PRI's The World: 31st August, 2012

Scientists have used a finger bone fragment found in a cave in southern Siberia to map out the complete genetic code of an ancient human group called the Denisovans.

Anchor Marco Werman talks to Sandra Grossman, who is the US-based attorney for Ecuadorean journalist Emilio Palacio. Palacio was granted asylum Thursday by the US.

Documentary film “My Neighbourhood” depicts the tense fight between Palestinians and Israelis in 2009 and how it affected the day-to-day life of a Palestinian boy.

For many aspiring Israeli artists, making it big requires going global, which means dealing with a unique set of challenges.

Syrian refugees in Jordan may face deportation after more than 200 went on a rampage at the Za'atari camp. The refugees were protesting poor services and conditions.

Quebec police are on the lookout for thieves after a considerable amount of maple syrup disappeared from a warehouse stocking over $30 million worth of the sweet treat.

South African miners get charged with murder following violent strikes that left 34 people dead. Then, we look at the limits of free speech in Ecuador. And the music collaboration of London-based trio LV and South Africa's Okmalumkoolkat in "Sebenza."

In Gambia, nine prisoners on death row have been executed. The executions are the first in Gambia in 27 years. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has vowed to kill all 47 death-row inmates by mid-September. Most of those on death row were convicted of conspiring against President Jammeh but it's not clear what crimes each of the nine prisoners were executed for. Marco Werman speaks to Alhagie Sowe of Vancouver, British Columbia. He heard that his brother had been executed on a radio news report.

Last week a memorial service was held for 34 people killed during a strike at a South Africa platinum mine. Now, 270 of the miners involved in that unrest, have been told they will face murder charges. A law dating back to the apartheid era is being used to prosecute them. Host Marco Werman talks with reporter Anders Kelto in Cape Town.