Priest dismissed for beating drug patients

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhuanet) -- A Serbian Orthodox priest -- who headed a drug addiction treatment centre -- was fired by the Serbian Orthodox Church after a video showed him beating and punching patients with a shovel.

Bishop Artemije announced Wednesday dismissal of priest Branislav Peranovic at the Crna Reka center, about 300km southwest of Belgrade,Wednesday.

Artemije saidan investigation has been ordered into Peranovic's activities and the centermay be shut down if investigators determine violence occurs there.

It is open for the time being, after numerous pleadings by the patients -- there are around 200 people currently receiving treatment at the centre -- and their parents, the Bishop said.

"We are also asking state authorities to investigate the matter and punish those responsible," hesaid.

(Agencies)

Vietnam reports one A/H1N1 flu suspected case

HANOI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese health officials said on Wednesday that a traveler from Czech Republic who arrived in Hanoion Wednesday morning was suspected of being infected with the A/H1N1 flu virus.

The patient has been taken to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology for treatment and isolated from other persons, said Nguyen Van Kinh, director of the institute.

The patient came to Vietnam by way of Germany and arrived at Hanoi airport on Wednesday morning. The patient showed symptoms of fever and was taken to hospital immediately. His test result has not come out yet, said Kinh.

Vietnamese Health Ministry said on Wednesday that no confirmed A/H1N1 case has been reported in Vietnam so far.