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UK general election: Labour wins an absolute majority in Parliament

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EuropeanTimes
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Keir Starmer by Simon Dawson / N°10 Downing Street - Wikimedia Commons

Following Labour’s victory, the Conservatives suffered their worst defeat since the beginning of the 20th century.

Labour has won the general election by a large margin. Labour secured 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, more than the 326 seats needed to obtain an absolute majority and form the future British government on its own.

The Conservatives suffered their worst result since the beginning of the twentieth century. The centrist Liberal Democrats appear to be gaining strength, while the anti-immigration party Reform UK has scored its first electoral success. Its leader, Nigel Farage, a fervent supporter of Brexit, was elected to the British Parliament.
On the other hand, the Scottish separatists suffered a serious setback, winning only nine seats out of the 57 representing Scotland, compared with 48 previously.

Labour’s comeback

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is set to take office at Downing Street, ending 14 years of opposition for Labour following a resounding victory over the Conservatives in the general election. The election was also marked by a significant surge from the hard right. The 61-year-old former human rights lawyer is expected to be tasked by King Charles III on Friday to form a new government.

The incoming British Prime Minister has promised a “national renewal” for the United Kingdom. “Our task is nothing less than to renew the ideas that hold our country together,” he stated in a speech as his party secured an absolute majority in the next Parliament. “I do not promise you that it will be easy,” he added.

Starmer has vowed to transform the country as he did with the Labour Party, focusing on economic re-centering methodically and pragmatically. He aims to boost growth, revitalize public services, strengthen workers’ rights, reduce immigration, and bring the UK closer to the European Union without reversing Brexit, a campaign taboo.

“Our national renewal is a task that we must undertake with determination and unity,” Starmer said, emphasizing his commitment to tackling the significant challenges facing the country. His approach, characterized by careful planning and steady progress, promises to address the key issues that have plagued the UK for years, offering a hopeful vision for the future.

Conservative Ministers Ousted in UK Elections

In a stunning series of defeats, several key Conservative ministers lost their seats in the latest UK general elections. Leading the fall was Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who lost his North London constituency to a Labour candidate. This was soon followed by Penny Mordaunt, the minister for parliamentary relations and a 2022 contender to succeed former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who also lost her seat.

In an unexpected turn, former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who spent 49 days at Downing Street, lost her South West Norfolk seat. This constituency, a Conservative stronghold since 1959, has now flipped to Labour.

Dozens of incumbent MPs had chosen not to run for re-election, including notable figures such as former Prime Minister Theresa May. Conversely, several prominent Conservatives managed to retain their seats, including Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, and Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch, often mentioned as a potential future leader of the Tories, is considered a strong contender to succeed Rishi Sunak after the party’s defeat.

Unsurprisingly, Rishi Sunak announced his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party. “The Labour Party has won this general election,” Sunak conceded. “The British people have delivered a clear verdict tonight (…) and I take responsibility for this defeat,” added the Prime Minister after being re-elected in his Richmond constituency in Yorkshire.

Electronic medicine – at the intersection of technology and medicine

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Newsdesk
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Electronic medicine – at the intersection of technology and medicine


Imagine a future where your doctor can inject a gel into your tissue and the gel forms a soft current-conducting electrode. This can then be used to treat your nervous system disease. After a while, the electrode has dissolved and vanished. Swedish researchers have already developed the gel and over time they want to be able to connect electronics to biological tissue – such as the brain.

The conductivity of the injectable gel is tested on a microfabricated circuit.

The conductivity of the injectable gel is tested on a microfabricated circuit. Image credit: Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

Electronic medicine is a field of research that does not neatly fit into an existing field.

“Right now you’re talking to a physicist, a chemist and me, who has a background in biomedicine. We work together along with material scientists and electrical engineers to integrate the knowledge from our different fields. For this to work, you need to understand the brain and you need to understand chemistry and physics,” says Hanne Biesmans, PhD student at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LOE, at Linköping University.

