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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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Ukraine war: Attack on Belgorod shopping centre in Russia near border

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The governor of the Belgorod region reported that an air attack in the Russian city resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to eighteen others. Videos on social media depicted ambulances outside a damaged shopping center with broken windows. Russian authorities stated that their air defense systems intercepted 14 Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region, with one missile striking a shopping center and another hitting a sports stadium.

Belgorod, situated approximately 30km from the Ukrainian border, has frequently been targeted by Ukrainian forces since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began nearly two years ago. This recent attack follows a previous drone and rocket strike in December that claimed 25 lives and injured 100, marking the deadliest assault on Belgorod thus far.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Russia launched 26 missiles at Ukraine, resulting in the death of a woman in Chuguyiv and multiple injuries. Meanwhile, the battle for the eastern Ukrainian town of Avdiivka continues, with Ukrainian soldiers expressing concerns over shortages of weapons and ammunition.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg cautioned that the US’s failure to approve continued military assistance to Ukraine is impacting the battlefield. Avdiivka holds strategic importance as a gateway to the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk and has been a focal point of conflict since the onset of the eastern Ukrainian conflict in 2014.

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Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a preference for a Joe Biden presidency over Donald Trump ahead of the US election, citing Biden’s experience and predictability. Putin’s comments mark a departure from his previous praise of Trump before his first run for president in 2016. Despite Biden’s criticism of Putin, the Russian president believes Biden’s leadership would be better for Russia due to his political background.

Putin dismissed concerns about Biden’s age and mental health, stating that he did not notice any issues during their last meeting in 2021. However, he criticized Biden’s condemnation of the war in Ukraine as “extremely harmful and erroneous.” Despite his preference, Putin emphasized that Russia would work with any US president who gains the trust of the American public.

These remarks contrast with Trump’s previous statements suggesting a strong rapport with Putin, although Trump’s recent remarks about encouraging Russia to attack NATO members have drawn criticism from NATO officials.

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Russia places Estonia’s prime minister on wanted list

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Russian authorities have initiated criminal proceedings against Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, alleging political motivations behind the charges. Alongside Kallas, Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop and Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys were accused of damaging or destroying Soviet monuments dedicated to Soviet soldiers, according to Russia’s state-run Tass news agency. Despite Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming the charges, the timing of the alleged offense remains unspecified. By Wednesday, officials from all three Baltic states were included on Russia’s wanted list.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kallas declared Estonia’s intention to remove all Soviet monuments from public spaces. This decision, seen as a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, likely exacerbated tensions between Estonia and Russia, culminating in the recent legal actions against Kallas and other Baltic officials.

Kallas, seemingly the first head of state placed on the Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list since the invasion began, responded defiantly on social media. She viewed the move as unsurprising and a testament to her support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Kallas vowed to continue backing Ukraine despite Kremlin attempts to silence her.

Latvia and Lithuania reacted strongly to Russia’s actions, summoning their respective Russian ambassadors and condemning the charges as politically motivated. Estonia also summoned Russia’s charges d’affaires in response.

Estonia, having experienced Soviet occupation, joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. NATO’s expansion to Russia’s border has long unsettled Russian President Vladimir Putin, who perceives the alliance as a threat to Russia’s security. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened concerns in Estonia, prompting efforts to bolster defense measures and support for Ukraine.

Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service warned of Russia potentially increasing troop numbers on its borders with the Baltic countries and Finland, a NATO member since last year. Estonian officials stressed the importance of collective defense and increased spending on defense, with Estonia’s defense budget set to exceed 3% of GDP for the first time this year. In his annual foreign policy speech, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna strongly condemned Russian aggression and affirmed support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need to resist aggression and uphold democratic values.

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France bans 28 Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

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France has taken decisive action by announcing the ban of 28 Israeli settlers who stand accused of perpetrating attacks against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. This move aligns with similar measures enacted by other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also imposed restrictions on individuals involved in comparable activities. The French government’s decision comes amidst escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting a firm condemnation of such actions.

In a statement issued by the French foreign ministry, the country emphasized the gravity of the situation, denouncing the unacceptable violence perpetrated against Palestinian civilians. France, along with Poland and Germany, collectively announced sanctions against Israelis implicated in attacks within the West Bank. This concerted effort underscores the international community’s recognition of the need to address the escalating tensions and safeguard the rights of Palestinians in the region.

