** Trial set for Missouri EMT facing child porn and rape charges
** Syrian paramedics and other health workers targeted by snipers and kidnappers
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A former Missouri EMT will go to trial next year on rape and child porn charges. That is the word from the Hometown Daily News (Harold Smith/September 16) which said Eureka Springs resident Jason Sprenger, 44, will go before a jury March 24, 2014. According to the newspaper, Sprenger allegedly committed the crimes over a number of years. The female minor involved is now 15-years-old. A former Inspiration Point fire chief, Sprenger was also a part time firefighter. He remains in jail pending the posting of a $750,000 bond.
SYRIA NEWS
** Paramedics and other health care workers say they are being deliberately targeted by snipers. The Deutsche Welle news network (September 17) quoted International Red Cross Damascus office representative Rima Kamal saying such attacks have stepped up in recent days. According to the news service, kidnappings are also proving a threat. Kamal said her organization is attempting to have all sides in the war recognize health personnel as neutral. So far, however, safety guarantees have proved elusive. Since the fighting began, some 22 Red Crescent workers have been killed. Seventy to 80 per cent of hospitals have also been severely damaged or destroyed.
