featured News

Police Probe Alleged Gang Rape of Australian Woman in Paris

By 161 0

French police are investigating a reported gang rape involving an Australian woman in central Paris. The 25-year-old sought refuge in a kebab shop in the Pigalle district early Saturday morning, with her dress partially torn. Local media indicated that no arrests have been made so far, but prosecutors confirmed the case is being treated as a gang rape.

The incident occurred just days before the 2024 Olympics are set to begin in Paris. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, restaurant staff called for assistance upon seeing the woman’s condition. Firefighters attended to her, and she was later taken to Bichat hospital for medical examination. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office stated that police are investigating the allegations and reviewing CCTV footage.

The investigation into the alleged gang rape, which is believed to have occurred between the night of July 19 and 20, has been assigned to the second judicial police district. With the Olympics starting on Friday, Paris is experiencing a heightened police presence to ensure public safety. Security measures include increased patrols, armed guards around the River Seine, and designated security zones requiring special passes to enter, including areas around the Eiffel Tower.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Irish PM Denounces ‘Reprehensible’ Violence in Dublin

By 172 0

Fifteen individuals were brought before a special court in Dublin following violent protests at a site designated for asylum seekers. Protestors ignited pallets and construction equipment at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, North Dublin, causing a significant fire. The site on Malahide Road was scheduled for development later in the week.

Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the violence as “reprehensible.” The fifteen individuals who appeared in Dublin District Court on Monday evening faced public order charges, including non-compliance with police orders and threatening or abusive behavior. They were released on conditional bail, provided they avoid the protest site, and are due back in court on September 18. Four additional people are set to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

Over 200 gardaí responded to the incident, with three Garda cars damaged, one of which was set on fire. According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, pepper spray was used by the police, and a security guard along with several gardaí sustained injuries during clashes with the protesters. The disturbances involved petrol bombs, fireworks, and the burning of mattresses, which damaged a JCB. Fires were also set on the roads.

Gardaí classified the event as a public order incident and temporarily closed the road. Officers faced verbal and physical abuse throughout the day, which escalated to rocks, fireworks, and other objects being hurled at them. “A number of fires were lit and official Garda vehicles seriously damaged,” a spokesperson said. As the situation intensified, police used force in self-defense.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris remarked on the challenging day for his officers and condemned the violence, stating that there were attacks on gardaí, criminal damage, and serious public disorder offenses, all of which would be thoroughly investigated. He mentioned that 15 individuals had been charged, with more charges expected overnight.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her horror at the criminal behavior in Coolock and vowed that those involved would face severe legal consequences.

Dublin city councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha condemned the incident as “deplorable,” asserting that violence, intimidation, and arson have no place in communities. The Sinn Féin representative emphasized that the burning of vehicles and attempts to burn the building were violent criminal acts that must be condemned. He noted that the Department of Integration was developing the site to house families seeking international protection, urging those responsible to cease their actions immediately and condemning the efforts to spread fear and hate in the community.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Dagestan Attacks: Deadly Violence Strikes Churches and Police

By 161 0

In recent events in Russia’s Dagestan region, attacks on police officers, churches, and synagogues in cities like Derbent and Makhachkala have resulted in multiple fatalities. More than 15 police officers and several civilians, including a longstanding Orthodox Church priest, were killed. The attackers, some of whom were killed and others still sought by police, have not been definitively identified, though Dagestan has previously experienced Islamist violence.

The assaults targeted Orthodox churches and Jewish synagogues during Pentecost celebrations. Footage shared on social media depicted gunmen in dark clothing attacking police vehicles and setting ablaze religious buildings in Derbent, a city with a historic Jewish community. The violence extended to other locations like Sergokal, where even a police official was detained due to alleged family involvement.

Dagestan, known for its significant Muslim population, has endured previous jihadist attacks by groups such as the Caucasus Emirate and the Islamic Emirate of the Caucasus from 2007 to 2017. Despite recent tensions linked to Ukraine and the West, Russian authorities have responded to these incidents, concluding a counter-terrorism operation following the attacks.

