The Swedish body that awards the annual Nobel prize for literature will name two winners on Thursday (October 10), including one for 2018 when the ceremony was scuttled by a sexual assault scandal that prompted reforms by the long secretive organisation

Moving on from scandal, Swedish Academy to award two Nobel literature prizes

A homeless&nbsp;man wielding a metal pipe beat four other&nbsp;homeless&nbsp;people to death Saturday in New York, police said.

A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition.

Police detained a 24-year-old male as the suspect in the attack in the Chinatown area of Lower Manhattan in the small hours of Saturday.

The victims were apparently asleep when they were set upon, said Michael Baldassano of the New York police department.

"The motive appears to be, right now, just random attacks," he told reporters. "No one was targeted by race, age, anything of that nature."

Every night more than 63,000 people sleep in the New York City shelter system, says the Bowery Mission, an advocacy group. But nearly 4,000 more sleep on the street, in the subway or in other public areas.&nbsp;

The group says factors causing homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing and problems keeping a job.

A homeless man wielding a metal pipe beat four other homeless people to death Saturday in New York, police said. A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition.

A homeless man wielding a metal pipe beat four other homeless people to death Saturday in New York, police said. A fifth man was hospitalised in a critical condition. Police detained a 24-year-old male as the suspect in the attack in the Chinatown area of Lower Manhattan in the small hours of Saturday. The victims were apparently asleep when they were set upon, said Michael Baldassano of the New York police department. "The motive appears to be, right now, just random attacks," he told reporters. "No one was targeted by race, age, anything of that nature." Every night more than 63,000 people sleep in the New York City shelter system, says the Bowery Mission, an advocacy group. But nearly 4,000 more sleep on the street, in the subway or in other public areas. The group says factors causing homelessness include mental illness, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing and problems keeping a job.

Four homeless men in New York beaten to death

More than 500 people were&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;after&nbsp;clashes in&nbsp;Indonesia's capital amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-rally-across-indonesia-in-fresh-legal-reform-protests-252836">nationwide&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;against a raft of divisive reforms, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">banning pre-marital sex</a> and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

The arrests came&nbsp;after&nbsp;a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students,&nbsp;in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests

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Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building.

Since last week, at least two students have died and&nbsp;hundreds&nbsp;more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship.

"So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday.

"We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added.

The government has sought to portray the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May.

National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's&nbsp;protests.

Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said.

The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes&nbsp;from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law.

Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of&nbsp;Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency.

Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week.

Police have previously denied responsibility.

Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesia</a>'s restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia.

Updating&nbsp;Indonesia's criminal code,&nbsp;which dates back to the Dutch colonial era&nbsp;has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups.

The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday.

More than 500 people were arrested after clashes in Indonesia's capital amid nationwide protests against a raft of divisive reforms, including banning pre-marital sex and weakening the anti-graft agency, authorities said Tuesday. The arrests came after a night of pitched street battles between riot police and stone-throwing protesters many high school and university students, in Jakarta's sprawling downtown core. Watch Video: Indonesian police fire tear gas to break up anti-graft, sex-ban law protests × Security forces geared up for more unrest Tuesday as some 575 lawmakers were sworn in at the country's heavily barricaded parliament building. Since last week, at least two students have died and hundreds more have been injured as a wave of unrest swept across the Southeast Asian archipelago, just weeks before President Joko Widodo kicks off another term as head of the world's third-biggest democracy. The protests are among the biggest student rallies since mass street demonstrations in 1998 toppled the Suharto dictatorship. "So far we have detained 519 rioters from yesterday's demonstration," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP Tuesday. "We're questioning them to determine whether or not they are students," he added. The government has sought to portray the protests as being hijacked by agitators aiming to disrupt the government and suggested they were similar to deadly post-election riots that paralysed Jakarta in May. National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo was quoted by local media as saying that police had detained 649 demonstrators from Monday's protests. Several dozen protesters were injured Monday at rallies in other parts of the country, authorities said. The demonstrations have been fuelled by a proposed bill that includes dozens of legal changes from criminalising pre-marital sex and restricting contraceptive sales, to making it illegal to insult the president and toughening the Muslim-majority country's blasphemy law. Passage of the reforms has now been delayed, and Widodo has said he would also consider revising a separate bill that critics fear would dilute the powers of Indonesia's corruption-fighting agency. Some 13 police officers have been questioned and detained over the deaths of two students in riots on Sulawesi island last week. Police have previously denied responsibility. Students have issued a wide-ranging list of demands including scrapping some criminal-code changes, withdrawing troops from Indonesia's restive Papua region, and halting forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo that unleashed toxic haze across Southeast Asia. Updating Indonesia's criminal code, which dates back to the Dutch colonial era has been debated for decades, but there was a renewed push this year backed by conservative Islamic groups. The controversial changes could affect millions of Indonesians, including gay and heterosexual couples who might face jail for having sex outside wedlock or having an affair.

Hundreds arrested in Indonesia after fresh protests over legal-reforms

Grief, fear and anger have enveloped the town of Chunian in Pakistan's eastern, Punjab province after the bodies of three missing children were found in a district which has seen numerous cases of child abuse and abductions in recent years.

Pakistani town grapples with grim history of child abuse and abduction

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesian</a> President Joko Widodo's decision to&nbsp;delay&nbsp;a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">criminalise&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and gay&nbsp;sex</a>&nbsp;was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new&nbsp;bill.

The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote&nbsp;delayed.

Critics warn the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.

However, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam.

"Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone.

He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;or same-sex&nbsp;relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect.

Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia.

The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation".

Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking.

Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just&nbsp;sex.

Rights groups welcomed the&nbsp;delay&nbsp;and urged the president to block the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;altogether.

An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd"&nbsp;bill&nbsp;had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening.

Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation.

Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said.

"Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill. The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote delayed. Critics warn the bill violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people. The bill also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape. However, the bill still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam. "Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone. He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from sex outside marriage or same-sex relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect. Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia. The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation". Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking. Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just sex. Rights groups welcomed the delay and urged the president to block the bill altogether. An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd" bill had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening. Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation. Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said. "Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Delay in bill criminalising sex outside marriage divides Indonesians

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper.

McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported.

NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper.

McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism.

Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times. 
&nbsp;

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said.

US space agency NASA is investigating what may be the first crime committed in outer space, The New York Times reported Saturday. Astronaut Anne McClain is accused of identity theft and improperly accessing her estranged wife's private financial records while on a sixth-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Times said. The astronaut's spouse Summer Worden filed a complaint earlier this year with the Federal Trade Commission after learning McClain had accessed her bank account without permission, while Worden's family filed another with NASA's Office of Inspector General, according to the newspaper. McClain's lawyer said the astronaut had done nothing wrong and accessed the bank records while aboard the ISS in order to monitor the couple's combined finances -- something she had done over the course of their relationship, the Times reported. NASA investigators have contacted both women, according to the newspaper. McClain, who returned to Earth in June, gained fame for being one of two women picked for a historic all-female spacewalk, but NASA scrapped the planned walk in March due to a lack of well-fitting spacesuits, sparking accusations of sexism. Worden said the FTC has not responded to the identity theft report, but that an investigator specializing in criminal cases with NASA's Office of Inspector General has been looking into the accusation, according to the Times.

NASA investigating first crime committed in space: Report

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US&nbsp;troops</a> to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through -wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">suicide bomber blew himself</a> up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence.

Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said.

"Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform.

"Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote.

The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it.

Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites.

Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial.

"Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked.

"So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?"

Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy.

"If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook.

The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">an agreement on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces </a>in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed&nbsp;government.

Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US&nbsp;puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire.

The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal.

Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast.

"They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote.

"We should not surrender to Taliban terror."

The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity".

The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul. A suicide bomber blew himself up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence. Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said. "Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform. "Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote. The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it. Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites. Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial. "Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked. "So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?" Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy. "If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook. The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire. The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal. Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast. "They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote. "We should not surrender to Taliban terror." The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity". The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Peace with whom? After blast, enraged Afghans question talks

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived.

Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away.

Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year.

German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely.&nbsp;

German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation.

He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman.

"While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors.

Psychiatric examination&nbsp;

The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station.

The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said.

"The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability.

The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls.&nbsp;

Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin.

Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive.

If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said.

In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man.&nbsp;

Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday. The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived. Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away. Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year. German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely. German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation. He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman. "While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors. Psychiatric examination The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station. The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said. "The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability. The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls. Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening. German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin. Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive. If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said. In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man. Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

Man who pushed German boy under train was on run from Swiss police

Hundreds of Gilroy residents have come to City Hall to light candles, comfort each other and show strength after Sunday night's shooting that killed three people, including two children, ages 6 and 13.

Vigil in Gilroy for festival shooting victims

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter.

Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody.

"The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said.

On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29.

According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala.

During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday.

The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia.

The police arrested and questioned him.

"The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said.

The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan.

Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17.

Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim.

"He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.&nbsp;

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5. The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter. Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody. "The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said. On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29. According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala. During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday. The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia. The police arrested and questioned him. "The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said. The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan. Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17. Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim. "He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.

Police custody of Dawood Ibrahim's nephew extended till August 5

Anti-domestic violence protesters gathered outside of Romania's ministry of internal affairs building on Sunday, standing in memory of two girls murdered and against the inaction of authorities.

