On Saturday, Germany celebrates the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Built in 1961 by the Communist government of East Germany, the wall was meant to stop the flood of its citizens fleeing to the West. Almost three decades later, on Nov. 9, 1989, tens of thousands of people breached the wall and tore it down. But as Henry Ridgwell reports from Berlin, hopes that it would bring about peace between East and West have crumbled as fears grow of a new Cold War.
Cannabis farms and nail salons among most lucrative jobs in Britain's black market for migrants
The deaths of 39 migrants, many believed to be of Vietnamese origin, in the back of a refrigerated truck near London last week has focused a spotlight on the lives of those who risk everything to earn a better living in Britain. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, many Vietnamese are lured overseas by the potential profits of working in illegal industries.
The truck's driver has been charged with multiple counts, and two brothers are also being sought
British and Belgian police are continuing to investigate the people-smuggling networks that helped to transport the 39 migrants who were found dead in the back of a refrigerated truck near London last week. It's believed they suffocated in the sealed container. Henry Ridgwell reports on the growing industry in human cargo that brings tens of thousands of migrants to Europe every year.
Critics accuse the government of 'electioneering' by having pushed the exhumation of the late dictator
The body of former Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco was exhumed from its grandiose mausoleum outside Madrid Thursday and moved to a cemetery near the capital. Critics have long campaigned for the move, arguing that the site in the "Valley of the Fallen" – which was built by prison laborers under Franco - glorified his dictatorship. The exhumation comes as Spain faces an imminent election and risks inflaming already intense political passions, as Henry Ridgwell reports.
Authorities suspect people-smuggling gang
British lawmakers reject Prime Minister Boris Johnson's attempt to rush through legislation which would have the country leave the European Union by Oct. 31
EU leaders are deciding on another extension to Brexit after lawmakers in Britain frustrated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to leave the bloc by Oct. 31. After previously pledging to leave by that deadline, "do or die," Johnson now seems determined to seek an election as soon as possible. But as Henry Ridgwell reports, it might not be that simple.
Families demand rebel-held captives are included in prisoner swaps
As Ukraine and Russia discuss resuming peace talks, thousands of families remain torn apart by conflict. In rebel-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, hundreds of people have been detained and accused of spying — with widespread evidence of torture and killings. Henry Ridgwell met the family of one man who was seized by rebel forces, who described the pain of separation, and the horror of witnessing his suffering from afar.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is battling to persuade lawmakers to back the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement he signed with the European Union ahead of a special session in the British Parliament scheduled for Saturday. The vote on the deal is set to go to the wire. As Henry Ridgwell reports from Brussels, Europe is doing all it can to try to get the deal passed.
Crucial Northern Ireland lawmakers indicate they will vote against the deal
Britain and the European Union have sealed a new Withdrawal Agreement on the first day of an EU summit in Brussels, paving the way for Britain's possible exit from the bloc at the end of the month. But Brexit is far from decided as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a tough battle to persuade MPs in London to approve the agreement, as Henry Ridgwell reports from Brussels.
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