Three Bulgarian men are currently facing trial in Paris for their alleged involvement in spray-painting blood-red hands on the city’s Holocaust Memorial. This act of vandalism, which occurred last year, has been linked by French intelligence services to a broader Russian campaign aimed at destabilizing France and other Western societies. Approximately 500 red hands were painted on a wall commemorating those who aided Jews during World War II, as well as in nearby neighborhoods. Initially, the graffiti was interpreted in the context of the Gaza conflict, which has heightened antisemitic tensions across Europe. However, court documents reveal that French intelligence believes this act was part of a long-term Russian strategy to sow division, inflame social tensions, and disseminate misinformation through paid proxies. European governments have increasingly accused Russia of orchestrating sabotage campaigns, including vandalism, arson, and bombing attempts. Four Bulgarians were charged in this case, but only three are in custody and present for the trial. The alleged ringleader, Mircho Angelov, remains at large. Georgi Filipov, the first to testify, admitted to painting the red hands in exchange for 1,000 euros to support his 9-year-old son. He claimed he was unaware of the antisemitic implications until after returning to Bulgaria. Kiril Milushev, another defendant, testified that he filmed the graffiti for 500 euros and expressed regret for his involvement. Nikolay Ivanov, the third defendant, denied any pro-Russian connections and stated he merely assisted a friend by purchasing travel tickets and hotel accommodations. The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy and aggravated degradation of property based on race, ethnicity, or religion, with potential prison sentences if convicted. Plaintiffs in the case include the Paris Holocaust Memorial and the League against Racism and Antisemitism. This trial marks the first of several unusual incidents in France over the past two years, including the appearance of blue Stars of David on Paris buildings, coffins at the Eiffel Tower, and severed pigs’ heads near mosques, all of which are under investigation for potential Russian involvement.
分类： society
-
Cruise ship ‘failed’ woman who was left on island and died, family says
The daughter of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind by a cruise ship on a remote island and later died has accused the operator of a ‘failure of care and common sense.’ Suzanne Rees, a healthy and active woman from New South Wales, was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, on Sunday. She had been hiking with fellow passengers the previous day but was not on the ship when it departed hours later. Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed her shock and sadness, stating that the Coral Adventurer left ‘without my mum.’ She criticized the cruise operator for not ensuring her mother’s safety, especially given the extreme heat and her mother’s need to rest during the hike. Suzanne had been on the first stop of a 60-day cruise around Australia, which had departed from Cairns earlier in the week. Passengers, who pay tens of thousands of dollars for the cruise, were taken to Lizard Island for a day trip with options for hiking or snorkeling. Suzanne had joined a group hike to the island’s highest peak, Cook’s Look, but separated from the group to rest. Katherine Rees revealed that her mother fell ill during the hike and was instructed to return unescorted. The ship allegedly departed without conducting a passenger count, leaving Suzanne alone on the island. Katherine hopes a coronial inquiry will determine what actions the company could have taken to save her mother’s life. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is investigating the incident and will meet with the ship’s crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. AMSA was first alerted to Suzanne’s disappearance by the ship’s captain at around 21:00 local time on Saturday. A search party was dispatched but failed to locate her until her body was discovered by a helicopter on Sunday morning. Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, expressed deep sorrow for the tragedy and assured that the company is cooperating with authorities. The Coral Adventurer, designed to access remote areas of Australia’s coast, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Harriet Mallinson, a cruise editor, noted that such incidents are rare, as cruise ships typically have robust systems to track passenger movements. She described the event as a ‘shocking and tragic one-off.’
-
Former NYC hate crimes head sues mayor Eric Adams for discrimination: Report
Hassan Naveed, the former executive director of New York City’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams and the city, alleging he faced discrimination based on his religion and ethnicity during his tenure. The lawsuit, filed at the State Supreme Court in Manhattan, claims Naveed endured a hostile work environment, particularly after the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, when his Muslim identity came under scrutiny. Naveed alleges that two superiors questioned him about his views on the attacks, including the controversial claim of “beheaded babies.”
In October 2023, Naveed and other Muslim colleagues met with Adams to address concerns over his aides sharing anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian content on social media. According to the lawsuit, Adams allegedly blamed Muslims for experiencing hate due to their perceived failure to condemn Hamas and compared pro-Palestine marches to “Ku Klux Klan protests.”
