"Fiat Justitia Ruat Caelum"

South Africa apartheid assassin De Kock given parole

South African apartheid-era death squad commander Eugene de Kock has been granted parole after 20 years in jail.

He was nicknamed "Prime Evil" for his role in the killing and maiming of activists fighting white minority rule in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Justice Minister Michael Masutha said De Kock would be released "in the interests of nation-building".

De Kock, 66, was sentenced in 1996 to two life terms in prison and a further 212 years for the crimes he committed.

Mr Masutha said the time and place of De Kock's release would not be made public.

The justice minister stressed that his decision was guided by South Africa's constitution.

'Close a chapter'

Sandra Mama, widow of Glenack Mama who was killed by De Kock in 1992, said she thought the minister was right in granting parole.

"I think it will actually close a chapter in our history because we've come a long way and I think his release will just once again help with the reconciliation process because there's still a lot of things that we need to do as a country," she told the BBC.

The former colonel was head of the notorious Vlakplaas police unit.

He appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) which was established a year after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.

De Kock confessed to more than 100 acts of murder, torture and fraud, taking full responsibility for the activities of his undercover unit.
He was granted amnesty for most offences but the TRC only had the power to grant amnesty to human rights violators whose crimes were linked to a political motive and who made a full confession.

During the TRC hearings, he described the murders of a number of African National Congress (ANC) members, in countries including Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Angola, naming the police commander above him in each case.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who chaired the TRC, said the decision to release him represented a milestone on South Africa's road to reconciliation and healing.

"I pray that those whom he hurt, those from whom he took loved ones, will find the power within them to forgive him. Forgiving is empowering for the forgiver and the forgiven - and for all the people around them. But we can't be glib about it; it's not easy," Archbishop Tutu said.

Ms Mama said that in her opinion, De Kock had been held responsible for the orders of others.

"He got the instructions from the top and they got away with it. They're living, you know... they're amongst us today and one man is taking the fall," she said.

'Mixed feelings'

Whilst in prison he did a radio interview in 2007, accusing South Africa's last white ruler FW de Klerk of having hands "soaked in blood" for ordering specific killings.

The former president denied the allegations, saying his conscience was clear.

De Kock also made contact with some of his victims' families while in jail, asking for forgiveness.

Eddie Makue, who worked for the South African Council of Churches when its headquarters was bombed in 1988, said he was ambivalent about the announcement.

"It's mixed feelings, which is something we've gotten used to as South Africans,'' he told the Associated Press news agency.

The justice minister also announced that he was not granting parole on medical grounds to another convict in jail for apartheid-era crimes.

Mr Masutha said former MP Clive Derby-Lewis, who was involved in the assassination in 1993 of Chris Hani - the popular Communist Party politician and leader of the ANC's armed wing - had not shown any real remorse.

The murder sparked riots and fears for the transition to democracy ahead of the 1994 elections.

Source: BBC News

Ugandan party appeals against dropped case

THE Appellate Division for East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in Arusha has heard an appeal filed by the Democratic Party of Uganda against the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) and the Attorney Generals of the Republics of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

The appeal, challenges the decision of the First Instance Division of 26th November 2013 that dismissed the case.

The case principally challenges the alleged failure by the Republics of Uganda, Kenya and Burundi (Respondents) to make declarations in acceptance of the competence of the Arushabased African Court in line with Articles 5(3) and 34(6) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and People’s Rights.

It is urged that the alleged failure to do so is an infringement of Articles 5, 6, 7(2), 8(1) (c), 126 and 130 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and Articles 1, 2, 7, 13, 26, 62, 65 and 66 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the aforesaid Protocol.

Mr Justin Semuyaba Counsel for the appellant submitted that, the lower Court erred in its decision by stating that it has no jurisdiction to entertain the said matter.

He also submitted that, the African Charter is part and parcel of the EAC Treaty under Article 6 (d) and thus the Treaty allows the Court to look at the Charter. He further stated that, partner states surrendered their sovereignty when entering into the Treaty.

He also stated that, the EAC Partner States by coming together under the EAC Treaty undertook an obligation to observe all international obligations. Further arguing that, by upholding jurisdiction of the African Court, the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Respondents were infringing provisions of Article 6 (d) of the EAC Treaty.

Dr Anthony Kafumbe, for the EAC Secretary General (1st Respondent) stated that, the lower court arrived at a correct decision and it is proper for the Appellate Division to uphold the decision.

