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Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis Highlights Daunting Struggle Against Nature Amidst Floods

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In central Greece, rescue efforts are underway to reach hundreds of individuals stranded by severe floods, resulting in 10 casualties.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has emphasized the significant challenge Greeks are facing in their battle against the forces of nature.

Following days of heavy rainfall, rivers have overflowed, leading to the submersion of villages and the destruction of homes and bridges.

Residents in the vicinity of Palamas and Karditsa have issued appeals for essential supplies such as food and water.

The plains of Thessaly, after enduring weeks of scorching temperatures and wildfires, have been inundated by a three-day-long storm.

Within a 24-hour period, an astonishing 800mm (31.5 inches) of rain poured down, surpassing the region’s average annual rainfall.

Larissa, a major city with 150,000 inhabitants, is now under threat as the River Pineios has breached its banks in certain suburbs. This city is not only significant in size but also serves as the agricultural hub for the entire country, with nearly a quarter of this year’s crop production being lost.

Satellite imagery has revealed extensive flooding across approximately 73,000 square meters of land in Thessaly.

Many residents in the region are expressing anger towards the Greek authorities, alleging that climate change is being used as an excuse for subpar construction projects. For instance, a bridge that collapsed three years ago due to a cyclone was subsequently rebuilt and is now completely destroyed again, symbolizing government failures for many Greeks.

The city of Larissa has been transformed beyond recognition, with numerous impassable roads, flooded houses at lower elevations, and extensive infrastructure damage caused by the storm’s fury.

The devastation is further compounded by the remnants of the wildfires that Greece has battled throughout the summer, resulting in burnt trees and scorched land.

Xenia, a long-time resident, tearfully watches her home from a distance, which is now mostly submerged. She contemplates the possibility of never returning to her beloved home and having to rent an affordable apartment with her modest salary.

The death toll has climbed to 10, with at least four individuals reported missing, raising concerns that the number may rise as rescuers gain access to more flooded areas.

During visits to the hardest-hit regions, Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the situation as an unprecedented natural phenomenon. He pledged to expedite compensation for those whose homes had been destroyed or damaged.

Although the rain has mostly ceased, floodwaters in certain areas remain at depths exceeding 2 meters (6.5 feet). The coastal city of Volos has been without clean drinking water for four days, prompting residents to collect water from various sources.

The Greek fire brigade has conducted over 1,800 rescues across Greece since Tuesday and continues to search for missing individuals, including an Austrian couple swept away with their honeymoon cabin.

These floods come on the heels of Greece’s hottest summer on record and extensive wildfires in the northern part of the country. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events to climate change.

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‘August 27’: Filmic Masterpiece Resonating Beyond Borders

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In the ever-evolving realm of global cinema, ‘August 27’ has emerged as a remarkable triumph, enchanting audiences with its riveting storyline and impeccable performances. The film is directed by the illustrious Dr. Ajit Ravi Pegasus, a celebrated name in the fashion industry, who has seamlessly transitioned into the world of cinema. Produced under the banner of Pegasus Global Private Limited, ‘August 27’ has recently concluded a triumphant 20-day theatrical run, making an indelible mark on the global film landscape.

Director Dr Ajit Ravi Pegasus

What truly sets ‘August 27’ apart is its exceptional ensemble cast, comprising gifted individuals who breathe life into their characters with extraordinary finesse. The harmonious narrative, borne out of the creative synergy between screenwriter Kumbalathu Padmakumar and director Dr. Ajit Ravi, exemplifies cinematic brilliance. As the film continues to gain momentum, it is poised to captivate an even wider international audience with upcoming releases in multiple languages, in addition to its availability on the OTT platform.

Top Left to Right – Rishad N K, Jaseela Parveen ; Bottom Left to Right – Director Dr Ajit Ravi Pegasus, Shiju Rasheed

As the festive season approaches, ‘August 27’ stands as a must-watch for European cinephiles, emphasizing the potent blend of storytelling and artistic innovation on the silver screen. Its meteoric success underscores the universal resonance of captivating narratives, transcending geographical boundaries and striking a chord with global audiences, firmly establishing ‘August 27’ as a cinematic masterpiece that has taken the industry by storm.

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Spanish Prosecutor Lodges Complaint with High Court Against Luis Rubiales

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A Spanish prosecutor has taken legal action against Luis Rubiales, the suspended president of the football federation, on charges of sexual assault and coercion. The case stems from an incident in which Rubiales kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory.

Hermoso has filed a formal complaint against the unwanted kiss, prompting the prosecutor, Marta Durantez Gil, to also include a charge of coercion in the complaint submitted to the high court. The prosecutor’s office mentioned that Hermoso claimed that Rubiales and his professional associates had pressured her family to support the incident. The prosecutor is now seeking to question Rubiales as a suspect and Hermoso as the victim in the case.

