■VENEZUELA
Retired general charged
Prosecutors have charged a former defense minister with crimes allegedly committed two decades ago during riots known as the “Caracazo.” Prosecutors say they have charged retired General Italo del Valle Aliegro with ordering murders and violating international agreements during the 1989 unrest over hikes in gasoline prices and transportation fares. Del Valle Aliegro was defense minister under former president Carlos Andres Perez when the rioting broke out. Authorities used force to put down the violent protests and at least 300 people died. On this year’s Feb. 27 to Feb. 28 anniversary, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called on authorities to administer justice for crimes committed during the Caracazo.
■CANADA
First Nation seeks shots
A group representing Canada’s indigenous population has called for native communities to receive priority vaccination against swine flu. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) justified its call by pointing to the disproportionate spread of the A(H1N1) virus in remote indigenous communities, including in Manitoba, where the rate of infection is “20 times higher ... than in the general population,” said AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, who holds the health portfolio at the organization.
■UNITED STATES
Jackson report delayed
The coroner’s report into the death of Michael Jackson has been delayed for another two weeks as speculation continues to swirl about the cause of the megastar’s June 25 death, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said on Friday. Legal officials also announced the postponement of a custody hearing for Jackson’s children to Aug. 3. The postponement came amid reports of positive negotiations between Jackson’s former wife, Debbie Rowe, and his mother over the custody of the children.
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