defended

In a statement, Timothy Herbert, the chief of police in the city of Brentwood in eastern Contra Costa County, defended the officer handling the dog that day, saying his actions were justified.

Earlier, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba defended the US's position, saying it is within international law, but adds there are "moral ramifications for human rights defenders, and I totally get them".

Constance defended the government's record, highlighting revamped community payback orders, electronic monitoring, home detention curfews and bail and release reforms.

Trump has defended the policy of separating immigrant children from their parents, calling it an effective deterrent to immigration.

Over the weekend, Sir Bob Geldof - who organised and co-wrote Do They Know Its Christmas with Midge Ure - defended the song in response to an article by New Zealand's 1 News.