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According To Iran News, Police enforcing the coronavirus lockdown in England and Wales were more than six times more likely to issue fines to black, Asian and minority ethnic people than white people, figures show.

Data from police forces shows 17 were more likely to issue a penalty notice to BAME people than to white people. Two forces, Northumbria and Merseyside, were not.

One senior chief constable said bias and lack of trust from certain communities may have played a role, as well as demographics.

Officers had discretion on when to issue fines, and police said they followed an approach of trying to avoid enforcement, known as the four Es – engaging, explaining and encouraging, before considering enforcement.

Figures obtained by Liberty Investigates, part of the civil liberties group Liberty, and the Guardian, give a force-by-force breakdown. The figures are yet to be officially released and had been requested by the home affairs committee investigation into race and policing, which met on Wednesday.

The mainly rural Cumbria force was 6.8 times more likely to fine someone who was BAME than white.

Avon and Somerset police, which includes Bristol, was 4.4 times more likely to be fine someone from a BAME background than white people, as was the Lincolnshire force.

Comparing the percentage of fines issued to ethnic minority people, with the proportion of the population from an ethnic minority showed most forces were two to three times more likely to believe the behavior of ethnic minorities merited a fine compared with white people they came across.

Each of the 43 forces in England and Wales is operationally independent and decided how they would police the lockdown. People were ordered to stay home unless they had an essential reason to leave.

Historically, police use of powers had been the subject of past complaints that those from ethnic minorities were overly targeted.

The laws and rules for the lockdown were rushed in, and came into force on 27 March.

West Midlands police, the second largest force in England and Wales was 1.6 more times likely to issue a fine to someone from an ethnic minority, compared with someone white.

Dave Thompson, the chief constable of the West Midlands, told the Guardian: “I can’t rule out as a service we do have biases and discrimination. Our interactions based on the four Esmay be less successful if trust is already low with certain communities.”

He said the force had issued a very low level of fines and that demographics may also have contributed to the disproportionality. Furthermore, fines were more likely to be handed out to younger people and the ethnic population of his area made up a greater proportion of youngsters.

Sgt Tola Munro, the president of the National Black Police Association, called for an inquiry by the police inspectorate. He said: “It’s concerning. Looking at the figures there is disproportionality. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary is the best body to look into these figures.”

The former Metropolitan police chief Brian Paddick said: “In the light of Black Lives Matter, this demands an answer from the police service as to why this is happening.”

The burden has to be on the police to justify this disproportionality, he added. “It clearly raises the question of bias in the way the law and powers are being applied.”

Suffolk police, where people from ethnic minorities were four times more likely to be fined, said: “Further analytical work is being conducted in relation to the figures. However, we can say that the tickets issued to individuals from a black and minority ethnic background are broadly in line with the diversity of those communities where the offences occurred, with the majority of fixed penalty notices issued done so in the central Ipswich area.”

One force, Merseyside, first supplied data showing it to be disproportionate, then when asked why, supplied data suggesting it was not.

A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs Council said: “We have commissioned detailed statistical analysis of the force-level ethnicity data. It is a complex dataset requiring further work to ensure accuracy and that conclusions can meaningfully and confidently be drawn from it. We will present the findings of the analysis once it is completed.”

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The number of offenses involving knives and sharp instruments rocketed by 7 percent to 45,600 in the year.

But the true figure is likely to be significantly higher because the Office for National Statistics (ONS) did not include Greater Manchester Police’s total due to IT issues, the Independent reported.

In London, the number of fatal stabbings rose by 13 percent in the year, although the figure fell by 8 percent nationally.

The areas with the highest rate were London, West Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.

But while London saw a 5 percent rise, offenses in the West Midlands rocketed by 13 percent and West Yorkshire fell by 9 percent.

The offenses included in the figures were homicide, attempted murder, threats to kill, assault with injury, assault with intent to cause serious harm, robbery, rape, and sexual assault.

The ONS said an increase in robbery – which accounted for 44 percent of knife offenses – contributed to the historic rise, while the assault was the largest category.

The number of bladed article possession offenses rose by 11 percent in the year, which the report said was influenced by increased police stop and search operations.

In 2019, police recorded 5.8 million crimes in England and Wales in total.

