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McCann suspect raped woman at knifepoint, trial told

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Hazel Behan, a woman who claims to have been raped by the man suspected of Madeleine McCann’s murder, gave chilling testimony in court. She recounted feeling an indescribable fear when awakened by a masked intruder. Christian Brückner, the prime suspect, denies involvement in both cases. The trial in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, focuses on unrelated sex offense charges against Brückner, alleged to have occurred in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

Behan, a former holiday rep in Praia de Rocha, vividly described the night of the assault in June 2004. She walked home alone after an argument with her boyfriend and was attacked in her apartment. The assailant, dressed entirely in black and armed with a knife, subjected her to a prolonged ordeal, including rape and filming parts of the assault. Behan endured physical and emotional trauma, and despite years passing, she still suffers from panic attacks and requires medication.

The trial also highlighted Behan’s disappointment with the Portuguese police’s handling of her case. She recalled feeling neglected and mistreated during the investigation. Years later, upon seeing Brückner’s photo in a news article, Behan recognized him and decided to come forward, linking her assault to his previous convictions.

Behan emphasized the profound impact the attack had on her life, stating that she no longer feels like the carefree person she was before. Brückner’s defense team maintains skepticism about the case’s foundation and is challenging the charges.

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Slovakia PM Robert Fico not in life-threatening condition – deputy PM

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent surgery after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an attack in Handlova. Initially in critical condition, his health has since stabilized. The incident, deemed politically motivated, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about democratic stability. Despite the suspect’s detention, the motive behind the shooting remains uncertain.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba suggested that false narratives propagated by opposition parties may have fueled the attack, echoing previous concerns expressed by Fico about the potential consequences of such rhetoric. The shooting underscores simmering political tensions within Slovakia, sparking debates about the role of inflammatory discourse in shaping the country’s political climate.

The incident has ignited discussions about the broader implications of divisive language in Slovakian society. President Zuzana Caputova highlighted the serious ramifications of such rhetoric, emphasizing its potential to incite violence. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by polarizing narratives and underscores the need for constructive dialogue and unity in the face of political differences.

Fico, known for his controversial policies, including calls to end military aid to Ukraine and efforts to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS, has faced significant opposition both domestically and within the EU since returning to power. The attack on him amplifies existing concerns about political stability and underscores the challenges facing Slovakian democracy in navigating polarized political landscapes.

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Two killed in New Caledonia as riots escalate after Paris vote

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New Caledonia, a Pacific territory under French governance since the 19th century, is currently gripped by violent unrest stemming from the French parliament’s decision to expand voting rights for French residents there. This move, allowing long-term French citizens in New Caledonia to participate in provincial elections, has sparked outrage among many locals who perceive it as marginalizing the indigenous Kanak people and undermining their political representation.

The escalation of protests into riots has resulted in fatalities, numerous injuries, and widespread property damage, marking the most severe unrest the territory has experienced since the 1980s. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron canceled a planned trip and convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis. The situation prompted authorities to impose a curfew and ban public gatherings in an attempt to restore order.

Despite efforts to quell the violence, tensions remain high, with continued clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The unrest has led to a significant number of arrests and calls from both local and national leaders for calm and de-escalation. The situation underscores the complex political dynamics in New Caledonia, where issues of autonomy, indigenous rights, and French governance intersect, fueling longstanding grievances and tensions within the community.

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France Escaped Prisoner Manhunt Continues

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In Normandy, a vast manhunt is underway for Mohamed Amra, known as “The Fly,” who managed to escape from a police van in a shocking incident. The escape occurred while he was being transported back from a court hearing in Rouen. During the journey, the police van was forcibly stopped at a toll booth by a car collision. Following the collision, armed individuals attacked the van, resulting in the tragic death of two prison officers.

French authorities, led by President Emmanuel Macron and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, have mobilized significant resources to track down the perpetrators and capture Amra. The intensity of the search reflects the gravity of the incident and the determination to bring those responsible to justice.

Amra’s criminal background adds complexity to the situation. Recently convicted of burglary, he also faces charges related to a kidnapping case that resulted in a fatality. Despite his lawyer’s claims of ignorance regarding any escape plan, reports suggest Amra’s involvement in prior escape attempts.

Amra’s criminal history dates back to his teenage years, with ties to a gang in Marseille, although his record does not include convictions for drug-related offenses. The unfolding events have raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of security measures surrounding high-risk prisoners like Amra.

