News In Brief

First verdict due in Delhi gang-rape
Afp, New Delhi

An Indian court is expected to deliver the first verdict this week on one of five suspects tried over the fatal gang-rape of a student, which triggered outrage and protests across the country.
A juveniles' court in New Delhi has finished hearing the case of the youngest suspect, who was 17 at the time of the horrific assault on the 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in the capital.

Myanmar frees dozens of prisoners
Afp, Yangon

Myanmar has agreed to release some 70 political prisoners, an official said Tuesday, after President Thein Sein vowed to free all dissidents by the end of the year. Last week, during his first visit to London as part of a European tour aimed at burnishing Myanmar's international image, Thein Sein said there would be "no prisoners of conscience in Myanmar" by the end of the year.

Over 500 rhinos killed in SA this yr
Afp, Johannesburg

More than 500 South African rhinos have been killed this year, official figures showed yesterday, amid strong demand for horns on the Asian black market. Last year, 668 rhinos were killed in South Africa, a record high that could be surpassed if the poaching continues at today's pace.

Meal scam: Indian school head caught
Afp, Patna

Police yesterday arrested the head of a school in eastern India where 23 students died after eating food contaminated with pesticide, an officer told AFP. The children, aged four to 12, died after eating a free lunch of lentils, potatoes and rice cooked at the school in a poverty-stricken village on July 16.

Most Israelis back peace deal: Poll
Afp, Jerusalem

More than half of Israelis are likely to support a peace deal with the Palestinians should it come to a referendum, a poll said yesterday.
The poll showed 39 percent of respondents would support any peace plan, and another 16 percent would "probably" approve it. Some 25 percent said they would oppose it.