* Former Thai prime minister Thaksin gets divorced in HK Nov 16, 2008
Thaksin was sentenced in absentia by a Thai court last month to two years in prison for violating a conflict of interest law while he was prime minister. Britain revoked his visa last week while he was traveling. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Abu Qatada breached bail conditions, tribunal told Nov 13, 2008
He is fighting deportation to Jordan, where he has been convicted in absentia of terrorist offences. The court of appeal ruled in the summer that he could not be sent back because there was a likelihood that the convictions were tainted by evidence obtained under torture. (guardian.co.uk)
Thai ex-PM visiting China, but next stop unknown Nov 11, 2008
Thaksin had been sentenced in absentia by a Thai court in October to two years in prison for violating a conflict of interest law while prime minister. Thai prosecutors who had planned to seek his extradition from Britain now acknowledge it may be harder to get him back. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
* Thailand promises to press for Thaksins extradition Nov 11, 2008
Thaksin, toppled in a military coup in 2006, was last month sentenced in absentia to two years in jail for conflict of interest after helping his wife Pojaman buy state-owned land when he was premier. The multi-millionaires whereabouts are currently a mystery. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
City in decline Nov 11, 2008
MAYORAL CANDIDATES Nir BarkatSecular high-tech businessman, leading in most polls Meir PorushUltra-Orthodox rabbi, Israeli MP since 1996, former deputy housing minister, Barkat's closest challenger Arkady GaydamakRussian-born tycoon, owner of major Israeli football club, currently on trial in absentia in an arms trafficking case in Paris Dan Biron. TV executive-turned-bar owner, left-wing candidate from party seeking legalisation of marijuana. (BBC News -- Africa)
Krion accused defamed? Nov 11, 2008
"It was unfair for a court of law to publish detailed defamatory findings concerning the group in absentia on some of the main issues to be raised in their pending criminal trial. "The conduct violated their legally recognised fundamental rights. "The findings tend to prejudice the outcome of the criminal case and consequently violate the right to a fair trial," Smit said. (iAfrica.com)
More Top Stories Asia Pacific Headlines Nov 11, 2008
Thaksin, toppled in a military coup in September 2006, was last month sentenced in absentia to two years in jail by a Thai court for conflict of interest after helping his wife buy state-owned land when he was premier. He is now believed to be searching for asylum in another country to avoid facing justice back home. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Thaksin searches for bolthole after UK withdraws visa Nov 9, 2008
His conviction in absentia is just the latest twist in the turbulent career of the flamboyant politician, who was ousted by a bloodless military coup in 2006. In exile, he spent much of his time in the UK, where he applied for asylum, snapped up a house in Surrey and bought himself a football team. (Independent)
* Britain revokes Thaksins visa Nov 9, 2008
He has since been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for conflict of interest after helping his wife buy state-owned land when he was prime minister. Four other corruption cases are outstanding against him. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Toughest Of Jobs: 3 Seek To Be Jerusalem Mayor Nov 9, 2008
One Arab candidate entered the race for a second time, only to withdraw and become an adviser to the only Jewish candidate courting the Arab vote, Moscow-born Arcadi Gaydamak, who is on trial in absentia in France, on charges of organizing arms sales to Angola. Front-runner Nir Barkat, 49, who made millions investing in technology, represents Jerusalem's shrinking secular population. (CBS News -- World)
UK revokes former Thai PM's visa Nov 8, 2008
He has since been convicted by a Thai court on corruption charges and sentenced in absentia to two years. His wife faces three years for tax evasion. (BBC News)
Syrians stare terror in the face Nov 8, 2008
Both were sentenced to death in absentia by Jordanian courts in July of that year. Abbsi then went to Lebanon, fleeing an arrest warrant in both Syria and Jordan. (Asia Times Online)
Britain revokes ousted Thai leader's visa Nov 8, 2008
Thaksin, who fled Thailand in August to escape corruption charges, among others, was sentenced in absentia by a Thai court in October to two years in prison. Prosecutors have said they would seek his extradition. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Reports: UK revokes ex-Thai leader's visa Nov 8, 2008