The figures showed a 2 percent increase in the number of homicides, although the figure includes the 39 Vietnamese people who were found dead in a lorry in Essex.

In January, three men, believed to be from the Sikh community, were stabbed to death in Ilford, east London, prompting calls for a change of mayor, amid claims that the incumbent Sadiq Khan has, in the words of one rival mayoral candidate, “lost control of our streets.”

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“China maintains close communication with signatory parties and commit to JCPOA, on the need to uphold and implement the deal,” Shuang said on Tuesday, addressing his regular weekly press conference.

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IRAN NEWS POLITICAL DESK

The British Royal Marines seized the giant Iranian oil tanker in Gibraltar on July 4 for trying to take oil to Syria allegedly in violation of EU sanctions.

Tehran maintains that the supertanker was not bound for Syria and its seizure has taken place at the behest of the U.S.

The Leader also talked about the nuclear deal saying that since Iran has started to scale down its commitments under the deal, the Europeans are coming forth. “Now, we have just started to slow down the commitments and this process will definitely continue.”

Calling them “the rude”, Ayatollah Khamenei blasted the Europeans for not complying with their 11 commitments.

Elsewhere in his remarks on Tuesday, the Iranian Leader said the great slippage of the western countries is their arrogance.

“If their opposite government is weak, their arrogance works, but if it is a country that observes the realities and stands against them, they will fail. Now, in the cases between us and the Europeans, the reason for the problems is their arrogance. According to our foreign minister, who is struggling hard, Europe has had eleven commitments and has not fulfilled any. The foreign minister, who has diplomatic considerations, explicitly expresses this.”

“But what did we do?” stressed the Leader.

“We met those commitments and even something more than that. “Among these vain expectations, the mean Britain commits piracy, robs our vessel, commits a crime, and gives it a legal form.”

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He, however, admitted that the London office of the chamber has been shut down in a bid to reduce the costs but reiterated that the chamber’s activities are being done and the meetings are held at the members’ offices.

In a tweet early Sunday, Iranian Ambassador to UK, Hamid Baeidinejad, rejected the BBC’s “scrambled and purposeful” report that the British-Iranian chamber of commerce in London has been shut down, and offered explanations to clear the misconception.

Baeidinejad explained that the chamber had rented an office in London for many years, but the contract ended last year, which required the chamber to look for a new office.

He added that the increase in rent prompted the chamber to come up with a solution to reduce expenses; therefore, the chamber decided to forgo the physical building and opt for a virtual/digital setup, and hire ICT technicians and rent conference halls when needed instead of having a permanent venue.

Baeidinejad further noted that the recent changes do not mean that the office has been shut down or is decreasing its activities; rather the changes are in line with using modern technology to better manage costs.

“The board of directors, as well as the chairman of the chamber, Lord Lamont, all remain in their positions, and the chamber will continue its usual activities without any changes,” he added.

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It was a disappointing night for World Cup semi-finalists England, who took an early lead through Marcus Rashford but were behind within 22 minutes after goals from Saul Niguez and Rodrigo Moreno.

Luke Shaw, making his first international start in three years, was taken off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace and oxygen mask early in the second half after a clash with Dani Carvajal, and the hosts failed to mount a comeback in his absence.

Spain were fluid and fluent throughout their first match under Luis Enrique and, after their shock World Cup last-16 exit to hosts Russia ended a tumultuous campaign, will go confidently into their next game against Croatia, though a late foul by substitute Danny Welbeck meant they will not do so on the back of a draw.

Harry Kane released Shaw down the left and the full-back picked out his Manchester United team-mate Rashford with a precision pass that was slotted past David de Gea in the 11th minute.

Two minutes later Carvajal rounded Shaw and squared to Rodrigo, who cut the ball back to Saul for a first-time finish inside Jordan Pickford’s near post.

Having played the better football, Spain deservedly took the lead in the 32nd minute, Rodrigo losing his marker and side-footing Thiago Alcantara’s curling free-kick home.

The loss of Shaw early in the second half deprived England of a valuable attacking outlet and they struggled to create chances thereafter.

Welbeck had the ball in the net deep into the allotted nine additional minutes only for him to be judged to have fouled De Gea in the process and the goal was ruled out, ensuring Spain left with all three points.

