Canada lawmakers pass masks ban
The Canadian Parliament passed a ban Wednesday on masks at riots that punishes violations with up to 10 years behind bars in a bid to crack down on radical groups.
Travel ban sought against S. Korea president's son
A South Korean special prosecutor has asked for President Lee Myung-Bak's son to be banned from leaving the country while he probes alleged irregularities in a project to build Lee's retirement home.
Agriculture Ministry eyes ban on saxaul cutting in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Ministry of Agriculture is planning to impose a ban on cutting of saxaul throughout the whole Kazakhstan.
S. Korea lifts ban on French erotic novel by de Sade
South Korea has lifted a ban on the erotic novel "The 120 Days of Sodom" by the 18th-century French nobleman and writer the Marquis de Sade, just weeks after barring it for "extreme obscenity".
US appeals court lifts ban on Samsung-Google phone
A US appeals court Thursday lifted a sales ban on Google-branded Samsung smartphones in a patent fight with Apple, saying there was no evidence sales were driven by features copied from the iPhone.
VP pick Ryan bows to Romney line on abortion
US vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan stood by his pro-life credentials Thursday but said a White House led by Mitt Romney would not try to ban rape victims from seeking abortions.
Costa Rica tightens ban on shark fins
Costa Rica has banned the import of shark fins, closing a legal loophole and targeting a link in a global production chain stretching to Asian markets, where shark fin soup is seen as a delicacy.
Kazakhstan bans anti-Islamic film
A court in Kazakhstan has banned as "extremist" the anti-Islamic film that sparked deadly protests across the world.
Saudi to accept Philippine maid applications from Monday
Saudi Arabia will begin accepting applications for domestic workers from the Philippines on Monday after the two governments resolved a row over minimum pay that had prompted a ban.
Swiss parliamentarians reject burqa ban
Swiss parliamentarians narrowly voted Friday against a ban on wearing the Muslim burqa and other face coverings in public places, including public transport.
Anti-Islam film declared illegal by Russian provincial court
A court in Russia's region of Chechnya has banned the anti-Islamic film that sparked deadly protests across the Muslim world, a ruling that in theory should be observed across Russia.
Czech government to ease ban on liquor sales
The Czech government said Wednesday it would ease a ban on liquor sales in force since September 14 following a wave of methanol poisoning that has claimed at least 25 lives.
Swiss voters say no to tightening of smoking ban
Two-thirds of Swiss voters rejected a referendum Sunday to tighten a smoking ban, to the relief of hotels and restaurants, while two cantons split in a vote over keeping tax breaks for rich foreigners.
Paris police ban anti-Islam film demo near Grand Mosque
Paris police have banned two demonstrations planned for Saturday, including one in front of the city's Grand Mosque, to protest against a US-made anti-Islam film.
US lifts ban on New Zealand naval ships
The US has lifted a ban that prevented New Zealand naval ships visiting US ports or bases since the 1980s, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Friday, hailing a "new era" in relations between the two nations.
Google blocks Singapore access to anti-Islam film
Google on Thursday blocked YouTube users in Singapore from viewing clips of an anti-Islamic film that has incited violent protests across the Muslim world, acting on a request by city authorities.
Activists seek ban on 'cruel' bullfights in France
France's top constitutional body will decide Friday on a request by animal-rights activists to ban bullfighting, defended in the south as an important tradition and key source of tourist revenue.
Court bans spread of Kate as royal couple head home
Prince William and wife Catherine headed home from Tuvalu Wednesday after securing a ban on a French magazine distributing topless pictures of her and launching a criminal probe into how they were obtained.
French court set to rule on Kate topless photos injunction
A French court is set to rule Tuesday on whether to ban the resale of photos of Prince William's wife Catherine sunbathing topless, after the British royal family sought an injunction.
New York imposes partial ban on huge soda drinks
New York on Thursday became the first city in the United States to impose a limited ban on super-sized soda drinks blamed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg for fueling a national obesity crisis.