A Thai court convicted Thaksin in absentia of violating a conflict of interest law in a case relating a real estate deal by his wife, and sentenced the fugitive former leader to two years in prison in October. Prosecutors have said they will seek Thaksin's extradition. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Full Story » Nov 8, 2008
Thaksin, ousted in a 2006 coup, fled to Britain in early August and has since been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for corruption. His exact whereabouts on Saturday were unknown, but local media reported he was travelling from China to the Philippines. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Oh Lord, how do you plead? Nov 7, 2008
Unsure of their fate, a handful of new prisoners, their heads crudely shorn and battered from beatings, fall to debating religion and impulsively decide to stage a trial to judge God in absentia. While fellow prisoners march to the gas chambers outside their cell, the group hastily assembles a rabbinical court. (Globe and Mail)
WEB EXCLUSIVE: News BriefsHow Jewish candidates fared in 2008 elections Nov 7, 2008
The court sentenced Max Josef Milde, a German sergeant involved in the massacre, to life in prison, in absentia. Reportedly there are 51 similar cases awaiting trial in Italy alone. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Liberia: Uncertainty Hangs Over Mittal Steel Money Nov 5, 2008
Assuming that the stammering crime is not limited by a statute of limitations, then President Monroe could be indicted IN ABSENTIA for launching a project that resulted in the decimation of innumerable 'natives' in the territory of Liberia by SOME so-called "Americo-'Liberians'" and their. . (allAfrica.com)
Otiko Afisah Chrissie Djaba Nov 4, 2008
He was sentenced to 10 years in absentia during the AFRC regime. That sentence was overturned by the 3 judges, who were murdered in 1982. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* Ousted Thai PM says he wont swap exile for jail Nov 3, 2008
Thaksin, who served as the countrys elected leader from 2001 until he was ousted by a military coup in September 2006, was this year convicted in absentia to two years in prison on conflict of interest charges. He spoke in a phone call broadcast to his supporters attending a rally on Saturday at a Bangkok stadium. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Libyan leader hails Russian energy ties Nov 2, 2008
Thaksin, the elected leader from 2001 until he was ousted by a military coup in 2006, was convicted in absentia this year on conflict-of- interest charges. He spoke in a broadcast to supporters at a Bangkok rally. (Boston Globe)
Thaksin phones up Bangkok rally Nov 2, 2008
He was convicted in absentia of breaking conflict of interest rules. Mr Thaksin accused his opponents of destroying democracy in order to keep him out of power. (BBC News)
"I cannot return home," exiled former PM Thaksin tells 90,000-crowd Nov 2, 2008
I was overwhelmingly elected prime minister twice yet I was overthrown in a military coup, and survived an attempted assassination," he said. "My family and I have been attacked, our assets have been forfeited and I have been sentenced to jail, but my problems cannot compare to those facing our country," he said. "Nobody can bring me back to Thailand except royal mercy or the power of the people," he added. His address was not carried by any Thai television or radio channels. Thaksin fled to... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Thousands of Thais gather to hear former PM Thaksin's address Nov 1, 2008
Saturday, November 01, 2008. Thousands of Thais gather to hear former PM Thaksin's address Posted: 01 November 2008 1454 hrs. (Channel News Asia)
Thai protests seek Thaksin's return Oct 31, 2008
The former prime minister was convicted in absentia last week of violating conflict of interest rules. Tension between pro and anti-government groups has been heightened by a grenade attack on Thursday morning, targeting guards for the anti-government camp. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Explosion in Bangkok wounds 10 at protest site Oct 30, 2008
About 1,000 protesters sealed off the embassy's street, chanting "Send Thaksin back!" The former prime minister was convicted in absentia earlier this month of violating a conflict of interest law and sentenced to two years in prison. Protesters then marched through a main Bangkok shopping district, disrupting traffic as they distributed anti-government leaflets to cars and pedestrians. (International Herald Tribune)
Frank: U.S. will avoid depression Oct 30, 2008