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Belgium, who suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to France in the semi-finals, also beat Gareth Southgate’s England in the first round in Russia on their way to topping the group before beating Japan and Brazil.

“It’s all about the achievement. This is Belgium’s best finish at a World Cup. The players deserve that and they wanted to make the country proud,” said coach Roberto Martinez said.

He said despite England’s run to the semi-finals, where they were beaten by Croatia, the young team are still not the finished article.

“We closed it for sure (the gap to the top teams),” he said. “But today shows, and some other games show, that there is still room for improvement.”

“Obviously I’m disappointed I couldn’t get a goal in the last few games,” added the Tottenham Hotspur striker, who is aiming to become just the second England player after Gary Lineker in 1986 to win the Golden Boot.

“Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn’t. But if I win it, it’ll be something I’ll be very proud of.”

– France favourites –

Didier Deschamps’ France are firm favourites to win Sunday’s showpiece in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium and become world champions for the second time — 20 years after their first triumph in 1998.

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said they are shutting out the mounting excitement at home as they focus on one final push against Croatia.

“To be honest with you, we are in our bubble,” said goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris.

“Of course we know what’s happening in France, all the more so after seeing all the images after the Belgium game.

“But tomorrow we will be coming up against opponents of great quality. They deserve to be in the final just as much as us. They have demonstrated their worth and that they have the physical and mental resources to go and win it.”

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is prepared to make changes if some of his players have not recovered from their exertions in reaching football’s biggest game.

Dalic’s men have been forced to go through three periods of extra-time against Denmark, Russia and England to become the smallest country in 68 years to make the final.

Ivan Perisic, who scored and set up Mario Mandzukic’s winner in the semi-final win over England, was among five Croatian players to miss training on Friday.

“We need relaxation and rest to gain freshness for tomorrow,” Dalic said. “We have some minor injuries, minor problems, and I hope my players will be ready. If not, I have great players on the bench who will be raring to go.”

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A match that became a long battle between two teams displaying warrior spirit began with a Kieran Trippier free-kick within the first five minutes. That goal was cancelled out by a second half Ivan Perisic equalizer to ensure the sides were tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

In the end a goal from striker Mario Mandzukic in the second half of extra time provided the agonizing difference that booked Croatia a first-ever World Cup final place, in which they will meet a formidable-looking ‘Les Bleus’ at the same stadium on Sunday.

Given the weight of the game, which would bring a first ever final for Croatia and a first final in over 50 years for England should they win, there would be some expected early nerves for either side in the Russian capital.

England, however, who have been praised for their youthful side showing little to no fear during the biggest football showpiece on earth, showed no such early worries and attacked from the off.

After just a few minutes, Jesse Lingard showed immense flair in pirouetting over the ball before passing to Dele Alli, who was bundled over by Croatia captain Luka Modric around 20 yards out. Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir had no doubts in ordering a free-kick.

Up stepped a Kieran Trippier, so confident and steady he had been in all England’s games up until that point. That sureness never wavered and the 27-year-old curled beautifully into the top right-hand corner to leave Danijel Subasic, whom many have singled out as the best goalkeeper in the tournament so far, no chance although the Croatian stopper was at full stretch.

The goal was England’s 12th at the World Cup – more than by any other England side at a major tournament. First blood to the Three Lions.

The set piece goal may have come as a shock to most, as it did not involve the head of Harry Maguire or John Stones, and nor was it a penalty. But minutes later and Maguire, England’s center back of the moment, got his head to two corners in quick succession, first from Ashley Young from the left and then Tipper from the right to restore some normality.

Dejan Lovren showed frustration when he brought down Kane near the center circle. Moments later a weak Subasic clearance dropped to Raheem Sterling who played through captain Harry Kane, but he was well offside. The flag went up but the England skipper dragged his effort wide anyway.

Croatia did have their moments, and at the other end that innocuous wizard Luka Modric tried a run down the right flank, but his ball in cannoned out to Ante Rebic, whose powerful left-foot strike was gathered easily by Jordan Pickford.

England, however, would not be contained and Dele Alli laid the ball off to Jesse Lingard, whose placed right-footed shot went well wide. The Croatians did find their groove in parts in the first half, but they were few and far between. A poor Pickford clearance was forwarded to Rakitic, who showed glorious balance and poise to bring the ball under control, but Kyle Walker stood strong to nick the ball from the Barcelona man.

