Erstellt am: 15. 1. 2015 - 14:28 Uhr

Assessing the devastation of Boko Haram

Reality Check: Boko Haram images, secularism in France, Sri Lanka, racism laws in Australia, free climbing record

The destructive force of Boko Haram

Satellite images now suggest that the Boko Haram attack in north eastern Nigeria last week were far more severe and devastating than government figures and comments suggested.

EPA/MICHAH FARFOUR

Before and after images show the extent of the damage and destruction. The above photo was taken on January 2nd, and the same area on January 7th is below. The red colour indicates healthy vegetation.

EPA/MICHAH FARFOUR

Daniel Eyre of Amnesty International explains the difficulites in assessing the scale of the devastation caused by Boko Haram, and why the Nigerian government is playing it down.

The secular principle

Terry Sanderson of the UK based National Secular Society looks at the strengths and weaknesses of secularism as it currently interpreted in France and across Europe.

EPA/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Pope in Sri Lanka

Pope Francis called for reconciliation in the war torn country of Sri Lanka during his visit this week.

Analyst Charu Lata Hogg reacts to his plea, and explains the difficulties Sri Lanka faces in overcoming its violent past.

Racism laws in Australia

Australia was considering revising its race relations laws to make them less severe in the interests of free speech. Political scientist, Katharine Gelber, at the University of Queensland, discusses the controversy over the proposed changes, and the government's decision to drop them.

EPA/ADIDAS OUTDOOR

Free climbing record

Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson have set a new record by free climbing the 900 metre Dawn Wall in Yosemite Park.

Simon Welebil explains the challenges and procedures involved in such a feat, and the significance of this achievement.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.