Апрель 2014 - Страница 4 из 7

US created ‘Cuban Twitter’ to stir unrest

8 апреля, 2014 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The US created a text-message social network designed to foment unrest in Cuba, according to an investigation by the Associated Press news agency.

ZunZuneo, dubbed a «Cuban Twitter», had 40,000 subscribers at its height in a country with limited web access.

The project reportedly lasted from 2009-12 when the grant money ran out.

The US is said to have concealed its links to the network through a series of shell companies and by funnelling messages through other countries.

The BBC’s Sarah Rainsford in the Cuban capital of Havana says there is a thirst for information on the island, which has no independent media.

Brazilian troops in Rio slum operation before World Cup

8 апреля, 2014 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Nearly 3,000 Brazilian troops have begun occupying one of Rio de Janeiro’s most dangerous shanty towns.

It is the biggest such operation since the authorities began tackling powerful drug gangs in key areas of the city ahead of the football World Cup in June and July.

Tanks, helicopters and armoured vehicles are being used in the operation at the Mare slum complex.

Elite troops are expected to remain in the area until after the tournament.

Luis Solis wins Costa Rican presidential poll

8 апреля, 2014 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Luis Guillermo Solis of the centre-left Citizen Action Party (PAC) has won the presidential election in Costa Rica.

With almost all the votes counted, Mr Solis had 78%.

He had been expected to win after his rival — governing party candidate Johnny Araya — had stopped campaigning after opinion polls suggested Mr Solis had an unassailable lead.

Mr Solis’s win breaks with the traditional two-party system which has dominated in Costa Rica for decades.

Mr Araya, whose name remained on the ballot even after he pulled out, got 22%.

Major Clashes at Brussels march for jobs

8 апреля, 2014 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A big anti-austerity demonstration has been taking place in the European quarter of Brussels, where EU offices are located.

Water cannon and pepper spray were used to try to disperse protesting Belgian trade unionists near the headquarters of the European Commission and the European Council.

Thousands of people have been marching through the streets carrying banners and placards criticising the austerity policies which are supported by EU institutions. They include demonstrators from other EU countries.

Mafia Boss Domenico Rancadore in custody again

7 апреля, 2014 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A convicted Mafia boss has been remanded in custody after being rearrested over his connections to the criminal network.

Domenico Rancadore, 65, was held in west London after a fresh European Arrest Warrant was received from Italy.

He had been allowed to stay in the UK after winning an extradition battle last month following a similar warrant.

He appeared in court where his lawyer described the arrest as an «abuse of process». Rancadore was refused bail.

The new European Arrest Warrant describes Rancadore, known as The Professor, as being «one of the heads of one of the most powerful Mafia organisations in Italy».