Arson in France

PARIS: The Interior Ministry says police detained nearly 400 people in France overnight - many of them linked to car-burnings that often accompany New Year’s revelry. The ministry says 398 people were taken into police custody - nearly twice the figure of a year ago - but the final count on the number of torched vehicles isn’t yet available. Dozens of cars are burnt every night in France, but the number traditionally spikes during New Year’s festivities. Such vandalism is generally attributed to marauding youths from tough neighbourhoods in immigrant-heavy areas.

American charged

YANGON: A special court on Friday formally charged a Myanmar-born American, initially accused of attempting to foment rebellion against the country’s military rulers, for forgery and violation of the foreign currency act, his lawyer said. Kyaw Zaw Lwin, a US citizen, was charged with forgery for allegedly making up a national identity card, which carries maximum 7-year prison term. He was also charged with violating the currency act, that could put him in prison for another three years. Kyaw Zaw Lwin, who is also known as Nyi Nyi Aung, was arrested September 3 when he arrived at Yangon airport and accused of trying to stir up anti-government protests.

Brazil mudslide

SAO PAULO: Brazilian authorities say a mudslide has destroyed three houses and an upscale lodge in a resort city near Rio de Janeiro, killing at least 10 people. Fire department commander Pedro Machado says the mudslide happened after tourists had returned to their rooms following the New Year’s celebration in the lodge on an island off the city of Angra dos Reis. As many as 100 rescuers are searching for other survivors.