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Sweden prepares for Eurovision with heightened security

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Security measures are being intensified for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden’s third-largest city, as large demonstrations are expected to coincide with the event. While police and organizers assert they are well-prepared and aiming for a “joyful” occasion, concerns linger amidst heightened tensions.

The annual Eurovision celebration, typically a lighthearted affair of pop music and showbiz, finds itself under a cloud this year due to Israel’s participation amid the conflict in Gaza. With Sweden already facing elevated security challenges, Malmo braces for one of its most extensive policing endeavors.

Upwards of 100,000 visitors are anticipated to flock to the city on Sweden’s southwestern coast for the world’s largest live music competition. Despite the festive atmosphere adorned with colorful Eurovision banners adorning the streets, apprehensions loom large.

The series of festivities kick off on Saturday, with semi-finals scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday, culminating in the grand final on May 11. An estimated global audience of 200 million viewers is expected to tune in for the four-hour spectacle.

Law enforcement personnel have been mobilized from across Sweden, with reinforcements from neighboring Denmark and Norway. While Swedish police typically carry arms, additional officers will be equipped with larger weapons as a precautionary measure.

Malmo’s police chief, Petra Stenkula, acknowledges the country’s heightened state of alert, citing a “terror level of four out of five.” She notes that protests against Israel’s participation in the competition have taken place in Sweden, including Malmo.

Despite the absence of specific threats to the event, security concerns remain elevated, particularly following a series of Quran-burnings last August that sparked outrage in the Muslim world. An internal police report underscores Sweden as a “priority target” for violent jihadist groups, citing various potential risks including unrest, cyber attacks, and broadcast disruption.

Authorities have deployed extensive surveillance measures, including cameras and drones, while implementing airport-style security checks at venue entrances. Bags are prohibited for guests attending the event.

Malmo’s security director, Per-Erik Ebbestahl, emphasizes the city’s readiness, citing months of planning and collaboration with counterparts in Liverpool, the host of last year’s competition.

While Malmo has previously hosted notable events such as a papal visit and a Holocaust Remembrance conference, the current security landscape presents new challenges, particularly regarding large gatherings and generalized threats towards Sweden.

The sentiment is echoed by Ebba Adielsson, the executive Eurovision producer, who acknowledges the political controversies surrounding this year’s event but hopes they won’t overshadow the festivities. Israeli contestant Eden Golan’s participation has drawn attention, given the politically charged nature of her song.

Tensions are palpable in Malmo, with its diverse population expressing mixed sentiments. While some members of the Jewish community feel nervous, others from the Palestinian community have been vocal in their opposition to Israel’s participation.

Protests against Israel’s involvement in Eurovision are anticipated, with multiple demonstrations planned throughout the week. Police are bracing for potentially large-scale rallies, with measures in place to ensure public safety.

Despite the offstage tensions, Eurovision enthusiasts remain hopeful for a successful and enjoyable event. Amidst the challenges, the spirit of Eurovision prevails, with festivities planned to celebrate the competition’s cultural significance.

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Jonas Eidevall: Arsenal boss says Emma Hayes’ ‘aggression’ comment was ‘irresponsible’

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In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final, tensions flared between managers Jonas Eidevall of Arsenal and Emma Hayes of Chelsea. The culmination of the match saw a physical altercation between the two on the touchline, sparking controversy. Hayes accused Eidevall of displaying “male aggression,” a term Eidevall vehemently opposed, labeling it as irresponsible.

Eidevall shed light on the altercation, citing a disagreement over the use of multiple balls during the game. This disagreement, particularly with Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert, escalated tensions further. Despite Eidevall’s explanation, Hayes believed his conduct warranted a dismissal, expressing her dissatisfaction with his behavior on the touchline.

At the conclusion of the match, Hayes pushed Eidevall away, highlighting her discontent with his actions. She emphasized the importance of maintaining composure on the touchline and deemed Eidevall’s behavior unacceptable. However, Eidevall refuted Hayes’ characterization of the incident, asserting that he conducts himself appropriately and dismissing her accusation as unwarranted.

This altercation wasn’t the first time Eidevall faced scrutiny over his touchline conduct. Earlier in the season, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor accused Eidevall of “bullying” a fourth official. Eidevall dismissed these allegations, expressing disappointment and labeling them as borderline slander.

