Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for August 1-2, 2010

Legal News – Weekly Newsletter for August 1-2, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

Show rule that makes women ineligible for army: apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the defence ministry to produce the Army Act notification that makes women ineligible for permanent commission in the regular army.

When the apex court bench of Justice J.M. Panchal and Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra said that Section 12 of the Army Act, 1950 was in breach of Article … Original article on : Show rule that makes women ineligible for army: apex court.

Iran issues arrest warrant against stoning case lawyer, arrests relatives

LONDON – Iran has issued an arrest warrant against Mohammad Mostafaei, one of its acclaimed lawyers, who is fighting the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, sentenced to death by stoning, and re-arrested his wife and brother-in-law in his absence.

“It is ridiculous that they have taken Mostafaei’s family as ransom, they have somehow taken them … Read more >>>.

Arrest warrants against Bangladesh Islamists

DHAKA – A tribunal Monday issued arrest warrants against four top Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leaders on charges of committing “war crimes” during the 1971 liberation movement.

The four, who are the top brass of the country’s largest Islamist party, are arraigned for committing genocide, murder, rape, torture, loot, arson and targeting unarmed civilians during the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Arrest warrants against Bangladesh Islamists.

Apex court notice on 1993 bombing convicts

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notice on appeals by the Maharashtra government seeking enhanced punishment for those convicted for their involvement in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts.

The court declined to entertain any plea for interim relief by the accused who are serving jail term.
The final hearing will be held from …. Original article : Apex court notice on 1993 bombing convicts.

DeFarra Gaymon Murder Case Details

Atlanta, Georgia (GaeaTimes.com) DeFarra Gaymon, president and CEO of Credit Atlanta was allegedly shot by undercover police detectives on Friday, July 16, 2010. He was interviewed by the investigators the day before he was shot. He was 48 years old. He has left four children behind him. He was shot in the chest … Original source on Gaea Times at : DeFarra Gaymon Murder Case Details.

30 percent of pending cases are government’s: Moily

PANAJI – Government litigation accounts for nearly 30 percent of the cases pending in courts across the country, union Minister for Law and Justice Veerappa Moily said Sunday.

“More than 30 percent of the litigation space is covered by government litigations. This space should be reduced and the space should be given to the ‘aam …. Source article on Gaea Times at : 30 percent of pending cases are government’s: Moily.

Britain to review rejected immigration pleas

LONDON – The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has announced it will review applications of migrants whose pleas were refused solely because they failed to meet the financial requirements for maintenance.

The review, under all tiers of the points-based system, is limited to those who unsuccessfully applied for entry from outside Britain between June 23 and July … Read more »».

No consensus on creating all-India judicial service: Moily

PANAJI – There is no consensus yet on creating an all-India judicial service, union Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily said Sunday.

“The attempt is to attract the best talent to the judicial service. But there is no unanimity on the subject yet,” Moily said.
He said that a paper on the issue will …. Source : No consensus on creating all-India judicial service: Moily.

Aberrations in judiciary reflection of society: Moily

PANAJI – The few aberrations in an otherwise highly efficient judiciary are only a reflection of society and these have to be removed, union Minister of Law and Justice M. Veerappa Moily said Sunday.

Speaking at a regional review meeting of the implementation of the 13th finance commission recommendations on improving justice delivery and other [..] Read the original article: here.

Protest in London to stop mining project in Orissa

LONDON – Human rights activists will paint their faces to resemble the blue-faced Na’vis in the Hollywood film “Avatar” to protest the dislocation of tribals by mining company Vedanta in the Niyamgiri hills of India’s Orissa state.

The protest will be staged Wednesday on the occasion of Vedanta’s annual shareholders meeting.
A human rights campaign group, …. Source : Protest in London to stop mining project in Orissa.

China bans artificial flavours in baby food

BEIJING – China has banned artificial edible flavours in certain foodstuff, including baby food and dairy products.

In a law passed Monday, China’s ministry of health prohibited the use of artificial flavours in food such as milk, cream, vegetable and animal fat, baby food and bottled water, China Daily reported Tuesday.
The regulation also requires manufacturers … Read more : China bans artificial flavours in baby food.