Apparently John McCain would rather debate me in absentia than Senator Obama in person, he said. Frank flashed his trademark wit repeatedly during the breakfast interview, led by John Henning, a Denterlein senior advisor, political commentator and former senior correspondent for CBS4 News. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Thai protesters rally as bomb raises fears of more violence Oct 30, 2008
The multi-millionaire and twice-elected Thai premier fled to London in August, two months before he was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail for violating the kingdom's corruption law. "Why doesn't England send Thaksin back to Thailand to be put in jail?" PAD spokeswoman Sarocha Pornudomsak shouted to the crowd. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Profile: Abu Ghadiya Oct 29, 2008
In 2006 a Jordanian court sentenced Abu Ghadiya to death in absentia for plotting chemical attacks in the kingdom. Also known as Badran Turki Hishan al-Mazidih, Abu Ghadiya is said to be from Damascus, where he graduated as a dentist before heading for Afghanistan in the 1990s. (BBC News -- Africa)
Murder mystery vexes ex-Soviet bloc Oct 28, 2008
Sentenced in absentia to six years and six months in jail, in 1975 he began a regular BBC series that critiqued life back in Bulgaria. It so infuriated the authorities in Sofia, that Hristov's research suggests they complained to Moscow about both the damage he was doing to Bulgaria's international image and its potential to incite Bulgarians illegally listening to his broadcasts. (Christian Science Monitor)
Burundi: Soldiers Sentenced for Executing 31 Civilians [press release] Oct 26, 2008
The tribunal found Colonel Vital Bangirinama, commanding officer of the soldiers implicated in the massacre, guilty in absentia and sentenced him to death ... Human Rights Watch opposes trials in absentia and the death penalty, and calls upon the government to make every effort to promptly apprehend and retry Bangirinama. (allAfrica.com)
Thai former PM Thaksin cancels planned TV speech Oct 26, 2008
Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Oct. 21. He was convicted for abuse of power in a land deal. (Xinhuanet, China)
Extradition battle Oct 26, 2008
The fact that he was tried in absentia may be a factor the UK will consider, although it may not be decisive. Protesters say the current government is too close to Thaksin. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
The Jewel of Medina’ isn’t as incendiary as furor might indicate Oct 25, 2008
Marriages conducted in absentia to seal an alliance were often contracted at this time between adults and minors who were even younger than Aisha. This practice continued in Europe well into the early modern period. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Germany 'must pay WWII victims' Oct 23, 2008
In 2006 an Italian lower court sentenced Max Josef Milde in absentia to life in jail for his involvement in the Civitella massacre. The Cassation Court upheld the conviction against Milde, who now lives in Germany. (BBC News -- Europe)
Protesters throw shoes at Thai PM Oct 23, 2008
On Tuesday Thailand's Supreme Court found Thaksin guilty of corruption and sentenced him to two years in jail in absentia. In a landmark ruling, he was found to have violated conflict of interest rules in helping his wife buy land from a state agency at a knock-down price. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Court finds ousted Thai PM guilty Oct 21, 2008
A Thai court has found ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of conflict of interest and sentenced him in absentia to two years in jail, in the first ruling against the exiled multi-millionaire. The Supreme Court judgement was in connection with a cut-price land deal he helped his wife Pojaman obtain in 2003, but Thaksin, 59, was cleared of more serious charges of abuse of power. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Jihadists or dupes? Fort Dix terror trial opens Oct 21, 2008
Defense attorneys described Bakalli as a "street tough" who had been convicted in absentia for shooting a man in Albania who was involved in a dispute with his sister. Michael Riley, the lawyer for Shain Duka, asked the jury not to be influenced by some of the videos it would be shown, describing them as "shocking, repugnant and offensive." "We're here because of Mohamad Shnewer and his laptop," said Riley, who, like other defense attorneys, described Shnewer as someone who was not taken... (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Violence is against countrys ethos: President Oct 20, 2008
In her acceptance speech read in absentia, Ms. Azmi said India was a multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural society and the task of building national integration could be achieved when the rights of all ethnic and religious communities were respected according to the Constitution. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Governor S.C. Mathur also spoke on the occasion. (Hindu)
