The family of British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said they are no longer pushing for future temporary release. She was imprisoned for 5 years in 2016 for allegedly running a BBC Persian online journalism course aimed at spreading anti-Iranian propaganda. She was given temporary release after extensive campaigning by her husband and assistance from the UK foreign office.
An investigation by the observer has found hundreds of prison staff smuggling contraband into UK prisons. A FOI request by the paper revealed that 341 staff had been dismissed over the last 6 years for smuggling items such as drugs, mobile phones and weapons into UK jails.
America has cancelled $300 million (£230m) in aid to Pakistan over supposed failures to act against militant groups. President Donald Trump has previously accused Pakistan of deceiving the US whilst receiving billions of dollars in aid. This comes after America withdrew funding for the UNRWA for Palestine in recent days.
And in other news,
Tottenham football Son Heung-Min will be exempt from South Korean military service after his side won the Asian games. Before the tournament it was widely reported that the Korean team would be exempt from military service should they win the gold. All South Koreans are required to complete military service unless they receive an exemption.
From the speakerpolitics news desk, you are up to date.
