Briefs, February 18, 2013
Bangladesh's parliament, meeting demands of protesters thronging the capital, amended a law yesterday allowing the state to appeal any verdict in war crimes trials it deems inadequate.
DHAKA - Bangladesh's parliament, meeting demands of protesters thronging the capital, amended a law yesterday allowing the state to appeal any verdict in war crimes trials it deems inadequate. Tens of thousands of demonstrators burst into cheers as the assembly approved the changes. The protesters have been demanding the death penalty for war crimes after a tribunal this month sentenced a prominent Islamist to life in prison. Reuters
PERTH - Australia is seeking further explanation from Malaysia about why senator Nick Xenophon, who went to the country to discuss electoral reform, was denied entry and deported. Speaking in Melbourne, where Xenophon had arrived earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said: "We made immediate and strenuous representations on his behalf. Clearly we didn't succeed. We will continue to pursue this issue with the Malaysian government." Reuters