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Protester killed by policeman in New Caledonia

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In France’s Pacific territory of New Caledonia, a French policeman has killed a protester, marking the seventh death in a week of violence ignited by contentious voting reforms. Prosecutor Yves Dupas in Nouméa, the capital, stated that the officer, currently in custody, fired his weapon after coming under attack from demonstrators on Friday. The deceased was a 48-year-old man. This incident follows a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced efforts to reach a new political agreement on the reforms.

The protests, led by the indigenous Kanak community who constitute 40% of the population, were sparked by planned voting reforms. Currently, only indigenous Kanaks and those who arrived from France before 1998 can vote. The proposed changes would allow more French residents, including those who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years, to vote. The Kanaks fear this could dilute their political power and hinder future independence referendums.

A manslaughter inquiry has been initiated, a standard procedure in France when a police officer kills someone. According to Dupas, the officer fired a shot from his service weapon during a physical altercation, with initial findings indicating the officers had facial injuries.

President Macron, during his one-day visit on Thursday, paused the reform but did not completely withdraw it, as demanded by pro-independence groups. He expressed a desire to reach a comprehensive political agreement on the territory’s future. In response to the unrest, thousands of additional police forces have been deployed to restore order.

Economic disparities are significant in New Caledonia, with the poverty rate among the indigenous Kanaks at 32.5%, compared to 9% among non-Kanaks, as per the 2019 census. France colonized New Caledonia in 1853 and made it an overseas territory in 1946, granting political rights to Kanaks under the 1998 Nouméa Accord. This accord also limited voting in provincial and assembly elections to pre-1998 residents. Since then, over 40,000 French nationals have moved to the territory.

Three independence referendums held between 2018 and 2021 showed narrow majorities for remaining part of France, with the third being boycotted by pro-independence groups due to the Covid pandemic. The recent violence has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage, leading Macron to state that the state of emergency would be lifted once protesters’ barricades were dismantled. He described the unrest as an “unprecedented insurrection movement.”

Currently, Nouméa airport is closed to commercial flights, with military flights evacuating around 300 Australian and 50 New Zealand tourists who reported arson, looting, and food shortages.

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Czech president injured while racing motorcycle

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Czech President Petr Pavel has been hospitalized following a motorcycle accident, with his office reassuring the public that the injuries are not severe, necessitating only a short observation period. The incident occurred on a closed racing circuit, leading authorities to abstain from launching an investigation. Despite the accident, President Pavel’s love for motorcycles is well-known, particularly his fondness for riding a BMW R1200 GS.

President Pavel’s enthusiasm for motorbikes has occasionally landed him in controversy. Last year, he publicly apologized after being caught riding without a helmet. Nonetheless, his passion for biking remains undeterred, with the president often seen enjoying rides, even to neighboring countries like Germany. Pavel’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, combined with his love for motorcycles, has made headlines throughout his tenure.

This recent accident marks another addition to President Pavel’s list of extra-curricular mishaps. Just last April, he sustained a minor injury while practicing shooting at a range. Despite these incidents, President Pavel continues to engage actively in both official duties and personal interests, illustrating a dynamic and multifaceted leadership style.

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UN Declares July 11 Day of Remembrance for Srebrenica Massacre

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United Nations member states have voted to declare July 11 an annual day of remembrance for victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, despite opposition from Serbia. The proposal, brought by Germany and Rwanda, aims to establish the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.” While 84 member states voted in favor, there were 19 votes against and 68 abstentions.

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic opposed the resolution, claiming it was politically motivated and could unfairly label Serbia and Serbs as collectively responsible for genocide. Vucic warned that this could lead to further resolutions on other genocides, potentially including those against Serbs during WWII by the Nazi-allied regime in Croatia.

The massacre, carried out by Bosnian-Serb forces under the command of Ratko Mladic, resulted in the systematic killing of over eight thousand Bosniak Muslim men and boys. The aftermath involved attempts to hide the scale of the massacre by exhuming and redistributing bodies, complicating identification efforts. The International Commission on Missing Persons used DNA technology to identify over seven thousand victims, praising the UN resolution for its acknowledgment and commemoration.

