<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pak-pm-nawaz-sharif-taken-to-hospital-194646">Former prime&nbsp;minister Nawaz Shari</a>f is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-to-be-shifted-to-hospital-sources-194576"> jailed Pakistani leader</a>.

Dawn quoted an official at the Services hospital as saying that the CT scan and ultrasound reports of Sharif had detected a stone in his left kidney.

A medical panel would examine the test reports and prescribe appropriate medicines and further medical procedures, the official added.

On January 24, a special board had suggested the Punjab government shift the 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart, who has been serving seven years of a prison sentence in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after indictment under graft charges, to the Services Hospital amid grounds of his deteriorating health.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has said that Sharif will be sent back to jail once his health improves.“He is being provided with the best facilities in every way. He has also been given his favourite dishes in jail,” the minister added.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison to the hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

On January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris.

Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years prison sentence announced on him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.&nbsp;

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the jailed Pakistani leader.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is suffering from kidney stone ailment and a medical board will determine the procedure to be adopted on the jailed Pakistani leader. Dawn quoted an official at the Services hospital as saying that the CT scan and ultrasound reports of Sharif had detected a stone in his left kidney. A medical panel would examine the test reports and prescribe appropriate medicines and further medical procedures, the official added. On January 24, a special board had suggested the Punjab government shift the 69-year-old Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart, who has been serving seven years of a prison sentence in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore after indictment under graft charges, to the Services Hospital amid grounds of his deteriorating health. Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has said that Sharif will be sent back to jail once his health improves.“He is being provided with the best facilities in every way. He has also been given his favourite dishes in jail,” the minister added. On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison to the hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board. On January 28, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing on a bail plea of Sharif on medical grounds till February 6. The plea was filed by Sharif`s lawyer Khawaja Harris. Sharif, in the plea, also requested that the seven years prison sentence announced on him by the accountability court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case be suspended until a decision is announced on his appeal against the jail term. His plea has been fixed for hearing on February 18.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif suffering from kidney stone

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday.

The appeal against the conviction, filed earlier this month, cited evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. The lawyers did not specify when the Yangon-based court made its decision and there was no formal announcement from the court. Reuters was unable to contact the court outside office hours.

"It is confirmed that the case has been accepted," said lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, a member of the defence team. "We hope that the High Court will finally provide justice for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and declare them innocent."

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they had been sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists".

Government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable for comment on Tuesday.

When lodging the appeal in early November, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said: "The trial court'sruling was wrong.

"In condemning them as spies, it ignored compelling evidence of a police set-up, serious due process violations, and the prosecution's failure to prove any of the key elements of the crime."

Adler also said the court shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the Reuters reporters, and called on Myanmar to "uphold its stated dedication to rule of law, freedom of the press, and democracy by ordering the release of our colleagues".

In the next step of the appeal process, an appellate judge will take written and oral arguments from prosecution and defence lawyers before handing down a decision.

Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and local Buddhists in western Myanmar's Rakhine state during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 700,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh.

During eight months of hearings, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo testified that two policemen they had not met before handed them papers rolled up in a newspaper during a meeting at a Yangon restaurant on December&nbsp;12. Almost immediately afterwards, they said, they were bundled into a car by plainclothes officers.

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday.

