A roundup of today's other stories in brief
Crowded jails see paedophile walk free
LONDON -A British judge freed a convicted paedophile yesterday after citing a government warning about prison overcrowding.
The BBC reported from north Wales that Judge John Rogers cited home secretary John Reid's advice when giving a suspended jail sentence to Derek Williams (46), who downloaded child pornography.
"As of yesterday, I have to bear in mind a communication from the home secretary," the judge told Mold crown court as he set the man free. - (Reuters)
US soldier jailed for murder
BAGHDAD -A US 101st airborne division soldier was sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty yesterday to murdering an Iraqi detainee and taking part in the killings of two others.
Private Corey Clagett (22) was one of four soldiers from the division's third brigade "Rakkasans" who were accused of the detainees' deaths during a May 9th raid on a chemical complex in Samarra, about 96km (60 miles) north of Baghdad. - (Reuters)
Lukashenko looks to the West
MINSK -Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, bruised by an energy row with his main ally Russia, said yesterday the moment was "favourable" for an improvement of ties with the West.
The veteran leader called for "an open and honest dialogue" to improve relations and said the first step would be for the European Union to lift a visa ban. - (Reuters)
Isabel Peron faces new charges
MADRID -Former Argentine president Isabel Peron faced new charges in Spain yesterday over her alleged authorisation of killings, torture and kidnappings of leftist dissidents during her 1974-1976 rule.
An Argentine judge wants to extradite her over links to an anti-communist death squad that operated during her chaotic 20-month rule, a spokeswoman for Spain's high court said. - (Reuters)
Five charged over editor's killing
ANKARA -Five people have been charged with involvement in the killing of Turkish-Armenian editor Hrant Dink, Turkish media reported yesterday.
Meanwhile, police blew up a suspicious package outside parliament which carried a note from the ultranationalist Turkish Revenge Brigade calling for two key suspects, including the suspected assassin, to be released. - (Reuters)
Israeli president's leave of absence
JERUSALEM -An Israeli parliamentary panel yesterday approved a request by president Moshe Katsav to take a leave of absence after prosecutors prepared criminal charges against him for alleged rape and other sexual misconduct. The Knesset house committee voted by 13-11 to declare Mr Katsav "temporarily incapacitated". - (Reuters)
Mozart could hit a high note
ANTWERP -Mozart, an iguana with an erection that has lasted for more than a week, will have his penis amputated in the next couple of days.
Veterinarians at Antwerp's Aquatopia had sought to treat the animal's problem, but decided removal was the only solution because of the risk of infection. The good news for Mozart and his mates is that iguanas have two penises.
Mozart, sitting on the shoulders of his keeper as camera crews focused on his red, swollen erection, seemed unperturbed by the news. "It doesn't bother him. He doesn't know what amputation means," said vet Luc Lambrecht.