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EU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack

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The European Union has expanded sanctions on Iranian drone and missile producers in response to Iran’s recent attack on Israel. European Council President Charles Michel stressed the significance of further isolating Iran, highlighting the need for decisive action.

These new sanctions build upon existing measures implemented by the EU, including penalties for Iran’s involvement in supplying drones to Russia. The decision to escalate sanctions was reached during a summit in Brussels, marking the first gathering of the bloc’s leaders since the attack on Israel.

In the wake of Iran’s assault, which involved a barrage of over 300 missiles and drones from multiple countries, the international community has urged restraint to prevent the situation from spiraling into a wider conflict. Despite calls for caution, Israel has not ruled out a potential response to the aggression.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of de-escalation following the summit, encouraging Israel to leverage diplomatic channels to strengthen its position in the region. Scholz’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among global leaders to mitigate tensions in the volatile Middle East.

Meanwhile, Israel has appealed to its allies to take robust action against Iran, advocating for sanctions on Tehran’s missile program and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. However, the EU and UK have not yet followed the United States in designating the IRGC as such.

In addition to EU sanctions, the United States is also considering imposing new penalties on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the potential for disrupting Iran’s terrorist financing and targeting its oil exports as areas of focus. Furthermore, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed that Iran’s missile and drone programs, alongside the IRGC and Iranian defense ministry, would be subject to forthcoming sanctions.

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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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Alexei Navalny: Putin critic’s mother says she has been shown his body

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Lyudmila Navalnaya, the mother of Alexei Navalny, stated in a video that she was shown her son’s body by Russian authorities, but they are pressuring her to agree to a “secret” burial. She reported signing a death certificate at a morgue. Navalny’s press secretary mentioned a medical report indicating natural causes, while his widow believes he was killed by Russian authorities. Navalnaya expressed frustration at officials refusing to hand over her son’s body and alleged blackmail, stating that they are dictating conditions for the burial. She demanded the return of Navalny’s body and claimed threats from authorities.

Navalnaya met with US President Joe Biden along with Navalny’s widow and daughter in San Francisco. Biden praised Navalny’s courage and anti-corruption efforts, announcing forthcoming sanctions on Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony on February 16, purportedly after falling ill during a walk, though his widow accuses Putin of ordering his killing. The Kremlin denies involvement, dismissing Western reactions as “hysterical.”

Analysts suggest that showing Navalnaya the body aims to negotiate a non-politicized funeral. Navalny was previously poisoned with Novichok in 2020, survived after treatment in Germany, then imprisoned upon returning to Russia in 2021. Russian authorities have aggressively cracked down on attempts to commemorate Navalny’s death, detaining hundreds and removing makeshift memorials.

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Alexei Navalny’s body to be held for two weeks for ‘chemical analysis’, family told

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The family of Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin who recently died in a Russian prison, has reportedly been informed that his body will not be released for two weeks. According to a representative for Navalny, his mother was told that his body is being held for “chemical analysis”. Despite efforts to locate the body, there has been no confirmation of its whereabouts from Russian authorities, and attempts to find it have been repeatedly blocked. Navalny’s wife has accused Russian authorities of concealing his body and alleged that it is being held until traces of Novichok, the nerve agent used in a previous poisoning attempt on Navalny, disappear.

In a video statement, Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, accused President Putin of being responsible for her husband’s death and called on viewers to join her in seeking justice. Navalny’s death was announced on Friday, with authorities stating that he had never regained consciousness after collapsing during a walk in the Siberian penal colony where he was imprisoned. His mother and lawyer rushed to the colony upon hearing the news, but their attempts to locate the body have been thwarted by prison officials and local authorities.

The Kremlin has stated that an investigation into Navalny’s death is ongoing, but no results have been reported thus far. Navalny’s spokeswoman has said that investigators informed Navalny’s mother that the body would not be released for two weeks due to “chemical analysis”.

Western leaders have blamed President Putin for Navalny’s death and are considering imposing new sanctions on Russia in response. The UK Foreign Secretary has indicated that Britain and other G7 nations are likely to impose fresh sanctions on individuals implicated in Navalny’s death. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed these statements as “arrogant” and “unacceptable”, while Russian prison authorities have attributed Navalny’s death to “sudden death syndrome”.

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France bans 28 Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

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France has taken decisive action by announcing the ban of 28 Israeli settlers who stand accused of perpetrating attacks against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. This move aligns with similar measures enacted by other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, which have also imposed restrictions on individuals involved in comparable activities. The French government’s decision comes amidst escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, prompting a firm condemnation of such actions.

