Bangkok: Thousands of people marched in Thailands capital and blocked a major road Monday to protest an amnesty bill they said is designed to bring former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra back from overseas exile. More than 1,000 people blew whistles and temporarily halted traffic in Bangkoks financial district of Silom at lunchtime to protest the legislation,which was approved by the lower house of Parliament on Friday. The bill would grant amnesties to those involved in the sometimes-violent political conflict that has sharply divided the country for almost a decade. AP
Pak parliament moves to bring ISI under control
Islamabad: In a bid to bring Pakistans powerful ISI under civilian control,the Senate has recommended an effective role of Parliament in monitoring it while giving the spy agency power to arrest and detain. A report unanimously adopted by the Standing Committee on Human Rights was presented in the house last Wednesday and was endorsed by the Senate. PTI
Mob vandalises 26 Hindu houses in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A mob went on the rampage in a Hindu-dominated neighbourhood in a village in Bangladeshs Pabna district following reports that a boy from the minority community had committed blasphemy,prompting the High Court to order arrest of attackers within 24 hours. PTI
Kenya charges four over Westgate attack: Court
Nairobi: Kenya charged four men Monday in connection with the Westgate mall massacre in September,an
attack claimed by Somalias al-Qaeda linked al Shebaab in which at least 67 people were killed. All pleaded not guilty to the charges,which also included entering Kenya illegally and obtaining false identification documents. None are accused of being the gunmen in the mall. PTI
Lawyer: Editor Coulson did not know of hacking
LONDON: PM David Camerons former communications chief,Andy Coulson,fought back Monday at Britains phone hacking trial,claiming through his lawyer that he had no idea his underlings were hacking and was himself a victim of illegal eavesdropping. Coulsons lawyer told jurors they would hear evidence that private investigator Glenn Mulcaire had targeted Coulson. AP