Myanmar's High Court has allowed an appeal to proceed in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed for seven years on charges of breaking the country's Official Secrets Act, defence lawyers said on Tuesday. The appeal against the conviction, filed earlier this month, cited evidence of a police set-up and lack of proof of a crime. The lawyers did not specify when the Yangon-based court made its decision and there was no formal announcement from the court. Reuters was unable to contact the court outside office hours. "It is confirmed that the case has been accepted," said lawyer L. Khun Ring Pan, a member of the defence team. "We hope that the High Court will finally provide justice for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo and declare them innocent." Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September after a trial at a Yangon district court in a landmark case that has raised questions about Myanmar's progress towards democracy and sparked an outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said in September that the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they had been sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists". Government spokesman Zaw Htay was not reachable for comment on Tuesday. When lodging the appeal in early November, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said: "The trial court'sruling was wrong. "In condemning them as spies, it ignored compelling evidence of a police set-up, serious due process violations, and the prosecution's failure to prove any of the key elements of the crime." Adler also said the court shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution to the Reuters reporters, and called on Myanmar to "uphold its stated dedication to rule of law, freedom of the press, and democracy by ordering the release of our colleagues". In the next step of the appeal process, an appellate judge will take written and oral arguments from prosecution and defence lawyers before handing down a decision. Before their arrest, the reporters had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and local Buddhists in western Myanmar's Rakhine state during an army crackdown that began in August last year. The operation sent more than 700,000 people fleeing to Bangladesh. During eight months of hearings, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo testified that two policemen they had not met before handed them papers rolled up in a newspaper during a meeting at a Yangon restaurant on December 12. Almost immediately afterwards, they said, they were bundled into a car by plainclothes officers.

Myanmar court allows jailed Reuters reporters' appeal to proceed: Lawyer

A man missing from his home in Rajasthan’s Bundi district for five years has been traced to a jail in Pakistan, an official said on Tuesday.

This is the second such case in Rajasthan in about a fortnight. Last month, the family of a Jaipur man, untraceable for 36 years, learnt that he is lodged in a jail in Pakistan.

In the recent case, authorities are not clear how Jugraj Bheel, now 25, from Rampuria village strayed into Pakistani territory.

“We received an inquiry to verify Jugraj Bheel’s nationality,” Bundi district superintendent of police Yogesh Yadav said.

“The youth is in a Pakistani jail. We have found his family members in Rampuria village, falling in Dabi police station area,” he added.

Police said the villager’s 60-year-old father Bhairon Bheel has confirmed his identity.

“His family members have said that Jugraj was mentally disturbed but they do not know how he strayed into Pakistan,” Yadav said.

The Bundi district police received a report from the Rajasthan police headquarter last month seeking information about Jugraj Bheel.

A fortnight ago, an inquiry into the case of 68-year-old Gajanand Sharma had also revealed that he was lodged in Pakistan jail.

He had gone missing 36 years ago from his home in the Jaipur’s Brahampuri area. A police investigation confirmed his nationality and traced his family members.

His wife, Makhani Devi, 70, and her two sons were stunned earlier this month when a policeman approached them for verification of nationality of Gajananad, who was traced to a Pakistan jail.

BJP in-charge for party affairs in Rajasthan, Avinash Rai Khanna, and Jaipur MP Ramcharan Bohra met Sharma’s family on June 2 and assured all possible help for his safe return from Pakistan.

The&nbsp;BJP leaders told the family that the party has written to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention to secure Sharma’s release from the Pakistani jail.

This is the second such case in Rajasthan in about a fortnight. Last month, the family of a Jaipur man, untraceable for 36 years, learnt that he is lodged in a jail in Pakistan

A man missing from his home in Rajasthan’s Bundi district for five years has been traced to a jail in Pakistan, an official said on Tuesday. This is the second such case in Rajasthan in about a fortnight. Last month, the family of a Jaipur man, untraceable for 36 years, learnt that he is lodged in a jail in Pakistan. In the recent case, authorities are not clear how Jugraj Bheel, now 25, from Rampuria village strayed into Pakistani territory. “We received an inquiry to verify Jugraj Bheel’s nationality,” Bundi district superintendent of police Yogesh Yadav said. “The youth is in a Pakistani jail. We have found his family members in Rampuria village, falling in Dabi police station area,” he added. Police said the villager’s 60-year-old father Bhairon Bheel has confirmed his identity. “His family members have said that Jugraj was mentally disturbed but they do not know how he strayed into Pakistan,” Yadav said. The Bundi district police received a report from the Rajasthan police headquarter last month seeking information about Jugraj Bheel. A fortnight ago, an inquiry into the case of 68-year-old Gajanand Sharma had also revealed that he was lodged in Pakistan jail. He had gone missing 36 years ago from his home in the Jaipur’s Brahampuri area. A police investigation confirmed his nationality and traced his family members. His wife, Makhani Devi, 70, and her two sons were stunned earlier this month when a policeman approached them for verification of nationality of Gajananad, who was traced to a Pakistan jail. BJP in-charge for party affairs in Rajasthan, Avinash Rai Khanna, and Jaipur MP Ramcharan Bohra met Sharma’s family on June 2 and assured all possible help for his safe return from Pakistan. The BJP leaders told the family that the party has written to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention to secure Sharma’s release from the Pakistani jail.

