This week in pictures: Brexit, coronavirus spreads and remembering the Holocaust

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage, shows off his Union flag socks ahead of a vote on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU at the European Parliament in Brussels. - Copyright Virginia Mayo/AP News

By Natalia Liubchenkova

Published on 01/02/2020 - 13:46

Comments

Here is our selection of the best pictures from this week.

Coronavirus outbreak intensifies

WHO this week declared coronavirus a global health emergency as the death toll from the outbreak rose beyond 200 people. Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, is on lockdown and has turned into a 'ghost city'. Two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the UK on Friday. Earlier this week, thousands of people were held aboard an Italian cruise liner amid fears they may have been exposed to coronavirus after a passenger came down with flu-like symptoms.

Brexit, it's official

The UK and the EU officially divorced at midnight CET on Friday after 45 years together.

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp gathered for commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of its liberation, using the testimony of survivors to warn about the signs of rising anti-Semitism and hatred in the world today.

Families fleeing Idlib

Warplanes struck a town in a rebel-held enclave in northwestern Syria, killing several people, including some who were fleeing the attack. It is believed to have been carried out by Russian warplanes backing a Syrian government offensive, according to AP.

Middle East plan reaction

Palestinians held demonstrations across the region to protest President Donald Trump's Middle East initiative. The plan would grant them limited autonomy in parts of the Middle East while allowing Israel to annex its West Bank settlements and keep nearly all of east Jerusalem.

Brazil heavy weather destruction

Heavy rains devastated the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, causing destructive flooding and landslides.

Iraq: no end to the violence

Iraqi security forces used pellet rifles to disperse anti-government protesters from the Sinak Bridge area in central Baghdad on Thursday. Protesters hurled stones at riot police during the clashes, some injured protesters received first aid on site.

Australia Open

Australia Open, impacted by air pollution and rain in the past weeks, culminated with two legends' meeting on the tennis court. Novak Djokovic won against Roger Federer to reach final of the tournament.