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Fabio Grosso: Lyon manager ‘seriously injured’ as team bus attacked in Marseille

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Lyon has cautioned about the possibility of a more severe disaster following an assault on their team bus in Marseille, where manager Fabio Grosso and assistant Raffaele Longo were reportedly injured by projectiles. The incident occurred before the scheduled Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Lyon.

In response to the situation, Lyon expressed their concern, emphasizing that such incidents have been recurring in Marseille annually. They urged the authorities to address the seriousness and frequency of such attacks before a more catastrophic event takes place.

Initially intending to proceed with the match, Lyon reconsidered following news of Grosso and Longo’s injuries and the impact on the players’ mental state. Lyon president John Textor expressed his frustration, highlighting the dangerous objects, including beer bottles, that caused Grosso’s injuries.

Marseille, while deploring the unacceptable incidents, denounced the violence and emphasized that it has no place in football or society. They wished for a swift recovery for Grosso and hoped for a prompt resolution to the situation, acknowledging the disappointment of the fans who were unable to attend the match.

The game was ultimately postponed, prompting widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the French sports minister and FIFA president, who both stressed the need to eradicate such acts of violence in football. French football expert Julien Laurens also expressed dismay, labeling the incident as a detrimental portrayal of French football.

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Anti-Israel mob storms Dagestan airport in Russia

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Israel has called upon Russia to protect “all of its citizens and all Jews” following a large mob’s assault on a Dagestan airport, with some members shouting anti-Semitic slogans. Video footage circulated on social media depicted a frenzied crowd dashing through the airport in Makhachkala, reportedly targeting individuals arriving from Tel Aviv.

Certain members of the crowd breached the runway and encircled aircraft parked there. Rosaviatsia, Russia’s aviation agency, confirmed that security forces ultimately regained control of the situation. Consequently, the airport was shut down and is expected to remain closed until Tuesday, as confirmed by Rosaviatsia.

According to local interior ministry sources, around sixty alleged participants in the mob have been apprehended. Videos showcased hundreds of individuals storming the airport terminal, some waving Palestinian flags. Reports also emerged of demonstrators stopping vehicles outside Makhachkala’s airport, demanding to inspect documents in a chaotic quest for Israeli passports.

The health ministry of the republic reported that twenty individuals, including several police officers, sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. Dagestan’s government initiated a criminal case for the disorder.

In response to the incident, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office insisted that Russia take decisive action against the incitement of violence targeting Jews and Israelis. The United States similarly condemned the anti-Semitic protests, with the White House National Security Council spokesperson emphasizing solidarity with the global Jewish community and unequivocally denouncing anti-Semitism.

Governor Sergei Melikov of Dagestan condemned the airport invasion in a Telegram post, condemning the mistreatment of strangers and attacks on women with children. He considered the mob’s actions a betrayal of Dagestani patriots, including those serving in the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry declared that the Israeli ambassador in Moscow was collaborating with Russian authorities. The ministry underscored that Israel views attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews with great concern, expecting Russian law enforcement to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews and take robust measures against the rioters and the unfettered incitement targeting Jews and Israelis.

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Russia hikes interest rates to 15% as inflation soars

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The Central Bank of Russia has raised its key interest rate to 15% in an effort to tackle inflation and support the struggling rouble, marking the fourth consecutive increase. The unexpected two-percentage-point hike was prompted by the persistently high global inflation rates, partly triggered by Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, which has led to a 6% inflation rate in Russia as of September.

The country has been experiencing escalated government spending directed towards its military efforts, contributing to the recent inflationary pressures. With the latest hike, the Bank of Russia has cumulatively raised the rates by 7.5 percentage points since July, aiming to stabilize inflation at the targeted 4% level. The decision for the emergency rate hike in August was prompted by the rouble’s decline, which fell below 100 against the US dollar, necessitating a tighter monetary policy.

The global supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, coupled with the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have notably impacted food and energy prices, driving the overall inflation up. Additionally, the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine has had adverse effects on the country’s economy, causing a significant depreciation of the rouble. The sanctions have led to constraints on Russia’s trade, with several European countries seeking alternative energy suppliers and implementing measures to limit Russia’s oil export earnings.