Reflecting on Eidevall’s managerial style, former player Anita Asante acknowledged his intensity and motivation to win. Asante highlighted the significance of the match to both managers and suggested that such intensity sometimes spills over, albeit with the intention of securing victory.

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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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Moscow attack: Gunmen kill dozens at Crocus City Hall in Moscow

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Gunmen launched a devastating assault on a concert hall near Moscow, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 60 lives and leaving around 100 people injured, as confirmed by Russian security services. The attackers, numbering at least four and clad in camouflage attire, stormed the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, igniting chaos and terror.

The concert hall, moments away from hosting a rock concert, witnessed the assailants infiltrating both the foyer and the theatre, setting parts of the building ablaze, which eventually led to a portion of the roof collapsing. Shockingly, children were among the casualties, prompting swift condemnation from the Russian foreign ministry, which labeled the incident a “terrorist attack.”

Although an online statement attributed to the Islamic State claimed responsibility, the assertion remains unverified. Nevertheless, US officials disclosed intelligence suggesting IS harbored intentions to target Russia, a warning conveyed to Russian authorities earlier. Subsequently, Russia’s National Guard mobilized special units to apprehend the attackers, while top officials rushed to the scene.

The harrowing assault unfolded just as thousands gathered for a rock concert by the band Picnic, narrowly sparing the musicians themselves from harm. Witnesses recounted scenes of horror as gunfire erupted, prompting frantic attempts to seek refuge or escape. Fire engulfed the premises, likely initiated by incendiary devices hurled by the assailants.

Emergency responders swarmed the area, tending to the wounded and facilitating evacuations. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin responded by canceling all public events in the capital, with other regions following suit. Amid the grief and shock, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called for international condemnation of what she described as “a monstrous crime.”

While Ukrainian officials swiftly disavowed any involvement, tensions heightened as Ukrainian military intelligence insinuated possible Russian involvement, an allegation dismissed by Russian authorities. The attack bore eerie parallels to the 2002 theatre siege in Moscow, evoking memories of past tragedies.

In response to the atrocity, security measures were reinforced at key transport hubs, reflecting a nation on edge in the wake of this appalling act of violence. The White House expressed profound sympathy for the victims, denouncing the attack as an unfathomable act of brutality.

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Pope Francis says sexual pleasure is ‘a gift from God’

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Pope Francis delivered a Vatican address addressing sexual pleasure as a “gift from God” that requires discipline and patience. He cautioned against the dangers of pornography, describing it as providing satisfaction without genuine relationships and posing the risk of addiction. The sermon was part of a series on vices and virtues, particularly focusing on what the Pope referred to as “the demon of lust.”

The Pope’s remarks followed criticism by conservative Catholics regarding Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the newly appointed head of doctrine. Cardinal Fernández had faced backlash for a book he wrote in the late 1990s, titled Mystical Passion: Spirituality and Sensuality, which explored human sexuality and contained explicit descriptions of orgasm experiences. He defended the book, stating he wouldn’t write it now and explaining that it was written when he was younger.

Conservative commentators deemed the book “perverse,” with some questioning Cardinal Fernández’s suitability for his role. Pope Francis, in a separate instance, had addressed the vice of gluttony in the previous week, but there was no indication that his sermon on lust was connected to the criticism of Cardinal Fernández.

During the sermon, Pope Francis emphasized that lust can devastate relationships and pointed to real-life examples of toxic relationships. This incident was not the first time both Pope Francis and Cardinal Fernández faced opposition from conservative members of the Catholic community. In December, Cardinal Fernández introduced guidelines, approved by the Pope, allowing priests to bless same-sex relationships, leading to strong criticism from conservative figures within the Church, including Cardinal Gerhard Müller.

Cardinal Müller denounced the Vatican’s decision, stating that blessing a homosexual union would be a “sacrilegious and blasphemous act.” The tensions escalated, culminating in Pope Francis evicting outspoken critic US Cardinal Raymond Burke from his Vatican apartment and revoking his salary.

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Wagner Group Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Believed to Have Died Following Plane Crash in Russia

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Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was reportedly among the passengers aboard a Russian jet that crashed, resulting in the deaths of all 10 individuals on board. The crash occurred in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow. Social media linked to the Wagner mercenary group have suggested that Prigozhin’s private plane was shot down by Russian air defenses. The Grey Zone Telegram channel stated that Prigozhin died due to actions by traitors to Russia.