Rajasthan man missing for five years found in Pakistani jail

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a&nbsp;human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections.

They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said.

Zia, 72, was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203"> imprisoned for five years</a> by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

&quot;We want her immediate release and a free and fair election,&quot; Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered.

The BNP leader said: &ldquo;We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.&rdquo;

BNP&rsquo;s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/clashes-as-bangladesh-court-jails-opposition-leader-zia-32221">Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia</a>

Dhaka Metropolitan Police&rsquo;s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: &ldquo;We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.&rdquo;

Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December.

Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police.

Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia&#39;s sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added.

Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December.

Her son <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/khaleda-zias-fugitive-son-is-now-bnps-acting-chief-32334">Tarique Rahman</a>, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed.

(With AFP inputs)

Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of US $252,000 in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust

Several hundred BNP leaders and followers formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday morning demanding the release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections. They chanted different slogans demanding the immediate release of Khaleda Zia, reports said. Zia, 72, was imprisoned for five years by the Special Court-5 in the capital, Dhaka on February 8, in connection with embezzlement of 21 million takas (US $252,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that no national election will be held in Bangladesh without party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. "We want her immediate release and a free and fair election," Alamgir told AFP outside the national press club in Dhaka where more than 5,000 gathered. The BNP leader said: “We will free her [Khaleda] with our peaceful protest.” BNP’s district, thana, upzila and city units will also be carrying out protests at their convenient time and places, media reports said on Monday. Also read: Clashes as Bangladesh court jails opposition leader Zia Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Masudur Rahman was quoted saying: “We will not stop any peaceful protest but it should not lead to the sufferings of mass people.” Zia, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is expected to appeal against the verdict, but it may affect her ability to stand in a general election slated for December. Police said they arrested at least seven BNP officials on February 8 in the port city of Chittagong, including the local head of the party, after opposition supporters scuffled with police. Alamgir said at least 4,300 opposition officials had been arrested in the past fortnight as police sought to offset resistance ahead of Zia's sentencing. A party vice chairman and two former ministers were among those detained, he added. Zia is a former ally-turned-archrival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP boycotted the general election in 2014 that saw Hasina return to power, but Zia is expected to contest the upcoming poll in December. Her son Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in London, has been named as the acting opposition chief, despite being convicted and jailed. (With AFP inputs)

Thousands protest in Dhaka, demand release of jailed leader Khaleda Zia

A doctor in Vietnam has been sentenced to four years in jail for &quot;anti-state propaganda&quot;, state media reported, as part of a fresh wave of convictions in the one-party state accused of waging a crackdown on critics.

Bloggers, activists and lawyers are routinely jailed in communist Vietnam, where a hardline leadership in place since 2016 is accused of tightening its grip on dissidents.&nbsp;

At least 24 activists were convicted last year, with another 28 arrested, according to Human Rights Watch, making 2017 one of the worst years for activists in the country.&nbsp;

The latest to be jailed is Ho Van Hai, 54, a doctor who was arrested in November 2016 over a series of blog posts criticising the government.

He was sentenced to four years in prison after a one-day trial in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, state-controlled VNExpress reported.

&quot;Of the 75 articles posted online and stored in Hai&#39;s computer, the authorities identified 36 articles that violated the regulation on management, provision and use of Internet services and information on the internet,&quot; according to the VnExpress report.

