american fleet . the public that it keeps the safe. whenever i encounter an individual who thinks that drove warfare is justified and reliably keeps america safe, i remember that time and ask myself how i could possibly continue to believe that i am a good person deserving of my life. and the right to pursue happiness a short time ago in the program, i spoke with john kerry echo himself,

but whistleblower who was in the courtroom when a hail was sentenced. he says hale deserves gratitude, not in jail. the mood was one of great apprehension and the court room was packed for daniel hale. it was all quite dramatic, but we were apprehensive because we really didn't have any indication of which way the judge was going to go. and then he surprised everyone by clearing the courtroom and sealing it for 2 hours, while the justice department argued in a classified venue for a sentence of 9 years to me, the fair verdict would have been too, too, for the judge to come off the bench shake his hand, thank him for his service to the country and let him go home to his family. i didn't think he deserved any prison time at all because he revealed a crime that was being committed by the u. s. government the crime of, of the murder of innocent civilians. these are war crimes when, when we know that civilians are within the strike rage, that makes it

a crime when we kill civilians and then put in the official report that they weren't children for example, they were go. that is a war crime and it became a matter of course, it became something that many drone operators and their supervisors were doing. prosecutors had been asking for 11 years behind bars hale's lawyers, one of this reduced to 18 months, arguing that his actions were motivated by moral conflict. he committed the offense to bring attention to what he believed to be more a government conduct. committed under the cloak of secrecy, and contrary to public statements of then president obama regarding the alleged precision of the united states military drone program. i also spoke a short time ago with brandon bryant, a former drone operator, and america's armed forces, who also lifted the lid on what his work really entailed. he says, telling the truth during a time of deceit is a revolutionary act. it's really

a war on, through the night, just whistle blowers. we've got people that have been propagating this war over in the middle east for almost 2 decades. now. the government is at war with its own people. and i don't think that the people actually understand what's happening. there's a bunch of things that we see and we are power, which is like having to bear witness. you know, if, if you can't, you're part of the machine. the car runs this machine, yet you have to bear witness for not just some unfeeling part of the machine you're dealing. and eventually you have to find yourself in the middle of that storm and be like, you know, this. i have to do. i have to do this because if i don't do it, who's going to and eventually you do something so that other people don't have to experience the trauma. the result, the fear, the tear and it brings a sort of peace. i find it strange that conscientious individuals that are inside

the program that are trying to hold us accountable for the obvious blayton war crimes that we ourselves are doing are being punished. and it seems that they are punishing people in order to make them an example. and that really does disturb me, especially if america supposed to be this great country and freedom fighter amongst the world. how we're punishing our own people who are trying to do the exercise caution and stay at home. that's the warning to people in and around the german city of level calls and where a massive explosion has torn through an industrial park of chemical companies. it's fair toxins have been released straight into the environment was the list. there was a huge explosion today here in level courses p a district. there are many chemical factors here. the law school that a waste incineration plant used to dispose of toxic substances. the police told us

that it happened in storage tanks for solvents. solvents have burnt, including those containing chlorine, but we haven't yet made an accurate analysis in cooperation with city authorities. we call a local residence to exercise caution. when going outside, we ask people to pay particular attention to any abnormal fallout. we've established hotlines, which residents can call reports and he said things don't try to remove any such precipitation. stay away from us. the authorities will remove it and take it in for testing. this analysis may take a few days. we call on people to exercise patients and caution. as for the cause we can want to talk about that at this point as the emergency services are still looking for the missing. and hence we cannot as of yet conduct any analysis at the site. it's an ongoing search and rescue operation. hence we cannot hold any discussions regarding the cause for now we call on people to stay at home and keep the windows and doors shops license numbers we have here at santa national,

confirming 2 people dead. 31 injured authorities have warned the situation poses an extreme threat. a power has been cut off to ensure the safety of emergency crews at the site. and locals have been advised to stay in my side and turn off any i can actually. it was like, you know, squeak, the whole house shook. we were scared. i live in reserve 200 meters away. the main roads around the side of enclosed drive was told to avoid the area to a meanwhile, and information hotline has been opened up to address any public concerns. one local police representative describe to us what kind of measures they're currently taking. we've got a large presence of police officers and emergency services here at the site, especially in terms of traffic. we're having to regulate motor ways and roads so that emergency services, fire engines can pass and no one else gets hurt. warnings were transmitted by the

