In brief: Syrian forces storm city, kill 3
BEIRUT – Syrian tanks, troops and bulldozers on Monday swept into a city that has long been a potent symbol of the nation’s pro-democracy movement, raiding houses and hunting down activists opposed to President Bashar Assad’s rule.
Witnesses and activists said at least three people were killed, including a 12-year-old boy, and dozens injured as security forces stormed into the outskirts of Hama.
The latest sweep came three days after residents held one of the largest protests in the 3 1/2-month uprising against the regime.
Officers’ release angers hundreds
CAIRO – Hundreds of Egyptians attacked a courtroom in Cairo on Monday, scuffled with security guards and blocked a major highway for hours after the court ordered the release of 10 policemen charged with killing protesters during the country’s uprising.
The unrest added to tensions already running high in Egypt over the ruling military council’s failure to hold accountable security forces involved in killing protesters during the uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak. Nearly five months later, only one policeman has been convicted in the deaths of more than 846 people killed in a government crackdown on protesters. He was tried in absentia.
Ex-IMF chief may sue French writer
PARIS – Dominique Strauss-Kahn moved Monday to forestall another case on attempted rape charges, vowing to sue a French writer for slander, hours after she announced she would bring a lawsuit today against the former International Monetary Fund chief for attempted rape.
In a statement, Strauss-Kahn’s French lawyers Henri Leclerc and Frederique Baulieu said their client had become “aware of the intention of Mrs. Tristane Banon to file a lawsuit against him” and had ordered them to sue her. The events she described were “imaginary,” the statement read.
Official resigns over remarks
TOKYO – Japan’s new disaster reconstruction minister submitted his resignation today after making remarks widely criticized as offensive during a visit to the earthquake-devasted northeast coast, where he refused to shake a governor’s hand, scolded the official and threatened to withhold aid.
In meetings with local governors over the weekend, Ryu Matsumoto appeared arrogant and uncaring, angering local residents and political opponents.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan appointed Matsumoto to the new post of disaster reconstruction minister last month.
1 killed, 7 lost after boat capsizes
TIJUANA, Mexico – American tourists on an annual July 4 fishing trip were plunged into the Gulf of California in the middle of the night after a flash storm upended their boat, killing at least one U.S. man and leaving seven others missing.
The Mexican navy said late Monday it will extend the search area for survivors after meeting with various rescue agencies.
By early Monday, 19 of the tourists and all 16 crew members had been picked up by the navy or other fishing boats after more than 16 hours.