The research she refers to is about so-called organic electronics that can be connected to living tissue. The long-term goal is to be able to treat various nervous system and brain diseases. Her colleague Tobias Abrahamsson is a chemist.

“The interdisciplinary nature of our research, where we combine different aspects and fields of knowledge, is very exciting. You could also say that I have a more personal motivation, as in my family there are diseases that affect the nervous system,” he says.

Translates between biology and electronics

But what is organic electronics? And how could it be used to treat diseases – such as epilepsy, depression or Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s – that are difficult to treat nowadays?

“In the body, communication takes place through lots of small molecules, such as neurotransmitters and ions. Neural signalling is for example also a wave of ions that gives rise to an electric impulse. So we want something that can take all that information and act as a translator between ions and electrons,” says Xenofon Strakosas, assistant professor with a background in physics.

In 2023 they managed, together with other researchers at Linköping University, Lund University and the University of Gothenburg, to grow gel electrodes in living tissue.

“Instead of using metals and other inorganic materials to conduct current, electronics can be created using different materials based on carbon and hydrogen atoms – in other words, organic materials – which are conductive. These are more compatible with biological tissues and therefore better suited to integrate with, for example, the body,” says Tobias Abrahamsson.

The organic electronic materials are very useful for conducting biological signals, as they can conduct ions as well as electrons. Also, they are soft, unlike metals.
Electrical brain stimulation is already used to treat some diseases. Electrodes are implanted in the brain, for example to treat Parkinson’s disease.

“But the implants used clinically today are quite rudimentary; they are based on hard or rigid materials such as metals. And our body is soft. So there’s friction, which could lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. Our materials are softer and more compatible with the body,” says Hanne Biesmans.

Electrodes inside plants

As early as some ten years ago, their colleagues at LOE showed that they could make plants suck up a water-soluble substance, which inside the stem of the plant formed a structure that conducts electricity. A kind of electrode, in other words, inside a plant.

The substance in question is a so-called polymer – a substance that consists of many small similar units that together can form long chains through a process called polymerisation. That time, roses were used and the researchers were able to show that they had created organic electrodes. This opened the door to a new field of research.

“But a piece was missing. We didn’t know how to make the polymers form inside mammals and in the brain, for example. But then we realised that we could have enzymes in the gel and use the body’s own substances to start polymerisation,” says Xenofon Strakosas.

The idea led to the researchers now being able to inject the mildly viscous gel-like solution into the tissue. When it comes into contact with the body’s own substances, such as glucose, the properties of the gel changes. And the Swedish researchers were the first in the world to succeed with the method used to activate the formation of electrodes in the tissue.

“The gel self-polymerises in the tissue and becomes electrically conductive. We let biology do it for us,” says Xenofon Strakosas.

Also, it remains in the place where it was injected. This is important because the researchers want to be able to control where in the tissue the gel is located. The research team has shown that they can grow electrodes in the brain of zebrafish and around the nervous system of leeches in this way. They are now investigating whether it also works in mice.

But there is a long way to go before treating diseases with the gel becomes a reality. First, the research team will explore how stable the gel is inside the tissue. Does it break down after a while and what happens then? Another important question is how the conductive gel can be connected to electronics outside the body.

“It’s not the easiest thing to do, but I hope that over time the method can be used to monitor what happens inside the body, down to the cellular level. Then perhaps we can understand more about what triggers or leads to different diseases in the nervous system,” says Tobias Abrahamsson.

“There’s a lot left to solve, but we’re making progress,” says Xenofon Strakosas. It would be awesome if we could eventually use the electrodes to read signals inside the body and use them for research or in healthcare.”

Written by Karin Söderlund Leifler 

Source: Linköping University



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Extra-Time Elation: Spain’s La Roja Edges Past Hosts Germany in EURO 2024 Nail-Biter

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Newsdesk
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Photocredit: Screenshot from RFEF -

Spain secured a spot in the EURO 2024 semi-finals by defeating Germany with a late header from Mikel Merino. The intense quarter-final match was full of excitement and last minute heroics keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the end.

