Transcripts For ALJAZAM News 20140521

Director is taking on one of the worlds most prestigious film festivals. We begin tonight in the heart of nigeria, where two bombs exploded. 118 people were killed. And it happened in the middle of a popular food market, setting buildings and cars on fire. The armed group, boko haram, is believed to be behind the attack. It was in the central city of jost where the mostly Christian South meets the muslim north. Reporter the blast at a busy intersection near the main market, so close to the towns main railway and bus terminal. Police say one of the bombs was put in a minivan and the other on a truck, and when they exploded, there was a fire that engulfed a huge part of the vast park. The police could be taking the bodies beyond recognition away in pickup trucks. Its not the first time that this happened. In boko haram, they enjoyed two years of political peace, and now a campaign of bombings in jost in plato state. Its where they meet the sectarian violence and conflict between muslims and christians have been commonplace. And there have been conflicts between indigenous farming communities and those from the community. In jost, armed forces are out on the street to try to stop any attacks taking place after these bombings. This bombing is the latest violence to hit nigeria. On sunday, suicide bombs exploded in the middle of a busy street, killing four people. Like todays blast, it ur he wanted in a mainly christian area. And on monday, the government appealed to the united nations, asking that boko haram be added to the al qaeda sanctions list. This as they continue to search for nearly 300 kidnapped schoolgirls. And now to the concerns about Human Trafficking, the advocates against sex slaves have been trying to get Congress Help for years, and now it appears that sex slavery and child endangerment, congress is coming together. Roxanna has more on that. Reporter john, republicans and democrats in the house passed five bills today, all aimed at trafficking of women and children in the u. S. And agenda to focus on issues beyond taxes and spending. Scenes like these are sparking rare bipartisan unit. Reporter its really comfortable to think that Human Trafficking or sex trafficking only happens outside of the United States, but its happening in our own communities and in our own backyards. Unfortunately, hundreds of enthuse of American Children are trafficked each year. Our kids are robbed of their innocence and coerced into lives on the streets where theyre repeatedly abused. Helping adults and children who are trafficked, many for sex. Many of these kids come from the foster care system or are runways. Reporter some of the victims are u. S. Citizens, and others like this woman come from overseas. She left indonesia for what she thought was a hotel job in new york city. And instead, she was forced into prostitution. They put gun on my head. And reporter she survived and became an advocate for women. Human trafficking for domestic i thought something needs to be done. Reporter its a global problem. The International Labor organization said forced labor generates 150 billion in illegal profits per year. The victims are forced into working on construction sites, forms, as domestic servants, and in the sex industry. In developed countries, forced workers have been worth 5,000 a year to their exploiters. Roman catholic nubs in italy are increasing awareness over increased risk of Human Trafficking ahead of the world cup next month. In events like the world cup and the super bowl, kidnapping children and forcing them into prostitution. Theyre using social media to educate the world about the dangers. Thailand is one of our trading partners, and six months of intability has threatened them. Today its being run under martial law. Reporter hello, im calling from bangkok thats waking up in the morning, knowing that its under martial law. Now, on the first day of martial law, on tuesday, this was shock. Everyone thought that the military was going to stay out of politics as it had been saying for several months. But suddenly, there was this at 3 00 in the morning on tuesday morning, people are still figuring out what it means. Two important developments. One is that the chief of the armed forces has come out to say that this is a temporary measure, that they will stay in place while the political conflict between them is sorted out. There was no mention of elections, which is what the red shirts, who are in government at the home want to have. They are insisting, the military that is, that this is not a coup, despite the fact that it is martial law and human rights activists are pointing out that what we have here is the use of the law from 100 years ago, with limits quite severely. But the limits veronica, we see guns and tanks and jeeps on the street and military presence, and other than that, what else do you see as a result of the new martial law there . That is a most visible indication of the fact that the guys in uniform are back out of the barracks and into the streets. Dont forget, this is the 19th coup or attempted coup in thailand since 193 2. People are quite used to it. But theres seven an air of app hex. The first victim of martial law, if you can call it that, is probably going to be the freedom of expression. Ten table channels were shut down because the military wants to make sure they say the content may disturb peace and are order, and in fact, they have given the name of the body that