It was the Counsel’s submission that, Articles 23 and 27 of the EAC treaty set out the role of the court and its jurisdiction respectively, which is to ensure adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the Treaty.

To this he added that the Court did not operate outside that framework. He also said that delay caused no violation because the Protocol doesn’t set time limit to deposit their declarations.

Dr Kafumbe also stated that Article 67(3) of the Treaty establishes the Office of the Secretary General and spells out its functions and there is no provision that says the bearer of the office has to supervise Partner States in meeting their obligations.

He further added that Article 29 of the Treaty gives the Secretary General a margin of appreciation; therefore, he has to be convinced that a Partner State has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Treaty.

Dr Kafumbe also submitted that Article 130 of the Treaty does not create obligations of the Secretary General to ensure that Partner States honour their commitments in respect of multinational and international organisations.

Dr Kafumbe said there was no violation of the Treaty and urged the Court to uphold the decision of the lower Court and overrule the appeal.

Mr Elisha Bafirawa Counsel for Uganda (2nd Respondent) submitted that, the language of Article 34(6) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights is very clear that no time is spelt out for a State Party to deposit a declaration accepting the competence of the African Court.

Source: Daily News (29/01/2015).

Meru pastor charged with stealing Sh25,000 from faithful

A pastor has been charged in a Meru Court with stealing Sh25,000 from a church member.

Harrison Thuranira Ntongai of Christian Celebration Centre appeared before Resident Magistrate Nasimiyu on Tuesday and denied the charge.

Mr Thuranira is accused of stealing the money from Faith Kawira in Meru Town on January 13.

The accused is said to have visited the complainant's house, where he stole her ATM card and a piece of paper that had the PIN number.

Ms Kawira realised her ATM card was missing days later and when she reported the matter to the bank, it was discovered that Sh25,000 had been withdrawn from her account.

Mr Ntongai was arrested after a fellow pastor locked him up in his house and called the police.

The suspect was released on a bond of Sh50,000 or a surety of a similar amount or pay a cash bail of Sh25,000.

The case will be mentioned on February 12.

Source: Daily Nation: Kenya

Prof Lipumba charged with incitement

Civic United Front national Chairman (CUF) Professor Ibrahim Lipumba (62) appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam yesterday, charged with inciting his party followers to commit an offence contrary to section 390 and 35 of the Penal Code (Cap 16 R.E 2002).
The prosecution led by State Attorney Joseph Maugo who was assisted by State Attorney Hellen Moshi alleged that the accused committed the offence between 22 and 27 January this year within Dar es Salaam Region.

Before Principal Resident Magistrate Isaya Harufani it was alleged that on the material day, Prof Lipumba being the Chairman of CUF party incited his followers to commit an offence.

The accused who was being defended by a team of five advocates led by council Peter Kibatala pleaded not guilty to the charge and is out on bail after paying a bond of 2m/- and securing two reliable sureties who each signed the same amount of bond.

The bail signatories were CUF Kuruthumu Mchuchuru and ward Councilor Hilda Mriya.

According to the prosecution, the investigation into the case is incomplete and the case will come up for a mention on February 26, this year.

However, he and his party followers were released on police bail on the same day around 2300 hours.

The following morning (yesterday) the national chairman and his followers reported to the Central Police Station to report as per the bail conditions and for further interrogations.

Afterwards, Prof Lipumba was addressing members of the press and was surprisingly rearrested for further questioning.

It is speculated that the distress from the ordeal led him to develop a medical condition and police were forced to rush him to the hospital and thereafter to court.

In a related development, the National Assembly was yesterday suspended twice as opposition Members of Parliament demanded to discuss what they termed as ‘harassment Prof. Lipumba’ on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.

The motion to discuss the matter was forwarded by appointed MP James Mbatia and commotion erupted when House Speaker Anne Makinda ruled that the matter would not be discussed because the government is today expected to explain the ordeal that saw Prof. Lipumba roughly hurdled into a police car and spent hours in custody.

The Speaker said it is only after the government presents its side that the House would discuss the incident.

Displeased with the decision, opposition members stood up jeering in protest and refused to yield to all the Speaker’s appeals for order forcing her to suspend the session.

That was the morning session, when Bunge resumed in the afternoon, opposition remained adamant and maintained their stance, the matter to be discussed there and then while the Speaker maintained her decision and was again forced to suspend the session when the jeering begun again.