Hai is also accused of calling for public protests against Taiwanese steel giant Formosa, which dumped toxic waste into the ocean killing tonnes of fish along Vietnam&#39;s central coast in 2016.

The disaster hit livelihoods hard and sparked rare nationwide protests.

Hai is the fourth person jailed in Vietnam this week, after three men were convicted Wednesday also under Article 88 of the criminal code -- anti-state propaganda, which rights groups say is vaguely worded and used to curb dissent.

Last month, four Buddhist activists were jailed on the same charge for flying the flag of the defeated southern regime loathed by the ruling communists.

The UN Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia called for Hai&#39;s release after his arrest, criticising Article 88, which runs &quot;contrary to international human rights standards and should be repealed&quot;, said the office&#39;s acting representative Laurent Meillan in November 2016.&nbsp;

Bloggers, activists and lawyers are routinely jailed in communist Vietnam

A doctor in Vietnam has been sentenced to four years in jail for "anti-state propaganda", state media reported, as part of a fresh wave of convictions in the one-party state accused of waging a crackdown on critics. Bloggers, activists and lawyers are routinely jailed in communist Vietnam, where a hardline leadership in place since 2016 is accused of tightening its grip on dissidents. At least 24 activists were convicted last year, with another 28 arrested, according to Human Rights Watch, making 2017 one of the worst years for activists in the country. The latest to be jailed is Ho Van Hai, 54, a doctor who was arrested in November 2016 over a series of blog posts criticising the government. He was sentenced to four years in prison after a one-day trial in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, state-controlled VNExpress reported. "Of the 75 articles posted online and stored in Hai's computer, the authorities identified 36 articles that violated the regulation on management, provision and use of Internet services and information on the internet," according to the VnExpress report. Hai is also accused of calling for public protests against Taiwanese steel giant Formosa, which dumped toxic waste into the ocean killing tonnes of fish along Vietnam's central coast in 2016. The disaster hit livelihoods hard and sparked rare nationwide protests. Hai is the fourth person jailed in Vietnam this week, after three men were convicted Wednesday also under Article 88 of the criminal code -- anti-state propaganda, which rights groups say is vaguely worded and used to curb dissent. Last month, four Buddhist activists were jailed on the same charge for flying the flag of the defeated southern regime loathed by the ruling communists. The UN Human Rights Office for Southeast Asia called for Hai's release after his arrest, criticising Article 88, which runs "contrary to international human rights standards and should be repealed", said the office's acting representative Laurent Meillan in November 2016.

Vietnam doctor jailed for 'anti-state' posts

Pakistan government has come up with strange explanations for confiscating Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife&#39;s shoes during the monitored meeting, claiming that&nbsp;&quot;there was something in her shoes&quot;.

&ldquo;There was something in the shoe [of Jadhav&#39;s wife],&rdquo; Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal told Pakistan daily Dawn News on Tuesday.

Her shoes had been removed due to security reasons and are currently being examined - she was given a replacement pair in exchange.

Jadhav&#39;s wife, Chetnakul, stated that she had received all stuff except the shoes after meeting her husband on Monday.&nbsp;

India&#39;s&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs&#39; had earlier released a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;on Jadhav&#39;s meeting with his mother and wife.

&ldquo;Under the pretext of security precautions, the cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security,&rdquo; stated the Ministry of External Affairs&#39;statement&nbsp;

&ldquo;For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, the shoes of the wife of Shri Jadhav were not returned to her after the meeting. We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard,&rdquo; it further mentioned. 
&nbsp; 
The mother and wife of convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav visited Pakistan on Monday and met the arrested Indian national at the office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad surrounded by heavy security. 
&nbsp;

Her shoes are currently being examined, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal added

Pakistan government has come up with strange explanations for confiscating Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife's shoes during the monitored meeting, claiming that "there was something in her shoes". “There was something in the shoe [of Jadhav's wife],” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal told Pakistan daily Dawn News on Tuesday. Her shoes had been removed due to security reasons and are currently being examined - she was given a replacement pair in exchange. Jadhav's wife, Chetnakul, stated that she had received all stuff except the shoes after meeting her husband on Monday. India's Ministry of External Affairs' had earlier released a statement on Jadhav's meeting with his mother and wife. “Under the pretext of security precautions, the cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs'statement “For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, the shoes of the wife of Shri Jadhav were not returned to her after the meeting. We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard,” it further mentioned. The mother and wife of convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav visited Pakistan on Monday and met the arrested Indian national at the office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad surrounded by heavy security.