The resolution explicitly states that genocide convictions are against individuals, not entire ethnic or religious groups. In 2007, the International Court of Justice recognized the massacre as genocide but did not hold Serbia directly responsible, though it criticized Serbia for failing to prevent it. Serbia’s National Assembly condemned the massacre in 2010, and Vucic, as prime minister in 2015, visited Srebrenica to pay respects on the 20th anniversary.

Milorad Dodik, president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska region, and other Serb nationalists deny that genocide occurred, sometimes glorifying Mladic. Dodik threatened secession if the resolution passed but claimed victory after the vote, citing the lack of an absolute majority as evidence of failure to label Serbs as a genocidal nation. His claims, however, serve more as political posturing than an accurate reflection of the resolution’s intent.

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Hunt for survivors of Majorca building collapse

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A desperate search for survivors is underway after a two-storey restaurant collapsed on Majorca, killing four people and injuring 16, according to local emergency services. Several individuals are believed to be trapped under the debris at the Medusa Beach Club, a popular beachside restaurant in Palma de Majorca, the regional capital.

Among the victims are a Spanish man, two German women, and Abdoulaye Diop, a Senegalese man known for rescuing a swimmer in 2017. The collapse occurred around 20:30 local time (19:30 BST) on Thursday, causing people to fall into the basement where other patrons and staff were present.

Authorities attribute the collapse to the terrace giving way due to “excessive weight,” although investigations are ongoing. Emergency workers are urging for silence to hear potential survivors. A firefighter described the scene as “nightmarish,” with people crying and screaming amid the rubble.

Raúl Pursnami, owner of Moda Meena, a nearby fashion store, witnessed the event and expressed his shock. Diop, 44, had just left a gym and was having coffee at the restaurant when it collapsed, according to friends. In 2017, Diop was celebrated for rescuing a struggling swimmer in Playa de Palma despite freezing water temperatures.

Psychology experts have been called to help those traumatized by the incident. The UK Foreign Office stated that there are no reports of British nationals involved, though they remain in contact with Spanish authorities. A man was rescued from the rubble with a broken arm, and efforts continue under the assumption more people are trapped.

The Palma City Council has declared three days of mourning. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Balearic Islands President Marga Prohens sent condolences to the victims’ families and expressed gratitude to the emergency services. Majorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, saw over 17 million visitors last year.

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French detention for alleged involvement in the Olympic torch relay

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A man has been apprehended on suspicion of plotting an attack on the Olympic torch relay in Bordeaux, as announced by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. While details remain limited, Darmanin commended the police for ensuring security during Thursday’s relay event.

Authorities disclosed that the suspect had written a troubling message that potentially glorified criminal acts, including a reference to a past mass shooting in the US. The Olympic flame, having recently arrived in Marseille, is en route to Paris for the Games scheduled to commence on July 26th. Paris 2024 organizers have underscored an extensive security operation, notably for the opening ceremony involving over 10,000 athletes transported along the River Seine.

Upon detecting an online message referencing a decade-old mass killing in Isla Vista, California, an investigation was launched by Bordeaux prosecutor Frédérique Porterie. The post connected to the suspect’s profile alluded to Elliot Rodger, the perpetrator of the Isla Vista attack, who harbored animosity towards women and became a figure of inspiration for some online communities, notably those identifying as “involuntarily celibate” or incels.

The suspect, identified as Alex G, was subsequently arrested, with authorities finding a rubber pellet revolver, multiple mobile phones, and a computer during a search of his residence. Although he lacked a criminal record, initial inquiries revealed his interest in the Incel movement. While in custody, he admitted to contemplating an unspecified act, without mentioning targeting the Olympic flame relay. Described as psychologically fragile, the suspect’s intentions appeared undefined.

The Olympic flame embarks on a lengthy journey spanning 12,000km (7,500 miles) across mainland France and its overseas territories. Given security concerns, anti-drone experts are collaborating with law enforcement to monitor its progress. However, recent unrest in New Caledonia has led organizers to cancel the flame’s scheduled visit to the Pacific territory.

