China to blacklist officials who interfere in court cases
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will start blacklisting and punishing officials who interfere in judicial investigations and trials, state media said on Friday, as the country hastens efforts to boost the rule of law.
Bolstering technology Turkey’s priority in defense deal: official
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey’s top priority when procuring its first long-range missile defense system is to bolster its own technological ability, a defense official said on Friday.
Pakistanis on trial in massacre of 10 foreign climbers escape jail
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Two Pakistani militant suspects facing trial for the massacre of 10 foreign climbers two years ago escaped from jail on Friday, an official said.
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe says wife not the power behind his throne
HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwe’s 91-year-old President Robert Mugabe told state television that his wife Grace, a rising political star in the ruling party, is not the power behind his throne.
Islamic State must keep expanding to survive: financial report
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – International investigators said on Friday that in order for the Islamic State to remain financially viable it would have to further expand territory it controls in Iraq and Syria and take over more resources.
Hong Kong woman jailed for six years for abusing Indonesian maid
HONG KONG (Reuters) – A Hong Kong mother of two who punched her maids, beat them with mops and threatened to kill their relatives was jailed for six years on Friday in a case that triggered outrage and exposed the plight of millions of domestic helpers…
China appoints new environment minister: Xinhua
BEIJING (Reuters) – China has appointed Chen Jining as its new environment minister, replacing Zhou Shengxian, who is retiring, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Friday.
Islamic State aims to eradicate Iraq minorities: rights groups
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Islamic State militants have abducted, injured and killed thousands of civilians across northern Iraq and uprooted millions from their homes in a bid to eradicate the country’s ethnic and religious minorities, righ…
Ukraine sends $15 million for gas, says Russian energy minister
KRASNOYARSK, Russia (Reuters) – Ukraine has sent $15 million to pay for Russian gas, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday, just days after Moscow had threatened to cut off supplies to its neighbor due to non-payment.
Chinese diplomat tells West to consider Russia’s security concerns over Ukraine
BEIJING (Reuters) – Western powers should take into consideration Russia’s legitimate security concerns over Ukraine, a top Chinese diplomat has said in an unusually frank and open display of support for Moscow’s position in the crisis.