is running the martial law, the peace and order maintenance command. Peace and order not to run the company, but they didnt say how long martial law will last, but how long it takes. So theyre monitoring reports coming out of thailand now, is that it . Theyre monitoring reports coming out of all media outlets. So what you are seeing is a situation where people are trying to assess what that means. What gages are being used. This martial law that is the legal basis for the martial law thats being used, as i say, is 100 years old. And it effectively renders the judiciary and the executive branches powerless, so its not clear that even though the civilian government remains in place, wont have any power at all. And they werent even consulted before the declaration of martial law was put in place, though thats a justification for the military to say this is not a coup. All right, Veronica Pedrosa reporting from bangkok, thailand. And thank you very much for the update. The state department is very concerned about thailand, and it has called on the thai army in situation peaceful. For them to abide by their commitment. And this is a temporary action to prevent violence and to respect, and they will respect democratic institutions. Now, martial law is legal under thailands institution. Its meant to be a temporary measure to keep the peace. Under martial law, the military can search homes and villages and people, and it can stop meetings and gathers, and put restrictions on the media, as just heard. All civil authorities must come apply with the military when martial law is enforced. Ambassador from thailand. And military is adamant theres no coup and what do you say . Strictly saying, there isnt. 100 years ago, the concent of martial law that you just described. Some unfortunate things, but a coup involves removing the government as such and representing it as they have done sooch in the past, with a general as Prime Minister and they have stopped short of doing that. Strictly saying, the government is still there, so a its not a coup in that sense, theyre there to prevent violence on the street so the United States as a big ally in thailand and asia, and trading partner as well. So what does this martial law really mean to that country . It means that they are terrified that these two contending forces in thailand are going to start fighting each other big time on the streets, and maybe the country will slide into civil war, but what they have done is restricted to that. It offers no solution to the fundamental political problem. A bunch of people in the city, rich, close to the monarchy and elitist. And the Rural Farmers who dont believe that they get a fair shake out of the system. We saw pictures today, people taking selfies of themselves behind tanks and military personnel. About you this is serious stuff, right . This is quite serious. This is an important country as such, and of course in the region and in the local trade. And its going nowhere, john. It has been doing this for years, and certainly the last six months are a disaster. I dont see that the martial law decision is addressing the fundamental issue. Why should the west care about this story . Because its an important country with important resources, a Large Population in the very vital group of countries, and because its yet another example of how corruption has harmed lil democracy. Look at it, john, in kiev, in india, which is going to get a fresh start for the Prime Minister, in thailand, the list is long, we see over and over again, individual agreed and corruption harming the very political system itself ask, then leading to people fighting back. How has the thai economy been affected in the last several months by this sort of fighting . The hotels are down about 20 , and tourism, a very important industry, rice is a major import from thailand, and the corrupt scheme of the Prime Minister who was just thrown out and her brother, the Prime Minister before her, on the rapidly inflated prices, its a big part of the problem. A major element was the rice, as a consequence to get to your central point, thailand is not selling its rice on the world market now, and thats vital so when you look at those pictures, clearly the military is out there, but theyre striving to make it appear that things are going as normal, but clearly theyre not. Things are not normal. This is a bandaid solution to stop a problem on the streets, and to stop a potential civil war, but im sad to say its only a bandaid. Its treating a society that has much deeper causes, and those causes need to be addressed. Is there anything that we can do . The u. S. Or australia . When i was there, the embassy i hid in there was australias Third Largest embassy in the world. Its a big, port industry, and thats why we had 70 people there. And we can do what the state department has already done today. And im sure that australia is doing the same thing, and we can talk to responsible authorities in thailand and say to them, we are your friend, but you must stop this, and you must address the fundamental problem of christmas within your political system and put this to rest. Otherwise, its going to come to a very bad end. Clearly, with our conversation with veronica a little while ago, youre cracking down on the media as well. No discussion is complete without mentioning the king of tie land. Hes very old. And hes languishing in the hospital, sadly expected to not last that much longer, but the point is that he has