News In Brief

Abbott sworn in as Aussie PM
Afp, Canberra

Tony Abbott was sworn in as Australia's new prime minister yesterday and immediately ordered the scrapping of the nation's carbon tax and the halting of asylum-seeker boats.
The 55-year-old conservative launched straight into work with a cabinet meeting after the ceremony at Government House in Canberra where his Liberal/National government officially brought six years of Labor rule to a close.

16 killed in Venezuela prison clash
Afp, Caracas

At least 16 people were killed in violent clashes between inmates at a Venezuelan prison, authorities and a non-governmental organization said Tuesday.
Humberto Prado, director of the Venezuelan Prison Observatory, told AFP the brawl broke out Monday in the Sabaneta jail in Maracaibo, a city in the country's northwest.
The reason behind the clash was not clear.

Bo Xilai verdict to be issued Sunday
Afp, Beijing

The verdict in the case of fallen Chinese politician Bo Xilai will be issued on Sunday morning, the court that tried him said yesterday on its verified social media account.
The court is almost certain to find him guilty but his punishment remains in question. The charges against him mean he could be handed a death sentence, but analysts expect him to receive a lengthy prison term.

Sri Lanka editor flees after armed attack
Afp, Colombo

An editor critical of Sri Lanka's government has fled the country following death threats and an armed attack on her home which she suspected was intended to find documents, a media rights groups said yesterday.
The Free Media Movement (FMM) said Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema left for an undisclosed country Tuesday, joining some 80 journalists who have sought refuge abroad since President Mahinda Rajapakse came to power in 2005.