Adams, who has cultivated strong ties with Israel, terminated Naveed’s employment in April 2024. A spokesperson for the mayor stated that Naveed was dismissed for poor job performance and denied any discrimination. The lawsuit follows Adams’ recent controversial remarks endorsing Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral candidacy, where he warned against “Islamic extremism” and criticized his political opponent, Zohran Mamdani, as a “communist.”
Adams’ comments have drawn widespread criticism for being Islamophobic, with critics accusing him of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The lawsuit and Adams’ statements have sparked a broader debate about religious and ethnic discrimination in New York City’s leadership.
-
Teenage cricketer dies in Melbourne after being hit by ball
A 17-year-old boy from Melbourne has tragically lost his life after being struck by a cricket ball during a practice session. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Ferntree Gully, where the teenager was training in cricket nets. Reports indicate that he was hit in the head or neck by a ball from an automatic bowling machine, despite reportedly wearing a helmet. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 17:00 local time (06:00 GMT), and the boy was rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Despite being placed on life support, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. The boy’s local cricket club expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as a ‘tragic passing’ that would deeply affect the entire cricket community. Arnie Walters, president of the local cricket association, highlighted the boy’s talent and popularity, stating that the news would weigh heavily on the community. The club extended its condolences to the boy’s family and friends in a social media post, urging respect for their privacy during this difficult time. They also expressed gratitude to Ambulance Victoria, the police, and hospital staff for their efforts. The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2014 death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, which led to significant improvements in safety equipment for the sport. The BBC has reached out to Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria for further comment.
-
UAE: How ex-marines bring military grit to local fitness scene with bootcamp
A groundbreaking fitness initiative in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is redefining the local exercise scene by introducing civilians to the rigors of military training. Spearheaded by four seasoned military veterans from the US and UK, the ZD30 programme blends authentic combat-inspired workouts with amphibious training, emphasizing mental resilience and real-life readiness. Founded by former US Marine Scott Blydenburgh, alongside retired US Marine Corps Scout Sniper Akim Jones and Royal Marines veterans Jordan Penman and Jordan Riley, ZD30 has quickly gained traction, attracting over 100 participants since its launch in mid-September. The programme’s unique structure includes four core training modules: amphibious exercises focusing on water-based resilience and breath control, military calisthenics for body-weight strength, operational strength drills involving carrying and lifting, and combat fit sessions simulating high-intensity scenarios. Patricia Jimenez, a co-founder, highlights the programme’s focus on practical skills and mental fortitude, stating, ‘We’re not building bigger muscles or better abs — we’re working on mental resilience.’ Participants like Brian Hogan, an IT project manager and athlete, praise the programme’s emphasis on discipline and teamwork, noting that punctuality and accountability are non-negotiable. The bootcamp’s amphibious sessions, inspired by US Marines’ water operations, are particularly challenging, designed to teach participants to remain calm and coordinated under pressure. Upcoming events include a special community workout on November 15 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps. Classes are held weekly in both cities, with monthly community events and specialised sessions available. Each class costs Dh80 and can be booked through the Meet and Train app. The programme’s founders aim to create a meaningful fitness community focused on real-life preparedness rather than vanity. ‘Real fitness means being ready for life,’ Patricia added, reflecting on her personal motivation to stay strong for her daughter. The ZD30 initiative is a testament to the UAE’s thriving fitness culture, offering a unique blend of military discipline and civilian fitness aspirations.
-
Guangzhou exempts kindergarten fees for select age groups
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, has announced a significant policy change in early childhood education. Starting from the fall semester of this year, childcare and education fees will be waived for children in the senior class of kindergartens, encompassing both public and private institutions across urban and rural areas. This initiative, unveiled by the city’s education bureau on Tuesday, marks a progressive step in the rollout of free preschool education. While the policy currently applies only to senior class students, fees for junior and middle classes will remain unchanged, adhering to existing regulations. For private kindergartens approved by the education department, fees will be adjusted to align with the exemption levels of public counterparts, though families may still be required to cover any additional costs beyond the standard exemption. Public full-time regular kindergartens in Guangzhou currently charge 823 yuan ($115.9) per student monthly, while demonstration kindergartens charge 995 yuan. Public boarding kindergartens, on the other hand, impose fees 30% higher than the full-time standard. This policy aims to alleviate financial burdens on families while promoting equitable access to quality early education.
