JAKARTA – A children’s book is at the centre of a controversy in Indonesia because it teaches children about masturbation. A photo of the book – I Learn to Control Myself, written by Fita Chakra – has spread across social media since Monday, sparking a discussion online about sexual education and igniting parents’ anger. “Moms,…
VICTORIA CITY – Hong Kong police officers convicted of beating protester Seven police officers in Hong Kong have been convicted of beating a protester during pro-democracy rallies in 2014. The group, charged with intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm, were found guilty of a lesser charge of causing bodily harm. Hong Kong saw major protests in…
WASHINGTON – US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has resigned over allegations he discussed US sanctions with Russia before Donald Trump took office. Mr Flynn is said to have misled officials about his call with Russia’s ambassador before his own appointment. It is illegal for private citizens to conduct US diplomacy. US reports earlier said…
WASHINGTON – A US federal appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump’s attempt to reinstate his ban on citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals said it would not block a ruling by a Seattle court that halted the order. Mr Trump responded with an angry tweet saying national…
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama has been enjoying life after the US presidency by trying out watersports on a luxury Caribbean island owned by Richard Branson, the Virgin chief said on Tuesday. The former US leader and his wife Michelle Obama visited Moskito Island, in the British Virgin Islands, after handing over the presidency to his…
ONTARIO – A former Royal Canadian Mint employee has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for stealing gold coins by concealing them in his rectum. Leston Lawrence stole $127,116 (CA$165,451; £100,000) of gold in 22 pieces. The 35-year-old, who was found guilty last November, was caught after he had successfully sold 17 of the…
WASHINGTON – Donald Trump has fired the acting US attorney general after she questioned the legality of his immigration ban. Sally Yates, who was appointed by Barack Obama, ordered justice department lawyers not to enforce the president’s executive order. A White House statement accused Ms Yates of “betraying” the justice department and being “weak on…
WASHINGTON – A US judge has issued a stay temporarily halting the deportation of visa holders or refugees under an executive order from President Trump. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a legal case early on Saturday in response to the order. The judge’s stay prevents those “caught up” in the aftermath from being…
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has said he believes waterboarding works, stating “we have to fight fire with fire”. Mr Trump said that while radical groups beheaded people in the Middle East “we’re not playing on an even field”. But Mr Trump also said he would consult Defence Secretary James Mattis and CIA director…
WASHINGTON – Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. The property tycoon won an unexpected victory in November’s election after a controversial campaign. Hundreds of thousands of supporters and protesters are gathering in Washington DC for the event. Thousands of police have been deployed and many…
