Venezuelan human rights organizations estimate the regime of President Hugo Chavez is holding at least 40 political prisoners and over 2.000 people have been sentenced for participating in rallies organized by the opposition to protest “Bolivarian revolution” legislation and initiatives.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has heavily criticised the rich countries, the G8 and other international bodies over the global economic crisis.
A United Kingdom public opinion poll has suggested nearly half of voters believe any Labour figure could do a better job as leader than Prime Minister Gordon Brown. According to a Populus survey for The Times, 48% think that literally anyone from within the party would be an improvement.
Households and businesses will be hit by the recession for some time despite recent signs of growth, Bank of England Governor Mervyn King has warned. Mr King said the impact of dampened demand and soaring unemployment would linger long after the ailing UK economy began its slow recovery from the worst slump in almost 30 years.
Britain could be forced to bail out one or more of its offshore tax havens at huge cost, according to early drafts of a Treasury report, because the economic crisis has wrecked their finances, according to The Guardian from London.
The Gibraltar Port Authority is participating in the Seatrade Europe Conference and Exhibition, recognised as Europe’s leading meeting place for the cruise, ferry, river-cruise and super-yacht industries.
Rich Americans who have evaded taxes by hiding their foreign holdings have about a week to decide whether to turn in to an Internal Revenue Service amnesty program or gamble that they will not be caught.