Africa
Algeria kidnapping: hostages escape
It has been estimated that 30-40 Algerians and 15-25 hostages have escaped from a stand off in Algeria. Foreign workers were being held by Islamist militants in Algeria and were surrounded by Algerian troops this morning. It is believed a full offence will be launched later today. The group of foreigners were captured on a bus and taken to a gas facility, after a Briton and Algerian were killed. Algeria officials orriginally report that 20 people are being held, despite claims by the militants that the true number is double that. William Hague, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, has suggested that the kidnapping is likely to do with the French military interventions in Mali. Algerian Interior Minister said that officials will not negotiate.
Europe
Scottish Independence: Lords approve referendum
The House of Lords has passed a bill that would allow Scotland’s devolved government to hold a referendum on independence. In practice, the bill permits Scotland’s devolved government to draft a bill that may bring forward a referendum on independence; determining its wording, date and rules. Addressing the House, Lord Wallace of Tankerness introduced the order as “the most important decision which we in Scotland take in our lifetime”. However Tory Peer, Lord Forsyth, said there was a lot of complacency and a huge amount of “trust” being placed in Scotland’s current administration, arguing that “The Scottish government can’t be a participant and a referee at the same time.” Scotland’s First Minister was yesterday in the House of Commons meeting with MPs, who previously approved the bill unanimously.
Militants execute French spy
Islamist militants, al-Shabab, have killed a French intelligence officer in response to the military’s attempt to free him. Last Friday French special military launched an unsuccessful bid to find Denis Alex in the Somalian Shabab stronghold, Bulo Marer. Although the Islamist group state that they knew of the attack and moved Mr. Allex, the French Government believes that he was killed during the attack. Al-Shabab announced the execution on Twitter. The Islamist group kidnapped Mr. Allex in July 2009.
Latin America
Cholera outbreak in Cuba
51 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Cuba’s capital, Havana; the largest outbreak in years. The country’s health ministry confirmed speculations over the outbreak which has seen one fatality. It was previously believed to have been extinct throughout Cuba. Cholera is an infection in the small intestines that causes severe dehydration. It effects between 3-4 million individuals globally per year, and is commonly seen in developing countries as occurrence often develops through contamination in water supplies.
Asia
India rape case: Legal proceedings are fast-tracked
The conviction of five men charged with the gang-rape and murder of a 23 year old medical student in Delhi has been fast tracked. Last week it was learned that the defence is argueing that one of the individuals was tortured for up to ten days, adding that evidence had been ‘manipulated’. The case instigated protests over much wider issues surrounding the role of women in India. Some commentators claim there are nearly 100,000 rape cases pending prosecution in the judicial system. Court proceedings are now due to begin on Monday.
North America
U.S. request Laos investigation into activist disappearance
The U.S. has formally asked Laos to begin investigations into the disappearance of Sombath Somphone – a renowned social activist. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announced today, a month on from when Mr. Sophone was stopped by officials and taken away by an unidentified individual. Certain organisations have expressed fears that the obduction could have been commission by officials of the communist state. The Government has said it does not know of his whereabouts.
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