The Balkan Chronicle

Croats attacked with axes, hammers, sticks during European Handball Championship in Serbia

Several people were injured in two attacks on Croatia's handball fans in Novi Sad and Ruma who came to support their team at the European Handball Championship. During the attack some 30 to 50 hooligans attacked the visiting Croat fans with axes, hummers, sticks and rocks injuring several of them and setting of their vehicles on fire. Media have reported that one of the passengers was stabbed with a knife.

The Croat fans say that the attack was well-organized since the attackers knew exactly which road the fans were using to go back to Croatia.

Serbian Police Director Milorad Veljović tried to repair the damage and told media on Tuesday evening,

Swiss 'contract children' speak out

A dark chapter of Swiss history is getting increased attention, with the release of a feature film about "Verdingkinder" or "contract children" and an exhibition about them which is touring the country.

A common feature of Swiss life until the mid-1950s, Verdingkinder were primarily children from poor families in the cities, forcibly removed from their parents by the authorities and sent to work on farms.

There, many of them were regularly beaten and even sexually abused. They had little education and consequently, as adults, little chance of making careers for themselves.

Many also found that the abuse experienced in their childhood made it difficult to establish relationships as adults - former Verdingkinder have high rates of divorce and many now live alone.

Liam Neeson: I may become a Muslim

HOLLYWOOD star Liam Neeson is considering giving up his Catholic belief and becoming a Muslim.

The actor, 59, admitted Islamic prayer "got into his spirit" while filming in Turkish city Istanbul.

He said: "The Call to Prayer happens five times a day and for the first week it drives you crazy, and then it just gets into your spirit and it's the most beautiful, beautiful thing.

"There are 4,000 mosques in the city. Some are just stunning and it really makes me think about becoming a Muslim."

Liam was raised in Northern Ireland as a devout Catholic and altar boy and was named after the local priest.