Weekly roundup of world briefs

Israeli jailed in Madagascar for smuggling tortoises

(JNS) — A Madagascar court has sentenced an Israeli man to two years in prison for attempting to smuggle dozens of rare tortoises out of the country, local media reported on Monday.

The man, whose identity remains under gag order, was also fined $400.

The 39-year-old from Beitar Illit, south of Jerusalem, was arrested two months ago at the airport after 59 rare tortoises were found in his possession.

According to Ynet, the prosecution is seeking a sentence of 10 years in prison, with a fine of $100,000.

The defendant claims that he was not a...