Pistorius shoves race, crime and punishment in South Africa’s face
PRETORIA (Reuters) – As Oscar Pistorius spent his first day behind bars this week, a suspected child rapist and murderer went on trial at the same Pretoria court in a case that has also provoked fierce debate about crime and punishment in post-aparthei…
U.N. rights watchdog calls for open elections in Hong Kong
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations Human Rights Committee called on China on Thursday to ensure universal suffrage in Hong Kong, stressing that included the right to stand for election as well as the right to vote.
Ukrainian PM warns Russia may try to disrupt Sunday’s election
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine’s prime minister warned on Thursday of possible attempts by Russia to disrupt an election in Ukraine at the weekend, a vote being held against a background of Russian support for separatist rebels and an unresolved row over gas…
Zimbabwe’s first lady says Mugabe’s deputy should resign
HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwe’s First Lady Grace Mugabe said on Thursday deputy president Joice Mujuru, potential successor to her 90-year-old husband Robert Mugabe, should resign, in an attack likely to widen divisions in the ruling party.
Colombia to intensify battle against smuggling
BOGOTA (Reuters) – The battle against contraband is set to become a focal point for Colombia’s armed forces as the risk to the economy and security matches the dangers of drug trafficking to the Andean nation, the head of the fiscal police said.
Indonesia president submits new cabinet list for anti-graft review
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo submitted a revised list of cabinet ministers to the country’s anti-graft agency on Thursday, in the hope that his new ministerial team will be considered free of corruption.
UK policeman arrested after ammunition found at Buckingham Palace
LONDON (Reuters) – A police officer was arrested on Thursday as part of an investigation into the discovery of ammunition in personal lockers in a police building on the grounds of Buckingham Palace, Scotland Yard said.
Russian prosecutors detain more suspects in Total CEO plane crash
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian prosecutors detained four Moscow airport workers and denied bail to the driver of a snow plough which hit a private jet killing the CEO of French oil company Total earlier this week, officials said on Thursday.
Suspected Boko Haram fighters kidnap 25 girls in northeast Nigeria
YOLA/ABUJA (Reuters) – Suspected Boko Haram militants kidnapped at least 25 girls in an attack on a remote town in northeastern Nigeria, witnesses said, despite talks on freeing over 200 other female hostages they seized in April.
Families of executed French monks say Algiers obstructing justice
PARIS (Reuters) – The families of seven French Trappist monks killed in Algeria during Islamist-linked violence in 1996 accused Algiers of obstructionism on Thursday in refusing to send samples of their remains to Paris where they could be further test…