Romania protest after two female teenagers killed

Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar&nbsp;Chavez&nbsp;said on Friday he had been mugged by armed robbers in Mexico City, and he slammed mounting violence that has recently plagued the capital.

"I've just been the victim of a robbery, with a pistol to my head, my watch and chain were snatched. There's no question your life can be gone in a second," the 57-year-old&nbsp;Chavez&nbsp;wrote on Twitter. "The insecurity in Mexico City is enough to make you weep."

Chavez&nbsp;did not provide more details on the incident, aside from suggesting that a companion was also robbed.

Via Twitter, the Mexico City attorney general's office asked&nbsp;Chavez&nbsp;to get in contact with authorities about the incident. Mexico is currently suffering from record murder levels that have made the capital, long regarded as a relatively safe haven, increasingly prone to outbreaks of violent crime.

Problems with security were under the spotlight this week when two Israeli men were gunned down inside an upmarket Mexico City shopping mall in an apparent gangland hit.

A former world champion at three different weight divisions,&nbsp;Chavez&nbsp;during his prime was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. He is widely held to be one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time.

Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez said on Friday he had been mugged by armed robbers in Mexico City, and he slammed mounting violence that has recently plagued the capital.

Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez said on Friday he had been mugged by armed robbers in Mexico City, and he slammed mounting violence that has recently plagued the capital. "I've just been the victim of a robbery, with a pistol to my head, my watch and chain were snatched. There's no question your life can be gone in a second," the 57-year-old Chavez wrote on Twitter. "The insecurity in Mexico City is enough to make you weep." Chavez did not provide more details on the incident, aside from suggesting that a companion was also robbed. Via Twitter, the Mexico City attorney general's office asked Chavez to get in contact with authorities about the incident. Mexico is currently suffering from record murder levels that have made the capital, long regarded as a relatively safe haven, increasingly prone to outbreaks of violent crime. Problems with security were under the spotlight this week when two Israeli men were gunned down inside an upmarket Mexico City shopping mall in an apparent gangland hit. A former world champion at three different weight divisions, Chavez during his prime was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. He is widely held to be one of the greatest Mexican boxers of all time.

Boxing legend Chavez says he was mugged at gunpoint in Mexico City

At least 25 people died when a land dispute in Myanmar turned violent this week, a regional MP said Friday, as details were still emerging days after the brawl.

It is unclear what sparked the July 23 clash in central Magway region and whether all the deaths were from fighting or the sinking of a boat full of people fleeing the violence.&nbsp;

But Magway region lawmaker Tint Lwin said 25 bodies had been found and 13 people were still missing, adding that authorities had been hauling corpses out of the Irrawaddy River for the last two days.

"There was a serious fight," he told AFP. "I've never had this kind of experience before."

Hundreds of villagers were involved in the clashes but no one has been arrested yet as authorities carry out post mortems and try to determine what happened, he said.

The central region is about 12 hours north of the commercial capital Yangon.

State-backed Global New Light of Myanmar said a boat capsized as villagers along the river tried to leave, while survivors told local media outlets they were attacked with stones and knives.&nbsp;

Land ownership is extremely sensitive in Myanmar where huge swathes of the population work in agriculture.

Many villagers lack documents proving ownership despite having worked on their farms for generations.

The junta that ruled the country for almost 50 years until a democratic transition in 2011 has also been accused of rampant land grabbing.

Critics say civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government has struggled to address simmering land disputes despite promises by her party the National League for Democracy

At least 25 people died when a land dispute in Myanmar turned violent this week, a regional MP said Friday, as details were still emerging days after the brawl. It is unclear what sparked the July 23 clash in central Magway region and whether all the deaths were from fighting or the sinking of a boat full of people fleeing the violence.

At least 25 people died when a land dispute in Myanmar turned violent this week, a regional MP said Friday, as details were still emerging days after the brawl. It is unclear what sparked the July 23 clash in central Magway region and whether all the deaths were from fighting or the sinking of a boat full of people fleeing the violence. But Magway region lawmaker Tint Lwin said 25 bodies had been found and 13 people were still missing, adding that authorities had been hauling corpses out of the Irrawaddy River for the last two days. "There was a serious fight," he told AFP. "I've never had this kind of experience before." Hundreds of villagers were involved in the clashes but no one has been arrested yet as authorities carry out post mortems and try to determine what happened, he said. The central region is about 12 hours north of the commercial capital Yangon. State-backed Global New Light of Myanmar said a boat capsized as villagers along the river tried to leave, while survivors told local media outlets they were attacked with stones and knives. Land ownership is extremely sensitive in Myanmar where huge swathes of the population work in agriculture. Many villagers lack documents proving ownership despite having worked on their farms for generations. The junta that ruled the country for almost 50 years until a democratic transition in 2011 has also been accused of rampant land grabbing. Critics say civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government has struggled to address simmering land disputes despite promises by her party the National League for Democracy

At least 25 dead after Myanmar land dispute

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban.

Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence.

Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013.

His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld.

Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods.

"Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP.&nbsp;

"It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy."

At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home.

Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups.

- Close to reality -

Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast.

In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist.

For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid.

"It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing."

The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid.

"What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News.&nbsp;

"As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events."

Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza.

- Dangerous city -

Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day.

Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid.

"If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism."

Writing, he explains, was a release.

"I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid.

"I felt a need to vent about them."

The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing.

Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits.

But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket.

"For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains.

For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders.

"It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors. For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence. Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013. His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld. Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods. "Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP. "It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy." At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home. Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups. - Close to reality - Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast. In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist. For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid. "It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing." The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists. "Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid. "What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News. "As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events." Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza. - Dangerous city - Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day. Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities. "The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid. "If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism." Writing, he explains, was a release. "I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid. "I felt a need to vent about them." The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing. Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits. But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket. "For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains. For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders. "It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

Pakistani cop channels police stories into gritty novels

The mayor of Phoenix apologized on Sunday after videos emerged showing police in the southwestern US city violently arresting a family with young children.

The videos, shot when the arrest happened last month, show police using foul language while shouting at the family to get out of their car, and threatening to shoot them.

A woman later emerges from the vehicle with two young children. She hands them over to a bystander before being arrested.&nbsp;

Separately, an officer is shown kicking the legs of another man who he is handcuffing against a police car.

"I, like many others, am sick over what I have seen in the video depicting Phoenix police interacting with a family and young children," Mayor Kate Gallego wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.

Calling the officers' actions "inappropriate" and "clearly unprofessional," she wrote "There is no situation in which this behaviour is ever close to acceptable."

"I am deeply sorry for what this family went through, and I apologize to our community," she said.

In an appearance on the local ABC affiliate, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams said the officers had responded to a report of shoplifting when they encountered the family.

"I'm sorry this incident happened," she said, adding that it was being investigated.

ABC reported that the family has filed a $10 million claim against the city, alleging civil rights violations.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement in the public in the United States following a series of high-profile killings of African Americans.

In response, departments across the country have announced reforms such as requiring officers to wear body cameras, which Gallego said Phoenix would speed up in the wake of the controversy.

The mayor of Phoenix apologized on Sunday after videos emerged showing police in the southwestern US city violently arresting a family with young children. The videos, shot when the arrest happened last month, show police using foul language while shouting at the family to get out of their car, and threatening to shoot them.

The mayor of Phoenix apologized on Sunday after videos emerged showing police in the southwestern US city violently arresting a family with young children. The videos, shot when the arrest happened last month, show police using foul language while shouting at the family to get out of their car, and threatening to shoot them. A woman later emerges from the vehicle with two young children. She hands them over to a bystander before being arrested. Separately, an officer is shown kicking the legs of another man who he is handcuffing against a police car. "I, like many others, am sick over what I have seen in the video depicting Phoenix police interacting with a family and young children," Mayor Kate Gallego wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. Calling the officers' actions "inappropriate" and "clearly unprofessional," she wrote "There is no situation in which this behaviour is ever close to acceptable." "I am deeply sorry for what this family went through, and I apologize to our community," she said. In an appearance on the local ABC affiliate, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams said the officers had responded to a report of shoplifting when they encountered the family. "I'm sorry this incident happened," she said, adding that it was being investigated. ABC reported that the family has filed a $10 million claim against the city, alleging civil rights violations. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement in the public in the United States following a series of high-profile killings of African Americans. In response, departments across the country have announced reforms such as requiring officers to wear body cameras, which Gallego said Phoenix would speed up in the wake of the controversy.

US mayor apologizes after violent arrest videos emerge

Vikram Malhotra led-Abundantia Entertainment acquired the rights to popular Indian thriller author, Vish Dhamija’s, ‘Rita Ferreira’ Series. The deal comprises 3 books – 'Bhendi Bazaar', 'Doosra' and 'Lipstick'.&nbsp;

Abundantia plans to adapt the books into a multi-season series.

“The tough-as-nails, sharp-as-a-tack, Jim Beam drinking, the female cop is not your conventional investigator. In a world dominated by male protagonists, many believed that Rita would not be accepted. But her popularity with readers across age groups and segments has proven otherwise”, says author Vish Dhamija.

Set in Mumbai, the books follow DCP Rita Ferreira whose methods may be unconventional but her track record is unmatched. The gripping narrative involves Rita and her team, battling the world of crime, enough to keep one at the edge of the seat. The book series also features at the top rung in much notable crime, thriller, and mystery best-selling lists.