Prof Lipumba was on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam arrested by police along with numerous of his followers as they attempted to stage a peaceful demonstration in honour of their colleagues who were killed in a similar march 14 years ago in Zanzibar.

In his motion, Mbatia described the incident as dehumanising and humiliating saying the highly respected opposition leader was the victim of police brutality and was beaten by police officers for legitimate reason.

"Journalists and children were also beaten and tear gas canisters fired on them," Mbatia told the House, "…Madam Speaker, police are the ones who allowed him to hold the demonstration, how come they stopped him at the eleventh hour?" the MP queried.

"If such acts are not condemned they risk the country's peace and security," he warned.

Mbatia went on to remind the House that in 2013 the Tanzania Centre for Democracy in collaboration with various political parties held a meeting with President Jakaya Kikwete in which they unanimously agreed to stop police brutality against demonstrators.

“I talked to the Home Affairs' Minister as to what happened…why the police dare beat such a High-ranking opposition leader, but I haven't yet got any response,” he said.

“Police claim they got the order from the top, so we as MPs want to know, who is this man at the top who gave the order" the outspoken law maker demanded.

Speaking outside the debating chamber, Mbatia said that due to sensitivity of the matter, the government was supposed to clarify the matter immediately after the question and answers session instead of waiting for tomorrow (today).

"We know this government because we have been working with them for a long time, if we agree with the Speaker to discuss this tomorrow, they will come up with another reason to stop the discussion like saying the matter is in court and so barring the discussions”. 

“This is the reason we insisted for the motion to be debated as soon as possible," Mbatia explained.

On 27th January Police in Dar es Salaam arrested Civil United Front (CUF) National Chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba and 32 other party followers allegedly for holding an illegal demonstration.

"We arrested 32 CUF followers - two women and 30 men including Prof Lipumba for holding a demonstration without a permission. We are interrogating them at the Central Police Station and we may give them bail for  those who will meet the conditions afterwards," said Deputy Commissioner of Police who is also Chief of Police Operation for Dar es Salaam Zone, Simon Sirro in an exclusive interview with this paper.

According to eye witnesses, before arresting Prof Lipumba and his party followers, police fired gas canisters to disperse them.

"Prof Lipumba arrived here with a letter from the Central Police Station saying the demonstration had been cancelled,” narrates a demonstrator who opted for anonymity.

“We disagreed with the decision because our intention is to remember our brethren more than 60 people who lost their lives in Zanzibar,” he lamented.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Prosecution amends charges in terrorism case at Dar court

The prosecution in the terrorism case facing Jihad Swalehe yesterday amended some charges by putting the concept of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

This happened after the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court withdrew the charges facing the accused.

Senior Resident Magistrate Emilius Mchauru dismissed the charges for lack of the said concepts as required.

Led by State Attorney Peter Njike, the prosecution read the amended charges again after enclosing the concept.

Swalehe is facing charges of conspiracy, promoting and facilitating the commission of terrorist acts contrary to section 22 (1), (a), (ii) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act number 21 of 2002.

The accused is alleged to have committed the offences between March 21, 2013 and June 2, 2014 at unknown locations within Dar es Salaam.

It was alleged that during the period, Swalehe conspired with unknown persons to promote and facilitate the commission of terrorist acts in violation of the 2002 Prevention of Terrorism Act.

It was further alleged that in the same period and at the same place, the accused through social media (facebook) communicated with Nero Saraiva and other persons (not identified). 

He sought material, financial and technical support for the purpose of planting explosives at undisclosed locations in neighboring Kenya, it was further alleged. 

The accused were not allowed to enter any plea because the Kisutu court does not have any jurisdiction over such cases that must be handled by the High Court.

The case was therefore adjourned until February 2, this year as its investigations were still going on.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Tanzania: Two appear in Dar court over Tegeta escrow account saga

Two people yesterday appeared before Kisutu Resident Magistrates’ Court in Dar es Salaam yesterday in connection with the saga over the Bank of Tanzania Tegeta escrow account scandal.

They are Rugonzibwa Mujunangoma, Director of Legal Services in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development and Theophill Bwakea, Principal Engineer of the Rural Energy Agency (REA).

They were charged with committing corrupt transactions contrary to section 15 (1) of Combating of Corruption Act No. 11/2007.

