Domestic violence decriminalizedMOSCOW — The Russian parliament has taken a step to decriminalize some forms of domestic violence.The State Duma voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to eliminate criminal liability for battery on family members that doesn’t cause bodily harm. The bill that makes battery on a family member punishable by a fine or a 15-day day arrest has yet to be approved in the third reading. From the Duma, it would proceed to the upper house, largely a rubber-stamp body, and then to President Vladimir Putin’s desk.The bill stems from a Supreme Court ruling to decriminalize battery that doesn’t inflict bodily harm, but to retain criminal charges for those accused of battery against family members. Conservative activists objected, arguing it was a threat to parents who might spank their children.

N. Korean diplomat defects to S. KoreaSEOUL, South Korea — The highest-level North Korean diplomat to defect to South Korea said Wednesday he decided to flee because he didn’t want his children to live “miserable” lives in the North.Thae Yong Ho, a former minister at the North Korean Embassy in London, told reporters that he was lucky to have been able to bring both of his sons to London, unlike other North Korean diplomats who are forced to leave some of their children at home as “hostages.”He said he decided to talk frankly with his sons about North Korea. He concluded that they would have “miserable” lives if they returned home because they had come to know the truth about the country.

Premier admits response issuesPremier Paolo Gentiloni acknowledged delays and “malfunctioning” in Italy’s response to the avalanche that buried a mountain hotel, as the death toll climbed today to 24 and rescue workers all but ruled out finding any of the five people still missing alive.In a briefing to parliament, Gentiloni stressed the unprecedented perfect storm that unfolded last week as more than six feet of snow fell within 72 hours on the isolated Hotel Rigopiano, followed by four powerful earthquakes.