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Baltic worries about Russia’s proposal to redraw sea borders

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Calls for calm have been issued in Finland and the Baltic states following a draft Russian decree proposing border revisions in the Baltic Sea. Latvia is seeking clarification, while Lithuania accuses the Kremlin of using the decree as an intimidation tactic. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that political leaders are monitoring the situation and Finland will respond calmly and factually.

The draft, issued by Russia’s defense ministry, suggested altering sea borders around Russian islands in the Gulf of Finland and the exclave of Kaliningrad. Initially reported by Russia’s Tass news agency, the draft aimed to redraw Soviet-era borders from January 1985. It was unclear if Finnish or Lithuanian waters near Kaliningrad would be affected, but the proposal included the eastern Gulf of Finland, islands near the Finnish coast, and areas around Baltiysk and Zelenogradsk in Kaliningrad.

As members of the EU and NATO, Finland and the Baltic states have the alliance’s commitment to defend their borders. Finland’s defense and foreign committees convened emergency meetings, with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stating there is no immediate cause for alarm.

The Russian proposals were subsequently removed from public view with a “draft deleted” notice. A Russian source later confirmed no plans to alter territorial waters in the Baltic. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov directed questions to the defense ministry, noting the political landscape had changed since the 1980s and emphasizing the heightened confrontation in the Baltic region.

Charly Salonius-Pasternak from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs suggested Russia’s approach was typical: probing reactions and retreating if met with resistance. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis described the draft as an escalation against NATO and the EU, advocating a strong response.

Simultaneously, Sweden’s armed forces chief, Gen Micael Byden, warned of Putin’s ambitions to control the Baltic Sea. Byden stressed the importance of keeping the Baltic Sea out of Putin’s control to maintain peace and stability. Sweden, a NATO member since March, has reinforced its military presence on the Baltic island of Gotland, which Gen Byden believes Russia has targeted.

In response to potential migration issues, Finland, which joined NATO last year, plans to prevent large-scale asylum seeker crossings from Russia. Helsinki fears Russia might exploit migration, but the UN refugee agency warns the draft law could lead to harmful pushbacks of legitimate asylum seekers, risking severe injuries, family separations, and deaths, according to UNHCR’s Philippe Leclerc.

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German far right in disarray after AfD Nazi remark

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Maximilian Krah, a prominent far-right German politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), announced he would scale back his campaign efforts for the upcoming EU elections while remaining the party’s lead candidate. This decision followed a controversial interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, where Krah remarked that not all SS members were automatically “criminals” and emphasized assessing individual culpability. He referenced Günter Grass, the German novelist who served in the Waffen SS, to support his point.

The SS, or Schutzstaffel, was a Nazi paramilitary group notorious for its central role in the Holocaust and other war crimes. Krah’s comments provoked a strong reaction, leading France’s far-right National Rally (RN) to sever ties with the AfD in the European Parliament. RN leader Marine Le Pen called for a “cordon sanitaire” to distance her party from the AfD, stating the urgency of this separation due to the extremity of Krah’s views.

The relationship between RN and AfD had already been strained following a secret meeting involving AfD members discussing the mass deportations of non-ethnic Germans. Marine Le Pen had previously condemned such ideas.

Facing mounting pressures ahead of the EU elections in June, Krah declared on social media that he would step back from public campaign appearances and resign from the federal executive board to preserve party unity. This decision comes amid various scandals, including the arrest of one of his staffers for alleged espionage for China and an ongoing investigation into Krah over purported payments from Russia and China, which he denies. Despite these controversies, the AfD remains a significant political force, polling second or third nationally and leading in some states set for local elections later this year.

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Eagles changed migration route to avoid Ukraine war

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Researchers studying the migration patterns of Greater Spotted Eagles have found that these birds altered their usual routes across Ukraine in response to the conflict and environmental damage caused by war. They believe the eagles avoided dangers such as artillery fire and troop buildups, likely due to damage to their habitats.

The study, published in Current Biology by researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the British Trust for Ornithology, reveals that the eagles deviated significantly from their usual paths, spent less time at refueling sites, and traveled longer distances. These changes resulted in delays and increased energy expenditure for the birds.