'There was something in them': Pakistan's answer to why Jadhav's wife's shoes were taken

A man has been jailed for four weeks after attempting to break into Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho&#39;s London home, British police said today. 
 
Gabor Roman, a 25-year-old of no fixed address, was arrested on July 10 in the plush London street where the Portuguese boss lives.&nbsp;He appeared before a London court on Tuesday charged with attempted burglary. 
 
&quot;He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison,&quot; London&#39;s Metropolitan Police said in a statement. 
 
The Sun newspaper, which carried the story on its front page, said the incident took place while Mourinho was watching Portugal win the European Championships on television. 
 
The tabloid said his maid screamed as she saw Roman trying to get in a basement door.&nbsp;A private security guard hired by local residents noticed his unusual behaviour, going from house to house trying the doors.&nbsp;Following the scream, the guard blocked Roman as he tried to get away, The Sun said. 
 
It had a picture of Mourinho and his wife looking out of the window as Roman was arrested. 
 
(AFP)

Gabor Roman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison. The incident happened when Mourinho was watching the Euro 2016 final

A man has been jailed for four weeks after attempting to break into Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho's London home, British police said today. Gabor Roman, a 25-year-old of no fixed address, was arrested on July 10 in the plush London street where the Portuguese boss lives. He appeared before a London court on Tuesday charged with attempted burglary. "He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four weeks in prison," London's Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The Sun newspaper, which carried the story on its front page, said the incident took place while Mourinho was watching Portugal win the European Championships on television. The tabloid said his maid screamed as she saw Roman trying to get in a basement door. A private security guard hired by local residents noticed his unusual behaviour, going from house to house trying the doors. Following the scream, the guard blocked Roman as he tried to get away, The Sun said. It had a picture of Mourinho and his wife looking out of the window as Roman was arrested. (AFP)

Man jailed for attempting to break into Mourinho's home

A French court today jailed three Russian football supporters for up to two years for their role in violence in Marseille before the England-Russia Euro 2016 match. 
 
Alexei Yerunov, Nikolai Morozov and Sergei Gorbachev were among 43 Russian supporters detained by French police in southern France on Tuesday after the pitched battles which left more than 30 people injured. 
 
Yerunov, 29, who is supporters&#39; liaison officer at Lokomotiv Moscow according to the club&#39;s website, received the longest prison sentence of 24 months. 
 
He admitted he was at the scene of an attack on an English supporter who was left in a critical state after being beaten around the head with an iron bar. He denied being responsible. 
 
&quot;I apologise. I recognise that I was there but I didn&#39;t hit anyone. My hands are clean,&quot; he told the court. 
 
Gorbachev, who leads a supporters&#39; club at Russian second division club Arsenal Tula, was jailed for 18 months. 
 
Morozov, 28, received the shortest sentence of 12 months. 
 
