The spread of AIDS in Africa is driven not by unsafe sex but by unsafe medical practice, according to research published last week.
Can we say the following?
AIDS spreads in Africa.

yes

A U.S. soldier accused of participating in the rape of an Iraqi girl and then killing her and her family was sentenced to 90 years in jail on Thursday, media reports said.
Can we say the following?
A U.S. soldier was sentenced to 90 years in jail.

yes

In the 1970s, she was one of the most popular female vocalists in France, and became well-known internationally. Anne Marie David, from Arles in the south of France, parlayed her initial success from playing Mary Magdalene in the French production of Jesus Christ Superstar into taking home the "grand prix" at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1973. Her winning song, "Tu te reconnaitras" (You will recognize yourself), became a Europe-wide hit that spring.
Can we say the following?
Anne Marie David won the Eurovision Song Contest.

yes

In February 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army landed an army of 20 thousand men in Dili (the capital of East Timor) and occupied the then Portuguese colony.
Can we say the following?
East Timor was a colony of Dili before it was occupied by Indonesia in 1975.
no