Iraqi imam beheaded by group linked to Al Qaeda

BAGHDAD – A Sunni imam was beheaded by a group linked to Al Qaeda in Iraq, who then placed his head on an electric pole, security sources said Monday.

Militants stormed the house of Abduallah Jassem Shakour in the area of Saadiya just east of the city of Baquba at dawn.
They attacked Shakour with knives … Original article on : Iraqi imam beheaded by group linked to Al Qaeda.

26 die after attack on Somali parliament

MOGADISHU – At least 26 people have died in the Somali capital Mogadishu after insurgents attacked the parliament building, an official said Monday.

Islamist insurgent group al-Shabaab, which is battling to topple the weak Western-backed government, shelled parliament as lawmakers met for the first time this year Sunday.
African Union peacekeepers protecting the lawmakers responded by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 26 die after attack on Somali parliament.

Green River Killer Now Behind Bars

WASHINGTON, (GaeaTimes.com)- Gary Leon Ridgway, better known as the “Green River Killer” in and around the Washington area, on account of his alleged track record of having committed the murders of several prostitutes and teenagers near the Green River area, is now behind bars and is housed at the Washington State Penitentiary in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Green River Killer Now Behind Bars.

A year later, few in Sri Lanka mourn Prabhakaran

NEW DELHI – One year after Tamil Tigers chieftain Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed the same way he sent so many to their death, Sri Lanka remains ethnically divided but not many mourn the once feared guerrilla.

Even as Colombo celebrates the crushing defeat of his Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the hands of its …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A year later, few in Sri Lanka mourn Prabhakaran.

Army busts militant hideout in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The army Monday busted a militant hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district in an ongoing operation against the guerrillas, an official said.

A defence spokesperson told IANS that troops had killed 11 separatist guerrillas in Operation Thunder Strike launched 12 days ago.
“Operation Thunder Strike was launched by the army on May 5 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Army busts militant hideout in Kashmir.

3 mothers arrive in NY on 1st leg of trip to be reunited with US hikers held in Iran

Moms of 3 US hikers arrive in NY before Iran trip

NEW YORK – The mothers of three American hikers held for 10 months in Iran know that their visit with their children may be brief so they’ve thought about what they want to say and do.
Cindy Hickey wants to make sure her son and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 3 mothers arrive in NY on 1st leg of trip to be reunited with US hikers held in Iran.

Nearly 600 drug addicts escape from rehabilitation center in northern Vietnam

578 addicts escape from rehab center in Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam – Nearly 600 inmates in a Vietnamese drug rehabilitation camp overpowered security guards and escaped, an official said Monday. At least two-thirds of them were still at large.
Trinh Vuong Thuan, a security official at the rehabilitation center No. 2 in the northern port city of Haiphong, …. Read the original article  : here.

Hundreds of drug offenders executed each year despite drop in states carrying out sentences

Report: Hundreds of drug offenders executed yearly

VIENNA – Hundreds of drug offenders are executed annually and the number likely tops 1,000 if figures from countries that don’t disclose their death penalty data are included, a new report said Monday.
The number of states carrying out death sentences for drug offenses, however, appears to be declining while …. Source  : Hundreds of drug offenders executed each year despite drop in states carrying out sentences.

New Zealand cabinet evacuated in bomb scare

WELLINGTON – New Zealand cabinet ministers were evacuated from their offices adjoining parliament in Wellington Monday after a bomb scare.

A suspicious package, which the Newstalk ZB radio network said was reported to have protruding wires and the word “”bomb” on it, was found in the office of agriculture minister David Carter when staff arrived for …. Source  : New Zealand cabinet evacuated in bomb scare.

Jamaica’s governing party rejects calls for PM’s resignation over US extradition case

Jamaican prime minister rejects calls to resign

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s prime minister will not resign despite criticism of his efforts to protect a community leader in his west Kingston constituency who is wanted in the United States on drug and weapons trafficking charges, the governing party said Sunday.
The general secretary of the Jamaica Labor Party … Read more >>>.

Sestak, Specter try to project confidence in tight Democratic primary race for US Senate

Sestak, Specter try to project confidence in race
MEDIA, Pa. – With the election just days away, the candidates in Pennsylvania’s too-close-to-call Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate jockeyed Sunday to project confidence and control and prove who will be the stronger man against the Republicans in the fall.
At a rally on the Delaware … Read more : Sestak, Specter try to project confidence in tight Democratic primary race for US Senate.

Ex-presidential candidate’s disappearance rattles Mexico

Ex-candidate’s disappearance rattles Mexico

MEXICO CITY – The mysterious disappearance of a former presidential candidate is stoking fear in Mexico that nobody may be safe from relentless kidnapping and rampant drug violence.
Diego Fernandez de Cevallos was reported missing over the weekend and his car was found in the central state of Queretaro with some evidence of … Read more >>.

Chavez asks Venezuelan tweeters to blow the whistle on speculators

Chavez asks Venezuelans to tweet on speculators

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez urged supporters to use Twitter to blow the whistle on currency speculators on Sunday and announced that police raids on illegal traders would continue as Venezuela’s government tries to defend the embattled bolivar.
The socialist leader asked Venezuelans to send messages identifying illegal traders. …. Original source  : Chavez asks Venezuelan tweeters to blow the whistle on speculators.

43 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 43 militants were killed Sunday when Pakistani fighter jets pounded militant hideouts in the country’s Orakzai tribal agency.

Five soldiers were killed in the offensive, Xinhua reported, citing sources.
The attack was part of an ongoing offensive that started in March in Orakzai. At least 700 militants were killed in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : 43 militants killed in Pakistan.

Yemeni tribesmen kidnap 2 Chinese engineers and 2 guards in Yemen’s troubled south

Yemeni tribesmen kidnap 2 Chinese engineers

SAN’A, Yemen – Yemeni security officials say tribesmen have kidnapped two Chinese engineers and their government escorts in the country’s volatile south.
The officials say the Chinese were working for an oil firm operating in Shabwa province, south of the capital San’a. They say tribesmen took the men hostage Sunday apparently … Read more >>.

