Syria has endured its most deadly day since a ceasefire came into effect in April. Opposition forces estimate about 170 people – mainly civilians – died in fighting on Thursday. It came as an air pilot with links to the opposition defected to Jordan.
Bomber jailed
An Indonesian Islamic militant who admitted, and apologised, for his role in the 2002 Bali bombings which killed 202 people, has been jailed for 20 years. The judges accepted he mixed the content of the bombs on the holiday isle.
Asylum bid
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has launched an extraordinary last-minute bid to avoid extradition to Sweden by seeking asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London. British courts ordered his deportation to Sweden for sex assault questioning.
‘He’s insane’, prosecutor says
Norwegians judges have been told the man responsible for last year’s politically-motivated attacks in Oslo should be found insane. Anders Breivik, 33, however, claims he is not guilty and wants to be jailed. A verdict is due with two months.
Refugee carnage
Australian and Indonesian authorities were working together on Friday to save as many asylum seekers as possible after a boat carrying 200 men capsized. It was near the marine border of the countries. More than 100 were found alive.
Drug arrest
Mexican navy authorities have arrested the son of wanted drug lord Joaquin (Shorty) Guzman. While it is uncertain if he is wanted in Mexico, Jesus has been mentioned in his father’s US indictments alleging drug trafficking and racketeering.
Chinese claims
High-profile Chinese dissident and Ai Weiwei has been accused of bigamy and pornography offences. The allegations against the 55-year-old, who has been exhibited across the globe, means he is banned from leaving China.
Rio talks
A meeting of world leaders in the Brazilian capital, aimed at protecting the environment, has been criticised as a waste of time. The Rio+20 conference was marred by demonstrations from Amazonian communities, victims of deforestation.
Banks downgraded
Fifteen banks have had their financial credentials downgraded by credit rating agency Moody’s. Institutions included in the downgrade are the Royal Bank of Scotland, Goldman Sachs and HSBC. It will make getting loans more expensive.
Results delayed
The release of results from Egypt’s presidential elections earlier this month has been delayed. The election authorities say they needed more time to investigate electoral irregularities presented by candidates. Both men have claimed victory.
Couple freed
A South African couple abducted by Somali militants in October 2010 have been released into the custody of the country’s authorities. It is unclear whether s ransom had been paid. The couple were taken while crew on a yacht in Tanzanian waters.
Hotel attack
Parties in a hotel in the Afghanistan capital are believed to be the reason militants launched an attack on the building on Friday. Police rescued about 45 civilians. Security, police and militants are among some of the early casualties.
Post published in: Africa News