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Ukraine spy chief’s wife Marianna Budanova ill in suspected poisoning

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Marianna Budanova, the wife of Ukraine’s top spy, Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov, has been hospitalized for suspected poisoning with heavy metals, as confirmed by a Ukrainian intelligence source. The source did not disclose additional information about potential victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several Ukrainian media outlets have independently reported similar information, suggesting that multiple intelligence officials may have been affected. Notably, Ukraine’s military intelligence has not officially commented on these reports.

Lt Gen Budanov, who leads Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, has been a pivotal figure in planning and executing major military operations against Russian forces following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite the reports of poisoning, there is no indication as to whether Russia is believed to be responsible for the alleged attack.

Mrs. Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, holds a master’s degree in psychology and has been involved in politics, previously serving as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv. The reports suggest that she may have been exposed to heavy metals through poisoned food. Although the specific heavy metal involved has not been disclosed, sources emphasize that the substances are not commonly used in everyday life or military operations.

In the context of safety concerns, Lt Gen Budanov and his wife had been staying in his office since the February 2022 invasion, as mentioned in a September interview. Despite more than 10 reported assassination attempts against Lt Gen Budanov, there is no indication in the current reports that he has also been targeted. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are awaited as investigations unfold.

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Slovenia Covid: Thousands to get lockdown fine refunds

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In Ljubljana, a delivery rider’s indulgence in a €400 burek, a Balkan pastry, during the initial Covid lockdown marked an unusual and notably expensive fast-food experience. The incident garnered attention as police surrounded the rider for a seemingly minor offense – not wearing a mask while eating on the steps of a church. This photograph became a poignant symbol of the stringent enforcement of Covid restrictions during the pandemic in the Slovenian capital.

Over a span of more than two years, the authorities in Slovenia issued a staggering €6 million in fines, affecting more than 60,000 individuals who allegedly violated anti-Covid measures. The fines were issued under the strict regulations imposed by the previous right-wing administration led by former Prime Minister Janez Janša. These measures included restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly, local travel limitations, and a nighttime curfew. The hungry food delivery driver was just one of many who faced penalties for violating face mask mandates, even in outdoor settings, and navigating daily activities without a Covid certificate became exceptionally challenging.

This week, a significant development takes place as legislation comes into effect to refund the fines issued during this period. This initiative fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Robert Golob before his center-left Freedom Movement came into power last year. The move aims to rectify the harsh consequences of the previously imposed measures and rebuild public trust in the rule of law, which had been significantly undermined by what is now deemed as excessive and unconstitutional repression during the pandemic.

While the decision to refund fines has been welcomed by many, it has not been universally embraced. Some critics, including a member of Janez Janša’s SDS party, argue that repaying fines is a disregard for the efforts of health workers who tirelessly fought to save lives during the pandemic. However, the current administration, represented by Justice Minister Dominika Švarc Pipan, views the restitution legislation as essential for restoring Slovenians’ confidence in the rule of law, particularly in the aftermath of what is perceived as overzealous and unconstitutional measures imposed during the Covid crisis.

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Samuel Paty: Six French teenagers on trial over teacher’s murder

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Six teenagers in France, aged between 13 and 15 at the time, are currently on trial for their alleged complicity in the murder of teacher Samuel Paty in 2020. The tragic incident occurred when Paty, who had shown cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a class on freedom of expression, was killed by a Chechen refugee. The teenagers are accused of slander and of guiding the murderer to Paty at the school.

The youngest among them, a 13-year-old girl, had been suspended from school just days before the murder, for reasons unrelated to the case. However, she falsely claimed to her father that she confronted Paty over an alleged request for Muslim students to leave the class, leading to social media posts that prosecutors believe influenced the killer’s actions.

These teenagers face serious charges, and if convicted, they could be sentenced to a maximum of 2.5 years in prison. The case has sparked significant public attention and highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the events leading up to Paty’s murder. The teenagers are not accused of directly committing the murder but rather of playing a role in facilitating the tragic incident.

