Imran Khan in Tehran on mission to “facilitate” Iran-Saudi talks
AFP, Tehran
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Iran on Sunday on a mission to act as a “facilitator” between Tehran and Riyadh and try to defuse rising tensions in the Gulf.
Imran Khan landed in Tehran around midday and met with President Hassan Rouhani at the presidential palace. He was also scheduled to hold talks with Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, before travelling to Riyadh on Tuesday.
Spain jails Catalan leaders up to 13 years for independence bid
AFP, Madrid
Spain’s Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan leaders to prison terms of between nine and 13 years for sedition for their role in a failed 2017 independence bid.
The long-awaited verdicts were less than those demanded by the prosecution which had sought up to 25 years behind bars for former Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras on grounds of rebellion.
Australian economist, wrongly jailed for 19 years, awarded $4.75 m
AFP, Sydney
An Australian economist who wrongfully spent nearly two decades in prison for the assassination of a high-ranking police officer was awarded more than Aus$7 million (US$4.75 million) in compensation on Monday.
Former public servant David Eastman was convicted in 1995 of killing Australian Federal Police officer Colin Winchester and sentenced to life imprisonment.
S Korean Minister quits as education row swirls
AFP, Seoul
Embattled South Korean justice minister Cho Kuk resigned Monday as a scandal swirled over academic privileges allegedly given to his children.
Huge crowds have taken to the streets recently – both against and in support of the former law professor – following his appointment by liberal President Moon Jae-in. Cho’s relatives have been at the centre of probes involving educational privileges allegedly granted to his children, and also investments in an equity fund suspected of dubious operations.
