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Suspect charged with attempted murder of Slovak PM Fico

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A 71-year-old man from Levice has been implicated in the attempted murder of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was severely injured in a shooting incident. The suspect, though not officially named, has been widely identified by Slovak reports. If convicted, he could potentially face life imprisonment.

The assailant acted alone, according to Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok, who stated that the suspect had participated in anti-government protests and was discontented with the outcome of the recent presidential election, won by Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Fico.

In the brazen daylight attack, Fico was shot five times at close range, sustaining serious injuries to his stomach and arm. His security detail was caught off guard, and Fico was swiftly taken to a hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the severity of his condition, Fico’s status has stabilized, though he remains in intensive care.

The alleged perpetrator is described as a writer and political activist, with a circulated video purportedly featuring him expressing grievances against the government’s policies, particularly regarding state media. However, the authenticity of the video and its connection to the detained suspect remain unverified.

The shooting has been condemned by Slovak politicians as an assault on democracy, prompting calls for unity and calm. Outgoing President Zuzana Caputova urged political leaders to convene and address the escalating tensions, while President-elect Peter Pellegrini called for a suspension of campaigning ahead of European Parliament elections.

The attack occurred amid parliamentary discussions concerning the government’s proposal to dissolve Slovakia’s public broadcaster RTVS, a move that has sparked widespread public protests in recent weeks. Some officials have attributed the shooting to heightened political rhetoric and hostility perpetuated by both media and opposition parties.

In response to the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Taraba and Interior Minister Estok criticized the opposition and media for allegedly fueling animosity, with concerns raised about the safety of journalists and NGOs in Slovakia.

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Russia blamed for GPS interference affecting flights in Europe

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Russia has been increasingly disrupting satellite navigation systems, particularly in regions where its military activity is high, such as the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean. This disruption has affected thousands of civilian flights, with incidents reported by pilots and airlines. Finnair, for instance, had to suspend flights to Tartu, Estonia, due to GPS interference.

While GPS disruption is mainly a nuisance and not an immediate safety threat during flight, it can still pose risks, especially for airports relying solely on GPS navigation like Tartu. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has noted a significant increase in incidents, with blame squarely placed on Russia by Baltic state officials and online investigators.

The disruption includes jamming GPS signals and spoofing legitimate ones, causing confusion about location. Experts suggest Russia’s motives range from offensive to defensive, testing its ability to immobilize Europe while protecting itself from potential attacks. While Russia has its own navigation system (GLONASS), the interference still poses risks due to society’s heavy reliance on precise GPS signals.

Ultimately, while aircraft may have backup systems, interference with GPS signals disrupts efficiency and safety, requiring a reliance on older, less familiar procedures. There’s concern that if the interference continues, it could lead to more serious consequences.

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Moulin Rouge: Sails fall off Paris’s famous cabaret club overnight

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The iconic windmill crowning the Moulin Rouge, Paris’s renowned cabaret club, suffered a setback as its sails collapsed onto the street below, causing the first three letters of its sign to also fall off. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

Despite regular maintenance checks by the cabaret’s technical teams, the cause of the collapse remains unclear. Moulin Rouge director Jean-Victor Clerico emphasized that foul play is not suspected, attributing the incident to a technical malfunction.

While the loss of the windmill’s sails is a significant event, Parisians and visitors alike reflect on the historical and cultural significance of the Moulin Rouge. Established in 1889 at the foot of Montmartre hill, it quickly became synonymous with the vibrant nightlife of Paris, attracting artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who immortalized its allure during the Belle Époque era.

The cabaret’s legacy endured through various artistic representations, including Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic posters and Baz Luhrmann’s film “Moulin Rouge!”, which introduced its story to a contemporary audience. Known for its can-can performances and risqué atmosphere, the Moulin Rouge remains a cherished landmark despite this recent setback.

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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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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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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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Finland to close entire Russian border after migrant surge

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Finland has decided to close the majority of its border crossings with Russia, accusing Moscow of actively aiding migrants in their entry into the country. With seven out of eight road posts already closed due to a notable increase in crossings, the last remaining crossing, situated in the Arctic Circle, is set to be shut for a two-week period.

The Finnish government asserts that Russia is orchestrating the movement of asylum seekers towards Finland as part of what they describe as an “influence operation” and a “hybrid attack.” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the government’s commitment to putting an end to these crossings, citing concerns for national security.

