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Macron condemns antisemitism after Jewish girl is raped

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French President Emmanuel Macron has raised serious concerns about the growing threat of antisemitism in schools after a 12-year-old Jewish girl was raped in what police have classified as a hate crime. According to French media, the girl reported being in a park in Courbevoie, north-west of Paris, with a friend last Saturday when three boys, two aged 13 and one aged 12, approached her. She knew at least one of them. The boys dragged her to an isolated location, where they hurled antisemitic abuse at her and raped her.

The boys were arrested on Monday, and two of them were charged with gang rape, antisemitic insults and violence, and issuing death threats. One of the attackers reportedly threatened to kill the girl if she went to the police. In response to the attack, people took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against antisemitism, carrying banners with messages such as “It could have been your sister.”

Macron addressed the attack during a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday. He asked the Minister of Education, Nicole Belloubet, to ensure that schools hold discussions on racism and antisemitism in the coming days to prevent “hateful speech with serious consequences” from “infiltrating” classrooms. Belloubet later condemned the crime on social media, stating that “every part of this crime is revolting.” Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called the attack “absolutely despicable, unbearable, and unspeakable,” noting that antisemitism has been on the rise in France since October 7.

Chief Rabbi of France Haim Korsia expressed horror at the incident and called for the perpetrators to be firmly punished. He emphasized that no one can be excused from the current surge in antisemitism. A January 2024 report by the Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) highlighted a 284% increase in antisemitic acts between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 13% occurring in schools. The report noted a significant spike in such incidents following the October 7 Hamas attacks against communities in Israel.

The attack and the rise in antisemitism come amid a heated election campaign in France, after President Macron called a snap parliamentary election two weeks ago. Politicians from various parties quickly condemned the incident and vowed to combat antisemitism.

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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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Alexei Navalny: Widow urges Russians to protest on election day

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Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has urged for a protest against President Vladimir Putin on election day, scheduled for March 17th. She encourages people to gather at polling stations at noon, forming long queues, as a way to demonstrate their presence and strength. This initiative, dubbed “Midday against Putin,” aims to show solidarity and opposition to Putin’s regime.

Navalnaya emphasizes that this action is simple and safe, yet effective in making a statement. Participants are encouraged to vote for any candidate other than Putin, spoil their ballot, or write “Navalny” prominently. The idea of this midday gathering was originally proposed by Navalny himself before his death.

Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was disqualified from running in the 2018 presidential election and later faced imprisonment on politically motivated charges, leading to his death in custody, which many believe was orchestrated by Putin.

Since Navalny’s passing, Navalnaya has stepped into the political arena, addressing international bodies and leaders, including the European Parliament and US President Joe Biden. She expresses gratitude for the support shown at her husband’s funeral and emphasizes that the vision for a better Russia, championed by Navalny, lives on through the people.

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Tesla factory in Germany halts production after suspected arson

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Tesla’s car factory in Berlin came to a standstill on Tuesday following a suspected arson attack in the vicinity. The incident occurred when an electricity pylon near the plant caught fire, resulting in power disruptions within the factory premises and neighboring towns. Despite ongoing protests by environmental activists against the factory’s expansion, they denied any involvement in the fire incident.

Although the fire did not reach Tesla’s factory itself, it caused damage to the electricity pylon and high-voltage wires nearby. The company took precautions by sending its workers home, ensuring the safety of its building. Authorities, including Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, emphasized the seriousness of the act of sabotage but urged against premature speculation regarding the perpetrators.

The situation has escalated against the backdrop of environmental concerns, with around 100 activists camping in the adjacent forest to protest against the factory’s expansion plans. Their primary objection revolves around the potential deforestation required for the expansion project. Despite assertions from environmental groups like Robin Wood denying any involvement in the fire, tensions remain high.

Tesla’s ambition to double the size of its only European plant is met with resistance from environmental activists. Currently, the factory produces approximately 500,000 cars annually, with plans for expansion aimed at doubling this output. However, the disruption caused by the recent incident has left production in limbo, with uncertainty surrounding when operations will resume.

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Dani Alves trial: Ex-Brazil player guilty of nightclub rape

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Former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been found guilty by a Spanish court of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub. He has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison, along with five years’ probation. Alves denied the allegations, but the court ruled against him.

His lawyer plans to appeal the verdict, while the victim’s lawyer welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the truth and the victim’s suffering.

Alves, known for his illustrious football career, had argued that his intoxication should mitigate his sentence, but the court disagreed, stating that alcohol did not excuse his actions.

The court detailed the assault, noting evidence beyond the victim’s testimony and highlighting Alves’s forceful behavior despite her protests.

Alves has been in pre-trial detention since January 2023 and has changed his testimony multiple times. Despite his denial, the court found evidence supporting the victim’s account.

