A historic medieval tower in Rome, the Torre dei Conti, partially collapsed on Monday during renovation work, leaving at least one worker seriously injured. The incident occurred near the iconic Roman Forum ruins, drawing the attention of hundreds of tourists who witnessed the dramatic scene. Firefighters swiftly responded, using a mobile ladder and stretchers to rescue three workers, while one remained trapped inside the structure. During the rescue operation, another section of the tower collapsed, creating a cloud of debris and forcing firefighters to retreat from their elevated position. The extent of additional injuries remains unclear. Built in the 13th century by Pope Innocent III as a family residence, the Torre dei Conti has a history of structural damage, including collapses in the 17th century and damage from a 1349 earthquake. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were present at the scene to assess the situation.
分类： society
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Dutch court tries an Eritrean man accused of brutal migrant smuggling
A high-profile trial commenced in Zwolle, Netherlands, on Monday, involving Tewelde Goitom, an Eritrean man accused of orchestrating a vast migrant smuggling network. Prosecutors allege that Goitom, also known as Amanuel Walid, facilitated the perilous journey of East African migrants to Europe under harrowing conditions, extorting exorbitant sums from their families to secure their release from Libyan detention camps. Goitom, who appeared in court wearing jeans and a blue puffer jacket, maintains his innocence, claiming a case of mistaken identity. He was extradited to the Netherlands in 2022 from Ethiopia, where he had been convicted of similar offenses. The trial, described as one of the largest human smuggling cases in Dutch history, is expected to span three weeks. The proceedings were delayed due to the extradition of another key suspect, Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam, a notorious human trafficker who escaped custody in Ethiopia in 2020. Habtemariam, currently detained in the United Arab Emirates, is set to be extradited to the Netherlands. Prosecutors aim to merge the two cases, while Goitom’s defense hopes Habtemariam’s testimony will exonerate their client. Dutch authorities assert jurisdiction, citing alleged crimes committed within the Netherlands, though defense lawyers argue the lack of a clear connection. The case highlights the plight of Eritrean migrants fleeing a repressive regime, with the Netherlands hosting approximately 28,000 people of Eritrean descent. The trial underscores the broader challenges of global migration and the exploitation faced by vulnerable populations.
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France threatens to block Shein over sale of childlike sex dolls ahead of Paris store opening
French authorities have issued a stern warning to the online fast fashion giant Shein, threatening to block its access to the French market following the discovery of childlike sex dolls on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), France’s consumer watchdog, revealed last week that Shein had been selling these dolls, which were described and categorized in a manner that strongly suggested their child-pornographic nature. The agency has escalated the matter to public prosecutors, and Economy Minister Roland Lescure has stated that he will seek to ban Shein from operating in France if such incidents recur. ‘This is provided for by law,’ Lescure emphasized during an interview with BFM TV, citing the government’s authority to prohibit market access in cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, or child pornography. Under French law, the distribution of child-pornographic materials via electronic networks carries severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and a €100,000 ($115,000) fine. The DGCCRF has issued a formal notice to Shein, demanding immediate corrective actions. Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The company, known for its rapid global expansion and low-cost fashion, has faced criticism for its labor practices and environmental impact. The controversy comes just days before Shein is set to open its first permanent physical store in Paris, a move that has already sparked significant backlash, with an online petition against the store garnering over 100,000 signatures.
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Australian mushroom murderer appeals against convictions
Erin Patterson, the Australian woman convicted of the infamous ‘mushroom murders,’ has officially filed an appeal against her life sentence. The 51-year-old was found guilty in 2023 of murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth by serving a toxic mushroom meal at her home in Victoria, Australia. Her victims included her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived but continues to suffer from severe health complications due to the poisoning. Patterson maintained her innocence throughout the 11-week trial, claiming the incident was a tragic accident. However, a unanimous jury verdict found her guilty on all charges, resulting in one of the longest sentences ever handed to a female offender in Australia—life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years. Patterson’s legal team successfully secured an extension to file the appeal, citing potential legal errors in the trial. The grounds for the appeal remain undisclosed. The case, which captivated the public and media, revealed chilling details, including allegations that Patterson had foraged deadly mushrooms and lied about having cancer to lure her victims. Her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who had been invited to the fatal meal but canceled last minute, also claimed to have been poisoned by her in the past. Patterson is currently held in a maximum-security prison, isolated due to her ‘major offender status.’ The appeal process marks a new chapter in this high-profile case, which continues to draw significant attention.