Moments later Walker was on hand to head away a free-kick, but the ball found its way to skipper Modric. Cue midfielder Jordan Henderson to step in and ease the Real Madrid playmaker off the ball. Although Croatia had a touch more of the ball in the first half with 52 percent of possession, it seemed England had contained their opponent’s two most influential players going into the break.

After the restart and the song ‘England’s going to win’ could be heard continuously from England’s traveling band. Forward Mario Mandzukic was the first to receive a yellow card, then Kyle Walker was booked for a mini fracas with Rebic shortly after he cleared when Croatia broke through four against four, the danger eventually petered out.

England continued to attack down the flanks; Trippier volleyed across the box to Kane for him to dive in, but the ball was cleared. In defense, when England broke down Croatia attacks, they were quick to cleverly play the ball forward giving them time to regroup and take pressure off the defense, Jordan Henderson doing well in the center of the park to keep control of possession.

One England player unusually the target of criticism often is Raheem Sterling. The forward went down in the Croatia area but arose to try and poke the ball across goal, but no penalty was appealed for or given.

Modric broke down the right but his ball into the area was cleared only as far as Ivan Perisic who shot from around 14 yards. Pickford was quick to dive but the ball was blocked, and then cleared out. Panic for England averted.

The old football cliche ‘getting a goal from nothing’ reared its head. A ball in from the right flank by Sime Vrsaljko had Kyle Walker stooping to head to safety, but an onrushing Ivan Perisic arrived at the back to poke the ball home with a high left boot to net his second in six World Cup games and with it make it all square again.

After the goal, England began with much more urgency and formulated clever attacks from the back. A combination of passes from Henderson and then Sterling set Lingard free but the through ball was over-hit and Subasic collected.

Croatia on the other hand sensed blood. Perisic made space for the shot form wide on the left-hand side of the area which agonizingly hit the far post and the rebound found its way into Pickford’s hands. Moments later and Alli and Young’s attempts to play the ball out lost possession, a Croatian corner was cleared but found its way to Rakitic, who powered well over.

England did have their chances, Raheem Sterling pushed forward but his low ball whipped in across the box flashed across the goal. At the back, their normally formidable defensive line showed signs of tiredness which led to Pickford being exposed more than he would have liked, but the England keeper still remained confident.

A Kieran Trippier free-kick from just in the final third on the right flank was headed down and into the ground by Harry Kane, but was well wide. That was the last action of the 90, and extra time beckoned for the second time for England and the third successive time for Croatia at the tournament.

The match destined to be a survival of the fittest, which precipitated changes. One of those was substitute Danny Rose, who brilliantly created space to lay off to fellow sub Eric Dier to shoot but his effort went well over. From the resulting corner, John Stones’ header was agonizingly cleared off the line by Vrsaljko.

Rashford then cynically brought down the full back on the right flank to give Croatia a free-kick in a dangerous area, although the attack was dealt with despite some danger. England still looked comfortable at the back and still willing to bring the ball forward.

At end of first half of extra time Perisic was set free on the left, his ball in found Kramaric but his shot was cleared. Then English hearts were in mouths when Mandzukic was set free in the area, but his touch goalwards deflected off Pickford at full stretch, although the ensuing and unavoidable collision forced the striker to stay down for treatment.

© Darren Staples / Reuters

The striker recovered in time to latch onto a flick-on header from Perisic in the second half of extra time, which was guided straight into his path as the defense seemed to be caught ball-watching. The Juventus man snuck behind the backline and made no mistake in tucking the ball away past Pickford to make the score 2-1 Croatia with 109 minutes played.

England did continue to push forward, but their frustration boiled over in extra time added time when Dele Alli had a coming together with Rakitic. Marcus Rashford’s free-kick provided the last glimmer of hope for England, but when the ball was cleared the referee’s whistle soon followed and the fate of both sides was sealed.

Croatia, who have not won one of their three knockout matches in normal time, for the third time came from behind to win and book their place in the final of the tournament. For England, football is not coming home, but their fearless young side made sure a part of it was briefly returned to their nation.

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