Despite the successive rate hikes, there are concerns that Russia may encounter challenges in attracting foreign investment due to the ongoing sanctions. The exclusion of Russia from the Swift international payment system has further added to the economic strain. Nonetheless, the European Commission has affirmed that the sanctions are effective in exerting pressure on Russia.

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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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Neuschwanstein: US man charged over deadly attack at famed German castle

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A man in the United States has been charged with severe crimes, including murder, rape, and attempted murder, following a violent assault on two American women near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany in June. The 31-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed publicly, could face a life sentence if found guilty.

According to the prosecutors, the accused enticed the 21-year-old and 22-year-old women off the trail, sexually assaulting the younger victim. A struggle ensued when the older victim attempted to intervene, leading to both women being pushed into a deep ravine. While the 21-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries, the older victim managed to survive.

Neuschwanstein Castle, a renowned tourist destination in southern Bavaria, Germany, attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Built in the 19th century as a royal residence, it has never been inhabited.

The incident occurred on June 14, shortly after the perpetrator encountered the two women near the Marienbrücke bridge, a popular spot for viewing the castle. He guided them to an obscure path under the guise of helping them navigate the challenging route to the bridge.

The prosecutors stated that the suspect forcefully immobilized the 21-year-old, undressing her and engaging in sexual acts. When the 22-year-old attempted to intervene, he pushed her down the slope. Although she fell around 50 meters (164 feet) and sustained multiple injuries, she managed to survive. Allegedly, the man strangled and raped the younger victim before also pushing her down the slope, resulting in her death.

The authorities apprehended the suspect later that day following an extensive search involving more than 25 law enforcement vehicles. An eyewitness, another American tourist, reported observing the suspect with scratches on his face as he walked alongside the police during the arrest.

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Israel Gaza: EU calls for ‘corridors and pauses’ for humanitarian aid

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EU leaders have urged the establishment of “corridors and pauses” to ensure the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza. Following lengthy discussions in Brussels, the leaders issued a joint statement emphasizing the necessity of safe and unimpeded access. Disagreements among member states had previously centered on the duration and structure of these pauses, with some advocating for a longer, singular cessation of hostilities.

In response to Hamas’s attack that led to significant casualties, Israel initiated airstrikes and imposed blockades on essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The health system in Gaza, operated by Hamas, has been strained to the brink, with a large number of casualties and a shortage of functioning medical facilities.

Although the aid reaching Gaza has been limited, the recent statement from the EU leaders represents a compromise among the diverse views of the 27 member states. The use of “humanitarian pauses” as brief intervals aims to allow the EU to work with regional partners to provide essential resources without being exploited by terrorist organizations, as clarified in the statement.

The decision to use the term “pauses” rather than “pause” was a result of delicate negotiations. The former was considered less likely to imply a permanent ceasefire, thereby acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense. Notably, certain member states, including Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany, which holds a strong pro-Israel stance, played a significant role in shaping the statement’s wording.

While some countries expressed disappointment at the absence of a specific call for a ceasefire, there was approval for the addition of a new line supporting the organization of an international peace conference. The proposed conference aligns with the Spanish caretaker Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s earlier call for an international peace summit to address the long-standing conflict in the region.

Given that the EU lacks military authority, its influence is primarily diplomatic, focusing on diplomatic pressure and the provision of aid. Despite the EU’s efforts, Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet, asserted that Israel would continue to make autonomous decisions regarding its actions in Gaza, based on its national interests.

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Swedish court clears dual national Skvortsov of spying for Russia

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In Stockholm, a Russian-born Swedish man, Sergei Skvortsov, has been cleared by a court of charges relating to alleged unlawful intelligence activities against the US and Sweden. The 60-year-old, who operated import-export businesses, was accused of transmitting Western technology to Russia’s military intelligence service over a nine-year period from 2013 to 2022. Throughout the trial, Skvortsov has maintained his innocence.

His defense lawyer, Ulrika Borg, expressed his relief at the verdict, although prosecutors still have three weeks to appeal. The prosecution, led by Henrik Olin, contended that Skvortsov functioned as a “procurement agent,” facilitating the supply of electronics to Russia’s military and its GRU military intelligence service. Olin sought a five-year prison term for Skvortsov, characterizing him as a serious threat to US and Swedish security.

Skvortsov and his wife were arrested in a dramatic dawn raid conducted by special forces in November 2022. However, his wife was subsequently released without charge. The trial largely took place behind closed doors, and testimony was provided by an FBI official.