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UAE weather: Rains expected; Dubai to see lows of 22ºC
As November sets in, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for a shift in weather patterns, with cooler temperatures and sporadic rainfall expected across the region. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), light rains are forecasted for Monday, November 3, accompanied by partly cloudy skies. Coastal and island areas are likely to experience increased cloud cover.
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Irish campaigner and advocate Sister Stan dies aged 86
Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, a revered campaigner and advocate for the marginalized, has passed away at the age of 86. Known affectionately as Sr Stan, she died on Monday morning at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Born Treasa Kennedy on 19 June 1939 near Lispole on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, she left home at 18 to join the Sisters of Charity, adopting the name Sr Stanislaus Kennedy. In 1985, she founded Focus Point, now known as Focus Ireland, after conducting research into the needs of homeless women in Dublin during the 1980s. Throughout her life, Sr Stan established numerous voluntary organizations and was appointed the first chair of the Combat Poverty Agency. In 2001, she expanded her advocacy to include immigrants, founding the Immigrant Council of Ireland to assist those from migrant backgrounds. The Religious Sisters of Charity praised her tireless efforts to support the homeless, immigrants, and disadvantaged communities across Ireland and beyond. Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan remarked, ‘Her vision will continue to guide us, we will not see her like again, that is for sure.’ Taoiseach Micheál Martin described her as a ‘true Christian’ who dedicated her life to helping those ‘on the margins.’
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Pregnant British teen arrested for drug smuggling in Georgia released after guilty verdict
TBILISI, Georgia — Bella May Culley, a 19-year-old British teenager who was arrested in Georgia earlier this year on drug smuggling charges, was released from prison on Monday following a plea deal. Culley, who is pregnant, was detained in May at Tbilisi Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish into the country. On Monday, a Georgian court found her guilty and sentenced her to five months and 25 days in prison, equivalent to the time she had already served in custody. As part of the plea agreement, her family paid a fine of 500,000 lari (approximately $184,000).
Culley and her mother, Lyanne Kennedy, were visibly emotional during the court proceedings, embracing each other after the verdict was announced. Georgian prosecutors had initially considered a two-year prison sentence but opted to account for the time Culley had already served. Case prosecutor Vakhtang Tsalughelashvili stated that the decision was influenced by Culley’s confession, her age, and her pregnancy.
Culley’s lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, confirmed that she would be allowed to leave the country and regain her passport. Salakhaia praised the court’s decision, emphasizing that Culley had been sincere throughout the investigation. The teenager had initially faced a potential sentence of up to 15 years or life imprisonment under Georgian law. However, the country’s legal system permits financial plea agreements in certain cases, particularly those involving drug-related offenses.
Prior to her arrest in Georgia on May 10, Culley had been reported missing in Thailand. She claimed she was tortured in Thailand and coerced into carrying the drugs. Salakhaia noted that Culley displayed visible signs of physical abuse upon her arrival in Georgia. The case has drawn significant attention due to its international implications and the unusual circumstances surrounding Culley’s involvement.
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Federal workers feel squeeze for food during shutdown
As the federal government shutdown extends into its fifth week, hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the United States are grappling with severe financial strain, forcing many to seek assistance from food banks to feed their families. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a political impasse over healthcare funding and other policy priorities, has left 1.4 million federal employees without pay, including 670,000 furloughed workers and 730,000 who continue to work without compensation. In Queens, New York, long lines of federal workers formed outside a church on October 28, waiting to collect basic produce like peppers, onions, and carrots from the Food Bank For New York City. Among them was Jacquelin, a federal employee who tearfully shared her struggles, including the inability to celebrate her daughter’s birthday or afford basic meals. Christina Dechabert, a Transportation Security Administration employee at JFK Airport, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at having to dip into savings meant for retirement to cover daily expenses. The crisis has also impacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with November benefits delayed for over 40 million Americans, deepening food insecurity nationwide. Legal battles have ensued, with dozens of states suing the Trump administration over the SNAP cuts, while federal judges ruled on October 31 that SNAP funding must continue during the shutdown. Economically, the shutdown is projected to cause significant losses, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating a permanent $7 billion hit to the U.S. economy if it ends this week, and up to $14 billion if it extends through November 26. The travel industry is also suffering, with national parks partially closed and airports experiencing delays due to staffing shortages. While federal workers will receive backpay once the government reopens, contractors face permanent losses. Economists warn that the shutdown disproportionately affects lower-income Americans, exacerbating inequality and eroding trust in the political system. As negotiations remain stalled in Washington, the human toll of the shutdown continues to grow, with federal workers bearing the brunt of the crisis.
