First, the latest headlines. Two of the most high profile russian dissidents freed as part of a major Prisoner Swap say they refused officials demands to plead for mercy from President Putin to secure their release. Vladimir Kara Murza and Ilya Yashin said they considered him a tyrant, a murderer and a war criminal. Hundreds of mourners have attended Funeral Prayers for the hamas Political Leader, ismail haniyeh, in qatar. 0fficals from a number of arab and muslim countries were there, as well as prominent figures from fatah, the main rival palestinian faction to hamas. The chairman of the Democratic National Committee in the United States, says Kamala Harris has secured enough votes from democratic delegates to officially be the Partys Nominee for president. The online Voting Process doesnt end until monday, but shes now crossed the threshold. Mexico says the us has gone too far by recognising the Opposition Candidate as the winner of venezuelas contested president ial election. Mexic
Sally will be here with the latest news and half an hour. Now on bbc news, Stephen Sackur talks to and half an hour. And personalties from across the globe for hardtalk. Welcome to hardtalk. Im Stephen Sackur. Measured by the number of murders, mexico is the most dangerous country in the world to be a journalist. Eight were killed last year, and countless more suffered threats, intimidation and violence. My guest, one of mexicos most prominentjournalists, Lydia Cacho, is, after decades of assault, Death Threats and at least one assassination attempt, currently in exile for her own safety. Her particularfocus is the violence done to Women In Mexico and the failure of those in power to make good on promises of protection. So, can encourage overcome injustice . Lydia cacho in spain, welcome to hardtalk. Hello, welcome, thank you, thank you so much. Its a great pleasure to have you on the show, lydia. I describe you as being in spain because you are currently living in a form of self impos
Now on Bbc News, its time for hardtalk. Welcome to hardtalk. Im stephen sackur. Measured by the number of murders, mexico is the most dangerous country in the world to be a journalist. Eight were killed last year, and countless more suffered threats, intimidation and violence. My guest, one of mexicos most prominentjournalists, Lydia Cacho, is, after decades of assault, Death Threats and at least one assassination attempt, currently in exile for her own safety. Her particularfocus is the violence done to Women In Mexico and the failure of those in power to make good on promises of protection. So, can encourage overcome injustice . Lydia cacho in spain, welcome to hardtalk. Hello, welcome, thank you, thank you so much. Its a great pleasure to have you on the show, lydia. I describe you as being in spain because you are currently living in a form of self imposed exile from your home country, mexico, for your own personal safety. I just wonder if that situation has in any way changed your
And coming up, virtually real the president of El Salvador says he wants his country to become the first to adopt bitcoin as an official currency. Hello, and welcome if youre watching in the uk or around the world. The Duke And Duchess of sussex have announced the birth of their second child, a Baby Girl who theyve named after Queen Elizabeth and princess diana, harrys mother. Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor was born on friday in california, where meghan Markle And Prince harry now live. The couple, who say they feel blessed by the new arrival, also have a two year old son. Buckingham palace has released a statement about the birth. It says. The couple now live in california, from where our correspondent David Willis has been giving us reaction to the news. They announced they have a second child now, and announced that this little girl, Baby Girl Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor was born at the Santa Barbara Cottage hospital on friday at 11 1i0am local time. Thats 7 40pm in the eve
Hello and welcome. The Uk Health secretary, matt hancock, says the new Delta Variant of coronavirus, first recorded in india, is about 40 more infectious than the version detected in kent. He said the increased transmissibility is making more difficult, the decision on whether to lift all remaining restrictions in england onjune the 21st. He stated that, the government is open to a delay if needed. But Mr Hancock said the number of people needing Hospital Treatment was broadly flat, which means the vaccines are working. Heres our medical editor, fergus walsh. Everyjab in every arm is another brick in a wall of immunity against coronavirus. But will it hold back the Delta Variant, which has led to a sharp increase in cases . It is significantly more transmissible than previous strains and has led to a sharp increase in cases. Ministers have just eight days before they must decide whether to lift all remaining restrictions in england. The good news is that the hospitalisations, the numbe