Minggu, 21 April 2019
Sri Lanka blasts leave hundreds dead on Easter Sunday - The Washington Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c__ESyfvu2Q
2019-04-21 21:44:14Z
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Social media services blocked in Sri Lanka after deadly attacks, group says - Fox News
Sri Lankan authorities have blocked most social media services in the country following attacks that killed more than 200 people on Easter, according to officials and a group that monitors Internet censorship.
Sri Lankan officials said Sunday they were blocking social media temporarily to curtail the spread of false information and ease tensions until their investigation is concluded.
POPE CELEBRATES EASTER SUNDAY AMID BLOODSHED IN SRI LANKA
More than 200 people were killed and hundreds more wounded in eight bomb blasts that rocked churches and luxury hotels in or near Sri Lanka’s capital on Easter Sunday — the deadliest violence the South Asian island country has seen since a bloody civil war ended a decade ago.
Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardena described the bombings as a terrorist attack by religious extremists, and police said 13 suspects were arrested, though there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Wijewardena said most of the blasts were believed to have been suicide attacks.
“People were being dragged out,” said Bhanuka Harischandra, of Colombo, a 24-year-old founder of a tech marketing company who was going to the city’s Shangri-La Hotel for a meeting when it was bombed. “People didn’t know what was going on. It was panic mode.”
He added, “There was blood everywhere.”
The NetBlocks observatory said it detected an intentional nationwide blackout of popular services including Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram.
The group said the country also was blocking messaging apps.
Facebook said in a statement that people rely on its services to communicate with loved ones and it was committing to maintaining service in the country.
Harischandra, who witnessed the attack at the Shangri-La Hotel, said there was “a lot of tension” after the bombings, but added: “We’ve been through these kinds of situations before.”
He said Sri Lankans are “an amazing bunch” and noted that his social media feed was flooded with photos of people standing in long lines to give blood.
NetBlocks director Alp Toker said such post-attack shutdowns are often ineffective and can end up creating an information vacuum that's easily exploited.
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“Having experienced the open and welcoming Sri Lanka during my last week traveling through the country, I had a sense that the country was turning the corner, and in particular those in the tourism industry were hopeful for the future,” said Peter Kelson, a technology manager from Sydney.
“Apart from the tragedy of the immediate victims of the bombings, I worry that these terrible events will set the country back significantly,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/sri-lanka-deadly-attacks-social-media-services-blocked
2019-04-21 20:32:15Z
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Sri Lanka, citing 'false news reports,' blocks social media after attacks - CNN
The shutdown, which the government said would be temporary, highlights the challenges the world's most powerful tech companies face in curbing the spread of misinformation and propaganda in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. It also raises questions of censorship and a government's ability to turn off the world's most popular websites.
In announcing the ban on its official news portal, Sri Lanka named Facebook and Instagram among the sites it had blocked.
YouTube, Snapchat and the messaging apps WhatsApp and Viber were also blocked, according to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks. Twitter did not appear to be blocked. Twitter is not as widely used in Sri Lanka as are Facebook and WhatsApp, according to Sanjana Hattotuwa, senior researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A spokesperson for Facebook (FB), which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, told CNN Business, "We are aware of the government's statement regarding the temporary blocking of social media platforms. People rely on our services to communicate with their loved ones and we are committed to maintaining our services and helping the community and the country during this tragic time."
The spokesperson said Facebook had been working to support law enforcement in Sri Lanka and to identify content that violates the company's standards.
"A few years ago we'd view the blocking of social media sites after an attack as outrageous censorship; now we think of it as essential duty of care, to protect ourselves from threat," Ivan Sigal, the executive director of Global Voices, an international journalism and digital advocacy group, tweeted after the block was announced. "Facebook your house is not in order," he said on Twitter.
Earlier, the Red Cross in Sri Lanka had used Twitter to push back on misinformation. "Rumours circulating on social media that the Red Cross building was attacked is false and wrong information," they tweeted, adding, "Please refrain from spreading unauthentic and false information on Social Media."
Facebook came under intense scrutiny just last month when the suspect in the New Zealand terror attack streamed live video of the massacre on Facebook. The company did not remove the video until after New Zealand police contacted the company.
Sri Lanka temporarily blocked Facebook and other platforms last year after the government said they were being used to incite violence.
Google, YouTube's parent company, and Snap, owner of Snapchat, did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment on Sunday.
Earlier, Viber posted on its official Twitter account, "We encourage everyone to be responsible and rely on updates from official and trusted sources."
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/21/tech/sri-lanka-blocks-social-media/index.html
2019-04-21 20:24:00Z
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Sri Lanka, citing 'false news reports,' blocks social media after attacks - CNN
The shutdown, which the government said would be temporary, highlights the challenges the world's most powerful tech companies face in curbing the spread of misinformation and propaganda in the aftermath of terrorist attacks. It also raises questions of censorship and a government's ability to turn off the world's most popular websites.
