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Clashes Erupt in Georgia Over Proposed ‘Foreign Agent’ Bill

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Riot police in Georgia deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators protesting against a proposed bill, which the opposition views as an attack on media freedoms. The clashes erupted outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, where protesters hurled eggs and bottles at the police. Despite the retreat of the crowds, confrontations persisted late into Tuesday evening along Rustaveli Avenue, resulting in several injuries and arrests.

The bill, known as the “foreign agent” legislation, received preliminary approval from lawmakers on April 17th. Introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, it mandates that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and independent media outlets, receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources, register as entities “advancing the interests of a foreign power.” These organizations would be subject to oversight by Georgia’s justice ministry and could face penalties, including significant fines.

The passage of the bill’s initial reading sparked a wave of street demonstrations. Reports indicate that several protesters sustained injuries during Tuesday’s clashes in Tbilisi, including Levan Khabeishvili, chairman of the main opposition party, United National Movement, who was reportedly hospitalized after a severe beating.

Eyewitnesses also observed instances of police officers physically assaulting protesters, according to Reuters news agency. A number of demonstrators were reportedly taken into custody. However, Georgian authorities have not publicly addressed these allegations of injuries or police misconduct.

Critics of the bill argue for its repeal, contending that it mirrors authoritarian legislation used by Russia to suppress dissent. They fear it could stifle critical voices ahead of this year’s parliamentary elections and impede Georgia’s progress toward EU membership. European leaders and the United States have warned that adopting the foreign agents law would undermine Georgia’s European aspirations.

Despite international concerns, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s government remains steadfast in its support of the bill. Kobakhidze has accused NGOs of attempting to foment revolutions in Georgia and of promoting “gay propaganda.” He maintains that the legislation aims to enhance transparency and denies allegations that it contradicts European values or serves Russian interests.

In response to the protests, Georgian Dream organized its own rally, where party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili criticized Western interference. The situation underscores the deepening divide within Georgia over the bill and its implications for democracy and international relations.

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Itzulia Basque Country: Jonas Vingegaard suffers broken collarbone and ribs in crash

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The Itzulia Basque Country stage race witnessed a significant setback as a high-speed crash on a descent led to severe injuries for several top cyclists, including the reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, race leader Primoz Roglic, and Remco Evenepoel. Vingegaard, aged 27, suffered a broken collarbone and multiple ribs, requiring medical attention.

Similarly, Roglic and Evenepoel sustained injuries significant enough to force them out of the race. Additionally, Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates suffered fractures in his cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral bodies, highlighting the severity of the incident.

The aftermath of the crash prompted race officials to take action. With safety concerns prevailing, the remaining 35 kilometers of Thursday’s fourth stage were neutralized. Only a select few from the front group contested for the stage win, with Louis Meintjes ultimately clinching victory.

Despite the competitive spirit, the prevailing sentiment was one of concern and acknowledgment that winning under such circumstances was not the ideal scenario. Meintjes and his team, Intermarche-Wanty, expressed their thoughts and solidarity with the injured riders, emphasizing the paramount importance of the safety and well-being of all participants.

In terms of race logistics, the crash had significant implications for the general classification. Stage organizers announced that the times from the affected stage would not be factored into the overall standings, recognizing the extraordinary circumstances. As a result, the previous standings, where Roglic held a seven-second lead over Evenepoel, were nullified.

The race dynamics shifted, and Danish rider Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek now finds himself leading the overall standings by a margin of four seconds heading into the fifth stage of the six-stage race. The crash not only altered the competitive landscape but also underscored the inherent risks and challenges faced by cyclists in professional racing.

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FlixBus: Deadly crash on German motorway near Leipzig

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A tragic incident occurred near Leipzig in East Germany involving a FlixBus coach, resulting in four fatalities and over 40 injuries, according to police reports.

The coach, which departed from Berlin with two drivers and 52 passengers bound for Nuremberg and Zurich, veered off the A9 autobahn, leading to its overturning. The company expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

The crash occurred around 10:00 local time on Wednesday, two hours into the journey, at a junction near Leipzig/Halle Airport. No other vehicles were involved, as per police statements.

Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, swiftly responded to the scene, prompting the closure of both lanes near the Schkeuditzer Kreuz interchange.

FlixBus, a long-distance coach service operating across Europe, America, and Asia, emphasized that the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, while expressing solidarity with those affected.

This unfortunate event has parallels with previous incidents on the A9 motorway near Leipzig, including a fatal crash in 2019.

A tragic incident occurred near Leipzig in East Germany involving a FlixBus coach, resulting in four fatalities and over 40 injuries, according to police reports.

The coach, which departed from Berlin with two drivers and 52 passengers bound for Nuremberg and Zurich, veered off the A9 autobahn, leading to its overturning. The company expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

The crash occurred around 10:00 local time on Wednesday, two hours into the journey, at a junction near Leipzig/Halle Airport. No other vehicles were involved, as per police statements.

Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, swiftly responded to the scene, prompting the closure of both lanes near the Schkeuditzer Kreuz interchange.

FlixBus, a long-distance coach service operating across Europe, America, and Asia, emphasized that the exact cause of the accident remains unknown, while expressing solidarity with those affected.

This unfortunate event has parallels with previous incidents on the A9 motorway near Leipzig, including a fatal crash in 2019.

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Brighton & Hove Albion fans stabbed before Europa match in Rome

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Two Brighton & Hove Albion fans were attacked in Rome ahead of their Europa League match against Roma. The pair sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds during the incident, which involved a group of up to seven individuals. The attack occurred while they were walking back from a bar, with one fan describing the assailants as wearing balaclavas and all dressed in black.

