Plans for Russia probe to be done by Sept 1

WASHINGTON • A special counsel plans to complete by Sept 1 the investigation into whether United States President Donald Trump obstructed the Russia inquiry, the president's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has said.

He added on Sunday that waiting any longer would risk improperly influencing voters in the mid-term elections in November.

This is part of special counsel Robert Mueller's counterintelligence investigation into Russia's alleged campaign to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and whether Trump associates coordinated with it.

NYTIMES

Maduro re-elected as Venezuelan president

CARACAS • President Nicolas Maduro has won a second term to lead Venezuela, a country in the midst of a historic economic collapse marked by soaring prices, widespread hunger, rampant crime, a failing health system and a large-scale exodus of its citizens.

Electoral officials declared Mr Maduro the victor on Sunday night, in a contest that critics said was heavily rigged in his favour.

NYTIMES

Failed Turkish coup: Over 100 jailed for life

ANKARA • A Turkish court yesterday sentenced 104 people to life in prison for involvement in a failed military coup in 2016, the Hurriyet newspaper said, in one of the heaviest penalties imposed since the attempt.

Another 21 were jailed 20 years for insulting the president, among other sentences imposed, Hurriyet said.

REUTERS