Vish further adds, “Out of all the characters I’ve ever penned, Rita Ferreira remains the most realistic, and closest to me. I always believed that my characters should have the personality, the pizzazz, the complexity, and the gravitas to carry the story further than even an author ever can, and the fact that Rita Ferreira thrillers have been picked up for a multi-season show is testament to my belief in- and readers’ love of- Rita. For the Rita Ferreira books to be chosen over so many others in the genre by Abundantia and Vikram is simply an indescribable feeling for me – for once I am an author at a loss of words.”

Abundantia, the producer of&nbsp;'Airlift', 'Baby', 'Toilet&nbsp;– Ek Prem Katha' and the web series&nbsp;'Breathe', is currently in process of developing the books into a show.

Producer Vikram Malhotra says, “Crime is a genre that viewers all over the world can’t get enough of. And when you add a unique and compelling central character to it, you have all the makings of gripping story-telling. From the first time that we read Vish’s books, we knew that we had to bring Rita Ferreira to life. Flawed but fabulous, Rita is one-of-a-kind in a world full of cliches! A top-notch writers room is being put in place for this show as we aim to recreate and enhance the world of Rita Ferreira for her fans.”

Vikram Malhotra led-Abundantia Entertainment acquired the rights to popular Indian thriller author, Vish Dhamija’s, ‘Rita Ferreira’ Series. The deal comprises 3 books – 'Bhendi Bazaar', 'Doosra' and 'Lipstick'.

Vikram Malhotra led-Abundantia Entertainment acquired the rights to popular Indian thriller author, Vish Dhamija’s, ‘Rita Ferreira’ Series. The deal comprises 3 books – 'Bhendi Bazaar', 'Doosra' and 'Lipstick'. Abundantia plans to adapt the books into a multi-season series. “The tough-as-nails, sharp-as-a-tack, Jim Beam drinking, the female cop is not your conventional investigator. In a world dominated by male protagonists, many believed that Rita would not be accepted. But her popularity with readers across age groups and segments has proven otherwise”, says author Vish Dhamija. Set in Mumbai, the books follow DCP Rita Ferreira whose methods may be unconventional but her track record is unmatched. The gripping narrative involves Rita and her team, battling the world of crime, enough to keep one at the edge of the seat. The book series also features at the top rung in much notable crime, thriller, and mystery best-selling lists. Vish further adds, “Out of all the characters I’ve ever penned, Rita Ferreira remains the most realistic, and closest to me. I always believed that my characters should have the personality, the pizzazz, the complexity, and the gravitas to carry the story further than even an author ever can, and the fact that Rita Ferreira thrillers have been picked up for a multi-season show is testament to my belief in- and readers’ love of- Rita. For the Rita Ferreira books to be chosen over so many others in the genre by Abundantia and Vikram is simply an indescribable feeling for me – for once I am an author at a loss of words.” Abundantia, the producer of 'Airlift', 'Baby', 'Toilet – Ek Prem Katha' and the web series 'Breathe', is currently in process of developing the books into a show. Producer Vikram Malhotra says, “Crime is a genre that viewers all over the world can’t get enough of. And when you add a unique and compelling central character to it, you have all the makings of gripping story-telling. From the first time that we read Vish’s books, we knew that we had to bring Rita Ferreira to life. Flawed but fabulous, Rita is one-of-a-kind in a world full of cliches! A top-notch writers room is being put in place for this show as we aim to recreate and enhance the world of Rita Ferreira for her fans.”

Vikram Malhotra acquires rights to ‘Rita Ferreira’ series, to produce a multi-season show

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle &nbsp;-- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness.

The brutal mugging happened near the green zone, home to many of the Afghan capital's foreign diplomats, but numerous armed guards posted along the street did not try to help the victim, thanks to arcane local liability laws and restrictions.

The attackers fled after snatching the boy's mobile phone and camera. He survived, but it took about an hour for authorities to arrive and take him to hospital.

Officials and stressed-out residents say crime is surging in Kabul, where police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups including Islamic State.

Jan Aqa Naweed, spokesman for Afghanistan's chamber of commerce, said crime has grown so bad that business people and entrepreneurs were fleeing the country for fear they could be targeted.

"The increase in the crime rate, the killing and kidnapping of businessmen -- this has forced many traders to leave the country," he told AFP.

"Some of them take their families and money to countries such as Turkey and Uzbekistan. The crime in the city has negatively affected investment."

Authorities have started to take note. On Saturday, the interior ministry sacked Mohammad Salim Almas, the head of Kabul's criminal investigation department, because of what officials called a "dramatic increase" in crime.

The rise is hard to quantify. The interior ministry this month said it had recorded 100,000 crimes over a five-year period, but did not provide a breakdown.

Abdul Khaliq Zazai Watandost, a member of Kabul's provincial council who helps monitor crime rates, told AFP that criminals have killed 70 people in the capital and its surrounding areas in the past two months, with dozens more locals kidnapped.&nbsp;

"Crime has become a bigger problem than terrorism for Kabul residents," Watandost said.

"Terrorism is a big phenomenon -- but at least we should be able to control the crime."

Aside from murder and kidnappings, car thefts are common, the narcotics trade is booming and criminal gangs sometimes target foes by slapping "sticky bombs" under their cars.

Shamsuddin, a shopkeeper who only wanted to give his first name, said when he goes into central Kabul to buy groceries, he splits his cash in two.

"I give some to my son and keep some with myself," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"This is because if criminals find out you have a good amount of money on you, they will kill you and take your money."

Residents are changing their routes to work, while carrying guns and keeping weapons at home are also common.

'Nobody cares'

Taxi drivers are wary of driving after dark for fear of being attacked by a passenger or having their car stolen.

"I don't care about myself, but I am scared of losing the car because I am working for someone else and it is not my car," taxi driver Mohammad Omar told AFP.

"Nowadays every Afghan is so worried."

Deputy interior minister General Khoshal Sadat acknowledged the psychological toll crime is taking.

"It is threatening the physical and mental security of people in the city," Sadat said,

Kabul's crime came to the fore again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street.&nbsp;

Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become -- even in a war-torn city which has already seen so much bloodshed.

Kabul resident Nasir Ahmad said someone is killed daily in the capital "for no reason".

"Nobody cares about these lives. I am even scared to go to university," Ahmad said.

Fellow resident Mohammad Elham wrote on Facebook that the security in the capital "is so bad that criminals kill people in the daylight, in front of a police checkpoint -- and nobody cares".

According to interior minister Massoud Andarabi, authorities have created a "roadmap" to identify offenders.

"The police will act differently, more forcefully against the criminals," he said.

"We know where they are hiding, we are chasing them to their hideouts and will bring them to justice."

But Hazargul, a taxi driver who only wanted to give his first name, said police often appear "incapable of doing anything".

"We never saw a police officer arresting a thief on the spot and bring him to justice. Even if police see thieves, they don't dare chase them because the thieves are also armed," he told AFP.

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle -- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness.

In central Kabul last month, two men stabbed a teenager and left him for dead before escaping on a motorcycle -- a brazen attack amid a rising tide of killings and kidnappings as war-scarred residents complain of increasing lawlessness. The brutal mugging happened near the green zone, home to many of the Afghan capital's foreign diplomats, but numerous armed guards posted along the street did not try to help the victim, thanks to arcane local liability laws and restrictions. The attackers fled after snatching the boy's mobile phone and camera. He survived, but it took about an hour for authorities to arrive and take him to hospital. Officials and stressed-out residents say crime is surging in Kabul, where police are already pushed to their limits attempting to prevent insurgent attacks by the Taliban and other groups including Islamic State. Jan Aqa Naweed, spokesman for Afghanistan's chamber of commerce, said crime has grown so bad that business people and entrepreneurs were fleeing the country for fear they could be targeted. "The increase in the crime rate, the killing and kidnapping of businessmen -- this has forced many traders to leave the country," he told AFP. "Some of them take their families and money to countries such as Turkey and Uzbekistan. The crime in the city has negatively affected investment." Authorities have started to take note. On Saturday, the interior ministry sacked Mohammad Salim Almas, the head of Kabul's criminal investigation department, because of what officials called a "dramatic increase" in crime. The rise is hard to quantify. The interior ministry this month said it had recorded 100,000 crimes over a five-year period, but did not provide a breakdown. Abdul Khaliq Zazai Watandost, a member of Kabul's provincial council who helps monitor crime rates, told AFP that criminals have killed 70 people in the capital and its surrounding areas in the past two months, with dozens more locals kidnapped. "Crime has become a bigger problem than terrorism for Kabul residents," Watandost said. "Terrorism is a big phenomenon -- but at least we should be able to control the crime." Aside from murder and kidnappings, car thefts are common, the narcotics trade is booming and criminal gangs sometimes target foes by slapping "sticky bombs" under their cars. Shamsuddin, a shopkeeper who only wanted to give his first name, said when he goes into central Kabul to buy groceries, he splits his cash in two. "I give some to my son and keep some with myself," he told AFP. "This is because if criminals find out you have a good amount of money on you, they will kill you and take your money." Residents are changing their routes to work, while carrying guns and keeping weapons at home are also common. 'Nobody cares' Taxi drivers are wary of driving after dark for fear of being attacked by a passenger or having their car stolen. "I don't care about myself, but I am scared of losing the car because I am working for someone else and it is not my car," taxi driver Mohammad Omar told AFP. "Nowadays every Afghan is so worried." Deputy interior minister General Khoshal Sadat acknowledged the psychological toll crime is taking. "It is threatening the physical and mental security of people in the city," Sadat said, Kabul's crime came to the fore again this month when former journalist Mena Mangal was murdered in broad daylight on a busy street. Her killing appears tied to a domestic dispute, but many observers viewed the brutal and public slaying as a bellwether demonstrating just how cheap life has become -- even in a war-torn city which has already seen so much bloodshed. Kabul resident Nasir Ahmad said someone is killed daily in the capital "for no reason". "Nobody cares about these lives. I am even scared to go to university," Ahmad said. Fellow resident Mohammad Elham wrote on Facebook that the security in the capital "is so bad that criminals kill people in the daylight, in front of a police checkpoint -- and nobody cares". According to interior minister Massoud Andarabi, authorities have created a "roadmap" to identify offenders. "The police will act differently, more forcefully against the criminals," he said. "We know where they are hiding, we are chasing them to their hideouts and will bring them to justice." But Hazargul, a taxi driver who only wanted to give his first name, said police often appear "incapable of doing anything". "We never saw a police officer arresting a thief on the spot and bring him to justice. Even if police see thieves, they don't dare chase them because the thieves are also armed," he told AFP.