In a statement issued by the French foreign ministry, the country emphasized the gravity of the situation, denouncing the unacceptable violence perpetrated against Palestinian civilians. France, along with Poland and Germany, collectively announced sanctions against Israelis implicated in attacks within the West Bank. This concerted effort underscores the international community’s recognition of the need to address the escalating tensions and safeguard the rights of Palestinians in the region.

The French government reiterated its stance on the illegality of colonization under international law, emphasizing the imperative to halt such activities. It emphasized the necessity of ending colonization to pave the way for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, thereby enabling Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully and securely. France also expressed its intention to pursue sanctions at the European level, highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach among European Union member states in addressing the ongoing conflict.

While the individuals affected by these measures have not been publicly named, the broader context underscores the gravity of the situation. The imposition of sanctions by France and other nations reflects a concerted effort to address the escalating violence and promote stability in the region. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such actions serve as a testament to the importance of upholding human rights and seeking avenues for peaceful resolution.

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Vladimir Kara-Murza: Fears for Russian activist after secretive jail move

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A lawyer representing Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was imprisoned on treason charges for criticizing the war in Ukraine, has disclosed that he has been relocated to another prison in Siberia’s Omsk region. Concerns for his safety heightened when Kara-Murza disappeared from his initial jail, prompting UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron to seek clarity on his whereabouts. Russian prison transfers are typically secretive and can take weeks.

Previously held in a penal colony in Omsk, Kara-Murza’s lawyers revealed that he was moved to a different penal colony in the same region. The British national, sentenced to 25 years in April for spreading “false” information about the Russian army and alleged affiliation with an “undesirable organization,” had been an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin and had played a significant role in advocating for sanctions against Russian officials for human rights abuses and corruption.

Kara-Murza’s wife expressed deep concern over his transfer, emphasizing that there were no apparent grounds for it. She highlighted the gravity of the situation, as her husband had previously survived two alleged assassination attempts in 2015 and 2017 through poisoning. The British government, along with the US State Department, condemned Kara-Murza’s sentencing and described him as a target of Russia’s escalating repression campaign.

The UK government summoned Russia’s ambassador and pledged to explore measures against those responsible for his detention and mistreatment. Kara-Murza, who holds British citizenship, received support from various quarters, including UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who demanded information about his whereabouts.

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Russian gas giant Gazprom makes £39m profit in North Sea

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Russian energy giant Gazprom reportedly earned €45 million from its North Sea Sillimanite gas field in the past year, as revealed in financial accounts. The Sillimanite field, situated in UK and Dutch waters, has been operational since 2020 and is a joint venture between Gazprom and German firm Wintershall. While the arrangement is not deemed illegal, criticism has arisen, particularly from UK Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who deems it “totally unacceptable” that gas from UK territory supports “Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine.” The UK government has pledged to escalate economic pressure on Russia, aligning with international sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s funding for the conflict in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK, a Gazprom subsidiary, reported a pre-tax profit of €45 million in 2022, with dividends paid to its immediate owner in the Netherlands. Although Gazprom executives, including CEO Alexei Miller, face UK sanctions, Gazprom itself is not directly sanctioned. The company continues to supply reduced gas volumes to continental Europe. Concerns have been raised about Gazprom’s financial activities, given its association with the Russian state, which is accused of financing militias engaged in the Ukraine conflict.

The UK government’s response to Gazprom’s financial activities in the North Sea has been met with criticism. Global Witness, a campaign group, described it as “an indictment of the UK’s approach to Russian oil and gas.” Despite the UK’s condemnation of the war, Gazprom’s subsidiary continues to operate in the North Sea, enriching Putin’s regime. The government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to denying Russia access to goods or technologies aiding its war efforts, vowing to intensify economic pressure until peace is secured in Ukraine.

Gazprom International UK’s financial disclosures reveal a total tax bill of €29 million, distributed between the UK and Dutch governments. This includes windfall taxes imposed in response to the surge in energy prices following the conflict in Ukraine. The company ceased its gas sale agreement with Wintershall, replacing it with a deal with the Swiss-based trading company Gunvor.

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Binance chief Changpeng Zhao pleads guilty to money laundering charges

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Changpeng Zhao, the CEO of Binance, has stepped down from his position after pleading guilty to money laundering violations. In a statement on the platform X, Zhao acknowledged his mistakes, stating, “I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myself.”

The U.S. Justice Department has imposed penalties and forfeitures of $4.3 billion on Binance, citing the exchange’s involvement in helping users bypass sanctions worldwide. Binance is accused of facilitating transactions totaling nearly $900 million between U.S. and Iranian users, as well as enabling transactions involving users in Syria and the Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions of Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.

The Justice Department highlighted Binance’s role in making it easy for criminals and terrorists to move money. It revealed that between August 2017 and April 2022, approximately $106 million in bitcoin was directly transferred to Binance.com wallets from Hydra, a popular Russian darknet marketplace associated with criminal activities.