Alves’s successful football career, which includes multiple league titles and international appearances, contrasts starkly with this conviction for a serious crime.

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Mass protest in Hungary over child-abuse case

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Thousands of people in Hungary have taken to the streets in response to a presidential pardon granted in a highly publicized child sexual abuse case. The protests, centered in Budapest’s historic Heroes’ Square, aimed to show support for abuse victims and denounce the controversial decision.

President Katalin Novak, along with two prominent figures from Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party, resigned in the wake of the backlash over the pardon. Additionally, a bishop who had advised the prime minister also stepped down after admitting support for Novak’s decision.

The scandal surrounding the pardon has posed a significant challenge to Orban’s conservative leadership, marking one of the most serious threats to his rule since he took office in 2010.

The demonstrations, labeled “there are monsters out there,” drew large crowds to Heroes’ Square, with participants expressing outrage over the abuse case and demanding justice for victims.

Novak, who apologized for what she termed a “mistake” in granting the pardon, faced criticism after the names of 25 individuals she pardoned, including the deputy director of a children’s home convicted of covering up abuse, were disclosed by the media. The deputy director had coerced children into retracting allegations against the home’s director, who had been convicted of child abuse.

Notably, political parties were urged to abstain from participating in the protests, signaling a grassroots movement driven primarily by young Hungarians advocating for child welfare and social solidarity.

Orban’s government, known for prioritizing family values in its policies, faces scrutiny over its handling of the case. The prime minister is expected to address the nation’s concerns and outline the government’s next steps in an upcoming state of the nation address.

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Putin critic Alexei Navalny dies in Arctic Circle jail, says Russia

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Alexei Navalny, the prominent opposition figure in Russia, has tragically passed away in a jail located in the Arctic Circle, according to the prison service. Navalny, who had been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism that many believed to be politically motivated. His death has sparked outrage and accusations of foul play from his allies and supporters.

Navalny’s wife, Yulia, has called on the international community to hold the Russian regime accountable for his death. His close ally, Ivan Zhdanov, has suggested that Navalny may have been murdered, a sentiment echoed by many who oppose Putin’s government.

Navalny’s sudden decline in health occurred shortly after a walk, according to the prison service. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Navalny could not be revived.

In response to Navalny’s death, there have been calls for protests in Russia, although authorities have warned against participating in such demonstrations. Several individuals have already been detained in various cities.

Navalny’s death has drawn condemnation from leaders around the world, with many pointing fingers at Putin’s government for its alleged role in his demise. US President Joe Biden, among others, has held Putin responsible for what he called “proof of Putin’s brutality.”

Navalny’s journey as an opposition figure in Russia has been marked by challenges and dangers, including a poisoning incident in August 2020 with a nerve agent. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Navalny remained determined to challenge Putin’s rule, even as his health deteriorated and he endured harsh conditions in prison.

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Greta Thunberg Faces Charges for Second Blockade of Swedish Oil Port

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Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is now facing charges for disregarding a police directive to disperse during a protest at a bustling Swedish port. This comes several months after she was previously found guilty of a similar offense. In July, she received a fine for her refusal to leave a demonstration that obstructed a road used for oil transport from Malmo harbor.

Following this earlier conviction, Ms. Thunberg and fellow activists returned to the port and were once again forcibly removed by law enforcement. Her second trial is slated for September 27th.

In an official statement, Swedish prosecutor Isabel Ekberg asserted that the demonstration on July 24th had not received authorization and had disrupted traffic flow. During this protest, Ms. Thunberg had joined forces with the group Reclaim the Future in southern Sweden, aiming to impede the movement of vehicles to protest against the utilization of fossil fuels. This demonstration unfolded just hours after Ms. Thunberg had been fined 2,500 Swedish Krona (£180; $224) for her involvement in a protest at the same port on June 19th.

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Protest emerges in France against bill seeking to make taking photos of police criminal offence

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A severe protest has broken out in the French city of Paris against a bill, seeking to make taking photos of police with malevolent intent a criminal offence.

The protesters have clashed with the police during the protest. The police have used violent methods to quell the protest. They have thrown tear gas shells at the protesters.

The violence has broken out when the protesters have thrown stone and fire workers at the police.

The opposition has strongly criticised the bill. They have termed the action as an attempt to undermine press freedom.

The government, at the same time, has defended the bill, saying that the bill was necessary to protect the officials from online abuse.

The protest is expected to spread swiftly to other locations in the country. It has already spread to Bordeaux, Montpellier, Lille and Nantes.   

Earlier, this week, footage emerged of three white policemen racially abusing and beating a black music producer.

The images, which show Michel Zecler being kicked and punched at his Paris studio, have shocked the nation.

French President Emanuel Macron termed the action unacceptable.

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