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Germany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism

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Adidas has decided to prohibit football fans from customizing German football kits with the number 44 due to concerns raised by the media regarding its resemblance to symbols used by Nazi SS units during World War Two. This decision comes after historian Michael König criticized the design, calling it “questionable” due to its similarity to the SS rune, which was associated with the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The controversial kit has also faced criticism for its choice of pink as the away color, with some supporters seeing it as a representation of diversity, while others view it as a non-traditional choice aimed at generating revenue for the German Football Association (DFB).

Adidas spokesperson Oliver Brüggen emphasized that the resemblance to Nazi symbols was unintentional and stated the company’s commitment to opposing hatred and discrimination in all forms. The DFB explained that the shirt designs, including the numbers, were approved by UEFA during the design process, with no concerns raised about Nazi symbolism. They also announced plans to develop an alternative design for the number 4.

Furthermore, controversy surrounds the decision by the DFB to switch from Adidas to Nike as the manufacturer of German football kits starting in 2027, criticized by some for lacking patriotism. Germany is set to host the upcoming European Football Championship, which will take place across 10 cities.

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Fans of Trabzonspor stormed the pitch after the full-time whistle

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Trabzonspor fans stormed onto the field and attacked Fenerbahce players following Sunday’s Super Lig match. The violence erupted after Fenerbahce secured a 3-2 victory at Papara Park in Trabzon.

Bright Osayi-Samuel and Michy Batshuayi from Fenerbahce attempted to intervene while security services intervened. Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the violence, emphasizing that sports should embody sportsmanship.

Yerlikaya announced that an investigation had been launched, leading to the arrest of 12 fans. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the incidents, stressing the importance of player safety in football.

The tension escalated in the 87th minute when objects were thrown onto the field after Batshuayi scored the winning goal. Osayi-Samuel and Batshuayi were seen defending themselves against fans who rushed onto the field.

The Turkish Football Federation denounced the events as “unacceptable” and promised to impose appropriate sanctions. Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci lamented the chaotic state of Turkish football, while Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal called for tolerance and common sense.

This incident is the latest in a series of controversies in the Turkish league during the 2023-24 season, including an assault on referee Halil Umut Meler by MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca in December.

Despite the unrest, Fenerbahce currently sits second in the Super Lig standings, trailing Galatasaray by two points and holding a significant lead over Trabzonspor.

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Paris Olympics: Row over ‘woke’ map as Paris gears up for games

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The artist behind the official poster for the upcoming Paris Olympics responded to criticism alleging that his artwork neglects French identity and Christianity. Ugo Gattoni, the designer, defended his creation, describing it as a vibrant and celebratory depiction of Paris.

Critics, particularly conservatives, have taken issue with the absence of prominent symbols such as the French tricolour and a cross on the Hôtel des Invalides. Some politicians accused the creators of the poster of attempting to erase France’s history and identity.

Gattoni explained that his intention was to convey a lively and festive atmosphere, rather than making any political statements. He emphasized that the buildings in his artwork were drawn based on his creative vision, without any underlying agenda.

The organizing committee also defended the poster, describing it as a whimsical interpretation of a transformed city-stadium, featuring various sports and landmarks. They stressed that the inclusion of the French flag colors and other national symbols should dispel any politically motivated interpretations.

Meanwhile, the Hôtel des Invalides has become embroiled in another controversy concerning proposals for Saudi Arabia to construct an Olympic village on its grounds. The French Armed Forces Ministry stated that negotiations with Saudi Arabia were ongoing but emphasized that any use of the Invalides site would be subject to strict conditions.

Some politicians, including right-wing MP Nathalie Serre, voiced opposition to the idea, asserting that certain historical sites like the Invalides should not be subject to commercial interests.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.

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Director Roman Polanski goes on trial for defamation

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In Paris, a defamation lawsuit against the long-standing filmmaker Roman Polanski was scheduled to commence on Tuesday, brought forward by British actress Charlotte Lewis.

The lawsuit stems from Polanski’s remarks to Paris Match magazine in 2019, where he accused Lewis of fabricating a sexual assault allegation against him from four decades ago. Polanski, now 90, had fled the United States in 1978 after admitting to unlawful sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite numerous allegations of abuse from other women, Polanski has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Polanski, residing in Paris, has opted not to attend the trial personally, with his legal representation handling the proceedings. On the other hand, Lewis, currently living in the UK, was expected to be present.

Lewis initiated the legal action four years ago, expressing her readiness for the trial despite the prolonged and distressing process. In 2010, she had accused Polanski of assaulting her at the age of 16 during a casting trip to Paris in 1983, although she later appeared in one of his films.

Polanski’s defense in the defamation case refers to a 1999 article in a now-defunct British tabloid, where Lewis allegedly expressed admiration for him. However, Lewis maintains that the quotes attributed to her were inaccurate.

The defamation complaint led to automatic charges against Polanski under French law. The filmmaker, celebrated for works like “Chinatown” and “The Pianist,” has remained a controversial figure, evading extradition attempts by US authorities due to his French and Polish citizenship.

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Greece legalises same-sex marriage

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Greece has recently made headlines by becoming the first Christian Orthodox-majority nation to legalize same-sex marriage and allow same-sex couples to adopt children. The decision, which followed a parliamentary vote of 176-76, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

However, the move has not been without controversy, as it has sparked division within the country, particularly with opposition led by the Orthodox Church. The Church views the measure as a threat to social cohesion and has been vocal in its resistance against the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Despite the opposition, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis championed the bill, emphasizing its importance in abolishing inequality. Mitsotakis secured the necessary support from opposition parties to pass the bill, highlighting the collaborative effort required to enact this historic legislation.

The decision to legalize same-sex marriage and allow same-sex couples to adopt children has been celebrated by LGBTQ organizations in Greece as a significant step towards equality and inclusivity. It represents a turning point in the nation’s stance on LGBTQ rights, bringing Greece closer to its European counterparts that have already embraced marriage equality.

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Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigns over child-abuse pardon scandal

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The president of Hungary has stepped down on live television following backlash over a controversial decision to pardon a man involved in covering up a child sexual abuse case. President Novak’s resignation comes amidst growing protests demanding her departure after it was revealed she pardoned a man convicted of coercing children to retract abuse allegations against a state-run children’s home director.

Novak, who had granted clemency to the individual, apologized for her actions, acknowledging her mistake. This decision also led to the resignation of Judit Varga, the former minister of justice, who approved the pardon and was overseeing the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party.

The controversy erupted when the names of 25 individuals pardoned by Novak during a visit by Pope Francis were disclosed by Hungarian media. Among them was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, convicted for pressuring children to withdraw abuse accusations against the home’s director, who himself was imprisoned for child abuse.

Novak’s sudden resignation, along with Varga’s departure, came as a surprise, considering Novak’s popularity within Fidesz and her significant role as the first female president of Hungary. The scandal has dealt a blow to Fidesz, known for its emphasis on traditional family values, and has caused embarrassment for the long-standing nationalist government.

In her televised address, Novak expressed regret for not standing up for the victims and acknowledged the doubts raised about the government’s commitment to combating pedophilia. The resignations of Novak and Varga, both prominent female figures in Fidesz, represent a significant setback for Orban’s party, especially with Varga slated to lead the party’s list in the upcoming European elections.

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Spain’s LGBT matador: ‘More will come out because of me’

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Mario Alcalde, Spain’s first openly LGBT matador, believes that more bullfighters will follow his example after he revealed he is pansexual. He sees his coming out as a spontaneous decision, driven by his artistic nature.

While bullfighting is deeply entrenched in Spanish culture, it remains a controversial blood sport, banned in many places. Despite criticism, Alcalde embraces his identity and aims to establish a meeting place for bullfighting supporters within Madrid’s LGBT+ community.

While some welcome this intersection, others view bullfighting as incompatible with progressive values. Audience numbers for bullfights have been declining, but Alcalde remains resolute in defending the tradition, despite its inherent violence towards animals.

He sees bullfighting as a part of life and aims to modernize and diversify it, while opponents hope it becomes a relic of Spain’s past.

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Russian dog-lovers fight to save strays from cull in Siberia’s Ulan-Ude

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Dog lovers in Russia’s Far East are rallying to save hundreds of stray dogs facing euthanasia by local authorities. Ulan-Ude, a town in Eastern Siberia near the Mongolian border, has already culled 18 dogs, prompting urgent efforts to relocate 600 dogs to new homes or shelters within Russia. Volunteers are traveling by train to cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok to ensure these dogs escape the grim fate of being put down. The severe winter weather, with temperatures as low as -20°C, adds urgency to the rescue mission.

