featured News

Ex-MP with Ukrainian Nationalist Ties Shot Dead on Lviv Street

By 200 0

A former Ukrainian nationalist MP has been killed in a shooting incident on a street in Lviv, a western city. Iryna Farion, a 60-year-old linguistic professor who stirred controversy in 2023 by asserting that “true patriots” of Ukraine should never speak Russian, was targeted on Friday. Her death is under investigation, with authorities suggesting it may have been a premeditated attack.

The police have not yet identified the perpetrator, and a power outage affected CCTV footage in the vicinity. Lviv Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyi confirmed that Farion succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko indicated that the killing was not random and that the investigation is exploring motives related to Farion’s social, political activities, and personal conflicts. There is also the possibility that the murder was commissioned.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a major police operation, stating that all potential motives, including connections to Russia, are being thoroughly examined. The nationalist Svoboda party, of which Farion was a member, has accused Russia of orchestrating the killing, claiming it is an attack on the Ukrainian language.

Farion’s provocative statements in 2023, in which she labeled Russian as the “language of the enemy,” led to significant backlash and accusations of inciting linguistic hatred. She was dismissed from her university position and investigated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). In May, she was reportedly reinstated by the Lviv Court of Appeal.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

US Journalist Gershkovich Gets 16 Years in Russia

By 178 0

US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been sentenced to 16 years in a high-security penal colony by a Russian court, following a trial that has been widely criticized as a “sham” by his employer, family, and the White House. Gershkovich, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), was arrested in March while reporting in Yekaterinburg. Russian authorities accused him of espionage on behalf of the CIA, charges that Gershkovich, the WSJ, and the US government strongly deny.

This conviction marks the first time a US journalist has been found guilty of espionage in Russia since the end of the Cold War. The verdict can be appealed by both sides within 15 days.

The WSJ condemned the trial as disgraceful, emphasizing that Gershkovich has spent 478 days wrongfully detained, separated from his family, and unable to perform his journalistic duties. The publication pledged to continue advocating for his release.

Western leaders have universally condemned the ruling. US President Joe Biden asserted that Gershkovich had committed no crime and was targeted due to his role as a journalist. He reaffirmed the US commitment to press freedom and condemned the attack on journalism.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the verdict, with Borrell accusing Russia of using its legal system to punish journalism and Starmer calling the sentence “despicable.”

There is speculation that Gershkovich’s conviction may be linked to potential negotiations for a prisoner swap involving Russian nationals held abroad. Russian observers suggest that a quick verdict might indicate imminent discussions for such an exchange.

The trial, which began last month, saw prosecutors request an 18-year sentence before the hearing was unexpectedly expedited. The charges against Gershkovich involve allegations of collecting secret information about a tank factory, which he and his employer vehemently deny.

Other US detainees in Russia, including Paul Whelan, also face espionage charges. President Biden has stated that securing the release of Gershkovich, Whelan, and other wrongfully detained Americans is a top priority.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News

Serbian Suspect Arrested for Murder of Rolls-Royce Designer

By 214 0

A 22-year-old Serbian man was arrested in France a week after the fatal stabbing of a 74-year-old man in Germany, locally identified as former Rolls-Royce car designer Ian Cameron. Bavarian police announced that the suspect was found in a flat northeast of Paris and apprehended by French special forces.

Ian Cameron was reportedly attacked last Friday night at his home in Herrsching, near Munich. His wife raised the alarm by fleeing to a neighbor’s house. Police later released an image of the suspect from a local supermarket before the incident, indicating he had been in the Herrsching area for several hours.

Cameron had moved to Herrsching 11 years ago. His former Rolls-Royce colleagues expressed deep shock over the incident. Authorities have not disclosed Cameron’s name publicly as the victim nor provided a motive for the attack.

After discovering Cameron’s body, police conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas, including gardens, roads, and woodlands near Lake Ammersee, aided by helicopters and police dogs. The suspect had initially escaped on foot, prompting police to warn the public not to approach him. During the search, a red backpack and other objects were found near the victim’s house, and a cable for an outdoor security camera appeared to have been cut.

Bavarian police confirmed the suspect’s detention after a week-long manhunt, during which he traveled from Munich to Innsbruck, Austria, through Zurich, and then to France. The Serbian suspect was alone in an apartment near Paris when he was apprehended without resistance by French special forces. He is scheduled to appear before an investigating magistrate in France on Friday.

Chris Brownridge, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, expressed condolences to Cameron’s family and friends, noting Cameron’s significant contributions to the design of Phantom and Ghost models during his tenure as head of design until 2012.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News

Journalist Ordered to Pay Damages for Mocking Italian PM’s Height

By 195 0

An Italian journalist, Giulia Cortese, has been ordered to pay Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni €5,000 (£4,210) in damages for social media posts mocking Meloni’s height. A judge ruled that two tweets by Cortese, who also received a suspended fine of €1,200, were defamatory and constituted “body shaming.”

