A Russian foreign ministry official says fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden has applied for political asylum in Russia. The revelation comes as the former security contractor released documents showing the US spied on European allies.
Leadership change
Australia’s ruling Labor Party has ousted Julia Gillard, the country’s first woman prime minister, in favour of Kevin Rudd whom she replaced. Rudd’s elevation gave the government a boost in the polls ahead of a general election due later this year.
Egypt anger
Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi has angrily dismissed a military suggestion it intervene to broker a peace deal between the presidency and opposition groups. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets, demanding Morsi quit.
Deadly tanker blaze
At least 31 people have been killed when an oil tanker collided with another vehicle in the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Many of those killed had gathered around the leaking truck to collect fuel. It is the worst accident of its kind since 2001.
Performer dies
A performer with the famed Cirque du Soleil circus troop has fallen 15 metres from a high wire to her death. Sarah Guyard was performing in the Las Vegas show Ka when the accident happened during a fight scene. Shows have been suspended.
Priest executed
The Vatican says Syrian Catholic priest Father Francois Murad was beheaded when a monastery in the war-torn country was stormed by Islamic militants. Unverified footage on Catholic websites reportedly shows the 49-year-old’s death.
Rocket crash
An unmanned Russian rocket carrying three satellites has crashed moments after it launched from Kazakhstan. It is not clear what caused the accident which is similar to one on 2010. Poisonous rocket fuel has been spread over the crash site.
Tycoon under investigation
French tycoon Bernard Tapie has been placed under formal investigation by authorities over allegations of corruption and fraud as part of a gang. The charges relate to a $500 million payout he received in 2008 after a failed a business deal.
Prisoner search
Nigerian authorities are searching for dozens of prisoners after more than 150 broke out of a jail in the country’s south. More than 20 men stormed the prison with guns and dynamite to free the prisoners. About 60 have been recaptured.
Lopez under fire
Latin American songstress Jennifer Lopez has come under fire from human rights groups for performing at the birthday of Turkmenistan leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. His regime is considered one of the world’s most repressive.
New EU member
Croatia has become the 28th country in Europe to join the European Union. Amid persistent talk of countries leaving the alliance because of economic woes, Croatians celebrated their membership which came into effect on July 1.
Fire investigation
An investigation is underway after 19 firefighters were killed while fighting a wild fire in the US state of Arizona. The region has been suffering extreme temperatures which fuelled the fires which claimed dozens of homes.
Post published in: World News