A roundup of today's other world news in brief
China’s sex workers protest over crackdown
HEBEI – A crackdown on China’s fast-growing sex industry has prompted demonstrations by sex workers who support of the legalisation of prostitution.
The protest in Wuhan, central Hebei province, is thought to have been the first of its kind in the country.
Prostitution is widespread in China, despite frequent crackdowns. The World Health Organisation has estimated the country has four million sex workers.
In May, state media said police had arrested 1,100 suspects from “high-end” establishments in Beijing alone. – (Guardian service)
Fraudulent art dealer gets six years
NEW YORK – A New York art dealer who duped collectors, including tennis star John McEnroe and actor Robert De Niro out of more than $100 million, was sentenced to at least six years in prison yesterday.
Lawrence Salander (61) pleaded guilty in March in New York Supreme Court to an array of schemes, such as selling shares of the same work of art to multiple owners and selling artwork that did not belong to him and pocketing the proceeds. – (Reuters)
Twelve killed in Iraq bomb attacks
BAGHDAD – Two bombs exploded in the usually quiet city of Kut in southern Iraq yesterday, killing 12 people and wounding 55, a security source said. A roadside bomb and then a car bomb were detonated in a busy commercial area near the town centre.
While violence in Iraq has fallen, bombings are still a daily occurrence, with militants believed to be exploiting a political vacuum nearly five months after an inconclusive general election. – (Reuters)
Spanish air traffic controllers to strike
MADRID – Holidaymakers will face air chaos later this month after Spanish air traffic controllers voted for a strike yesterday over what they call excessive working hours.
The controllers’ union said the walkout was expected to begin on August 18th and would continue for three days. – (Guardian service)