AP Exclusive: Vatican details sex abuse defense in key US case, bishops aren’t employees

AP Exclusive: Vatican details US sex abuse defense

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican on Monday will make its most detailed defense yet against claims that it is liable for U.S. bishops who allowed priests to molest children, saying bishops are not its employees and that a 1962 Vatican document did not require them to keep quiet, … Read : AP Exclusive: Vatican details sex abuse defense in key US case, bishops aren’t employees.

In NYC court, judge presiding over SEC vs. Goldman is compassionate, fun and decisive

Goldman case gets decisive, compassionate jurist

NEW YORK – The federal judge presiding over civil fraud charges brought against Wall Street’s most powerful firm can be counted on to run a tight courtroom as she considers claims that Goldman Sachs & Co. took unfair advantage of lax controls on financial institutions.
Lawyers and others who have worked … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : In NYC court, judge presiding over SEC vs. Goldman is compassionate, fun and decisive.

Sudan detains opposition leader, shuts down group’s paper in crackdown

Sudan detains opposition leader
KHARTOUM, Sudan – Officials say a prominent Sudanese opposition leader has been detained and his party’s newspaper shut down.

The minister of information and communication says Hassan Turabi, leader of the opposition Popular Congress Party, has been accused of incitement and undermining security.
Turabi’s deputy Abdullah Hassan Ahmed says Sunday’s arrest is part of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sudan detains opposition leader, shuts down group’s paper in crackdown.

Chairman of England’s Football Association, World Cup bid team quits amid bribery claims

England’s World Cup bid chief quits after sting

LONDON – The chairman of England’s World Cup bid and soccer federation quit both jobs Sunday after accusing 2018 bid rivals Spain and Russia of bribery.
David Triesman insisted he was a victim of “entrapment” and his comments were “never intended to be taken seriously.”
Triesman was secretly taped by … Read more : Chairman of England’s Football Association, World Cup bid team quits amid bribery claims.

Detroit police say 7-year-old girl fatally shot when officer’s weapon fired during home search

Detroit police say 7-year-old shot in home search

DETROIT – A sleeping 7-year-old girl was shot and killed when an officer’s gun went off while Detroit police were searching a duplex for a suspect in the slaying of a teenager, a police official said.
Assistant Chief Ralph Godbee said at a news conference Sunday that Aiyana Jones …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Saudi forces free 2 German girls kidnapped in Yemen nearly a year ago

Saudi forces free 2 German girls abducted in Yemen

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia says its intelligence forces freed two German girls kidnapped nearly a year ago with their family in neighboring Yemen.
A German couple and their three young children went missing last June along with a British man in the northern Yemeni region of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Saudi forces free 2 German girls kidnapped in Yemen nearly a year ago.

Suicide attack targeting police patrol in NW Pakistan kills 11, including 3 police

Suicide attack kills 11 people in NW Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – A suicide bomber on a bicycle killed 11 people Tuesday when he attacked a police patrol in an area of northwestern Pakistan where many citizens fled last year to escape a large army offensive against the Taliban, police said.
The attack, which killed three … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suicide attack targeting police patrol in NW Pakistan kills 11, including 3 police.

20 die in Afghanistan suicide blast

KABUL – At least 20 deaths were reported Tuesday in a suicide bombing that was carried out in front of the US-founded Counterinsurgency Academy in Kabul, security officials said.

An Afghan army officer at the scene who did not want to be named said 20 people, including eight Americans, were killed.
The Afghan Interior Ministry said, … Original source on Gaea Times at : 20 die in Afghanistan suicide blast.

Shutdown hits rail, road services in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Several important trains were cancelled or diverted and road services hit Tuesday as Maoist guerrillas began a 48-hour shutdown to protest the government offensive against them.

“We have cancelled eight trains and diverted the routes of nine trains,” a railway official said. Amongst the trains cancelled is the Palamau Express; those diverted include … Read more »»».

Prime minister says Jamaica will approve US extradition request for alleged drug kingpin

Jamaica to extradite drug suspect wanted by US

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s prime minister says he will approve the extradition of a powerful community leader wanted in the United States on drug and arms trafficking charges.
The reversal Monday by Prime Minister Bruce Golding ends a nine-month standoff over Christopher “Dudus” Coke that has strained the Caribbean …. Original article  : Prime minister says Jamaica will approve US extradition request for alleged drug kingpin.

Iraq security forces detains al-Qaida militant suspected of plotting attack on World Cup

Iraq forces: Al-Qaida plot on World Cup uncovered

BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces have detained an al-Qaida militant suspected of planning an attack targeting the World Cup in South Africa next month, an official said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, a spokesman for Baghdad security services, said Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani was an officer in the Saudi … Read : Iraq security forces detains al-Qaida militant suspected of plotting attack on World Cup.

Bus attack shows bankrupt Maoist policies: CPI-M

NEW DELHI – The Maoist attack on bus passengers in Chhattisgarh that killed 35 people “highlights their bankrupt policies”, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said Tuesday.

“The attack on the private passenger bus by the Maoists only highlights their bankrupt policies of attacking ordinary citizens in various parts of the country including tribals … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bus attack shows bankrupt Maoist policies: CPI-M.

Fearful in Chhattisgarh day after Maoist strike

RAIPUR – Security forces stayed fearful in their base camps and life was hit in several parts of Chhattisgarh as a 48-hour Maoist shutdown began Tuesday, a day after at least 35 people were killed when the guerrillas blasted a bus in the state’s Dantewada district.

The shutdown called by the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist …. Read the original article  : Fearful in Chhattisgarh day after Maoist strike.

20 killed in Afghanistan suicide blast

KABUL – At least 20 deaths were reported Tuesday in a suicide bombing that was carried out in front of the US-founded Counterinsurgency Academy in Kabul, security officials said.

Vehicles belonging to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were also hit, they said.
The blast occurred in western Kabul near parliament and other government buildings. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 20 killed in Afghanistan suicide blast.

Children among 12 killed in Pakistan bombing

ISLAMABAD – A bomb attack in north-western Pakistan killed 12 people including three children and three policemen Tuesday, officials said.

The explosion targeted a police vehicle on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan in the Khyber-Pakthunkhwa province.
“We have received 12 dead bodies. Among them are three policemen, three children and a woman,” said Qibla Khan …. Source article  : Children among 12 killed in Pakistan bombing.

