Justice Ministry

Fears that proposed break up of Vanuatu's Justice Ministry could weaken the fight to stamp out domestic violence

News that the Loughman administration wants to break up the Ministry of Justice and Community Services to allow for the creation of a Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and Maritime Affairs is being heavily criticised.

Leading opposition figure, and former Justice Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, says the government's plan makes no sense, particularly when it comes to dealing with critical issues like domestic violence.

Gunmen kidnap senior Iraqi official in Baghdad

Brig. Gen. Saad Maan says the gunmen intercepted the convoy of acting Deputy Minister Abdul-Karim al-Saadi in the mainly Shiite eastern part of the city on Tuesday, kidnapping him and two guards.

Maan says the guards were later freed, without providing further details. The motive for the kidnapping was not immediately clear.

Kidnapping for ransom has been common in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.