Jailed Russian female punk rock member loses parole appeal
PERM, Russia (Reuters) – A member of Russian female punk group Pussy Riot lost her appeal for parole on Wednesday after nearly a year in prison for performing a protest song against President Vladimir Putin in a Moscow cathedral.
Five Russians plead not guilty in murder trial of Putin critic
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Five men on trial for murdering Russian investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya, an ardent critic of President Vladimir Putin, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a court case that her family has decried as illegitimate.
Two killed in Egypt’s Sinai after army call for rallies
CAIRO (Reuters) – Two Egyptian soldiers were killed on Wednesday in the lawless North Sinai region within hours of a call by the head of the army for rallies to back its efforts to quell violence triggered by its removal of the Islamist president.
Violent protests disrupt Montenegro’s first gay pride parade
BUDVA, Montenegro (Reuters) – Protesters chanting “Kill the gays!” clashed with police trying to stop them reaching marchers taking part in Montenegro’s first gay pride parade on Wednesday.
U.S. seeking clarification from Russia on Snowden’s status
ON BOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) – The United States is seeking clarification from Russian authorities about any changes to the status of former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Wednesday.
Polish journalist kidnapped in Syria: activists
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Polish journalist was taken hostage by Islamist militants in northwest Syria on Wednesday, opposition activists said.
Congo army helicopter strikes hit civilians: park official
GOMA (Reuters) – At least 10 civilians were injured, some of them seriously, in an attack by Congolese army helicopters on a rebel-held military base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an official said on Wednesday.
Syrian authorities blocking access to needy in Homs: Red Cross
GENEVA (Reuters) – Syrian authorities are blocking access to the old city of Homs, where trapped civilians are in dire need of food and medical supplies, the Red Cross said on Wednesday, warning of possible “tragic” consequences.
Darfur rebels launch new attack on central Sudan
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Rebels from Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region launched a new assault on the country’s once placid heartland on Wednesday, sending civilians running for cover, rebels and witnesses said.
New Qatar ruler will keep backing Syria opposition: rebel envoy
DUBAI (Reuters) – Qatar’s new emir will keep helping Syrian rebels until President Bashar al-Assad’s rule ends, Syria’s opposition envoy to Doha said on Wednesday, seeking to dampen speculation the rich Gulf state had scaled back its role in supporting…