Dhaka court rejects Jamaat challenge to war tribunal judges

DHAKA – The High Court here Tuesday summarily rejected a writ petition challenging the appointment of two judges to Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal set up for trying the 1971 “war crimes”.

The challenge came from a lawyer, who is a senior member of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) whose top brass has been arraigned before the tribunal … Original article on : Dhaka court rejects Jamaat challenge to war tribunal judges.

Centre’s reply sought on abolishing poverty line

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday sought the central government’s response to its suggestion to abolish the above poverty line segment and expand the ambit of the below poverty line category under the public distribution system.

A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma asked the union food secretary to file his reply to …. Source article : Centre’s reply sought on abolishing poverty line.

Debate over whether Goa church should be brought under RTI

PANAJI – Should the church in Goa be brought under the purview of the Right to Information Act? At present, the government says the decision is beyond its authority as the Vatican is a sovereign nation and it is not known if “its institution could be compelled to make their records open to public”.

A …. Original article : Debate over whether Goa church should be brought under RTI.

Montgomery County Public School Details

New York (GaeaTimes.com) – Montgomery County Public School is a school district that serves Montgomery county, Maryland, USA. It is the largest school district in Maryland. They does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or in age in its activities, programs or employment practice by Title VI, Title IX … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Montgomery County Public School Details.

Pepco Power Outage after severe thunderstorm

New York (GaeaTimes.com) – Washington and neighboring districts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland were thrown in darkness after a heavy storm hit the area resulting disconnections in power lines. There are reports of 2 casualties and several trees were downed after the thunderstorm.

Pepco, regional utility, said that around 240,000 customers are without …. Source article : Pepco Power Outage after severe thunderstorm.

English test must for non-EU migrants who settle in Britain

LONDON – The English language test announced by the British government for all non-European migrants applying to come to Britain to join or marry their settled partner will become compulsory from Nov 29 this year.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) Monday announced that from this date, any migrant who wants to enter or remain in …. Original article : English test must for non-EU migrants who settle in Britain.

Chinese parents forbidden to spy on kids”e-life’

BEIJING – Parents in China can no longer secretly browse through their children’s computer or mobile phones from September after a law was passed aiming to protect the privacy of children.

The new law, the first of its kind anywhere in China, was passed by the regional government in Chongqing province, and will provide children with …. Original article : Chinese parents forbidden to spy on kids’ ‘e-life’.

US allows ‘jailbreaking’ of iPhone

WASHINGTON – New government rules announced Monday will allow iPhone users to unlock, or “jailbreak,” their phones without violating the law.

The amendments to the 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act will allow users to run third-party applications on their iPhones that have not been approved by Apple.
Apple had objected to the changes, stating that the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US allows ‘jailbreaking’ of iPhone.

Titans sue, accuse Lane Kiffin, Southern California of ‘maliciously’ hiring away assistant

Titans sue Lane Kiffin, USC for poaching assistant

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Titans are suing Southern California and coach Lane Kiffin for “maliciously” luring away assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola a week before training camp opens.
Tennessee Football Inc., the company that owns the Titans, filed the lawsuit Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court against …. Read the original article : Titans sue, accuse Lane Kiffin, Southern California of ‘maliciously’ hiring away assistant.

High court notice to Varun Gandhi in defamation case

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Varun Gandhi in a defamation case filed by his uncle V.M. Singh.

Gandhi was asked by Justice Aruna Sureesh to file his reply by July 30.
Gandhi and Singh were pitted against each other in the 2009 general …. Original article : High court notice to Varun Gandhi in defamation case.

Malaysian-Indian teacher granted leave for full trial to quash children’s conversion to Islam

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Indian kindergarten teacher M. Indira Gandhi has been granted leave by the Ipoh High Court on her application for full trial in her application for a judicial review to quash her three children’s conversion to Islam.

According to The Star, Indira Gandhi, who was granted custody of her three children, Prasana Diksa, … Read more >>.

Aman Kachroo case: Himachal HC cancels bail of all accused

SHIMLA – The Himachal High Court on Wednesday cancelled the bail of the four students accused of killing Aman Kachroo at their college campus last year.

