Briefs, December 31, 2012

Norovirus outbreak kills four in Yokohama

TOKYO - A suspected norovirus outbreak has killed four people and infected almost 100 others at a hospital in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. Four patients aged between 80 and 97 died of breathing problems and pneumonia. A total of 72 patients, including the four, and 27 hospital workers have been infected since Tuesday. AFP

Extortion suspected in Philippines bus bomb

ISULAN, Philippines - A powerful bomb exploded in a passenger bus, wounding at least seven people in the southern Philippines in an attack by suspected extortion gangs. The bomb exploded in the rear of the bus travelling in Isulan in Sultan Kudarat province, sparking a brief fire, but causing no injuries. AP

Death sentences for five in envoy killing

DHAKA - A Bangladeshi court sentenced five members of a gang to death for killing a Saudi Arabian diplomat in Dhaka in March. Khalaf Ali, 45, a second secretary at his embassy, was shot near the embassy in Dhaka's diplomatic zone. The five shot Ali while trying to rob him, police said. Reuters

Nepalese acquitted of prostitute murder

TOKYO - A Nepalese man acquitted last month of murdering a prostitute after serving 15 years in a Japanese jail is seeking US$790,000 in compensation. Govinda Prasad Mainali, 46, was freed and sent back to Nepal in June after his request for a retrial was approved. He was cleared of murder in his absence last month, after a DNA test indicated another man was responsible for killing a businesswoman who worked at night as a prostitute, in Tokyo in 1997. AFP