been the glue that has held thailand together. And thats coming unstuck, and the real uncertainty about what happens when he goes, and theres even a popular myth in the country, that says when dynasty ends, then the monarchy will disappear. I dont know if i believe in that sort of mythology, but his role, notably absent in the last six months, is terribly important. And who will secede him is a big part of the current puzzle. As always, ambassador, thank you for putting it into con tect. More tough talk from china today. Chinas military denies spying on american companies, and says that americas accusations it damage relations between the two companies. Reporter the United States is twisting reality to indict five military officials and this has damaged relations between corporations between china and the u. S. China strongly opposes the u. S. Indictments, and we have asked the u. S. To correct the serious error. And now russias president , Vladimir Putin, is in shanghai courting chinese business, a 400 billion gas agreement. Nothing has been signed, but both Industries Need an energy deal for longterm security. Russia is facing more sanctions over ukraine, and china needs Energy Suppliers pitch. Today is the super tuesday of the primary season in the United States, one of the biggest days of voting so far in 2014, in this election cycle. Voters in six states cast ballots, for some of the top be congressional races and the polls are starting to close tonight. Mike viqueira, what are the races . Well start with kentucky, the biggest race. The polls closed an hour ago and we know that mitch mcconnell, the Senate Republican leader, has beaten back a challenge from the right, from mat bevin, and he goes on in november for an expensive race. More bad news for the gop, the most conservative candidates are not expected to make the runoff. David perdue and karen handel. The top two will face michelle nun, the daughter of sam nunn. And in idaho, another sitting member of congress is expected to beat the tea party backed candidate. Mike simpson over brian smith. For governor, arkansas and org on for senate races, but overall, john, its expected to be a bad day for tea party backed candidates. Explain that, mike. We have seen in the last several cycles, republicans, and this is a midterm election, where only the hard corp voters are expected to come out and carry the day, and especially in the primary. The fact that the tea party are losing is significant, and suggests that the movement has peaked, at least for the timing, and thats partly the result of two phenomenons, the republicans are becoming more pragmatic, and delaware, christine im not a witch odonnell beat the gop establishment and went on to be humiliated and went on to lose the seat for republicans. You could argue that the republicans already control the senate, and all they need is a net gain of six this time around to gain control. And the chamber, and the other national gop groups are getting in the race a big way and countering the funding of other groups, like growth in idaho. We have seen all in all, the biggest task, who is going to control the senate, and that goes a long way in the legacy that president obama will have for his second term. Mike viqueira, where its twilight at the white house. Coming up next, desperate need to fight off widespread starvation in sudan, and now several companies are stepping up their relief efforts, and laying down their arms. Rebel groups with a ceasefire until elections can be held. The u. S. Said today it will send nearly 300 million in aid to south sudan to help more than 1 million refugees with food and shelter, the additional funding was announced at a sudan conference in norway. Reporter at this time of year, people in south sudan are normally planting crops, but instead, mothers at this clinic have come to get lifesaving treatment for their malnourished babies. Everyone here ran away from the fighting, and nearly everyone has been living in camps for the last five months, and short of food. She was sure he would die, and now shes improving, but she had to trade some of her clothes for food. In my town, people have started eating wild plants because of the shortage of food. Many people are sick, and people are dying. We hope that the fighting stops so we can go home. Reporter the medics working here say there are many more malnourished people in many areas. We have several deaths of malnutrition here, and mainly because the children are malnourished and their resistance is low and theyre vulnerable. Everyone here fled a nearby town that has changed hands six times in heavy fighting between the opposition rebels and opposition forces. The conditions in the camps, built of classic sheeting to keep the rain out and each shelter is built next to the one next to it. This boy says that he sleeps with his two brothers because theres not enough space for his parents, and its cold in there at night. Everyone says that they want to go home and grow their own food, but theyre not prepared to go back until theyre confident that the leaders are serious about stopping the fighting. Since people cant plant, there will be no harvest in september, and food aid is crucial. The u. N. Is helping those it can, but theres a serious risk of famine in the coming months. Some people will die, but obviously, the more humanitarian fighters can make a response, the lower that number will be. Reporter but the World Food Program said that it urgently needs more than half a billiondollar to feed people, otherwise malnutrition will be worse. Thousands have been killed in the violence, and without help from outside, hunger could kill many more. Malcolm webb, aljazeera, south sudan. Tonight were learning more about the alarming rate of infant mortality around the world. Babies that die within the first 28 days of life. The vast majority are preventable. Reporter preventable is the focus, unicef and the World Organization released a groundbreaking number. More than 1 million babies die in the first month of life. And 2. 