The accused have been ordered to surrender to the trial court by tomorrow morning.

Last week, a lower court granted bail to them on the grounds that the testimony against …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Aman Kachroo case: Himachal HC cancels bail of all accused.

Kayani’s tenure extension challenged in Peshawar high court

PESHAWAR – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s decision to extend the tenure of Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani has been challenged in the Peshawar High Court (PHC).

A journalist-cum-lawyer, Shahid Orakzai, filed a writ petition under Article 199 of the Constitution, and requested the PHC to declare the move “ultra vires the constitution”.

The petitioner … Read more >>>.

British business secretary for a liberal immigration policy

LONDON – Even as British Prime Minister David Cameron begins his first official visit to India, his Business Secretary Vince Cable created a stir by saying he preferred a more liberal immigration policy for non-EU workers than what the government was currently adopting.

Talking to the media before heading for New Delhi Tuesday, Cable, a Liberal …. Source article on Gaea Times at : British business secretary for a liberal immigration policy.

Psychiatrists say Blagojevich’s choice to have daughters join him at court may be stressful

Blagojevich girls join dad in courtroom at trial

CHICAGO – Rod Blagojevich’s teenage daughter became visibly upset and fell into her mother’s arms during a break in closing arguments at her father’s corruption trial.
Amy Blagojevich’s courtroom emotion came a day after her 7-year-old sister, Annie, clutched their mother’s hand as the family walked past a line …. Original article : Psychiatrists say Blagojevich’s choice to have daughters join him at court may be stressful.

British judge sentences conman who tried to sell Ritz hotel to 5 years in jail

UK conman gets 5 years for ’selling’ Ritz hotel

LONDON – An unemployed British truck driver has been sentenced to five years in jail for trying to sell the world famous Ritz hotel for 250 million pounds ($380 million) to a duped investor.
Anthony Lee was convicted earlier this month for tricking potential buyer Terence Collins to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British judge sentences conman who tried to sell Ritz hotel to 5 years in jail.

China Oil Spill Updates

Taipei, Taiwan (GaeaTimes.com) China had a huge explosion in an oil pipeline that resulted in oil spill. It is reported that oil has spread over 165 square miles or 430 square kilometers of water after five days of explosion.

The pipeline explosion at a busy northeastern port sparked a massive fire five days ago. It …. Original article : China Oil Spill Updates.

Airline pilot pleads guilty to taking under-skirt photo of 15-year-old at Philadelphia airport

US Airways pilot pleads guilty to upskirt photo

PHILADELPHIA – An airline pilot who used his cell phone to take photos up a teenager’s skirt at Philadelphia International Airport has pleaded guilty to invasion of privacy.
US Airways pilot Joseph Pereira was sentenced Tuesday in Philadelphia Family Court to one year of probation. He will be evaluated …. Original article : Airline pilot pleads guilty to taking under-skirt photo of 15-year-old at Philadelphia airport.

Milwaukee Airport Closed Due to Flooding, Sinkhole opens

New York (GaeaTimes.com) – A powerful overnight thunderstorm hit southeastern Wisconsin, USA on 22nd July, 2010. Widespread flooding in southern Wisconsin area closed down General Mitchell International airport of Milwaukee and opened up a giant sinkhole. Two people were taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee after they were struck by lightning during this … Original article on : Milwaukee Airport Closed Due to Flooding, Sinkhole opens.

Bangladesh apex court wants safeguards against military rule

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has denounced the declaration of martial law in the past and has sought safeguards to end “extra-constitutional adventures”.

Bangladesh underwent radical political and constitutional changes during a 15-year period between August 1975 and December 1990 when martial law was promulgated and the country had a series of military-led governments.
The Appellate …. Read the original article : Bangladesh apex court wants safeguards against military rule.

UN declares access to clean water a human right

NEW YORK – The United Nations Wednesday declared access to clean water a human right, voicing “deep concern” about a human necessity denied to almost 900 million people worldwide.

