NEWS OF THE DAY
From Around the World
Demolition protest: Israeli police scuffled with activists protesting the planned demolition of a Bedouin hamlet in the West Bank on Wednesday amid international opposition to the razing of the site. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said 11 people were arrested in the “disturbance” including several for throwing stones at officers in Khan alAhmar. He said three officers were injured, including one evacuated to a hospital for treatment. Mustafa Barghouti, a Palestinian legislator, said four protesters were injured. Israel says the structures that make up the Khan al-Ahmar encampment were illegally built and pose a threat to residents because of their proximity to a highway.
Spacey investigation: British police are investigating six claims of sexual assault or assault by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey, three more than previously disclosed. British media reported this year that London’s Metropolitan Police force is investigating three allegations against the former “House of Cards” star. Police in Britain don’t name suspects until they are charged. Asked about Spacey, the force did not identify him by name but said Wednesday that detectives had received five allegations of sexual assault and one of assault against a man.
Turkish election: Turkey’s highest electoral body certified the results of last month’s parliamentary and presidential elections Wednesday, paving the way for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to continue his 15-year rule with expanded powers. The Supreme Electoral Council confirmed Erdogan’s victory in the June 24 presidential race, declaring that he won 52.59 percent of the votes. His closest rival, Muharrem Ince of the main opposition Republican People’s Party, gained 30.64 percent, while the imprisoned, pro-Kurdish candidate, Selahattin Demirtas, garnered 8.40 percent, the council confirmed. Erdogan, who is scheduled to be sworn into his new, five-year term on Monday, is set to rule with substantially expanded powers, in line with constitutional changes that were narrowly approved in a referendum last year.
Suicide apology: The chairman of South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has apologized for inflight meal service disruptions and a reported suicide at a meal supplier. Park Sam-koo, chairman of the country’s second-largest air carrier, said he felt a moral responsibility after the boss of the company that had been supplying the meals killed himself, according to media reports citing police. The apology came as criticism mounted after the reports, which linked the apparent suicide to pressure from Asiana on its caterer. Asiana Airlines said 114 out of 310 flights had left South Korea without meals since Sunday. The problems arose after the airline tried to change its meal catering service.
Gay rights: Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal ruled Wednesday that the same-sex partner of a British expatriate is entitled to equal treatment under immigration law, marking a significant step for gay rights in the Chinese territory. The unanimous judgment said the woman identified only as “QT” should be issued the same dependent visa that spouses and children of other foreigners working in the Asian financial hub are entitled to. The ruling is seen as a landmark for Hong Kong, a Chinese territory and former British colony that maintains its own distinct Western-style legal system. The ruling could have ripple effects in advancing gay rights in Hong Kong.
Chronicle News Services