Qatari arrest of Swiss TV journalists sparks concern about World Cup press freedom

The recent arrest in Qatar of a Swiss television crew has sparked concern about freedom of the press when the Gulf state hosts the World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event, in 2022. The arrests have revived criticism of world soccer body FIFA’s controversial decision to award Qatar the hosting of the tournament.The arrests are also likely to become an issue in the FIFA presidential election campaign of Mohamed Bin Hammam, the Qatari head of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), who is challenging long-standing FIFA president Sepp Blatter in elections scheduled for June 1.Swiss public broadcaster Radio Television Suisse (RTS) said it would complain to FIFA about the 13-day detention of its reporter, Christophe Cerf, and cameraman, Yvan Thorimbert. The two journalists were arrested on...

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A Nigerian footballer was arrested in Delhi allegedly with 25 grams of cocaine, police said today.

Kingsley Izuchukwu (34) was apprehended from Kotla Mubarakpur on Sunday allegedly with 25 grams of cocaine, Arun Kampani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), said. The arrest came after police received an input about fine quality drugs being supplied from neighbouring countries through different borders which are brought to Delhi for further sale.It was also learnt that this drugs syndicate was being run by some Nigerian nationals based in Delhi. These consumers mainly use these drugs at select parties at night at various private places, bars and night clubs here, Kampani said. Izuchukwu told police that he was a leading national level football player of Nigeria. "He used to play regularly for Pepsi football club Aba Estate of Nigeria. He came to India for the first time in 2009...

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A former top Wellington public servant arrested on a cocaine charge in Argentina while en route to meet a man she met on online may have fallen prey to a 'scammer farm'

A former top Wellington public servant arrested on a cocaine charge in Argentina while en route to meet a man she met on online may have fallen prey to a 'scammer farm', an expert says.Sharon Armstrong, aged in her early 50s and a former deputy chief executive of the Maori Language Commission, is being detained in Buenos Aires after being arrested on April 13, accused of trying to leave the country with five kilograms of cocaine in a false-bottomed suitcase. It is unclear whether she has been charged.It is understood she was on her way to London to meet a man she had been dating online.The man had paid for Armstrong to divert to Buenos Aires and pick-up some ''paper work'' for him there, her cousin Kapoi Mathieson told Radio New Zealand.His facebook page has since disappeared.Mathieson said...

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Michael Sacatides, Australian jailed at Kerobokan says 'sorry' to Bali for drugs

AN AUSTRALIAN man facing 16 years jail in Bali has personally apologised for the distress and negative impact of his drugs arrest and told of his efforts to keep fit while behind bars.Appearing in Denpasar District Court yesterday Michael Sacatides, 43, chose to make his own personal plea to the judges who will decide his fate.Reading from a two-page document, Sacatides, formerly from Sydney's west, told the three judges: "I would like to apologise for the distress that my arrest has caused to Indonesia and in particular Bali."I realise that your country does not deserve this type of negative attention."Sacatides said that he intended to make amends, during his imprisonment, and do everything he can to repair the damage."I have already started a Thai boxing program and a health and fitness...

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BRITISH fugitive wanted by police for massive benefit fraud and forgery is living large in Mijas Costa

A BRITISH fugitive wanted by police for massive benefit fraud and forgery is living large in Mijas Costa.A number of concerned readers have been in touch after the authorities failed to pick him up. The Olive Press is now working with Scotland Yard in a new bid to have Robert Brennan, 67, arrested. The Scouser was also being sought for sex offences, although one case involving a juvenile has recently been dropped.A spokesman for the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) said last night, it would “still be great to track down Brennan who is awaiting sentencing for fraud.”Brennan fled to Spain in late 2008 after being convicted of a 130,000 euro benefit fraud.He pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to seven charges of council tax, housing benefit and jobseeker’s allowance fraud.He had cleverly...

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