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Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are reported to have been taking part in anti-government rallies
in defiance of
the security forces. Activists say eight people have been killed. Protesters have managed to release more video of the demonstrations than ever before - for the first time with a live stream of several rallies. In Hama, videos show tens of thousands of people in the streets. An activist said government forces have increasingly targeted activists.
A human rights group in Ghana has accused a government minister of "promoting hatred" by urging people to report suspected homosexuals to the authorities. The group said Paul Evans Aidoo's comments could
endanger
the nation's underground gay community. Mr Aidoo had said he wanted to rid society of gay people. Homosexual acts are illegal in Ghana.
One of Britain's leading book publishers, Macmillan, has been ordered to pay about $18m in a court settlement over allegations that one of its agents offered bribes for a contract in Africa. Concerns were initially raised by the World Bank, which was funding a tendering process to choose a supplier for school materials in Southern Sudan.
Police in Northern Ireland have apologised to a couple for mistakenly arresting them moments before their wedding ceremony was due to begin. The Irish groom, his Chinese bride and their guests were detained on suspicion that the marriage was