Bangla alert

Dhaka, Dec. 16 (Reuters): Police patrolled the streets of Dhaka today to prevent attacks by Islamist militants as Bangladesh marked the 34th anniversary of victory in the war of independence against Pakistan.

The elite Rapid Action Battalion force said there were reports that militants planned to strike during the victory celebrations.

Turk writer

Istanbul (Reuters): The trial of Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk was adjourned on Friday in a case that has raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression in the EU candidate state.

Spain law

Madrid (Reuters): Spain passed a law aimed at cutting smoking in public places on Thursday.