Bomber killed in Manipur blast

IMPHAL – A militant bomber was killed Tuesday in Manipur while trying to plant an explosive beneath a road bridge, officials said.

A police spokesperson said the blast took place over a bridge near Kangpokpi in Senapati district, about 40 km from state capital Imphal. One person was killed and his head was blown away in … Read : Bomber killed in Manipur blast.

Maoist strike begins in Bihar

PATNA – A two-day Maoist strike began in Bihar amid tight security, police said Tuesday.

Additional Director General of Police P.K. Thakur said that no violence was reported in the state after Maoist guerrillas began their strike at midnight Monday.
“All the district superintendents of police have been directed to intensify patrolling and deploy additional … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maoist strike begins in Bihar.

US to press Pakistan to close terror’s ’safe haven’

WASHINGTON – The White House is dispatching national security adviser Gen. James L. Jones and CIA director Leon E. Panetta to Pakistan to push Islamabad to intensify efforts to investigate the Times Square bomb plot and take steps to close terror’s “safe haven” in that country, according to the New York Times.

The two top security … Original source on Gaea Times at : US to press Pakistan to close terror’s ’safe haven’.

10 rebels killed in Colombia

BOGOTA – Ten members of Colombia’s largest leftist guerrilla group have been killed in fighting with the security forces in northeastern part of the country, officials said.

The fighting between security forces and the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) took place in Arauquita municipality near the border with Venezuela. A female member … Read : 10 rebels killed in Colombia.

Shutdown begins in Chhattisgarh amid fears of more attacks

RAIPUR – Security forces stayed fearful in their base camps and life was hit in several parts of Chhattisgarh as a 48-hour strike called by Maoists began Tuesday, a day after at least 35 people were killed when the guerrillas blasted a bus in the state’s Dantewada district.

The shutdown called by the outlawed Communist Party …. Source article  : Shutdown begins in Chhattisgarh amid fears of more attacks.

Maoist strike hits bus services in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Traffic was hit in several parts of Orissa Tuesday as a two-day strike by Maoist guerrillas protesting the government offensive against them came into effect.

Roads were deserted in the three southern districts of Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada as authorities kept government buses off the road for safety, a senior state police official … Read more : Maoist strike hits bus services in Orissa.

Supreme Court strikes down life in prison without parole for juveniles who didn’t kill victims

Court rules out some life sentences for juveniles

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has ruled that teenagers may not be locked up for life without chance of parole if they haven’t killed anyone.
By a 5-4 vote Monday, the court says the Constitution requires that young people serving life sentences must at least be considered for release.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court strikes down life in prison without parole for juveniles who didn’t kill victims.

Appeal delays release of Oregon man who assumed murdered Ohio boy’s identity

Appeal delays release of Oregon mystery man

PORTLAND, Ore. – A federal judge on Monday approved the release of an Oregon liquor control investigator who assumed the identity of a murdered boy, even though the man still refuses to reveal his real name.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Ashmanskas said the man known as Jason Evers should be … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Appeal delays release of Oregon man who assumed murdered Ohio boy’s identity.

Interior Designer Freed Of Countersuit

LOS ANGELES, (GaeaTimes.com)- A countersuit that was filed against interior designer company Trip Haenisch & Associates Inc. has been dismissed by the superior court of Los Angeles. Reportedly, the interior designer company was freed of the counter suit owing to the fact that there was no movement with the complaint for a long time after … Read more »».

15 Dantewada victims battle for life

RAIPUR – As many as 15 people were battling for life in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district Tuesday, a day after Maoist guerrillas blew up a crowded passenger bus and killed at least 35 special police officers (SPOs) and civilians on a state highway.

“So far we have recovered 31 bodies, this is a mix of SPOs and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four CRPF troopers killed in landmine blast

KOLKATA – Four troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed and two others injured when Maoist guerrillas blew up their patrol vehicle in the trouble-torn Lalgarh belt of West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Wednesday, police said.

The Maoists triggered the landmine blast between Pingboni and Ramgarh areas under Lalgarh police station, about 200 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four CRPF troopers killed in landmine blast.

Bangkok burns after Thai army storms protest zone, Red Shirt leaders arrested after 3 killed

Bangkok burns after Thai protest leaders arrested

BANGKOK – Downtown Bangkok became a raging battleground Wednesday as the army stormed a barricaded protest camp and toppled the Red Shirt leadership, enraging demonstrators who fired grenades and set fires that cloaked the skyline in a black haze.
At least two protesters and an Italian news photographer were killed. …. Read the original article  : here.

Four troopers feared killed as Maoists blow up vehicle

KOLKATA – Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were feared killed and two others wounded when their vehicle was blown up in a landmine blast by Maoist guerrillas in Lalgarh belt of West Midnapore district in West Bengal Wednesday.

“We are not sure about the exact number of casualties. But possibly, four CRPF jawans were …. Read the original article  : Four troopers feared killed as Maoists blow up vehicle.

Judge suspended in case of Chinese man tortured into false murder confession

Judge suspended in China coerced confession case

BEIJING – A Chinese provincial high court chief justice has been suspended over a case in which a man spent 11 years in jail after being tortured into confessing to a murder he did not commit, a court official said Wednesday.
Henan province Chief Justice Hu Ye is among four …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judge suspended in case of Chinese man tortured into false murder confession.

US missionary who was detained in Haiti returns to Idaho, where more legal problems await

US missionary returns to Idaho after Haiti ordeal

BOISE, Idaho – An Idaho businesswoman accused of trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the deadly January earthquake has been returned to her family after three months in a foreign jail.
But as Laura Silsby closes one troubled chapter, another set of legal woes await her …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two soldiers, 40 militants killed in Pakistan clashes

ISLAMABAD – Dozens of militants attacked a security post Wednesday in Pakistan’s tribal region near the Afghan border, triggering clashes that left two soldiers and up to 40 rebels dead, officials said.

The fighting took place in the Orakzai tribal district, where government forces are carrying out an offensive against Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two soldiers, 40 militants killed in Pakistan clashes.

Maoists blast tracks on second day of strike

KOLKATA – The driver and his assistant of a goods train were injured when Maoists blasted rail tracks between Jhargram and Gidhni stations in West Bengal Wednesday on the second day of a 48-hour shutdown called by the rebels in five states.

