World News: Tehran protesters beaten in violent clashes with police

Clashes between Iranian police and tens of thousands of protesters wracked central Tehran, killing one person, as opposition supporters tried to evoke the spirit of Egypt's popular uprising.

The opposition called for a demonstration in solidarity with Egypt's revolt that forced President Hosni Mubarak to resign after nearly 30 years in office.

The rally is the first major show of strength for Iran's cowed opposition in more than a year.

Police used tear gas against the protesters in central Tehran's Revolution Square yesterday and in nearby streets.

Demonstrators responded by setting bins on fire to protect themselves from the stinging white clouds.

The pro-government Fars News Agency reported that a bystander was shot dead by protesters.

Eyewitnesses said at least three protesters injured by bullets were taken to a hospital in central Tehran while dozens of others were taken to hospital with severe wounds as a result of being beaten.

"Death to the dictator," demonstrators chanted, directed at President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Security forces on motorcycles could also be seen chasing protesters through the streets, according to eyewitnesses.

Aguilera's divorce finalised

Singer Christina Aguilera and music executive Jordan Bratman have finalised their divorce, Los Angeles court records show.

Most of the details of the couple's break-up were not filed with the court, but the judgment will not become official until April 15.

Aguilera filed for divorce in October, just days after she and Bratman announced they had separated. It takes six months in California for a divorce to become official. They have said their three-year-old son remains their top priority.

Farms' plight 'drove terror'

A SOUTH African businessman accused of threatening to unleash biological weapons on Britain may have been driven by concern over the plight of white farmers in neighbouring Zimbabwe, a prosecution spokesman said.

Brian Roach did not have the means to carry out his threats to spread foot and mouth disease, Mthunzi Mhaga, from the National Prosecuting Authority, said.

Father-of-four Roach, 64, appeared in court in Johannesburg.

Soldiers seize drugs sub

Colombian soldiers have for the first time seized a fully submersible drug-smuggling submarine capable of reaching the coast of Mexico, authorities announced.

The sub discovered on Sunday could hold eight tons of drugs, said the Columbian coast guard.Directors told to kick habit

China is ordering makers of films and TV shows to limit the amount of smoking depicted on-screen in the latest effort to rein in rampant tobacco use in the country.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television orders producers to limit scenes involving tobacco to the bare minimum.

Chevron fined 5 billion for oil pollution

Oil giant Chevron has been ordered to pay more than 5bn in damages and clean-up costs, for oil drilling contamination in Ecuador's northern jungle.

The damages awarded by an Ecuadorean judge are thought to be the highest in any environmental lawsuit.

Indigenous groups say their hunting and fishing grounds in the Amazon were destroyed by toxic waste water.

Chevron has vowed to appeal.