President Vladimir Putin has previously emphasized Russia’s stance against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism, emphasizing the nation’s unity across diverse faiths and ethnicities. However, recent events challenge this narrative amid ongoing security concerns and geopolitical tensions.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Search resumes for missing presenter Michael Mosley

By 235 0

Michael Mosley, the well-known British broadcaster, has gone missing during his holiday on the Greek island of Symi. He was last seen on Wednesday when he set off on a walk to the island’s center. Despite initial search efforts, he has not been found. The search involves 25 people, including police, volunteers, and firefighters, along with a helicopter and drones. Mosley’s wife reported him missing after he left for his walk, leaving his phone behind. Efforts to locate him have expanded to include assistance from the Greek fire department and the use of CCTV footage.

The search has focused on the Pedi area of Symi, with divers now being deployed to investigate the possibility of Mosley having fallen into the sea. Local officials express concern, especially given the challenging conditions of the area and the hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. Despite efforts, there’s been no sign of Mosley, leaving many worried about his safety.

Mosley, known for his work on various BBC programs and his advocacy for intermittent fasting diets, was on holiday with his wife Clare, who is also a doctor. The Foreign Office is providing support to the family, and colleagues and friends have expressed their concern and hopes for his safe return.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Man shot dead after French synagogue set on fire

By 243 0

French police have killed a man after a synagogue was set on fire in Rouen, a city in north-western France. The man, armed with a knife and a metallic tool, was shot after he threatened officers, as confirmed by the Rouen prosecutor.

Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol expressed that the attack not only affected the Jewish community but left the entire city “battered and in shock.” French reports identified the suspect as an Algerian who was appealing against an expulsion order from France.

The incident occurred around 06:45 (04:45 GMT) when smoke was seen rising from the synagogue. The attacker used a petrol bomb to ignite the synagogue. Police officers quickly arrived on the scene after the suspect was spotted on security cameras. The suspect, who was on the roof of the synagogue, threatened the officers and threw a chisel at them before descending and brandishing a knife. One officer then fired five shots, hitting the suspect four times, according to Rouen public prosecutor Frédéric Teillet.

Firefighters managed to control the fire, but significant damage was reported inside the synagogue. Natacha Benhaïm, head of Rouen’s Jewish community, described the damage as catastrophic, though the Torah books remained unharmed.

Investigations are underway into the arson attack and the use of a police weapon. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin commended the police for their prompt and brave response. The suspect, a 29-year-old Algerian, carried no identification at the time of the attack.

This incident follows a rise in antisemitism in France since Hamas’ attack on southern Israel in October, leading to the current war in Gaza. Recent antisemitic acts include defacing a Paris memorial honoring those who rescued Jews during World War Two. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the defacement, emphasizing the importance of remembering France’s heroes and Holocaust victims.

France, home to the third largest Jewish community globally, has seen various attacks on places of worship, including the fatal stabbing of a priest during a church service eight years ago. The recent violence in Rouen also comes shortly after an ambush that resulted in the deaths of two prison officers south of the city.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

McCann suspect raped woman at knifepoint, trial told

By 206 0

Hazel Behan, a woman who claims to have been raped by the man suspected of Madeleine McCann’s murder, gave chilling testimony in court. She recounted feeling an indescribable fear when awakened by a masked intruder. Christian Brückner, the prime suspect, denies involvement in both cases. The trial in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, focuses on unrelated sex offense charges against Brückner, alleged to have occurred in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

Behan, a former holiday rep in Praia de Rocha, vividly described the night of the assault in June 2004. She walked home alone after an argument with her boyfriend and was attacked in her apartment. The assailant, dressed entirely in black and armed with a knife, subjected her to a prolonged ordeal, including rape and filming parts of the assault. Behan endured physical and emotional trauma, and despite years passing, she still suffers from panic attacks and requires medication.

The trial also highlighted Behan’s disappointment with the Portuguese police’s handling of her case. She recalled feeling neglected and mistreated during the investigation. Years later, upon seeing Brückner’s photo in a news article, Behan recognized him and decided to come forward, linking her assault to his previous convictions.