The 192-nation body approved a resolution put forward by Bolivia and signed by 33 other states. There were 121 votes in favour and 41 abstentions.
The resolution … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN declares access to clean water a human right.

Family of Jewish art collector sues Hungary in US court for art seized during Holocaust

Hungary sued over art looted during Holocaust

WASHINGTON – Heirs of a renowned Jewish art collector are suing the government of Hungary for the return of more than $100 million worth of paintings seized during World War II.
The family of Baron Mor Lipot Herzog has tried for more than 10 years to recapture the paintings through … Original article on : Family of Jewish art collector sues Hungary in US court for art seized during Holocaust.

Retired NFL players sue own attorneys over $26M lawsuit settlement

NFL retirees sue attorneys after suit settlement

SAN FRANCISCO – Several retired football players are suing the attorneys who won a $26 million settlement from the NFL Players Association on their behalf.
The former players, including Paul Hornug, John Brodie and Marvin Cobb, claim the lawyers should have extracted even more money from the union.
The Manatt, Phelps …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Retired NFL players sue own attorneys over $26M lawsuit settlement.

American Airlines agrees to pay $5 million to settle freight price-fixing case

American Airlines to pay $5m in freight case

DALLAS – American Airlines has agreed to pay $5 million and provide evidence against other airlines to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by freight shippers who were victims of a price-fixing cartel.
A lawyer for the shippers, Michael Hausfeld, said Wednesday that American was the first airline to agree …. Original article : American Airlines agrees to pay $5 million to settle freight price-fixing case.

Sarkozy orders illegal Roma immigrants expelled, their camps dismantled after violence

Sarkozy orders illegal Roma immigrants expelled

SAINT OUEN, France – French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday ordered authorities to expel gypsy illegal immigrants and dismantle their camps, amid accusations that his government is acting racist in its treatment of the group known as Roma.
Sarkozy called a government meeting Wednesday after Roma clashed with police this month … Read more : Sarkozy orders illegal Roma immigrants expelled, their camps dismantled after violence.

Software engineer killed in Greater Noida

GREATER NOIDA – A 25-years-old software engineer was found dead with stab wounds in the Kasna area of Greater Noida early Wednesday, police said.

Abhinav Ratnavat was found dead on a footpath near Parasvnath Apartments in Swarnanagri colony around 2.30 a.m., Kasna police said.
Superintendent of Police (Greater Noida) Atul Saxena said Abhinav hailed … Read more >>.

Activist criticises politicians for supporting khaps

NEW DELHI – A woman activist Wednesday criticised politicians who directly or indirectly support the diktats of khap panchayats against same gotra marriages.

Speaking on ‘honour killings’ during a lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) here, Jagmati Sangwan, president of the Haryana unit of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), said politicians should refrain from …. Read the original article : Activist criticises politicians for supporting khaps.

Punish officials for proxy attendance in panchayats: Panel

NEW DELHI – Taking serious note of instances of panchayats being run by spouses or close relatives of elected women representatives (EWRs), a parliamentary panel has recommended departmental action against government officials allowing proxy attendance in meetings of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

The Standing Committee on Rural Development, in its report tabled in the Lok Sabha …. Source : Punish officials for proxy attendance in panchayats: Panel.

911 more low-floor buses in Delhi before Games

NEW DELHI – As many as 911 more low-floor buses will be added on the capital’s roads ahead of the Commonwealth Games in October, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) told the Delhi High Court Wednesday.

The court asked the Delhi government to chalk out a plan to address the transport problem in the city in view … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 911 more low-floor buses in Delhi before Games.

Apex court upholds CBI probe into Mumbai police firing deaths

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the Maharashtra government’s plea against a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of six people in police firing during the 1992 Mumbai riots. It also directed the agency to complete the probe in six months.

The CBI investigation was ordered by the Bombay High Court. … Read more >>>.

Sohrabuddin case: CBI asks case to be shifted out of Gujarat

AHMEDABAD – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday submitted its status report on the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case to the Supreme Court.

According to television reports, CBI in its status report has asked for the case to be shifted out of Gujarat as it feels that investigation cannot be carried out in an …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Sohrabuddin case: CBI asks case to be shifted out of Gujarat.

