World Scene: Israel

'Comedy king' commits suicide

Israel's one-time king of comedy committed suicide in his cell yesterday after being indicted for ordering mafia-like revenge attacks against television executives, police and medics said.

Dudu Topaz, 62, hanged himself with the chord of an electric kettle in the early hours, according to Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service.

In June, the veteran entertainer was charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and aggravated assault for allegedly hiring thugs to beat up executives at commercial Channel 2, who dumped his show several years ago.

(China Daily 08/21/2009 page10)