The game started with both teams displaying attacking skills, highlighted by Pedri‘s early shot that tested Neuer. Unfortunately, Pedri had to leave the field due to an injury, allowing Dani Olmo to step in and make an impact.

Throughout the half Spain dominated possession and created scoring chances with Yamal and Olmo getting close to scoring. Germany also showed strength through Havertz‘s header well saved by Unai Simón. The deadlock was broken in the half when Olmo calmly scored a low shot giving Spain the lead and prompting strategic changes, from the German side.

Julian Nagelsmann‘s tactical changes brought a dynamic to the German offense as Niclas Füllkrug and Florian Wirtz posed challenges for the Spanish defense. Füllkrug’s header and Wirtz’s late equalizer heightened the tension of the game pushing it into time with both teams tied at 1-1.

The extra period saw opportunities on both sides with Oyarzabal and Wirtz coming to scoring before the crucial moment unfolded. Merinos powerful header from Olmos cross sparked jubilation among Spanish fans while breaking German hearts. Despite Carvajal‘s red card Spain managed to secure a hard earned victory solidifying their spot in the semi-finals.

Dani Olmo’s outstanding performance earned him the Vivo Player of the Match title, with his goal, assist and defensive contributions playing a role in Spain’s triumph. Post game reactions from coaches and players underscored the intensity and spirit of the match, with Luis de la Fuente commending his team’s determination and Nagelsmann acknowledging Germany’s display despite defeat.

The showdown between Spain and Germany, at EURO 2024 will go down in history as a quarter-final clash that epitomized European football at its finest. The game displayed flashes of brilliance, exciting moments and a strong sense of determination, highlighting the beauty and unpredictability of soccer.

Yemen: UN chief demands release of aid workers held by Houthis

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United Nations News
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Yemen: UN chief demands release of aid workers held by Houthis

Four additional UN staff members have been detained and held incommunicado by the de facto authorities since 2021 and 2023, without access to their families or their respective organizations and agencies. 

“This is an alarming development that raises serious concerns about the Houthis’ commitment to a negotiated solution to the conflict. The United Nations condemns all arbitrary detention of civilians,” Mr. Guterres said. “I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel.”

The UN chief’s call came as he met with his Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in Jordan. They discussed recent developments in Yemen including an escalating crackdown on civic space by the de facto authorities that reportedly led to the arbitrary detention of dozens of UN, NGO, and aid workers.

UN and civil society targeted

The Special Envoy’s Office noted that the four staff held ahead of the latest detentions worked for the UN education, scientific and cultural agency, UNESCO, and the UN human rights office, OHCHR.

The 13 UN staff detained over the past few days included six from OHCHR, one each from the Office of the Special Envoy (OSESGY), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), UN World Health Organization (WHO) and two from UNESCO. At least 11 civil society workers were also arrested.

In the meeting between the Secretary-General and Mr. Grundberg, the Special Envoy briefed on efforts to secure the release of the personnel including a meeting on Monday with Mohamed Abdul Salam, the Houthi chief negotiator, in Muscat. He also met senior Omani officials to solicit support. 

“We are working diligently to secure the immediate and unconditional release of our detained personnel through all available channels,” Mr. Grundberg told UN News, as he called for the release of all arrested NGO workers as well. 

During their encounter, the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy also stressed that the United Nations stands in solidarity with all humanitarian workers and civil society actors who play a crucial role in providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. 

Human rights chief’s call

Echoing the call to immediately release all the detainees, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern about the conditions in which they were being held, while also rejecting false allegations about their activities.

Two of the UN personnel detained last week are women, along with at least one other female civil society worker, continued the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as he insisted on an immediate end to “any further targeting” of human rights and aid workers in Yemen.

The UN human rights office has been working in Yemen since 2012, Mr. Türk noted, “for the promotion and protection of the rights of all the people of Yemen, including through engagement with the de facto authorities”.