6 million are stillborn. Most deaths occur within the first 24 hours after he birth. Theres even a more alarming number. Reporter every year 5 and a half million babies enter and leave this planet without a birth or a death certificate. And the fact that they dont have a piece of paper isnt just a problem in the data, but by the very fact that theyre not counted, it shows that they dont count. In many ways, their dacts are considered to be inevitable. Wow, money does play a huge role in how a nation cares for its mothers and babies. Study of countries with the highest infant mortality could be 20 . The highest numbers of newborn dacts are in south asia and africa with the most occurring in algeria and pakistan. Theres hope in the face of these disheartening figures. Study estimates that 70 of these babies could be saved, as well as half of the mothers who die during pregnancy and labor. The most effective methods for seffing the babies, include breastfeeding, prolonged skin to skin contact between mother and baby, treating infections and of course funding. Ultimately, as many of the worlds biggest issues, the studies authors say that the cause needs a voice. To parents who have experienced infant death or somebody in your family has had that, use your voice. Because one of the reason thats 5 and a half million babies around the world are invisible is because their mothers in africa or asia, who still feel the loss of those deaths, dont really have a voice. Unicef and the World Health Organization will announce every newborn action plan, the goal is to prevent infant death by 2035, and it can be done. The numbers are mind blowing. Babies count all right, richelle. And thank you very much. Up next, constitutional question. Holding undocumented immigrants, and taking americas game to the world. How football, american football is scoring in india. Welcome back to aljazeera america. Im John Seigenthaler in new york, and we have a lot more to cover at this hour. Ceasefire. Rebel groups in columbia agree to hold their fire until election day. And as pope francis visits the holy land, a look at why religious extremism is on the rise in israel. And boys club, women speak out about getting over looked for the movies biggest prizes. And we begin with a ceasefire in columbia. Rebel groups put down their weapons as the country prepares for president ial elections. Newman has more from the town in western columbia. The unilateral ceasefire declared is supposed to last until right after sundays president ial leaks. This, they say it a sign of good will when the president is tied with his main rival, who is a staunch opponent of the current peace talks between the government and the rebels, which aim to put an end to the 50yearold guerilla war aware in the country. The people are not lowering their guard. And theyre not quite sure that the ceasefire will last. Behind me, you see a makeshift barrack for the army, this in a place that was once attacked by the rebels. The house was destroyed and they dont want to come out into the street where i am right now, because theyre afraid at any moment the rebels could start shooting at them. The walls are covered with bullet holes, and the town was under siege for two full weeks running. Though its supposed to be a ceasefire. There are no people out on the street, its quite. And theyre not taking any chances. For more than 50 years, fighting has displaced millions and more than 2,000 people have died. Jonathan is here with more on the groups. Reporter the armed forces in columbia, one of latin americas largest and oldest rebel group. It was founded 50 years ago, in 1964. Inspired by cubas communism. It wanted hand for the war, but to get it, it launched a car, carrying out kidnaps and assassinations. As recently as 2002, they covered huge parts of columbia, mainly in the rural areas of the south and west, the size of switzerland, and it had a force 16,000 strong, but in recent groups, the group has been on the run. The United States considered spark a terrorist organization, and they have stepped up assistance. Now, they have lost a lot of land and a lot of power. Now it only contains small pockets of jungle, shown there in red. Its force has been cut in half, and now only 8,000 fighters, still a threat. Bombings and carrying out killings of hundreds of soldiers a year. Now a much smaller rebel group. National liberation, but it has only 1500 fighters now, and they didnt like relying on drugs for money like arc does. Nearly two years ago, they focus on key issues in the talk like giving land to farmers or the drug trade. Several ceasefires have been called. And one of them kicked in today. But its far from the guarantee of ending a 15 year war that has killed a quarter of a Million People. Jonathan betz, thank you. And now new tensions in thailand. Martial law is in full effect. And veronica joins us from bangkok. Give us an idea of whats on the ground. Well, it