An update from the newsdesk in CNN’s London bureau on the stories we’re following on Friday:

Moscow heat wave - The thermometers hit an all-time high on Thursday as temperatures rose to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat wave, coupled with smog caused by peat fires, has ensured that Muscovites are having a difficult summer.

France babies - The daughters of the woman who has been charged with the homicide of her eight newborn babies have spoken about their disbelief at their mother’s actions. The father has been released without charge. Read the full story

WikiLeaks - The top U.S. military officer says Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, was risking lives to make a political point by publishing thousands of military reports from Afghanistan.
*Atika Shubert is due to interview WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Friday morning.

Love Parade anger - Almost one week after the Love Parade tragedy in which 21 people were crushed to death, the mayor of Duisberg has come under fierce criticism and has even received death threats over accusations that bad management and organisation was responsible for the tragedy.
*Diana Magnay retraces the route of the revellers in Dusiberg.

Iran stoning - The International Committee against Executions and the International Committee against Stoning is to hold a news conference in London today to discuss the case of the Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani whose stoning sentence for adultery was overturned, but who may still face a death sentence.
*Nic Robertson will attend the press conference.

Mandela wine - It’s a new wine label that may surprise some people, but House of Mandela Wine is the latest label to hit the shelves. Founded by Nelson Mandela’s daughter and granddaughter, it’s a move which has led to criticism that the leader’s family is cashing in on his eponymous name.
*Robyn Curnow reports.

London cycle scheme - London is the latest city to introduce a bicycle scheme where riders can hire a bike from any one of the depots from around the city on a casual basis.

Spanish unemployment - Spain released its quarterly unemployment figures on Friday. The figures proved disappointing as they rose at a time of year when seasonal employment would usually lower that figure. The rate now stands at 20.9%.

Iran hiker demo - There will be a protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in London today to draw attention to the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of three American hikers in Iran.