The incident occurred at the Jhargram station, about 155 km from here, in West …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists blast tracks on second day of strike.

Mayawati blames central government for Maoist violence

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has blamed the central government for the Maoist violence in the country and said the problem would hit her state too if New Delhi’s “apathy” continued.

“The central government ought to realise that the rise in Naxalite movement is not just a law and order issue, it has socio-economic … Read more : Mayawati blames central government for Maoist violence.

Maoism worst form of terrorism: Raman Singh

NEW DELHI – Two days after Maoists blew up a bus killing 31 people, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Wednesday described Maoist insurgency as the worst form of terrorism in India.

“It is the worst form of terrorism. One thousand civilians have been killed in the last 10 years,” Singh told reporters here.
“Killing civilians, attacking …. Read the original article  : Maoism worst form of terrorism: Raman Singh.

Indian threatening to blast Parliament House arrested

Indian police today arrested a man who called up the senior officials in New Delhi and threatened to blow up the Parliament buildings.

Police said the youth identified as Kirti Singh was nabbed by Mairwa police in Bihar’s Siwan district while making threat calls.
“We have arrested the youth and his interrogation is going on”, a senior …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Security forces bust militant camp in Meghalaya

SHILLONG – Security forces Wednesday busted a training camp of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in Meghalaya and recovered arms and ammunition, a top police officer said.

“A special operation team backed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) raided the GNLA’s training camp inside Durama hill range,” Superintendent of Police Dalton P. Marak … Read more : Security forces bust militant camp in Meghalaya.

Police: Felon who was deported to Mexico arrested in alleged molestation of Calif. girl

Police say DNA links suspect to Calif. molestation

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Police say a convicted felon who was deported to Mexico three years ago has been arrested for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old girl in Southern California.
Santa Ana police say 47-year-old Roberto Jacobo Reyes was arrested Monday after investigators linked him to the Feb. 11 attack … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police: Felon who was deported to Mexico arrested in alleged molestation of Calif. girl.

Life in Bastar crippled on day two of shutdown

RAIPUR – Life in Chhattisgarh’s sprawling Bastar region remained crippled with security forces and people still fearful Wednesday, day two of the 48-hour shutdown called by the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).

Two days after more than 30 people were killed in Bastar’s Dantewada district when Maoists blasted a passenger bus, civilians and security forces …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Life in Bastar crippled on day two of shutdown.

Court fears torture in Pakistan, says no to deporting Al Qaeda men

LONDON – Two Al Qaeda operatives can’t be deported to Pakistan as it would infringe on their human rights, a British court has ruled. Pakistan, it said, has a “history of disappearances, illegal detention, and of torture”.

Al Qaeda operatives Abid Naseer, 24, and Ahmad Faraz Khan, 26, had planned to carry out a major …. Original source  : Court fears torture in Pakistan, says no to deporting Al Qaeda men.

French Muslims in face-covering veils speak out as bill to ban the attire goes to Cabinet

Women protest as French Cabinet gets veil ban bill

PARIS – One runs her own company, another is a housewife and a third, a divorcee, raises her children by herself. Like nearly 2,000 other Muslim women who wear face-covering veils in France, their lives will soon change and they are worried.
On Wednesday, Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : French Muslims in face-covering veils speak out as bill to ban the attire goes to Cabinet.

Maoists blow up government warehouse in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas blew up a government warehouse in Orissa’s Malkangiri district during their two-day strike protesting the government offensive against them, police said Wednesday.

The rebels blasted the warehouse at Bodigata, about 40 km from Malkangiri late Tuesday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeeb Panda told IANS.
It was an unused warehouse and the …. Original article  : Maoists blow up government warehouse in Orissa.

Times Square bomber arraigned, next hearing June 1

NEW YORK – Two weeks after his arrest, Pakistani American Faisal Shahzad, who planned to detonate a car bomb at the landmark Times Square, was arraigned before a federal magistrate in Manhattan on five felony counts.

Appearing before Magistrate Judge James C. Francis IV Tuesday evening, Shahzad, 30, did not enter a plea, simply answering “yes” …. Read the original article  : here.

Accused Times Square bomber makes first court appearance

NEW YORK – The accused terrorist who allegedly tried to blow up a car in Times Square Tuesday made his first court appearance Tuesday in Manhattan.

Faisal Shahzad, a naturalized US citizen from Pakistan, was arrested May 3, aboard an airliner waiting to leave the US.
Two days earlier, he allegedly left a sport-utility vehicle vehicle … Original article on : Accused Times Square bomber makes first court appearance.

Most of small Mexican town’s police force quits in fear after gunmen ambush fellow officers

Mexican town’s police force quits after ambush

MEXICO CITY – Most of a small Mexican town’s police force has quit after armed men ambushed and wounded two of their officers.
The resignation of six of the 11 municipal officers in La Union Monday evening comes after several other Mexican towns have seen mass police resignations because of …. Source article  : Most of small Mexican town’s police force quits in fear after gunmen ambush fellow officers.

WH adviser: Elite terror interrogation team questions Times Square suspect, others

WH adviser: Interrogation team questions Shahzad

WASHINGTON – White House terrorism adviser John Brennan said Tuesday a special team of investigators has begun interrogating high-value terrorist suspects in the U.S. and abroad, including the man accused in the failed Times Square bombing.
At a foreign policy forum, Brennan confirmed that the so-called high-value detainee interrogation group, or …. Source article  : WH adviser: Elite terror interrogation team questions Times Square suspect, others.

India to observe May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day

NEW DELHI – India will observe Anti-Terrorism Day Friday to mark former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination on May 21, 1991.

The home ministry said in a statement Thursday: “Anti-terrorism Day is observed to generate awareness among all sections about the danger of terrorism, violence and its dangerous effect on the people, the society and the … Read : India to observe May 21 as Anti-Terrorism Day.

Lockerbie bomber is alive – nine months after being freed

LONDON – Cancer-stricken Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi is alive, nine months after he was granted compassionate release from a Scottish prison by doctors who gave him just three months to live.

Megrahi has now become the longest-surviving person to be granted compassionate release in Scotland, The Sun reported Thursday.
Former Libyan intelligence agent Megrahi was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Lockerbie bomber is alive – nine months after being freed.

No misunderstanding in fighting Maoists: Raman Singh

NEW DELHI – Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Thursday said there was no misunderstanding with the central government in fighting the Maoists and efforts will be made to further improve coordination between the paramilitary forces and the state police.

Singh told reporters after his interaction with Home Minister P. Chidambaram here that they had a “detailed … Original source on Gaea Times at : No misunderstanding in fighting Maoists: Raman Singh.

Malaysia court sentences woman to 8 years in jail for scalding Indonesian housemaid

Malaysia woman handed 8 years’ jail for maid abuse

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian court sentenced a woman to eight years in prison Thursday for scalding her Indonesian housemaid with hot water and assaulting her with scissors and a hammer.
The case was one of several involving the abuse of Indonesian domestic workers that strained ties …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysia court sentences woman to 8 years in jail for scalding Indonesian housemaid.

Maoists loot 16 tonnes of ammonium nitrate

RAIPUR – Suspected Maoists hijacked a truck in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district and looted 16 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer also used to make explosives, police said Thursday.

“It’s really very stunning. A few Maoists forcibly diverted the truck from National Highway 43 on Tuesday and took it to their forest hideout in Bastar district. They …. Read the original article  : Maoists loot 16 tonnes of ammonium nitrate.

No info on arrest of ULFA chief in Bangladesh: Pillai

GUWAHATI – Indian authorities Thursday rejected reports that Paresh Baruah, one of India’s most wanted fugitives and leader of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), has been arrested in Bangladesh.

“We have no such reports,” Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai told IANS in response to an SMS about the reports.
Local television channels in Assam … Read more : No info on arrest of ULFA chief in Bangladesh: Pillai.

West Bengal can’t control Maoists until others do: Buddhadeb

KOLKATA – Maoist activities in West Bengal cannot be fully controlled if similar security operations are not launched in neighbouring Jharkhand and Orissa, says Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

“It won’t be possible for us to fully check Maoist activities in our state till a similar security operation is started in Jharkhand and Orissa,” Bhattacharjee told Bengali … Original article on : West Bengal can’t control Maoists until others do: Buddhadeb.

South Korea Warship Case Solved?

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (GaeaTimes.com)- The President of South Korea, President Lee Myung-bak, declared Thursday that he would be calling an emergency meeting to deal with the recently unearthed evidence that proves that the sinking of the South Korean warship in March this year was a premeditated effort on the part of North Korea. The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : South Korea Warship Case Solved?.

Couple sentenced to maximum 14 years under Malawi’s anti-gay laws

Gay couple sentenced to maximum 14 years in Malawi

BLANTYRE, Malawi – A judge sentenced a couple to the maximum 14 years in prison for unnatural acts and gross indecency Thursday under Malawi’s anti-gay legislation.
The harsh sentence had been expected in this conservative southern African country after the same judge convicted Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza …. Source  : Couple sentenced to maximum 14 years under Malawi’s anti-gay laws.

China says thousands of officials punished in crackdown on stimulus-linked corruption

China cracks down on stimulus-linked graft

BEIJING – China disclosed widespread corruption Thursday linked to its 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus, announcing that thousands of officials have been punished for taking bribes, embezzlement and other abuses.
The announcement confirmed public fears the flood of spending and a stimulus-linked easing of curbs on real estate development would … Read more >>.

Senators push for National Guard troops on Southern border, administration can’t agree on plan

Senators press for National Guard troops on border
WASHINGTON – Homeland Security and Pentagon officials are at loggerheads over a plan to send National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, even as President Barack Obama is pledging to bolster security there.
The Guard stalemate has festered for nearly a year, and frustrated lawmakers are …. Original article  : Senators push for National Guard troops on Southern border, administration can’t agree on plan.

Mirandizing the political conversation: Obama administration gains a little breathing room

‘Modifying’ Miranda modifies the political debate
WASHINGTON – Hammered for months by Republicans as soft on terrorism, Attorney General Eric Holder and the rest of the Obama administration are suddenly playing offense, offering to work with Congress on a law that would let law enforcement delay constitutional Miranda warnings to terror suspects.
The shift would …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Australian ninja students come to the aid of mugging victim, attackers flee in panic

Australian ninja students rescue mugging victim

SYDNEY – Three men who police said were robbing a German medical student in an alley fled in a panic when five members of a nearby martial arts school rushed to the rescue dressed in full ninja gear.
The trio attacked the 27-year-old man on Tuesday night after he got off …. Original source  : Australian ninja students come to the aid of mugging victim, attackers flee in panic.

Paper: Pa. Hershey School pays $3M in compensation to former alleged abuse victims

Paper: Pa. school pays alleged abuse victims $3M

PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania newspaper says the Milton Hershey School for disadvantaged children has paid $3 million to compensate five former students who claimed they were sexually abused.
The Philadelphia Inquirer cited sources, including a high-ranking official at the century-old school.
School spokeswoman Connie McNamara on Wednesday confirmed the payments … Original source on Gaea Times at : Paper: Pa. Hershey School pays $3M in compensation to former alleged abuse victims.

Maoists blast rail track, torch diesel tankers on goods train

PATNA – At least 15 diesel tankers caught fire when suspected Maoists derailed a goods train by blasting the railway track and then set afire one of the tankers in Bihar’s Motihari district, a railway official said Thursday.

The Maoists targeted the diesel tankers on the goods train between Jeevdhara and Pipra railway stations in Motihari, [..] Read the original article: here.

Professor sentenced to 3-1/2 years in trial on swingers club on China

Professor given 3-1/2 years in China swingers case

BEIJING – A college professor accused of organizing a swingers club and holding private orgies in China was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, officials said, in a case that touched off national debate about sexual freedom.
Ma Yaohai, 53, was convicted and sentenced on charges of group … Read more »».

Professor sentenced to 3 1/2 years in trial on swingers club on China

Professor given 3 1/2 years in China swingers case

BEIJING – A college professor accused of organizing a swingers club and holding private orgies in China was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, officials said, in a case that touched off national debate about sexual freedom.
Ma Yaohai, 53, was convicted and sentenced on charges of …. Source article  : Professor sentenced to 3 1/2 years in trial on swingers club on China.

