Briefly World

Kids hurt in China school stampede

BEIJING: A mad rush to the playground turned into a stampede that left dozens of elementary school children hurt in western China on Monday,state media and officials said. Students at the No 5 Elementary School in Aksu city were rushing for exercises when some students fell and were trampled on,Xinhua said.

Saddam half brothers acquitted in Kurd case

BAGHDAD: An Iraqi court has found two of Saddam Husseins half-brothers Sabawi Ibrhim al-Hassan and Watban Ibrhim not guilty in 1980s-era atrocities that the dictator led against Faili Kurds. Iraqi High Tribunal was also considering a verdict against Tariq Aziz in fourth set of charges against the former top diplomat.

Zardari barred from pardoning woman

LAHORE: A Pakistani court Monday barred President Asif Ali Zardari from pardoning a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy. The Lahore High Court issued the stay order in response to a petition filed by one Shahid Iqbal,who said Asia Bibis case is sub-judice and Zardari cannot grant reprieve.

Racist charges hit Victoria police

MELBOURNE: The Victoria police is again under fire for alleged racial profiling and discrimination after 16 Africans launched compensation claim against the force. According to The Age report,the police have been accused of bashing and racially insulting young boys of African background,including breaking a 13-year-olds fingers.