In brief: Egyptian court upholds conviction in same-sex wedding video

CAIRO – An Egyptian appeals court on Saturday upheld the conviction of eight men for “inciting debauchery” for appearing in an alleged same-sex wedding video, but reduced their sentences from three to one year in prison, a court official said.

The court didn’t immediately give a reason for reducing the sentences handed down last month.

A detailed verdict is expected in the coming days.

The eight men were convicted based on an Internet video showing two men exchanging rings and embracing among cheering friends at a party on a boat on the Nile River.

Rights activists say 2014 is the worst year in a decade for Egypt’s gay community, with at least 150 men arrested or put on trial in connection with their alleged homosexuality.

Egyptian law doesn’t explicitly prohibit homosexuality, so the defendants are tried for “debauchery” – a charge normally reserved for prostitution.

Argentine leader suffers ankle fracture

BUENOS AIRES – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has suffered a fracture in her left ankle, the latest in a series of health setbacks.

A statement did not specify how the president suffered the injury.

The 61-year-old leader has been sidelined with various ailments in recent months. In November, Fernandez was hospitalized for several days for inflammation of the colon. She was obliged to suspend her presidential activities for 48 hours in October due to a sore throat.

In January, the president was treated for hip pain and sciatica, and in July she missed Independence Day celebrations to continue recovering from an acute throat infection. Last year, she underwent head surgery to remove a blood clot.