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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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Magali Berdah: Dozens jailed in France’s largest cyberbully case

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In France’s most significant cyberbullying case to date, twenty-eight individuals have been sentenced to jail terms of up to 18 months for harassing influencer Magali Berdah. The harassment, orchestrated partly by French rapper Booba’s campaign against “thieving influencers,” had severe impacts on Berdah’s mental well-being, as stated by the court in Paris.

Booba, also known as Élie Yaffa, faces his own legal proceedings for aggravated harassment, which he denies. Berdah, renowned as “the queen of influencers” in France, has faced relentless online abuse encouraged by Booba’s posts, according to her lawyers.

The court emphasized that each defendant willingly participated in the cyberbullying, resulting in jail sentences ranging from four to 18 months, with some terms suspended. Berdah, expressing relief at the verdict, described it as a “beautiful victory,” highlighting the anguish the bullying caused her over two years.

The convictions, according to Berdah’s legal team, underscore the accountability of individuals for their actions online, emphasizing that nobody is immune from consequences behind a keyboard. In addition to fines and court costs, the defendants were ordered to pay a total of 54,000 euros in compensation to Berdah.

Booba has denied leading an online “mob,” despite accusations. Notably, he has been involved in previous controversies, such as a 2018 brawl at a Paris airport with fellow rapper Kaaris, resulting in both receiving suspended jail sentences.

Separately, Berdah faces legal proceedings for money laundering, with her marketing company Shauna Events under investigation for fraud.

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Vinicius Jr: Real Madrid file complaint after referee omits racist abuse allegations from report

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Real Madrid has lodged a formal complaint against the referee overseeing their recent match against Osasuna, alleging that he omitted instances of racist abuse directed at forward Vinicius Jr from his match report. The club asserts that the insults were intentionally disregarded by the referee, despite being brought to his attention by Real Madrid players during the game. Real Madrid condemns these incidents of racism and demands decisive action to address and eliminate such behavior.

The complaint is part of a broader effort by Real Madrid to combat racism in football. They have also reported alleged racist insults from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fans, adding this latest incident to their existing complaint filed with Spanish legal authorities. These actions follow a pattern of racist abuse targeting Vinicius in recent seasons, including instances during matches and off the field, resulting in fines and stadium bans for offenders.

Vinicius Jr, who scored twice in the match against Osasuna, has unfortunately been subjected to racist abuse on multiple occasions, prompting Real Madrid to call for comprehensive measures to eradicate such behavior from the sport.

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Ukraine war: Thousands of children to be evacuated from Belgorod after strikes

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Approximately 9,000 children are being evacuated from Belgorod and its surrounding areas following shelling incidents attributed to Ukraine, according to Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. The recent attacks have resulted in injuries, power outages, and casualties, with 16 people killed and 98 wounded this week alone.

In response to the attacks, schools in Belgorod were closed earlier in the week, and evacuation orders now extend to several villages in the region. The evacuation process is set to begin on Friday, with the initial group comprising 1,200 children.

Russia’s defense ministry claims to have intercepted Ukrainian shells over Belgorod and conducted strikes against alleged Ukrainian “saboteurs” near the border regions. Concurrently, Ukrainian border areas have also faced Russian attacks, necessitating evacuations.

Although Kyiv has not officially responded to the incidents in Belgorod, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt his re-election campaign through the strikes. Putin has urged the Federal Security Service to identify and punish Russian fighters supporting Ukraine’s cause, vowing retribution regardless of their location.

Earlier this month, reports emerged of Russia-based paramilitary groups crossing into Russian territory from Ukraine. Videos circulated by these groups claimed control over villages in the Belgorod and Kursk regions, although Russia’s defense ministry refuted these claims, stating that such attempts were thwarted.

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Putin finally names Navalny and claims he agreed prisoner swap

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Vladimir Putin, known for his reluctance to address his main opponent in Russia directly by name, notably changed his approach following the death of Alexei Navalny. After securing his fifth term as president, Putin acknowledged Navalny’s passing, describing it as a sorrowful event. He also hinted at a potential agreement for Navalny’s involvement in a prisoner exchange.

Navalny’s associates allege he was murdered while in custody in an Arctic jail by Russian authorities, whereas official Russian sources attribute his death to natural causes. US President Joe Biden condemned Putin’s regime, characterizing Navalny’s demise as further evidence of Putin’s brutality.

Putin recently disclosed that prior to Navalny’s death, he had been informed of a proposed swap involving individuals detained in the West. Putin claimed he had agreed to the swap on the condition that Navalny remained outside Russia, but the plan did not materialize due to unforeseen circumstances.

Some observers interpret Putin’s remarks as an effort to distance himself from Navalny’s death, while others see it as a sign that Putin no longer perceives Navalny as a significant threat. Previously, Putin had rarely mentioned Navalny by name, arguing that he was just one among many opposition figures.

Navalny’s associates assert that Putin’s recent acknowledgment of Navalny’s name signifies a shift in his stance, indicating that Putin no longer feels the need to avoid mentioning him. However, critics view Putin’s comments with skepticism, considering them as attempts to downplay his involvement or responsibility in Navalny’s demise.

The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death are intertwined with discussions of a potential prisoner swap, allegedly involving Navalny and individuals held in the West. Despite Putin’s acknowledgment of the proposed exchange, the Kremlin has not officially confirmed these negotiations. Additionally, Putin has refrained from directly naming Vadim Krasikov, a Russian hitman implicated in a high-profile murder in Germany, despite allusions to his involvement.

Overall, Putin’s remarks and the events surrounding Navalny’s death underscore the complex dynamics of Russian politics and international relations, with lingering questions regarding accountability and justice.