Humanitarian crisis impact

The development has added to deepening concerns about the humanitarian emergency in Yemen where needs remain huge.

After nearly a decade of conflict between the internationally recognized government in and despite truce conditions largely holding, aid teams have repeatedly warned that 17.6 million people – half of the population in Yemen – face food insecurity and nearly half of all children under five suffer from moderate to severe stunting. 

According to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, 4.5 million people remain displaced across the Arabian peninsula country, many of whom have experienced multiple displacements over several years, as a result of more than nine years of conflict between the Government of Yemen and the de facto Houthi authority in control of the capital, Sana’a, and other areas of the country.

Top relief official’s plea

According to UN’s top relief official, the recent wave of detentions could have a negative impact on an already dire situation. 

“Aid workers are neutral in a conflict. Their safety and the safety of the civilians they serve must be guaranteed,” said Martin Griffiths, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator to UN News. Ahead of the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha beginning this weekend, he added: “My heart goes out to the families of the detained personnel who fear for the wellbeing of their loved ones instead of celebrating Eid al-Adha together.” 

Peace moves

In his briefing to the Security Council last month, UN Special Envoy Grundberg noted that the warring parties had agreed to a number of commitments in December including a nationwide ceasefire and an inclusive political process under UN auspices. 

However, he warned that announcements by Ansar Allah – the official name for the Houthi movement – to expand the scope of attacks on Red Sea shipping were a “worrisome provocation in an already volatile situation”.

On Tuesday, Mr. Grundberg told UN News that the recent arrests hinder his efforts and erode trust. However, he noted that his efforts to convene the parties to address key issues related to the economy, a nationwide ceasefire and the launch of talks to reach a sustainable political settlement will continue for the benefit of the Yemeni people.

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Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK

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London – In a seismic shift in British politics, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, has achieved a resounding victory in the UK general election, bringing an end to 14 years of Conservative governance. The results, which had been foreshadowed by months of polling, have given Labour its strongest parliamentary majority since 2001.

Labour secured an impressive 412 seats, far surpassing the 326 required for an absolute majority and more than doubling their 2019 performance. This landslide victory marks a dramatic turnaround for the party and signals a clear desire for change among the British electorate.

Upon learning of his victory in his central London constituency, Starmer declared, “The people have spoken, and they are ready for change.” This statement encapsulates the mood of a nation seemingly eager to embark on a new political chapter.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK
Photo credit: UK @RoyalFamily

The Conservative Party, in stark contrast, suffered its worst defeat since its founding in 1834. The Tories lost at least 250 seats compared to their 2019 performance under Boris Johnson, ending up with a mere 121 seats. This historic collapse prompted the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to apologize to “those Conservatives who have lost despite their dedication” while congratulating Starmer on his victory.

The election also saw significant shifts for other parties. The Liberal Democrats, led by Ed Davey, emerged as the third-largest party with 71 seats, a gain of 63 from the previous election. The Scottish National Party (SNP) experienced a dramatic decline, securing only nine seats, a loss of 38 compared to 2019. Sinn Fein, the Irish republican party, maintained its seven seats.

ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw== Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK
Keir Starmer Secures Historic Labour Victory, Ending 14 Years of Conservative Rule in UK 5

In a surprising development, the nationalist-populist Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, entered Parliament with four seats, exceeding all poll predictions. The Green Party quadrupled its representation, winning four seats in total.

Starmer’s first address as Prime Minister was filled with promises of change and renewal. “We did it!” he exclaimed, emphasizing that Britons would wake up to find “a weight has finally been lifted from the shoulders of this great nation.” He stressed the urgency of rebuilding trust in politics and committed to serving all citizens, regardless of their voting preferences.

The new Prime Minister outlined his government’s priorities, including improving security on streets and borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and enhancing opportunities in education and employment. “Changing a country isn’t as easy as pressing a button,” Starmer cautioned, “We will rebuild the United Kingdom, brick by brick.”

Rishi Sunak, in his farewell speech, acknowledged the clear signal for change sent by the electorate. “I have heard your anger and disappointment. I take responsibility for these results,” he stated. Sunak announced his intention to step down as Conservative Party leader, but not immediately, allowing time for a formal process to choose his successor.

The election also marked a personal triumph for Nigel Farage, who finally won a parliamentary seat on his eighth attempt, representing Clacton-on-Sea. Farage hailed his party’s performance as “extraordinary” and vowed to fill what he sees as a “huge void in the center-right.”

In regional developments, Sinn Fein became the largest Northern Irish party in the British Parliament for the first time, maintaining its seven seats while the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) fell to four. In Scotland, the SNP lost its dominance, dropping from 48 seats in 2019 to just 8, with Labour making significant gains. Wales saw the Conservatives lose all representation, with Labour dominating the results.

As the United Kingdom enters this new political era under Starmer’s leadership, the country faces significant challenges. The incoming government must address economic concerns, social policies, and perhaps most critically, work to restore public trust in the political system. The scale of Labour’s victory suggests a strong mandate for change, but the real test lies in translating this electoral success into effective governance in the years to come.

UK parliamentary elections: Labour heavily favoured, Rishi Sunak Faces Imminent Defeat

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EuropeanTimes
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By David Hunt from Warwickshire, UK - [1], CC BY 2.0 - The Palace of Westminster in London, home of the House of Commons.

ELECTIONS-Britons vote this Thursday to renew the 650 seats in the House of Commons. Polls across the UK are unanimous: Rishi Sunak is unlikely to remain Prime Minister after Friday.

As Britons vote in Thursday’s general election, a new chapter in the country’s history is set to begin. The Conservative Party, after 14 tumultuous years in power, is facing severe unpopularity.

The question now is not whether the Conservatives will lose, but by how much Labour will win and the extent of Rishi Sunak’s defeat, as he has failed to gain any significant momentum after 20 months in office. Approximately 46 million voters are expected to cast their ballots to renew the 650 seats in the House of Commons. Each MP is elected through a single-member district plurality voting system. Polling stations will be open from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Numerous Crises Since 2010

From Brexit turmoil and managing the Covid-19 pandemic to soaring prices, increased poverty, an overstretched public health system, and a revolving door of Prime Ministers, the succession of crises since 2010 has created a strong desire for change. In recent days, even Conservatives have admitted they are fighting not to win but to limit Labour’s promised majority.

Barring any surprises, it will be Keir Starmer, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, who will be tasked by King Charles III on Friday to form a government. Starmer has shifted his party back to the center-left and promised a return to “serious” governance.

For Rishi Sunak, the fifth Conservative Prime Minister in 14 years, this election marks the end of a campaign that has become an ordeal. Despite trying to take the initiative by calling for an early election in July rather than waiting until autumn, the disastrous image of his announcement in the pouring rain without an umbrella lingered, leaving his party seemingly unprepared.

Sunak, a 44-year-old former investment banker and finance minister, has made numerous missteps and appeared politically tone-deaf. His strategy largely involved accusing Labour of planning to raise taxes, and in recent days, warning of the risks of a “super majority” that would leave Labour without any checks and balances, effectively conceding defeat.

In contrast, Keir Starmer has highlighted his modest beginnings—his mother was a nurse, and his father was a toolmaker—standing in stark contrast to his multimillionaire opponent. To counter right-wing attacks and distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn’s costly program, Starmer has promised strict management of public finances with no tax increases. He aims to revive growth through stability, state interventions, and infrastructure investments. However, he has cautioned that he does not have a “magic wand,” and Britons, according to polls, have tempered expectations for significant change.

Ukraine: UN report reveals ‘horrific toll’ of Russian attacks

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United Nations News
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Ukraine: UN report reveals ‘horrific toll’ of Russian attacks

Released on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), the report explained the hardships civilians faced, including physical and long-term socioeconomic harm.

It also emphasised the human rights impact of Russia’s renewed large-scale attacks on critical energy infrastructure in March, the ground offensive in the Kharkiv region in May and other developments in occupied and Government-controlled areas of Ukraine.

Relentless attacks

“With May having the highest monthly number of civilian casualties in nearly a year, fighting this spring took a horrific toll on civilians, particularly in Kharkiv region and city,” said Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU.

“The relentless attacks resulted in tragic loss of life, displacement, and destruction of homes and businesses,” she added.

According to the report, between 1 March and 31 May, at least 436 civilians were killed and a further 1,760 injured as a result of conflict-related violence. Casualties included six media workers, 26 employees of healthcare institutions, five humanitarian workers, and 28 emergency service workers.

It added that the majority (91 per cent) of the casualties occurred in territory controlled by Ukraine, and nine per cent in Russian-occupied territory.

In the reporting period, Russian authorities reported that 91 civilians were killed and 455 injured in the Russia from attacks launched by Ukrainian armed forces, primarily in Belgorod, Briansk, and Kursk regions.

Powerful weapons

UN monitors identified the use of powerful air-dropped bombs and missiles in populated areas and at least five instances of successive attacks on the same location, just as first responders arrived on the scene, causing casualties.

The spring escalation in hostilities also saw Russian armed forces launch their “largest campaign of attacks” against critical energy infrastructure since the winter of 2022-23, killing and injuring civilians, while also affecting millions of people across the country with power cuts, the report said.

Rippling effects

The attacks also had rippling consequences on water supplies, mobile and internet access, and public transportation, Ms. Bell noted.

“The full impact of the attacks on energy infrastructure will only be clear this upcoming winter when the reduced power-generating capacity of Ukraine could leave many without access to heating and other services necessary for their survival,” she said.

Among other findings, the report noted that the Russian armed forces pressured civilians in occupied territory to get Russian citizenship to receive medical services and keep their property rights.

The report will be presented to the Geneva-based Human Rights Council on 9 July.

UN Assembly President visits Ukraine

On Wednesday, the President of the UN General Assembly completed a two-day official visit to Kyiv, where he met with several official leaders including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his discussions Assembly President Dennis Francis stressed that the Russian aggression against Ukraine violated the UN Charter.

He reiterated the General Assembly’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Mr. Francis also noted that the Organization has worked closely with the Government, local authorities and international partners to rebuild Ukraine from the destruction.

“I would like to think the darkest of the night is behind Ukraine, not ahead of it,” he said, expressing hope that the recent Summit for Peace in Ukraine would bring further progress in the near future.

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The European Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against a Bulgarian milk producer

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Newsroom
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Photo: Laura Kövesi. Source: European Chief Prosecutor’s Office

The European Prosecutor’s Office announced that it has filed charges against a Bulgarian dairy farmer who received funds from the EU fraudulently, BTA reported.

The accused submitted forged documents in order to be able to build a milk processing workshop with European funds. He has asked the State Fund “Agriculture” for 474,000 euros for this purpose. For the advance payment of half of the contract amount, the accused presented a bank guarantee, which was rejected by the paying agency due to non-compliance with the requirements. He later submitted more forged documents to make it appear that the necessary changes had been made. With this fraud, the accused received half of the project funds (237,000 euros). The investigation found that the EU-funded works had not been carried out.

If found guilty, the accused could be sentenced to between two and eight years in prison, the EU prosecutor’s office said.

Note: Laura Codruța Kövesi is the former chief prosecutor of Romania’s National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA in Romanian), a position she held from 2013 to 9 July 2018. Prior to this, between 2006 and 2012 Laura Kövesi was the Prosecutor General of Romania, attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice. She was the first woman and the youngest Prosecutor General in Romania’s history. In October 2019, Laura Kövesi was confirmed by the European Parliament and the Council as the first European Chief Prosecutor to head the recently created European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO), EU Regulation (EU) 2017/1939.

Global Crisis of Physical Inactivity: Nearly 1.8 Billion Adults at Risk of Disease, Warns WHO

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silhouette of three women running on grey concrete road
Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

Geneva, 5 July 2024 — In a stark warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), new data reveal that nearly one-third of adults globally, approximately 1.8 billion people, failed to meet recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This alarming statistic marks a significant increase in physical inactivity, rising from 26% in 2010 to 31% in 2022, highlighting a worsening global health crisis.

The study, conducted in collaboration with academic researchers and published in The Lancet Global Health journal, underscores the widespread prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle and its dire consequences. The WHO recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Insufficient physical activity is linked to a higher risk of severe health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes), type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers like breast and colon cancer.

“If this trend continues unchecked, the rate of physical inactivity could rise to 35% by 2030, further derailing global health goals,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We must urgently renew our commitment to promoting physical activity, prioritizing strong policies and increasing funding to reverse this troubling trend.”

Regional Disparities and Vulnerable Groups

The report lays bare significant regional disparities in physical activity levels. The highest rates of inactivity were recorded in high-income Asia Pacific regions (48%) and South Asia (45%), with other regions ranging from 28% in high-income Western countries to as low as 14% in Oceania. Furthermore, the data reveal noteworthy gender and age disparities: 34% of women are inactive compared to 29% of men, with some countries exhibiting a gender gap as wide as 20 percentage points. Additionally, individuals over 60 years old are notably less active than younger adults, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions for older populations.

“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, significantly contributing to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “To tackle this issue, we must innovate in motivating people to become more active, taking into account factors like age, environment, and cultural background. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable, we can drastically reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and foster a healthier, more productive population.”

Signs of Hope and the Path Forward

While the overall picture is concerning, there are glimmers of progress. Nearly half of the countries analyzed have shown improvements in physical activity levels over the past decade. Moreover, 22 countries are on track to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030 if current trends persist.

In response to these findings, the WHO is urging countries to intensify efforts in policy implementation to encourage and facilitate physical activity. Suggested measures include promoting grassroots and community sports, active recreation, and transport options like walking, cycling, and the use of public transport.

“Promoting physical activity transcends individual lifestyle choices; it demands a whole-of-society approach,” affirmed Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity. “Creating environments that make physical activity easier and safer will help ensure everyone can enjoy its numerous health benefits.”

To address this growing crisis, collective efforts from governments, nongovernmental organizations, and community stakeholders are vital. Enhanced investments in innovative strategies are necessary to reach the least active individuals and reduce access inequalities.

The WHO’s urgent call to action aims to reverse the rising tide of physical inactivity by fostering a global environment conducive to active, healthy living. Achieving this requires a concerted effort that spans policy reform, community engagement, and individual commitment to embrace a more active lifestyle for the benefit of global public health.

Russia – Three Jehovah’s Witnesses sentenced to 78, 74 and 27 months in prison

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Willy Fautre
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Courtesy of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Gevorg Yeritsyan, a Jehovah’s Witness sentenced to 6 years and 2 months in prison at the end of June, declared in court  at the end of his trial:

“Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced persecution at different times and in different countries. But what’s interesting is that after the persecution they were always exonerated. This was the case for Witnesses persecuted in Nazi Germany (link) and under the Soviet Union.”

“After the end of the Soviet rule in 1991 the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) in Russia was officially registered. JW were rehabilitated and deemed victims of unjustified repression against believers after Boris Yeltsin’s decree in 1996.” (Religion During the Russian Ukrainian Conflict, 2019, p. 226)

The court decision

On June 26, Nikolay Egorov, judge of the Novocherkassk City Court of the Rostov Region, sentenced three Jehovah’s Witnesses (two men; one woman) to prison for up to 6.5 years.

Judge Egorov ignored evidence that included a statement by Russia’s own Foreign Ministry:

“Members of a liquidated organization may worship independently, including as part of religious groups that do not require registration.” The two men already spent more than 22 months in pretrial detention, while the woman over 16 months.