Additionally, they have requested information from Australian authorities, where the incident occurred. This legal action follows a preliminary investigation initiated by Spanish prosecutors on August 28, which aimed to determine if the incident constituted sexual assault.

The move came in response to Hermoso’s unequivocal statements. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Rubiales has refused to step down as the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), maintaining that he will not resign and alleging a character assassination campaign against him.

FIFA has provisionally suspended Rubiales and launched disciplinary proceedings in response to the allegations.

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Controversy Erupts Following Abbas’s Controversial Remarks on Jews and the Holocaust

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German and Israeli authorities have expressed strong condemnation for statements made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a recent speech concerning Jews and the Holocaust.

Abbas suggested that Adolf Hitler’s mass murder of Jews was driven by their perceived “social role” as moneylenders, rather than rooted in anti-Semitism.

Israel’s UN ambassador characterized Abbas’s remarks as “clear-cut antisemitism,” while Germany’s Ramallah mission emphasized the historical reality of the Holocaust, asserting that millions of lives were annihilated and that this fact cannot be downplayed.

Steffen Seibert, Germany’s ambassador to Israel, stressed the importance of Palestinians hearing the historical truth from their leader rather than such distortions.

Abbas’s speech, delivered last month to the Fatah Revolutionary Council and later broadcast on Palestine TV, has drawn widespread criticism. In his speech, Abbas asserted that Hitler’s actions were not based on religious animosity but were due to the Jews’ role in “usury, money, and so on.”

Additionally, Abbas revived a long-discredited theory that European Ashkenazi Jews are not descended from ancient Israelites but from 8th Century Khazar converts to Judaism.

The president’s comments are consistent with his past controversial statements, aimed at disputing the connection between the Jewish people and modern-day Israel, a topic central to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Israeli foreign ministry shared the contents of Abbas’s speech on social media, with Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, asserting that it reveals the true nature of Palestinian leadership, blaming Jews for various issues in the Middle East.

The European Union also criticized Abbas’s speech, describing it as “false and grossly misleading.” They stressed that such historical distortions are inflammatory and offensive, fuel antisemitism, and trivialize the Holocaust.

This isn’t the first time Abbas has sparked international outrage with his statements. In the past, he likened Israel to Nazi Germany and accused Israel of carrying out “50 massacres; 50 holocausts,” drawing strong condemnation from various quarters.

Following previous controversies, Abbas issued a statement through the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, acknowledging the Holocaust as “the most heinous crime in modern human history” but stopped short of a direct apology.

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Medvedev Triumphs, Alcaraz Clinches US Open 2023 Titles

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In hot and humid conditions at the US Open 2023, Daniil Medvedev secured his spot in the semi-finals by defeating Andrey Rublev, expressing concerns about the extreme weather. Despite apparent breathing difficulties, the third seed managed to beat his fellow Russian with a score of 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Medvedev, who won the 2021 US Open, is set to face Carlos Alcaraz next after the defending champion defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The semi-finals for both men will take place at Flushing Meadows on Friday.

The match between Medvedev and Rublev occurred under a partially closed roof due to a heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 35C. Both players struggled with the extreme conditions, taking extended breaks between sets and using various methods to cool down.

Medvedev compared the conditions to the challenging weather he experienced during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and emphasized that both players were affected. Rublev, who has yet to reach a major semi-final, was a break up early in each set, but Medvedev managed to shift the momentum each time.

Medvedev secured the victory and the semi-final spot despite facing challenges with his breathing, using an inhaler, and taking medical timeouts. He highlighted the resilience of both players, acknowledging Rublev’s determination never to give up.

In another semi-final match, last year’s champion, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic are expected to compete for a place in the final. Djokovic, aiming for his 24th major title, will face young American Ben Shelton in the first match. Both Alcaraz and Djokovic are considered strong contenders for the championship.

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Greek floods: Austrian honeymooners missing after holiday home swept away

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An Austrian couple celebrating their honeymoon in Greece has gone missing as heavy rains caused devastating floods, prompting a search operation by emergency services. The torrential downpour led to entire villages in central Greece being submerged, leaving residents stranded on their rooftops. Storm Daniel, affecting Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria this week, has claimed the lives of over a dozen people.

The newlyweds, who had recently tied the knot upon arriving for their vacation, sought refuge in a bungalow they had rented in Potistika, near Mount Pelion, as the relentless rain battered central Greece. Unfortunately, the flash floods carried their rented house into the sea. The property’s owner, Samaras Thanakis, recounted advising the couple and other guests to seek higher ground, but the dire situation made decisions challenging.