As part of the settlement, Binance is now required to report suspicious activity to federal authorities, aiding criminal investigations into cybercrime and terrorism financing. Richard Teng, the head of regional markets at Binance, has been appointed as the new CEO.

Changpeng Zhao, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, expressed the emotional difficulty of letting go in his farewell post on X. Earlier in March, U.S. regulators sought to ban Binance, alleging illegal operations in the country. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) accused Binance of breaking U.S. financial laws, including rules against money laundering.

In June, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed another lawsuit against Binance, accusing the company and Zhao of disregarding investor protection rules to continue operating in the U.S. Binance vowed to defend itself vigorously against these allegations. The legal actions against Binance come amid increased scrutiny of the cryptocurrency industry by U.S. authorities.

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Former Austrian Minister Karin Kneissl Relocates to Russia Alongside Her Ponies

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Austria’s former Foreign Minister, Karin Kneissl, known for her pro-Russian stance, is relocating to St. Petersburg, Russia, accompanied by her two ponies.

Karin Kneissl had previously been residing in Lebanon but left her government position amid a scandal involving the far-right Austrian party that appointed her.

She explained that her ponies were transported to St. Petersburg via a Russian military transport plane from Syria.

Ms. Kneissl disclosed that her decision to move to Russia was driven by her role in managing a think tank at St. Petersburg University, which she co-founded. She emphasized the dedication required for this work and her inability to carry it out remotely.

When asked about her move to Russia’s second-largest city, she declined to provide further comment. However, on social media, she mentioned that her stay in Lebanon had been temporary “to survive” while she commuted to Russia for teaching.

Ms. Kneissl is renowned for her love of animals and cited sanctions against Syria and the security situation there as the reasons for using a military transport plane to bring her ponies and belongings to Russia.

The Leningrad region’s veterinary department confirmed that the ponies had undergone examinations and were placed in quarantine.

Karin Kneissl served as Austria’s Foreign Minister from 2017 to 2019, appointed as an independent by Austria’s far-right Freedom Party, which has close ties to Russia.

She gained international attention in 2018 when she invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to her wedding in southern Austria, with photographs showing her dancing with him.

Ms. Kneissl announced her move to Russia while attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, an annual event aimed at encouraging investment in Russia’s far east. During the forum, she was seen appearing to fall asleep while listening to President Putin’s keynote speech.

Karin Kneissl is a regular commentator on the Russian state-backed news channel RT and served as a board member of the state-owned oil company Rosneft.

She left Austria in 2020, citing death threats and a de facto ban on working in the country.

Her departure followed the collapse of the government coalition between the conservatives and the far-right Freedom Party in 2019, triggered by a scandal involving FPÖ leader Heinz Christian Strache, who was filmed allegedly promising government contracts to a woman posing as a niece of a Russian oligarch at a villa in Ibiza.

Currently, the Freedom Party is in opposition but leads in opinion polls, making it a strong contender in upcoming elections. Its new leader, Herbert Kickl, has criticized EU sanctions against Russia, blaming them for the rising cost of living.

Peter Gridling, Austria’s former spymaster from 2008 to 2020, expressed concerns about the Freedom Party’s ties with Russia and warned that the party had not severed its connections with the Kremlin.

Vienna, Austria’s capital, has a longstanding tradition as a hub for espionage, which persists to this day.

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Domino’s Pizza indicates shutdown of operations in Russia

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The owner of the Domino’s Pizza franchise in Russia has announced plans to close its branches and file for bankruptcy, signaling an end to its operations due to the challenging business environment in the country.

DP Eurasia, which operates 171 Domino’s Pizza outlets in Russia, has decided not to proceed with the sale of its pizza chain’s shops in the face of increasing difficulties. This move comes in the wake of Western companies disengaging from Russia following the Ukraine invasion and economic sanctions.

While some businesses have chosen to exit, others, including Domino’s, have faced criticism for remaining. DP Eurasia owns 68 of the Domino’s Pizza shops in Russia and franchises 103 to local operators. The company’s presence in Russia will be terminated as a result of this decision.

DP Eurasia, which also holds master franchise rights for Domino’s in Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, had been evaluating its options after sanctions were imposed. The Russian economy has been impacted by sanctions since the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, leading to several well-known companies shuttering their operations.

Pressure was applied to other major brands like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola to follow suit. Some companies, such as Unilever, have defended their continued operations in Russia, citing complexities and potential takeovers by the Russian state.

Despite this, Domino’s Pizza Inc., the American multinational and master franchisor, clarified that it had ceased supporting the Russian market through its subsidiaries since early 2022.

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