Never mind the war: Kabul residents in Afghanistan fear surge in violent crime

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident."

"We have determined four people are deceased at three locations within a four kilometre (2.5 miles) radius," Superintendent Ted De Jager said in a press conference.

A 60-year-old man handed himself in and was detained after police were called over the first two killings late on Monday morning, De Jager said.

Investigators then discovered the bodies of two more victims during a search of the suburbs of the city, population around 30,000.

A motive had not been established by Monday night, but the victims and the suspect all knew each other, local media reported.

"We have been able to determine that this was a targeted incident," De Jager said.

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident.

Four people were shot dead Monday in three areas of the western Canadian town of Penticton, federal police said, describing the shootings as a "targeted incident." "We have determined four people are deceased at three locations within a four kilometre (2.5 miles) radius," Superintendent Ted De Jager said in a press conference. A 60-year-old man handed himself in and was detained after police were called over the first two killings late on Monday morning, De Jager said. Investigators then discovered the bodies of two more victims during a search of the suburbs of the city, population around 30,000. A motive had not been established by Monday night, but the victims and the suspect all knew each other, local media reported. "We have been able to determine that this was a targeted incident," De Jager said.

Canada: Four killed in 'targeted' shootings

Twenty-three pupils at a kindergarten in central China were taken to hospital last week after a teacher allegedly poisoned their morning porridge, state-run reported Monday.

The teacher at the school in Jiaozuo city in Henan province, identified only by the surname Wang, was taken into custody after the March 27 incident, Xinhua news agency said, citing local officials.

The pupils began vomiting and fainting after breakfast, the Beijing News said, citing unnamed city officials.

One parent told the newspaper that he rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from the school to find doctors had already pumped his child's stomach to prevent high levels of toxicity in his blood.

One child remains in hospital with "severe" symptoms, and seven others have been held for observation, Xinhua reported.

The reports did not specify the ages of those affected, but typically, kindergarten students in China are aged three to six.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that sodium nitrite, which is used for curing meats but can be toxic when ingested in high amounts, caused the poisoning, Xinhua said.

The incident in Jiaozuo came just before a new regulation took effect Monday, requiring school officials from kindergartens to secondary schools in China to dine with their students in canteens to prevent food safety scandals.

Schools are now also required to publicly identify food sources and suppliers, and set up risk prevention and control systems, Xinhua news agency said.

In March, 36 primary school students in southwest China's Sichuan province were hospitalised after eating "mouldy food."

The incident sparked a protest and led to the dismissal of the school principal, according to reports from the state-run Global Times newspaper.&nbsp;

Photos of mouldy bread, discoloured meat pies and rotten seafood served at the Chengdu No. 7 Experimental High School, uploaded by parents, also ignited a heated online debate on Chinese social media on food safety at schools.

Twenty-three pupils at a kindergarten in central China were taken to hospital last week after a teacher allegedly poisoned their morning porridge, state-run reported Monday.

Twenty-three pupils at a kindergarten in central China were taken to hospital last week after a teacher allegedly poisoned their morning porridge, state-run reported Monday. The teacher at the school in Jiaozuo city in Henan province, identified only by the surname Wang, was taken into custody after the March 27 incident, Xinhua news agency said, citing local officials. The pupils began vomiting and fainting after breakfast, the Beijing News said, citing unnamed city officials. One parent told the newspaper that he rushed to the hospital after receiving a call from the school to find doctors had already pumped his child's stomach to prevent high levels of toxicity in his blood. One child remains in hospital with "severe" symptoms, and seven others have been held for observation, Xinhua reported. The reports did not specify the ages of those affected, but typically, kindergarten students in China are aged three to six. A preliminary investigation has revealed that sodium nitrite, which is used for curing meats but can be toxic when ingested in high amounts, caused the poisoning, Xinhua said. The incident in Jiaozuo came just before a new regulation took effect Monday, requiring school officials from kindergartens to secondary schools in China to dine with their students in canteens to prevent food safety scandals. Schools are now also required to publicly identify food sources and suppliers, and set up risk prevention and control systems, Xinhua news agency said. In March, 36 primary school students in southwest China's Sichuan province were hospitalised after eating "mouldy food." The incident sparked a protest and led to the dismissal of the school principal, according to reports from the state-run Global Times newspaper. Photos of mouldy bread, discoloured meat pies and rotten seafood served at the Chengdu No. 7 Experimental High School, uploaded by parents, also ignited a heated online debate on Chinese social media on food safety at schools.

China teacher arrested for 'poisoning' pupils: State media

The suspect in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-high-rise-building-explosion-in-china-192736"> twin blasts</a> which rocked a high-rise in northeast China on Friday killed himself by igniting explosive material, local authorities said Saturday.

Officials had said Friday that the blasts had killed one person and injured another.

The suspect, identified by his surname Guo and part of his first name Tao, first killed another man with whom he had an economic dispute in nearby Songyuan city before driving to Changchun city where he rented an apartment, the city's Chaoyang district public security bureau said in a statement posted on social media.

In an underground garage of the Wanda Plaza in Changchun, Guo blew up his car, police said.

Afterwards, at his 30th-floor apartment, Guo "ignited self-controlled explosive material" and died, police said.

People were evacuated from buildings surrounding the Wanda Plaza building on Friday and social media footage showed people fleeing on the crowded road abutting the Wanda building.

Guo, 56, had cancer and was "profoundly pessimistic", police said, adding follow-up work on the case was continuing.

Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly.

Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither.

Disgruntled Chinese citizens have in the past bombed local government offices and public places to try to draw attention to their grievances.

In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19.

The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua.

The incident in Changchun comes just over a week before the Lunar New Year holiday, which Chinese usually welcome with firecrackers and fireworks.

The suspect in twin blasts which rocked a high-rise in northeast China on Friday killed himself by igniting explosive material, local authorities said Saturday. Officials had said Friday that the blasts had killed one person and injured another.

The suspect in twin blasts which rocked a high-rise in northeast China on Friday killed himself by igniting explosive material, local authorities said Saturday. Officials had said Friday that the blasts had killed one person and injured another. The suspect, identified by his surname Guo and part of his first name Tao, first killed another man with whom he had an economic dispute in nearby Songyuan city before driving to Changchun city where he rented an apartment, the city's Chaoyang district public security bureau said in a statement posted on social media. In an underground garage of the Wanda Plaza in Changchun, Guo blew up his car, police said. Afterwards, at his 30th-floor apartment, Guo "ignited self-controlled explosive material" and died, police said. People were evacuated from buildings surrounding the Wanda Plaza building on Friday and social media footage showed people fleeing on the crowded road abutting the Wanda building. Guo, 56, had cancer and was "profoundly pessimistic", police said, adding follow-up work on the case was continuing. Violent crime has been on the rise in China as the nation's economy has boomed in recent decades and the gap between rich and poor has widened rapidly. Studies have also described a rise in the prevalence of mental disorders, some of them linked to stress as the pace of life becomes faster and support systems wither. Disgruntled Chinese citizens have in the past bombed local government offices and public places to try to draw attention to their grievances. In November, a driver rammed his car into a group of children crossing a street in front of an elementary school in northeastern Liaoning province, killing five people and injuring at least 19. The man had been contemplating suicide "due to quarrels" with his spouse before the tragedy occurred, according to a report by official news agency Xinhua. The incident in Changchun comes just over a week before the Lunar New Year holiday, which Chinese usually welcome with firecrackers and fireworks.

China double blasts suspect killed himself before the incident: Report

Former nurse Niels Hoegel, admitted Tuesday to killing 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germany's post-war history.

Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison on a life term for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment.

As the proceedings opened in the northern city of Oldenburg, presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann asked whether the charges against him were accurate. Hoegel replied quietly "yes".

"What I have admitted took place," he told the courtroom crowded with dozens of grieving relatives.

