Picewell Forbes was summoned before the judge for announcing an acquittal Wednesday night while the the jury was still deliberating a verdict for two defendants accused of trying to blackmail the movie star.

Senior Justice Anita Allen told Forbes that he has until Thursday to show why he should not be charged with contempt of court. Forbes did not provide an explanation at the hearing, but his lawyer said earlier he was only repeating a rumour he heard moments before making a televised speech at apolitical convention.

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Human rights concerns in Tunisia

Tunisia (AP):

A human rights group and media watchdog yesterday denounced abuses they said were being committed by the Tunisian government before this weekend's presidential and legislative elections.

Amnesty International said a survey it conducted this month in Tunisia found that authorities were not living up to pledges to improve the human rights situation in the North African country, which is a strong United States and European diplomatic and business ally. The statement listed the use of anti-terrorism laws to crackdown on unionists, protesters and youths perceived to be leaning towards Islamism.

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More troops for Afghanistan, maybe

Slovakia (AP):

Top NATO and United Nations officials signalled yesterday that they may request more international troops to join American forces in Afghanistan as the top United States defence official said President Barack Obama is still weeks away from deciding on a shift in war strategy.

At a meeting held yesterday with 28 NATO defence ministers, Pentagon chief Robert Gates said allies indicated a willingness to boost military and civilian aid even as Obama remains undecided over whether to escalate US troop strength to counter Afghan insurgents.

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Doctor in MJ death case threatened

LAS VEGAS (AP):

The doctor being investigated in Michael Jackson's death says he can't afford child support because he was forced to close his Nevada office after physical threats against him and his staff.

A family court in Las Vegas set a November 16 hearing to consider a recommendation that Dr Conrad Murray be arrested for not appearing in court this month to explain $13,000 in unpaid child support to a California woman.

Murray's lawyer, Chris Aaron, says his client didn't receive notice about the hearing and can't pay his debts because of threats and media coverage of the pop singer's death.