The incident began in October 2021 when Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party was in opposition. Cortese posted a doctored image on X (formerly Twitter) showing Meloni with a framed photo of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the background. Meloni condemned the image as extremely serious and announced legal action. Cortese deleted the image, admitting it was fake but accused Meloni of creating a “media pillory” against her. She called Meloni a “little woman” and later tweeted, “You don’t scare me, Giorgia Meloni. After all, you’re only 1.2m [3ft 9in] tall. I can’t even see you.” Meloni’s actual height is reported as 1.63m (5ft 3in) in Italian media.

Cortese was cleared of any wrongdoing for posting the doctored image but was convicted for the subsequent tweets. She has the option to appeal but hasn’t decided yet. Meloni’s lawyer stated that any awarded money would be donated to charity.

Cortese reacted to the verdict on X, criticizing the Italian government for its stance on freedom of expression and journalistic dissent. She compared the situation to Hungary under Viktor Orbán, expressing concern for independent journalists and opinion leaders in Italy. Cortese added that while she is proud to be Italian, the country deserves better than its current government.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News

French priest accused of sexual assaults 17 years after death

By 273 0

French Roman Catholic priest Abbé Pierre, a celebrated advocate for the homeless, has been accused of sexual assault 17 years after his death. Abbé Pierre, who passed away in January 2007 at the age of 94, is now alleged to have sexually assaulted or harassed seven women between 1970 and 2005. The Emmaus anti-poverty movement, which he founded, revealed the allegations and expressed belief in the women’s testimonies.

“These revelations have shaken our organizations, where the figure of Abbé Pierre plays a major role,” Emmaus stated on its website. “We all know his story and his message. These acts profoundly change the way we regard this man, who was known above all for his struggle against poverty, destitution, and exclusion.” The allegations have tarnished the posthumous reputation of Abbé Pierre, who was widely popular in France during his lifetime, even topping national popularity polls. His movement, Emmaus, has a global presence with hostels in numerous countries.

Following his death, then-President Jacques Chirac described Abbé Pierre as “an immense figure, a conscience, an incarnation of goodness.” Emmaus began investigating the allegations a year ago after receiving an account from a woman claiming to have been sexually assaulted by Abbé Pierre. This led to an inquiry by an external firm, which found six additional cases, including one involving a minor.

Emmaus acknowledged the bravery of the women who came forward, stating, “We believe them, we know that these intolerable acts have left their mark, and we stand by them.” The allegations dominated the headlines of the French press, with many expressing shock at the fall of such a revered figure. Libération, a left-wing newspaper, linked the scandal to the broader issue of the Catholic Church’s silence on sexual abuse, noting that before the MeToo movement, these allegations might have remained unheard.

Emmaus has established a confidential system to collect testimonies from anyone who experienced or witnessed “unacceptable behavior” by Abbé Pierre, offering guidance and support to those who come forward.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

EU Parliament Faces Tense Vote on Von der Leyen’s Second Term

By 197 0

On Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are set to decide whether Ursula von der Leyen will serve a second term as European Commission president. Despite her recent efforts to garner support, the outcome of the vote, scheduled for 13:00 in Brussels (11:00 GMT), remains uncertain.

Von der Leyen was officially nominated by European leaders at a June summit in Brussels, despite opposition from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who abstained and criticized the exclusion of certain parties from the decision-making process.

Securing 361 votes is crucial for von der Leyen’s reconfirmation. While support from her center-right European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists & Democrats, and the liberal Renew group is expected, the secret ballot nature allows MEPs to vote based on personal rather than party lines.

Several Irish MEPs from centrist parties plan to vote against von der Leyen due to her stance on the Gaza conflict. Some French MEPs within her own EPP group have also expressed dissent.

To secure votes, von der Leyen has conducted private meetings with various parliamentary groups, with mixed success. Left-wing MEPs have decided against her due to concerns over military spending, while she has garnered tentative support from some right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) members.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni, leading the ECR, is awaiting von der Leyen’s address before deciding how to instruct her 24 Italian MEPs. Reports suggest she may endorse von der Leyen in exchange for a senior Commission role for Italy.

The newly formed Patriots for Europe, led by Hungary’s Viktor Orban and including far-right leaders from France, Austria, and the Netherlands, has refused to support von der Leyen.

If von der Leyen fails to secure MEPs’ approval, EU leaders will need to propose a new candidate, potentially restarting the selection process.