would seem on the surface if you were going to work and school, as if 10 Million People in thailand are pretty normal. On the first day of the national declaration, there was policerence and military presence that was visible in some areas, but as the day progressed, they went back it their bases, and the people are trying to assess what impact this will make on their minds. There are some in society who are happy that this happened, because theyre stepping in at a time of political chaos, when there were demonstrations that were blocking business across the city. And there were those opposed to those demonstrations threatening to take their demonstrations into the city. And you would see clashes, a real possibility of violence, and now from the military perspective, people are hoping for a bit of a pause. Thing is it will be martial law until considerable curtailment if the military so wishes, and it has rendered all of the other institutions in government powerless. Ver onk a. Ambassador, richard butler, was on the show awhile ago, and it mentioned the king of thailand has been ill for sometime now, and what role has he played in the country for the last years . Before we speak about the monarchy, i need to caution that thailand has extremely strict laws against speaking of the monarchy. Anyone else to speak ill about the monarchy is subject to a 15year prison sentence, so the people dont speak about the monarchy at all. It has very much to do with the issue of succession. Because the king has been very ill for a while. When he was a little younger, the monarchy was the institution that would step in and mediate and sort things out. Now that the king is not so well, it means that the monarchy has stepped back from this particular situation so far. So the military, it seems, are the people who have taken it upon themselves to step in and stop the bickering that has been going on, very damaging bickering that has been going on. But just one small fact, the martial law cannot be lifted without a royal decree. Veronica, the Prime Ministers call for elections, what will that accomplish here . Well, there are three ways that people are looking at getting out of the political turmoil. Leaks, an interim Prime Minister government that would not be elected but be appointed by the senate and with the backing of the palace, the monarchy and the military. And the military intervention. The idea is that if the military steps in and overseas discussions that creates an arrangement properly, the monarchy has not been working, and the business has been badly affected by the downturn in tourism. And people are hoping though go back to normal life under that arrangement. But the problem with leaks, the government in power at the moment has always won the elections in recent years every time. And the opposition, which has demonstrations to oust the elected government, has not won elections for 25 years. So youre in a situation where the opposition is unelectable. So i dont think theyre going to necessarily participate in any leaks in the longterm, and would they tolerate once again losing them is another question. Veronica pedrosa, on the ground in bangkok, thailand. And thank you for explaining. Pope francis will be in israel on sunday, and this week, were previewing the historic visit and issues facing the region, why people feel threatened. Our Nick Schifrin is there. In northern israel, thanking god for protecting the image of virgin mary. Today its these christians who feel they need protection. Muslims and jews more and more. We are afraid because there was an escalation. That escalation is hate crimes against christians in israel. In this church, the word jesus is garbage is scrawled on the side of the wall. At the vaticans headquarters, graffiti, death to arabs and christians, and all those who hate israel. And then in the town where jesus is thought to have lived, the top official got this letter. You have to leave because your presence is a profane to the holy land. Until now, the italian priest never received a death threat or ultimatum. Any delay could cost 100 People Killed among the christians. He sent the letter to the police, he accuses them of doing nothing. Why they dont Pay Attention to those people . Why now they dont take enough steps to stop them . The church believes the perpetrators are ultra nationalist orthodox jews. Outside of king davids tomb and the last supper room, they protest a rumor that it will be handed over to the vatican. If someone gives up one inch of that tomb, they will start a war with christians. Hes considered an extremist. He helped organize this rally and defends the tax on christians, saying that they often side with the palestinians. While the christians are citing the enemy, people that want to kill jews, they can not ask us why is there a frustration against them . Israeli police must protect everyone equally, and they say theyre trying to protect christians. Actions have been taken in the past by police operations, and undercover operations, but also Security Services also involved. Thats how serious were taking and dealing with the incidents. But the church believes its not only about police. The holy lands top Public Officials say some of the schools preach hate. Im sure we have some members in the government, that might not agree with this behavior. The presence of the christians in the holy land could be threatened if there is no peace. As the pope arrives, some christians, living in what