In addition to the ongoing trial of these six teenagers, a second trial is scheduled for next year. It involves eight adults, including the father of the 13-year-old girl currently on trial. The second trial will further explore allegations of complicity in the murder, bringing to light the broader network and individuals who may have contributed to the events leading up to Paty’s death.

The broader context of this case includes accusations against two friends of the Chechen refugee who carried out the murder. They are facing charges of “complicity in a terrorist murder,” the most severe crime in this case. One is accused of accompanying the murderer to buy weapons, while the other is accused of driving him to the school where Paty taught on the day of the murder. These accusations underscore the serious nature of the events surrounding the teacher’s death and the varied roles individuals are alleged to have played in its execution.

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Davis Cup final 2023: Italy beat Australia to win first title for 47 years

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Italy clinched their first Davis Cup title in 47 years as Jannik Sinner dominated Alex de Minaur, securing a 2-0 victory over Australia in Malaga, Spain. Matteo Arnaldi set the tone with a tense 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin in the opening singles, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. Sinner, in exceptional form, then cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 triumph against De Minaur, sealing the historic victory.

The win marked Italy’s second Davis Cup triumph, the previous one dating back to 1976. Sinner’s outstanding week, including a crucial win against Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, underscored his late-season brilliance. Italy’s path to victory also featured Matteo Berrettini’s positive contribution.

Sinner, ranked fourth globally, showcased his dominance by breaking De Minaur early and maintaining control throughout. The victory was not only a result of individual brilliance but also a collective effort, with Arnaldi playing a crucial role in securing the initial lead.

The Australian team, aiming for their 29th Davis Cup title, faced disappointment after back-to-back final losses, having been defeated by Canada the previous year. Italy’s triumph was a testament to their resilience, overcoming challenges and celebrating the win with jubilation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated the team for their talent and commitment, acknowledging the historic achievement. The week in Malaga was marked by a fabulous atmosphere, reigniting debates about the competition format while affirming the success of the event organized by Malaga and the International Tennis Federation.

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Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by biggest drone attack since war began

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Kyiv experienced its most significant drone attack since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the city’s mayor. The assault, consisting of over 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted the capital from the north and east. Despite the city’s air defenses successfully intercepting 74 drones, explosions and the sound of air defenses echoed through Kyiv for more than six hours. The Shahed drones, viewed as a cost-effective alternative to Russia’s diminishing missile stocks, are slower but distinctive due to their wingspan.

The attack caused damage to buildings, including a kindergarten, and left at least five people injured, including an 11-year-old child. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strikes as an intentional act of terror, vowing to continue uniting the world against Russian aggression. The assault coincided with Ukraine’s commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, adding symbolic weight to the event.

The possibility of Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a tactic used in the past, materialized as 16,000 homes in central Kyiv lost power. While Moscow’s previous attempts to deprive Ukrainians of essential resources failed, causing authorities to rapidly repair damaged infrastructure, the impact of such strikes remains significant. Despite ongoing improvements in Ukraine’s air defenses, attacks like these continue to cause destruction, instill fear, and disrupt the lives of its residents.

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Giulia Cecchettin’s killing sparks Italian reckoning over femicide

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The recent tragic killing of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin in Italy by her ex-boyfriend has ignited a national conversation about violence against women. Giulia was on the verge of graduating in biomedical engineering when she disappeared with her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta. Subsequent CCTV footage revealed her brutal murder, with Turetta assaulting her in a car park, using duct tape to silence her, and ultimately fatally attacking her in an industrial area.

This incident has fueled public outrage and grief, prompting widespread protests, vigils, and discussions about the pervasive issue of violence against women in Italy. The case has drawn attention to the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes in the country, with many women expressing concerns about the normalization of controlling and violent behavior by men.

