Tamil asylum seekers at the centre of court battle secretly sent to Nauru
The 157 asylum seekers at the centre of a High Court challenge against the federal government’s immigration policy have been taken to Nauru. The group of Tamil asylum seekers, which includes 50 children, left Australia on Friday night to be processed at Nauru, News Corp reports.
The lawyer for the group of asylum seekers, George Newhouse, told Fairfax Media that he was completely unaware of the group’s movements. “I just found out from News Corp like everyone else,” he said.
Gaza ceasefire ends after just hours
A 72-hour ceasefire announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has been broken just hours after it was called. Hamas reportedly shot eight rockets at Israel shortly after the announcement, while Israeli tanks opened fire in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has released a statement saying that an Israeli soldier is feared captured. US President Barack Obama called for the soldier’s release in a press conference on Friday.
It is currently believed that 1,459 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died and over 7,000 have been wounded. More than 400 Israeli soldiers have been wounded, while 64 Israelis have been killed, including three civilians.
World Health Organisation warns that Ebola virus is moving faster than efforts to contain it
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Ebola virus is spreading across west Africa more rapidly than the efforts to try and contain it. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said: “If the situation continues to deteriorate, the consequences can be catastrophic in terms of lost lives but also severe socio-economic disruption and a high risk of spread to other countries.”
At least 729 people have died of Ebola virus since March, spread across Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Man guilty of throwing baby out of moving car
A man has been was convicted of murder after a jury found him guilty of throwing a baby out of a car travelling along a motorway. 26-year-old Richard McTear of Florida attacked his ex-girlfriend before stealing kidnapping and killing her three-month-old son in 2009.
McTear was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, battery and aggravated child abuse charges. He is expected to be sentenced on Monday.
Oscar Pistorius sells home where girlfriend was killed
Former Olympian and alleged murderer Oscar Pistorius has sold the house in which he shot his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The Pretoria property sold for 4.5 million rand ($A450,000) after the asking price was significantly reduced. The buyer of the property, Louwtjie Louwrens, told The Times that he made the purchase because the house is in “a safe area” and he hopes to move in in two years time, after his wife’s retirement.
Keith Urban releases statement on alleged rape at his concert
Keith Urban has released a statement in response to the alleged rape that was filmed during a concert on his American tour.
Urban said on his website:
“My team and I were horrified to learn of the events reported in Boston this past weekend and our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected. This type of behavior stands in stark contrast to the spirit of our shows.” – Keith
Ugandan anti-gay laws declared “null and void”
Ugandan anti-gay legislation has been overturned by the country’s constitutional court. The legislation, called the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, created criminal penalties for homosexuality. However, gay rights campaigners in Africa are disappointed that the legislation was struck down for procedural reasons (the court held it was passed with too few MPs in attendance) and not for its capacity to restrict the liberties of gay people in Uganda.
Sally Pearson slams ex-coach after winning Commonwealth gold
Hurdler Sally Pearson has slammed her ex-coach Eric Hollingsworth after she won the 100m hurdles at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Pearson said her whole room was “very excited” after they heard the news of Hollingsworth’s suspension.
Pearson said that the former Athletics Australia head coach was difficult to work with. “I am not sure of the word to use but I felt really put down and he spoke down to me very harshly,” she said.
“I think that is the most important thing, to get rid of the negativity that people have been having to bear for the last five years. It’s very disappointing and it’s very exciting that now we can all lift as a team.”
In other Commonwealth Games news, Year 12 student Eleanor Patterson has shocked the competition by walking away with a gold medal in the women’s high jump. The VCE student from Leongatha made her first appearance at a major championships by stunning everyone with a clearance of 1.93m.
Top Comments
Its a shame Sally Pearson and her coach couldn't put their differences aside and handle the situation more professionally.
In contrast to her claims he was difficult to work with why was she missing from team training when it was a requirement for everyone else? That's not a good example of her character either.
I don't believe she was the one out in the media until he forced the point
She went to London to compete which was part of her prep that helped her win gold. She leads by example on the track, not by singing Kum-by-yah. She has the support of ALL athletes and there were other team captains there for the other athletes. No-one goes to the track to watch a coach coach. His ego is too big. He should be ashamed as a person and particularly as a "professional" abhorrent!
She was fined for missing a team 'camp'. I would have thought preparing herself for the games (recovering from an injury) would have been more important. Clearly it worked.