As the proceedings began Buehrmann said the main aim of the trial was to establish the full scope of the murder spree that was allowed to go unchecked for years at two German hospitals.&nbsp;

"We will do our utmost to learn the truth," he said. "It is like a house with dark rooms -- we want to bring light into the darkness."

After a minute of silence in the courtroom for the victims, the bearded, heavyset Hoegel listened impassively, his head lowered, as public prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann read out the name of each dead patient and the charges against the defendant.

'Little, vulnerable mass murderer'

Prosecutors say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005.

More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegel's watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge".

One of the more than 100 co-plaintiffs in the trial, Christian Marbach, said it was a scandal that Hoegel had been allowed to kill with impunity for such an extended period of time without hospital authorities or law enforcement intervening.

"They had everything they needed (to stop him) -- you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes," Marbach, the grandson of one of the patients, told AFP.&nbsp;

He later expressed surprise about Hoegel's quick confession, which was broadcast on two large screens to the courtroom audience.

"I didn't expect it to happen today," he said.

"We now have a chance to make some real progress."

Marbach said the defendant seemed remarkably composed as he admitted to the extraordinary list of killings.

"He looks like a little, vulnerable mass murderer."

200 victims?

Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder.

A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims' families, who accused prosecutors of dragging their feet.

He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years.

It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg.

After he took the stand Tuesday, Hoegel said that he began taking painkillers shortly after becoming a nurse in 1999 as he felt overwhelmed by the job in the intensive care unit.

"It was the stress -- I found (the work) easier on medication," he said.

"I should have quit."

Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many possible victims were cremated.

Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation.

Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple "boredom".

The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96.

Former nurse Niels Hoegel, admitted Tuesday to killing 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germany's post-war history.

Former nurse Niels Hoegel, admitted Tuesday to killing 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germany's post-war history. Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison on a life term for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. As the proceedings opened in the northern city of Oldenburg, presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann asked whether the charges against him were accurate. Hoegel replied quietly "yes". "What I have admitted took place," he told the courtroom crowded with dozens of grieving relatives. As the proceedings began Buehrmann said the main aim of the trial was to establish the full scope of the murder spree that was allowed to go unchecked for years at two German hospitals. "We will do our utmost to learn the truth," he said. "It is like a house with dark rooms -- we want to bring light into the darkness." After a minute of silence in the courtroom for the victims, the bearded, heavyset Hoegel listened impassively, his head lowered, as public prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann read out the name of each dead patient and the charges against the defendant. 'Little, vulnerable mass murderer' Prosecutors say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005. More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegel's watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge". One of the more than 100 co-plaintiffs in the trial, Christian Marbach, said it was a scandal that Hoegel had been allowed to kill with impunity for such an extended period of time without hospital authorities or law enforcement intervening. "They had everything they needed (to stop him) -- you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes," Marbach, the grandson of one of the patients, told AFP. He later expressed surprise about Hoegel's quick confession, which was broadcast on two large screens to the courtroom audience. "I didn't expect it to happen today," he said. "We now have a chance to make some real progress." Marbach said the defendant seemed remarkably composed as he admitted to the extraordinary list of killings. "He looks like a little, vulnerable mass murderer." 200 victims? Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder. A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims' families, who accused prosecutors of dragging their feet. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years. It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg. After he took the stand Tuesday, Hoegel said that he began taking painkillers shortly after becoming a nurse in 1999 as he felt overwhelmed by the job in the intensive care unit. "It was the stress -- I found (the work) easier on medication," he said. "I should have quit." Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many possible victims were cremated. Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation. Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple "boredom". The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96.

German nurse admits to killing 100 patients as trial opens

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev.

According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made.

Prime accused Nishu was remanded in judicial custody till October 5 at the end of his four-day police remand.

Haryana Police on Sunday had arrested two key accused in the case, including an Army man, who kept changing their hideouts when they were on the run.

The accused Sanjeev was a medical practitioner who had attended to the woman first after the crime and Deendayal was the owner of the property where she was allegedly gang-raped

Army man Pankaj and another key accused Manish were nabbed from Satnali in Mahendergarh district in the morning near a dhaba, head of Special Investigation Team, which had been set up to probe into the case, said briefing the media at Rewari after their arrest.

Many local villagers have alleged that the property where the victim was gang-raped was used for "nefarious activities" in the past. The SIT said these allegations are already under investigation.

A woman was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class.

She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation.

The gangrape had prompted opposition parties to demand Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation on moral grounds, alleging the state had failed to protect its daughters.

 
After the incident took place on September 12, the Haryana Police had set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the case.

The victim's mother, while demanding capital punishment for the prime accused, had earlier told reporters earlier that her daughter was in "acute trauma" after the incident.

Doctors who attended on the victim too had said she was in "severe trauma", though her vital health parameters were said to be stable. 
The police had drawn flak for allegedly not initiating prompt action after the complaint was registered.

After the shunting out of Rewari Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Duggal, a woman assistant sub-inspector had later been suspended over alleged delay in taking action in the gangrape case.

The victim's family had alleged that the police failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdictional issues between their units in Rewari and Mahendragarh districts.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev. According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made.

A Haryana court on Tuesday rejected the bail plea of a doctor and accused in the Rewari gang rape case Sanjeev. According to a report, the bail plea was rejected after the Special Investigation Team argues that the investigation is still pending and more arrests were to be made. Prime accused Nishu was remanded in judicial custody till October 5 at the end of his four-day police remand. Haryana Police on Sunday had arrested two key accused in the case, including an Army man, who kept changing their hideouts when they were on the run. The accused Sanjeev was a medical practitioner who had attended to the woman first after the crime and Deendayal was the owner of the property where she was allegedly gang-raped Army man Pankaj and another key accused Manish were nabbed from Satnali in Mahendergarh district in the morning near a dhaba, head of Special Investigation Team, which had been set up to probe into the case, said briefing the media at Rewari after their arrest. Many local villagers have alleged that the property where the victim was gang-raped was used for "nefarious activities" in the past. The SIT said these allegations are already under investigation. A woman was abducted at a bus stop in Kanina town in neighbouring Mahendragarh district on September 12 while she was on the way to a coaching class. She was allegedly drugged and gang-raped at a room housing a tubewell for irrigation. The gangrape had prompted opposition parties to demand Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation on moral grounds, alleging the state had failed to protect its daughters. After the incident took place on September 12, the Haryana Police had set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Mewat SP Naazneen Bhasin and announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the arrest of the main accused in the case. The victim's mother, while demanding capital punishment for the prime accused, had earlier told reporters earlier that her daughter was in "acute trauma" after the incident. Doctors who attended on the victim too had said she was in "severe trauma", though her vital health parameters were said to be stable. The police had drawn flak for allegedly not initiating prompt action after the complaint was registered. After the shunting out of Rewari Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Duggal, a woman assistant sub-inspector had later been suspended over alleged delay in taking action in the gangrape case. The victim's family had alleged that the police failed to take prompt action on their complaint and delayed action by citing jurisdictional issues between their units in Rewari and Mahendragarh districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Haryana gangrape case:Bail plea of accused rejected

A hostage drama in Florida ended&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said.

The ordeal began&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day&nbsp;Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11.

"A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before&nbsp;midnight.

"It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added.

Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day.

The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones.

In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about&nbsp;9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported.

It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses.

Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said.

That woman called police after fleeing the apartment&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;night.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11

A hostage drama in Florida ended Monday with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said. The ordeal began Sunday in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition. The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11. "A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before midnight. "It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added. Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day. The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones. In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about 9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported. It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses. Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said. That woman called police after fleeing the apartment Sunday night.

Four children killed in US hostage drama

The Supreme Court of Pakistan&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;rejected an appeal against the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in the eastern city of Kasur, a crime which shocked the country at the beginning of the year and triggered protests in several cities nationwide. 
 
On&nbsp;Feb. 17, Imran Ali, 23, was given four death sentences and one life term in jail for kidnapping, rape, murder and terrorism following a four-day trial. 
 
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court that heard the case said that "the crime shocked the whole of society", that Ali had confessed to the crime and the prosecution had provided solid evidence, including CCTV footage and the convict's DNA, which matched a sample taken from the victim's body. 
 
"The court said he doesn't deserve any leniency," Ishtiaq Chaudhry, the lawyer representing the girl's family, told EFE. 
 
Ali can still seek clemency from the country's President, Mamnoon Hussain. 
 
Mohamed Amin, father of the victim, Zainab, told EFE that he was satisfied with the ruling, although he still hoped that he would "be hanged publicly so our daughters are safer from such heinous crimes in the future." 
 
The case of Zainab Amin shocked the country, triggering a wave of violent protests that left two dead, and led to nationwide demonstrations. 
 
Amid the national outcry for accountability, the police acknowledged that in the last year in Kasur alone, at least 11 children had been raped, nine of whom were murdered. 
 