fire department through apps. this is apparently worked as there's been no influx of curious people and accident tourists. well, but whole area around the city of labor crews and in northrop, with folly or in the, the west of germany is, well, the roads, the whole area is old, closed down, there are reports of sirens going off not only in the city of live accusing, but also in nearby towns anecdotally, i've been told the town of sali, the city is told again here people hearing sirens and being told, stay inside, get inside of building close windows and doors. while the emergency services try to determine if there is any risk from this explosion, we seem from the pictures, the huge plume of smoke that rose up. it is covering a large area. now what we've heard from ken park, which is the body which operates this, this facility in liver crews and is that at around $940.00 on tuesday morning,

an explosion took place the residence of lever cruz and are asked to go to close the roof, turn off air conditioning, and as a precaution, keep windows and doors closed. several employees are injured in the events, at least 2 of them seriously. they are currently receiving medical treatment. 5 employees are currently missing. police and other emergency services. calling for those on the highways around the area to pull into one side or the other to create a rescue. gates, as they call here in germany, to allow more emergency services to arrive on the theme of there are tests being carried out on the air in the immediate vicinity and also in the surrounding area as well. this is germany's most populous area or its most area of densest population as well. the area of north ryan with valley you've got and leave a cruise in cologne, dusseldorf, all of those major congregations all in a very tightly packed area. so for, for this to have happened in this region,

it will affect a lot of people in the, the, the road that they said going into lay the cruise and completely closed off right now. in fact, i'll be heading off to that area. as soon as i'm done talking to you right now, we'll be getting as close to become finding out exactly what is happening on the scene. the other side is one of the largest chemical plants and all of europe in fact about so he 1000 people just work there. as peter was saying, more than $5000.00 chemicals and made there including those for explosives. we discussed the blast with dr. sharon george or senior lecturer and environmental sustainability from keel university. he says, is not the black plumes of smoke. the local should be worried about can show it's and she it's not just the issue, but the contamination that you can see. it's not contamination that you can't say this is this the what the blacks and i can see is particular that that is going

travel quite a distance from the side itself. so that was where the band i think is what we're concerned about is not just the immediate, the immediate range. and this is why the, this event just so significant because it's close to those populated areas. so we're going to have this pollution spreading a long way going fast. so i went to the door, it's going to be a gas in the other people approving and also with the weather. so it may then move again, if it's soluble, if wayne's, and then the travel again, i was, the challenge here is, is to figure out exactly what is being disperse and then to figure out how to contain it. and to make sure they know how to people tuesday. so the 1st hearing of a special us congressional panel tasked with investigating the events on capitol hill on january the 6th this year because of lawmakers from both parties. but

critics alleged that minds are already made up and in line already with the mainstream narrative aussies caleb multi was following. what was ultimately a very emotional hearing for certainly some of the police involved. it also gave some of the politicians a chance to appear emotional as congress here is testimony about the events of january 6. it seems we've been hearing both police officers and politicians crying their eyes out. now, during their testimony, members of the capital, police testified about the dangers that they face as the crowd penetrated the capital. on january 6th, i was assaulted and nearly killed. i had lost my life. it was a very good chance i would be torn apart. this is how i'm going to die. defending this engines, i said as well as i could manage. i've got kids. the testimony focused on trump supporter and their actions, which made the police officers very afraid of the racial slurs that were used. at

one point, the police officers who were testifying were asked to, to be essentially asked by the committee, tell us about your heroism. and they described facing off with the crowd, they described how the crowd had baseball bat, pepper spray and flagpole. now it's worth noting that one protester who entered the us capital ashley bab, it was shot and killed. and though some of the protesters did have guns themselves, there was not any instance of the protesters firing on police officers. now, some are looking at this panel and saying it's simply impartial. we're not hearing both sides of the story. questions about about what kind of went wrong and whether or not the capital police allowed the protesters to enter. if they made a mistake or, or somehow the doors were left on guarded. what exactly happened? people are looking at. this is saying it's not an impartial hearing. it's speaker the house nancy pelosi was being widely blamed for the fact that the congressional

