US Blogger Released on Bail in Singapore

SINGAPORE ~ A US-based blogger who allegedly accused a Singapore judge of “prostituting herself” has been released on bail and had his passport confiscated.

A judge ordered Gopalan Nair, a former Singapore lawyer who is now a US citizen, to be released on S$5,000 bail (US$3,676) after more than four days in custody.

A prosecutor told the court there was no need for him to be detained while further investigations were carried out.

Google Opens Buenos Aires Office

BUENOS AIRES ~ Google has opened an office in Buenos Aires, in a ceremony attended by President Cristina Kirchner, who stressed the internet’s role in the “democratization” of information.

The Argentine headquarters of Google are located in the new upscale neighborhood of Puerto Madero, fronting the La Plata River and bordering the capital’s center.

“What’s most important about this type of endeavor is the profound democratization it implies regarding the formal communications scheme,” Kirchner said of the internet’s role as an alternative source of information.