Prosecutor Andre Ribe described the Russians&#39; behaviour in the chaotic scenes in Marseille on Saturday: &quot;It was a hunt. They ran off together, staying in a group and keeping enough energy for what they call &#39;the fight&#39;.&quot; 
(AFP)

Alexei Yerunov, Nikolai Morozov and Sergei Gorbachev were among 43 Russian supporters detained by French police on Tuesday

A French court today jailed three Russian football supporters for up to two years for their role in violence in Marseille before the England-Russia Euro 2016 match. Alexei Yerunov, Nikolai Morozov and Sergei Gorbachev were among 43 Russian supporters detained by French police in southern France on Tuesday after the pitched battles which left more than 30 people injured. Yerunov, 29, who is supporters' liaison officer at Lokomotiv Moscow according to the club's website, received the longest prison sentence of 24 months. He admitted he was at the scene of an attack on an English supporter who was left in a critical state after being beaten around the head with an iron bar. He denied being responsible. "I apologise. I recognise that I was there but I didn't hit anyone. My hands are clean," he told the court. Gorbachev, who leads a supporters' club at Russian second division club Arsenal Tula, was jailed for 18 months. Morozov, 28, received the shortest sentence of 12 months. Prosecutor Andre Ribe described the Russians' behaviour in the chaotic scenes in Marseille on Saturday: "It was a hunt. They ran off together, staying in a group and keeping enough energy for what they call 'the fight'." (AFP)

Russian fans jailed for up to 2 years for Euro 2016 violence

An Oslo court on Wednesday jailed two jihadists of Pakistani and Chechen origin for six and seven and a half years, respectively, for joining the&nbsp;Islamic State&nbsp;in Syria. 
 
Adam Idrisovich Magomadov, a 23-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, and Hasan Ahmed, a 46-year-old Norwegian of Pakistani origin, were convicted of belonging to IS and of &quot;terror conspiracy&quot;. 
 
The two men, who had been living in Southeastern Norway, travelled together to Syria in August 2014, a little more than a month after the IS declared a caliphate in an area straddling Iraq and Syria. 
 
While there, the two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group, and bore weapons in its name, the court found. Magomadov was handed a heavier sentence because he stayed in Syria longer. 
 
The court found it likely that he had taken part in combat, that he had maintained ties with IS after returning to Norway, and that he, like his co-accused, planned to return to Syria. 
 
Ahmed, whose son Ishaq was also sentenced to eight years in prison in Norway last year for joining IS, will appeal the conviction, while Magomadov had not yet decided, their lawyers told public broadcaster NRK. Their sentences were in line with those requested by the prosecution. 
 
(AFP)

The two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group and bore weapons in its name

An Oslo court on Wednesday jailed two jihadists of Pakistani and Chechen origin for six and seven and a half years, respectively, for joining the Islamic State in Syria. Adam Idrisovich Magomadov, a 23-year-old Russian of Chechen origin, and Hasan Ahmed, a 46-year-old Norwegian of Pakistani origin, were convicted of belonging to IS and of "terror conspiracy". The two men, who had been living in Southeastern Norway, travelled together to Syria in August 2014, a little more than a month after the IS declared a caliphate in an area straddling Iraq and Syria. While there, the two took part in IS training programmes, vowed allegiance to the group, and bore weapons in its name, the court found. Magomadov was handed a heavier sentence because he stayed in Syria longer. The court found it likely that he had taken part in combat, that he had maintained ties with IS after returning to Norway, and that he, like his co-accused, planned to return to Syria. Ahmed, whose son Ishaq was also sentenced to eight years in prison in Norway last year for joining IS, will appeal the conviction, while Magomadov had not yet decided, their lawyers told public broadcaster NRK. Their sentences were in line with those requested by the prosecution. (AFP)

Pakistani and Chechen-origin jihadists jailed in Norway

An Angolan court today ordered the conditional release of 17 young activists, including a well-known rapper, three months after they were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. 
 
Most of group were arrested during a book club meeting in June last year where one of the books on the line-up was about non-violent resistance to repressive regimes. 
 
The activists maintained throughout their trial they were peaceful campaigners for the departure of dos Santos, who has been in power since September, 1979 and rules the oil-rich country with an iron fist. 
 
&quot;Release warrants under house arrest were issued on behalf of 17 applicants to be executed from the present day,&quot; the Supreme Court in Luanda said in a statement. 
 
The ruling overturns sentences ranging from two to eight years in prison, which were handed down at the end of a lengthy trial in March amid complaints about political repression. 
 