While all tracked birds survived, the researchers are concerned about the potential long-term effects on their breeding capabilities. As the Greater Spotted Eagle is classified as a vulnerable species, any disruption to their migratory patterns and breeding performance is considered a significant conservation concern.

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German group accused of plotting coup go on trial

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In Germany, trials have begun for individuals allegedly connected to a coup plot involving a German aristocrat, a significant arsenal of weapons, and the belief that Queen Elizabeth II’s death was a covert “signal” to act. These individuals are associated with the Reichsbürger movement, which denies the legitimacy of the modern German state, claiming it was installed by the Allied powers after World War II.

The most high-profile trial is taking place in Frankfurt, following extensive raids across the country in 2022. This trial, one of three, is crucial for understanding far-right networks due to its scale and potential insights.

The Reichsbürger movement, comprising around 23,000 followers, espouses antisemitic views and a strong affinity for weapons. Authorities allege that members plotted to violently overthrow the German government, planning to storm the national parliament in Berlin and arrest MPs on a so-called “Day X”. The indictment suggests they even debated if Queen Elizabeth II’s death was a signal to act.

A key figure in the trial is Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a 72-year-old former real estate developer from Frankfurt and a descendant of the aristocratic House of Reuss. He allegedly hosted the group’s ‘central council’ meetings and was designated as the future ‘head of state’ post-coup. He was also reportedly involved in attempts to establish contact with Moscow, appearing at the Russian consulate in Leipzig.

Another notable defendant is Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, a former judge and member of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland party. She allegedly used her parliamentary access to help co-conspirators scout government buildings and was slated to manage the justice department in the new regime.

Prosecutors claim the group intended to reorganize Germany’s political structure by taking over institutions at both state and local levels, aware that this might require violence. Their central council would have coordinated these efforts, supported by a ‘military arm’ comprising 286 units tasked with enforcing the new order nationwide.

The indictment reveals the group’s access to a substantial cache of weapons, including firearms, ammunition, night vision devices, and handcuffs, and financial resources of around 500,000 euros. Members reportedly became increasingly isolated from the outside world over time.

Jan Rathje, a senior researcher at the extremism monitoring agency CeMAS, notes that such conspiratorial, sovereigntist movements trace back to desires among some former Nazis to reestablish a National Socialist German Reich. He warns that the Reichsbürger movement, with its violent far-right tradition, has been dangerously underestimated, emphasizing that, despite the coup’s likely failure, it could have caused significant harm. The symbolic impact of a violent strike against the government could have emboldened radical forces by portraying the government as weak.

The trials are being conducted in Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Munich due to the case’s complexity and size.

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Spain Demands Apology After Argentina’s President Insults PM’s Wife

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Spain has demanded a public apology after Javier Milei, Argentina’s president, implied that the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, was corrupt during a far-right rally in Madrid. Although not directly naming her, Milei’s remarks were aimed at Ms. Gómez, whom he associated with corruption, saying, “When you have a corrupt wife, let’s say, it gets dirty.”

The controversy follows an investigation launched in April by a Spanish court into Ms. Gómez over allegations of influence peddling, which an opposition party had raised. The right-wing anti-corruption group making the allegations has since conceded they might be unfounded, and prosecutors called for the dismissal of the case last month due to a lack of evidence.

In response to Milei’s remarks, Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, demanded an apology and warned that Spain might cut diplomatic ties with Argentina if none was forthcoming. Albares stated that Milei’s comments insulted both Spain and its leader.

However, Argentina’s Interior Minister Guillermo Francos stated that no apology would be issued by Argentina. Instead, he insisted that Spain should apologize for past remarks made about Milei. This follows a recent incident where a Spanish minister suggested that Milei had used drugs, which Milei condemned as slanderous.

The diplomatic tensions between Spain and Argentina have intensified since Milei, known for his contentious remarks about other world leaders, assumed office. He has previously labeled Brazil’s President Inacio Lula da Silva as an “angry communist” and Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador as “ignorant.”

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