Human Rights Watch on Friday condemned France's "outsourcing" of trials of Islamic State group suspects held in Iraq where seven of its nationals have this week been sentenced to death.
Two of them have "alleged that they were tortured or coerced to confess", the New York-based watchdog said in a statement.
"France and other countries should not be outsourcing management of their terrorism suspects to abusive justice systems," said HRW's acting Middle East director, Lama Fakih.
"These countries should not be sitting idly by while their citizens are transferred to a country where their right to a fair trial and protection from torture are undermined." A Baghdad court sentenced a Frenchman to death on Wednesday for joining IS, bringing to seven the number of French jihadists on death row in Iraq.
Yassin Sakkam was among 12 French citizens handed over to Iraqi authorities in January by a US-backed force which expelled the jihadist group from its last bastion in Syria.
Sakkam's sentence ..

HRW condemns France 'outsourcing' of IS trials to Iraq

PTI Automatic

A Palestinian stabbed and wounded two Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday before being shot dead, police said, despite tight security for Ramadan.
One of the Israelis was in a critical condition and the other suffered serious wounds, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
"Police units that responded at the scene saw the attacker with a knife. The attacker was shot and killed by police units," Rosenfeld said.
Police identified the assailant as a 19-year-old Palestinian.
The Old City, where the attack took place, has been the scene of numerous stabbings of Israelis by wildcat Palestinian assailants in recent years.
The first Israeli was stabbed near Damascus Gate. The second was attacked near Jaffa Gate on the other side of the walled city.
Security has been stepped up across Jerusalem during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Tens of thousands of believers were expected to gather at the Old City's politically contentious Al-Aqsa mosque compound later for the last ...

Two Israelis wounded in Jerusalem stabbings, attacker killed: police

Tehran accused Riyadh Friday of "sowing division" in the region to Israel's advantage, after the kingdom hosted summits of Gulf and Arab leaders to rally support against the Islamic republic.
Saudi Arabia has "continued to sow division between Islamic countries and in the region, which is the wish of the Zionist regime," foreign ministry spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said.
"We see the attempts by Saudi Arabia to rally neighbouring and Arab countries against Iran as the continuation of futile attempts by America and the Zionist regime," he added.
Mousavi expressed disappointment that Riyadh intended to level the same "baseless allegations" against Tehran at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Mecca early on Saturday, "exploiting" its role as host.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-rival Iran, calling on Arab states to confront its "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional ...

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of 'sowing division'

Gilberto Altuve places his son Erick's toys on a white cloth alongside cards from friends and the mask he used while waiting for a desperately needed bone marrow transplant that never came.
He died aged 11 on May 26 while waiting in a Venezuelan hospital, after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in February.
He was not the only child in May to lose his battle with the disease. So too did Giovanny Figuera, Robert Redondo and Yeiderberth Requena.
"He needed a bone marrow transplant, the disease was advancing every day," Altuve, 38, told AFP, adding that his son had suffered from immunodeficiency since he was very young.
That was the problem that sent him to the J. M. de los Rios children's hospital in Caracas in January.
The hospital detected his cancer and kept him under observation in the hope of being able to send him to Italy for the transplant that could have saved his life.
But the program agreed in 2010 between Italy and Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA was suspended ...

Hospital shortages a death sentence for Venezuelan children

Japan on Friday announced a policy to reduce marine plastic waste, part of efforts to raise the issue at the G20 summit it will host next month.
Japan is hoping to cast itself as a leader on the issue, and will reportedly press for an international agreement to reduce the amount of plastic going into the ocean during the Osaka summit from June 28 to 30.
"Ocean plastic waste is one of the issues topping the G20 summit agenda, and as the chair of the meeting, we will exercise leadership to solve the matter," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a ministerial meeting that adopted the policy package.
But so far the policies are largely theoretical, with no timeline specified for legislation needed to implement some of the programme.
Japan is the second largest per capita producer of plastic waste in the world after the United States, and while it has a comparatively high recycling rate, it lags behind on efforts to reduce single-use plastic.
Included in the policy is a plan to require retailers 

Japan unveils policy to curb plastic waste before G20

Sri Lanka's central bank cut its main lending rate Friday in a bid to revive the island's economy, which was battered by the Easter suicide bombings that killed 258 people.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said the rate at which it lent to commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points to 8.5 per cent to encourage borrowing and mitigate fallout from the bombings which have scared off tourists.
Forty-five foreigners were among the dead from the April 21 suicide attacks against three Christian churches and three luxury hotels that also left nearly 500 people wounded.
"The Easter Sunday attacks have affected confidence and sentiments of economic agents, particularly disrupting tourism and related activities," the bank said.
"Although normalcy is gradually returning to economic activity, a lower than initially projected growth could be anticipated during 2019."
Sri Lanka's economic growth slowed to 3.2 per cent last year from 3.4 per cent in 2018, but had been expected to pick up in 2019 ...