-
Ex-officer guilty of murder of Sonya Massey after she reported suspected intruder
A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother of two, during a response to a 911 call in July 2024. The incident occurred at Massey’s home near Springfield, Illinois, after she reported a suspected intruder. Sean Grayson, 31, the ex-officer involved, claimed he fired his weapon because he believed Massey was about to throw a pot of boiling water at him. The confrontation escalated when Massey, who was unarmed, repeatedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson, who initially faced first-degree murder charges, was convicted of the lesser charge of second-degree murder and could face up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors argued that Grayson’s actions were not those of a frightened officer but rather of a bully who lost control. The case has reignited discussions about police conduct and accountability in the United States.
-
New forum for Islamic art launches at House of Lords to celebrate ‘shared human journey’
A groundbreaking initiative dedicated to celebrating Islamic arts, architecture, and cultural heritage has officially launched at the House of Lords in Westminster. The event, attended by over a hundred guests, marked the inauguration of the Forum for Islamic Art, Architecture & Cultural Heritage, led by Baroness Nosheena Mobarik, a distinguished Conservative peer. The forum aims to highlight the intellectual and cultural contributions of Islamic civilization while fostering dialogue, education, and public engagement. Among the attendees were British peers, ambassadors from Muslim-majority nations, and notable figures from the fields of architecture and cultural heritage. Walid Iqbal, a prominent Pakistani politician and grandson of the revered poet-philosopher Sir Muhammad Iqbal, was also present. The forum, supported by the Adam Foundation, arrives at a critical juncture amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment. Baroness Mobarik emphasized the forum’s mission to host a year-long series of seminars and events, encouraging politicians and the public to explore Islam’s rich artistic and architectural legacy. She highlighted the interconnectedness of cultures, stating, ‘The story of civilization is not one of parallel histories, but of intertwined ones.’ The event featured presentations by leading figures in Islamic art, including Noorah al-Gailani, curator of the British Museum’s Islamic Collections, and Professor Farrokh Derakhshani, chair of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Iranian artist Jila Peacock also shared insights on the medieval Persian poet Hafez, accompanied by an animated film based on her work. Baroness Mobarik concluded, ‘This forum is about seeing societies in a positive light and ensuring young people appreciate each other’s heritage.’
-
Dubai Housekeeping elevates staff welfare with major health and scholarship initiatives
Dubai Housekeeping, a leading residential cleaning service provider in Dubai, has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical employment practices through a series of impactful staff welfare initiatives. The company recently concluded its Second Annual Health Awareness Event at Fakeeh University Hospital, completed its Annual Vision Wellness Drive, and awarded academic scholarships to the children of its employees for the second consecutive year. These efforts underscore the company’s dedication to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of its workforce. The Health Awareness Event, held on September 20, 2025, featured comprehensive wellness workshops and medical consultations, focusing on preventive healthcare and addressing common health issues among service professionals. The Annual Vision Wellness Drive provided complimentary eye check-ups for all staff, with 64 employees receiving prescription glasses at no cost. Additionally, ten children of team members were awarded scholarships, supporting their educational aspirations and reflecting the company’s commitment to family welfare. Uttam Bhatia, co-founder of Dubai Housekeeping, emphasized that prioritizing staff welfare is integral to the company’s success, stating, ‘A joyful, well-supported team translates directly into the exceptional service our clients expect.’
-
Three monkeys at large after primates escape from crashed truck in US
A dramatic incident unfolded on a Mississippi highway when a truck transporting monkeys overturned, leading to the escape of several animals. Local authorities initially reported that all but one of the monkeys had been euthanized, but later updates revealed that three monkeys remained at large. The monkeys, identified as Rhesus monkeys, were en route to Tulane University’s National Biomedical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, for scientific research. Initial concerns about the monkeys carrying diseases were later dismissed by Tulane University, which clarified that the animals had not been exposed to any infectious agents. The exact number of monkeys on the truck, their ownership, destination, and the cause of the accident remain unclear. Tulane University emphasized that it was not responsible for the transportation or ownership of the primates at the time of the incident but dispatched a team of animal care experts to assist officials. Videos circulating online captured the monkeys navigating through tall grass near the highway, with wooden crates labeled ‘live animals’ scattered across the scene. The incident has sparked widespread attention and raised questions about the safety and ethics of transporting animals for research purposes.