Top Story: Former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and his wife have been sentenced to life in prison on graft and embezzlement charges. Chen, who served from 2000-2008 was Taiwan's second democratically elected leader and the first not from the politically dominant Nationalist Party.
Chen was charged with embezzling $3.15 million and receiving bribes of at least $9 million. However, his supporters believe his prosecution is politically motivated. Chen was a staunch advocate of Taiwanese independence form mainland China, a policy which the Nationalist Party led by current president Ma Ying-jeou feels is reckless and misguided. Ma has made improving ties with Beijing a centerpiece of his policies.
Milestone: Japan now has more than 40,000 people over the age of 100.
Asia
- The Pakistani military has arrested Muslim Khan, spokesman for the Swat Valley Taliban.
- Sri Lanka released nearly 10,000 Tamil civilians to return to their homes from refugee camps.
- The Dalai Lama is planning a controversial visit to a Northern Indian state claimed by China.
Middle East
- A prisoner riot at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison forced guards to call in Iraqi and U.S. troops.
- Leading Friday prayers in Tehran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of harsh retaliation against those who challenge the Islamic state.
- After abruptly resigning as Lebanon's prime minister designate, Saad Hariri blamed Syrian and Iranian-backed parties for preventing him from forming a cabinet.
Africa
- Deadly ethnic rioting has broken out in Kampala, Uganda.
- At a summit meeting, South Africa lobbied the European Union to drop sanctions against Zimbabwe.
- The United States and four other nations signed on to a new plan for fighting piracy in Somalia.
Americas
- Colombian police seized more than $55 million in property from drug cartels.
- Mexican police arrested a man wanted for the murder of 18 people in Ciudad Juarez.
- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wrapped up his nine-country world tour with a stop in Spain.
Europe
- U.S. President Barack Obama expressed his disappointment over the release of the Lockerbie bomber in a conversation with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
- Russia will not back any new sanctions against Iran, says Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
- German authorities are reviewing the safety of a geothermal plan after it set off an earthquake.
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