Army vet fatally shot by FBI agent at MacDill base in Tampa; security chased him after fight

Army veteran fatally shot at MacDill AFB in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. – An Army veteran who sped away from MacDill Air Force Base security on a motorcycle was fatally shot Wednesday by an FBI agent after the man threatened him with a knife, officials said.
At about 6 p.m., base security was called to an altercation, which …. Source article  : Army vet fatally shot by FBI agent at MacDill base in Tampa; security chased him after fight.

Attorney says Lohan stuck in Cannes and will miss court hearing; warrant could be issued

Attorney: Lohan stuck in Cannes, won’t be in court

LOS ANGELES – An attorney for Lindsay Lohan says the actress will miss a mandatory court appearance Thursday because she is stuck in France.
Attorney Shawn Chapman Holley says Lohan’s passport was stolen while she was at the Cannes Film Festival. Holley told ABC7 that Lohan has an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Attorney says Lohan stuck in Cannes and will miss court hearing; warrant could be issued.

Police in northern Mexico border state arrest 11 men suspected in kidnappings of migrants

Mexico arrests 11 suspects in migrant kidnappings

TIJUANA, Mexico – Police in northern Mexico say they have arrested 11 men who allegedly kidnapped migrants trying to reach the United States.
Prosecutors in the border state of Baja California say 8 suspects were captured Monday after they opened fire on police during a raid on a house where … Read more »»».

Congress pays homage to Rajiv Gandhi

CHENNAI – Congress leaders Friday paid tributes to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Tamil Nadu, where he was blown up by a suicide bomber on this day 19 years ago.

Tamil Nadu Congress chief K.V. Thankabalu and other leaders paid floral tributes to Gandhi’s portrait at Satyamurthy Bhavan, the party headquarter here.
Later, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Congress pays homage to Rajiv Gandhi.

Authorities say 2 men died in police shootout after ambushing, killing 2 officers in Arkansas

Police: 2 suspects dead after Ark. officers slain

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – Two men armed with AK-47s ambushed and killed two officers who had stopped them on an Arkansas interstate, then died in a shootout with police who had tracked them to a Walmart parking lot, authorities say.
Sgt. Brandon Paudert, 39, and Bill Evans, 38, were …. Read the original article  : here.

AP INVESTIGATION: Documents show Texas reservist faked his way into military service

AP INVESTIGATION: Texas man faked way into Army

FORT WORTH, Texas – A Texas man with no military experience managed to trick the Army into letting him enter a reserve unit as a noncommissioned officer earlier this year, putting an untrained soldier in a leadership position in a time of war, an Associated Press investigation has …. Source  : AP INVESTIGATION: Documents show Texas reservist faked his way into military service.

West Memphis Police Officers Killed

MEMPHIS (GaeaTimes.com)- Walmart parking lot witnessed West Memphis Police take down two suspect killers in a bloody encounter. Reportedly, the two suspects had previously killed two police officers, Bill Evans and Brandon Paudert near the 1-40 Airport Road. These two officers were a part of the Drug Interdiction Unit of West Memphis Police.
Bill Evans and …. Read the original article  : West Memphis Police Officers Killed.

Chinese court upholds death penalty for police chief in Chongqing gang case

Chinese court backs sentence for police chief

BEIJING – A court in southern China upheld the death penalty Friday of a former police chief convicted of taking bribes from local gang leaders.
The Chongqing Municipal Higher People’s Court rejected the appeal from Wen Qiang, 55, who was convicted of taking bribes worth millions from gang members while …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Al Qaeda appeals to women to fight in Yemen

Sana’a, May 21 (IANS/AKI) The Al Qaeda has appealed to Muslim women, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, to travel to Yemen and wage jihad. The appeal was made by Wafa al-Shahri, wife of Al Qaeda’s second in command in Yemen, Said al-Shahri.

Wafa al-Shahri was directing her message in particular to Al Qaeda colleagues in …. Read the original article  : here.

Bin Laden’s deputy lauds slain Al Qaeda leaders

Baghdad, May 21 (IANS/AKI) Al Qaeda’s second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri has in an audio taped message paid homage to two of his associates killed in Iraq last month.

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is also expected to release an audio message to honour the dead pair, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Ayub al-Masri, in the next … Read more >>>.

Official: Gunmen kill anti-government leader of Mexican Indian community, wife

Leader of Mexico Indian community, wife killed

OAXACA, Mexico – A leftist, anti-government faction in an Indian town where a Finnish rights observer was killed in April said Thursday its leader has been shot to death along with his wife, authorities said.
Jesus Martinez Flores, the self-styled mayor of the “autonomous” Triqui Indian town of San Juan …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Official: Gunmen kill anti-government leader of Mexican Indian community, wife.

Man arrested for supplying explosives to Maoists

LUCKNOW – A man suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists has been arrested in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Friday.

Ashok Kumar was arrested Thursday evening from Langdra area with several detonators, gelatin rods and widely used commercial explosive ammonium nitrate.
“The man is making contradictory statements about the explosives recovered from his possession. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man arrested for supplying explosives to Maoists.

Wife of dealer profiled in ‘American Gangster’ arrested in Puerto Rico on drug charges

Wife of ‘American Gangster’ nabbed in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The wife of a 1970s heroin dealer who inspired the movie “American Gangster” has been arrested after officials said she tried to sell 2 kilograms (4 pounds) of cocaine at a hotel in Puerto Rico.
Julianna Farrait, 70, appeared Thursday in court and did …. Source  : Wife of dealer profiled in ‘American Gangster’ arrested in Puerto Rico on drug charges.

Mexico: Gunbattles near US border kill 2 policemen, 7 attackers

Northern Mexico shootouts kill 2 police, 7 gunmen

PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico – Gunbattles between security forces and armed attackers have killed nine people in two states along the U.S. border, Mexican authorities said Thursday.
The Navy says four attackers died in a gunbattle between marines and members of the Zetas drug gang in the town of San …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexico: Gunbattles near US border kill 2 policemen, 7 attackers.

