Thousands mourn Algerian army chief
Thousands of Algerians gathered on Wednesday for the funeral procession of the country’s powerful army chief, who fought for independence from France as a young man and this year became the country’s de facto leader.
Military jet crashes in northwest Iran, killing two pilots: agency
An Iranian MiG fighter jet crashed in the northwest of the country on Wednesday, killing both pilots, the semi-official ILNA news agency reported.
Prosecutors search office of Japan MP in connection with bribery probe: media
Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday searched the office of ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tataki Shirasuka as part of a bribery investigation that saw another politician arrested earlier in the day, media said.
Pope, religious leaders, send South Sudan rivals Christmas peace appeal
Pope Francis and two other religious leaders sent out an extraordinary Christmas appeal on Wednesday to the leaders of South Sudan to keep their promise to form at least a transitional unity government early next year.
Two Thai soldiers face rare murder charges in restive south
Two soldiers in Thailand’s south have been charged with the murder of civilians, a military spokesman said on Wednesday, in a rare rebuke in the insurgency-torn region where rights groups have long demanded greater transparency.
Taiwan president urges more talks on contested China ‘infiltration’ bill
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen urged parliament on Wednesday to have more discussion on a proposed anti-infiltration bill which the government says is needed to combat Chinese influence and has been condemned by the main opposition and Beijing.
Nigeria releases Sowore and Dasuki after AG orders bail
Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore and former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki left prison Tuesday evening after the attorney general ordered their release on bail, in recognition of court orders.
Philippine typhoon Phanfone ruins Christmas for travelers, evacuees
Christmas turned to chaos for many holiday observers in the central Philippines as a typhoon with strong winds and heavy rains destroyed homes, cut off power and stranded travelers, disaster officials said on Wednesday.
Japan ruling party lawmaker arrested on casino bribery suspicion: prosecutors
Japanese authorities arrested ruling party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto on Wednesday on suspicion of accepting bribes from a company interested in setting up a casino in Japan, Tokyo prosecutors said.
Japan ruling party lawmaker arrested on casino bribery suspicion: prosecutors
Japanese authorities on Wednesday arrested ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto on suspicion of accepting bribes from a company interested in setting up a casino in Japan, Tokyo prosecutors said in a document.