In announcing the ban on its official news portal, Sri Lanka named Facebook and Instagram among the sites it had blocked.
YouTube, Snapchat and the messaging apps WhatsApp and Viber were also blocked, according to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks. Twitter did not appear to be blocked. Twitter is not as widely used in Sri Lanka as are Facebook and WhatsApp, according to Sanjana Hattotuwa, senior researcher at the Centre for Policy Alternatives in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A spokesperson for Facebook (FB), which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, told CNN Business, "We are aware of the government's statement regarding the temporary blocking of social media platforms. People rely on our services to communicate with their loved ones and we are committed to maintaining our services and helping the community and the country during this tragic time."
The spokesperson said Facebook had been working to support law enforcement in Sri Lanka and to identify content that violates the company's standards.
"A few years ago we'd view the blocking of social media sites after an attack as outrageous censorship; now we think of it as essential duty of care, to protect ourselves from threat," Ivan Sigal, the executive director of Global Voices, an international journalism and digital advocacy group, tweeted after the block was announced. "Facebook your house is not in order," he said on Twitter.
Earlier, the Red Cross in Sri Lanka had used Twitter to push back on misinformation. "Rumours circulating on social media that the Red Cross building was attacked is false and wrong information," they tweeted, adding, "Please refrain from spreading unauthentic and false information on Social Media."
Facebook came under intense scrutiny just last month when the suspect in the New Zealand terror attack streamed live video of the massacre on Facebook. The company did not remove the video until after New Zealand police contacted the company.
Sri Lanka temporarily blocked Facebook and other platforms last year after the government said they were being used to incite violence.
Google, YouTube's parent company, and Snap, owner of Snapchat, did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment on Sunday.
Earlier, Viber posted on its official Twitter account, "We encourage everyone to be responsible and rely on updates from official and trusted sources."
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/21/tech/sri-lanka-blocks-social-media/index.html
2019-04-21 19:07:00Z
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Sri Lanka bombings: At least 207 people killed by explosions in Sri Lanka capital of Colombo, churches and hotels targeted — live updates - CBS News
A series of eight bombings in Sri Lanka targeting Christian churches and hotels in three cities killed at least 207 people and wounded up to 450 others on Easter Sunday. Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene described the coordinated blasts as a terrorist attack by religious extremists. Here is what we know:
- At 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, bombs tore apart three churches, one in the capital of Colombo, and two others in the cities of Negombo and Batticaloa.
- Four hotels in Colombo were also attacked: the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, the Tropical Inn and the Kingsbury. There was another explosion at a housing complex in Dematagoda.
- Those targeted were members of Sri Lanka's Christian population and guests at the island nation's luxury hotels.
- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "several U.S. citizens" were among those killed.
- The government of Sri Lanka has temporarily blocked social media services like Facebook and WhatsApp to prevent the spread of misinformation.
- Sri Lanka's state minister for defense said seven suspects have been apprehended and the attacks appear to have been carried out by suicide bombers.
- Sri Lanka experienced a vicious 26-year long civil war between its Sinhala Buddhist majority and minority Tamil Tiger ethnic group that ended in 2009.
Witness describes chaos in bombing's aftermath
A witness to one of the bombings, at a hotel by the zoo in Colombo, told CBSN about the chaotic aftermath that unfolded after the explosion. Asela Waidyalankara described hearing a large blast and rushing to see what had happened.
"Suddenly, near my residence, we heard a strong sound of an explosion, so I rushed up to my rooftop to observe what was going on, and I observed a small building from a location about 1 kilometer or less away from us," Waidyalankara said by phone. "The closest landmark is the National Zoo of Sri Lanka, and we noticed within a few minutes there was a helicopter that approached the location and within a few more minutes we could hear ambulances and firetrucks coming into the area."
"At that moment we realized this was probably a larger attack in connection to the chain of attacks that we witnessed," he continued. "Incidentally so, the newswires picked it up, and said that two people had died in that particular explosion."
"We as Sri Lankans are shocked and heartbroken," Waidyalankara said. "But yet we will persevere."
Sri Lankan government blocks social media
The Sri Lankan government blocked major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, in an attempt to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors in the aftermath of the bombings. Jennifer Grygiel, an assistant professor of communications at Syracuse University, spoke with CBSN on Sunday about the motivations behind the decision.
"I think governments around the world have come to see social media is a risk," Grygiel said. "And platforms like Facebook and Facebook Inc., which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram, really have not launched a product in a way that is safe or has enough content moderators or support to make sure that these platforms aren't being abused."
"When tragedy strikes, I think governments are taking quick action to make sure that rumors aren't spread on some of these applications, for example," Grygiel said.
Pompeo says Americans are among those killed
The secretary of state condemned the attack in a statement Sunday morning and said "several U.S. citizens were among those killed."
"Attacks on innocent people gathering in a place of worship or enjoying a holiday meal are affronts to the universal values and freedoms that we hold dear, and demonstrate yet again the brutal nature of radical terrorists whose sole aim is to threaten peace and security," Pompeo said. "The U.S. Embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families."