In November, Finland saw a surge in the number of asylum seekers, totaling around 900 individuals, who entered the country from Russia. These asylum seekers come from various countries, including Morocco, Pakistan, and Syria. The Finnish government’s response to this influx has been a gradual closure of more border posts. The decision has raised concerns from Finland’s non-discrimination ombudsman, who fears that the closures may compromise the right to seek asylum under international law, particularly considering the remote location of the last remaining border crossing, approximately 900 kilometers north of the capital.

Despite the closures, the Finnish government maintains that asylum seekers arriving by boat and air can still seek asylum. However, advocates worry that the decision to close official crossing points may lead asylum seekers to attempt illegal crossings through the vast forests and rivers that make up the lengthy border between Finland and Russia.

With the arrival of winter, there are heightened concerns about the safety of such attempts. Advocates also emphasize the importance of providing assistance to those in need on the Russian side of the border and urge authorities to avoid pushing individuals crossing illegally back into Russia.

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Iceland volcano: Emergency declared over volcano Fagradalsfjall eruption concerns

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Iceland has declared a state of emergency following a series of earthquakes that have raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption. In response, authorities have ordered the evacuation of the southwestern town of Grindavík as a precautionary measure. The Icelandic Met Office expressed worries about the underground spread of a significant amount of magma, or molten rock, which could potentially surface in the area. The seismic activity has been centered around the Fagradalsfjall volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, which had been dormant for 800 years before experiencing eruptions in 2021. The increased seismic activity prompted the closure of the nearby Blue Lagoon landmark, and over 20,000 tremors have been recorded in southwest Iceland since late October.

The Icelandic Civil Protection Agency clarified that the evacuation is a preventive measure, not an immediate emergency, and urged residents to remain calm. The agency stated that there is no immediate imminent danger, emphasizing that the evacuation is primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of Grindavík residents. The decision to evacuate came after the Icelandic Met Office could not rule out the possibility of a magma tunnel forming and reaching Grindavík. All roads into the town, home to around 4,000 people, are closed except for emergencies.

The Icelandic Met Office highlighted significant changes in seismic activity, with tremors moving towards Grindavík over the course of the day. It noted that magma likely extends beneath the town, and the exact location and timing of its emergence are uncertain. Iceland is known for its high geological activity, boasting around 30 active volcanic sites. Recent eruptions in the Fagradalsfjall area drew tourists to witness the formation of the “world’s newest baby volcano,” which had been dormant for eight centuries until the eruptions in 2021, 2022, and now 2023.

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Apple to Release iPhone 12 Update in France Addressing Radiation Concerns

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Following concerns about radiation levels, France’s digital minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, has announced that Apple will release a software update for iPhone 12 users in the country.

Sales of the iPhone 12 were temporarily halted in France due to excessive electromagnetic radiation detected by regulators, prompting Apple to address the issue with a specific software update for French users. The update will undergo testing by the radio frequency regulator (ANFR) before the iPhone 12 can be reintroduced to the French market.

Apple maintains that the radiation concerns stem from France’s unique testing protocol and do not pose a safety risk. This development has raised questions about the iPhone 12’s status in other countries. The World Health Organization has previously stated that low-level electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones are not harmful to humans.

Apple intends to contest the ANFR’s review, providing lab results to support its compliance with global emissions regulations. However, this issue may have implications for other EU countries, as regulators in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are now investigating similar concerns.

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Three arrested including 14-year-old as police foil attack on Vienna’s pride parade

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Austrian police have prevented an attack on Vienna’s annual Pride parade by apprehending three suspects believed to have ties to Islamic extremism. The individuals, aged 14, 17, and 20, are Austrian citizens of Bosnian and Chechen descent. According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner from Austria’s State Protection and Intelligence Directorate (DSN), the suspects had become radicalized online and held sympathies for ISIS.

Haijawi-Pirchner emphasized that hate and terrorism have no place in a democratic society. Gerhard Pürstl, the state police president, highlighted that both Islamic and right-wing extremists pose a significant threat to the LGBTQ community. He referenced previous violent incidents during similar events worldwide and in Europe.

The DSN had prior knowledge of the suspects’ alleged plans and closely monitored them. The arrests were made before the parade by Austria’s Cobra special forces. The Interior Ministry’s statement assured the public that attendees were never in danger. Authorities conducted searches in Vienna and lower Austria, resulting in the confiscation of prohibited weapons.

The Rainbow Parade is a prominent part of Vienna Pride, Austria’s largest LGBTQ event, held annually from June 1 to 18. This year, the parade drew approximately 300,000 participants.

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