Group alleges torture for U.S.
Security agents in Jordan are torturing terrorism suspects on behalf of the United States in hopes of forcing confessions, the human rights watchdog Amnesty International contended in a new report today.
The report said its investigators had identified about 10 suspected cases of men subjected to rendition from U.S. custody to interrogation centers in Jordan, a close U.S. ally in the Middle East.
“Jordan appears to be a central hub in a global complex of secret detention centers operated by the U.S. in coordination with foreign intelligence agencies,” said Malcolm Smart, director of Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa unit and an author of the report.
The United States has consistently said it does not permit suspects to be shipped to countries that practice torture.
JERUSALEM
Comatose Sharon’s condition worsens
The condition of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since suffering a stroke in January, has deteriorated though there was no immediate danger to his life, hospital officials and former aides said Sunday.
Sharon, 78, was having a problem with his kidneys at Sheba Medical Center in the Tel Aviv suburb of Tel Hashomer. Hospital officials also said brain checks had shown changes in Sharon’s brain tissue but gave no further details.
Sharon, Israel’s most popular politician, had a small stroke in December and was put on blood thinners before he suffered a severe brain hemorrhage in January. The Israeli leader underwent several extensive brain surgeries to stop the bleeding.
OAXACA, Mexico
Gunmen shoot into radio station
Gunmen attacked Oaxaca’s university radio station, authorities said Sunday, the latest incident in a wave of confrontations and protests that have driven many tourists from this historic city.
Assailants fired rounds of ammunition into the station’s windows while it was broadcasting late Saturday, the Oaxaca state government said. Nobody was injured.
Witnesses said the attack was carried out by at least 10 assailants wearing ski masks.
The university radio station has supported a wave of protests aimed at ousting Oaxaca state governor Ulises Ruiz, who is accused of rigging the 2004 election to win office and of violently repressing dissent.
BOGOTA, Colombia
9 researchers found safe
Nine environmental researchers who had been missing in northern Colombia for days were found safe Sunday. The group of researchers works for Corpocesar, an environmental office in the government of the province of Cesar. There was no immediate explanation as to what delayed their return.