World briefing

3 Canadian soldiers slain in Afghanistan / 13 bodies found on migrant boat near one of Spain's Canary Islands / Two Israeli border policemen convicted of killing teen / Ex-priest in Australia charged with pedophilia / Journalist killed; another beaten n Russia's troubled North Caucasus
September 4, 2008

AFGHANISTAN

3 Canadian soldiers slain in attack

Three Canadian soldiers were killed and five were injured when militants attacked their armored vehicle in southern Afghanistan.

 
The military gave few details but said the men had not been killed by a roadside bomb.

So far 96 Canadian soldiers have died since Ottawa deployed troops to Afghanistan in late 2002. Canada has about 2,500 soldiers based in the southern city of Kandahar.

"The soldiers were conducting a security patrol when the attack occurred," said Brig. Gen. Denis Thompson, who commands the Canadian force in Afghanistan.

SPAIN

13 bodies found on migrant boat

The bodies of 13 people were found aboard a packed migrant boat near one of Spain's Canary Islands, the Interior Ministry said.

Coastal guards spotted the boat with 46 survivors, and it was escorted to Puerto de Arguineguin on the south of Gran Canaria Island, the ministry said. It said the boat had sailed from Guinea.

Every year thousands of Africans looking for a better life in Europe attempt treacherous journeys in overcrowded boats.

ISRAEL

Police convicted of killing teen

Two Israeli border policemen have been convicted of manslaughter for kidnapping a Palestinian teenager and throwing him from a moving jeep during a 2002 rampage through the West Bank city of Hebron.

The men face up to 20 years in prison, the Justice Ministry said.

Prosecutors said Shachar Botbeka, Denis Alhazov and two other officers spent their last day of service in Hebron throwing tear gas and stun grenades, and abducting Palestinians off the street.

Two were hurled from the vehicle, including 17-year-old Amran Abu Hamadiya, who died when his head struck the road, court documents said.

The two other policemen in the case have reached separate plea bargains.

AUSTRALIA

Ex-priest charged with pedophilia

A former priest has been charged with 93 offenses stemming from an alleged pedophile ring at a Roman Catholic boys school, police said.

The offenses took place from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, New South Wales police said.

Police believe that dozens of boys may have been abused at St. Stanislaus College, 45 miles west of Sydney, according to media reports.

The former priest, 65, who was not named, was released on bail Tuesday and is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 15.

RUSSIA

Journalist killed; another beaten

One journalist was shot to death and another's skull was fractured in a beating in Russia's troubled North Caucasus.

In the city of Makhachkala, TV reporter Telman Alishaev died a day after being shot by two men as he sat in his car, Interior Ministry spokesman Mark Tolchinsky said.

Police in Nalchik said three people assaulted Miloslav Bitokov outside his home Tuesday.

From Times Wire Reports




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