■ Morocco
Bomb suspect arrested
Moroccan authorities confirmed Sunday that Hicham Ahmidan, wanted by Spain in connection with the March 11 train bombings in Madrid in which almost 200 people died, has been arrested and faces charges of drug-trafficking. The country's National Security agency said that Ahmidan and alleged drug-trafficker Mustapha Chekri had been detained "following the issuing of an international arrest concerning him by the Spanish authorities." The warrant was issued on April 26, but Ahmidan was arrested more than a month ago in Tangiers.
■ Spain
Protesters attack actors
Attacks on performers and an attempt to burn down the theater marred the final performance of a play in Madrid entitled In God We Shit last Saturday. The play's protagonist argues that religion, like tobacco and alcohol, should be illegal for minors. The play's sold-out run reached an unexpected climax when a young man leapt from the stalls shouting: "Long live Christ the King!" He then tried to set fire to the set with a cigarette lighter, but was tackled by an actor before he could reach swaths of toilet paper decorating the stage. The play's author, Inigo Ramirez de Haro, said: "People though it was part of the performance." A second protester assaulted technicians and vandalized equipment before kicking and punching actors. Spectators later helped to restrain the attackers, who were arrested and detained in the theater's toilets.
■ Serbia
Assassination suspect held
A paramilitary leader linked to last year's assassination of Serbia's prime minister surrendered to Belgrade police, officials said. Milorad Lukovic, 39, surrendered Sunday in Belgrade, Interior Minister Dragan Jocic said. He had been sought since March 12, 2003, when reformist Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic was slain. Lukovic, who led a dreaded paramilitary unit during the wars in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo, has been tried in absentia since December along with 13 other military and gang figures.
■ South Africa
Mandela's `bloody tired'
Former South African president Nelson Mandela plans to gradually withdraw from public life, it was reported Sunday. He turns 86 in July, is "bloody tired" and intends to reduce his public appearances in order to continue charity work and finish writing his autobio-graphy, according to a source close Mandela quoted in South African newspapers. Since leaving the presidency in 1999, he has maintained a hectic schedule of appearances. Last week he won a standing ovation at the re-inauguration of President Thabo Mbeki.
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