BELGRADE (AP) – Thousands of riot police were deployed in downtown Belgrade to prevent a planned march by neo-Nazi and ultranationalist groups on Saturday. Thirty-four suspected far-right supporters were arrested as they headed for the rally, which was banned by the authorities, police said. About 2,500 policemen were deployed amid fears the neo-Nazis could clash with about 500 anti-Nazis, who staged their own protest in the center of the Serbian capital. Except for small skirmishes and verbal exchanges, there were no serious incidents reported.

ANKARA (AP) – Turkey’s government says it is investigating allegations that an activist has died of injuries sustained in a beating by police. Human rights groups say 29-year-old Engin Ceber was severely beaten by officers while in custody. He died in a hospital from a brain hemorrhage on Saturday. The Justice Ministry says it has appointed an investigator to probe the death. Turkey has announced a “zero-tolerance” policy against torture, but human rights groups say offenders often remain unpunished.

SOFIA (AFP) – A total of seven Italian and Bulgarian fans were arrested during their teams’ World Cup European zone Group 8 qualifier, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry said yesterday. “Three Italian fans were arrested at the stadium for setting a Bulgarian flag on fire while the national anthem was played,” ministry spokeswoman Diana Yankulova told AFP. “Four other Bulgarian fans were also detained before the match for attempting to carry torches and firecrackers into the stadium,” she added.