A Japanese journalist has been killed in Syria, while covering the country’s unrest. Mika Yamamoto, 45, was working in Aleppo at the time. Three other reporters are missing.
Censorship ends
Burma’s ruling military junta has announced that censorship of the media will cease. Newspapers, magazines and even song lyrics were vetted by censors, whose roles ended on Monday.
No pardon plans
Lawyers for members of a female Russian punk band Pussy Riot say they will not seek a presidential pardon. The three women were jailed for two years last week, convicted over a performance in a Moscow church against President Vladimir Putin.
Mali government formed
A new unity government has taken the reins in Mali after a coup in March. The new cabinet comprises 31 ministers and it is hoped the government will be able to end an Islamist-led separatist movement in the north.
Jail sentence
The wife of a former high-ranking Chinese politician has escaped being put to death for the murder of a British businessman. Gu Kailai, however, will serve at least 14 years in jail. Leniency was given because she gave evidence against others.
Deadly prison riot
At least 20 people have been killed during a riot in a prison south of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. There was a dispute between to gangs but the exact cause of the fight was not clear. The prisons minister said officer now have control.
Cholera appeal
The death toll from a cholera outbreak in Sierra Leone has hit at least 180. About 100,000 people have been infected since January. President Ernest Bai Koroma has declared a national emergency and appealed for international help.
Women allowed
Home of the prestigious Masters golf tournament, Augusta National Golf Club, has offered its first female memberships. The memberships to businesswoman Darla Moore and former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice ends the 80-year restriction.
Blasphemy charge
Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has intervened in a blasphemy charge levelled against an 11-year-old girl with Downs Syndrome. She was charged after reportedly found holding burnt pages of the holy Koran. Zardari has demanded a report
Post published in: Africa News