India

Photojournalist gang-raped

A photojournalist was gang-raped in the city of Mumbai, police said on Friday, evoking comparisons with a similar incident in Delhi in December that led to nationwide protests and a revision of the country's rape laws. The attack on Thursday evening triggered protests and an outcry on social media, with many users shocked that it took place in Mumbai, widely considered to be India's safest city for women.

Egypt

Morsi supporters call more demos

Supporters of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi called new protests against the army on Friday, in a test of their ability to mobilize support seven weeks after his overthrow. In recent days, dozens of senior and mid-level members of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood have been arrested, disrupting the organization's structure, and raising questions about its remaining strength. The call for demonstrations came a day after his predecessor Hosni Mubarak was released from jail to house arrest at a military hospital.

Pakistan

Indian fishermen get released

Pakistan released on Friday nearly 340 Indian fishermen held for violating territorial water, part of an understanding between the nuclear-armed rivals to release citizens who mistakenly stray into each other's waters. "Today, we have released 337 Indian fishermen and seven other juveniles and they are leaving for Lahore," where they will be handed to Indian authorities at the Wagah border crossing on Saturday, said Shuja Haider, a senior official at Karachi's Malir jail.

United States

Sergeant sorry for shooting

A US Army sergeant who pleaded guilty to killing 16 villagers in a shooting spree in Afghanistan apologized on Thursday to his victims' families and said his behavior was cowardice. Robert Bales, 40, choked back tears as he spoke at a sentencing hearing over the worst war crime by an US soldier in Afghanistan. Those gunned down included nine children.

Reuters-AFP-AP

(China Daily 08/24/2013 page8)