Pakistan recorded at least 17,862 cases of child sexual abuse between 2013-17 - with the victims including 10,620 girls and 7,242 boys - according to a joint report by the Ministry of Human Rights and the non-profit organization Sahil, presented to Parliament in February.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday rejected an appeal against the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in the eastern city of Kasur, a crime which shocked the country at the beginning of the year and triggered protests in several cities nationwide. On Feb. 17, Imran Ali, 23, was given four death sentences and one life term in jail for kidnapping, rape, murder and terrorism following a four-day trial. A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court that heard the case said that "the crime shocked the whole of society", that Ali had confessed to the crime and the prosecution had provided solid evidence, including CCTV footage and the convict's DNA, which matched a sample taken from the victim's body. "The court said he doesn't deserve any leniency," Ishtiaq Chaudhry, the lawyer representing the girl's family, told EFE. Ali can still seek clemency from the country's President, Mamnoon Hussain. Mohamed Amin, father of the victim, Zainab, told EFE that he was satisfied with the ruling, although he still hoped that he would "be hanged publicly so our daughters are safer from such heinous crimes in the future." The case of Zainab Amin shocked the country, triggering a wave of violent protests that left two dead, and led to nationwide demonstrations. Amid the national outcry for accountability, the police acknowledged that in the last year in Kasur alone, at least 11 children had been raped, nine of whom were murdered. Pakistan recorded at least 17,862 cases of child sexual abuse between 2013-17 - with the victims including 10,620 girls and 7,242 boys - according to a joint report by the Ministry of Human Rights and the non-profit organization Sahil, presented to Parliament in February.

Pakistani Supreme court rejects 7-year-old Zainab killer's appeal

Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians under a new law which came into force on Thursday, in what critics slammed as a major step back for the world&#39;s third-biggest democracy.

The vaguely worded bill passed the 560-member house last month but has just become official, over the objections of President Joko Widodo who refused to sign off on the controversial legislation.

Widodo does not have veto power over the bill, although it can be challenged at the Constitutional Court.

The so-called MD3 law opens to the door to press charges against anyone who &quot;disrespects parliament or its members&quot; but does not set out possible minimum or maximum jail terms.

Indonesia is the third biggest democracy globally behind India and the United States.

Protesters across the Southeast Asian archipelago who blasted the bill could potentially see themselves jailed for such demonstrations in the future, critics said.

&quot;How does the law define disrespect?&quot; said Sebastian Salang from the monitoring group Indonesian Parliament Watchdog.

&quot;It is not clearly explained and could be loosely interpreted as long as it fits the lawmakers&#39; interest to silence critics.&quot;

Hundreds of protesters staged a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta Thursday, calling on it to revoke the legislation.

A spokesman for the court said it had already received three petitions challenging the law, but it could take months before it renders a decision.

Any investigation of a parliamentarian would have to be approved by the House Ethics Council under the new law, which could block probes by Indonesia&#39;s powerful Corruption Eradication Commission.

Some observers say the new law would criminalise criticism of the endemic corruption and poor performance among some members of Indonesia&#39;s political system.

At least eight lawmakers have been arrested for corruption in recent years, including former house speaker Setya Novanto who is on trial in one of the country&#39;s biggest-ever graft scandals.

There have been growing concerns about freedom of speech and human rights during Widodo&#39;s tenure.

Indonesia is pushing to clamp down on gay and pre-marital sex as part of a sweeping criminal law overhaul, while the government has used sweeping Internet legislation to arrest people accused of defaming the president and other high-ranking officials online.

Last year, the government issued a decree allowing the country to ban groups that oppose its official state ideology.

Widodo has called for drug dealers to be shot if they resist arrest as the country wrestles with what he has called a drug &quot;emergency&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Under a new law Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians

Indonesians could be jailed for criticising national politicians under a new law which came into force on Thursday, in what critics slammed as a major step back for the world's third-biggest democracy. The vaguely worded bill passed the 560-member house last month but has just become official, over the objections of President Joko Widodo who refused to sign off on the controversial legislation. Widodo does not have veto power over the bill, although it can be challenged at the Constitutional Court. The so-called MD3 law opens to the door to press charges against anyone who "disrespects parliament or its members" but does not set out possible minimum or maximum jail terms. Indonesia is the third biggest democracy globally behind India and the United States. Protesters across the Southeast Asian archipelago who blasted the bill could potentially see themselves jailed for such demonstrations in the future, critics said. "How does the law define disrespect?" said Sebastian Salang from the monitoring group Indonesian Parliament Watchdog. "It is not clearly explained and could be loosely interpreted as long as it fits the lawmakers' interest to silence critics." Hundreds of protesters staged a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Jakarta Thursday, calling on it to revoke the legislation. A spokesman for the court said it had already received three petitions challenging the law, but it could take months before it renders a decision. Any investigation of a parliamentarian would have to be approved by the House Ethics Council under the new law, which could block probes by Indonesia's powerful Corruption Eradication Commission. Some observers say the new law would criminalise criticism of the endemic corruption and poor performance among some members of Indonesia's political system. At least eight lawmakers have been arrested for corruption in recent years, including former house speaker Setya Novanto who is on trial in one of the country's biggest-ever graft scandals. There have been growing concerns about freedom of speech and human rights during Widodo's tenure. Indonesia is pushing to clamp down on gay and pre-marital sex as part of a sweeping criminal law overhaul, while the government has used sweeping Internet legislation to arrest people accused of defaming the president and other high-ranking officials online. Last year, the government issued a decree allowing the country to ban groups that oppose its official state ideology. Widodo has called for drug dealers to be shot if they resist arrest as the country wrestles with what he has called a drug "emergency".

Indonesia makes criticising politicians a crime

The juvenile jurisprudence in India seemed to have come of age with the decision of trying the 16 years old perpetrator of the murder in Ryan International School in Gurugram as an adult in view of the original juvenile legislation being replaced by Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (The Act). The new Act lowered the age of adult criminal liability from 18 to 16 with certain conditions. This was the result of an outcry in the wake of infamous Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case in 2012, where the most brutal of the accused was treated as a juvenile despite he was just a little under 18 years. The government did get up, took notice and made some amendments as stated above but the concept does need a deeper analysis.&nbsp;

One of the arguments advanced in support of keeping the juvenile law as invasive as possible is that, till the age of 18 (now 16), the mental faculty of the child is not developed enough so as to be able to understand the nature and consequences of the action. But it is to be understood that this assertion was justified at the time when the technology was not as advanced and surrounding societal circumstances were conducive. In the present scenario, technology has provided every information at the fingertips of an individual and, as such, the child is able to imbibe that much earlier than what he would have been able to, a few decades ago. In terms of society, the prevalent hostile environment has also caused the children of a reasonable age to experience the same and start responding to it at a much younger age.

The system needs to be receptive to the environment and change its perception according to the need of the hour. The brain is only an organ of the body but the mind is referred to as the ability of an individual to be aware of things, to think and to feel. That ability differs from person to person depending upon the circumstances that child is surrounded by. As a reference, a child who is exposed to a greater degree of public interaction would end up being more street smart as compared to a child of the same age who lives in the protective environment of the household.&nbsp;

The Act has, for the purpose of the application, classified the offences in three categories: 
Firstly, petty - which include the offences with a maximum punishment up to 3 years.&nbsp;Secondly, serious - which include the offences for which punishment is between 3 to 7 years.&nbsp;Thirdly, heinous - which include the offences for which minimum punishment is 7 years or more.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that, except heinous offences, for all other offences, the juvenile will not be trialled as an adult but would receive the institutional care for a maximum period of three years. Even for heinous offences, the minor accused, aged more than 16, would be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and the Board will decide as to whether to send the child for trial as an adult or to send the accused to rehabilitation centre based upon the mental and physical ability of the child.&nbsp;

The present form of the statute, although better than before, still leaves a lot wanting and is just not sufficient to rein in the growing menace of juvenile crimes when even the serious offences are considered to have been committed without knowing the consequences of the action. It is reiterated that mental ability is an abstract principle and it changes with the circumstances. Criminal law provides two major touchstones to determine criminal liability i.e. a guilty mind and a criminal act in pursuance thereof. &nbsp;

There are certain offences where, irrespective of age, if committed, the guilt of the individual automatically follows. We cannot forget the Guwahati molestation case where a young lady was sexually assaulted for about 40 minutes in full public view. One of the perpetrators there was a juvenile. Unfortunately, even after the present amendment, this sinister offence would not make the accused liable to be trialled as an adult since the punishment for the same is a maximum term of five years. No stretch of the imagination could justify the argument that the juvenile there was not aware of his actions.

The changing paradigm of society makes it imperative to have the focus more on the offence rather than the offender, especially for the offences which inherently call for a punitive action. The rights of a victim cannot be brushed aside merely because they are in dispute with the age of the offender. It is hoped that coming years would bring with them a tilt towards reality rather than abstraction.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The system needs to be receptive to the society and change its law and perception according to the need of the hour.