The victims were promptly taken to different hospitals for treatment. One fan mentioned that his injured friend might miss the game due to the severity of the wound. Sussex Police’s liaison officer for the club confirmed that both fans were okay and urged supporters to adhere to safety advice provided by the club.

While it’s unclear whether the attackers were affiliated with Roma supporters, Brighton & Hove Albion issued a warning to fans regarding street crime in Rome. They advised supporters to use the free shuttle service provided for transportation to and from the Stadio Olimpico to ensure their safety during the event.

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Valencia fire: Nine bodies found as Spanish police search gutted flats

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Firefighters and forensic experts in Spain have reported the recovery of nine bodies from the wreckage of a 14-floor apartment complex in Valencia after a fire ravaged it. Initially, authorities stated that 10 people had perished, but later revised the number, indicating one person was missing.

The rapid spread of the flames, believed to have originated on the fourth floor of one of the blocks, was attributed to both the cladding affixed to the exterior of the building and strong winds. The fire engulfed the structure within minutes, hindering firefighters’ efforts to reach beyond the 12th floor due to the swift combustion facilitated by the cladding.

Investigations highlighted the cladding, which was permitted under building regulations at the time of construction in 2008 but has since been prohibited, as a potential cause for the fire’s rapid escalation. Despite its ban, there was no initiative to remove the hazardous cladding, contrasting with measures taken in the UK after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Amidst the devastation, acts of bravery emerged, including the efforts of a caretaker named Julián, who courageously attempted to evacuate residents as the fire spread. Individuals recounted harrowing experiences of escaping the inferno, with some sustaining injuries. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other officials pledged support for the affected families and communities.

Efforts to aid those displaced by the fire are underway, with initiatives to provide housing and essential supplies. The local community has rallied to offer assistance, with donations pouring in for the survivors. In a gesture of respect for the victims, a La Liga match scheduled for Saturday has been postponed. Valencia FC expressed condolences for the tragedy that befell the city.

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Two workers die in bridge collapse in Dutch city of Lochem

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In the Netherlands, a tragic incident occurred in Lochem where two workers lost their lives and two others were injured during the construction of a bridge. The collapse happened when cables supporting a bridge arch snapped, causing it to plummet to the ground. The deceased workers were identified as one from Belgium and the other from Poland, but further details such as their names and ages were not disclosed.

The collapse, labeled as an “industrial accident” by officials, prompted an ongoing investigation to determine its cause. Witnesses, including onlookers, were deeply affected by the sudden collapse and are receiving psychological support.

According to one witness, the collapse occurred shortly after the arch began swinging, followed by a loud bang. The bridge was intended to span a major canal as part of a new ring road project in Lochem, Gelderland.

Mayor Sebastiaan van ‘t Erve expressed shock over the incident, highlighting the extensive planning and development efforts over five years leading up to the construction. Despite this, the bridge collapsed in a single day, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

The exact cause of the collapse remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Local authorities confirmed that the injured workers were hospitalized but expected to recover.

Andre Meilink from the regional safety authority provided insight into the incident, explaining that the bridge began to twist as it was being lifted, leading to the collapse of a section.

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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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Hungary theatre chief offers to quit after Romeo and Juliet accident

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Hungary’s National Theatre director, Attila Vidnyánszky, tendered his resignation in the wake of a balcony fall incident during a production of Romeo and Juliet. The accident occurred during the second act, causing serious injuries to actors Júlia Szász (Juliet) and Otto Lajos Horváth (Capulet), who are currently in a stable condition post-surgery. Despite Vidnyánszky’s offer, Hungary’s culture minister, János Csák, rejected the resignation. An investigation has been launched, and Csák emphasized the need to await its findings before deciding on any further action.

The incident took place in Budapest, where paramedics treated Szász and Horváth after they fell from an elevated platform behind the scenery. Both actors are expected to recover, and Csák, along with Vidnyánszky, visited the hospital to meet with doctors. In an Instagram post, Csák expressed optimism about the actors’ improving conditions and wished them a swift recovery. The exact timeline for the investigation’s conclusion remains uncertain.

Attila Vidnyánszky, a key ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has held the position of National Theatre director for a decade. His tenure, originally set to conclude in 2023, was extended to 2028 earlier this year. The close association with the Prime Minister adds a political dimension to the incident, highlighting the delicate balance between artistic leadership and political ties.

Júlia Szász, known for her roles in both theatre and high-profile Hungarian films, was scheduled for future National Theatre performances. Otto Lajos Horváth, who gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly in Hungarian films and television shows, is also part of the country’s cultural landscape. The accident during the performance of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy adds a layer of tragedy to the real-life drama, drawing attention to the intersection of art, safety, and leadership in Hungary’s National Theatre.

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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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Paul Pogba: Second Sample Validates Positive Drug Test Result for Juventus Midfielder

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Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has faced confirmation of his failed drug test, as his B sample also tested positive. The 30-year-old was provisionally suspended following elevated testosterone levels in his initial sample after Juventus’ game against Udinese on August 20, where he was an unused substitute. If found guilty of doping, he could face a suspension ranging from two to four years.

Nado Italia, the anti-doping body, stated that Pogba had violated rules with the presence of prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites, suggesting an external source. Testosterone is known to enhance athletes’ endurance. Athletes have the option to have their B sample analyzed if the first sample returns adverse results.

Pogba intends to clear his name, asserting that any potential banned substance use was unintentional. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, emphasized Pogba’s lack of intention to break any rules. Pogba rejoined Juventus on a four-year contract in July 2022, following the end of his contract at Manchester United. However, his return to Turin has been marred by recurring injury issues, including a recent minor back problem mentioned by Juventus boss Massimo Allegri.

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