As relief pours in, vultures start to gather

Thieves, rapists, kidnappers and hoaxers are preying on tsunami survivors and families of victims.On Monday, a women’s group in Sri Lan...

Thieves, rapists, kidnappers and hoaxers are preying on tsunami survivors and families of victims.

On Monday, a women’s group in Sri Lanka said rapists were attacking homeless survivors. In Aceh, reports surfaced of trafficking in orphans. Officials said they had launched an investigation. Sweden has sent police officers there to investigate the reported kidnap of a 12-year-old Swedish boy whose parents were carried off by the wave.

In Thailand, thieves disguised as police and rescue workers have looted luggage and hotel safes. The UN also warned of the danger of pirates hindering relief efforts off Sumatra. Sweden kept the names of tsunami victims secret after some homes were targeted by thieves. In Britain, a man admitted to sending hoax emails to friends and relatives of people missing, saying their loved ones had been confirmed dead. The hoaxer claimed to have information from the ‘‘Foreign Office Bureau’’ in Thailand. —Reuters

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World4 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

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