Prigozhin had previously led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June, though some experts believe the mutiny was staged, and he abandoned his “justice march” on Moscow after direct orders from President Vladimir Putin. The crash coincided with reports of the removal of senior Russian general Sergei Surovikin, who was known to have a connection with Prigozhin. The crashed aircraft, an Embraer-135, was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg with seven passengers and three crew members.

An investigation has been initiated into the crash, and all 10 bodies have been recovered. The Wagner mercenary group, which Prigozhin was associated with, has been involved in various conflicts including those in Ukraine, Syria, and West Africa, and is known for its brutality. Prigozhin’s mutiny had created tensions with Russian military commanders and President Putin.

President Putin’s initial response to Prigozhin’s challenge to Russia’s defense establishment was strongly negative. The circumstances surrounding Prigozhin’s death, if confirmed, have raised speculation, with some eyebrows being raised about the possibility of deliberate targeting. US President Joe Biden expressed that he was “not surprised” by the news of Prigozhin’s potential death.

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Ukraine Shifts Christmas Day to Spite Russia

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Ukraine has officially changed its state holiday for Christmas Day from 7 January to 25 December, with the aim of distancing itself from Russian influence. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill into law to abandon the Russian heritage of imposing Christmas celebrations on the country. This move is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to sever religious, cultural, and other ties with Russia and align itself more closely with Western values. The decision came in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The legislation also shifted two other state holidays – Day of Ukrainian Statehood and Defenders’ Day – to different dates. The Russian government has not issued any public comments on the matter.

Historically, imperial Russia and later the Soviet Union attempted to exert control over Ukraine, including imposing the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church over Ukrainian churches. However, in 2019, the newly established Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) gained independence from the Russian Orthodox Church, leading to tensions between the two branches. The OCU has now officially adopted the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world, resulting in the celebration of Christmas on 25 December instead of 7 January.

While many Ukrainian worshippers have joined the OCU in recent years, there are still millions who follow the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the other established branch in the country. The UOC has not commented on Ukraine’s decision to move Christmas Day.

In addition to the change in Christmas Day, Ukraine has taken other measures to distance itself from Russia, such as renaming streets with links to Russian and Soviet historical figures, removing certain monuments, and banning Russian films made after 2014. These actions followed Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014.

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SCO summit: Putin says sanctions making Russia stronger

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his country’s opposition to Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking at the virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first international address since the recent mutiny in Russia, Putin expressed defiance towards the West, stating that Russia would counter external sanctions and pressures while continuing to develop. He emphasized the importance of trade agreements between SCO nations in local currencies, seen as a measure to mitigate the impact of sanctions. Putin also welcomed Belarus’s application to become a permanent member of the SCO. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, called for increased trade, connectivity, and tech cooperation among member states.

However, he did not directly address the war in Ukraine or China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s delicate diplomatic position as it strengthens ties with both the West and China. Instead, Modi urged SCO members to cooperate on countering cross-border terrorism, with his statements commonly interpreted as aimed at Pakistan. China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of regional peace and security and called for solidarity and mutual trust among SCO members. All members agreed on the need to maintain stability in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover.

The SCO, formed in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian countries, has gained relevance as relations with the West deteriorate for Russia and China. With around 40% of the world’s population and over 20% of global GDP, the SCO holds significant potential, and the inclusion of Iran as a full member further enhances its energy portfolio.

However, India’s ability to strike a diplomatic balance between its global partners, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, will impact the future of the SCO. Indian diplomats assert their commitment to an independent foreign policy without favoring any particular group.

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Vladimir Putin vows to hold accountable the leaders of the Wagner mutiny

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Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has accused the leaders of the recent Wagner mutiny of seeking to create chaos and conflict within Russia. In a strongly-worded speech, Putin vowed to bring the organizers of the revolt to justice. However, he distinguished the regular Wagner troops as “patriots” and provided them with options to join the army, go to Belarus, or return home. Putin did not specifically mention Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, who had previously denied any involvement in attempting to overthrow Putin’s regime.

Wagner is a private army of mercenaries that has been fighting alongside the Russian military in Ukraine. The mutiny, which was short-lived, involved Wagner fighters seizing a major Russian city and advancing towards Moscow in a convoy of military vehicles. Prigozhin claimed that the revolt was in response to government plans to take direct control of Wagner, citing concerns over mistakes made by defense officials during the war with Ukraine. He insisted that Wagner had always acted in Russia’s interests.

Prigozhin’s comments were his first public statements since reaching a deal to end the mutiny, reportedly involving him going to Belarus with dropped criminal charges. However, Russian state media reported that he remains under investigation. Putin emphasized in his address to the Russian people that the organizers of the march on Moscow would face justice and criticized Prigozhin for betraying Russia. He used the speech to assert his authority and counter the perception of a weak response to the mutiny.

Putin accused the West of wanting Russians to turn against each other, although US President Joe Biden denied any involvement by the US or its allies in the rebellion. Putin claimed that his handling of the crisis prevented a catastrophe, but many Russians witnessed events differently and may not be convinced by his statements. He reiterated his promise to allow Wagner troops who did not engage in violence against fellow Russians to leave for Belarus or sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense or other military and law enforcement structures. Putin credited the unity of Russian society and thanked Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko for his role in peacefully resolving the situation.

The contrast between Putin’s portrayal of a united country and the scenes in Rostov, where locals welcomed and embraced the Wagner fighters, led Putin to suggest that the mercenaries had been deceived and used. The rebellion occurred after months of tensions between Wagner and Russia’s military leadership. The situation escalated when Wagner mercenaries crossed the Ukrainian border and took control of the regional military command in Rostov-on-Don, while a column of military vehicles headed towards Moscow. Prigozhin claimed that the “march of justice” exposed serious security problems across the country and mentioned Lukashenko’s involvement in brokering an agreement to end the mutiny. He expressed regret for the deaths of Russian troops during the conflict but justified their actions as self-defense.

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Wagner Mercenaries in Russian Urban Areas Defy Putin’s Accusations of Rebellion

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Russian Private Military Contractor, Wagner Group’s Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Claims Control of Military Sites in Rostov-on-Don, Defying President Putin’s Accusations of Betrayal

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian private military contractor Wagner Group, has asserted that his mercenaries have taken over “all military facilities” in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don. Reports suggest that they have also been deployed in Voronezh, located further north, following Prigozhin’s threat to march on Moscow and remove Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from power.

President Vladimir Putin has condemned these actions, referring to them as a “stab in the back” and vowing to punish those who have “betrayed” Russia. Security measures have been tightened in numerous regions, including Moscow.

The Wagner Group, known for its involvement alongside the regular Russian army in the conflict in Ukraine, has been experiencing increasing tensions with the military leadership over their differing approaches to the war. Prigozhin has been openly criticizing Russia’s military command in recent months.

The situation escalated dramatically after Prigozhin accused the Russian military of targeting his group’s base in Ukraine, a claim that Moscow denies.

Prigozhin insists that this is not a military coup, but rather an attempt to overthrow Russia’s military leadership. However, President Putin, in his address, described the situation as an act of “treason.”

While Prigozhin was not mentioned by name, President Putin warned that those who engaged in betrayal, armed rebellion, blackmail, or terrorist methods would face severe consequences under the law and before the Russian people.

In response, Prigozhin, for the first time directly criticizing the Russian leader, stated that his troops were “patriots of our motherland” and argued that President Putin was “profoundly mistaken” to accuse them of betrayal.

In a video shared on his Telegram channel, Prigozhin claimed that his fighters had entered Rostov-on-Don after crossing the border from Ukraine, asserting that his forces would eliminate anyone obstructing their path. However, the location and veracity of his claim regarding shooting down a Russian military helicopter that allegedly fired upon a civilian convoy remain unverified.

President Putin acknowledged the challenging situation in Rostov-on-Don, where Wagner forces reportedly control military installations. The city of Voronezh, en route to Moscow, is also said to be under their control, prompting the governor to initiate a “counter-terrorism operation.”

Previously, Prigozhin and President Putin had a close relationship. However, this latest challenge, combined with the complications arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has presented a headache for the Russian leader. Consequently, Putin has taken a firm stance, declaring “enough is enough.”

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