The French government reiterated its stance on the illegality of colonization under international law, emphasizing the imperative to halt such activities. It emphasized the necessity of ending colonization to pave the way for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, thereby enabling Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. France also expressed its intention to pursue sanctions at the European level, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach among European Union member states in addressing the ongoing conflict.

While the individuals affected by these measures have not been publicly named, the broader context underscores the gravity of the situation. The imposition of sanctions by France and other nations reflects a concerted effort to address the escalating violence and promote stability in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such actions serve as a testament to the importance of upholding human rights and seeking avenues for peaceful resolution.

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Greece: Four dead in shooting at shipping company

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A former employee opened fire at a shipping company’s office near Athens, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Reports indicate that the gunman, identified as a 70-year-old Egyptian national, fatally shot two men and a woman, including the company owner, before taking his own life with a hunting rifle. The incident, which began with the armed man entering the building and firing at employees, led to a hostage situation in Glyfada, a location about 12km south of Athens.

Despite efforts by police negotiators to resolve the standoff, the gunman ultimately ended his own life. Shootings are uncommon in Greece, which maintains strict gun possession laws, and this event has shocked the community. Glyfada is home to numerous Greek and international shipping companies, including European Product Carriers, which owns a significant fleet of vessels including oil tankers.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying ordeal, with one company worker recalling hearing the gunshots and fleeing for safety upon learning about the attacker. The tragic incident underscores the potential risks and consequences of workplace violence, prompting reflection and concern within both the local and international shipping community. The authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and any potential lapses in security measures that may have contributed to its occurrence.

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Polish state TV host decries past anti-LGBT output

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A journalist working for Poland’s state broadcaster has publicly expressed remorse for the channel’s complicity in disseminating anti-LGBT sentiment. Wojciech Szelag, the host of TVP Info, acknowledged the channel’s role in perpetuating hateful rhetoric against the LGBT community over the course of several years. He recognized that LGBT individuals had been subjected to derogatory language and discrimination, emphasizing that they are not merely an abstract ideology but are people with specific identities, relationships, and experiences.

During the Guest of the Evening show, Szelag offered a heartfelt apology to two LGBT activists, Bart Staszewski and Maja Heban. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the humanity of LGBT individuals, expressing regret for the hurtful language and narratives propagated by TVP Info. Staszewski, deeply moved by the apology, highlighted the significant impact of the channel’s previous actions on the lives of LGBT people in Poland.

Under the previous government led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, TVP Info frequently broadcast content that vilified the LGBT community. PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his allies, including President Andrzej Duda, often condemned expressions of LGBT identity and promoted discriminatory rhetoric. However, since the new Prime Minister Donald Tusk assumed office, changes have been made to the broadcaster in an effort to depoliticize state media and promote more inclusive narratives.

The recent apology from TVP Info’s host reflects a broader shift in Poland’s media landscape, as the country grapples with issues of discrimination and intolerance. While the apology signifies a step towards acknowledging past wrongs, there is still much work to be done in fostering greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBT community in Polish society.

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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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Conservative ex-PM Alexander Stubb elected Finland president

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In Finland’s recent presidential election, Alexander Stubb, the conservative former Prime Minister, emerged victorious with 51.6% of the vote, defeating his Green Party opponent Pekka Haavisto, the former foreign minister, who garnered 48.4%. Stubb’s win marks a significant moment for Finland as it is the first election since the country joined the NATO military alliance.

Known for his assertive stance towards Russia, particularly following the Ukrainian conflict, Stubb has emphasized the importance of Finland’s NATO membership since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He reiterated the challenges of engaging in political dialogue with Putin’s administration amid ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

Haavisto gracefully conceded defeat, acknowledging Stubb’s win and expressing his intention to focus on his role as a lawmaker rather than pursuing future electoral endeavors. Despite his loss, Haavisto’s commitment to serving in Finland’s legislative body remains unwavering.

Stubb is set to assume office on March 1st, succeeding Sauli Niinisto. As president, he will hold direct responsibility for foreign and security policy and serve as the commander-in-chief of Finland’s armed forces, shaping the nation’s stance on critical international matters.

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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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