Sri Lanka cuts rates to boost economy after Easter attacks

Condoms, perfume, wine and pianos are among a cocktail of American products that will be hit by a steep increase in Chinese tariffs on Saturday as Beijing retaliates in an escalating trade war.
The move will cap a week that was marked by a heated war of words and Chinese threats to curb exports of rare earths, which are key to US tech industries, after President Donald Trump blacklisted telecom giant Huawei.
Washington and Beijing resumed their tariffs battle earlier this month after trade talks in Washington ended without a deal, with the US side accusing Chinese negotiators of reneging on previous commitments.
The countries have exchanged tariffs on USD 360 billion in two-way trade so far.
Trump more than doubled punitive tariffs on USD 200 billion in Chinese goods to 25 per cent, and launched the process to hit nearly all remaining imports from the Asian country.
China responded by announcing that it would increase tariffs on USD 60 billion in American products on June 1, giving ...

China's US tariff hike to target condoms, wine, pianos

Inter Milan on Friday announced the appointment of former Italy manager Antonio Conte as coach with the ambition of returning to the top of world football.
The 49-year-old has signed a three-year contract worth nine million euros ($10 million) plus bonuses, according to press reports.
He replaces Luciano Spalletti who secured Chinese-owned Inter's Champions League berth for a second consecutive year on the final day of the Serie A season last Sunday.
With the 18-time Serie A champions searching for a first trophy since the Coppa Italia in 2011, Conte boasts a powerful pedigree.
He won the first three of Juventus' eight straight Serie A titles and the Premier League and FA Cup as Chelsea boss.
"A new chapter is opening in my life," Conte said. "I can't wait. I have chosen Inter because of the club it is, for its plans and ambition." Inter chairman Steve Wang added:
"I am sure Antonio Conte is one of the best coaches.
"I am sure he will help us to reach our target ... to make this club .

Inter Milan name Antonio Conte as coach

Hong Kong's youth are shunning their city's annual Tiananmen vigil, focused on fighting their own pro-democracy battles instead of commemorating a historical atrocity against compatriots from whom they feel steadily more alienated.
Students and youngsters have been at the vanguard of democracy protests that have convulsed Hong Kong in recent years as anger rises over inequality and Beijing's moves to chip away at the financial hub's unique freedoms.
A vivid illustration of those freedoms has long been the annual Tiananmen vigil on June 4, an emotion-tinged spectacle where more than one hundred thousand people gather in a park holding candles.
Hong Kong is the only place inside China where public commemorations can be safely held. Yet youngsters are becoming a rarer sight.
The proportion of those attending the vigil aged under 30 dropped from 55 percent to 31 percent between 2010 and 2018, the same period the city's youth leaders burst onto the political scene, according to a survey by 

Hong Kong's alienated youngsters split over Tiananmen vigil

Sudanese authorities on Thursday shut down news broadcaster Al Jazeera's Khartoum office, as thousands of protesters gathered outside the country's military headquarters to pressure the ruling generals to cede power.
The sprawling military complex has become the focal point of the weeks-long protest movement, which is calling for the country's Transitional Military Council to hand over power to civilians, following the ousting of longtime autocrat President Omar al-Bashir in April.
Late Thursday, the Qatari television channel said its bureau was abruptly shut down and its journalists banned from reporting in the country with immediate effect, without being given a reason.
"They told us that the military council had decided to close the Al Jazeera network's office and withdraw its licence," bureau director Al-Musallami Al-Kabbashi told AFP.
The news channel, which regularly broadcasts footage of the demonstrations in Sudan, is funded by Doha, a close ally of former president ...

