Cosby in new bid to get case dismissed

NEW YORK • Disgraced US TV legend Bill Cosby on Friday appealed against a Pennsylvania judge's refusal to dismiss a sexual assault case against him, according to a document seen by Agence France-Presse.

The 78-year-old actor and comedian is accused by dozens of women of sexual assault dating back decades. The small number of cases that are proceeding are playing out in civil court - except in Pennsylvania, where he is standing trial for the first time on a criminal sexual assault charge.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

China plans Antarctic air squadron

BEIJING • China will set up an Antarctic air squadron this year to support its scientific expeditions to the polar region, according to the State Oceanic Administration.

It did not disclose details about the squadron, but said it is aimed at supporting polar exploration.

CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Mahathir joins anti-Najib group

PETALING JAYA • Former Malaysian premier Mahathir Mohamad has become patron of a group of ruling Umno party branch chiefs seeking Prime Minister Najib Razak's ouster, media reports said.

The Coalition of Umno Branch Chiefs Malaysia said yesterday Tun Dr Mahathir had agreed to become its patron. He will attend the group's programmes and come up with strategies to "save" the ruling party, the group said in a statement, according to the Malaysian Insider.

Thai students take a dig at junta

BANGKOK • Thai students lampooned the military at a football game in a rare act of open defiance against the junta, which has strangled political expression since seizing power two years ago.

In a colourful parade around the Bangkok stadium, where crowds gathered yesterday to watch a match between Thammasat and Chulalongkorn, two of the kingdom's top universities, students brought out elaborate hand-made floats and banners mourning prolonged military rule.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE