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Giorgia Meloni: Italian PM seeks damages over deepfake videos

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Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, is pursuing €100,000 (£85,374) in damages after deepfake pornography featuring her was shared online. Scheduled to appear in court in Sassari on July 2nd, Meloni aims to testify against the production of these videos, where her face was digitally imposed onto explicit content. The culprits, a 40-year-old man believed to have created the videos and his 73-year-old father, are currently under investigation and face defamation charges.

Italian authorities tracked down the individuals through the mobile device used to upload the content. The distribution of such material constitutes a criminal offense in Italy. The videos, which circulated widely on a US pornographic website, prompted Meloni’s legal team to pursue damages. If successful, the €100,000 compensation will be directed to a fund supporting women who have suffered from male violence.

Maria Giulia Marongiu, Meloni’s lawyer, emphasized the symbolic nature of the requested sum, intending to encourage victims to come forward and challenge such abuses of power. Notably, the deepfake videos predate Meloni’s appointment as prime minister in 2022. Unfortunately, instances of deepfake pornography have become increasingly prevalent online, causing significant distress to victims whose likenesses are manipulated in explicit contexts.

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Bay of Biscay: France temporarily bans fishing to protect dolphins

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France has implemented a temporary ban on nearly all commercial fishing activities in the Bay of Biscay, starting from Monday and extending until 20 February. The ban covers fishing grounds along the country’s Atlantic coast and is aimed at protecting dolphins. French marine experts estimate that around 9,000 dolphins die each year in the bay due to accidental entanglement in fishing gear.

Local fishermen have expressed discontent with the ban, labeling it as “absurd.” They are concerned about potential financial losses during the suspension period. The fishing ban is expected to significantly impact the industry, with reports suggesting that approximately 450 French vessels, longer than 8m (26.2ft), will be out of action. Fishermen argue that vessels between 9 to 11m (29.5ft to 36.1ft) are not typically engaged in dolphin fishing.

The French government has responded to the concerns of the fishing industry by promising compensation. Minister Christophe Béchu assured that up to 75% of the losses incurred during the ban will be covered, with payments to be made “as quickly as possible.” Despite the compensation offer, some in the industry feel that the financial support provided is insufficient.

Environmentalists and advocates for marine conservation have emphasized the importance of the fishing ban in preventing further dolphin deaths caused by entanglement. They argue that animals can become trapped in nets, ropes, and lines from fishing vessels, leading to immediate death for smaller species and prolonged suffering for larger animals. Philippe Garcia, head of the marine conservation group Défense des Milieux Aquatiques, stressed the need for fishermen to comply with the ban to avoid strengthening the case for environmentalists advocating for stricter protections.

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Spanish Church sexual abuse affected 200,000 children, commission finds

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According to a recent report by Spain’s ombudsman, more than 200,000 children have reportedly suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy in Spain. The ombudsman, Angel Gabilondo, expressed deep concern over the “devastating impact” this has had on the victims. He criticized the Church for its silence and attempts to conceal or deny the abuse, emphasizing that this silence has facilitated such atrocities.

The comprehensive 700-page report, commissioned by Spain’s Congress last year, was based on a survey of 800,000 members of the public. The findings indicated that approximately 0.6% of the adult population, roughly 39 million people, reported experiencing sexual abuse as children by clergy members. When allegations of abuse by lay individuals in Church-run institutions were included, this percentage rose to 1.13%, accounting for over 400,000 people.

Mr. Gabilondo urged caution in interpreting these numbers and highlighted the emotional toll detailed in the statements of more than 487 abuse survivors. The report called for urgent action to address the suffering that has long been concealed by a pervasive culture of silence.

In response to these findings, the ombudsman proposed the establishment of a state-funded compensation program for victims of abuse. The investigation was initiated following an earlier inquiry by the El Pais newspaper in 2018, which had already cataloged over 1,000 alleged cases of abuse. Although the Church partially cooperated with the commission, Mr. Gabilondo noted their lack of active engagement and the resistance of certain bishops in collaborating with the inquiry.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the report as a “milestone” in the nation’s democracy, stressing that it has brought to light a reality that had long been known but not openly discussed.

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Greenland Women Pursue Compensation for Involuntary Birth Control

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A group of 67 women from Greenland is pursuing compensation from the Danish government for the involuntary birth control program that took place in the 1960s. This program aimed to limit birth rates among the indigenous population and involved fitting at least 4,500 women, including teenagers, with contraceptive coils. While an official inquiry is scheduled to conclude in 2025, these women, some now in their 70s, are seeking compensation immediately, with each woman requesting 300,000 kroner (£34,880; $42,150).

Greenland, which is now a semi-sovereign territory of Denmark, was under Danish colonial rule until 1953. The extent of the involuntary birth control campaign came to light last year through a podcast by Danish broadcaster DR. Records from the national archives revealed that between 1966 and 1970, intrauterine devices (IUDs) were implanted in these women, some as young as 13, without their knowledge or consent.

The Greenlandic government estimates that by the end of 1969, 35% of women in the territory who were potentially able to bear children had been implanted with an IUD.

A commission jointly established by the Danish and Greenlandic governments to investigate this program is not expected to release its findings until May 2025. Psychologist Naja Lyberth, who initiated the compensation claim, emphasized the urgency of taking action now, as the affected women are aging and experiencing health complications related to the IUDs. Some of the devices were inappropriately sized, leading to severe health issues and even infertility.

Lyberth accused the Danish government of the time of wanting to control Greenland’s population size to reduce welfare costs. She asserted that it is evident that the government violated human rights and caused serious harm to these women. The group’s lawyer, Mads Pramming, has submitted a claim to Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s office, anticipating a potential court battle if the government refuses compensation pending the commission’s results.

Last year, Denmark issued an apology and compensation to six Inuit individuals who were separated from their families in the 1950s as part of a strategy to establish a Danish-speaking elite within Greenland.

Greenland, the world’s largest island and northernmost landmass, has a population of approximately 57,000. While it has its own flag, language, and prime minister, it continues to be under Danish control in terms of currency, justice system, and foreign and security affairs.

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Irish Woman Wrongly Accused by Newspaper of Losing Son to Vaccine

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Following a lawsuit against a conspiracy theory newspaper that falsely attributed her son’s death to a Covid vaccine, a bereaved mother and her legal representative have become targets of severe online abuse. The Irish Light, known for spreading vaccine misinformation, inaccurately implicated Edel Campbell’s son, Diego Gilsenan, and others in vaccine-related deaths. This marked the first instance of a relative suing over such a case. Diego, who tragically took his own life and was not vaccinated, was included in the erroneous article.

The backlash against Ms. Campbell after filing her legal action has been distressing, deterring other affected families from seeking similar recourse, according to her solicitor, Ciaran Mulholland. The Irish Light and its editor, Gemma O’Doherty, have launched a campaign of derogatory social media posts and threats. Supporters of the publication have even called for violence against Ms. Campbell’s lawyer. The legal case aims to address harassment and defamation, rather than pursuing retribution or compensation.

In response to the false claims made by the newspaper, Ms. Campbell and her lawyer decided to take legal action against Gemma O’Doherty. The Irish Light had published a front-page photo of Diego and others with the misleading headline “Died Suddenly.” This headline was subsequently used by conspiracy theorists to suggest a link between young people’s unexpected deaths and the Covid-19 vaccine.

Ms. Campbell’s legal pursuit is backed by donations and pro bono work. Despite obtaining a restraining order against the Irish Light editor in July, abusive posts have persisted on social media. The Irish police are investigating the alleged harassment. Gemma O’Doherty and the Irish Light have not responded to inquiries from the BBC.

The case bears resemblance to other instances where conspiracy theorists have targeted victims, such as survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing and parents of Sandy Hook shooting victims. The Irish Light has a history of promoting conspiracy theories, and its unfounded claims have been a source of distress for Ms. Campbell and others who have faced similar unfounded allegations.

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Top Russian Soprano Anna Netrebko, Dismissed for Supporting War, Files Lawsuit Against Met Opera

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Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko is taking legal action against the Metropolitan Opera in New York City after they dropped her from future performances following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The renowned soprano is seeking $360,000 in damages, alleging defamation, breach of contract, and other violations. The Met has responded, stating that the lawsuit is without merit.

Despite having previously expressed support for President Vladimir Putin and making donations to a theater in the rebel-held city of Donetsk, Netrebko faced pressure to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. While she eventually did criticize the conflict, she stopped short of denouncing Putin, leading to her dismissal from future performances with the Met.

Netrebko’s lawsuit claims that the Met’s actions caused her emotional distress and negatively impacted her professional relationships, leading to lost contracts with Russian theater companies. The Met, however, insists that the lawsuit is baseless.

Earlier, Netrebko had filed a separate complaint through the American Guild of Musical Artists, which ruled in her favor and awarded her over $200,000 in compensation for the canceled performances.

Despite the fallout with the Met, Netrebko has continued performing in other venues around the world, including in Italy, and has upcoming performances scheduled in Buenos Aires, Berlin, Vienna, Milan, and Paris. However, her planned concert in Prague faced scrutiny, with a city official urging the event’s cancellation due to her appearance on Ukraine’s sanctions list. Nonetheless, the producer organizing the concert defended Netrebko, stating that she had condemned the war, and the event was nearly sold out.

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Greek Wildfires: Summer Camp Evacuates 1,200 Children as Fire Approaches

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A summer camp in Greece has been forced to evacuate over a thousand children due to raging wildfires that have erupted in the country. As Greece endures a scorching Mediterranean heatwave, two separate blazes are spreading rapidly.

In the town of Loutraki, situated west of Athens, flames advanced towards the camp, prompting the evacuation of 1,200 children. In another incident, a man suspected of starting a fire in Kouvaras, southeast of the capital, was arrested by the police. Emergency service crews have assisted numerous individuals in evacuating their homes in the affected areas.

Several animals, including horses housed in stables, were also evacuated. The Greek government has stated that affected homeowners are eligible for temporary accommodation in local hotels and will be compensated later. Despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters contending with strong winds, the fires continue to spread.

The situation has led to transportation disruptions, with sections of the Athens-Corinth national highway closed by the police and some train services affected. While it is suspected that at least one fire was intentionally started, scientists emphasize that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming.

The intense regional heatwave shows no signs of abating, according to weather reports, and the risk of further fires remains high, as warned by the Greek meteorological service. Thick smoke, damaged houses, and cars were depicted on Greek television, reflecting the destruction caused by the wildfires. Greece has experienced temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F) in recent days, leading to precautions such as the temporary closure of the Acropolis.

Neighboring countries like Italy and Spain are also facing unusually high temperatures, and further heat records are expected to be broken in the coming days throughout the region.

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