World events: May 2, 2013

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Factory crash in Bangladesh kills more than 230

At least 230 workers died when an eight-story garment factory came crashing down early in the morning on April 24. The disaster came less than five months after a fire killed 112 people also working in a garment factory in Bangladesh. Rescue workers searched throughout the night, cutting holes through the concrete and passing water and flashlights to survivors. Despite deep, visible cracks in the walls of the building the day before, factory owners chose to ignore police warnings and kept more than 2,000 people working.

Newborn baby sold on Facebook

A newborn Indian boy born in a Ludhiana hospital was sold on Facebook to a Delhi-based businessman for 800,000 Rupees. Early reports indicate the child was sold at least two times before the deal with the businessman was finalized. Police raided the businessman’s home on Tuesday and recovered the child. At least five people have been arrested, including the child’s grandfather, who allegedly first sold the child to a nurse for 45,000 Rupees. Police say this case is the tip of the iceberg of child-trafficking; estimates indicate tens of thousands of children are trafficked each year out of India alone.

American citizen on trial in North Korea

North Korea has announced their plan to begin a trial against a US citizen detained there last year, according to state media. Pae Jun Ho stands accused of committing crimes against the country and aiming to topple the Kim regime. Ho was arrested last November when he entered the northeastern city of Rason. He was with five other tourists, but was detained when a computer hard disk was found in the groups belongings.

12th-century minaret destroyed in ongoing Syrian Civil War

The minaret, a tall spire commonly found in Muslim architecture, at a 12th-century mosque in Aleppo has been obliterated in the heavy fighting between regime and rebel forces. Reports indicate it is unclear which side destroyed the UN designated World Heritage site, which has stood since 1090. Although rebel forces place blame on the regime, government officials claim terrorists from Jabhet al-Nursa were responsible for detonating explosives. The jihadist al-Nusra Front in Syria has been linked to al Qaeda in Iraq. Other parts of the mosque have been badly damaged by artillery and gunfire.

US Marine rapid response force deployed to Spain base

As part of a rapid response force tasked with responding to threats against U.S. citizens, government personnel, or installations in Africa, 500 Marines have been deployed to Spain. The new task force is based at the Morón Airbase in southern Spain, with more troops expected to arrive. The unit will be responsible for protecting diplomatic compounds in danger, protecting U.S. citizens, rescuing downed pilots and assisting the U.S. military as needed. Spain gave the final approval on Friday, April 26.

Compiled by David Hurtado, staff reporter, dhurtado@jccc.edu

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