News In Brief

Next-of-kin bash MH370 declaration
Afp, Beijing

Traumatised relatives of those aboard missing flight MH370 yesterday blasted the Malaysian government for declaring the passengers and crew dead without evidence of the plane's fate, and rejected compensation offers.  Malaysian authorities a day earlier had said they were now classifying the unexplained disappearance of the plane as an "accident".

Armed Dutch teenager demanding airtime apprehended
Independent.co.uk

A 19-year-old wielding a gun forced his way into the studios of the Netherlands' national broadcaster NOS on Thursday and demanded airtime, before he was quickly arrested, officials have said. He had hoped to address the nation during its most popular news broadcaster, but instead was led to an empty studio by a quick-thinking security guard before anyone was hurt.

Thai officials prosecuted for human trafficking
Afp, Bangkok

More than a dozen Thai government officials -- including senior policemen and a navy officer -- are being prosecuted for human trafficking, junta officials said yesterday, as they vowed "zero tolerance" of the trade. Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai insisted the arrests -- which included police officers with the ranks of colonel and lieutenant colonel -- were proof that Thailand's generals were serious about pursuing officials involved in the trade.