‘ABUSED’ YOUTH DETAINEES LAUNCH CLASS ACTION IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY: Teenagers imprisoned in a detention center where they were shackled, tear- gassed and stripped, launched legal action against Australian authorities on Wednesday. Law firm Maurice Blackburn filed the action against the Northern Territory government on behalf of current and former inmates. In one video from 2015, a 17- year- old boy was hooded, shackled to a restraint chair and left alone for two hours at the facility in Darwin, with critics likening it to the controversial US military prison in Cuba. They “allege that during their detainment they were subjected to treatment giving rise to a civil claim for compensation founded on assault, battery and/ or false imprisonment,” the firm said. Other former inmates who claim to have been assaulted by guards, or subjected to unreasonable periods of isolation or restraint over the past decade, were invited to join the action.” The Northern Territory government has been advised of a potential class action concerning youth justice. We take these matters very seriously,” said Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison in a statement.

BEACHES PACKED AS SYDNEY SWELTERS THROUGH HEATWAVE

SYDNEY: Sydney sweltered through scorching temperatures topping 40 Celsius yesterday, with beaches packed, bushfire warnings issued and people urged to stay hydrated. Some towns in the northwest of New South Wales state could reach a sizzling 47 degrees on Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology warned. Authorities issued a total fire ban for several areas across the state while Surf Life Saving NSW warned of an increased risk of dehydration as temperatures soared.” Lifeguards and lifesavers have been extremely busy over the last few weeks and we are urging the public to do what they can to help lessen the load by taking some responsibility for their own safety,” said Surf Life Saving NSW manager Andy Kent. New South Wales has had a balmy summer, but it has been marred by tragedy with more than 20 drownings in backyard pools, waterways or the ocean since Christmas Day.

EUROPE’S DEEP FREEZE CLAIMS NEW VICTIMS

WARSAW: Sub- freezing temperatures across swathes of Europe have claimed over 60 victims in recent days— with migrants and the homeless among the most vulnerable, officials said Tuesday. Six people died in Poland and seven more in the Balkans over a 24- hour period as temperatures plunged across Europe, while Romania announced six deaths in recent days. Authorities said the toll of hypothermia deaths in the country since November 1 had now risen to 71. Polish police urged people to help those most vulnerable, especially the homeless, as the mercury sank to below - 20 degrees Celsius in some regions. Local authorities have also issued smog alerts across Poland, urging children and the elderly to remain indoors.