Abu Ghraib re-opens with greenhouses and sewing workshop

BAGHDAD: The infamous Abu Ghraib prison has been reopened after undergoing a major renovation and name change.

The prison closed in 2006, after a military scandal with photographs depicting officers abusing and humiliating detained prisoners erupted in 2004.

George W. Bush had the prison closed after the publication of the human rights abuses and promised to fund the renovation of Abu Ghraib.

According to CBC news, the building now holds a prison with a library, medical facilities, computers, recreational areas and even greenhouses.

The newly named Baghdad Central Prison expects the transfer of 3,000 inmates immediately and will become the city’s main prison, capable of housing 12,000.

Abu Ghraib was also a site of torture and executions under Saddam Hussein.

Snake charmers attempt to charm government ban

CALCUTTA, India: Snake charmers took to the streets protesting a government ban on their profession.

Playing flutes, over 1,000 men marched through the city to bring attention to their plight.

Snake charming has been illegal in India since 1991. The ban on charming has cost many performers their livelihood; animal rights groups condone the ban because it controls the abuse of snakes.

The BBC reported Raktim Das, head of India’s snake charmers federation, spoke out on the ban saying the traditional street performance should be legalized once again and the government should consider establishing serum farms for venom extraction.

No more playing doctor in China

BEIJING: China has banned actors from depicting medical professionals in drug commercials.

The decision comes after an Internet user exposed 12 fake medical experts who were selling drugs on television.

Reuters reported non-accredited personnel could not be in advertisements or programs related to health care. Companies found in violation could have their advertising licenses revoked and sales suspended.

The country’s State Administration for Industry and Commerce told Reuters it would pursue charges against any hospitals and universities affiliated with the false experts.

Earlier in February, police arrested five individuals in relation to a fake diabetic drug linked to two deaths and sold to thousands in some Chinese provinces.

83-year-old thief has a hand in everything

BUDAPEST, Hungary: An 83-year-old thief was arrested after police caught her red-handed at the scene of her latest crime.

Kosztor Sandorne, who had a criminal record since the 1950s, was apprehended when breaking into a house in Komarom.

Known as the “Flying Gizi” by the media, Sandorne has a six-decade long wrap sheet and 20 convictions. The media dubbed her the “Flying Gizi” because she fled her crime scenes by flying commercial airlines.

When questioned by police, Reuters reported Gizi said she broke into the house in an attempt to save money; she was trying to find cheaper housing than what was available in Budapest.

Sandorne no longer flees her crimes by plane. Instead she prefers to use the rail lines because train travel is free for pensioners in Hungary.

Published in Volume 63, Number 21 of The Uniter (February 26, 2009)