Sudan authorities shut down Al Jazeera office as protests continue

Hopes were fading Friday of finding any more survivors from a boat accident on the Danube river in Budapest, with 21 people still missing most of them South Korean tourists.
Police and army boats continued search operations for a second night but their work has been hampered by high river levels and a strong current after weeks of heavy rainfall.
The Mermaid sightseeing boat overturned after colliding with a much larger river cruise ship on a busy stretch of the Danube on Wednesday evening.
At least seven South Korean tourists were killed and 21 people remain missing -- including the boat's captain and a crew member, both Hungarian.  Only seven people are known to have survived so far.
Late Thursday police announced that the captain of the larger ship, the 135-metre four-storey Viking Sigyn, had been taken into custody and "questioned as a suspect... in relation to 'endangering waterborne traffic resulting in multiple deaths'." "After being questioned, 64-year-old Yuriy C., a resident 

Desperate search after Budapest boat tragedy enters third day

Two Israelis were wounded, one critically, in a knife attack in annexed east Jerusalem on Friday, police said.
Police said the attacker had been "neutralised" without specifying whether he had been killed or wounded.
The Old City, where the attack took place, has been the scene of numerous stabbings of Israelis by wildcat Palestinian assailants in recent years.
The first Israeli was stabbed near Damascus Gate. The second was attacked near Jaffa Gate on the other side of the walled city.
Security has been stepped up across Jerusalem during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Tens of thousands of believers were expected to gather at the Old City's politically-contentious Al-Aqsa mosque compound later for the last Friday prayers of Ramadan.
The attack came just two days before Israelis hold a major march to mark Jerusalem Day, the annual commemoration of the capture of east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967.
It was later annexed in a move not recognised by the international ...

Two Israelis wounded in Jerusalem knife attack: police

North Korea executed its special envoy to the United States following the collapse of the second summit between leader Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump, a South Korean newspaper reported Friday.
The Chosun Ilbo said Kim Hyok Chol, who laid the groundwork for the Hanoi meeting and accompanied Kim on his private train, was executed by firing squad for "betraying the supreme leader" after he was turned by the US.
"Kim Hyok Chol was executed in March at Mirim Airport along with four senior foreign ministry officials following an investigation," the newspaper quoted an unidentified source as saying.
The other officials were not named.
Kim Hyok Chol was the North's counterpart of US special representative Stephen Biegun in the run-up to the Hanoi summit in February.
South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, declined to comment on the report.
The paper also said Kim Jong Un's interpreter Shin Hye Yong was sent to a prison camp for a mistake at the ...

N.Korea 'executed' officials after failed Trump summit: report

Among the rewards for the Champions League winners on Saturday will be silverware, status and history but the greatest prize awaiting Liverpool or Tottenham might be an end to the agonising wait.
Combined, it has been 18 years - seven for Liverpool, 11 for Tottenham - since either lifted a trophy, despite huge strides made in recent years under the much-praised Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.
Klopp and Pochettino have been singled-out as two of Europe's best coaches after crafting teams that reflect their personalities -- Liverpool thrilling and fearless, Spurs brave and unrelenting.
And while scepticism has greeted the perfection of Manchester City's star-studded squad in England, approval has also followed Liverpool and Tottenham's nurturing of youngsters.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Winks came through the clubs' youth systems while Andrew Robertson, Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier joined aged 24 or younger. All of them could start at the Wanda Metropolitano.
But any ...

Tottenham and Liverpool chase biggest win of all to drop loser tag for good

Steve Smith and David Warner will seek redemption on the biggest stage as they re-launch their one-day international careers for Australia against Afghanistan at the World Cup on Saturday.
The star batsmen were both banned for a year for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal but they have found form on their return to the international set-up.
Warner was the top runscorer in the recent Indian Premier League while Smith struck a hundred in a warm-up victory against England last weekend.
The defending champions have endured a tumultuous past year but the Aaron Finch-led side are peaking at the right time and are considered one of the favourites in the 50-over showpiece event.
After edging out hosts India 3-2 in a five-match ODI series in March, Australia welcomed back Smith and Warner with open arms.
But they are not expected to be given an easy ride by English fans, with former captain Smith being booed and called a "cheat" during the England warm-up game.
Former Australian paceman ..

Smith, Warner hungry as Australia launch World Cup campaign against Afghanistan

New Zealand are happy to go under the radar as they prepare to launch their campaign for World Cup glory against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Saturday.
The Black Caps reached the final four years ago for the first time after six semi-final defeats, only to be soundly beaten by Australia in Melbourne.
Kane Williamson has replaced the swashbuckling Brendon McCullum as captain but the core of the team that came so close in 2015 remains.
Since the last World Cup, New Zealand have risen as high as second in the world rankings but have also been beaten at home by South Africa, England and India.
New Zealand beat fancied India in their opening World Cup warm-up game before going down to the West Indies.
Former Kiwi paceman James Franklin is confident Williamson's side can claim their first World Cup trophy.
"New Zealand are in a sweet spot. No one's talking about us too much," he said at the opening party of the 12th edition of the 50-over tournament.
"We're forever the underdogs and that suits ..