Under the same sun Oct 19, 2008
Dorelien was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life in prison and a $28 million punitive payment to the victims ... Six weeks after the Haitian courts convicted Dorelien in absentia, immigration agents arrived to arrest him at one of his homes in Florida. (Florida Times-Union)
Animals blessed at Holy Innocents Oct 17, 2008
Two animals were brought to the church for their blessing while the rest were blessed in absentia. Cindy Clark brought her Chihuahua Precious, while D.C. Davidson brought his German shepherd Avery. (Madisonville Meteor, TX)
Angola: No Citizens at 'Angolagate' Trial Oct 16, 2008
If necessary he will be sentenced in absentia. However, the main alleged culprit is Falcone, who in spite of his French nationality was designated by Luanda as Angola's representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2003. (allAfrica.com)
Transcript of a Panel Discussion on the Role and Governance of the IMF: Further Reflections on Reform - The Per Jacobsson Foundation Oct 16, 2008
However, where we have ended up, as the panelists have suggested, is largely that the Fund has been represented in absentia and has followed its traditional role of endorsing the moves of the G-7 after the fact, even though many of us know that there is a tremendous amount of knowledge within the Fund. Many working papers circulating in the Fund over the last so many days suggest the way ahead. (IMF News)
Kazakhstan: Rakhatgate Scandal Continues to Haunt Astana Oct 15, 2008
Musayev and Aliyev -- who were convicted in two separate trials held in absentia in Kazakhstan earlier this year on charges including seeking to overthrow the state, kidnapping and theft -- have now been given a special police guard in the Austrian capital, where they live in self-imposed exile. . (EurasiaNet.org)
France's first lady and her sister get political Oct 15, 2008
An Italian court convicted Ms. Petrella in absentia in 1992 of murder, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping and armed robbery. The Red Brigades carried out a campaign of violence in Italy during the years of lead in the 1970s, culminating in the kidnap and murder of former prime minister Aldo Moro in 1978. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Bruni backed Red Brigades woman Oct 14, 2008
Petrella, 54, was sentenced to life in absentia by a Rome court in 1992 for murder and kidnapping. I gave him some information that was perhaps a little bit important in his decision. (BBC News -- Europe)
Sarkozy stops extradition of convicted Italian radical Oct 13, 2008
Petrella, who is hospitalized, was convicted in absentia in Italy in 1992 of complicity in the murder of a police chief a year earlier. She was sentenced to life in prison. (International Herald Tribune)
France Annuls Extradition for Ex-Leftist Terrorist Oct 13, 2008
Marina Petrella had been convicted in absentia in 1992 of complicity to murder and sentenced to life in prison. She was jailed last year, but a court ordered her freed in August because of severe depression. (Newsmax)
Opinon nuggets: Marriage protection Oct 11, 2008
The human side: I've just celebrated in absentia the marriage of two dear gay friends in California. Seeing their joy and knowing their long-term commitment, I could never vote to deny this experience to any human no matter what the sexual persuasion. (Florida Times-Union)
Hall of Fame Oct 10, 2008
Committee members may vote "in absentia", provided his/her ballot is delivered in writing, in a sealed envelope to the committee chair prior to the final selection meeting. 4. (Uicflames.com)
Kazakh bloggers say can't access popular website Oct 10, 2008
Mr. Aliyev, sentenced by Kazakh courts in absentia to 40 years in prison for crimes including attempting a coup and kidnapping, lives in Austria, where a local court ruled against handing him over to Kazakhstan. He says he is innocent. (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Angola arms trial opens in Paris Oct 7, 2008
Mr Gaydamak is being tried in absentia. Other suspects, including Mr Mitterrand's son Jean-Christophe and former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua, are accused of accepting kickbacks - money or gifts - to facilitate the deals. (BBC News -- Europe)
Miner rescued after 11 days in Philippine mine Oct 5, 2008
He was sentenced in absentia to six years in 2002, Pelisco said. Anayasan was one of 10 survivors among 16 people who were inside the mine when floodwaters rushed in during a typhoon on Sept. 22. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Cambodian prince quits politics after return from exile Oct 3, 2008