Sikhs rally against youth’s harassment in Jammu

JAMMU – Angry Sikhs from various parts of the Jammu region Friday held a rally here Friday, protesting against a youth’s hair being cut off by a group of youngsters in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and sought more security for the community in the state.

“It’s a clear attempt to mount an assault on our religious …. Source : Sikhs rally against youth’s harassment in Jammu.

Plea against probe into Mumbai police firing deaths dismissed

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday dismissed the Maharashtra government’s plea against the Bombay High Court’s order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of six people in police firing during the 1992 Mumbai riots.

The apex court directed the CBI to continue with its investigation.
Police opened fire to disperse …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Plea against probe into Mumbai police firing deaths dismissed.

CBI to file interim report in Sohrabuddin case

NEW DELHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will submit its interim report on the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case before the Supreme Court today.

According to television reports, the investigating agency will seek 3-4 months extension from the court before the final report is completed.

The apex Court had set July 31 as the …. Original source : CBI to file interim report in Sohrabuddin case.

S.Y. Quraishi takes charge as CEC

NEW DELHI – S.Y. Quraishi Friday took over as India’s new chief election commissioner (CEC), becoming the first Muslim in the country to occupy the post.

He takes over from Navin Chawla, who held the post for one-and-a-half years.
Quraishi had said Thursday that he was taking over the post with “great pride and humility”. … Original article on : S.Y. Quraishi takes charge as CEC.

NY trustee files 3 lawsuits to recover more than $30 million in Madoff family investments

NY suit seeks $30 million in Madoff family money

NEW YORK – The New York trustee appointed to recover money jailed financier Bernard Madoff stole from investors has sued three entities where he says more than $30 million in Madoff family money was tucked away.
Trustee Irving Picard identified the money in three lawsuits filed Thursday in …. Source : NY trustee files 3 lawsuits to recover more than $30 million in Madoff family investments.

Congress members from Mich. raise concern about cost of trial for Detroit plane attack suspect

Concern raised over cost of plane attack trial

DETROIT – Michigan’s entire congressional delegation has told Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano it wants assurances the federal government will pay for security at the trial of a man accused of trying to blow up a Detroit-bound flight.
The 17 lawmakers wrote to Napolitano on Thursday, saying her earlier … Read more »».

Trials set on jailbreak, murder charges for Pa. man whose land contained many buried corpses

Trials for Pa. man accused of killings, jailbreak

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – A man whose northeastern Pennsylvania property contained as many as 12 corpses will be tried on double-murder charges this fall.
A Luzerne County judge ruled Thursday that 36-year-old Hugo Selenski will stand trial beginning Nov. 15.
Selenski is charged with killing Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett in … Read more >>>.

Federal jury orders Calgon Carbon pay $12 million in lawsuit over contract with ADA-ES

Jury orders Calgon Carbon to pay $12M in lawsuit

PITTSBURGH – Calgon Carbon Corp. said Thursday that a federal jury in Pennsylvania has ordered it to pay $12 million to coal technology company ADA-ES Inc.
The judgment stems from a lawsuit over a contract awarded to Calgon Carbon in 2008 to supply products to the electric power … Read more »».

Petters defense asks federal appeals court for retrial; calls sentence ‘barbaric’

Petters defense asks appeals court for retrial

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lawyers for Minnesota businessman Tom Petters are asking a federal appeals court to order a new trial for him after he was convicted last December of running a $3.7 billion Ponzi scheme.
In papers sent Friday to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, they say … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Petters defense asks federal appeals court for retrial; calls sentence ‘barbaric’.

LA judge sets trial to determine owner of 840-pound emerald from Brazil

LA trial will determine owner of giant emerald

LOS ANGELES – The case of who really owns the 840-pound Bahia emerald is headed to trial in September after a judge rejected a motion to dismiss a Northern California man’s ownership claim.
Tony Thomas says he paid a Brazilian gem dealer $60,000 for the rock in 2001, only …. Original source : LA judge sets trial to determine owner of 840-pound emerald from Brazil.

