WHO sacks Western Pacific chief accused of racism, misconduct

Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a press conference organized by the Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents (ACANU) at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, 14 December 2022. EFE-EPA/File/MARTIAL TREZZINI

Tokyo, Mar 9 (EFE).- The World Health Organization (WHO) has sacked the Japanese head of its Western Pacific office after allegations of misconduct, racist and abusive behavior. “In line with the organization’s policy of zero tolerance for abusive conduct, the allegations were investigated,” a statement from the Geneva-based United Nations health agency. The probe “resulted … Read more

Iran arrests several suspects in schoolgirl poisonings

A psychology student from Iran takes part in a silent protest in Bangalore, India, 05 March 2023. EFE/EPA/JAGADEESH

Tehran, Mar 7 (EFE).- Suspects were arrested in connection with the wave of poisonings at girls’ schools in Iran, the interior ministry said Tuesday, as protests over the alleged attacks took place across several cities. Deputy interior minister Majid Mirahmadi said the first arrests were made in five provinces but did not give further information … Read more

US finds no evidence linking Havana Syndrome to foreign foe

The US diplomatic mission in Havana. EFE/Alejandro Ernesto/File

Washington, Mar 1 (EFE).- The United States government has seen nothing to indicate that the Havana Syndrome, the name given to a cluster of health issues experienced by American diplomats at home and abroad, resulted from the actions of a foreign adversary, the National Intelligence Council said in a report released Wednesday. “Symptoms reported by … Read more

FBI chief backs Wuhan ‘lab leak’ coronavirus theory

A person runs on the bank of the Yangtze River, in Wuhan, China, 30 December 2020. EFE/EPA/FILE/ROMAN PILIPEY

New York, Mar 1 (EFE).- The director of the FBI Christopher Wray said the bureau believes that the Covid-19 pandemic “most likely” originated from a laboratory leak in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Wray’s claim fuels a divide in the United States intelligence community over the origins of the coronavirus, with other agencies suggesting the … Read more