Verdict expected Thursday in case of journalist murder that rocked Slovakia

Demonstrators take part in a protest rally marking the first anniversary of the murder of the investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in Bratislava PRAGUE, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A Slovak court is expected to rule on Thursday on whether an influential businessman ordered the murder of…

Dozens injured as protesters, police clash in Bulgaria

SOFIA, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Clashes between Bulgarian police and protesters left over 45 people injured as parliament met to start discussing a project for a new constitution aimed at quelling weeks of anti-government rallies. Demonstrators have been blocking roads and staging daily protests in the capital Sofia and other cities…

Russia steps up support for Belarus’ embattled Pres Lukashenko

Belarusian law enforcement detained over 100 students at Tuesday demonstrations in Minsk MOSCOW/MINSK, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russia issued strong support for beleaguered Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko following weeks of opposition protests, stepping up official contacts and vowing to defend the ex-Soviet neighbours’ alliance. Moscow has recognised as legitimate disputed…

Montenegro’s president accuses Serbia of meddling in election

Montenegrin President and leader of ruling Democratic Party of Socialists, Milo Djukanovic PODGORICA, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Montenegro’s President Milo Djukanovic has accused neighbouring Serbia of waging “media and political aggression” ahead of Aug 30 parliamentary vote in which his pro-Western party suffered a major setback. Djukanovic’s Democratic Party of…

Brazil Amazon fires likely worst in 10 years, August data incomplete, government researcher says

A tract of the Amazon jungle is seen burning as it is cleared by loggers and farmers near Humaita, Amazonas State BRASILIA, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The official August data on the number of fires in Brazil’s Amazon needs to be corrected and will likely show an increase over last…

After months of heartache, signs of COVID-19 easing in Brazil

People wearing protective masks walk past a graffiti, following the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Rio de Janeiro BRASILIA, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazil’s COVID-19 death toll appears to be easing for the first time since May, data shows, a sign the Latin American country could be descending from a long…

Covid-19: Cuba imposes Havana curfew to curb spike in cases

HAVANA, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The clocks strike 7pm in Havana and the usually crowded Malecon esplanade quickly empties. For the first time since the Cuban revolution in 1959, the capital is under a night-time curfew imposed by the authorities to keep the coronavirus at bay. From his balcony where he…

Pres Maduro invites UN, EU observers to Venezuela election

CARACAS, Sept 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro said it had invited the leaders of the United Nations and European Union to send observers to monitor parliamentary elections in December. Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Twitter that a letter had been sent to UN chief…

Covid-19: Footballers fined for kissing ball, swapping shirts in Ecuador, breaking virus rules

Argentine midfielder Sergio Lopez was fined $1,200 for kissing the ball QUITO, Sept 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A football player in Ecuador was fined $1,200 for kissing the ball in breach of hygiene rules brought in to combat the Coronavirus. Argentine midfielder Sergio Lopez, who plays for Quito-based Aucas in the country’s…

Mali’s ousted leader ‘admitted to hospital’ days after release by military junta

Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was detained by the military junta for 10 days BAMAKO, Sept 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mali’s ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta has been admitted to a hospital in the capital Bamako.The media quoted two anonymous sources at a clinic where the former leader is reportedly being treated.The 75-year-old…