Warrant for Lindsay Lohan’s arrest recalled after bond posted; actress due in LA on Friday

Warrant for Lohan recalled after bond posted

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – A judge issued a warrant Thursday for Lindsay Lohan’s arrest after the actress missed a mandatory court hearing, but a court spokesman said the warrant was recalled hours later after her bond was posted.
Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel issued the warrant after the 23-year-old actress …. Original article  : Warrant for Lindsay Lohan’s arrest recalled after bond posted; actress due in LA on Friday.

Stockholder lawsuit against BP officials filed in Alaska

BP stockholder lawsuit filed in Alaska
JUNEAU, Alaska – A stockholder lawsuit claims “gross mismanagement” by top BP officials has severely damaged the company’s reputation and hurt its value.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Superior Court in Anchorage, alleges the officials did not take the necessary steps to ensure BP compliance with safety rules and environmental safeguards, … Read more »»».

Warrant for Lindsay Lohan’s arrest recalled after she makes bail; actress due in LA on Friday

Warrant for Lohan recalled after she makes bail

LOS ANGELES – A judge on Thursday recalled an arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan, hours after it was issued.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini said a bond was posted for Lohan later Thursday, and the warrant was recalled. Bail was set at $100,000.
Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel … Read more >>>.

Lindsay Lohan makes bail, arrest warrant recalled hours after it was issued

Lohan makes bail, arrest warrant recalled
LOS ANGELES – A judge has recalled an arrest warrant for Lindsay Lohan hours after it was issued.

Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini says a bond was posted for Lohan on Thursday and the warrant was recalled.
Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel issued the warrant earlier Thursday after Lohan missed [..] Read the original article: here.

Camp Pendleton Marine officer sentenced for passing secrets to LA County Sheriff’s Department

Marine sentenced for leaking intelligence info

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A Camp Pendleton Marine officer has been sentenced to 30 days confinement for leaking intelligence information to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The ruling also reduces Gunnery Sgt. L. Eric Froboese (FROH-bish) to a staff sergeant. The sentence issued Thursday must still be approved by a … Read more : Camp Pendleton Marine officer sentenced for passing secrets to LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Replica cross placed in Mojave Desert war memorial is taken down within 24 hours

Replica cross in Mojave Desert comes down
MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE, Calif. – A replica of a cross honoring America’s war dead that drew the attention of the U.S. Supreme Court before it was stolen this month mysteriously appeared Thursday in a Mojave Desert federal park, but officials said it was illegal and took it down.

A maintenance …. Original source  : Replica cross placed in Mojave Desert war memorial is taken down within 24 hours.

Al-Qaida in Yemen announces death of terror leader amid stepped-up airstrikes

Al-Qaida in Yemen announces terror leader killed

WASHINGTON – A senior member of the al-Qaida spinoff group behind the failed Christmas Day airline attack was killed as part of a U.S.-Yemeni counterterrorism campaign, the terror group announced.
Nayif al-Qahtani’s death was revealed in an al-Qaida Arabian Peninsula newsletter a week after the U.S. slapped terror sanctions on …. Original article  : Al-Qaida in Yemen announces death of terror leader amid stepped-up airstrikes.

Lindsay Lohan makes bail on arrest warrant hours after it was issued

Lindsay Lohan makes bail on arrest warrant

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan already has made bail, hours after a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini says a bond was posted for the 23-year-old actress Thursday after a judge issued an arrest warrant for Lohan earlier in the day. Bail was …. Original article  : Lindsay Lohan makes bail on arrest warrant hours after it was issued.

Top US intelligence official resigns

WASHINGTON – Admiral Dennis Blair unexpectedly announced his resignation Thursday as the top US intelligence official.

Blair is the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI), an overarching office created in the wake of the Sep 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He is tasked with coordinating the country’s 16 different intelligence agencies.
In a short statement to employees, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Top US intelligence official resigns.

Mumbai trains serial blasts probe reveals Pakistani link

MUMBAI – Investigators piecing together clues of the July 11, 2006 Mumbai train bombings that killed over 200 people have succeeded in identifying the bomb planters on five of the seven trains with each group comprising at least one Pakistani.

The terrorists involved in bombing the remaining two trains remain a mystery as trial in … Read more : Mumbai trains serial blasts probe reveals Pakistani link.

Thailand’s prime minister says fresh elections only after violence, protests by Red Shirts end

Thai PM: No early elections until violence ends

BANGKOK – Thailand’s leader said Sunday that new elections can be considered only after violence and protests by anti-government activists end completely, after two months of turmoil left at least 85 people dead and deeply divided the country.
The comments by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva indicate he will continue …. Read the original article  : Thailand’s prime minister says fresh elections only after violence, protests by Red Shirts end.

Chile court sends Pakistani back to jail

Santiago, May 23 (IANS/EFE) A Chile court has annulled the release of a Pakistani man, who was briefly detained after he entered the US embassy here with traces of explosives on his body.

The Santiago Court of Appeals Saturday ordered Mohammed Saif Ur Rehman Khan, charged with illegal possession of explosives, remanded in custody, judicial sources …. Source article  : Chile court sends Pakistani back to jail.

Militants gun down trade union leader in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – A trade union leader and activist of the ruling National Conference (NC) was killed by separatist guerrillas in Kashmir’s Baramulla district Sunday, police said.

Militants shot at Gulam Nabi Khan, 45, the president of Sopore traders’ federation at a market square in Sopore town, 50 km from here, a senior police officer said [..] Read the original article: here.

Border Patrol arrest driver, 6 suspected undocumented immigrants after 100-mile Calif. chase

Border Patrol arrests 7 in 100-mile Calif. chase

SAN DIEGO – Authorities say a man led Border Patrol agents on a 100-mile chase from the U.S.-Mexico border into Southern California before the driver and six suspected undocumented immigrants stopped and surrendered in Irvine.
Border Patrol Agent Michael Jimenez says an agent saw a sport utility vehicle slow …. Read the original article  : here.

Mother of babies found bound, beaten and gagged in Southern Calif. home arrested, charged

Mother of Calif. babies found beaten arrested

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Authorities say the mother of a baby and a toddler who were found beaten, bound and gagged in a Southern California bedroom has been arrested.
Riverside County court records show Erica Monique Henry was booked into county jail Tuesday and released on bail Thursday. The 24-year-old has … Read more >>>.