Giulia’s killing is part of a larger pattern, as data from the Italian interior ministry indicates that 106 women have been killed in Italy this year, with 55 allegedly by a partner or ex-partner. The incident has led to an increase in calls to Italy’s anti-violence hotline.

The tragic event has also prompted discussions about the broader societal issues contributing to gender-based violence. Some argue that the resentment of women’s independence is a significant factor in toxic relationships, where violent men struggle with their partners’ success.

Filippo Turetta, who studied the same subject as Giulia, was arrested in Germany after a week-long international manhunt. Despite not being formally charged yet, he is set to be extradited to Italy. The case has brought attention to the need for societal change, with calls for educational campaigns and legislative measures to combat misogynistic violence.

Giulia’s sister highlighted the responsibility of men in addressing the patriarchal norms that contribute to gender-based violence. The outcry has led to unanimous approval by the Italian Senate for new legislation strengthening measures against gender violence, including stricter restraining orders and increased surveillance on perpetrators.

Despite these developments, critics argue that more needs to be done to combat the deeply rooted problem of gender-based violence in Italy. The incident has sparked hope among advocates that the widespread anger and demand for change will lead to a transformative shift in Italian society.

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Russian authorities crack down on abortion access amid demographic crisis

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Russian authorities are implementing measures to restrict access to abortions in an effort to address the country’s demographic crisis. These measures include criminalizing attempts to persuade women to have abortions and pressuring private clinics to cease performing the procedure. The anti-abortion campaign, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church, has been criticized by feminist groups who argue that it endangers women’s lives.

Russia’s population has remained stagnant for over 20 years, with concerns about the impact on military recruitment and the economy. The high number of abortions, with almost a third of Russian women reporting having had one, is identified as a key factor contributing to the demographic crisis. The government, backed by the church, aims to discourage abortions through informal means, including guidelines for healthcare professionals to dissuade women and restrictions on the sale of abortion-inducing medication.

Financial incentives are being offered to pregnant women and those who give birth, and private clinics are facing pressure to stop offering abortion services. Some regions have implemented fines for attempting to persuade a pregnant woman to have an abortion, and there are fears that the anti-abortion campaign may lead to an increase in unsafe, illegal procedures, as well as negatively impacting women’s health by discouraging safer medical abortions.

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Dublin riot sees clashes with police after five hurt in stabbings

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A knife attack in Dublin has left a five-year-old girl, a woman in her 30s, and a man in his 40s seriously injured. The incident occurred outside Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school on Parnell Square East in the city center, prompting subsequent violence, including vehicle fires and shop looting.

The suspected attacker, identified as an Irish citizen who has lived in the country for 20 years, is now a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. Irish police have indicated that they are not actively searching for other individuals at this time and are pursuing a definite line of inquiry.

The disorder that followed the attack was attributed by the head of An Garda Síochána (Irish police), Drew Harris, to a “lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far-right ideology.” More than 400 officers were deployed to maintain order, and riot police were called in as protesters gathered in the area near the crime scene.

The streets are reported to be mainly calm now, with no serious injuries resulting from the subsequent violence. However, Chief Superintendent Patrick McMenamin attributed the disorder to “gratuitous thuggery,” and several incidents of attacks on officers were reported. The exact number of arrests made remains unclear.

The unrest centered on several streets in Dublin city center, including O’Connell Street, where vehicles were set on fire, including at least one police car, a tram, and a bus. Additionally, a shop on O’Connell Street was looted, and the windows of other stores were smashed.

Trinity College, located nearby, went into lockdown, closing all gates to its campus due to the disturbances. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced the deployment of extra police resources in response to the situation, expressing shock at the knife attack and cautioning against misinformation circulating on social media.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive for the attack remains unclear, as stated by Drew Harris, who urged the public to “act responsibly.” The Irish President, Michael D Higgins, expressed his thoughts for the affected children and families, condemning the incident and discouraging its use for agendas that oppose social inclusion.