The juvenile jurisprudence in India seemed to have come of age with the decision of trying the 16 years old perpetrator of the murder in Ryan International School in Gurugram as an adult in view of the original juvenile legislation being replaced by Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (The Act). The new Act lowered the age of adult criminal liability from 18 to 16 with certain conditions. This was the result of an outcry in the wake of infamous Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case in 2012, where the most brutal of the accused was treated as a juvenile despite he was just a little under 18 years. The government did get up, took notice and made some amendments as stated above but the concept does need a deeper analysis. One of the arguments advanced in support of keeping the juvenile law as invasive as possible is that, till the age of 18 (now 16), the mental faculty of the child is not developed enough so as to be able to understand the nature and consequences of the action. But it is to be understood that this assertion was justified at the time when the technology was not as advanced and surrounding societal circumstances were conducive. In the present scenario, technology has provided every information at the fingertips of an individual and, as such, the child is able to imbibe that much earlier than what he would have been able to, a few decades ago. In terms of society, the prevalent hostile environment has also caused the children of a reasonable age to experience the same and start responding to it at a much younger age. The system needs to be receptive to the environment and change its perception according to the need of the hour. The brain is only an organ of the body but the mind is referred to as the ability of an individual to be aware of things, to think and to feel. That ability differs from person to person depending upon the circumstances that child is surrounded by. As a reference, a child who is exposed to a greater degree of public interaction would end up being more street smart as compared to a child of the same age who lives in the protective environment of the household. The Act has, for the purpose of the application, classified the offences in three categories: Firstly, petty - which include the offences with a maximum punishment up to 3 years. Secondly, serious - which include the offences for which punishment is between 3 to 7 years. Thirdly, heinous - which include the offences for which minimum punishment is 7 years or more. It is to be noted that, except heinous offences, for all other offences, the juvenile will not be trialled as an adult but would receive the institutional care for a maximum period of three years. Even for heinous offences, the minor accused, aged more than 16, would be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and the Board will decide as to whether to send the child for trial as an adult or to send the accused to rehabilitation centre based upon the mental and physical ability of the child. The present form of the statute, although better than before, still leaves a lot wanting and is just not sufficient to rein in the growing menace of juvenile crimes when even the serious offences are considered to have been committed without knowing the consequences of the action. It is reiterated that mental ability is an abstract principle and it changes with the circumstances. Criminal law provides two major touchstones to determine criminal liability i.e. a guilty mind and a criminal act in pursuance thereof. There are certain offences where, irrespective of age, if committed, the guilt of the individual automatically follows. We cannot forget the Guwahati molestation case where a young lady was sexually assaulted for about 40 minutes in full public view. One of the perpetrators there was a juvenile. Unfortunately, even after the present amendment, this sinister offence would not make the accused liable to be trialled as an adult since the punishment for the same is a maximum term of five years. No stretch of the imagination could justify the argument that the juvenile there was not aware of his actions. The changing paradigm of society makes it imperative to have the focus more on the offence rather than the offender, especially for the offences which inherently call for a punitive action. The rights of a victim cannot be brushed aside merely because they are in dispute with the age of the offender. It is hoped that coming years would bring with them a tilt towards reality rather than abstraction. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why India's juvenile law fails to control crime

A man stabbed six bystanders in a series of apparently unprovoked attacks in northern Paris on Tuesday night before being arrested by police in a drunken state, a security source told AFP.

The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime and homelessness to the north of the Gare du Nord train station in the 18th district.

The injured were admitted to hospital but none suffered life-threatening wounds, the police source told AFP on condition of anonymity, confirming a report in the Parisien newspaper.

The attacker was arrested two hours later in the neighbouring 10th district and was &quot;very drunk&quot;, according to the police source who said the knife was found nearby.

Paris is still on its highest level of alert after a string of Islamist attacks over the last two years, but there appeared to be no terrorism link to the violence on Tuesday night. 
&nbsp;

The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime

A man stabbed six bystanders in a series of apparently unprovoked attacks in northern Paris on Tuesday night before being arrested by police in a drunken state, a security source told AFP. The rampage began at around 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) in an area known for its high levels of street crime and homelessness to the north of the Gare du Nord train station in the 18th district. The injured were admitted to hospital but none suffered life-threatening wounds, the police source told AFP on condition of anonymity, confirming a report in the Parisien newspaper. The attacker was arrested two hours later in the neighbouring 10th district and was "very drunk", according to the police source who said the knife was found nearby. Paris is still on its highest level of alert after a string of Islamist attacks over the last two years, but there appeared to be no terrorism link to the violence on Tuesday night.

Paris: Six hurt in stabbing spree

The Afghanistan government, on Thursday, released 75 Hizb-e-Islami party members who had been imprisoned in Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the east of Kabul city.&nbsp;

The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year.

The prisoners had been held for a long time as their release had been delayed since organisations criticized the government for agreeing to the move saying that the prisoners had been involved in insurgency incidents that killed civilians. 
&nbsp; 
Hizb-e-Islami claims that there are 3,000 of its members being held in Afghan prisons.

According to Article 11 of the peace agreement, it stated: &quot;After assessment of their documents, all prisoners of Hizb-e-Islami who are accused of political and security crimes and are exempted from &#39;the right of people&#39;&quot; (a legal term which is used for those who don&#39;t carry any complaint from members of the public in a court).

As per media reports, a total of 145 HI men had been released so far.&nbsp;

The released prisoners had been accused of political and security crimes. This was the third batch of HI prisoners released on Thursday.

The first batch of prisoners was released last year in May, which included 55 people. Around 13 more were released later in the same year.&nbsp;

The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year

The Afghanistan government, on Thursday, released 75 Hizb-e-Islami party members who had been imprisoned in Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the east of Kabul city. The release was made following the peace agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar last year. The prisoners had been held for a long time as their release had been delayed since organisations criticized the government for agreeing to the move saying that the prisoners had been involved in insurgency incidents that killed civilians. Hizb-e-Islami claims that there are 3,000 of its members being held in Afghan prisons. According to Article 11 of the peace agreement, it stated: "After assessment of their documents, all prisoners of Hizb-e-Islami who are accused of political and security crimes and are exempted from 'the right of people'" (a legal term which is used for those who don't carry any complaint from members of the public in a court). As per media reports, a total of 145 HI men had been released so far. The released prisoners had been accused of political and security crimes. This was the third batch of HI prisoners released on Thursday. The first batch of prisoners was released last year in May, which included 55 people. Around 13 more were released later in the same year.

Afghanistan releases 75 Hizb-e-Islami prisoners from Kabul

Three men were charged Tuesday with the murder of campaigning Maltese journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed in a horrific car bombing on the Mediterranean island on October 16. Caruana Galizia, 53, was one of Malta&#39;s most prominent public figures, thanks to a widely read blog she used to expose crime and corruption on the small but economically booming nation.

Her death -- her vehicle was reduced to a shell of twisted, burned metal in the fatal blast -- led to an outpouring of grief on Malta and an international outcry. The three men charged with her murder -- brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, aged 55 and 53 respectively, and Vincent Muscat, 55 -- pleaded not guilty in court in Valletta.

They were charged with manufacturing the bomb, with killing the journalist, with taking part in organised crime, as well as possession of explosives. All three are Maltese and they sat motionless in the dock with their heads lowered before Magistrate Neville Camilleri. They will be kept in jail. The three suspects were among 10 people arrested in an operation on Monday. The other seven have been released on police bail pending a probe of other evidence.

Much of Caruana Galizia&#39;s recent work had been centred on what the huge Panama Papers data leak revealed about corruption at the highest levels in Malta.

There are crooks everywhere

Her most explosive reports included allegations that members of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat&#39;s inner circle benefited from kickbacks on business deals and a controversial passports-for-investment scheme. But she also focused on alleged dubious behaviour by prominent opposition and business figures, fuelling speculation she could have been the victim of mobsters.

During Monday&#39;s announcement of the arrests, Muscat said a joint team of police, military and security services swooped following a nearly seven-week investigation carried out with help from the FBI, Europol and Finnish intelligence.&nbsp; Muscat&#39;s Labour Party government had offered a one million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to a conviction of Caruana Galizia&#39;s killers.

But her sons denounced the reward as a publicity stunt and called on Muscat to resign over the state&#39;s failure to protect their mother and his attempts to silence her through legal suits when she was alive. In her final post on Running Commentary, the blog she had written since 2008, Caruana Galizia voiced despair over the cronyism and sleaze she saw engulfing Malta.

&quot;There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate,&quot; she posted minutes before the fatal blast.

Since her death, an Italian prosecutor investigating suspected mafia fuel smuggling from Libya to Italy via Malta has suggested the murder could be linked to his case, which Caruana Galizia had written about.

Caruana Galizia, 53, was one of Malta's most prominent public figures, thanks to a widely read blog she wrote to expose crime and corruption

Three men were charged Tuesday with the murder of campaigning Maltese journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed in a horrific car bombing on the Mediterranean island on October 16. Caruana Galizia, 53, was one of Malta's most prominent public figures, thanks to a widely read blog she used to expose crime and corruption on the small but economically booming nation. Her death -- her vehicle was reduced to a shell of twisted, burned metal in the fatal blast -- led to an outpouring of grief on Malta and an international outcry. The three men charged with her murder -- brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, aged 55 and 53 respectively, and Vincent Muscat, 55 -- pleaded not guilty in court in Valletta. They were charged with manufacturing the bomb, with killing the journalist, with taking part in organised crime, as well as possession of explosives. All three are Maltese and they sat motionless in the dock with their heads lowered before Magistrate Neville Camilleri. They will be kept in jail. The three suspects were among 10 people arrested in an operation on Monday. The other seven have been released on police bail pending a probe of other evidence. Much of Caruana Galizia's recent work had been centred on what the huge Panama Papers data leak revealed about corruption at the highest levels in Malta. There are crooks everywhere Her most explosive reports included allegations that members of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's inner circle benefited from kickbacks on business deals and a controversial passports-for-investment scheme. But she also focused on alleged dubious behaviour by prominent opposition and business figures, fuelling speculation she could have been the victim of mobsters. During Monday's announcement of the arrests, Muscat said a joint team of police, military and security services swooped following a nearly seven-week investigation carried out with help from the FBI, Europol and Finnish intelligence. Muscat's Labour Party government had offered a one million euro ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to a conviction of Caruana Galizia's killers. But her sons denounced the reward as a publicity stunt and called on Muscat to resign over the state's failure to protect their mother and his attempts to silence her through legal suits when she was alive. In her final post on Running Commentary, the blog she had written since 2008, Caruana Galizia voiced despair over the cronyism and sleaze she saw engulfing Malta. "There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate," she posted minutes before the fatal blast. Since her death, an Italian prosecutor investigating suspected mafia fuel smuggling from Libya to Italy via Malta has suggested the murder could be linked to his case, which Caruana Galizia had written about.