committee investigating the january 6 events which is convening today is hearing, contains only anti trump. republicans. it is a bipartisan panel, but there are no trump supporters represented on it. there are simply anti trump democrats, as well as anti trump. republicans, let's take a listen to what's going on. and the hearings, no member of congress should now attempt to defend the indefensible. obstruct this investigation or whitewash. what happened that day? you know, democracy is or not defined. by our bad days. we're defined by how we can backs and bang the bad days. how we take accountability for that, my oath, your oath all of our oath here today to protect and defend the constitution. i have faith because of folks like you and i

am, i don't expect us will be great so much later, but it's mostly an atom a thing today. this seems to be what congress is focusing on at the moment. the mid surging coven cases, a continued migrant surge on the us border. rising inflation and poll saying that more than half the country say things are moving in the wrong direction. that is not what congress is focusing on. rather they have decided to re live and rehash the events of january 6th on capitol hill. what about just about an hour or so ago in the program? i spoke with georgia muley a senior research fellow with a global policy institute. he believes that democrats are actually just trying to draw attention away from some of the countries more pressing issues because the by did ministration has. 2 growing problem on the plate, the migrant crisis, you can add to that the biking crime in all. busy of the major cities in the united states, and the periods inside is about the inflation. so once you book

nothing going for you. and once your poll numbers are dipping, what else do you have? well, you know, trump and so the democrats decided that they're going to go into the 2022 election and subsequent in the, into the 20, $24.00 election on the issue of donald trump. and that's why this is bob. all political operation on the part of the democrats to fight the coming election. they want to make it all about donald trump and they want, particularly, they want to make it about its horrible evil, terrible supporters, and how dangerous they are. and how everyone must be afraid of them. and that's how they hope to get people to the polls. i mean, what usually happens and people don't show off the democrats, one people to show up. how do you get people to show up? you make them frighten, you're frightened, all is terrible. why?

nationally as these races these why the premise is they going to come to power unless you show up to vote. so that's what this whole thing is about. i still come here on the program on see international, huge fury in france as the parliament passes the issue of a cove id. passport will give you details on that in just a moment. the ah with me ah

ah, i use join me every thursday on the alex salmon show. when i was speaking to guests in the world, the politics sport. business. i'm show business. i'll see you then in the moon. ah. why just 2020 minutes past the hour here in moscow, and no entry without a coven health pass. that is the new law which has been approved by the french

parliament. it will restrict access to public areas and travel comes as local authorities say the country struggling with another wave of infections shot to whiskey. now reports on how the measure is ultimately hemorrhaging the country. in a few days time, if you don't have a health pass, you simply won't be able to do this. i don't know who she was on a not regulation is already enforce at cultural institutions that will not be extended to the venue to you. the new law also requires all health care workers to be vaccinated against koby 19 is face suspension without pay president macro and says she refused to be a no. okay, lated all selfish privilege. what is your freedom work? did you say to me? i don't want to be vaccinated, but tomorrow you in fact your father, your mother, or me, one in. i think seeing that he is not the only one while more than

a 100. 60000 people rose up in anger against the controversial health feeling front . it's now being approved with poll, suggesting that the majority of people actually support the idea, not a god given right for people to infect others. and if you do not want to get vaccinated, it's most of us actually realize that such a thing is a med, medical science exists. and the father being pretty stupid, but it's your choice, but don't, don't and fixed on others. finally, on vaccination and on the vaccine, paul. so i think the president is 100 percent. right. that being said, you're looking for a job to around $6000000.00 have signed up to be a north related thing. these plans are moved in just 2 weeks ago. the french, it seems not ready to give up there to be. however, not all has gone exactly the government way. there was fee is opposition

to the health path bill that made its way through the french parliament. echoing concerns about the religion of civil liberties. still wrong, not to get vaccinated, but the health passes in the aberration because either we do it for every one or we don't do it at all. and for now we do nothing either the law is rather directive doesn't give much choice. so it forces the community to have a common sense of purpose. i don't think it's liberty. right. right now it's not really france that is governance things. it's not the president of the republic in europe, which is at present doing that. but more to see like, see me, i'm vaccinated, but i'm not convinced everyone should be obligated to have this health passport. others have said they are prepared to fight, don't defend their right to truth whether or not to be vaccinated. while over 6000 businesses have registered their intent,

