The Nigerian prison any hope for freedom.MUST WATCH

“Nigeria’s prisons are filled with people whose human rights are systematically violated. Approximately 65 per cent of the inmates are awaiting trial most of whom have been waiting for their trial for years. Most of the people in Nigeria’s prisons are too poor to be able to pay lawyers, and only one in seven of those awaiting trial have private legal representation.” – Amnesty International

(Abuja, Nigeria) Amnesty International today exposed the appalling state of Nigeria’s prison system, saying that Nigeria’s prisons are filled with people whose human rights are being systematically violated.

The organization said that the criminal justice system is utterly failing the Nigerian people, calling it a “conveyor belt of injustice, from beginning to end.”

In a detailed and scathing 50-page report, the organization reveals how at least 65 percent of Nigeria’s inmates have never been convicted of any crime, with some awaiting trial for up to ten years; how most in Nigerian prisons are too poor to afford a lawyer, with only one in seven awaiting trial having access to private legal representation -with only 91 legal aid lawyers working in the country; and how appalling prison conditions, including severe overcrowding, are seriously damaging the mental and physical health of thousands......read complete story here  

A 33-year-old French man has been sent to prison after phoning and texting his ex-girlfriend 21,807 times, admitting that, with hindsight, “it was stupid”.

The unnamed defendant, who had made the calls to demand the woman thank him for fixing up their flat, was given a 10-month sentence – six months of which was suspended – and a €1,000 (£793) fine.

He will also have to undergo psychiatric treatment and is barred from all contact with the woman he harassed, lawyers in the case told AFP.

The defendant, who comes from Rhone in southern France, had already accepted responsibility for the barrage of phone calls and text messages over a 10-month period, and had accepted an earlier demand to cease contact with his ex................... read more

Comedienne Joan Rivers dies at age 81 – just a week after routine throat procedure left her in a coma

• Melissa Rivers put out a statement saying the legendary comic passed away at 1:17pm surrounded by her family 
• Joan Rivers’ passing comes after she went into cardiac arrest during vocal cord surgery a week ago 
• She had spent the last few days in a coma and on life support 
• New York Department of Health launched investigation into clinic where Rivers’ ill-fated procedure was performed 
• Funeral for Rivers will take place Sunday at Temple Emanu-El

Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers died in a Manhattan hospital today, a week after she went into cardiac arrest during a routine throat procedure.

In a statement, her daughter Melissa said the 81-year-old passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

The legendary comedienne was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital a week ago after going into cardiac arrest during an outpatient procedure on her vocal chords at another clinic, which is now under investigation.

She has been at the center of American entertainment since 1965 when she broke out on the Tonight Show..........COMPLETE THIS STORY HERE

US attacks al-Shabab militants in Somalia

The US has carried out a military operation against al-Shabab militants in Somalia, officials say.

The Pentagon is assessing the results of Monday’s operation before releasing details, a spokesman said.

However a US official quoted by the American media said “a senior al-Shabab operative” had been targeted.

The al-Qaeda-linked group lost control of Mogadishu to an African Union force in 2011 but still hold many southern and central areas.

“We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information as and when appropriate,” Pentagon spokesman John F Kirby said in a statement.

Residents of Hawai village, some 240km (150 miles) south of the capital, Mogadishu say they heard three loud explosions and then saw thick black smoke rising............... COMPLETE THIS STORY HERE