Newscast for Friday, June 26, 2009

Iran tops the agenda at G8 meeting in Italy
The foreign ministers of the world´s most industrialized countries -also called the G8- met in Italy Friday in order to prepare the agenda for a G8 heads of state meeting that will take place in the town Aquila, on the 8th and 9th of July.  While many topics were on the agenda, the issue of Iran quickly became the focus. From Trieste, FSRN´s Diletta Varlese Reports.

Activists say California judge approved torture and mistreatment of terror suspects
Today marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, used the occasion to call on nations around the world to ratify and apply the UN convention against torture.

Pillay criticized US interrogation techniques and detention centers, calling the policies of former President George Bush a “grotesque practice.” The commissioner also warned against the Obama Administration´s plans to approve legislation that would allow for  the so-called “preventive detention” of terrorist suspects, saying that “there should be no half-measures, or new ways to treat people as criminals” when they have not been found guilty of any crime.

Meanwhile on the West Coast, several groups are trying to bring to justice those they say are behind US torture policies. FSRN reporter Africa Jones has more.

Mountain top removal coal mining opponents speak out on Capitol Hill
As law-makers debate climate change legislation on Capitol Hill, activists are making it clear that coal is not the answer, especially when it’s mined using mountaintop removal. Opponents of mountaintop removal – in Appalachia and in the Senate – say the mining practice puts communities in danger.  FSRN´s Tanya Snyder reports.

After fatal accident, DC Metro riders reflect on transport system
At least nine people were killed in the June 22 Metro crash in Washington, DC.  While the city endeavors to find the cause of the accident, the Metro system is continuing to run as usual for most train lines.  FSRN reporter Sam Greenspan spoke with Metro riders to see if attitudes have changed towards the city’s public transit.

New Yorkers react to Michael Jackson´s death
People across the globe are reacting to the sudden death of Michael Jackson.  In New York, two popular entertainment spots – Times Square and the Apollo Theater – attracted many King of Pop fans and mourners. From bars and cars across the city, the sounds of Michael Jackson could be heard filling the night sky with whoops in celebration.  FSRN´s Rebecca Myles reports.