World leaders condemn attack
On Sunday, world leaders spoke out and denounced the attacks. Speaking from St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis said, "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence."
"I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event," the pope added.
President Trump tweeted a message of support on Sunday: "The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!"
Former President Obama also tweeted a message: "The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka."
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the attacks as "cruel and cynical." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the blasts "an assault on all of humanity."
Christians are an ethnic minority in Sri Lanka
The bombings came during church services on Easter Sunday, the most important holiday in the Christian calendar.
Sri Lanka is an ethnically diverse country with a predominantly Buddhist population. Nearly 70 percent of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, according to a 2012 census. Twelve percent are Hindu, nearly 10 percent are Muslim and seven percent are Christian.
Seven suspects arrested in connection with the blast
Wijewardene, the defense minister who described the blasts as a terrorist attack by religious extremists, told reporters Sunday evening that seven suspects had been arrested, though no one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he feared the violence could trigger instability in the country and its economy.
Wickremesinghe said his government would "vest all necessary powers with the defense forces" to take action against those responsible" for Sunday's attacks, "regardless of their stature."
At least 27 foreigners are among the dead
The Sri Lanka government confirmed at least 11 foreigners were among the deceased. An additional 19 foreign nationals have been injured. According to the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, those killed include:
- 3 people from India
- 1 person from Portugal
- 2 people from Turkey
- 3 people from the U.K.
- 2 people with U.S./U.K. dual nationalities
Death toll reaches at least 207 people
At least 207 people were killed and hundreds more injured in the blasts, pitching the South Asian island nation into the worst chaos it has seen since a bloody civil war ended a decade ago. Wickremesinghe, the prime minister, said he feared the violence could trigger instability in the country and its economy.
Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said at least 450 more people were wounded in the blasts.
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-news/sri-lanka-bombings-explosions-easter-sunday-colombo-churches-hotels-2019-04-21-live-updates/
2019-04-21 18:12:00Z
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Ukraine election: Comedian Zelensky 'wins presidency' - BBC News
Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has won a run-off election to become the country's next president by a landslide, exit polls suggest.
The polls give him more than 70% support. He dominated the first round of voting three weeks ago when 39 candidates were on the ticket.
Mr Zelensky challenged incumbent president Petro Poroshenko.
Mr Poroshenko has admitted defeat but told supporters gathered in Kiev that he will not leave politics.
Ukraine's president holds significant powers over the security, defence and foreign policy of the country.
"I will never let you down," Mr Zelensky told his supporters on Sunday.
He added: "While I am not formally president yet, as a citizen of Ukraine I can tell all post-Soviet countries: 'Look at us! Everything is possible!'"
If polls are correct, he will be elected for a five-year term.
Polls gave Mr Poroshenko, who has been in power since 2014, 25% of the vote.
The billionaire was elected after an uprising overthrew the country's previous, pro-Russian government.
Mr Zelensky, 41, is best known for starring in a political satirical drama in which his character accidentally becomes Ukrainian president.
With no previous political experience, his campaign focused on his difference to other candidates rather than on any concrete policy ideas.
Humiliation for Poroshenko
Analysis by Jonah Fisher, BBC News, Kiev
Ukraine's choice was between an experienced politician with five years as president on his CV and a comedian wielding little more than a blank sheet of paper. That so many people have opted for Volodomyr Zelensky is a humiliation for Petro Poroshenko.
Thirty-seven candidates were removed from the ballot paper from the first round and yet the president only picked up about 9% more votes this time. Mr Zelensky gained almost 45 percent.
This feels like a massive protest vote and for now Mr Zelensky and his campaign team are celebrating.
It's hard to see the feeling lasting long. The hard work will come when they have to start fleshing out what are at the moment vague policies.
It's one thing to have bold ideas but quite another to implement them.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48007487
2019-04-21 17:16:27Z
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Ukraine election: Comedian Zelensky 'wins presidency' - BBC News
Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has won a run-off election to become the country's next president, exit polls suggest.
The polls give him more than 70% support. He dominated the first round of voting three weeks ago when 39 candidates were on the ticket.
Mr Zelensky challenged incumbent president Petro Poroshenko.
Ukraine's president holds significant powers over the security, defence and foreign policy of the country.
After voting on Sunday, Mr Zelensky said: "Today it will be the victory of Ukrainians, the victory of Ukraine, and - I hope - the victory of a fair choice."
If polls are correct, he will be elected for a five-year term.
Polls gave Mr Poroshenko, who has been in power since 2014, 25% of the vote.
The billionaire was elected after an uprising overthrew the country's previous, pro-Russian government.
Mr Zelensky, 41, is best known for starring in a political satirical drama in which his character accidentally becomes Ukrainian president.
With no previous political experience, his campaign focused on his difference to other candidates rather than on any concrete policy ideas.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48007487
2019-04-21 17:15:00Z
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