New Zealand begin World Cup charge against Sri Lanka

Former Spain international Raul Bravo and retired football player Carlos Aranda were remanded in custody on Thursday, suspected of leading a match-fixing gang that operated in the country's first and second divisions.
In a statement, a court said a judge in Huesca in northern Spain had ruled both could be freed if they posted bail of 100,000 euros ($111,000) each.
The four other suspects who were also questioned by the judge on Thursday were released on bail pending the investigation.
They include the president of SD Huesca, a football club that climbed into top division La Liga this season before being relegated again.
They were all detained in a police operation launched on Tuesday over alleged match-fixing during this season and the 2017-2018 campaign.
Among them were several games played by Real Valladolid, a club majority-owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo since September.
Bravo, 38, is a former Real Madrid player.
The suspects are accused of match-fixing, belonging to a ...

Ex Spain international in custody after football match-fixing

Lionel Messi still "loves" the Argentine national team despite more than a decade of disappointments, international team-mate Sergio Aguero said on Thursday as the pair prepare for the Copa America in neighboring Brazil.
Despite trophy cupboards laden with club accolades, both Messi and Aguero have suffered much heartache with the Argentine national team.
Messi, Argentina's all-time leading scorer, and Aguero were part of the Argentine squads that lost three major finals in successive years at the 2014 World Cup, 2015 Copa America and 2016 Centenario Copa America.
Messi was also a beaten finalist in the 2007 continental tournament.
The five time Ballon d'Or winner's national team frustrations are well known and at 31 he is fast running out of opportunities to win a major international honor with his country.
He has already retired from international duty once before -- albeit briefly -- and took eight months off following Argentina's World Cup last 16 exit just under a year ago.
"We ..

Messi still driven to win with Argentina, insists Aguero

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Friday ratcheted up the rhetoric against arch-nemesis Iran, calling on Arab states to confront its "criminal" actions after attacks on oil installations sparked fears of a regional conflagration.
The king's remarks came at the start of two back-to-back emergency summits in the holy city of Mecca, which drew near-unanimous support for the Sunni kingdom from Gulf and Arab states -- with the exception of Iraq.
The summits came a day after hawkish US National Security Advisor John Bolton said Iran was almost certainly behind this month's sabotage of four ships, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast. Tehran rejected the charge.
Saudi Arabia, a staunch US ally, also faces stepped-up drone attacks from Iran-aligned Huthi rebels, one of which resulted in the temporary shutdown of a major oil pipeline.
"The absence of a firm and dissuasive response to Iran's acts of sabotage in the region has encouraged it to continue and strengthen them in the way we 

Saudi king demands firm Arab stand on Iran's 'criminal' acts

A top Pentagon official has said the consequences would be "devastating" for Turkey's joint F-35 fighter program and its cooperation with NATO if the country bought a Russian missile defense system.
Kathryn Wheelbarger, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said that Ankara's planned purchase of the S-400 system would damage Turkey's ability to work together with the Western alliance, and force Washington to hit the country with sanctions.
"Completion of this transaction would be devastating, not only to the F-35 program, on which the West has placed its modernized integrated air capability, but it would potentially rupture Turkish interoperability with NATO, a key aspect of the defense of the alliance," Wheelbarger told an audience at the Atlantic Council in Washington on Thursday.
"Let's be clear. The S-400 is a Russian system designed to shoot down an aircraft like the F-35, and it is inconceivable to imagine Russia not taking advantage of that ..

Pentagon calls Turkey plan to buy Russian missile 'devastating'

Hundreds of women marched towards Sudan's military headquarters in Khartoum after calls from protest leaders for a mass march to pressure the country's ruling generals to cede power.
Bearing Sudanese flags and banners calling for civilian government, they walked through central Khartoum on Thursday before joining protesters who have staged a weeks-long sit-in outside the sprawling complex.
The site has become the focal point of the country's protest movement, which saw longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir ousted in April and has since been calling for the generals who replaced him to hand power to civilians.
"The Sudanese woman demands... justice, equality democracy, a civil government and fair government," said Hoyam al-Taj, a journalist in her thirties taking part in the march.
Nada Hashem, a young mother in brightly coloured traditional Sudanese dress, agreed.
"We want a civil state that will guarantee our rights as women and guarantee us a dignified life," she told AFP.
As they made ..

AFP

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