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‘Lost’ Gustav Klimt painting to be auctioned

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An Austrian auction house in Vienna is preparing to auction off a long-lost painting by Gustav Klimt, called “Portrait of Fraulein Lieser,” which he began in 1917, just a year before his death. There’s considerable mystery surrounding the artwork, including the identity of the woman depicted and its whereabouts during the Nazi era.

Art historians suggest the painting might portray Margarethe Constance Lieser, daughter of a wealthy Jewish industrialist, Adolf Lieser. However, the auction house proposes it could also be one of the daughters of Justus Lieser and his wife Henriette, who tragically died in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The exact history of the painting after 1925 remains unclear, but it resurfaced in the 1960s and has since changed hands through inheritances.

The auction is being conducted in accordance with the Washington Principles, an international agreement to return Nazi-looted art to its rightful descendants. However, there are calls for an independent investigation into the case by Erika Jakubovits, the executive director of the Presidency of the Austrian Jewish Community. She emphasizes the importance of thorough and transparent research in art restitution cases.

Klimt’s artworks have previously fetched significant sums at auctions, with “Lady with a Fan” setting a European record when it sold for £85.3m in 2023 at Sotheby’s.

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Germany spying: Far-right party aide held in China spy probe

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Prosecutors in Germany have apprehended an individual suspected of spying for China, who was identified as Jian G, 43, allegedly working as an assistant to AfD MEP Maximilian Krah. Jian G is accused of passing information about the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence and monitoring Chinese opposition figures in Germany. The timing of these allegations, just before the European Parliament elections, is sensitive for the AfD.

Maximilian Krah stated that he learned of his aide’s arrest through the media and emphasized that if the accusations were proven, the employment would be terminated immediately. The AfD expressed concern over the reports and awaited further investigations.

German officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, deemed the allegations gravely serious, emphasizing the necessity of severe consequences if proven true.

China’s foreign affairs ministry dismissed the arrest as unfounded speculation aimed at defaming China. Prosecutors indicated that Jian G was scheduled to appear before an investigating judge soon.

Meanwhile, another separate incident involved the arrest of two men and a woman suspected of spying for China, unrelated to Jian G’s case. This group allegedly obtained military technology information in Germany for China.

These developments occurred shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Beijing, where discussions with President Xi Jinping touched upon various issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

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Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky

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A Polish man has been detained and accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence to potentially target Volodymyr Zelensky, according to authorities. The individual, identified as Pawel K, allegedly aimed to gather intelligence on an airport in Poland frequently used by the Ukrainian president. The arrest was prompted by Ukrainian intelligence information, though it’s unclear if any information was actually transmitted. If convicted, Pawel K could face a sentence of up to eight years. He remains in custody while investigations continue.

Polish prosecutors stated that Pawel K had offered his services to Russian military intelligence and had direct contact with individuals involved in the conflict in Ukraine. His assignment reportedly involved gathering details about security measures at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport in southeastern Poland.

Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, previously a small regional facility, has become crucial for supplying Western military aid to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. It serves as a significant transit point for military and cargo aircraft from the US and Europe, facilitating the delivery of supplies to Ukraine via trucks.

The airport is frequently used by leaders traveling to and from Ukraine, including President Zelensky, who has utilized it for foreign trips. Notably, other dignitaries like US President Joe Biden have also transited through this airport on their visits to Ukraine.

This incident follows previous arrests related to espionage suspicions, including the apprehension of foreign nationals accused of spying for Russia. They were reportedly involved in installing surveillance cameras, some of which were positioned around Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport.

Additionally, neighboring Germany recently detained two alleged Russian spies suspected of planning to disrupt German military aid intended for Ukraine.

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Swiss Alps: Irish man among three killed in helicopter crash

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An Irish man was among the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Swiss Alps. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning on Petit Combin mountain, with two other individuals being airlifted for medical treatment, and another rescued later.

The helicopter was en route to a drop-off point for skiers, carrying a guide and visitors, when the crash transpired at approximately 09:25 local time. The Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the event and stands prepared to offer consular assistance.

According to local police, the helicopter crashed at the mountain’s airfield and slid down the northern slope. Onboard were the pilot, a mountain guide, and four clients. Seven rescue helicopters responded to the scene.

The Swiss Safety Investigation Service has initiated an inquiry into the crash’s cause. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, overseeing aviation accidents, is collaborating with Fedpol and the Valais Cantonal Police for the criminal investigation.

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Finland shooting: Child held after pupil aged 12 shot dead at school in Vantaa

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A tragic incident unfolded in Finland where a child lost their life and two others were gravely injured in a school shooting, with all victims and the suspect being just 12 years old. The shooting occurred in a classroom at Viertola school in Vantaa, near Helsinki. Prompt police response led to the suspect’s detention shortly after the incident.

Following the shooting, authorities initiated an investigation into murder and attempted murder. Notably, Finnish law exempts children under 15 from criminal liability, so the suspect will be placed in the care of social services pending further questioning.

