Zone following the deadly shootings and repeated violence. At the top stories for the past 7 days and right up to the moment of elements as well this is the weekly on r. T. International hello and welcome im you know normally. Rushes over a whole constitution came into effect on saturday following a previous weeklong vote a half the majority of the public indorse the changes with over 3 quarters in favor that was out of a turn around 68 per cent or kept tabs on the final day of polling for us. Now this really was a vote of us the fos time people were in mosques and gloves the time they were using disposable patents wilson threw temperature sconce focusing on law and facade as for the voting process itself while that was the situation west security footage allegedly caught a woman stuffing the ballots now but counting in that area of moscow has been suspended pending an investigation otherwise the central Editorial Commission says that it found no irregularities that was so many amendments on the table 147. 00 in total that its difficult to decide what it was that ultimately secured public backing but undoubtedly its the package of social amendments that house particularly white appeal im talking about things like adjusting pensions in law and with inflation and showing that the minimum wage never ever fools below the cost of living as well as giving additional Financial Support to low income families these proof because they have such a tangible impact on peoples day to day lives but that is not to say that this was an easy decision for anyone old that it was without control of a c. A few amendments proved to be particularly polarizing and one that paints a lot of media traction was conceding the socalled searing out of president putins previous tubs paving the way for him potentially if he wanted to do so run again twice as president on top of the some of the more conservative amendments proved to be divisive such as defining marriage so many as a union between a man and a woman reiterating traditional family values as well as mentioning goal despite the fact that russia is officially a sect or the nation but thats him the people themselves and what they have to say. Why have i come here to vote because im a citizen of russia and with all of them men women and i am not ok with them and about doing a president ial term i absolutely do not agree with. The can from it. With all of the amendments in the constitution of. The most important to me is the prevalence of russia you know over international the head of the Central Election Commission of said something about voting being like a meal deal you either take everything or you do not take it at all and i already do not like one dish in this meal deal so i will not take Everything Else i think it is nonsense according to all legal logical and ethical norms i love my country and you think everything that has been done is right i think that its needed because the current constitution is out of date it is a modern time and even the view of life is new the bit of a mixed bag in terms of reaction and people decide to show that disapproval not just at the polls but also protests peaceful ones in the capital and also in that some petersburg but true to 2024 it was safety fast. Its not. Right. And ultimately though many who put a tick in the yes box would argue that the russia of 9293. 00 when this current constitution was born was full of political and economic instability it was still finding its feet after the collapse of the soviet union and that russia is not the same as the russia of 2020 that almost entirely Different Countries so i think this is just into the changes was born from a desire for the countrys top document to move with the times to set russia on a new course and shape its future as envisaged by russians now today and not as envisaged by russians almost 30 years ago. Has been going through there was a long list of amendments in the package all offer but it was a warm element in particular that got much of the foreign media fired up. Russias parliament basically paving the way for Vladimir Putin to potentially stay on as russian president hes the longest serving russian. Joseph stalin a lot of your putin wants to stay in power even longer addressing lawmakers abdu words putin said he backed the amendment allowing him to seek another term in office but there are dozens of interesting lucians that also be discussed and the one that caught my eye was on children the role of children and all fronts i explicitly mentioned in one of the constitutional a market which i think is worse while reflecting the Russian Federation of the year 2020 is in many regards i would say in a different situation than was the country in 1903 when we compare the International Circumstances but also of course the National Economic and political situation the early ninetys were marked by the implosion of the soviet union marked by the down group of communists and. It was more about being effects of the then the Russian Federation that we have today i think there is a need for. Meeting these new circumstances because a constitution is almost a reflection of a society and also of the circumstances of the country it is in so that you cheer of the legislature the parliament in order to respond to do snooty gensis. Campaign to topple statues linked to historical racism so groups. Theres a term to defend monuments through the week and while some of the links may be clear the vandalism of denmarks Little Mermaid was a little harder to comprehend it was dogged with the words racist fish but academics a very county what could be racially insensitive about