Leading the prosecution was Leonard Swai from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) who was assisted by Max Ari. The case came up before Senior Resident Magistrate Emmilius Mchauru.

It was alleged that Mujunangoma committed the offence on February 5, 2014 at Mkombozi Bank house within Ilala District.

On the material day, it was further alleged, the accused corruptly obtained 323,400,000/- through his account number 00120102602001, which was part of the Tegeta Escrow Account. 

The court was told that the accused received the money from James Rugemalira, a Private International Consultant and director of VIP Engineering and Marketing and former director of Independent Power Tanzania Ltd (IPTL).

It was alleged that the money was given to him as a reward for handling IPTL affairs as a provisional liquidator.

The other accused, Bwakea, appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Frank Moshi. Led by Swai, the prosecution alleged that he committed the offence on February 12, 2014 at Mkombozi Bank House within Ilala Municipality.

Swai told the court that on that day Bwakea corruptly obtained 161,700,000/- through his account number 00410102643901 from Rugemalira. 

He further alleged that it was a reward for being among members who prepared a policy allowing the private sector to produce and sell electricity to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO).

All the accused pleaded not guilty and were release on bail after meeting the conditions. 

Bwakea was ordered to bring two sureties from the government or any recognised institute to sign a bond of 25m/- each. In addition, he is not allowed to travel outside Dar es Salaam without the court’s permission.

Magistrate Moshi also ordered Bwakea not to conduct any transaction from his account until the case is over.
Investigations into the case are complete and its preliminary hearing is slated for January 29 this year.

The court further ordered Mujunangoma to bring two sureties from the government or public service to sign a bond of 10m/- each.
He was also ordered to deposit half of the money he is accused of or a title deed with the same value.

In addition, Magistrate Mchauru ordered the accused not to travel outside Dar es Salaam without a court permit. 

The prosecution asked the court to freeze the bank account of the accused. However, court ordered prosecution to make the request in a formal application.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Jackie Chan's son Jaycee jailed for drug offence in China

Jaycee Chan, the son of action film star Jackie Chan, has been jailed for six months for a drug offence.

Chan, 32, pleaded guilty in Beijing's Dongcheng District Court to "sheltering others to use drugs".

Police raided his home in August and found more than 100g of marijuana. He faced a maximum sentence of three years.

His arrest came amid a drug use crackdown in China which saw several celebrities arrested.

In June 2014, President Xi Jinping ordered police to use strong measures to stop drug use.

This confession from the son of one of China's most famous actors underlines a key message from the Chinese government: no-one is immune from China's crackdown on illegal drugs, reports the BBC's Celia Hatton in Beijing.

'Ashamed'

Chan and Taiwanese movie star Kai Ko, 23, were both detained at his Beijing home in August, with police saying they tested positive for marijuana. Mr Ko was released after a 14-day administrative detention for drug use.

But Jaycee Chan was put under "criminal detention" for the additional and more serious crime of "providing a shelter for others to abuse drugs", Beijing police said at the time.

He told the court on Friday that when police came to his house "I just gave them information and I confessed because I didn't know how to deal with the marijuana".

Chan was also fined 2,000 yuan ($322; £213), reports said.

Jackie Chan, who was named an official "Narcotics Control Ambassador" by Chinese police in 2009, has said he felt "ashamed" and "sad" over his son's behaviour.

Source: BBC News (09/01/2015)

Bukoba: Primary court magistrate charged with receiving bribe

Bukoba. 

A primary court magistrate in Kagera Region, Mr Charles Rwezaura, was yesterday arraigned for allegedly requesting and receiving Sh50,000 bribe from a resident of Itahwa Village in Bukoba Rural District.

Mr Rwezaura was arraigned before the Kagera Regional Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Kagera regional commander of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Mr Joseph Mwaiswelo, told reporters here yesterday that the accused, who served at Katoma Primary Court, which is located in Bukoba Rural District, was arrested in his office on January 6.

He said that the accused received the bribe from a resident of Itahwa Village.

The villager had been charged in the primary court before magistrate Rwezaura with threatening to kill.

“The villager who was asked to bring Sh50,000 is facing charges of threatening to kill; the magistrate therefore asked him to bring the cash ahead of the judgement, which was set to take place on the day the magistrate was arrested,” said Mr Mwaiswelo.