not of people to show their health. as for me on back committed, it's my choice. i'm not imposing its own anyone lecturing anyone about it. i'll always reject any mandate that the cafe work into a police officer or health inspector pres the macro. you're messing with elements, you won't be able to control. i refused to be a policeman. i run a b stroke. even the police don't want to force your orders as fast. but all 4th wave of the corona virus pandemic. many believe vaccination and controls on those who refuse one all the only way forwards violence has erupt it into nicea. after the president suck the prime minister and suspended parliament is following large street demonstrations. that there had been growing anger over a spike and covert cases and the government's handling of it all as well as economic problems. the president's supporters greeted his move with cries of joy, but his opponents accuse him of

a power grab. the me the president has now announced a month long few and a ban on gatherings of more than 3 people in public places. on sunday, he said he would assume executive authority and government alongside a new p. and following the, our spring, the country had been dubbed a benchmark for democracy. so asi is elia for training code. now assess is what's going so badly wrong. if there was an award for an arab spring success story

denisia, despite being the neighbor of field state libya, would surely be on the short list of nominees. right? it's not being destroyed by civil war, again, like libya next door in 2015 for tenicia and civil society groups won the nobel peace prize for, quote unquote, a decisive contribution to the building of a democracy. but 60 years on 10 years after the arab sprang, swept north africa and the middle east, there's a sense of street violence. as the focal point has been the countries crumbling health care system which has contributed to one of the highest per capita cove. it 19th death rate, but it's not just a corona virus that has left many feeling ill. many people who are deceived by hypocrisy, terray and robbery of the rights of the people. i warn any,

think of revolt into weapons and whoever shoots a bullet the armed forces will respond with bulus. tunisia is facing the biggest crisis in a decade of democracy. after president chi saeed house did the government and froze the activities of the parliament widely seen as unconstitutional because of side stay, you are a limited powers. his pose labeled the move a qu, that should be opposed, but his position remained strong thanks to the support of the armed forces. troops have prevented lawmakers from convening, which gave the parliament speaker appetite for some strong language. these decisions are not supported by the law or the constitution and we are very disgruntled by them. it's a curb against the constitution against the revolution on a coup against the public and civil liberties. we consider the institutions to still be standing and supporters of another and the to news in people will defend

the revolution. and not her is the moderate islamists ruling party which rose to power as a result of the arab spring. but the current political crisis may see it lose most of its political gains of the past decade. putting tunisia at the crossroads once again. the question is, how's the country experience a power grab by the president or just a temporary shake up to get the nation back on track. the handling of the 19 has been kept this topic which made things worse. and it was almost like the last 4 years now, this is the ration been going on back to work. i think very, a lot of the, the appointment in this little lease and more, you have to know that, you know, the new revolution was that by the young people, they believed in the revolution the beginning. but the government, namely, more specifically in the government, has not delivered since, you know,

it took power. and the economic situation has gone from back to worst with the corona virus situation, unlikely to be resolved in the near future. and the rival political camps giving up to energize st. support. things are more than just dangerous and uncertain. and no peace awards or arab spring track record will help when the nation has all but lost its nerve. you'll be drank o r t or i didn't brief, that's our show you some other headlines. look at this, right, the huge dramatic scenes, northwest china sandstorm and golfing the entire city there, those clouds up to a 100 meters tall. apparently the visibility was reduced so badly, the police had no choice but to hit the streets just to help with pedestrians and traffic. and poor old italy. here a huge wildfire raging across the island of sod, denisia, or on 20000 acres of forest have been consumed in around 1500 people evacuated to

safety, thousands of firefighters. we mobilized as well as 30 specialists planes, and choppers of the region has declared a state of emergency and is insisting the government immediately send money. and another huge place is also raging in america. it came off the 2 separate fires, named dixie and fly merged into one of california. is largest ever wildfires on saturday. it's right through india and falls in the states north just showing at least 20 homes as we understand now, an area equivalent to the size of single 4 has not been destroyed by the play. when a slightly lighter note to the tokyo olympics, now where russia has one true more gold metals, a russian type, quando fighter, lightest love, lowering one, the 7th, the gold for his country. and earlier in the gym, gnostics rushes women's autistic all around team hope. the podium for the 1st time since 1990 to russian athletes also took silver and bronze and other areas

including swimming and shooting. a russia's current metal count at 18. tide right now is exactly half past the hour here at moscow. thanks for joining us . and my colleague, dan hawkins here at the desk and half an hour's time for the meantime. have a good evening the ah ah.