Ankara A Turkish MP handcuffed herself to the speaker’s microphone in parliament in protest at planned constitutional changes that would give President Erdogan more powers.
Aylin Nazliaka, an independent, made the stand following tense deliberations last week between the opposition and the ruling AKP party, which argues that a strong presidency is needed to combat terrorism.
Critics believe the amendments will give the president, accused of authoritarian tendencies, too much executive power. A final vote is expected by tomorrow. If passed, the reforms will be put to a national referendum. (AFP)
Riot at massacre jail
Sao Paulo Inmates hurled stones and lit fires when a fresh riot broke out in a Brazilian jail where 26 people were massacred on Sunday. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to try to separate hundreds of inmates from rival gangs at Alcacuz prison in the town of Natal. The authorities are struggling to contain a wave of gang violence in overcrowded jails. At least 140 prisoners have been killed in recent weeks. (AFP)
Corruption judge dies
Rio de Janeiro The Brazilian judge Teori Zavascki, 68, who had a central role overseeing a massive corruption investigation, has died in an aircraft crash. His death raises questions about the future of an inquiry into a multibillion-dollar kickback scheme centred on Petrobras, the state oil company. His replacement will be appointed by President Temer, who is the subject of the inquiry. He denies wrongdoing. (AP)
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Nigerian leader in UK
Abuja President Buhari of Nigeria has flown to Britain for medical checks and is not expected to resume work until February 6. The former military ruler’s visit comes as a detachment of Nigerian troops is preparing for action in Gambia. Yemi Osinbajo, the vice-president, will be in charge during his absence. Mr Buhari, 74, was in London for ten days in June 2016 to be treated for a persistent ear infection. (AP)
Cash reward for MH370
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia has offered to pay a reward to any company that finds the fuselage of the Malaysia Airlines jet that disappeared over the South China Sea in March 2014 with 239 people on board. A three-year search for Flight MH370, conducted jointly with Australia and China, was suspended on Tuesday. Fragments of wreckage have been found in Mauritius, Tanzania and Réunion. (Reuters)
‘Boring Sydney’ exit
Sydney The leader of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, has quit politics after he was forced into several U-turns last year. Mike Baird, 48, a former banker once tipped as a possible Liberal prime minister, had to backpedal after being accused of making Sydney dull by banning greyhound racing and restricting the purchase of alcohol. Mr Baird said that the job had come at a “strong personal cost”. (AP)
Second Chopin photo
Warsaw A newly discovered photograph thought to be of Frédéric Chopin, the Polish composer, is one of only two known examples. The Polish Institute in Paris said that the reproduction of a daguerreotype was in a private collection. The facial characteristics match the other one. The whereabouts of the original is unknown but it was probably taken two years before his death in 1849. (AP)