Von der Leyen initially took office in a close vote five years ago, overcoming political deadlock among EU leaders.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Sports

Chelsea’s Fernandez Apologizes for Controversial Video, FIFA Investigates

By 254 0

Chelsea footballer Fernandez has issued a public apology after a video surfaced featuring members of the Argentina squad singing a controversial song about France’s black players. The video, posted during celebrations of Argentina’s Copa America victory, prompted widespread condemnation for its racially offensive content. In response, FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident, with both the French Football Federation (FFF) and anti-discrimination organizations expressing outrage and calling for accountability.

In his apology, Fernandez, Chelsea’s £107m record signing, expressed regret for his involvement in the video, stating that the words used do not reflect his beliefs or character. Chelsea Football Club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure, and anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has emphasized the need for educational measures and accountability beyond mere apologies. The FFF has announced plans to file a complaint with FIFA against the Argentine Football Association, condemning the remarks as contrary to the values of sport and human rights.

FIFA, in response to the incident, has strongly condemned all forms of discrimination and is actively investigating the matter. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about racism in football, prompting calls for comprehensive action to address such behavior both within clubs and at international levels.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Spanish Euro 2024 Victory Marred by Controversial ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ Chants

By 281 0

At the victory celebrations in Madrid, players from Spain’s men’s Euro 2024 winning team led chants of “Gibraltar is Spanish.” Midfielder Rodri, who also plays for Manchester City, was among those participating. The Gibraltar Football Association formally complained to Uefa, calling the chants “extremely provocative and insulting.”

Gibraltar, a British territory since the 18th century, is located at Spain’s southern tip. Spain has long sought its return.

The chants occurred as tens of thousands of Spanish fans gathered in central Madrid to celebrate the team’s 2-1 victory over England in the final. Fans dressed in Spain’s red and yellow cheered as the players toured the city in an open-top bus. The parade concluded in Cibeles Square, where the European Championship trophy was presented. Rodri, alongside right-winger Lamine Yamal, was seen chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” on stage, a chant later led by team captain Alvaro Morata.

The Gibraltar FA expressed its concern in a statement, condemning the Spanish team’s actions as having “no place in football.”

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory with a population of just over 34,000, was ceded to Britain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. Despite referendums confirming its people’s preference for British rule, Spain continues to claim the territory. Border policing disagreements have arisen since Gibraltar’s departure from the EU with Brexit.

Gibraltar, a Uefa member since 2013, fielded its own team in Euro 2024, finishing last in Group B with no points and a significant 14-0 loss to France, the former champions’ largest win.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

German city bans ‘silent fox’ gesture in schools over far-right link

By 200 0

A northern German city has become the first to ban a classroom hand gesture, commonly used to encourage silence, due to its similarity to a far-right Turkish salute.

The “silent fox” gesture, where the hand mimics an animal with upright ears and a closed mouth, has been a popular teaching tool in Germany and elsewhere to signal children to be quiet. However, authorities in Bremen argue that it closely resembles the extremist “wolf salute,” used by the right-wing Grey Wolves group, making it potentially confusing and politically charged.

This issue gained prominence after Turkish footballer Merih Demiral used the salute during the Euros, leading to a diplomatic dispute and his subsequent ban by Uefa. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the use of the symbol, calling it an unacceptable platform for racism.

Following the incident, Turkish fans protested the ban, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended Demiral, suggesting the ban was politically motivated. Germany, with its significant Turkish population, felt the tension deeply.

Patricia Brandt, spokesperson for Bremen’s education authority, stated that the city had no choice but to ban the gesture, as its political implications were incompatible with Bremen’s values. She also noted that many educators found the gesture outdated and too authoritative.

The Grey Wolves, a nationalist and Islamist extremist group, is associated with terrorism and hatred towards various ethnic and religious groups. Despite its controversial nature, the silent fox gesture is still used globally under different names like the whispering fox or the quiet coyote in the US.

The ban in Bremen reflects a broader debate in Germany about sensitivity in teaching methods, with some schools now opting for alternative ways to signal silence, such as gongs or different hand signals.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Poland considers downing Russian missiles over Ukraine

By 216 0

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has revealed that Warsaw is actively considering a proposal from Kyiv to intercept Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace before they reach Polish territory. This initiative emerged from a joint defense agreement signed during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to Warsaw. The aim is to address concerns about Russian missiles inadvertently breaching Polish airspace while targeting Ukrainian locations near the Polish border.

Sikorski emphasized that the proposal is currently in the exploration phase. It seeks to mitigate risks posed by missile debris falling into Polish territory, which could endanger citizens and property. The Foreign Minister noted the brief window of time Poland has to react when missiles traverse western Ukraine towards its borders. He stressed the need for consultation with NATO allies, particularly highlighting the importance of U.S. support in any decision to implement such intercepts.

Defense analysts have cautioned that without strong allied backing, the proposal could expose Poland to potential Russian retaliation. The effectiveness and safety of such intercept operations remain critical considerations amidst ongoing tensions and military maneuvers in the region.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright