News Briefs
BY Wire Reports
Saturday, November 10, 2012
11/10/12 at 2:49 AM
Cairo: Ultraconservatives call for Shariah law to rule
More than 10,000 ultraconservative Muslims demonstrated Friday in downtown Cairo to demand that Egypt's new constitution be based on the rulings of Islamic law, or Shariah, in the latest tussle over the role of religion in the country's future.
The writing of the constitution has been fraught with controversy since last year's political uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in the rise of formerly repressed Islamists to power. But Islamists themselves are not in agreement over the interpretation of Shariah and its place in the document.
Demonstrators in Tahrir Square demanded that the panel writing the constitution override liberal and secular objections and include language that could see religious scholars influencing legislation. The panel is led by the Muslim Brotherhood, the powerful Islamist group from which the country's new President Mohammed Morsi hails.
Tehran, Iran: Iran claims U.S. drone violated its airspace
Iran's defense minister said Friday that a U.S. drone violated Iranian airspace a week ago when the Pentagon says the pilotless aircraft came under fire. The U.S. maintains the drone was over international waters.
"Last week, an unknown aircraft entered Iran's airspace in the Persian Gulf," said Gen. Ahmad Vahidi. "It was forced to leave on time by a wise and strong reaction on the part of the Iranian armed forces."
Vahidi's remarks came a day after the Pentagon said an Iranian military plane fired on - at least twice - but did not hit, an unarmed U.S. drone a week ago. A Pentagon spokesman said the pilotless aircraft was in international airspace over the Persian Gulf and returned to base unharmed.
Colombo, Sri Lanka: 13 inmates killed in prison revolt, shootout
At least 13 inmates of a Sri Lankan prison were killed in a shootout Friday with security forces and 32 were wounded, a doctor said, as rioting prisoners appeared to take control of at least part of the facility in the country's capital.
Police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said the fighting began when police commandos went to Welikada prison in the capital, Colombo, to conduct a search and were attacked by inmates hurling stones. He declined to provide more information. Officials often conduct raids for narcotics and communication devices.
An Associated Press photographer saw prisoners waving rifles atop the roof Friday night. Other prisoners piled into a three-wheeled vehicle and began driving toward a main city road before security forces outside the prison opened fire. The vehicle stopped, and three unmoving bodies could be seen.
Army troops later were called in to help control the situation.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos: Islanders vote to elect all-new government
The Turks and Caicos Islands prepared to govern itself for the first time in three years as voters in the British territory elected a new government Friday.
The vote marked the end of Britain's three-year direct rule over the territory following an inquiry into rampant corruption that led to the 2009 resignation of former jet-setting Premier Michael Misick.
Misick had angered many with his lavish lifestyle that included two private jets on call and a Hollywood actress wife, but islanders in recent years began demanding that Britain give back the government.
"It is good to know that we are returning to controlling our own affairs," said 21-year-old hotel waiter Rico Forbes. "Today would be the day. I am really thankful."
He was among hundreds of voters going to polling stations to choose a premier and 15 legislators for Parliament. Some people waited in line for up to four hours, election officials said.
Los Angeles: Man arrested in rape on bus during rush hour
A man was arrested Friday in the rape of a mentally disabled woman aboard a near-empty Los Angeles County bus during rush-hour commute.
Authorities believe Kerry Trotter, 20, boarded the bus with the 18-year-old woman on Wednesday at a stop in suburban Culver City before she was followed to the back of the vehicle and assaulted.
A witness - the only other passenger on board - tried to alert the driver but was unsuccessful, sheriff's officials said without elaborating.
Associated Images:
Fishermen line the Lake Worth Pier on Friday morning in Lake Worth, Fla. The pier reopened Friday after being closed for two weeks from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Repairs were made to the wooden decking, the railing and water/electric lines. LANNIS WATERS / The Palm Beach Post / AP
|