The incident has sparked national mourning and renewed discussions about gun control and mental health support for young people. The shooting has evoked memories of past tragedies, prompting calls for additional measures to safeguard schools.

As Finland grapples with this tragedy, there is a collective sense of shock and sadness, with parents rushing to the school to reunite with their children. Vantaa, the city where the shooting occurred, is now in mourning as it tries to come to terms with the devastating event.

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France plans mobile school force after headteacher resigns over death threats

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France is instituting a mobile security force to assist schools grappling with challenges, a move prompted by the resignation of a Paris school head amidst death threats. The headteacher stepped down after being falsely accused of assaulting a student during a dispute over her wearing of an Islamic headscarf. Education Minister Nicole Belloubet has emphasized that the establishment of this mobile force aims to provide reassurance to teachers and bolster security measures, particularly in the wake of heightened tensions following the tragic killings of two teachers.

The mobile school force, comprising approximately 20 education officers, will be deployed within 48 hours to schools facing acute crises, offering support in terms of security, reassurance, and educational expertise. This initiative comes in response to the need for immediate assistance in situations where local authorities require additional support to maintain order and safety within school premises. By swiftly mobilizing this team, the government aims to address concerns and provide tangible support to schools navigating challenging circumstances.

The recent incident involving a Paris school head underscores the complexities surrounding issues of cultural and religious diversity within the French education system. Despite the absence of evidence supporting the student’s accusations, the headteacher resigned due to safety concerns arising from subsequent threats. Politicians from across the political spectrum have condemned the situation, with Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announcing legal action against the student for making false allegations. This incident highlights the broader societal challenges faced by educators in upholding secular principles while fostering inclusivity and respect within schools.

Amidst a surge in threats conveyed through digital messaging systems, the education ministry has suspended the ENT system, used by teachers and students, due to a proliferation of threats. Over 320 threats have been reported nationwide, with authorities attributing the surge to hacked personal accounts. Several arrests have been made in connection with online threats, including individuals aged 17 and 21. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to restore normalcy, with authorities hopeful that the digital messaging system will be reinstated after the spring break. These measures reflect a concerted effort to address the complex interplay of security, technology, and societal tensions within the French education landscape.

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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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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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Leonid Volkov: Navalny ally blames Putin henchmen for attack in Lithuania

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Leonid Volkov, a close ally of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was attacked outside his residence in Lithuania, sustaining injuries including a broken arm and multiple blows to his leg with a hammer. Lithuanian authorities suspect Russian involvement in organizing and executing the attack, a notion Volkov concurs with, attributing it to Putin’s regime. The incident occurred as Volkov arrived home in Vilnius.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda condemned the attack, expressing defiance against Putin, asserting that no one fears him in Lithuania. Another Navalny team member, Ivan Zhdanov, shared images of Volkov’s injuries on social media, affirming the attack’s political nature.

Volkov’s wife, Anna Biryukova, vowed to intensify their activism despite the assault. Volkov, who has been living outside Russia for safety reasons, has been a key figure in Navalny’s movement, facing politically motivated charges in Russia. Lithuanian authorities and the VSD state security department are investigating the attack, viewing it as an attempt to impede opposition efforts during Russia’s upcoming presidential elections, which lack genuine opposition candidates.

In a video statement, Volkov denounced the attack, emphasizing his determination to continue political activism. He called for peaceful protests during the election period and urged Russians to participate in a coordinated action against Putin’s regime.

Despite challenges, Volkov has ensured the continuity of Navalny’s activism from abroad, facilitating anti-corruption investigations and supporting protests in Russia. The Navalny organization has faced severe crackdowns, with many members imprisoned and the group labeled extremist in Russia. Ahead of the upcoming election, Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, echoes Volkov’s call for opposition unity, aligning with Navalny’s vision before his demise.

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Production of Duvel beer hit by cyber-attack

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A cyber-attack has brought production to a standstill at four breweries under the ownership of Duvel, a prominent Belgian beer company. The attack, suspected to be ransomware, occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing significant disruption to operations. Initially, five production facilities were affected, with only one managing to resume operations thus far.

In response to the attack, Duvel promptly activated its IT systems’ built-in command systems and alarms. These measures allowed the company’s IT department to swiftly detect the intrusion and shut down servers to mitigate further damage. Despite these efforts, production at the four Belgian production sites and one in Kansas City remains halted.

Duvel, known for its iconic brands such as Chouffe, Vedett, and Liefmans, has been a stalwart in the beer industry since its establishment in 1871. In 2022, the company reported revenue of €583 million and produced approximately 230 million liters of beer. However, the extent of the impact on the supply chain and distribution of its products following the cyber-attack remains uncertain.

The company has disclosed to local media that the incident is indeed a ransomware attack, a type of cyber-attack where hackers threaten to block or leak files unless a ransom is paid. As investigations into the attack continue, Duvel faces the challenge of restoring production at its affected facilities while ensuring the security and integrity of its IT systems against future threats.

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