World Briefs: Freed Saudis still fearful, says report

Freed Saudis still fearful, says report

WASHINGTON • Prominent Saudis held in what Riyadh dubbed an anti-corruption campaign were subjected to coercion and physical abuse, the New York Times reported yesterday, describing fear and uncertainty even after their release.

The newspaper said at least 17 detainees were hospitalised after facing abuse, while a Saudi general later died in custody with what witnesses said appeared to be a broken neck.

Many of the 381 suspects, including princes, ministers and tycoons, remain under military surveillance and some have been forced to wear ankle bracelets that track their movements, the newspaper said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


Syrian conflict: Kids face rising risk

BEIRUT • Children are at more risk than ever in Syria's devastating conflict, the United Nations said yesterday as the war approached its eighth year. The UN children's agency Unicef reported a 50 per cent increase in the number of children killed in the conflict last year compared to the previous year.

More than 200 children have been killed in bombardment of the rebel-held enclave of eastern Ghouta by the Syrian regime and allied forces since February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE


11 women die in plane crash in Iran

TEHERAN • Eleven women were killed when a private plane crashed in Iran while flying the daughter of a prominent Turkish businessman and her friends back from a hen party, officials and media reports said yesterday.

The Bombardier Challenger 604, carrying Ms Mina Basaran and seven of her friends from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Istanbul, went down on Sunday about 400km south of Teheran. Three crew members, all women, were also killed.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 13, 2018, with the headline World Briefs: Freed Saudis still fearful, says report. Subscribe