Polls have closed across Egypt on the second and final day of voting in a referendum on a newconstitution. There was no repeat to the deadly clashes on the first day of voting betweenpolice and supporters of the Islamist President Mohammed Morsi who was deposed by themilitary last July. Kevin Connolly is in Cairo.
Egypt's military-backed government is desperate for a strong turnout in this, the country'sthird constitutional referendum in three years. It believes that document represents anopportunity to draw a line under a period of often violent turmoil. There is no serious doubtthat the authorities will get the “Yes”vote they crave, not least because supporters of theMuslim Brotherhood are boycotting the poll rather than voting “No”. Attention will focus on thelevel of participation. The army needs a strong turnout to endorse its own political powers,and perhaps to pave the way for its leader General Sisi to eventually run for president.
The United States Air Force has suspended 34 officers responsible for launching nuclearmissiles over allegations of cheating on a proficiency test. The Air Force Secretary Deborah LeeJames called the behavior absolutely unacceptable, saying those involved had lost theircertification, and nearly 200 would have to resit their test under strict supervision. FinloRohrer reports from Washington.
The US Air Force was already investigating allegations of drug abuse by officers at 6 basesincluding 2 that operate nuclear missiles. During these inquiries however, they also uncoveredevidence they say of a large-scale cheating operation amongst officers. The cheating censusis around a monthly proficiency test, all nuclear launch personnel required to take to ensurethey're capable of carrying out their duties. The Air Force says it believes a small number ofofficers were texting the answers to test through other officers. And as a result of the inquiry, 34 people, add up a total of almost 200, ranking from second lieutenants to captains have beensuspended. A further 3 have been suspended for allegedly possessing recreational drugs.
A BBC investigation has found the British men are paying towards the sex abuse of children inthe Philippines over the Internet. Angus Crawford has more details.
Between 60 and 100,000 children in the Philippines are estimated by the government to bevictims of sexual exploitation. And it's thought many of them have been forced to performobscene acts for money in front of webcams. The customers are mainly western men includingpaedophiles in Britain. In one recent case, a man called Timothy Ford was sent to prison for 8.5years. BBC News has learned that he paid to watch the abuse of 5 children in one family over aperiod of several years.
The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged Nigeria to review a new law forstrengths and penalties against gay people in the country. A spokesman said Mr.Ban fear thelaw could feel prejudice and violence and could undermine efforts to tackle HIV and AIDs.
World News from the BBC
The Afghan President Hamid Karzai has accused the United States of killing several children anda woman in an airstrike in central Afghanistan. In a strongly-worded statement, he said theAmericans had once again bombed a residential area. The US-led NATO Force responded bysaying that at least two civilians were killed when their Afghan-led operation came under fire.
The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has vigorously defended theright of Europe citizens to move freely around the EU in such a work. He accused those whowant to limit it of chauvinism and scaremongering. The British Prime Minister David Cameron hascalled for curbs to freedom of movement, suggesting large numbers of migrants may travel toBritain to claim welfare benefits.
The International Criminal Court has issued a new ruling that the Kenyan Deputy PresidentWilliam Ruto will not have to be present for some parts of his trial in the Hague for crimesagainst humanity. The judge said Mr.Ruto must attend court for key parts of the trial includingwhen victims present their evidence. Mr.Ruto denies responsibility for post-election violence.
The American technology company Apple has agreed to pay back more than $32m to parentswho didn't know their children were running up huge bills while playing mobile apps. As part ofthe settlement,Apple will also have to change the way it bills customers. Nada Tawfik reportsfrom New York.
The United States Federal Trade Commission received tens of thousands of complaints fromApple consumers over the unauthorized purchases. In some cases, children run up hundredsand even thousands of dollars with the charges for things like virtual dragon food and currencyon mobile apps like Dragon Story and Tiny Zoo Friends. The commission argued that Appledidn't appropriately informed account holders that when entering their password, a 15-minutewindow then opened in which children could incur unlimited charges. Nada Tawfik
BBC News.
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