World Lens: Week of Aug. 16
Miss. Haiti competes in Miss. Universe contest; South African workers strike. Plus more.
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News Conference - South African runner Caster Semenya appears at a news conference for the ISTAF Athletics Meeting in Berlin, Germany. She’ll run in the 800 meters at the Olympic stadium on Sunday. (AP Photo/Gero Breloer)
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Strike - In South Africa, a member of the teachers union holds up a sign during a protest in Soweto. On Wednesday, civil servants across the country held a strike to receive higher pay. The strike has taken a toll on public services. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
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“A Few Death Threats” Leave Wyclef in “Hiding” - Singer Wyclef Jean has received death threats, warning him to “get out of Haiti.” With former Fugees bandmate Pras Michel, Louis Farrakhan and actor Sean Penn against his candidacy for president of Haiti, the odds seem far from Jean’s favor. In addition, Haiti’s electoral commission has already remarked on the fact that Jean is currently ineligible for the position as he has not lived in Haiti for five consecutive years. Yet the Haitian native stands undeterred in his plight for presidency.
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Singer Accused of Withholding HIV-Positive Status - Nadja Benaissa, a member of Germany’s biggest selling girl group, No Angels, was charged in court for knowingly spreading the HIV virus to three sexual partners. Informed of her status 10 years ago at age 17, Benaissa is accused of giving one of her three sexual partners, with whom she was in a relationship, HIV. “I am sorry from my heart,” said the German pop star in a court statement.
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Miss Haiti to Compete in Miss Universe - Twenty-four-year-old Sarodj Bertin will compete in the upcoming August Miss Universe Pageant, as the first Haitian representative in 22 years. Bertin’s bio is unique; she is a lawyer, speaks four languages, and is the daughter of a Haitian political and social activist who was slain in front of her eyes. She has a lot to gain in this competition and the beauty considers the opportunity a true “privilege and honor,” and a chance to positively “change what people think about Haiti.”
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