they consider the holiest place on earth, say they feel neither we would or protected. In the pacific northwest, u. S. Officials are balking at helping the federal government hold onto undocumented immigrants due to a recent court order. And the enforcement efforts may spread. We have more from seattle. Good evening, john, it didnt take very long after the federal judges ruling that peoples Constitutional Rights were being violented if they held those requests to start changing their policies. After a domestic dispute, Daniel Hernandez landed in this oregon jail. He and his wife said that he was behind bars longer than he should have been because ice, immigration Customs Enforcement held him. I should have been out in a few hours, but immigration put a hold on me. He said that hes here illegally. Hes just one of 17,000 holds or detainers that the Agency Issues nationally, a number that has dropped since late 2011. But a federal judge recently ruled that if people are breaking immigration laws, those holds violate the 4th amendment. The judge said that if the county continues to hold people in jail as a result of these ice hold, they violate the constitution in doing so, and theyre on the hook for damages. Reporter the case in oregon was filed in klakamus county. And spreads to all comments. Were not currently in the state of oregon honoring ice detainers. He took an oath to defend the constitution. We certainly dont want to violent peoples rights. An ice spokesman said that the agency will continue asking for the holds in certain cases, especially those involving serious crimes. Meanwhile, here in washington and colorado, many counties are following oregons lead. If oregon is doing it, colorado is doing it, and Washington State is doing it. I think its quite likely that that trend is going to continue. Daniel hernandez still faces deportation proceedings, and his wife is sceptical about promises that minor offenders wont be targeted. Now to pray for the police to help with something, because were afraid that theyre going to take it to immigration. Reporter still in this house, the trend to the west to stop the detention is seen as positive. And we still dont have a final determination of how much this original case out of klakamus county could cost. The damages could be made at a later date. Allen, thanks, and now for a look at the top stories, heres Richelle Carey. Lets start in nigeria. 118 people were killed after two bombings at a busy market. Nigerias Christian South collides with the muslim north. The radical armed group, boko haram, is believed to be behind the attacks. The u. S. Is sending 3 pun Million Dollars in aid to south suedian. Millions of people were placed at risk because of the violence. At a humanitarian conference for the wartorn country, the government has been fighting rebels since december. China is fuming over Cyber Espionage charges. And says that the u. S. Indictment of five Chinese Military officers will only hurt the chinau. S. Relationship. China has already requested that the u. S. Cancel all relevant legal procedures, the five men are charged with stealing corporate secrets, john. Thank you, and joie chen is standing by to tell us what is up at the top of the hour. Good evening, john, tonight on the program. Were going to consider truth, confessions and consequences. In our continuing focus on crime and punishment in america. The case involves the murder of a little fouryearold girl intro decades ago. At that time it was a headline story, and the Police Worked hard to find the killer. The suspect said that he didnt do it but signed a confession. Sonny moses explains why he confessed no hes innocent. They wouldnt accept anything outside of a confession, and now im reasing that. So that, without knowing the law of course, i told them what they wanted to hear, and i can prove that was a lie. The consequences, a conviction and a long fight to clear his name. America tonight, sarah hoi will bring us that story. And a confession at the top of the hour. Indias Hindu Nationalist Party named a new Prime Minister today following the elections. Modi won in a landslide election. He made promises for the 1. 2 billion people. And he will be born into office next week. Football season is here, not in the u. S. , but in india. Its the start of the second year of the elite Football League in that country. And filmmaker, evan rosen federal talks about the sports rapidly growing popularity. Theyre from all walks of life in india, and involved in some sport. There are rugby players, and kids from very poor backgrounds, and you have muslims and christians, and in india, theyre separated based on race fact, and you dont see much intermingling between all of these people. But if you walk on the football field, you couldnt tell me who is who. Theres no segregation, and no separation, and everybody was friends playing together. And it was incredible to watch, there was a team from pakistan, and theres a serious history between india and pakistan, and to see the relationships develop between the indian and pakistani players was one of the mort important things in the film. They kicked it off. And the players are from all walks of the sporting world. And i guess they had a couple of extra players from the national arts, with the kickoff, everybody laughing, and there are hiccups, and you see it here and there, but surprisingly, theyre here to play football. After only having learned for a month and a half to two months. This