the christian understand for retail so what is the best way to remember or history the good. A contentious peter all over explores what germany thinks is the answer. When it comes to assessing and dealing with difficult periods of history germany has more experience than most but we havent seen the type of scenes here that have played out in the United States britain belgium. My. Billet germany isnt without its own controversial statues otto von bismarck has been dogged with red paint in hamburg while as an Ongoing Campaign to block the renovation of another monument to the eye and chancellor in the port city bismarck wasnt just crucial in german unification he was also a driving force in colonialism and by todays standards and on d. C. Might here in berlin sell and golf district anomie as hassam in 1920 s. Depiction of a needling black woman was decapitated last week kasem and remains controversial in germany he was a committed nazi and despite the fact his works continue to be displayed across the german capital this particular monument had been slated for removal by city authorities whod already deemed it earlier this year on suitable for display in the city of belin. And if society cannot exist with this kind of bigotry and prejudice you cannot live together if you do not treat each other equally people shouldnt be discriminated against based on the color of their skin so what happens to start choosing germany that no longer justify exhibition well here in berlin theyve got just the place for them the spandau citadel although the 16th century fortress has its own troubled past it was used as a chemical weapon storage by the nazis but i suppose it was to bring those that you to a museum to show it was an example of racism these mistakes are not repeated this racial stereotype should not be demonstrated on the streets but in a museum where we could demonstrate it to people within context as we move through the exhibition we see hundreds of years of prussian military strongman into monuments of naziism the 3rd reich didnt really do sculpture but this cache which was one of few described by hitler is irreplaceable the nazis preferred buildings as their monuments to time and theres plenty of those still visible in modern berlin. One of the most i can change in this collection of discarded start to see is this gigantic granite head of blood to me at lenin its all that remains of a 19 meet monument that was built in 1970 to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth. In the United States and also in Great Britain the red discussions of the moment about what to do with dismantle memorials but here we have already found a possible solutions for memorials that are so to speak toxic if you put them in you seem that doesnt mean its over we put them here so that people can continue to Pay Attention to them but in a different context germany is often cited as the example to follow when it comes to assessing periods of history trouble. To modern sensibilities even if there are 2 named after nazi field marshall when rubble that the German Military calls home to this day they glossed over as they dont face that particular narrative because history has a tendency not to be as neat as we might like it when its really examined peter all over r. T. Berlin. Years so the thoughts from germany but its the us really which is being grown 0 for revising the past these past few months and now even the countrys National Anthems in question cheered for Daniel Hawkins the story. 2020 is a year of change and im not talking about coronavirus popular t. V. Shows axed statues torn down even food brands updated to meet 21st century criteria of inclusive u. T. Equality justice and tolerance but is it enough can more be done while in the United States protests during the National Anthem have been a bone of contention for quite a few years but what about the National Anthem itself well now some people are saying enough is enough. I. I well thats thats you that just came off the plinth was Francis Scott key the man behind the lyrics that the starspangled banner and former slave owner and anti abolitionist so whats the deal with the anthem itself. Andrew sure warms these walls. What you can sing the 3rd verse all right of course the rarely performed that 3rd verse was directed by key black slaves whod been freed or escaped and fought alongside the british in the war of 1812 his message to them was clear your fight for freedom will bring you nothing but death and downfall Little Wonder then that was attracted increasing scandal across the United States with both soccer teams and High School Students refusing to play or sing at keys that only profited from slavery he apparently also harbored some pretty backward views on race and nationality and this widely attributed quote certainly has no place in this day and age. You dont want to hear me sing in french. But that was the mossie years tune familiar to all around the world for centuries truly a symbol of French National identity both in times of joy and tragedy and. Did. You knew that you know that is. Who or who. d you so well some of those lyrics furious soldiers coming to cut throats grabbing weapons impure blood may seem to some at least to be appropriated by the far right and certainly having no place in the modern republic course which aims remain theres even a movement for a new master yes and while theyre still far off their goal theyre not alone various french figures throughout history have had issues with them from the right of victor hugo to socialist leaders. Even seeing a surge gains ball who wrote his own reggae version back in 1979 have called for a make over. And seeing or not to see that is the question well former u. K. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn found himself at the center of a media storm when he really got the wrong answer you saying that you will sing the National Anthem im going to be many of the take part fully in those events so i dont see a problem but this is the issue surely is that we had a memorial for the battle of britain i was there and despite his explanation the press was merciless branding him all but a traitor but what would they say in 2020 beyond the 1st verse which we all know the lyrics do get a little strange especially in a Secular Society talk of a day theorizing to scatter enemies and punish those rebellious scots hardly makes any friends up north and whatever his reasons corbin isnt alone for example indigenous members of parliament in all taria recently announced they wont be taking part in any of them singing. God save the queen is an archaic tribute to the British Colonial period and the centuries of violence oppression and discrimination the British Empire carried out against nations and peoples are considered inferior Indigenous Peoples in canada a glaring example among them perhaps corbin was just ahead of his time as well as canada they officially passed the motion back in 2018 making their National Anthem gender neutral. I debates around symbols such as anthem statues or brands dont seem to be going anywhere anytime soon but as the calls for transformation grow louder many may question what fundamentals they really change beyond just that symbolism. Is still ahead in our team to national a World Heritage site sitting on the horizon of its stand but could plans for their comic sophia fuel a religious feud between muslims and christians well look into that for the short. Join me every thursday on the alex simon show and ill be speaking to guest of the world of politics sports business im showbusiness ill see if that. Is your media reflection of reality. In the world transformed. What will make you feel safe. Isolation community. Are you going the right way or are you being so. Direct. What is true what is right. In the world corrupted you need to descend. To join us in the depths. Or unmaidenly shallowness. Hello again police finally moved in to clear the self declared autonomous protest zone in seattle on whedons they will go pockets of protest or ongoing in neighboring districts activists occupied the citys capitol hill which became known as chopper run 2 months ago after police moved their precinct think that campaigners had said they hope to create a Peaceful Police free utopia but the peace didnt last too long in the 3 weeks of protests his own saw 4 shootings 2 of them fatal there are also reports of assaults burglaries and rape protestors some on 2 or more and they could face arrest if they didnt leave me and over 38 were detained after police really. Just some. Oh my god. I wish oh. Well at 1st the merrill want to leave the activists to either take over hoping for a quote summer of love but she was later forced to take action that decision came after protesters marched on her home demanding that the police be defunded and activists emphasized watch those officers moved protesters this is his report so i am outside of the pine street entrance of the shop right now where a bunch of police have set up a barricade and the protesters are now but they gather not just. You know but there are blocking the street trying to cause a little bit more awareness and the officers took that as an opportunity to complete enforce their version of law. I dont know where you thought it was but the police came and chopped and ousted the remaining people who were staying there those that have around 30 to a rest spray people pepper spray them and aggressive from your perspective what exactly happened basically i was at the r. And. R. And. It all started when bang bang bang screams at my house but there were a couple individuals who were speaking loudly red megaphone switching the crowd energized to actually bringing people in off the streets and the cops in a little bike brigade actually charging targeted those people arresting them individually and throwing them into the back of a cop cars far end of chop. Not too long ago there were a bunch of tents in these areas there were people hanging out just living. In 5 hours. Everyone has been evacuated you know like you had a right. To do or you wouldnt talk myself down. My matches burned down and there are over burnt down i dont think anybody in seattle did not see this coming ever since the string of 4 to 5 shootings that have. Recently found out that in the last shooting there was a 14 of a 16 year old kid who were killed so i think that it was. The cops decided that it was time to put an end to it theres a lot of demoralization right now especially in the crowd of protesters because i think a lot of people are taking this is a bit of a loss because baby were. Told. This entire idea. Seems to have not only failed but come to an end. The future of an ancient monument in turkey is at the center of a political rock over the president s desire to turn it into a mosque sophia and istanbul has been a museum for almost a century before the wanted was an Orthodox Christian cathedral and a mosque for several centuries to its imposing unesco World Heritage site droll for millions of tourists. Turkeys main administrative body is expected to decide on the building status in around 2 weeks you know asco say its illegal to change a Cultural Heritage moneyman status without their permission and given that its been a Muslim