  • Garegin Khachaturyan: 6.5 years
  • Gevorg Yeritsyan: 6 years and 2 months
  • Lyubov Galitsyna: 2 years and 3 months

“Although the Supreme Court liquidated the legal entities of Jehovah’s Witnesses in April 2017, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has clearly stated that Jehovah’s Witnesses are free to continue to worship individually or with others”, said Jarrod Lopes, a spokesperson for world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“The 2017 decision is being shamelessly abused by local authorities to strip Jehovah’s Witnesses of their constitutional right to peacefully worship. This court-sanctioned religious discrimination is a cold heartless attack on Witness families, where spouses are separated for years and innocent children, like those of Garegin and Gevorg, have their fathers taken from them at a very critical time when they need their father’s love, guidance, and support more than ever. 

We hope soon the authorities will likewise see the value of devout Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russian society, release those in prison, and allow them to freely worship with their families as well as to return to promoting the morals and neighborly love that will further unite and beautify their communities.”

Case History

  • August 11, 2022. At 6 a.m., armed security forces raided 10 homes of Witnesses in Novocherkassk (Rostov region), including the village of Hrushevskaya. Officers confiscated Bibles, electronic devices, money, and bank cards. All were taken for interrogation. Garegin Khachaturyan and Gevorg Yeritsyan were court-ordered to pretrial detention
  • August 16. Returning from vacation, Lyubov Galitsyna discovered she had been summoned for interrogation and immediately reported. Anticipating a possible arrest, she took essentials and medicines with her
  • August 17. Novocherkassk City Court ordered Galitsyna to pretrial detention. Some 30 fellow believers risked their freedom to come to the court to support her
  • January 18, 2023. She appealed for release from pretrial detention. She reminded the court that she never had any intention to hide or flee, citing that she quickly reported when called for interrogation. She also explained that her diabetes and hypertension have worsened while in detention. The court denied her appeal
  • August 2, 2023. Her leg grew numb. She requested exam and seeked release from detention
  • September 20, 2023. Criminal trial began
  • December 25, 2023. She was released and placed under house arrest. While in pretrial detention, she received over 4,000 letters of support from friends
  • February 19, 2024. Surveillance video of meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses was examined. Experts testified that they heard nothing that could be construed as extremist
  • March 22, 2024. Sergey Astapov, Doctor of Philosophy, Head of the Department of Philosophy of Religion and Religious Studies of the Institute of Philosophy and Socio-Political Sciences (Southern Federal University), testified the Witnesses are law-abiding citizens and asserted that there can be no extremist calls from Jehovah’s Witnesses simply for devoutly following Biblical doctrines. (link to Astapov’s academic bio)
  • May 14, 2024. The defense asked the court to consider the statement by Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted above (link to more information), as well as the European Court of Human Rights decision (LRO Taganrog and others v. the Russian Federation) that declared the 2017 ban unjustified and unlawful (link to summary of decision)
  • June 26, 2024. All three were convicted and sentenced. The men returned to their respective detention centers. Lyubov Galitsyna’s sentence was considered satisfied due to her time in pretrial detention and under house arrest

Biographies of the convicts

  • Garegin Khachaturyan: 56 years old
    • Born in Azerbaijan
    • 1994, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
    • 1995, moved to Russia
    • 2008, married Ksenia. They have a son named Timothy
  • Gevorg Yeritsyan: 37 years old
    • 2010, married Melina
    • 2013, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They have two minor children
  • Lyubov Galitsyna: 68 years old
    • 1997, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses
    • Has grandchildren from her two adult children
    • Widowed in 2015

Persecution in numbers | Russia and Crimea

  • 2,102 homes of Jehovah’s Witnesses raided since 2017 ban
  • 811 men and women criminally charged for their belief in God
  • 134 men and women in prison as of today; a total of 427 have spent some time behind bars since 2017
  • 506 men and women have been added to Russia’s federal list of extremists/terrorists

See 128 documented cases in HRWF Database of FORB Prisoners

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