Ousted PM backs subsidy scheme

Thailand: Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra defended her role in a money-losing rice subsidy scheme yesterday at the start of her impeachment hearing.

Ms Shinawatra was forced from office in May 2014 and Thailand’s anti-graft commission indicted her for dereliction of duty in overseeing the programme, which lost at least £2.65 billion.

She defended the rice scheme yesterday, saying it was “worthwhile” and was designed to support farmers. Military-appointed MPs are expected to issue a verdict by the end of the month.

UN: Over 350 killed in April massacre

South Sudan: Rebels slaughtered at least 353 civilians, including people sheltering in a mosque, hospital and a United Nations base last April, UN rights investigators reported yesterday.

Nearly nine months after the events, “no perpetrator has been held accountable” for the killings.

In the April 15 attack on Bentiu, fighters backing rebel leader Riek Machar murdered at least 287 civilians sheltering in a mosque. Later that day, 19 civilians were killed in the town’s hospital, the UN said.

Apps limited to licensed taxis

China: The government has banned drivers of private cars offering services through ride-hailing apps.

Only licensed taxis may use the hugely popular apps, the Ministry of Transport said yesterday. It said it needed to protect users.

It could be a setback to the Uber service, which also faces legal challenges in South Korea, India, Europe, California and elsewhere for using unlicensed drivers.

Princess has tax appeal rejected

Spain: Palma de Mallorca investigative magistrate Jose Castro has rejected an appeal by Princess Cristina’s lawyers against his decision to try her for tax fraud.

She was indicted on December 22 as part of a four-year probe into her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, who faces charges ranging from money-laundering to fraud. The trial is not expected to take place until late this year.

Sirisena takes presidency

Sri Lanka: In a result that was unthinkable just weeks ago, former cabinet minister Maithripala Sirisena won the presidential election yesterday.

Defecting from the ruling party in November, he capitalised on outgoing president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s unpopularity among ethnic and religious minorities, as well as worries among the Sinhalese majority about his growing power and the country’s economic troubles.

Mr Sirisena received 51.2 per cent of the votes to Mr Rajapaksa’s 47.5 per cent.

Oil man’s ex banks £645m cheque

United States: The ex-wife of oil billionaire Harold Hamm has cashed one of the largest divorce awards in US history — a cheque for $975 million (£645m).

Sue Ann Arnall’s legal team initially rejected her ex-husband’s handwritten cheque for $974,790,317.77.

But Morgan Stanley bank said that Ms Arnall deposited the cheque yesterday. The award was accruing interest of more than $93,000 per day.

The Oklahoma oil magnate has already paid his former wife more than $20m (£13.23m) during the divorce.

Blogger receives public lashing

Saudi Arabia: Blogger Raif Badawi, who was sentenced last May to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes, was publicly flogged for the first time after Friday prayers outside a Jeddah mosque.

Mr Badawi is to receive 50 lashes once a week for 20 weeks on charges that he insulted Islam.

“It is horrifying to think that such a vicious punishment should be imposed on someone guilty of nothing more than … exercising freedom of expression,” said Amnesty Middle East director Philip Luther.

Authorities blow up Israel embassy bomb

Uruguay: A government spokesman said yesterday that security forces found a small explosive device near a building housing the Israeli embassy and safely detonated it.

The Interior Ministry said police dogs detected the explosive in a supermarket bag during a routine check on Thursday.