Ranariddh, sentenced in absentia last year for his part in a illegal property scheme, made the announcement Thursday night and called on opposition parties to support the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen. "I am no longer an opposition party leader," the prince told reporters during dinner at a hotel in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Chinese couple to visit B.C. to seek answers in daughter's death Sep 23, 2008
" Nothing has gone right in the case since Amanda Zhao, a 21-year old student taking courses in Port Coquitlam, was reported missing by her live-in boyfriend, 19-year-old Li Ang. Mr. Li told police she had left their basement apartment in Burnaby at 10 p.m. on the night of Oct. 6, 2002, to walk 10 blocks to a supermarket to buy cooking oil. Eleven days later, her body was found stuffed in a suitcase near Stave Lake in the Fraser Valley. Three days after that, Mr. Li, then a student at Simon... (Globe and Mail -- International)
And They Call Themselves Democrats. Sep 23, 2008
As if those were not enough, when the Special Investigative Panel indicted Kojo Tsikata, Alorga Akata-Pore, Amartey Kwei, Johnny Dzandu, Michael Senya and Samuel Amedeka [in absentia] for the murder of the three High Court Judges and the retired Army Officer, Rawlings once more came up with his executive fiat There was no evidence to link both Tsikata and Akata-Pore to the murders. Even the execution of the convicted persons hand a twist of mockery in it. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Iraqi's warmth to Israel exacts a heavy price Sep 22, 2008
He was sentenced to death in absentia in 1976 he was studying in Cairo at the time for allegedly trying to undermine Saddam Hussein ... Asad Kamal al-Hashimi, a former culture minister in Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, was convicted in absentia and sentenced to death last month on charges he planned the ambush. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Tuna and Dolphins in depths of NFL these days Sep 21, 2008
In absentia, the Tuna has managed to make his presence felt in Foxborough. Since leaving New England, Parcells has competed against the Patriots with the Jets, Cowboys, and now Dolphins. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Dow Chemical Company Chairman & CEO to Address the Detroit Economic Club on a (New) Industrial Policy for the U.S. Sep 18, 2008
The DEC will also welcome G. Richard Wagoner, Jr. (in absentia) as it's newly elected Chairman. The meeting will conclude with a major announcement from the Detroit Economic Club. (PR Newswire)
Thaksin's brother-in-law is elected as Thai prime minister Sep 17, 2008
The court issued an arrest warrant when Thaksin failed to appear for a hearing and was now set to rule on his case in absentia. . (International Herald Tribune)
Court rules Nazi-era officer fit for trial Sep 16, 2008
He has already been convicted of the same crimes by an Italian military court and sentenced in absentia in 2006 to life in prison, though he has served no time. On Monday, he wore a traditional Bavarian wool jacket with deer-horn buttons, and sat with an arm resting on his single crutch as his attorney told the court that he denied the charges against him. (MSNBC -- International)
German tried over Nazi war crime Sep 16, 2008
He has previously been sentenced in absentia by an Italian military court to life in prison. Scheungraber "completely and thoroughly denies the accusations in the charge sheet" said his lawyer. (BBC News -- Europe)
Candidates, measures get forum hearing Sep 16, 2008
The agenda included a presentation by Sonoma Valley Hospital CEO Carl Gerlach on Measure P, the 35 million hospital bond; a presentation by Chris Coursey, community outreach and education manager for the SMART public transit campaign; along with appearances from office seekers Valerie Brown, Will Pier, Joanne Sanders and (in absentia because she was sick) Laurie Gallian. Brown and Pier were the only candidates actually in a race. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Calls Rise For Firing of South Africa's Mbeki Sep 13, 2008
Three years ago, Zuma claimed he had been tried and judged in absentia. On Friday night, Mbeki said the same thing, almost verbatim. (allAfrica.com)
Yearlong chase over for the man cops say firebombed brother Sep 12, 2008
" Middletown, Conn., cops charged Prall with criminal mischief, interference with arrest and possession of marijuana. Armed with a new alias, "Michael Edwards" tried to hoodwink police again, Tourison said. "He had explained to officers or detectives (in Middletown) that he wasn't feeling well," Tourison said. Prall also told police he was "participating in research projects in Rhode Island," which raised some eyebrows. With multiple law-enforcement agencies tracking the Prall case, police... (The Trentonian, NJ)
