October 12, 2011
Burma frees dozens of political prisoners
The Burmese government has freed more than 180 political prisoners as part of a general amnesty, activists say. A popular comedian and dissident, Zarganar, was among the first to be freed. Some monks and journalists were also released. Burmese…
October 12, 2011
Iraq bombs: Police targeted in capital Baghdad
Five car bombs in Baghdad have killed at least 17 people, including police officers, officials say. Two suicide bombers detonated explosives-laden vehicles minutes apart in north-western Hurriya district and central al-Wiya district, reports……
August 4, 2011
Syria unrest: UN condemns government crackdown
The UN Security Council has condemned the Syrian government for its deadly crackdown on protesters. It is the first clear condemnation issued by the Security Council, which includes longstanding allies of Syria such as Russia. The statement was…
August 4, 2011
Famine Declared in 3 New Parts of Somalia
The United Nations says famine has spread to three new parts of southern Somalia, including areas in the capital, Mogadishu. A statement Wednesday said famine conditions are present in two districts of the Middle Shabelle region, the Afgoye…
August 4, 2011
Egypt’s Mubarak Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ in Historic Trial
Egypt's deposed president, Hosni Mubarak, wheeled into a Cairo courtroom in a hospital bed, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he ordered the killing of some 850 revolutionary protesters who drove him from power in an 18-day February…
August 3, 2011
UN Rights Investigator Appeals for Iranian Access
A newly appointed U.N. special investigator has renewed calls for Iran to cooperate in a probe of alleged human rights abuses. Special rapporteur Ahmed Shaheed appealed to Tehran on Wednesday to allow him to visit the country. In a statement, he…
August 2, 2011
Norway attacks: Breivik makes ‘unrealistic’ demands
The man who has confessed to killing 77 people in Norway has made a list of "unrealistic"…
August 2, 2011
Ambassador: US Not Against Mugabe’s Party
The U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe says the United States is not against the party of President Robert Mugabe, which it has accused of human rights abuses. In a speech on U.S.-Zimbabwean relations, Ambassador Charles Ray said “the U.S. does not favor…
August 2, 2011
Kidnapped Bangladeshi Workers Freed in Afghanistan
Officials say five Bangladeshi workers kidnapped in Afghanistan late last year have been freed. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told reporters in Dhaka that the hostages were released early Tuesday following negotiations between their captors…
August 2, 2011
Bus Collision Kills 16 in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi police say a head-on collision between two passenger buses has killed at least 16 people and injured more than 50 others. Police say the two buses were traveling on a major highway just outside the capital of Dhaka when they collided…