One of the accused, rapper Luaty Beirao, went on hunger strike for over a month last year to protest against his detention. 
 
Defence lawyer Francisco Miguel Michel said today that he was &quot;very happy&quot;. 
 
&quot;Any court concerned with the application of justice would have ruled the same,&quot; he said, insisting his clients &quot;committed no crime&quot;. 
Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told AFP the ruling was &quot;long overdue&quot;. 
 
&quot;The order should have been given immediately after the verdict in March... I am satisfied that the Supreme Court is upholding the law of the country,&quot; she said. 
 
(AFP)

The activists were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has been in power since 1979

An Angolan court today ordered the conditional release of 17 young activists, including a well-known rapper, three months after they were jailed for rebellion against President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Most of group were arrested during a book club meeting in June last year where one of the books on the line-up was about non-violent resistance to repressive regimes. The activists maintained throughout their trial they were peaceful campaigners for the departure of dos Santos, who has been in power since September, 1979 and rules the oil-rich country with an iron fist. "Release warrants under house arrest were issued on behalf of 17 applicants to be executed from the present day," the Supreme Court in Luanda said in a statement. The ruling overturns sentences ranging from two to eight years in prison, which were handed down at the end of a lengthy trial in March amid complaints about political repression. One of the accused, rapper Luaty Beirao, went on hunger strike for over a month last year to protest against his detention. Defence lawyer Francisco Miguel Michel said today that he was "very happy". "Any court concerned with the application of justice would have ruled the same," he said, insisting his clients "committed no crime". Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told AFP the ruling was "long overdue". "The order should have been given immediately after the verdict in March... I am satisfied that the Supreme Court is upholding the law of the country," she said. (AFP)

Angolan court frees 17 jailed activists

The Maldives&#39; president appointed a new vice president Wednesday, weeks after his former deputy was convicted of attempting to assassinate him. 
 
President Yameen Abdul Gayoom appointed Abdulla Jihad as vice president. 
 
Jihad, who was previously finance minister, is the third vice president to be appointed by Gayoom since he was elected in October 2013. 
 
Jihad&#39;s predecessor, Ahmed Adeeb, was sacked eight months ago after being accused of trying to assassinate Gayoom by exploding a bomb in his speedboat. Gayoom escaped the blast unhurt but his wife, an aide and a bodyguard were injured. 
 
Adeeb was sentenced to 25 years in prison earlier this month on two counts of terrorism, including the assassination attempt. 
Gayoom&#39;s running mate in 2013, Mohamed Jameel, was also sacked and now lives in exile. 
 
Widely known for its luxurious tourist resorts, Maldives became a multiparty democracy in 2008 after years of autocratic rule. 
 
Human rights groups have accused Gayoom of harassing and jailing political opponents. Those imprisoned since last year include 
former President Mohamed Nasheed, former Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim and opposition party leader Sheik Imran Abdulla. 
Nasheed was allowed medical leave for back surgery earlier this year and traveled to Britain, where he was given asylum. 
 
(AP)

New VP comes after former deputy was convicted of attempting to assassinate him

The Maldives' president appointed a new vice president Wednesday, weeks after his former deputy was convicted of attempting to assassinate him. President Yameen Abdul Gayoom appointed Abdulla Jihad as vice president. Jihad, who was previously finance minister, is the third vice president to be appointed by Gayoom since he was elected in October 2013. Jihad's predecessor, Ahmed Adeeb, was sacked eight months ago after being accused of trying to assassinate Gayoom by exploding a bomb in his speedboat. Gayoom escaped the blast unhurt but his wife, an aide and a bodyguard were injured. Adeeb was sentenced to 25 years in prison earlier this month on two counts of terrorism, including the assassination attempt. Gayoom's running mate in 2013, Mohamed Jameel, was also sacked and now lives in exile. Widely known for its luxurious tourist resorts, Maldives became a multiparty democracy in 2008 after years of autocratic rule. Human rights groups have accused Gayoom of harassing and jailing political opponents. Those imprisoned since last year include former President Mohamed Nasheed, former Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim and opposition party leader Sheik Imran Abdulla. Nasheed was allowed medical leave for back surgery earlier this year and traveled to Britain, where he was given asylum. (AP)

Maldives leader appoints new Vice President after ex-deputy is jailed

Thailand on Wednesday jailed a country singer and political activist for 7-1/2 years, on grounds of insulting the monarchy in a public speech made three years ago. 
 