Appointments of senior officials not under RTI: Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday said that information pertaining to appointment of top bureaucrats cannot be revealed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Justice S. Muralidhar passed this order while dismissing the plea of RTI activist and Magsaysay Award winner Arvind Kejriwal, seeking disclosure of the information on the ground that … Read : Appointments of senior officials not under RTI: Court.

Hockey India allowed to go ahead with election

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday allowed Hockey India to go ahead with the election of its executive board and complete it by July 31. It was also allowed to announce the results but restrained from acting in pursuance of the outcome of the election.

A bench of Justice Altmas Kabir and Justice A.K. …. Original source : Hockey India allowed to go ahead with election.

Delete ‘newly added facts’ in paternity suit: Tiwari

NEW DELHI – Former Andhra Pradesh governor N.D. Tiwari Friday asked the Delhi High Court to direct the person claiming to be his biological son delete the newly added facts in the paternity suit.

Tiwari, represented by his counsel Chetan Sharma, raised objections to the additional facts incorporated by Rohit Shekhar in his fresh paternity … Read : Delete ‘newly added facts’ in paternity suit: Tiwari.

Mayawati’s Noida Park hits green roadblock in court

NEW DELHI – The government Friday told the Supreme Court that it could not grant environmental clearance to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati’s Noida Park project unless the state government complies with the environmental conditions laid down even as the apex court said it could stop the construction if it was satisfied the park was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mayawati’s Noida Park hits green roadblock in court.

‘Lahore courts on terrorists hit list’, warns police officer

LAHORE – A Lahore police officer, Aslam Tareen, has warned that the city’s courts are on the hit list of terror groups, as miscreants can enter them by wearing the uniform of lawyers and police officials.

Tareen said that the threat could be avoided if the lawyers stop objecting to their physical search by security guards …. Original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Lahore courts on terrorists hit list’, warns police officer.

Nepal SC sentences ‘bikini killer’Sobhraj to life

KATHMANDU – Nepal’s Supreme Court on Friday slapped a life sentence on Charles Sobhraj, the “bikini killer”, for murdering American tourist Connie Jo Bronzich in 1975.

A division bench comprising Justices Ram Kumar Prasad Shah and Gauri Dhakal upheld the verdict of the Kathmandu District Court and the Patan Appellate Court, which found him guilty of … Read more »».

Cabinet approves Bill to raise HC judges retirement age

NEW DELHI – The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the recommendation of increase in the retirement age of High Court judges from 62 to 65.

The measure will help around 630 judges of the 21 High Courts in the country.

According to sources though the Law Ministry is keen on introducing the legislation in the ongoing Monsoon … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cabinet approves Bill to raise HC judges retirement age.

Orissa tapped 417 phones from 2006 to 2008

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa tapped 417 telephones in the state from October 2006 to December 2008, a lawyer and right to information activist said Friday.

According to the written information provided by the public information officer of the home department, telephones of three people were intercepted from October to December in 2006, Biswapriya Kanungo told IANS.
Kanungo …. Source article : Orissa tapped 417 phones from 2006 to 2008.

Iran says 3 imprisoned Americans should stand trial for illegal border crossing

Iran says 3 Americans should stand trial
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran reiterated on Sunday that three Americans jailed a year ago should stand trial on charges of illegally crossing the country’s borders.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Iran is also considering other possible charges against Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal including intentionally …. Original source : Iran says 3 imprisoned Americans should stand trial for illegal border crossing.

New York allows HIV tests on corpses

NEW YORK – The state of New York has passed a law that allows HIV tests on corpses and people in coma.

New York Governor David Paterson has signed a bill into law that will permit the tests, Fox News reported.
The law also allows anonymous testing for citizens of the state. It also means New … Read more >>.

Brazil offers asylum to woman condemned to death in Iran

CURITIBA – Brazilian President Luiz In??cio Lula da Silva offered to give asylum to an Iranian woman condemned to death by stoning for adultery.

Lula said Saturday that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani – whose case has provoked international condemnation – would be welcome in Brazil if her presence in Iran is a problem for “my friend Ahmadinejad”. …. Source article : Brazil offers asylum to woman condemned to death in Iran.