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From Dawn till Dusk: Pegasus Global’s Day of Events

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On May 13th, 2024, Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd made history in event management by flawlessly coordinating six separate events in a single day at Le Meridien Kochi. Led by Ajit Ravi Pegasus, this accomplishment not only highlighted Pegasus Global’s organizational skills but also its dedication to fostering empowerment and cultural enhancement.

The day began on a high note with the Women’s Excellence Award, recognizing the outstanding contributions and achievements of women across various sectors. This was followed by the Unique Times Conclave, which facilitated important discussions on gender equality and empowerment, featuring a roster of influential speakers and panelists. The eventful day continued with the culturally rich Mrs. Kerala Global pageant, followed by the Miss Queen of India and Miss Queen Kerala competitions, each celebrating the elegance, intelligence, and cultural diversity of women from across the region.

The festivities concluded with the prestigious Minnalai Film Awards in the evening, celebrating remarkable achievements in the film industry. This marathon of events not only showcased Pegasus Global’s capacity to handle complex, large-scale events but also set a new standard in the event management industry, further establishing the company’s reputation as a leader in orchestrating diverse and impactful events. This landmark day, expertly managed by Ajit Ravi Pegasus, will be remembered as a significant chapter in the annals of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, demonstrating their unparalleled expertise and dedication to excellence.

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20th Unique Times Minnalai Film Awards: A Night of Cinematic Excellence

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The 20th Unique Times Minnalai Film Awards took place on May 13th at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi, marking a grand celebration of cinematic achievements. This elegant evening, expertly organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, honored some of the film industry’s most notable figures, showcasing a year of outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.

Vijayaragavan clinched the Best Actor award for his stellar performance in “Pookalam,” while Navya Nair was celebrated as Best Actress for her role in “Janaki Jaane.” Both actors were recognized for their captivating portrayals that resonated deeply with audiences, further cementing their statuses as leading figures in the industry. The event highlighted their significant impact and the nuanced depth they brought to their characters.

The Best Director award was rightfully earned by Nahas Hidhayath for his innovative direction in “RDX.” The evening also honored “2018,” produced by Venu Kunnappilly, C K Padmakumar and Anto Joseph, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, as the Best Movie. Directors Salam Bappu and Roy Mathew Manappallil distributed the awards. SAJ Group MD Sajan Varghese and Pegasus Chairman Ajit Ravi were present. The ceremony not only commemorated the winners but also set a high standard for the coming years in the film industry.

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Unique Times Manappuram Women’s Excellence Awards: A Night of Recognition for Female Achievers

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Recently, the Le Meridien Convention Center in Kochi was the venue for the prestigious Unique Times Women’s Excellence Awards, an event sponsored by Manappuram Finance Ltd. Held on May 13, the ceremony honored a distinguished group of women who have made remarkable contributions in various professional fields, significantly influencing industry norms and enhancing community development. The awards were presented by several prominent figures, including Jiji Mammen, Executive Director and CEO of Sa-Dhan; Jebitha Ajit, MD of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd; and Dr. Thomas Varghese, Head of the Cancer Department at St Joseph Hospital.

Nazneen Jehangir was celebrated with the Excellence in Tech Entrepreneurship and Mentorship Award for her influential role in technology and mentorship. Sherly Regimon was recognized for Excellence in Couturier of Culture, celebrating her impact on fashion and cultural expression. Devika Shreyams Kumar received accolades for her strategic vision in Integrated Media Operations, marking her as a leader in media management.

Additional honorees included Parveen Hafeez, who received an award for her pioneering contributions to Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Bissy Boss was recognized for Excellence in Sustainable Travel Innovations, while Dr. Lekshmi Nair was honored for Excellence in Multifaceted Career Achievement, and Dr. Radha P Thevannoor for Excellence in Educational Leadership. Preethi Parakkat earned accolades for her innovative work in jewelry design, receiving the Excellence in Artisanal Mastery and Innovation Award. Deepthi Vijayakumar was celebrated with the Excellence in Digital Integration in OOH Advertising. Elizabeth Chacko was recognized for her pioneering work in the beauty industry, receiving the Excellence in Innovative Beauty and Wellness Services. Additional accolades went to Girija Sethunath, honored for her Excellence in Literary and Cinematic Leadership.

Unique Times Chief Editor Ajit Ravi Pegasus emphasized the significance of the ceremony as a catalyst for encouraging women across diverse sectors to aspire to and reach leadership positions, thus inspiring a new generation of women to pursue and achieve excellence. These awards not only celebrate the individual accomplishments of each of these trailblazing women but also highlight their collective impact on reshaping the landscape of their respective industries.