The conviction swells a list of prosecutions pushed by Thailand`s military - the self-designated protectors of the monarchy - after it seized power in a coup two years ago. 
 
The junta has a zero-tolerance approach to criticism of the monarchy, making use of a draconian lese-majeste law that prescribes a prison term of up to 15 years for each offence. 
 
Thanat Thanawatcharanon, known by his stage name of Tom Dundee, gave waiting media the thumbs-up as he arrived at court on Wednesday, wearing an orange prison uniform. 
 
&quot;The sentence is much longer than we expected,&quot; said his lawyer, Saovalux Po-Ngam. &quot;We can lodge an appeal within a month but have to discuss first whether we will. In my personal view, the law should be scrapped, because the sentences are too long.&quot; 
 
Sentences for royal insults have become increasingly harsh under the junta, and one offender was jailed for a record 30 years in 2015. 
Thanat, who has been in prison since his arrest in 2014, had previously denied the charges but confessed in a sudden about-face in court on Monday. 
 
Confessing to a lese-majeste crime is routine practice in Thailand, where the accused often plead guilty in hopes of a more lenient sentence. 
 
Prosecutors said Thanat made defamatory comments against the monarchy during a 2013 speech to `red shirt` activists at a political rally in the capital, Bangkok. 
 
He was arrested and charged in July 2014, following pressure by an ultra royalist group on Thailand`s Department of Special Investigation to prosecute Thanat. 
 
For much of the past decade, Thailand has been divided along political lines between the mostly rural-based red shirt movement and the royalist-military establishment in the capital and south. 
 
Ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, is revered by Thais who see him as a keystone of Thailand`s identity.

Thailand on Wednesday jailed a country singer and political activist for 7-1/2 years, on grounds of insulting the monarchy in a public speech made three years ago.

Thailand on Wednesday jailed a country singer and political activist for 7-1/2 years, on grounds of insulting the monarchy in a public speech made three years ago. The conviction swells a list of prosecutions pushed by Thailand`s military - the self-designated protectors of the monarchy - after it seized power in a coup two years ago. The junta has a zero-tolerance approach to criticism of the monarchy, making use of a draconian lese-majeste law that prescribes a prison term of up to 15 years for each offence. Thanat Thanawatcharanon, known by his stage name of Tom Dundee, gave waiting media the thumbs-up as he arrived at court on Wednesday, wearing an orange prison uniform. "The sentence is much longer than we expected," said his lawyer, Saovalux Po-Ngam. "We can lodge an appeal within a month but have to discuss first whether we will. In my personal view, the law should be scrapped, because the sentences are too long." Sentences for royal insults have become increasingly harsh under the junta, and one offender was jailed for a record 30 years in 2015. Thanat, who has been in prison since his arrest in 2014, had previously denied the charges but confessed in a sudden about-face in court on Monday. Confessing to a lese-majeste crime is routine practice in Thailand, where the accused often plead guilty in hopes of a more lenient sentence. Prosecutors said Thanat made defamatory comments against the monarchy during a 2013 speech to `red shirt` activists at a political rally in the capital, Bangkok. He was arrested and charged in July 2014, following pressure by an ultra royalist group on Thailand`s Department of Special Investigation to prosecute Thanat. For much of the past decade, Thailand has been divided along political lines between the mostly rural-based red shirt movement and the royalist-military establishment in the capital and south. Ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 88, is revered by Thais who see him as a keystone of Thailand`s identity.

Thailand jails country singer for seven years in royal insult case

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