Although the judge acknowledged that Skvortsov had engaged in many of the activities outlined by the prosecution, he emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that Skvortsov’s actions were intended for espionage purposes. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of Skvortsov’s acquittal.

The case occurred amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in Sweden concerning espionage, with the country applying for membership in NATO in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In a separate incident, a couple in their mid-50s was arrested on suspicion of handling classified information, with the wife having a background in intelligence work for Sweden’s military. Her husband, a former high-ranking military officer, has denied the allegations.

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Russia Enlists Prisoners for Ukraine Invasion Forces

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The Russian defense ministry has reportedly taken over the practice of recruiting prisoners to fight in Ukraine, assuming the role previously held by the Wagner mercenary group. These units are informally known as Storm-Z, with the letter Z symbolizing Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” against Ukraine and referencing the Russian word “zek” for “inmate.” Similar to Wagner’s prisoner units, Storm-Z detachments are allegedly treated as expendable forces, with little regard for the well-being of their soldiers.

There are suggestions that members of other army units may be sent to Storm-Z detachments as punishment for infractions such as insubordination or drunkenness. Last year, Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin’s chef,” was permitted to recruit from prisons after significant Russian troop casualties in Ukraine. He promised inmates their freedom and expungement of their convictions after six months of service if they survived.

However, Prigozhin later publicly criticized Russia’s top military officials and died in a plane crash along with Wagner’s other commanders. The group has since disappeared from the Ukrainian battlefield, with reports indicating that the defense ministry has taken over the recruitment of inmates for the conflict.

One former Storm-Z member revealed that recruits were promised substantial payments but were sent into battle unprepared and unaware of the true situation on the front line. The Russian military has neither confirmed nor denied the use of convicts in its units, but there are multiple accounts of prisoners being sent to Storm-Z units. These accounts include a confession from the governor of Sevastopol and an interview with a convicted murderer now serving in the Russian military.

The defense ministry in Moscow acknowledged the existence of “storm units” without divulging the identity of their members. These units are tasked with breaking through intricate layers of Ukrainian defenses and are reportedly deployed without due consideration for their survival. A regular soldier who fought alongside Storm-Z members referred to them as mere “meat,” while reports suggest that soldiers from other units can be sent to Storm-Z as a form of punishment.

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Andrea Giambruno: Meloni’s ex-partner dropped as TV host over lewd remarks

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Andrea Giambruno, former partner of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, has been removed from his position as host of a national TV show following the leakage of off-air sexist comments to another program.

The TV company, Mediaset, has stated that Giambruno will retain an editorial role on the show. Meloni recently announced her separation from Giambruno after a recording of his conversation, which was broadcast on a satirical TV show, prompted controversy.

Mediaset, owned by the family of late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, has replaced Giambruno’s role with journalist Manuela Boselli. There have been speculations in Italian media about the impact of this incident on the tensions within the Meloni government.

However, both the Berlusconi family and Forza Italia have denied any involvement in the leak. Meloni, known for her adherence to traditional Catholic family values, has emphasized the importance of a mother and father in a child’s life.

Antonio Ricci, director of the show that aired the recording, had earlier suggested that the incident might eventually benefit Meloni. Reports indicate that Giambruno had often joked about his relationship with the prime minister, and further embarrassing recordings could potentially emerge, according to sources.

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The Rock waxwork museum makes skin tone fix after criticism

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The Grevin Museum in Paris proudly showcased a life-sized wax figure of the famous wrestler-turned-actor, but faced backlash for misrepresenting his skin tone, leading to accusations of “whitewashing.” The Rock himself expressed disappointment, urging the museum to accurately reflect his dual heritage.

Responding promptly, the museum swiftly adjusted the wax figure’s skin tone as a corrective measure. Museum director Yves Delhommeau acknowledged the need for further modifications and anticipated The Rock’s visit to review the changes.

The museum had relied on photographs and videos during the creation process, with artist Stéphane Barret investing extensive effort in perfecting the model, including multiple adjustments to the eyes.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known for his mixed African American and Samoan heritage, comes from a family deeply rooted in wrestling, as his father, Wayde Douglas Bowles, was a renowned wrestler himself. The Rock’s representatives were approached for additional comments.

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