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Alexei Navalny: Widow urges Russians to protest on election day

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Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has urged for a protest against President Vladimir Putin on election day, scheduled for March 17th. She encourages people to gather at polling stations at noon, forming long queues, as a way to demonstrate their presence and strength. This initiative, dubbed “Midday against Putin,” aims to show solidarity and opposition to Putin’s regime.

Navalnaya emphasizes that this action is simple and safe, yet effective in making a statement. Participants are encouraged to vote for any candidate other than Putin, spoil their ballot, or write “Navalny” prominently. The idea of this midday gathering was originally proposed by Navalny himself before his death.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was disqualified from running in the 2018 presidential election and later faced imprisonment on politically motivated charges, leading to his death in custody, which many believe was orchestrated by Putin.

Since Navalny’s passing, Navalnaya has stepped into the political arena, addressing international bodies and leaders, including the European Parliament and US President Joe Biden. She expresses gratitude for the support shown at her husband’s funeral and emphasizes that the vision for a better Russia, championed by Navalny, lives on through the people.

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Director Roman Polanski goes on trial for defamation

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In Paris, a defamation lawsuit against the long-standing filmmaker Roman Polanski was scheduled to commence on Tuesday, brought forward by British actress Charlotte Lewis.

The lawsuit stems from Polanski’s remarks to Paris Match magazine in 2019, where he accused Lewis of fabricating a sexual assault allegation against him from four decades ago. Polanski, now 90, had fled the United States in 1978 after admitting to unlawful sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite numerous allegations of abuse from other women, Polanski has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Polanski, residing in Paris, has opted not to attend the trial personally, with his legal representation handling the proceedings. On the other hand, Lewis, currently living in the UK, was expected to be present.

Lewis initiated the legal action four years ago, expressing her readiness for the trial despite the prolonged and distressing process. In 2010, she had accused Polanski of assaulting her at the age of 16 during a casting trip to Paris in 1983, although she later appeared in one of his films.

Polanski’s defense in the defamation case refers to a 1999 article in a now-defunct British tabloid, where Lewis allegedly expressed admiration for him. However, Lewis maintains that the quotes attributed to her were inaccurate.

The defamation complaint led to automatic charges against Polanski under French law. The filmmaker, celebrated for works like “Chinatown” and “The Pianist,” has remained a controversial figure, evading extradition attempts by US authorities due to his French and Polish citizenship.

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Tesla factory in Germany halts production after suspected arson

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Tesla’s car factory in Berlin came to a standstill on Tuesday following a suspected arson attack in the vicinity. The incident occurred when an electricity pylon near the plant caught fire, resulting in power disruptions within the factory premises and neighboring towns. Despite ongoing protests by environmental activists against the factory’s expansion, they denied any involvement in the fire incident.

Although the fire did not reach Tesla’s factory itself, it caused damage to the electricity pylon and high-voltage wires nearby. The company took precautions by sending its workers home, ensuring the safety of its building. Authorities, including Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, emphasized the seriousness of the act of sabotage but urged against premature speculation regarding the perpetrators.

The situation has escalated against the backdrop of environmental concerns, with around 100 activists camping in the adjacent forest to protest against the factory’s expansion plans. Their primary objection revolves around the potential deforestation required for the expansion project. Despite assertions from environmental groups like Robin Wood denying any involvement in the fire, tensions remain high.

Tesla’s ambition to double the size of its only European plant is met with resistance from environmental activists. Currently, the factory produces approximately 500,000 cars annually, with plans for expansion aimed at doubling this output. However, the disruption caused by the recent incident has left production in limbo, with uncertainty surrounding when operations will resume.

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France makes abortion a constitutional right

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France recently made history by becoming the first country to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution. The move was celebrated with an overwhelming 780-72 vote in parliament, prompting a standing ovation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a moment of “French pride” and a “universal message.”

However, anti-abortion groups, as well as the Vatican, criticized the change. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but this constitutional amendment solidifies and guarantees this right. The decision was influenced by recent events in the US, where abortion rights have been under threat. The constitutional change aims to protect women’s reproductive rights amid global challenges.

Despite some criticism, the move has been largely welcomed, especially by feminist activists. The decision reflects a broader societal support for women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference or restriction.

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Germany under pressure to explain intercepted phone call

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Germany is currently facing scrutiny after a leaked conversation among air force officials discussing the possibility of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine was made public by Russian sources. The recording, aired by Russia’s state-run RT channel, captured high-ranking German military officers discussing the potential use of Taurus cruise missiles to target the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to Crimea.

The breach has raised significant concerns among Germany’s allies regarding its security measures. The discussion also touched on alleged British operations in Ukraine, further complicating matters.

While Germany’s defense ministry acknowledged the interception of the conversation, it could not confirm if the recording had been altered. The meeting was reportedly conducted on the Webex conference platform instead of a secure military platform, adding to Berlin’s embarrassment.

Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service is investigating the security breach, though it remains uncertain if the findings will be disclosed publicly. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s allies have rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry.

The incident has underscored divisions over Scholz’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about their potential use against Russian territory. France and Britain have provided Kyiv with missiles of shorter range.

The leak has exposed a rift between senior German military officials advocating for Taurus deployment and Chancellor Scholz, whose focus appears to be on political survival rather than continental interests, according to critics.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the hack as a Russian attempt to sow discord, characterizing it as a “hybrid disinformation attack” aimed at undermining unity. He cautioned against falling for Russian manipulation.