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Josef Fritzl: Court approves move to normal prison

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A court in Austria has ruled that Josef Fritzl, infamous for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering seven children with her in a dungeon beneath his home, can be transferred to a regular prison. The court in Krems an der Donau cited Fritzl’s advancing age, progressive dementia, and physical frailty as reasons why he no longer posed a serious danger requiring him to be held in a psychiatric unit within the prison system.

While this decision theoretically opens the possibility of eventual release, the court emphasized that due to Fritzl’s unprecedented criminal history and the severity of his actions, both release and conditional release are highly unlikely for “special preventative reasons.” Fritzl’s lawyer has indicated plans to apply for his release a year after the transfer, but the court’s statement suggests that such a step is improbable.

The Fritzl case, which shocked Austria when it came to light in 2008, involved Fritzl imprisoning his daughter Elisabeth in a cellar in 1984, where he repeatedly raped her and fathered seven children with her. Three of the children were confined in the cellar with Elisabeth, while the others lived upstairs with Fritzl’s unsuspecting wife. The case was discovered when one of the children became seriously ill and had to be taken to the hospital.

Fritzl initially denied the charges of murder and enslavement but later changed his plea after watching his daughter’s videotaped testimony in court. Elisabeth and her children have since been given new identities.

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Unique Times Conclave 2024: A Focus on Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment

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The Unique Times Conclave 2024, in partnership with Manappuram Finance Ltd, recently convened a prestigious panel to explore “Entrepreneurship as a Tool for Women’s Empowerment” during an event on May 13th. The conclave brought together leading figures from various industries, with notable opening remarks and a speech by Mr. Jiji Mammen, Executive Director & CEO of Sa-Dhan. His insights shed light on significant trends and obstacles within the industry, providing a meaningful context that enhanced the dialogues throughout the day.

Moderated by Dr. Fathima Nilufer Sheriff, founder and CEO of Therefore I’m, the panel discussions delved into the complexities of entrepreneurship faced by women and explored strategies for empowerment and success. The panel included powerful voices like Mrs. Nazneen Jehangir (CEO NeST Digital), Ms. Devika Shreyams Kumar, (Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi Group) and other notable figures such as Mrs. Parveen Hafeez (Sunrise Group of Hospitals Chairperson and Managing Director), Adv Anna Linda Eden (High Court of Kerala), Dr. Lekshmi Nair,  Director (Center for Advanced Legal Studies), Dr. Radha P Thevannoor (Director & Group Director, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions) and Dr. Elizabeth Chacko (CEO & Managing Director, Kalpana Beauty Salon) who shared their experiences and insights, illustrating the resilience and innovation required to thrive. The event also included a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Thomas Varghese, head of the Cancer Department at St. Joseph Hospital, addressing the critical issue of breast cancer which added a significant dimension to the discourse on women’s health and leadership.

The conclave concluded on an inspirational note that encouraged continuous engagement and dialogue among the participants. It reinforced the conclave’s aim to not only honor but actively support the growth and empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Through the combined efforts of its esteemed speakers and organizers, the event successfully highlighted the essential role of entrepreneurship in advancing women’s roles both in business and in wider societal contexts.

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Georgia to vote on controversial law that sparked mass protests

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Georgia’s parliament is on the verge of passing a highly controversial “foreign agent” law, despite facing significant opposition from both within and outside the ruling Georgian Dream party. Critics of the proposed legislation, often referred to as the “Russia law,” argue that it poses a severe threat to civil liberties within the country.

The bill has sparked weeks of mass protests, with thousands of people gathering near the parliament building to voice their opposition. Protesters fear that if the law is enacted, it could be exploited by the government to suppress dissenting voices and undermine Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has remained steadfast in his support for the bill, vowing that it will pass despite the ongoing protests. He has issued warnings about the consequences of not implementing the law, drawing parallels to the situation in Ukraine without providing specific details.

President Salome Zurabishvili, although an opponent of Kobakhidze, has expressed her intention to veto the law. However, Georgian Dream holds sufficient parliamentary support to override her veto, indicating that the bill is likely to be approved.

The proposed legislation would require NGOs and independent media outlets that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign sources to register as organizations with foreign interests. They would be subject to government monitoring and could face significant fines if they fail to comply with the regulations outlined in the law. Critics argue that this would create a chilling effect on freedom of expression and civil society in Georgia.

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