Spain’s centre-right Popular Party has lived up to its name and won a landslide victory in last weekend’s ballot. The Socialists, who had ruled since 2004, suffered their worst electoral performance ever, losing more than 50 seats in the 350-seat parliament.
Expensive leak
Brazilian authorities have fined oil giant Chevron $28 million for a spill off the country’s coast. The fine could increase if it is proven the company failed to execute its emergency plan properly. The company said it is still calculating the amount of oil lost.
Former leader loses
Guatemala’s former president Alfonso Portillo will be extradited to the United States to face money laundering charges. The current president confirmed the Constitutional Courts authorisation. Portillo is accused of laundering $70 million.
Leaders on trial
A trial against three top former Khmer Rouge leaders has begun in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. The UN-backed court heard opening statements for the defendants, all aged in their 80s, on Monday. They are charged with crimes against humanity.
Nude revolutionary
Egyptian blogger, Aliaa Magda Elmahdy, said she posted a naked photo of herself online to express herself. The posting of the image, which became a hit on Twitter, has prompted wide-spread condemnation across the Muslim world.
Terror arrest
New York authorities say a man arrested on terrorism charges was a “lone wolf” they had been monitoring for two years. Jose Pimentel is accused of planning to detonate pipe-bombs in the city. The Muslim-convert faces five terrorism-related charges.
Hacking inquiry
The mother of a dead schoolgirl has told a British parliamentary inquiry she thought her daughter was alive when she saw messages on her phone had been read. She said her “face fell” when she found out it was a hacker, not her daughter, who got the messages.
Sri Lanka hits back
Sri Lankan authorities have hit back at a scathing UN report alleging war crimes and human rights breaches. President Mahinda Rajapaksa said a 400-page document will be tabled in parliament soon, responding to the allegations.
Sanctions for Iran
Canada, Britain and America have tightened their sanctions on Iran in a bid to deter the country from pursuing its suspected nuclear weapons programme. The countries have severed financial ties after a report found ‘possible military’ use of nuclear material.
Pressure on Syria
Syrian opposition figures have met the British Foreign Secretary William Hague in London, at his invitation. Hague said he wanted to step up international pressure on the current ruling regime in Syria who have been facing months of heavy public protests.
Cairo violence escalates
Cairo’s Tahrir Square has again been the scene of violence prompting the resignation of Egypt’s civilian cabinet. Clashes between protestors campaigning for improved election structures and the military over the weekend resulted in injuries.
Post published in: Africa News