In response, the Kremlin has seized upon the leak to portray Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that the leaked conversation indicated the Bundeswehr’s deliberation over plans to strike Russian territory, further fueling tensions between Russia and the West.

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Swiss vote to give themselves a bigger pension

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Swiss citizens have recently voted in a nationwide referendum aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly by granting themselves an additional month’s pension each year. Despite warnings from the government about the potential financial strain, nearly 60% of voters supported the proposal. Additionally, 75% rejected the idea of increasing the pension age from 65 to 66.

The current maximum monthly state pension in Switzerland is deemed insufficient by many, given the high cost of living, particularly in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Rising health insurance premiums have added to the financial burden, especially for older individuals. Factors such as career breaks for women and challenges faced by immigrants in making ends meet have exacerbated the situation.

The initiative to boost pensions was championed by trade unions but faced opposition from the government, parliament, and business leaders, who argued it would be economically unsustainable. However, voters exercised their direct democracy rights and supported the proposal, viewing it as a necessary measure to address financial concerns among retirees.

The outcome was hailed as a “historic victory for retirees” by advocacy groups. The decision aligns the state pension system with the country’s salary structure, where workers receive 13 payments annually, including a double payment in November. This tradition, originally intended to aid with holiday expenses and taxes, now extends to pensioners, who also contribute to the economy through taxation.

Furthermore, voters decisively rejected any increase in the retirement age, indicating their prioritization of quality of life over prolonged workforce participation. Despite government warnings about the financial implications of these decisions, voters expressed confidence in Switzerland’s robust economy and their role in its success.

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Victoria Beckham’s fashion show disrupted by Peta protesters

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Animal rights activists disrupted Victoria Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week show, joining her models on the catwalk. They wore T-shirts reading “Animals aren’t fabric” and waved signs advocating for vegan leather.

Despite a foot injury, Victoria appeared at the finale in a black protective boot, blowing a kiss to the crowd. Her brand avoids fur and exotic skins, but Peta highlighted their use of leather, urging Beckham to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like leather made from fruits and mushrooms.

Peta is known for disruptive protests at fashion events worldwide. The show presented Beckham’s autumn/winter 2024 collection, attracting attention not only for its designs but also for the activism on display.

Victoria injured her foot in a gym accident, as revealed by David Beckham on Instagram, indicating that her presence at the show despite her injury was a testament to her dedication to her brand and the fashion industry.

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German police arrest Red Army Faction suspect Daniela Klette

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Daniela Klette, a former member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), a militant group in Germany, has been apprehended in Berlin after evading authorities for decades over charges including armed robbery and attempted murder. The arrest follows a recent episode of the cold case show Aktenzeichen XY, where a police appeal for information on three remaining fugitives from the group prompted numerous tips.

Markus Heusler, the prosecutor handling the case, confirmed the identity of the detained woman, now aged 65, as Daniela Klette. Alongside her, Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub, the two other outstanding members of the group’s third generation, remain at large.

The RAF, initially led by figures like Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof, gained infamy in the 1970s for its violent actions, including numerous murders of public officials, police, business leaders, and US soldiers. However, the crimes attributed to Klette and her associates occurred between 1999 and 2016 and were not claimed under the RAF’s name. The group officially disbanded in 1998, as announced in an anonymous letter sent to Reuters’ office in Cologne, where remaining members declared the end of the urban guerrilla movement known as the RAF.

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Mourners shout in defiance at funeral for Alexei Navalny

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Hundreds of individuals in Russia gathered for the funeral of Alexei Navalny, the outspoken Putin critic who died in prison last month. Despite a substantial police presence and erected barricades, mourners broke into applause as Navalny’s body was brought into a church near Moscow. Attendees knowingly risked arrest for expressing support, while Navalny’s wife squarely pointed the finger at President Putin for his demise, contrary to Moscow’s claim of natural causes.

Navalny’s memorial service commenced at 14:00 Moscow time at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows, with notable foreign diplomats present in solidarity. Following the service, Navalny was laid to rest at Borisovskoye Cemetery. Despite efforts to broadcast the event live, disruptions to mobile signals hindered streaming, leaving many unable to witness the proceedings.

Despite warnings from the Kremlin, mourners seized the opportunity to voice their admiration for Navalny’s bravery and questioned the authorities’ apparent fear. Navalny’s team encountered challenges in organizing the funeral, including difficulties in procuring a hearse. Supporters abroad were urged to participate in memorial services, reminiscent of past public displays of grief for opposition figures.

Concerns about surveillance and the potential for post-funeral detentions were widespread, with social media platforms sharing advice urging attendees to exercise caution. The gathering was marked by a sense of defiance against government crackdowns on dissent.

Navalny’s immediate family, excluding his children residing abroad, attended the ceremony. However, his widow, Yulia, faced potential arrest upon her return to Russia, further underscoring the risks associated with opposition activism in the country.

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Irish President Higgins in hospital following tests

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Irish President Michael D Higgins was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell at his official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. Doctors assessed him at home before deciding to transport him to the hospital for further tests as a precautionary measure.

Initial assessments at the presidential residence did not reveal any immediate concerns, but medical professionals opted for additional testing to ensure his well-being. The president’s office reported that the preliminary test results were positive.

Mr. Higgins will remain in the hospital overnight for observation and continued medical care. Despite his hospitalization, he is said to be in excellent spirits and has expressed gratitude to the medical staff for their assistance.

This incident occurred shortly after Mr. Higgins presented the 2024 Volta Lifetime Achievement Award to film director Steve McQueen at the Dublin International Film Festival the previous night.

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