China breaks silence on HK bookseller's fate

HONG KONG • Chinese police have made their first statement on the fate of one of five missing Hong Kong booksellers, believed by many to have been abducted by mainland agents, acknowledging widespread concerns but offering no fresh information.

The letter repeated two points earlier released by the Hong Kong police - that bookstore owner Lee Bo had sent a letter stating he went to the mainland on his own accord and that mainland authorities had confirmed to Hong Kong that he was "understood" to be on the mainland, RTHK reported.

REUTERS

Ex-official arrested over video mocking PM

BANGKOK • A former Thaipolitician is facing up to five years in prison for sharing a video earlier this month mocking the leader of the military junta, the police said yesterday.

Former councillor Narong Reungthanawong, 39, who was arrested on Friday, had shared a satirical music video critical of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

REUTERS

Facebook bans unlicensed gun sales

SAN FRANCISCO • Facebook has banned people from using the social network for unlicensed gun sales after pressure from anti-gun violence groups.

The policy change will not affect licensed gun dealers who tout their wares on the social network, which is used by 1.59 billion people monthly.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE