Relatives of the blind Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, have given detailed accounts of the torture and retribution they have allegedly suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities.

The US has plans in place to attack Iran if other measures fail to stop it developing nuclear weapons, Washington's envoy to Israel says.

Facebook prices its shares at $38 each ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated share flotations in recent stock market history.

Ratings agency Moody's cuts the credit ratings of 16 Spanish banks, as shares in struggling lender Bankia fell another 14%.

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Children from racial and ethnic minorities now account for more than half the births in the US, estimates from the latest census data say.

Officials say prisoners have taken control of a jail in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula where at least one person died in a fight between inmates on Wednesday.

Passengers on New York's subway system are familiar with the sight of buskers performing for the crowds, but the musicians who play underground must be scrutinised before earning a spot there.

France's new government holds its first cabinet meeting, announcing a 30% pay cut for President Hollande and his ministers.

David Cameron says it was "more dangerous to stay silent than to speak out" - and insists there will be no retreat on deficit reduction.

Syrian opposition chief's offer to quit highlights rifts in group

Concern over the eurozone debt crisis has continued to weigh on financial markets, with the euro dropping more than a cent against the US dollar.

Adele picks up two prizes at the prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting awards - but misses out on two more trophies.

The head of Syria's main opposition umbrella body, the Syrian National Council, says he will resign amid growing criticism and rifts within the group.

A 24-year-old London man who has served more than seven years in jail for the murder of a trainee chef has his conviction quashed.

US singer Donna Summer, famous for disco hits including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, dies at the age of 63.

The first wave of a West African peacekeeping force lands in Guinea-Bissau to try to bring stability after last month's military coup.

Hundreds of people attend the first gay pride event to be held in Burma, where homosexual relationships are banned.

Mary Kennedy - the estranged wife of Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew of John F Kennedy - died of asphyxiation due to hanging, authorities say.

Pakistanis who risk all to drive for Nato