Rescue efforts, hindered by collapsed bridges and damaged roads in the region, are ongoing, with the Greek fire brigade actively searching for the missing couple. Some areas in Greece received an astounding 800mm of rain, equivalent to a year’s worth of precipitation in just a few days. The Karditsa plain turned into a vast expanse of water, submerging villages near Palamas.

Palamas’ mayor, Giorgos Sakellariou, made a desperate plea for assistance on Greek television, highlighting the dire conditions and immediate danger residents faced. The extreme weather also affected Athens, the island of Skiathos, where numerous tourists remain stranded, as well as coastal regions around Volos and Pelion. In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis canceled a major government event scheduled for the weekend.

Storm Daniel’s impact has been felt across the region, with Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria collectively witnessing a death toll of over a dozen people, including at least four in Greece. Climate scientists have emphasized that global warming contributes to increased summer evaporation, leading to more intense storms.

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Legal Challenge by Expelled Migrants in Europe Against EU’s Frontex Ends in Defeat

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The European Union’s highest court has rejected a case against the European border agency Frontex, which was brought by a Syrian refugee family forcibly sent from Greece to Turkey in 2016. The family’s lawyers argued that Frontex should be held responsible for the deportation of refugees without the opportunity to apply for asylum, which is considered illegal under international law.

However, the European Court of Justice dismissed their challenge, stating that Frontex lacks the authority to assess the merits of return decisions or asylum applications, and therefore cannot be held liable for any harm caused.

The Syrian family, consisting of a husband, wife, and four young children, arrived in Greece in 2016 as part of the European migrant crisis. They registered their intention to seek international protection on the Greek island of Leros but were subsequently transported to the island of Kos. After just eleven days in Greece, the family alleges that they were flown to Turkey by Frontex and Greek authorities without being given the opportunity to apply for asylum or receiving an expulsion decision. The family claimed that they were misled into believing they were being taken to Athens when they boarded the plane. During the flight, the parents were reportedly separated from their children, who were between one and six years old at the time, and they were not allowed to communicate with anyone during the journey.

The family was released in Turkey but lacked access to housing, water, or sanitation. They later fled to northern Iraq. In 2021, they brought their case to the European Court of Justice, supported by human rights lawyers and the Dutch Council for Refugees.

Following the court’s ruling, the family expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that Frontex should be held accountable for their unjust treatment. Their lawyers indicated that they intended to appeal the decision.

Legal experts argued that individuals should not be deported to another country without a proper assessment of their need for asylum, which they claim did not occur in this case.

The Dutch Council for Refugees and the law firm representing the family stated that the ruling raised questions about how Frontex should ensure respect for fundamental rights in its activities, as mandated by its role.

Frontex responded by requiring EU member states to confirm that individuals were given the opportunity to seek international protection and that their applications were processed in accordance with EU laws.

The European Parliament had previously noted that human rights organizations, media, and civil society groups regularly reported cases of pushbacks or collective expulsions at the EU’s borders, often involving excessive force by EU member state authorities. Frontex had faced accusations of failing to protect individuals in these situations.

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Attack on Peaceful City Market Claims Lives of 17

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President Zelensky has strongly condemned a deliberate attack on the peaceful city of Kostyantynivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight on a bustling market street, claimed the lives of 17 people, including a child, and left at least 32 others injured. Videos circulating on social media captured a vivid orange explosion at one end of the street, where people were engaged in shopping. Russia has yet to issue a statement regarding the attack.

President Zelensky, holding Moscow responsible, expressed his outrage at the loss of innocent lives, emphasizing that the victims were ordinary citizens who had done nothing wrong. He cautioned that the death toll could rise further, characterizing dealing with Russia as confronting audacious malevolence.

The blast damaged a market, shops, and a pharmacy, but Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal assured residents that all essential services were functioning, and the fire was under control.

Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klimenko, later announced that the search and rescue operation had concluded. Online footage and images depicted the explosion and its harrowing aftermath.

This incident represents one of the most severe attacks of its kind in recent months, striking a bustling street as people gathered at market stalls and café terraces. Ukraine’s prosecutor-general has initiated an investigation into the attack, pursuing criminal proceedings for violations of the laws and customs of war and documenting potential war crimes committed by the Russian Federation.

Russian officials have not claimed responsibility for the attack, and they have previously denied targeting civilians during their offensive.

Kostyantynivka, situated near the conflict zone, has experienced several attacks this year, causing civilian casualties and extensive damage to residential buildings and infrastructure. Additionally, the city is approximately 17 miles (27km) from the heavily contested city of Bakhmut.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kyiv coincided with the attack, where he met with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ahead of his arrival, sirens blared across the country, and Kyiv’s air defense system intercepted missiles aimed at the capital. It was anticipated that Mr. Blinken would announce a new US aid package for Ukraine during his visit.