Christian place of worship over the centuries one Eastern Orthodox Church leader is warning that the move could turn millions of christians against islam theyre not theyre only ones concerned either. The United States future changing the status of the ideas of fear is diminishing the legacy of this remarkable building and its unsurpassed ability to serve humanity as a much needed bridge between those who have differing faith traditions and cultures the highest of the must not be allowed to be devastated with universal character and turn it into a muslim place of worship what they took his government and president to do and i attempted to do today it revives and reignites fanatical nationalist and religious sentiment a symbol of tolerance and diversity this place must remain open to all. However they turkish leadership is not happy at being told what to do insisting its got the right to make decisions about its own the buildings a president ial spokesperson says that turning the museum into a mosque would not damage its cultural meaning and the visitors would still be welcome here some of the reaction we heard from people in turkey. But as far as im concerned its best for it to stay in museum because there is a blue mosque 100 meters across the white its best for me to see the museum i hope that it will be open soon and Almighty Allah will allow us to pray here as soon as possible frankly i see it is a necessary tourism revenues are already all over the place because of tens of thousands of people come here every month to worship and by doing Something Like this creating an artificial agenda theres nothing logical theres no right to me. Trying to revive the ottoman empire. We can see that it was all good movements that hes making and within this framework he would like to see also a bridge will more years so if you are. To go before he at the door. And in this way he thinks that he will have Popular Support the question over yourself. Is not an issue. Between disagree government and. Because years of fear is something that belongs to humanity many of jerks also into key believe that it should remain a World Heritage and also as such as a museum it gives a lot sooner or Financial Support to the mayor of stumble jim out in saying that we dont need another mosque he said that we should that we should leave it as it is. Going he said government he wants to break with. Past for his own benefit. With countries around the world on edge over a possible 2nd covert 19 wave certain areas are already seeing the virus surge back its the case in 2 regions of spain which are both preparing to reinstate locked on on sunday in the far northwest move to bring back confinement measures affecting some 71000 people the lockdown is expected to last for just 5 days however which will allow local elections to go ahead on sunday authorities highlighted a spike of up by 300. 00 cases since the public were allowed back to socialize and bars and restaurants and glitzy is move comes just hours after council lonia on the other side of spain also placed one area back on lockdown fishel is in south korea home to run 200000 people say they have a difficult decision to make cuts alone he has been one of spains worst hit regions with more than 12000 covert related deaths new restrictions are in place after new cases more than doubled over the past week locals say they generally support the renewed lockdown. I felt better but i feel this is right because we have too many spikes too many infections and eventually they would have to close of the region and more will come it seems this is necessary because were seeing whats of kill says this is a good decision. Spain ranks 4th in europe for the number of coronavirus related deaths at over 28000 it had been moving to reopen its borders to attract much needed tourist thing come touring the peak of the Summer Season one spanish doctor we spoke to believes a selective strategy by region is needed but worries the tourism boom could lead to a bigger problem. Ensure i believe that given the current circumstances this is the only option going back to a total lockdown that supplies to whole country is not the way to go the other issues here is that the e. U. Countries of acted on their own since the start of the lock down now the 27. 00 countries have opened their borders except to americans brazil moods and emotions but theyre still allowed the british to enter and visit Spanish Islands with little or no screening its very important to either debate the need for a biological passport so to at least require a virus to 3 days before any trip within europe. With that statue is being torn down on history books written across many western countries watch rushes to. The skies next in the park. If. The. Alone while come to worlds apart the u. S. Claim of exceptionalism supremacy has long been a strong irritant to the russians especially coupled with the suffering and the humiliation brought about by the collapse of the soviet union fast forward 30 here is how does most of the tearing down of statues and the revision of not just history but National Identity currently underway across the pond well to discuss that im now in joined by Dimitri Brennan the director of the Carnegie Moscow Center mr training its always a great pleasure talking to you thank you very much for taking the time a pleasure thank you. Now i know that you are a big book warm as evidenced by the shells behind your back and im pretty sure that youve already had both your own perhaps the pleasure of reading john boltons latest account of hes 16 months in the white house what impression did it make when you. Well know