Three charged with murder of Malta journalist killed in car bombing

At least 14 people were killed and eight injured tuesday&nbsp;night in northern Mexico when an armed group opened fire in a drug addiction rehabilitation center, local police said. 
 
In a statement security officials in the city of Chihuahua said &quot;an armed group entered the Uniting Families rehabilitation center,&quot; attacking those inside with assault rifles. 
 
First responders arrived on scene to care for the wounded in the center, where some 25 people were estimated to have been during the attack.&nbsp; 
 
The state of Chihuahua, which borders the United States, has endured some of the worst violence in Mexico&#39;s decade-long militarised battle against drug trafficking.&nbsp; 
 
In the past decade at least half a dozen attacks have taken place in rehabilitation centers, and according to authorities are generally perpetrated by gang members settling scores with rivals hiding in the centers. 
 
Since the Mexican government launched its war on cartels in 2006, more than 200,000 people have died or disappeared amid the violence.

The state of Chihuahua, which borders the US, has endured some of the worst violence in Mexico's decade-long militarised battle against drug trafficking

At least 14 people were killed and eight injured tuesday night in northern Mexico when an armed group opened fire in a drug addiction rehabilitation center, local police said. In a statement security officials in the city of Chihuahua said "an armed group entered the Uniting Families rehabilitation center," attacking those inside with assault rifles. First responders arrived on scene to care for the wounded in the center, where some 25 people were estimated to have been during the attack. The state of Chihuahua, which borders the United States, has endured some of the worst violence in Mexico's decade-long militarised battle against drug trafficking. In the past decade at least half a dozen attacks have taken place in rehabilitation centers, and according to authorities are generally perpetrated by gang members settling scores with rivals hiding in the centers. Since the Mexican government launched its war on cartels in 2006, more than 200,000 people have died or disappeared amid the violence.

Attack on Mexico drug rehab center leaves 14 dead

At least 26 people died overnight in police operations in the Philippines capital Manila, authorities said on Thursday, a second night of heavy bloodshed this week in an intensification of President Rodrigo Duterte&#39;s fierce war on drugs and crime.

The killings across Manila followed 32 deaths in police raids on Monday night in Bulacan province, which borders the capital. Together, they mark the deadliest period of a drugs-focused crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, and caused international alarm, since Duterte took office over a year ago.

Colonel Erwin Margarejo, spokesman for Manila police, described the raids that started late Wednesday in Manila as &quot;one-time, big-time&quot; operations, the same term used by police in Bulacan, who said the victims died because they chose to put up a fight.

The term has been used by Philippines police to describe a coordinated anti-crime drive in crime-prone districts, usually, slums or low-income neighbourhoods, often with additional police deployed.

It was however not immediately clear what was behind the step-up in the number of coordinated police operations this week.

According to police reports, a total of 179 people were arrested in Manila and Bulacan. The reports said police launched 84 operations in the two regions, the majority of which were &quot;buy-bust&quot; stings, in which plain-clothes officers attempt to trap drug peddlers.

&quot;This is &#39;one-time, big-time&#39; operations, so it is not focused only on drugs, we are operating also against other street crimes, like robbery, but these people could also be under the influence of drugs,&quot; Margarejo said.

&quot;If they resisted violently, our police have to defend themselves.&quot;

Duterte unleashed his crackdown the day he took office on June 30 last year after a convincing win in an election in which he campaigned heavily on a promise to use deadly force to wipe out crime and drugs.

On Wednesday, he indicated the latest operations had his blessing.

Duterte said it was good that 32 criminals had been killed in Bulacan, then added: &quot;Let&#39;s kill another 32 every day. Maybe we can reduce what ails this country.&quot;

Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said there had been no instruction to change or increase the scale and scope of the anti-drugs campaign.

&quot;This is just part of our &#39;one-time, big-time&#39; operations against illegal drugs,&quot; he told Reuters.

Duterte also chided human rights groups on Wednesday for getting in the way of his anti-drugs campaign and said police should shoot them if they obstructed justice, a remark the New York-based Human Rights Watch said puts activists &quot;in grave danger&quot;.

Its deputy Asia director, Phelim Kine, described the comments as &quot;like painting a target on the backs of courageous people working to protect the rights and upholding the dignity of all Filipinos.&quot;

The exact number of people killed during the war on drugs is difficult to quantify, with no independent statistics available and police providing comprehensive data only for deaths during anti-drugs operations, where official accounts typically say suspects resisted arrest.

From the start of the drugs war to the end of July, police said over 3,400 people were killed in their operations. Police said about 2,100 deaths among some 13,500 murders over the same period were drugs-related, attributed to turf wars, informants being silenced, or vigilantes killing drug users.

A total of 65 policemen have been killed on the job during this time.

Critics maintain that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are executing suspects and say it is likely they have a hand in thousands of unsolved murders of drug users by mysterious vigilantes. The PNP and government reject that.

Although the violence has been criticised by much of the international community, Filipinos largely support the campaign and domestic opposition to it has been muted.

Several Senate hearings into allegations that Duterte operated a death squad when he was a city mayor and was now using the same approach on a national scale have been inconclusive, while an impeachment complaint filed earlier this year was dismissed by Congress.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa told reporters there would be no let-up in the war on drugs.

&quot;This is unrelenting, we will continue to operate until the end,&quot; he said.

President Duterte also chided human rights groups for getting in the way of his anti-drugs campaign and said police should shoot them if they obstructed justice

At least 26 people died overnight in police operations in the Philippines capital Manila, authorities said on Thursday, a second night of heavy bloodshed this week in an intensification of President Rodrigo Duterte's fierce war on drugs and crime. The killings across Manila followed 32 deaths in police raids on Monday night in Bulacan province, which borders the capital. Together, they mark the deadliest period of a drugs-focused crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos, and caused international alarm, since Duterte took office over a year ago. Colonel Erwin Margarejo, spokesman for Manila police, described the raids that started late Wednesday in Manila as "one-time, big-time" operations, the same term used by police in Bulacan, who said the victims died because they chose to put up a fight. The term has been used by Philippines police to describe a coordinated anti-crime drive in crime-prone districts, usually, slums or low-income neighbourhoods, often with additional police deployed. It was however not immediately clear what was behind the step-up in the number of coordinated police operations this week. According to police reports, a total of 179 people were arrested in Manila and Bulacan. The reports said police launched 84 operations in the two regions, the majority of which were "buy-bust" stings, in which plain-clothes officers attempt to trap drug peddlers. "This is 'one-time, big-time' operations, so it is not focused only on drugs, we are operating also against other street crimes, like robbery, but these people could also be under the influence of drugs," Margarejo said. "If they resisted violently, our police have to defend themselves." Duterte unleashed his crackdown the day he took office on June 30 last year after a convincing win in an election in which he campaigned heavily on a promise to use deadly force to wipe out crime and drugs. On Wednesday, he indicated the latest operations had his blessing. Duterte said it was good that 32 criminals had been killed in Bulacan, then added: "Let's kill another 32 every day. Maybe we can reduce what ails this country." Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde said there had been no instruction to change or increase the scale and scope of the anti-drugs campaign. "This is just part of our 'one-time, big-time' operations against illegal drugs," he told Reuters. Duterte also chided human rights groups on Wednesday for getting in the way of his anti-drugs campaign and said police should shoot them if they obstructed justice, a remark the New York-based Human Rights Watch said puts activists "in grave danger". Its deputy Asia director, Phelim Kine, described the comments as "like painting a target on the backs of courageous people working to protect the rights and upholding the dignity of all Filipinos." The exact number of people killed during the war on drugs is difficult to quantify, with no independent statistics available and police providing comprehensive data only for deaths during anti-drugs operations, where official accounts typically say suspects resisted arrest. From the start of the drugs war to the end of July, police said over 3,400 people were killed in their operations. Police said about 2,100 deaths among some 13,500 murders over the same period were drugs-related, attributed to turf wars, informants being silenced, or vigilantes killing drug users. A total of 65 policemen have been killed on the job during this time. Critics maintain that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are executing suspects and say it is likely they have a hand in thousands of unsolved murders of drug users by mysterious vigilantes. The PNP and government reject that. Although the violence has been criticised by much of the international community, Filipinos largely support the campaign and domestic opposition to it has been muted. Several Senate hearings into allegations that Duterte operated a death squad when he was a city mayor and was now using the same approach on a national scale have been inconclusive, while an impeachment complaint filed earlier this year was dismissed by Congress. National police chief Ronald dela Rosa told reporters there would be no let-up in the war on drugs. "This is unrelenting, we will continue to operate until the end," he said.

At least 58 killed as Philippines authorities declare war on drugs and crime

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