Mexican authorities halt investigation into ex-candidate’s disappearance at family’s request

Mexico suspends search for missing ex-candidate

MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities suspended their investigation into the disappearance of a former presidential candidate Saturday at his relatives’ request.
The Attorney General’s Office said in a brief statement that the investigation in the case of Diego Fernandez de Cevallos has been halted “out of respect for the family’s wishes.”
Fernandez …. Source article  : Mexican authorities halt investigation into ex-candidate’s disappearance at family’s request.

Nevada woman accused of stealing $20 bottle of wine from store while topless and intoxicated

Nev. woman accused of stealing wine while topless

MINDEN, Nev. – A Nevada woman is accused of stealing a bottle of wine from a store while she was topless and intoxicated.
Brandi Smith, of Gardnerville, acknowledged her behavior was “mind-boggling” during an appearance Wednesday before a judge to face charges of indecent exposure, felony drunken driving and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nevada woman accused of stealing $20 bottle of wine from store while topless and intoxicated.

3 robbers rig driverless car to smash through doors of Idaho liquor store; caught on video

Robbers rig car to smash into Idaho liquor store

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Police in Idaho say three people ransacked a Twin Falls liquor store by rigging a driverless vehicle that smashed through the front doors so they could get inside.
A deputy director of the Idaho State Liquor Division says the 2002 Pontiac had a pipe …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 3 robbers rig driverless car to smash through doors of Idaho liquor store; caught on video.

Insurgents attack NATO base in Kandahar

KABUL – NATO’s largest military base in southern Afghanistan was attacked late Saturday by insurgents, the Washington Post reported citing military officials.

Several coalition troops were reportedly wounded in the attack from the ground and air, as four rockets crashed down on the Kandahar air field. At the same time, insurgents tried to break though a … Read more »».

Mexican investigators can’t find one-time ‘Survivor’ producer for questioning in wife’s death

Mexico searching for TV producer in wife’s death

CANCUN, Mexico – Mexican investigators say they can’t locate a former “Survivor” producer to question him about the death of his wife in this Caribbean resort city.
Bruce Beresford-Redman hasn’t been charged in the case, but his passport was confiscated and he was ordered not to leave Mexico after … Read more : Mexican investigators can’t find one-time ‘Survivor’ producer for questioning in wife’s death.

Analysts: Calif. bill targeting child molesters for long prison terms would cost many millions

Calif. bill aimed at molesters would cost millions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A state corrections department analysis of a bill being considered by California lawmakers found that mandating life sentences for some child molesters and lifetime parole for others would cost tens of millions of dollars annually after the first decade.
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst puts the ultimate … Read more : Analysts: Calif. bill targeting child molesters for long prison terms would cost many millions.

Lawyers say feds won’t seek criminal charges in AIG cases; securities regulators still probing

Lawyers say no criminal charges in AIG cases

The Justice Department has decided not to file criminal charges against the former head of a division at American International Group Inc. whose dealings in mortgage-related securities nearly bankrupted the company and led to a controversial government bailout, according to lawyers involved in the cases.
The decision appears to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chile orders Pakistani allegedly caught with bomb traces at US Embassy back to prison

Chile returns Pakistani explosives suspect to jail

SANTIAGO, Chile – A Chilean appeals court ordered a Pakistani man back into a high-security prison Saturday, saying the chemicals allegedly found on his possessions at the U.S. Embassy and inside his apartment could only have come from direct contact with explosives.
Mohammad Saif Ur Rehman Khan has said it …. Read the original article  : Chile orders Pakistani allegedly caught with bomb traces at US Embassy back to prison.

Chilean appeals court returns Pakistani found with traces of explosives to prison

Chilean court returns Pakistani suspect to jail

SANTIAGO, Chile – A Chilean appeals court says a Pakistani man detained at the U.S. Embassy must go back to prison.
It’s preventive detention for Mohammad Saif Ur Rehman Khan, who according to U.S. authorities and Chilean police was found with traces of explosives.
Khan says it all must be a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chilean appeals court returns Pakistani found with traces of explosives to prison.

Utah plea hearing derailed when Burmese refugee denies guilt in girl’s 2008 slaying

Utah refugee backs out of plea for girl’s slaying

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah plea hearing was derailed when a Burmese refugee charged with the March 2008 slaying of a 7-year-old girl denied his guilt.
When his attorney told the judge on Friday that a resolution in the case had been reached, Esar Met shook his [..] Read the original article: here.

Blackfeet woman sees end to her 14-year fight with the government over misused Indian money

Blackfeet woman sees end to 14-year govt fight

BROWNING, Mont. – Elouise Cobell sat behind her cluttered desk here in the windblown heart of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and peered at a visitor through dark glasses that couldn’t quite hide the deep bruise that ran down her cheek to her jaw.
Her appearance made her a bit …. Original source  : Blackfeet woman sees end to her 14-year fight with the government over misused Indian money.

Military service counts more and more for veterans accused of crimes

Veterans increasingly find service helps in court

SAN FRANCISCO – The plea was passionate, dramatic and effective: haunted to addiction by memories of a Bosnian mass grave and the shooting of a teen in Honduras, former U.S. Army Capt. Sargent Binkley robbed two Silicon Valley pharmacies for painkillers.
A Santa Clara County jury came back in January …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Military service counts more and more for veterans accused of crimes.

Nations declare support to help Somalia achieve peace, eradicate piracy

Nations declare support to Somalia
ISTANBUL – Dozens of nations pledged Saturday to help Somalia build a strong police and military, achieve peace and stability and eradicate piracy that has plagued international maritime trade.

The countries, meeting at a U.N.-sponsored conference for Somalia, said that strengthening law enforcement in the impoverished and lawless African nation was essential … Read : Nations declare support to help Somalia achieve peace, eradicate piracy.

Jamaica slum controlled by alleged drug kingpin in standoff with police over extradition to US

Slum standoff in Jamaica over don’s US extradition

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a gritty slum, they are preparing for war. They are building barricades of junked cars and sandbags, making Molotov cocktails and pitching barbed wire over power lines.
They are waiting for the police, who they believe will come for Christopher “Dudus” Coke, a 5-foot-4-inch neighborhood [..] Read the original article: here.