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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will not resign after allegations against wife

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared his intent to continue serving as the country’s leader, despite recent uncertainties surrounding his position. Last week, he announced the suspension of all official engagements following the initiation of a corruption inquiry into his wife. Sánchez denounced the allegations as part of a concerted effort by right-wing media to undermine him.

Sánchez’s decision to temporarily step back from his duties caught many by surprise, including members of his own Socialist Party (PSOE), who were unaware of his contemplation about his political future. Since assuming office in 2018, Sánchez has faced various challenges, but this recent development marked a significant moment of uncertainty for his leadership.

The accusations against Sánchez’s wife, Begoña Gómez, were lodged by the organization Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), which is led by Miguel Bernad, a figure associated with the far-right. However, on Thursday, the public prosecutor in Madrid recommended shelving the investigation due to a lack of substantial evidence. Additionally, Manos Limpias acknowledged that the allegations might be erroneous, as they were based on potentially false reports from online news sources.

Despite the tumultuous circumstances and the cloud of suspicion surrounding his wife, Sánchez’s resolve to remain in office underscores his determination to weather the political storm and continue leading Spain forward.

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Germany spying: Far-right party aide held in China spy probe

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Prosecutors in Germany have apprehended an individual suspected of spying for China, who was identified as Jian G, 43, allegedly working as an assistant to AfD MEP Maximilian Krah. Jian G is accused of passing information about the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence and monitoring Chinese opposition figures in Germany. The timing of these allegations, just before the European Parliament elections, is sensitive for the AfD.

Maximilian Krah stated that he learned of his aide’s arrest through the media and emphasized that if the accusations were proven, the employment would be terminated immediately. The AfD expressed concern over the reports and awaited further investigations.

German officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, deemed the allegations gravely serious, emphasizing the necessity of severe consequences if proven true.

China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest as unfounded speculation aimed at defaming China. Prosecutors indicated that Jian G was scheduled to appear before an investigating judge soon.

Meanwhile, another separate incident involved the arrest of two men and a woman suspected of spying for China, unrelated to Jian G’s case. This group allegedly obtained military technology information in Germany for China.

These developments occurred shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Beijing, where discussions with President Xi Jinping touched upon various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

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Alexei Navalny’s funeral to be held on Friday in Moscow

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Alexei Navalny’s burial is confirmed to take place at Borisovskoye Cemetery in Moscow on Friday, following a farewell ceremony at a local church. Yulia Navalnaya, his widow, expressed uncertainty about the funeral’s peacefulness and the potential for police interference.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, died unexpectedly in a Siberian prison earlier this month, sparking accusations against the Russian president from his widow and many world leaders. Details surrounding Navalny’s death remain scant, with Russian authorities initially resisting releasing his body to his family.

Funeral arrangements faced obstacles, with some funeral homes refusing service due to the deceased’s identity. Yulia Navalnaya addressed the European Parliament, criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and advocating for a more effective strategy against Putin.

The funeral date was adjusted due to logistical challenges, with Navalny’s team urging attendees to arrive early. Security concerns loom over the event, given recent arrests of those paying tribute to Navalny across Russia. Allegations surfaced of a potential prisoner swap involving Navalny, but the Kremlin denies any knowledge of such arrangements.

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French actress Judith Godrèche accuses director Benoît Jacquot of historical rape

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French prosecutors have launched a preliminary investigation following actress Judith Godrèche’s complaint against filmmaker Benoît Jacquot, alleging historical rape. Godrèche, now 51 years old, claims that Jacquot, aged 77, raped her when she was just 14 in 1986, with subsequent offenses occurring during a relationship that extended into the 1990s. The complaint was officially submitted by her lawyer to the Juvenile Protection Brigade in Paris.

Godrèche, who gained recognition for her roles in Jacquot’s films such as “The Beggars” (1987) and “The Disenchanted” (1990), had previously hinted at their relationship in an autobiographical TV program titled “Icon of French Cinema.” Last month, she publicly identified Jacquot on social media after watching a documentary where he discussed his relationship with an adolescent.

In response to the allegations, Jacquot has firmly denied them, as stated in an interview with Le Monde newspaper. He has chosen not to provide further comment, reiterating his stance from the newspaper.