According to the regional PCCB boss, the money was brought to the magistrate’s office on the judgment day.

“It is obvious the magistrate requested for the money so that he could favour the accused in the case, the money was brought to his office on the judgment date,” he said.

He said, the magistrate therefore had committed an offence contrary to PCCB Act number 139 sections 15 (a) and (b) of 2007.

He said his office was continuing with investigations on the matter.

“We are continuing with investigation and we are looking forward to collecting more evidence against the accused,” he said.

The case has been postponed until February 2, when it will come for another mention.

Source: The Citizen (09/01/2015)

DPP to decide on fate of three youths from Geita

The fate of three youths who intended to march to the State House in Dar es Salaam now lies in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The three - Juma Maganga, Athanas Michael and Khalid Selemani - marched from Geita Region but ended up in police custody.

They had foot-slogged for at least 37 days to the city, passing through Mwanza, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Morogoro and Coast regions before reaching Dar es Salaam.

Their mission was to protest the rampant corruption and embezzlement in the country that they described as chronic among public officials. They said this had plunged it into absolute poverty.

Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Kinondoni Regional Police Commander (RPC) Camilius Wambura said the three will continue to report to the police station until the DPP decides on their fate.
Yesterday they reported to the police station and the RPC said they will have to report again next Tuesday.

According to him, it is up to the DPP to take them to court which would decide whether to set them free.

The boys are out  on police bail having been assisted by lawyers from the main opposition party – Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

Earlier, they told this paper at the Magomeni police station that the police force might have been used by individuals to prevent them from meeting the President.

They said they were convinced that they did not violate any law and did not deserve being charged in a law court.

They said even if they were to be charged and sentenced to prison they cared less. Their intention was to make sure that they meet the head of State and present their petition on various issues, including massive corruption and injustice, they emphasised.
“What we are undergoing now is just a minor challenge, but our agenda of meeting the President still stands. There is no turning back,” asserted Athanas.

However, he said if they fail to see the President face to face they will call a news conference. He said this would ensure that the President and wananchi get the message they have for the head of State.

According to the boys, they are staying at a hotel in Kinondoni District and Chadema is footing their bills.

On January 2, this year, the three young men were intercepted and taken to the Kinondoni District Commissioner’s office.

The DC advised them to follow procedures if they wanted to meet the President.

However, after leaving them, they disregarded the advice and decided to proceed to the State House, eventually ending up in police custody.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN (09/01/2015)

Kenya: Supreme Court stops analogue switch-off

The Supreme Court on Monday stopped the Communications Authority of Kenya from switching off the analogue frequencies of the Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Royal Media Services.

Supreme Court judges Willy Mutunga and Mohammed Ibrahim also directed that the application filed by the three media houses against the CA, the Ministry of Information and the Attorney-General be heard before a seven-judge bench.

They said that in view of the nature and terms of the orders sought in the application, they were apprehensive that any orders they may give could lead to inconsistency and even interference with the judgment the court had earlier issued on the same subject when it was a seven-judge bench.

“In the circumstances, the right bench to hear this application would be the full bench of seven judges who heard the case in the first place,” they said.

The ruling was delivered after a preliminary objection was raised by the CA through lawyer Wambua Kilonzo, who said that they were opposed to the hearing of the case by the three media houses before a two-judge bench.

MEDIA HOUSES AGGRIEVED

CA’s preliminary objection was based on the ground that the application seeks final substantive orders that would determine the proceedings before court and cannot therefore be heard and determined by a two-judge bench as presently constituted.

In the Supreme Court judgment dated September 9, 2014, the seven judges gave the CA, three major media houses, the public and other stakeholders in the industry 90 days to hold consultations and come up with a new date for the switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, pending the international analogue switch-off date of June 17, 2015.

The parties were also directed to take a further mention date before the full bench on the progress of the consultations.

The media houses are aggrieved that the dates set by the CA for migration are not sufficient to enable them to put in place adequate infrastructure and be able to fully migrate. Further, they say they have not been granted enough frequency to deploy their own digital signal.

“One frequency that was allocated to the media houses by (the) CA is not enough to appropriately cover Nairobi and its environs, which requires at least three frequencies,” said lawyer Paul Muite, representing the media houses.

TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE

Nation Media Group, Standard Group and Royal Media Services want the CA to allocate three UHF frequencies that are not being used for analogue broadcasting, one for each of the three designated digital television broadcasting sites in Nairobi.