Behan emphasized the profound impact the attack had on her life, stating that she no longer feels like the carefree person she was before. Brückner’s defense team maintains skepticism about the case’s foundation and is challenging the charges.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

National Conservatism Conference: Police told to shut down right-wing Brussels event

By 197 0

Brussels police are enforcing an order to shut down the National Conservatism Conference, preventing further entry of guests. Concerns over public safety prompted local authorities to oppose the event, which aimed to gather right-wing politicians like Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, along with figures such as former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman and French politician Eric Zemmour. Organized by the Edmund Burke Foundation, the conference advocates for traditional values and opposes European integration.

The mayor expressed concerns over some attendees holding anti-gay and anti-abortion views, stating that the far right is unwelcome. The conference began as scheduled but was interrupted by police, leaving attendees unable to re-enter and facing limited access to necessities. Farage criticized the decision to close the event, condemning it as an infringement on free speech.

French politician Eric Zemmour, denied entry, accused the mayor of using the police to suppress European participation. Organizers vowed to challenge the closure, highlighting the peaceful nature of the event. The conference, originally planned to accommodate 850 people, had around 250 attendees. This was the third venue attempt, as previous locations backed out due to pressure from an antifascist group.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Man holds several hostages inside Dutch nightclub

By 215 0

In the early hours of the morning in Ede, Netherlands, a concerning situation unfolded at Café Petticoat. A man entered the establishment, reportedly threatening to detonate explosives strapped to himself. In response, armed police swiftly evacuated the surrounding area. However, authorities emphasized that there was no immediate indication of a terrorist motive behind the incident.

Despite evacuation efforts, the situation remained unresolved. Initially, three individuals were released from the nightclub, but the standoff continued. Mayor René Verhulst stressed the importance of respecting the privacy and tranquility of the freed hostages. He urged the public to refrain from sharing any videos or images from the scene.

As a precautionary measure, approximately 150 nearby residences were evacuated, and access to the town center was restricted. Specialized police units, including those trained to handle explosives, were deployed to the scene to manage the ongoing situation. Additionally, train services to and from Ede were canceled as a safety precaution.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subejct to copyright

News Trending

Sweden: Eight in hospital after reports of unusual smell at Security Service headquarters

By 237 0

An incident at Sweden’s security service headquarters led to the hospitalization of eight individuals, including police officers, following reports of an unusual smell and subsequent evacuation of around 500 people. Initially thought to be a gas leak, authorities later confirmed no gas was detected. Police are investigating the cause, with speculation of phosgene detection, though unconfirmed.

Phosgene, a chemical used in plastics and pesticides and infamous from World War One, was suspected. Emergency services responded promptly, with roads closed and barriers erected. Six individuals were hospitalized for breathing issues, including police officers who detected the smell. Evacuation measures were extensive, with nearby schools and residences affected.

The incident concluded without further incident, coinciding with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s visit to Hungary, where Sweden’s Nato membership ratification is pending.

picture courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Czech Republic MPs vote to tighten gun laws

By 273 0

The Czech Republic has passed an amendment to its gun legislation, following the recent mass shooting at Charles University. The amendment, proposed prior to the incident, still needs approval from the senate and the president and won’t be effective until 2026. Despite being considered insufficiently transformative, the amendment aims to address loopholes that allowed the shooter, a licensed gun user, to amass eight legally-owned weapons, including an AR-10 semi-automatic assault rifle.

The shooter, a 24-year-old graduate student with a history of depression, killed 14 people on campus. The legal changes propose an updated online register of guns and owners accessible to doctors, including psychiatrists. Gun shops will be obligated to report suspicious purchases, and the system will flag individuals acquiring numerous weapons. Police will gain the authority to seize weapons preventatively, especially if the owners make threats on social media, a power currently unavailable to them.

However, mandatory psychological tests for gun licenses, common in other countries, will not be enforced. Czech doctors can request such tests but are not obligated to do so before signing license applications. The legislation may undergo further amendments in parliament, but the fundamental right to bear arms for self-defense, added to the constitution in 2021 amid EU attempts to restrict weapon possession, is unlikely to be altered. With over 300,000 licensed gun owners and a million guns in the country, the Czech Republic, known for hunting and biathlon, has a majority of licenses granted for personal protection rather than sports or hunting purposes. The necessity of such personal protection in cities like Prague and Brno remains unclear in one of Europe’s safest countries.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright