News by AFP

Judicial sources said the Paris appeal court had dropped the charges of "passive corruption" while retaining the remainder of the chargesheet.

Retaken in the spring by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad during a brutal offensive to capture the rebel stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, Arbin is anything but festive. 

Hurricane Michael left scenes of destruction in its wake in Florida, and authorities fear the death toll could still increase as the search operation continues in the most heavily damaged areas.

The issue came to light last week when a man was taken to hospital with stomach pains after eating the fresh produce bought at a supermarket in Queensland state.

Typhoon Jebi slammed into the west coast of Japan around noon on Tuesday, bringing maximum winds of 216 kilometres (135 miles) an hour and heavy rain.

A large crowd looked on as emergency personnel worked in the pouring rain to clear away mounds of grey concrete bricks with cranes and heavy equipment.

Kerala's government has described the crisis – one of the worst in decades – as "extremely grave" and rescue operations are underway to help thousands who remain trapped by floodwaters.

The fourth fatality was an 81-year-old woman, who died after she was trapped under a chest of drawers in her house, officials said.

The founder of IKEA passed away on Jan 28.

“It’s like God forgot about this place."