The decision to euthanize strays in Ulan-Ude reflects a broader issue in Russia’s republic of Buryatia. In 2020, a national law aimed to address the problem by implementing humane practices such as catching, sterilizing, vaccinating, and releasing stray dogs. However, concerns about potential attacks led to the rollback of the law in Buryatia, reviving the controversial practice of culling. The root cause, according to activists, lies in neglect, with dogs being abandoned or discarded by owners.

Local laws in Buryatia lack accountability for irresponsible pet ownership, contributing to an ongoing cycle of stray dogs. Activists argue that, despite the culling efforts, more dogs will continue to populate the streets due to this neglectful behavior. While hundreds of dogs have been saved, the financial burden of rescue efforts is significant, with each dog’s journey to safety costing approximately 5,000 roubles (£44; $55). Generous financial support and volunteers willing to cover the costs have played a crucial role in the success of the rescue mission.

Despite the successful relocation of many dogs, challenges persist, leaving some with uncertain fates. Animal welfare volunteer Stella Ovsoyan highlights the emotional toll of having to choose which dogs to send to safety, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation. However, the hope of providing a new and improved life for these dogs keeps volunteers committed to their mission, even in the face of adversity.

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Grzegorz Braun: Polish MP who doused Hanukkah candles loses immunity

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Members of Parliament in Poland have voted to remove the parliamentary immunity of far-right politician Grzegorz Braun after he extinguished candles lit for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah in a highly controversial act. The global condemnation of Braun’s actions resulted in a fine in December, but the recent decision to revoke his parliamentary immunity now exposes him to potential criminal charges. Braun, affiliated with the ultra-nationalist Confederation party, used a fire extinguisher to put out the Hanukkah candles and referred to the celebration as “satanic.”

Prosecutors are planning to bring several charges against Braun, including destruction of property, insulting an object of religious worship, and violation of bodily integrity. The unanimous support for revoking his immunity came from all political parties, except the Confederation party, highlighting the widespread agreement that Braun’s behavior was unacceptable. Lawmakers emphasized the need to hold him accountable for his actions.

Grzegorz Braun has a history of provocative stunts, further contributing to his controversial reputation. In addition to the Hanukkah incident, he gained notoriety for dumping a Christmas tree decorated in the colors of the EU and Ukraine into a bin and damaging a microphone during a talk by a Holocaust historian. Prosecutors also intend to charge him for separate incidents that occurred in 2022 and 2023.

The removal of Braun’s parliamentary immunity signifies a significant step in potential legal consequences for his actions, with prosecutors aiming to address various charges related to his behavior. The broader context of his controversial actions and statements adds to the ongoing debate about the boundaries of free speech and the consequences for those who engage in offensive or harmful behavior.

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Georgian Orthodox Church calls for Stalin religious icon to be changed

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The Georgian Orthodox Church has called for changes to an icon featuring Soviet leader Joseph Stalin displayed in a Tbilisi cathedral. The icon, depicting scenes from the life of Russian saint St Matrona of Moscow, includes an image of the saint blessing Stalin. The Georgian Patriarchate expressed concerns about the historical accuracy, stating there was “insufficient evidence” that St Matrona and Stalin ever met. The Patriarchate called on the donors of the icon, claimed to be the pro-Russian political party Alliance of Patriots, to make alterations, warning that they may intervene if necessary.

The icon gained prominence after opposition figure Giorgi Kandelaki criticized its presence, accusing it of attempting to portray one of history’s “biggest mass murderers” in a positive light. The controversy escalated when an activist, Nata Peradze, sprayed paint on the icon in protest. Peradze, who claimed Stalin’s actions had affected her family personally, faced backlash, including death threats and attacks on her property.

The Patriarchate clarified its stance on the depiction of historical figures in icons, stating that it does not necessarily imply glorification. Stalin’s legacy in Georgia is complex, with some taking pride in his rise from a humble background in the country to ruling the Soviet Union and playing a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany. However, many Georgians reject the Soviet legacy and condemn the atrocities committed during Stalin’s regime.

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