They also want to be given two months from the date the frequencies are allocated to them to order, import and install transmitters, antennas and other equipment necessary to roll out their digital transmission infrastructure as well as order and import set-top boxes.

The media houses also asked for “a simulcast period during which our television channels will be available on both the analogue and digital platforms and continues for a period of two months prior to analogue switch-off”.

They also requested that the analogue frequencies currently in their use and which they will continue using during the simulcast period be surrendered to the CA after they have fully migrated to the digital platform, being “at the end of the simulcast period”.

The parties were given 10 days to file their court papers.

Source: Daily Nation (05/01/2015)

Yingluck Shinawatra: Ex-Thai PM rejects impeachment hearing allegations

Thailand's ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has appeared at the National Assembly in Bangkok to defend herself against possible impeachment.

The accusations centre around a controversial rice subsidy scheme which critics say cost billions of dollars.

If found guilty she could be banned from political activity for five years.

Ms Yingluck was removed from office for abuse of power in May, days before the army seized control saying it needed to restore order after months of unrest.

Her supporters say the court action is a ruse to remove her from politics altogether.

Making a rare appearance in public, Ms Yingluck told the National Legislative Assembly that the proceedings were futile because she no longer holds any political position.

"I was removed from my position as prime minister. I have no position left to be removed from," Ms Yingluck said.

"I ran the government with honesty and in accordance with all laws," she told the assembly, according to the AFP news agency.

The case concerns a scheme under which Ms Yingluck's government bought rice from Thai farmers - part of her rural support base - at a much higher price than on the global market.

It resulted in the accumulation of huge stockpiles of rice and hit Thailand's rice exports hard. Critics said the scheme was too expensive and vulnerable to corruption.

Ms Yingluck has always maintained that she was not involved in the day-to-day running of the rice subsidy scheme and that abuses were not her responsibility.

The National Legislative Assembly, which has been hand-picked by military leaders, has said a decision on impeachment could come by the end of January.

Protest fears

The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says this is the first really divisive issue that has been allowed to bubble to the surface since the military took over and effectively suppressed all political debate.

There are fears a conviction could re-ignite the street protests which have repeatedly paralysed the capital in recent years. But only a handful of Ms Yingluck's supporters were at the parliament building on Friday.

Ms Yingluck is the sister of another ousted prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed from office in 2006.

Both remain hugely popular among Thailand's rural poor, but are hated by an urban and middle-class elite who accuse them of corruption and abuse of power.

Ms Yingluck was removed from office in early May after the Constitutional Court ruled she had acted illegally when she transferred her national security head.

The ruling followed months of political deadlock. Anti-government protesters had been trying to oust Ms Yingluck since November 2013.

Source: BBC News

Uganda: Three arrested over attempted ritual murder

Masaka.

Police in Masaka District have arrested three people, including a traditional healer over alleged conspiracy to murder a 13-year-old girl in ritual sacrifice. District police commander John Chrysostom Mwaule said the suspects were arrested on Monday night during a police operation in Buwunga after the victim’s parents failed to trace her.

Her father Capt Abdukarim Mwangwe said when the search intensified, they heard the girl making noise in the neighbour’s home. “We quickly rushed to the house where a loud cry was coming from only to find one of the suspects trying to escape,” Mr Mwangwe said.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect was arrested and he mentioned a colleague who was found hiding in a nearby house.

The two suspects were taken to Buwunga police post. Police said they admitted they were intending to kill the girl for ritual sacrifice and remove her private parts which they would take to the traditional healer who would in turn give them powers to acquire wealth.

“The traditional healer asked me to bring private parts of a virgin girl before I get the fortunes of wealth,” the main suspect told police adding he had gone to seek for wealth because he has been working for long without getting rich.

On Tuesday morning, police headed by the district CIID boss, Mr Frank Ntankovu, arrested the healer to explain the allegations.

Source: Daily Monitor (09/01/2015)

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell given 2 years in prison

Richmond, Virginia (CNN)Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is vowing to keep fighting the bribery accusations that on Tuesday landed him a two-year prison sentence.

Outside the federal courthouse in Richmond, the Republican said he was "deeply, deeply sorry" for the actions that led to his conviction on 11 felony public corruption charges, but that he "never, ever betrayed my sacred oath of office."

McDonnell and his attorneys vowed to appeal the convictions immediately.