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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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Kim Jong Un takes ride in luxury Russian limo given to him by Putin

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently enjoyed his inaugural ride in a luxury car gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a symbolic moment in the strengthening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow. This gesture underscores the deepening ties since their summit in September, as Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, highlighted the significance of the occasion as evidence of the robust DPRK-Russia friendship. The vehicle, an Aurus Senat limousine, arrived in Pyongyang in February after Putin’s invitation to Kim during their meeting.

Aurus, touted as Russia’s premier luxury car brand, has been a staple in the motorcades of top Russian officials since Putin’s inauguration in 2018. Notably, Kim Jong Un, known for his collection of foreign luxury cars, has previously utilized vehicles like the Maybach limousine during his travels, including his visit to Russia. However, the gift of the Aurus adds another dimension to his collection.

Despite the diplomatic exchange, concerns have been raised, particularly regarding potential violations of UN sanctions. The Ministry of Unification in South Korea condemned North Korea’s public display of the gift, stressing Russia’s responsibility as a UN Security Council member. Additionally, there are concerns about the close ties between North Korea and Russia amid the latter’s conflict with Ukraine and suspicions of military cooperation between the two nations.

Kim’s use of the luxury vehicle was coupled with overseeing military drills, emphasizing his country’s military capabilities. Furthermore, his daughter accompanied him during this event, indicating a potential succession plan within the leadership.

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Russia election: Arrests for vandalism as ballot boxes targeted in Putin vote

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Russian authorities have reported several incidents of vandalism occurring at polling stations during the initial day of the presidential elections. These acts included pouring green dye into ballot boxes, setting them ablaze, and igniting fireworks within the polling stations. Despite these disturbances, Vladimir Putin is expected to secure another six-year term in office, as there is no significant opposition challenging his candidacy.

The voting process spans three days until Sunday, with turnout reaching 23% in Moscow by late afternoon. Most of the reported incidents took place in Moscow, Voronezh, and the region of Karachay-Cherkessia. BBC Verify has confirmed footage of several incidents, including the throwing of petrol bombs and the pouring of paint into ballot boxes.

Some incidents occurred in occupied areas of Ukraine, resulting in at least eight arrests. While the motives behind these acts remain unclear, some vandals reportedly shouted pro-Ukrainian slogans. The Central Election Committee has confirmed five incidents involving liquids being poured into ballot boxes, with the substance identified as “zelyonka,” commonly used as an antiseptic but also in protests.

Election Commission chief Ella Pamfilova strongly condemned the perpetrators, labeling them as “scumbags.” She revealed that some of those detained admitted to committing the acts for financial gain and could face up to five years in jail. Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Putin’s critic Alexei Navalny, has called for opposition protests at polling stations on Sunday. She urged the West not to recognize Putin’s presidency, a sentiment echoed by NATO’s secretary-general, who declared the election not free and fair.

Polling stations opened in Kamchatka at 08:00 local time on Friday and will close in Kaliningrad at 20:00 on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the voting process.

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Ukraine war: Europe split clouds Macron talks with Scholz in Berlin

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French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are meeting in Berlin amid tensions over Europe’s response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Macron emphasized that Europe’s security, including France’s, is on the line in Ukraine, warning that a Russian victory would be detrimental to Europe. However, Scholz has been more cautious, rejecting the deployment of Germany’s Taurus cruise missiles.

Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of arms, exacerbated by the delay in a $60 billion US military aid package due to Republican opposition in Congress. Despite being the largest European contributor of military aid to Ukraine, Germany faces pressure to do more. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, also attending the meeting, urged their three countries to rally European support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for tangible assistance over mere rhetoric.

Differences between Paris and Berlin have widened, with Scholz insisting that deploying long-range missiles would require German troops in Ukraine, a stance Macron disagreed with. Macron, while acknowledging the possibility, stressed France’s commitment to peace and warned of Russia’s expansionist ambitions beyond Ukraine.

Ahead of the meeting, Scholz assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of their commitment to organizing support for Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted Ukraine’s dire need for ammunition, attributing recent Russian advances to this shortage. He urged NATO allies to provide necessary support. A Czech-led initiative to procure weapons from outside Europe has secured funding for 300,000 shells, with deliveries expected by June.

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Russia election 2024: Voting begins in election Putin is bound to win

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Voting has commenced in Russia’s presidential election, with Vladimir Putin poised to secure another six-year term in office without any significant opposition. The election spans three days, from the Kamchatka Peninsula to the Kaliningrad exclave, though the outcome is a foregone conclusion due to the absence of credible challengers.

Putin’s decision to run for a fifth term was portrayed as spontaneous, yet the Kremlin’s media apparatus swiftly mobilized to bolster his candidacy, portraying him as an indispensable national leader. Having already held power longer than any Russian leader since Stalin, Putin maneuvered to reset term limits, allowing him to potentially extend his rule until 2030.

Despite efforts to maintain a facade of legitimacy, the electoral process lacks genuine competition. Turnout is emphasized to showcase Putin’s popular support, though previous elections have been marred by irregularities. The limited opposition candidates on the ballot pose no real threat to Putin’s reign.

Televised debates excluded Putin, who instead engaged in choreographed interactions with various groups to bolster his image as a man of the people. His recent state-of-the-nation address primarily addressed domestic concerns, signaling awareness of pressing issues like poverty and healthcare failures, which remain unsolved despite his lengthy tenure.

The election, expected to be neither free nor fair, underscores Putin’s enduring dominance. The only notable challenge comes from Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who has urged supporters to demonstrate their presence at polling stations, although the impact is largely symbolic.

Ultimately, Putin’s victory is inevitable, and the illusion of democracy will persist for another six years.

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