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UK police charge man with attempted murder over train stabbing that wounded 11 people
In a shocking incident that has rattled the United Kingdom, a 32-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder following a mass stabbing attack on a train that left 11 people injured. Anthony Williams, a British citizen from Peterborough, faces 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possession of a bladed article in connection with the attack that occurred on Saturday evening. Additionally, Williams is charged with attempted murder in a separate incident at Pontoon Dock light rail station in London earlier the same day. Authorities are investigating potential links to other offenses. The British Transport Police have confirmed that the stabbings are not being treated as an act of terrorism, and no other suspects are being sought. A second man, initially arrested, was released without charge after it was determined he was not involved. The attack, which lasted several minutes, caused widespread panic among passengers on a train traveling from Doncaster to London. The most seriously injured victim, a railway staff member who attempted to intervene, is in critical but stable condition and has been hailed as a hero by police. Williams was arrested when the train made an emergency stop in Huntingdon, with authorities detaining him within eight minutes of receiving the first emergency calls. While the attack is considered an isolated incident, security on the railway has been heightened, with armed police officers patrolling major train stations on Monday.
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Ordos lures travelers to its stunning landscapes
As the sun sets over the desert dunes of Ordos in Inner Mongolia, casting the sky in hues of amber and orange, South Korean tourists eagerly capture the moment on their phones. This breathtaking desert sunset, often highlighted on social media, has become a must-see attraction for many. ‘I saw a video of the desert’s starry sky and knew I had to come,’ shared Son Hye-ryeong, a visitor from Seoul. ‘It feels like being in a movie.’ Son is among the increasing number of South Korean tourists flocking to Ordos in recent months. According to Hou Le, head of the Ordos Culture and Tourism Bureau’s resource development division, the city has experienced a ‘dramatic surge’ in tourism. Last year, Ordos welcomed 35,000 inbound tourists, marking a 327 percent increase from the previous year, with over 10,000 visitors arriving from South Korea on 108 charter flights. This momentum has continued into this year, with 11,737 South Korean tourists arriving by early October on 83 charter flights, boasting a remarkable 98 percent seat occupancy rate. Tourists are not only drawn to Ordos for its stunning landscapes but also for its immersive cultural experiences. ‘They are not just here for the scenery. They are here to have an experience,’ said Li Yanhong, head of the Ordos grassland tourist area at Inner Mongolia Mengzhilyu Holiday Travel Co. The grassland area features 158 Mongolian yurts, catering to visitors’ interest in traditional accommodations. Another highlight is the large-scale equestrian show ‘Hero,’ which blends horsemanship with storytelling, offering highly shareable moments for social media. The desert itself also attracts tourists with activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and stargazing. ‘Many South Korean tourists love to walk barefoot on the sand. They find the texture soothing,’ said Quan Tianshi, head of Ordos Lianxing International Travel Agency. ‘But the most memorable moments are often the silent ones — watching the sunset or lying on the dunes under a full sky of stars. It’s an escape they can’t find in the city.’ A viral video from a South Korean travel blogger last year led to a several-fold increase in bookings, showcasing the powerful influence of social media. Recognizing this demand, Ordos has expanded its air corridor, launching direct flights from Seoul, Cheongju, Gwangju, Jeju, and recently, Incheon, Daegu, and Busan. Key scenic spots like the Ordos grassland and Xiangshawan scenic area now feature Korean-language signs and guides, and over 2,500 hotels accept passport check-ins, with improvements underway for foreign card payments and currency exchange. These thoughtful touches have not gone unnoticed. ‘We had Korean-speaking guides throughout our four-day trip, and there were signs in Korean. It felt very thoughtful,’ said South Korean tourist Park Sang-woo. The combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and visitor-friendly services is reshaping Ordos’ tourism. As evening falls on the grasslands, tourists gather around bonfires, joining locals in song and dance — a shared moment connecting different cultures under the same vast sky.