World media forum calls for release of jailed Sri Lankan journalist

BRUSSELS - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the world’s biggest organisdation of journalists, Monday criticised the 20-year jail term against senior Sri Lankan journalist J.S. Tissainayagam as “brutal and inhumane” and accused the authorities of abusing anti-terror laws to silence peaceful critics.

Chinese police arrest over 1,000 people for cheating`

BEIJING - Chinese police have busted nearly 280 gangs and arrested over 1,000 people for cheating, the public security ministry said Monday.

Briton arrested for trying to sell sister

LONDON - Police have arrested a British man who tried to sell his sister to an illegal immigrant.

Michael Wright, a 22-year-old man from Swindon, tried to sell his 24-year-old sister, who has learning difficulties, to a 33-year-old Chinese man in order to help him gain British residency.

Tamil journalist sentenced to 20 years imprisonment

COLOMBO - A Tamil journalist charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency Regulations in Sri Lanka was sentenced Monday to a 20-year rigorous jail term by a court, officials said.

Malaysian model’s dad hopes she won’t be caned

KUALA LUMPUR - The father of the Malaysian model, who could be the first woman to be caned for drinking in public, is hoping that she would be spared the punishment.

Cuban officials’ ‘obsession’ with nation’s image criticised

HAVANA - The “morbid obsession” and “paranoia” of some Cuban officials for censuring information and rejecting criticism by other officials in an attempt to maintain the image of the communist island or their own positions has been criticised in an article published in the official daily Juventud Rebelde.

Despite court orders ‘invisible’ security cover still exists around AQ Khan’s residence

ISLAMABAD - While the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered removal of all security restrictions on disgraced nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, there still exists an ‘invisible’ security blanket around his residence.

Nepal Vice President’s position defunct from today

KATHMANDU - Paramananda Jha’s position as Nepal Vice President has become defunct from Monday with Jha’s refusal to take oath in Nepali within the deadline given by the Supreme Court.

Mystery remains behind A Q Khan’s security restrictions removal

ISLAMABAD - Following the orders of the Lahore High Court to remove all security restrictions on disgraced scientist Dr. A Q Khan, the authorities have lifted all restrictions on his movement, however, Khan has denied restrictions being removed.