Godrèche, recognized for her performances in films like “The Overnight” (2015) and “The Spanish Apartment” (2002), has a notable career in French cinema. Meanwhile, Jacquot has been directing films since the mid-1970s, with his 2012 film “Farewell, My Queen” premiering at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival.

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Spanish Restraining Order Issued to Luis Rubiales Following World Cup Kiss Incident

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A Spanish court has issued a restraining order against Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spain’s football federation, preventing him from approaching footballer Jenni Hermoso within 200 meters.

The order came as the court considers allegations of sexual assault and coercion against Rubiales after he kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. Rubiales denies the accusations, insisting the kiss was consensual.

He recently resigned from his position, and this incident has cast a shadow over the national team, leading to ongoing disputes and a potential boycott. Prosecutors have submitted charges of sexual assault and coercion, citing pressure on Hermoso to defend Rubiales after the incident.

The case’s outcome may be influenced by Spain’s recent legal reforms regarding consent. Hermoso is set to provide testimony, and videos from the event will be crucial in determining if the case goes to trial.

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Spanish Football Federation to Pursue Legal Action Against Jennifer Hermoso for Alleged False Statements

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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced its intention to pursue legal recourse in response to statements made by Jenni Hermoso concerning the federation’s president, Luis Rubiales. This follows a controversial incident where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory over England. While Hermoso claimed that she did not give consent for the kiss, the RFEF disputes her account and asserts that evidence supports Rubiales’ innocence.

Represented by the players’ union Futpro, Hermoso has stated that she did not attempt to lift President Rubiales during their embrace on the podium. In response, the RFEF has released images of the embrace along with a detailed analysis, asserting that Hermoso did indeed exert force to raise Rubiales off the ground.

The RFEF expressed its intent to initiate legal actions against Hermoso or any party involved in spreading what they deem to be false information. This move comes amidst larger tensions within Spanish football, as 81 female players have declared their refusal to represent Spain’s national team until Rubiales steps down. The controversy has even extended to the men’s team, with Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias also announcing his refusal to play under Rubiales’ leadership.

The RFEF’s decision to pursue legal action follows international criticism of Rubiales’ behavior at the Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales had faced calls for resignation from government ministers, and Fifa had initiated disciplinary proceedings against him. Despite mounting pressure, Rubiales remained defiant and vowed to continue his position as president, asserting that the kiss was consensual and mutual.

The situation has also spurred solidarity among players, as evidenced by wristbands worn during a National Women’s Soccer League game in the United States, which bore the message ‘Contigo Jenni’ (With you Jenni). Prominent players like Alex Morgan have expressed their support for Hermoso and the Spanish players, condemning the alleged assault, misogyny, and failures of the Spanish federation.

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French Authorities Search at Former Caretaker’s Residence of Film Icon Alain Delon

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French police are investigating allegations made by Alain Delon’s three children against his former companion, Hiromi Rollin, who had been caring for the 87-year-old film star. The children claim that Rollin engaged in “moral harassment” of their father and used her influence to isolate him and make him dependent on her. They also allege that she controlled his correspondence, maligned their names, and mistreated Delon’s dog, Louba, leading him to put the pet in kennels.

Alain Delon, known for his heart-throb looks and tough-guy screen persona in French cinema, had been increasingly cared for by Rollin at his country house since suffering a stroke in 2019. However, a showdown with the three children in July led to Rollin moving out of the residence. Anthony Delon, Alain’s son and an actor as well, revealed on French television that he became suspicious of Rollin’s actions when she failed to inform the family about his father’s hospitalization after a fall.

The relationship between Rollin and Delon is described differently by the parties involved. Anthony Delon refers to her as his father’s “dame de compagnie” or lady companion, implying a contractual relationship. Rollin, on the other hand, considers herself Delon’s “compagne” or partner.

In response to the allegations, Rollin’s lawyer submitted a 39-page statement to the prosecutor’s office, denying the family’s claims. The lawyer asserted that Rollin had been providing daily personal care to the aging actor since his stroke and had not been paid for her companionship. The lawyer further suggested that the children’s motives might be financial, hoping to gain from pointing fingers at Rollin.

The story has garnered significant attention in the French media due to Alain Delon’s legendary status as a prominent figure in French cinema, known as one of the last “big beasts” or “monstres sacrés” of the industry.

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