In response to the attack, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) expressed solidarity with the Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school community, describing the incident as horrendous and emphasizing support for those affected.

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Jamie Foxx accused of sexual assault at NYC rooftop bar in 2015

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A woman has filed a lawsuit against Jamie Foxx, accusing the renowned actor of sexually assaulting her at a New York City restaurant eight years ago. The legal action alleges that Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop, inappropriately touched the unnamed woman after she approached him for a photo. Foxx’s representatives have yet to provide a response to the BBC’s request for comment on the matter.

The incident is said to have taken place in the early morning hours of August 26, 2015, at Catch NYC. According to the lawsuit, Foxx, appearing intoxicated, complimented the woman on her appearance, led her to a secluded area of the restaurant, and proceeded to touch her breasts and put his hands in her underwear without her consent. The situation reportedly concluded when the woman’s friend intervened.

In addition to suing Foxx, the accuser is seeking damages from the restaurant and bar owner, Mark Birnbaum, who was allegedly seated with Foxx shortly before the incident. The lawsuit claims that Birnbaum and the restaurant’s staff breached their duty of care by failing to protect the plaintiff. Mark Birnbaum has not yet responded to inquiries from the BBC.

The legal action asserts that the woman continues to endure severe emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and emotional damages as a result of the alleged assault. Notably, this lawsuit is filed just days before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act, allowing victims of sex crimes to pursue legal action even after the statute of limitations has lapsed. The act has been previously invoked in cases involving public figures like Donald Trump, Sean Combs, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr, and Russell Brand. Despite the serious accusations, Jamie Foxx has remained silent on the matter as the legal proceedings unfold.

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Dutch election: Anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders wins dramatic victory

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Geert Wilders, a veteran anti-Islam populist leader, has achieved a significant victory in the Dutch general election, securing 37 seats for his Freedom Party (PVV) after 25 years in parliament. This outcome has shaken Dutch politics and is anticipated to have repercussions across Europe. Despite his success, Wilders needs to form a coalition government by persuading other parties to join him, aiming for a total of 76 seats in the 150-seat parliament.

Wilders capitalized on public frustration regarding migration issues, promising to “close borders.” However, he temporarily shelved his proposal to ban the Koran. In his victory speech, Wilders expressed the desire to govern and acknowledged the substantial responsibility that comes with the support he received.

Before the election, major parties had ruled out participating in a Wilders-led government due to his far-right policies. However, the scale of his victory may prompt reconsideration. The left-wing alliance under Frans Timmermans came in second with 25 seats, rejecting any collaboration with a Wilders-led government.

The third-placed VVD, a center-right liberal party led by Dilan Yesilgöz, and a new party formed by whistleblower MP Pieter Omtzigt in fourth, remain potential coalition partners. While Yesilgöz previously stated she would not serve in a Wilders-led cabinet, she did not rule out working with him. Omtzigt, initially hesitant, now expresses willingness to cooperate.

Wilders’ victory has garnered praise from nationalist and far-right leaders across Europe. He advocates for a referendum to leave the EU, known as “Nexit,” although this may face resistance from potential coalition partners.

During the campaign, Wilders softened his anti-Islam rhetoric, focusing on issues such as migration. He strategically deferred policies like banning mosques and Islamic schools. The campaign capitalized on dissatisfaction with the previous government’s collapse over asylum rules.

Migration emerged as a key theme, with Wilders vowing to address a “tsunami of asylum and immigration.” Net migration into the Netherlands surged to over 220,000, exacerbated by a shortage of 390,000 homes.

Despite the shock of Wilders’ victory, challenges lie ahead in forming a government, particularly due to his far-right stance. The international precedent suggests that excluding radical right-wing parties may diminish their influence.

In conclusion, Geert Wilders’ triumph in the Dutch general election has political implications for the country and echoes across Europe, with the formation of a coalition government presenting a complex task for the populist leader.

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