american Football League is paying the players, and the kids are earning more money than the parents, being the main breadwinners of the house. The crowd is growing and growing. I went to one of the exhibition games and the news reported there were 18,000 people there. Thats a lot for one of their games. People start staring and their eyes open wide. Because with football, its a complicated game. You dont need to know the rules for it to be entertaining for you. Thats everyone rosenfeld, it the documentary, american sport, the rise and fall of american football in india. If. The second super bowl in 2014, new orleans and indianapolis, indianapolis last hosted the super bowl in 1992, in the now demolished metrodome. The city is building a new stadium. And the next super bowl is in suburban phoenix. Next on the newscast, legal attack, hundreds of exfootball players file suit against the nfl. Well look at the problems they claim after years of injuries and questionable medical treatment. Coming up next, our photo of the day, plus the Cannes Film Festival where theres no shortage of female actors, but where are the female directors . Find out why in the program. 69, and heres the forecast, rain in the forecast. And by the time we get to the weekend, looking well. In atlanta, were looking at very warm temperatures across the board with no rain in your forecast there. The United States is not the only place where we see severe weather. I want to take you to slovakia, where just today, a thunderstorm moved through the area. And were talking about 2 Million Trees blown down across the region. Not because of a tornado, but because of very very strong winds that came out of the region. Thats the National Weather and the news is coming up right after this. The whole system needs a shakeup. Phil lavelle has that story. Reporter female directors may dominate movies in a galaxy far, far away, but not in this one. Men have taken the big prize of the Cannes Film Festival every year since it began 67 years ago, with one exception. And now this year, a renowned director has a point to make. Time and time again, we dont get our share of representation. The guys seem to eat all of the cake. Reporter this is a big talking point at the Cannes Film Festival this year, and its not just sheer, but its whats happening in the Film Industry everywhere. Take the academy awards. Only once has a woman been named best director. Kathryn bigelow in 2009. And only one best female director, Barbra Streisand back in 1984. The lack of women competing for the top prize has been a bone of contention year after year, and now as the jury looks at the options of 18 films, only two come with that female credit. Movies, two more in 2012, when there were no women in competition. Only one featured last year. Richards has a lot of awards, but even she thinks that a change is in order. You want lots of different takes on the world in cinema. Thats what you should have, and i think theres a real shame that there are not more out there. The monastery is a documentary, and it seems that it appreciates the feminine touch. The danish director runs a women only production company. Where i come from, theres a very Strong Female voice, and its maybe sometimes that will spill over. In the fiction, i can see that in denmark, with a lot of Strong Female directors. Each night, the cannes red carpet comes on a lot of flashes, all eyes are on the women here, but the eyes are looking elsewhere. The question is, how long will it take for that to change. Aljazeera, Cannes Film Festival. Coming up all new at 11 00, this is something that you dont want to miss. The art of walking on the water. 1300 feet above new york. The historic journey between the World Trade Center twin towers 40 years ago, what he still wants to accomplish. That tonight at 11 00. Heres an image that caught our eye tonight. It comes from thailand, a Buddhist Monk offers a tired soldier an energy drink. Headlines are next. R im Richelle Carey and here are tonights top stories. In nigeria 118 people were killed after two bombings at a busy market. And it happened in the central city of jos. Boko haram is believed to be behind the attacks. Thailands interim Prime Minister put martial law into the country, put in to preserve order after six months of nationwide protests. The company said that it will continue martial law until its stable. Chinas relationship with the u. S. Will be damaged after five chinese officials were charged with cyber spying yesterday. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin is in China Signing bilateral deals with china today. E . The u. S. Pledged almost 300 million in aid to south sudan, the money given for the ongoing violence there. More than 1 million sun are forced from their homes and millions risk starvation. Voters went to the polls today, and already in Senate Republican leader, mitch mcconnell, he beat his Tea Party Challenger by a landslide. Those are the headlines, im richelle carrey, and america tonight with joie chen is up next. Get the latest on the website, aljazeera. Com. On america tonight, the truth about false confessions. This is the first time you have been here. Correspondent sara hoy looks at those who say they did it even when they didnt. No blood, no fibres, no hair, no ballistics, no bullet traces or a shred of physical evidence to connect him to the crime. Why would anyone confess if they are not guilty . Not knowing the law i thought i will tell them what they want