The two years was a much shorter sentence than the 10 to 12 years that prosecutors had started the day asking for. But it was enough to rock McDonnell's children, family and friends, many of whom gasped as it was read and were left wiping away tears. When McDonnell left, his wife, Maureen McDonnell, who could face a similar sentence herself, remained in the courtroom, sobbing.

His sentencing was the culmination of the dramatic downfall of the Republican governor once heralded as a rising star -- tapped to give the party's 2010 rebuttal to President Barack Obama's State of the Union, and a fixture on short lists for national office.

Now, McDonnell has another distinction: He's the first Virginia governor ever sent to prison for corruption.

McDonnell pled on Tuesday for mercy, saying he is now a "heartbroken and humbled man."

His attorneys spent several hours ushering in a parade of political friends, religious leaders and family members to tout the Republican's good character -- and reading excerpts of more than 400 letters they'd submitted making the same case.

It wasn't enough to keep him out of prison entirely.

U.S. District Court Judge James Spencer delivered the sentence on Tuesday. His decision: In addition to 24 months in prison, McDonnell faces two more years of supervised release, as well as $1,100 in fines -- $100 for each of the 11 felonies for which he was convicted.

McDonnell was ordered to report to prison on Feb. 9, just before his wife's Feb. 20 sentencing.

It's Virginia's former first lady whose relationship with Richmond businessman Jonnie Williams, who provided the bribes that led to their convictions, has faced the most intense scrutiny in recent months. McDonnell's defense attorneys, allies and even one of the family's daughters pointed to New York shopping trips, New England vacations and more -- portraying a woman in love with the perks of power and a man too naive to say no.

That assessment, Spencer said, is "dangerously delusional."

"While Mrs. McDonnell may have allowed the serpent into the mansion, the governor knowingly let him into his personal and business affairs," the judge said.

In his comments to Spencer, McDonnell pled for leniency for his wife. Prosecutors wouldn't say Tuesday what penalty they'll seek for her.

McDonnell's attorneys had tried to keep the former governor from spending any time in prison. They argued instead for 6,000 hours of community service -- or about three years worth of volunteer work. They even offered specific ideas, like working with a religious organization to aid the poor in Haiti or managing a food bank that serves an impoverished section of rural Virginia.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, said that would amount to sweeping his crimes under the rug. The U.S. Probation Office had said federal sentencing guidelines suggested a sentence of 10 to 12 and a half years -- and prosecutors sought something in that range.

But McDonnell's attorneys convinced Spencer that the loans and gifts the former governor took from Williams were being overvalued, and Spencer knocked the sentencing guidelines down to 6 and a half to 8 years -- and still delivered a punishment short of that.

Spencer, a Ronald Reagan appointee, said he's spent decades trying to understand why seemingly good people do bad things -- but that McDonnell's crimes were too serious to ignore.

"This entire case has been tragic from beginning to end," Spencer said.

The courtroom was so packed with McDonnell's family members, friends, political allies and former staffers that federal officials had to feed video of the proceedings onto televisions set up in another courtroom -- and that one filled up, too.

Afterward, U.S. Attorney Dana Boente said getting prison time for McDonnell is a victory, and sends a warning shot to other politicians.

McDonnell, 60, was convicted in September of 11 felony public corruption charges. His wife, Maureen, was also found guilty on eight charges.

The charges were a result of the McDonnell family accepting about $177,000 in gifts and loans from Richmond businessman Williams. The trial was an emotional ordeal that often pitted McDonnell and other members of his family against his wife, who was portrayed as the driver of the family's connections with Williams.

The two were convicted of taking bribes from Williams in exchange for government favors as he sought to market a dietary supplement. The gifts included shopping trips with dress purchases in New York, wedding catering for the couple's daughter, golf outings for their sons, a Rolex watch and more -- the bills for which McDonnell's attorney, John Brownlee, said the former governor never knew were footed by Williams.

"We believe that these things were kept from Mr. McDonnell -- at least the source who paid for them," he said. Pointing to several of the individual trips and gifts, he argued that McDonnell should be sentenced for having taken $69,000 in inappropriate gifts and loans, rather than $177,000.

Afterward, Brownlee and fellow defense attorney Henry Asbill said the case hasn't reached its end.

"Sometimes in a case like this, justice is a marathon," Asbill said. "We will never give up this case."

Source: CNN

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