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COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- The ousted Sri Lankan prime minister's party urged Facebook to safeguard the identity of its supporters on the social media platform, fearing information sharing with what it calls the country's illegal government can lead to a crackdown against the users. In a letter to Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, the United National Party said such information could be used against the users "in ways which are legally prohibited." Party spokesman Piyasena Dissanayaka said Sunday that Facebook blocked its official page ahead of a public rally on Thursday but restored it on Saturday. "It is very likely that officials from the current illegal administration ... may ask Facebook for information on selected Sri Lankan users of Facebook that should rightfully be private," said the letter, sent on Thursday."It is vital this information be safeguarded as the current illegal administration will most likely use these in ways which are legally … [Read more...] about Ousted Sri Lankan PM’s party asks Facebook to protect users

BASRA, Iraq -- Iraqi police say a Muslim cleric has been killed outside his home after he suggested that demonstrators should take up arms over poor public services in Basra. Wissam al-Ghrawi was a prominent figure in demonstrations in recent months demanding clean water and reliable electricity in the southern Iraqi city. Basra province generates more than 90 percent of Iraq's oil exports but suffers from contaminated drinking water and regular blackouts. Basra police say al-Ghrawi was shot and killed in front of his house in the city center by unknown assailants late Saturday.Al-Ghrawi was filmed at a protest on Friday saying clerics would issue a fatwa within days on taking up arms. The video was shared widely on Iraqi social media. … [Read more...] about Iraqi cleric linked to Basra protests killed

ISTANBUL -- Turkey's official news agency says one person has been kept in custody in an investigation over allegations of supporting mass anti-government protests in 2013 with links to a prominent philanthropist. Anadolu Agency reported early Sunday that Yigit Aksakoglu, who works at Istanbul's Bilgi University, has been arrested. Aksakoglu is also the country representative of the private Bernard van Leer Foundation for childhood development. On Friday, Turkish police detained 14 civil society figures in four provinces, including academics and activists, prompting international statements of concern. Twelve people were released with judicial conditions.They are being investigated for links to Osman Kavala, a businessman and civil society leader who has been in prison for more than a year without an indictment. He is accused of attempting to overthrow the government. … [Read more...] about Turkey keeps 1 activist under arrest, releases 12 others

Updated 12:08 am PST, Sunday, November 18, 2018 A manhole is clogged by leaves and plastic causing a giant puddle partially flooding a street as a man on the other side of the road tries to sweep away more leaves, in Rome, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Rome’s monumental problems of garbage and decay exist side-by-side with Eternal City’s glories. less A manhole is clogged by leaves and plastic causing a giant puddle partially flooding a street as a man on the other side of the road tries to sweep away more leaves, in Rome, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Rome’s ... more Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, AP Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, AP Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Image 1 of 24 A manhole is clogged by leaves and plastic causing a giant puddle partially flooding a street as a man … [Read more...] about AP PHOTOS: Sights of Rome include monumental eyesores