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Spanish Boy’s Miraculous Survival After Clinging to Tree During Floods Overnight

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A young boy in Spain managed to survive a deadly flood by climbing a tree and holding on throughout the night. His family’s car had been swept away into a river, and tragically, his father remains missing. The 10-year-old is now receiving treatment for hypothermia, as reported by Spanish media.

The devastating floods, caused by record rainfall, have resulted in at least three fatalities and the disappearance of three others in central Spain, according to police. Regions southwest of Madrid were particularly hard-hit, with bridges destroyed and roads transformed into muddy rivers.

The boy’s family was attempting to escape the floodwaters in a rural part of the affected area when their car was swept into the river, explained Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the head of the Madrid region. The young boy spent the entire night clinging to a tree for survival.

While the boy’s mother and sister have been located, rescue efforts are still underway to find his missing father near Aldea de Fresno, one of the three individuals swept away by the heavy rainfall, according to the civil guard police force.

Additionally, three deaths have been confirmed in the Toledo region, situated southwest of Madrid, due to the storm, as stated by the civil guard.

The Spanish weather service, Aemet, recorded record-breaking rainfall of 9cm (3.5in) in the region on Sunday.

Efforts to clean up the aftermath of the floods are ongoing, with residents working to remove mud and debris left in their wake. Regional administrations in Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha have requested that the federal government declare the affected areas as “catastrophe zones,” which would provide government funding for repairing damaged buildings.

In a first-time move, emergency text messages and loud alarms were used to warn residents about the storm on Sunday, and authorities credit people adhering to advice to stay at home and leave their vehicles behind for helping rescue services manage the thousands of calls they received.

This disaster in Spain follows an intense summer heatwave, with climate scientists warning that global warming leads to more water evaporation during the summer, resulting in more severe storms.

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Enhanced Security Measures Surrounding Rédoine Faïd’s Trial: The Notorious French ‘Jailbreak King’

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One of France’s most infamous criminals is currently on trial in Paris, with extensive security measures in place, for his daring escape from prison using a helicopter five years ago.

Due to Rédoine Faïd’s notoriety for prison breaks, French authorities have deployed a specialized gendarme unit to prevent any attempt to flee while traveling to and from the courtroom.

Reports indicate that there is a significant risk of another escape plot, as per police warnings.

Faïd, aged 51, stands accused alongside 11 other individuals, including his two older brothers.

Court accounts state that he arrived at the courthouse under tight police escort, followed by his brother Rachid, who is suspected of orchestrating the prison break.

At the time of his dramatic escape, Faïd was already serving a sentence for a previous jailbreak in 2013.

The escape involved two accomplices who held a helicopter pilot hostage and landed in the courtyard of Réau Prison, located south of Paris, on July 1, 2018. They used smoke bombs and angle grinders to access a nearby visiting room where Faïd was meeting his brother Brahim.

A prison guard described the two men, dressed as commandos, carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles, and how he and his colleagues were unable to respond to the attack. The helicopter, an Alouette II, quickly departed, and the entire operation took just minutes.

Faïd was eventually recaptured three months later during a raid on an apartment in his hometown of Creil.

His criminal career began with armed robberies and extortion in the crime-ridden suburbs of Paris during the 1990s. He later authored a book in which he detailed how the Hollywood film Heat influenced his attack on a security van in the 1990s, garnering him some degree of celebrity as he appeared on TV to promote the book.

After a brief release from one jail sentence in 2010, he was rearrested for violating the terms of his release. He subsequently received a lengthy prison term for masterminding a robbery in 2010, which resulted in the death of 26-year-old policewoman Aurélie Fouquet.

In 2013, he took four prison guards hostage and used explosions to break through five prison doors, making a dramatic escape from a jail near Lille in northern France. All four guards were eventually released, but Faïd remained on the run for six weeks before being recaptured and returned to prison.

Over the next seven weeks, Faïd’s trial will take place in a high-security courtroom on the Île de la Cité in Paris. He faces charges related to hijacking an aircraft and multiple prison escapes as part of an organized criminal group.

French media have reported on a confidential police alert highlighting a “significant risk of an escape attempt.”

However, Faïd’s legal team has protested against his solitary confinement at Fleury-Mérogis prison south of Paris, arguing that while his jailbreak was spectacular, it wasn’t inherently dangerous. One of his lawyers, Marie Violleau, pointed out, “Rédoine Faïd didn’t shoot at the guards, he didn’t shoot at the watchtowers… It barely lasted seven minutes, and that’s why the decision has been made to treat him like an animal and cut him off from the entire world.”

Among the 11 co-defendants are several members of Faïd’s family, including his brothers Rachid and Brahim. Another accused individual is Jacques Mariani, described as an heir to one of the founders of a notorious organized crime gang on the French island of Corsica.

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