A shocking act of violence unfolded at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, Albania, on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja. The incident occurred during a hearing related to a property dispute, where a 30-year-old suspect, identified as Elvis Shkëmbi, opened fire. Judge Kalaja succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, while two other individuals involved in the hearing—a father and son—were injured but are expected to recover. Authorities swiftly arrested the suspect, along with his uncle and a court security guard, as investigations continue. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his condolences to the judge’s family, emphasizing the need for stringent legal action against the perpetrator and advocating for enhanced court security and stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession. Opposition leader Sali Berisha highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that this marks the first time in 35 years that a judge has been killed while performing their duties. Local media reports suggest that the suspect acted out of fear of losing the case. This incident echoes a similar tragedy a decade ago in Milan, where a judge was fatally shot during a bankruptcy trial. Judge Kalaja, a seasoned legal professional with over three decades of experience, had served in the district court before his appointment to the Court of Appeal in 2019. The event has reignited concerns about gun violence and judicial safety in Albania.
分类： society
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Chautauqua: Finding freedom on China’s highways
The concept of the open road has long been a symbol of freedom, adventure, and self-discovery, deeply ingrained in American culture. From iconic road songs like ‘Born to Be Wild’ and ‘Desperado’ to classic road films such as ‘Easy Rider,’ the highway has represented the ultimate pursuit of liberty. However, this narrative is no longer exclusive to the United States. China, with its rapidly expanding highway network of 190,000 kilometers—more than twice that of the U.S.—has embraced the allure of the open road, offering a new frontier for exploration and transformation.
China’s highways, built over the past three decades, now host over 350 million vehicles, including 81 million motorcycles. This infrastructure has become a canvas for stories of personal liberation, exemplified by figures like Auntie Su Min, who abandoned a life of domestic drudgery to embark on a solo journey across the country. Her viral Douyin videos captured the hearts of millions, showcasing the freedom and beauty of China’s diverse landscapes. Su Min’s story, later adapted into the film ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ highlights the evolving nature of freedom in China—a freedom earned through responsibility and resilience, rather than assumed recklessness.
Unlike the American road narrative, which often intertwines with themes of alienation, nihilism, and loneliness, China’s road culture is marked by a communal ethos and a supportive vibe. Travelers like Su Min find solace in the country’s advanced infrastructure, intelligent highways, and a genteel citizenry. The Chinese road experience is less about escaping societal constraints and more about rediscovering oneself within a connected and evolving society.
As China’s highways continue to beckon, they offer a unique perspective on freedom—one that contrasts sharply with the American ideal. While the U.S. road dog may grapple with the price of isolation, China’s road warriors find liberation in the collective journey, proving that the open road can mean different things in different cultures. The highways of China are not just pathways to physical destinations but also to personal and societal transformation.
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Shoe thrown at India’s top judge in religious row
In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread condemnation, an Indian lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, hurled a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a court proceeding in New Delhi on Monday. The act, widely regarded as a grave insult and security breach, occurred after Kishore allegedly took offense at remarks made by the judge concerning Hinduism. Witnesses confirmed that the shoe narrowly missed the Chief Justice and another judge before landing behind them. Kishore was heard shouting, ‘India won’t tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma [Hinduism],’ as he was escorted out by security personnel. He has since been suspended from legal practice. Despite the disruption, Chief Justice Gavai remained composed, instructing lawyers to continue their arguments without distraction. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeling it ‘utterly condemnable.’ While the specific remarks that provoked Kishore remain unclear, some reports suggest they may be linked to a recent court petition dismissed by a bench led by Justice Gavai, during which he made comments about the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Chief Justice has not publicly addressed the incident, and Indian authorities have stated that no charges will be filed against Kishore. This episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments in India and raises concerns about courtroom security.
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Man killed in suspected bear attack in Arkansas
In a tragic and rare incident, a 60-year-old Missouri man camping in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas was fatally attacked by a bear, according to local authorities. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was reported missing by his children after they lost contact with him during his trip to Sam’s Throne campground. Sheriff Glenn Wheeler confirmed that the man’s body was discovered several yards outside the campsite, bearing injuries consistent with a large carnivore attack. The suspected bear was captured and killed after being identified through camera footage at the campground. Local hunters, aided by hounds, tracked and treed the bear, which was later euthanized. The bear’s remains will undergo necropsy and DNA testing to confirm its involvement in the attack. Sheriff Wheeler expressed relief at the resolution, stating, ‘This was a dangerous bear.’ The campground remains closed indefinitely. The victim had previously sent his family photos of a bear near his campsite, which helped authorities identify the animal—a young male black bear matching the size and coloration of the photographed bear. Arkansas is home to over 5,000 black bears, the state’s only bear species. Fatal bear attacks are exceedingly rare in North America, with only 63 recorded deaths from black bear attacks between 1900 and 2009, according to the Journal of Wildlife Management.
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Skydiving instructor killed after falling without parachute in Nashville
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a skydiving instructor during a jump in Nashville, Tennessee. Justin Fuller, an experienced instructor, is believed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute after becoming separated from his student and the tandem rig, which connects the pair and includes the parachute. The incident occurred on Saturday near John C. Tune Airport. A police helicopter later discovered Fuller’s body in a wooded area. Meanwhile, the student, who survived the fall, was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department after being trapped in a tree for hours. Authorities confirmed that three other dives from the same plane were completed successfully, and the aircraft landed safely. The cause of the separation remains unclear. A witness involved in the rescue effort told local station WSMV that the student, a first-time skydiver, vowed never to jump again. Fuller, who had recently expressed his passion for teaching skydiving on Instagram, described the job as ‘the most rewarding’ and shared the joy of seeing students master the skill. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of guiding beginners in high-pressure situations.
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US Supreme Court rejects Ghislaine Maxwell appeal in Epstein case
The US Supreme Court has decisively rejected an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell, the British socialite convicted for her involvement in the sex-trafficking scheme orchestrated by her former boyfriend, Jeffrey Epstein. The court’s ruling, issued on Monday, ensures that Maxwell’s 20-year prison sentence remains intact, barring an unlikely presidential pardon. Maxwell, who was found guilty of luring underage girls for Epstein to exploit, has been a central figure in the high-profile case that has captivated public attention for years. Recently, she was interviewed by federal agents as part of an ongoing investigation into the broader network of individuals potentially involved in the trafficking scheme. Epstein, who faced similar charges, died in prison in 2019 under controversial circumstances. The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of this harrowing case.
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Man pleads guilty to murdering woman found dead after house fire
A 55-year-old man, George Turner, has admitted to the murder of Emma McCrory, a mother-of-two in her 40s, who was found dead at her home in Clontarf, Dublin, following a house fire in December 2022. Turner, from Fairview Avenue, Dublin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday, where he entered a guilty plea. He is set to be sentenced on Friday, facing a mandatory life sentence. Turner was initially charged with murder in March 2023, and his solicitor had previously requested a psychiatric assessment, citing a history of mental illness. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, as they await the final sentencing in this harrowing case.
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Body found in burning vehicle in Dublin
A tragic incident unfolded in north County Dublin on Monday morning when a body was discovered in a burning vehicle on Killeek Bridge. The Dublin Fire Brigade swiftly responded to reports of the vehicle engulfed in flames. Upon extinguishing the fire, firefighters uncovered human remains inside the vehicle. Gardaí, the Irish police force, confirmed that the body remains at the scene as investigations continue. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted, which will provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide the subsequent investigation. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising questions about the events leading up to the fire. Authorities have yet to release further details, but the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness as they work to uncover the truth behind this distressing event.
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US doctor’s legacy remembered after 80 yrs
The enduring legacy of Dr. Ruth V. Hemenway, a pioneering US missionary doctor who dedicated her life to serving the Chinese people during one of the nation’s most tumultuous periods, has been commemorated on the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Dr. Hemenway, who arrived in China in 1924, played a pivotal role in addressing the dire lack of medical resources and facilities during Japan’s brutal wartime occupation. Her unwavering commitment to saving lives amidst widespread atrocities, including bombings, looting, and violence, has left an indelible mark on Chinese history. Born in 1894 in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, Dr. Hemenway pursued her medical education at Tufts Medical School, graduating in 1921. Inspired by her missionary calling, she embarked on a journey to China, where she spent 17 years, primarily in Minqing, Fujian province. There, she directed a hospital that later became Minqing Liudu Hospital, expanding its services, establishing branch clinics, and improving healthcare access for rural communities. Dr. Hemenway’s contributions extended beyond medical care; she promoted vaccinations, disseminated health knowledge, and trained local medical personnel. Her dedication to serving the most vulnerable, even in the face of immense danger, has been hailed as a testament to her courage and compassion. Today, her descendants and admirers continue to honor her remarkable life and the profound impact she had on the lives of countless Chinese people.
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Australian prosecutors appeal mushroom murderer’s ‘inadequate’ sentence
In a high-profile legal battle, Australian prosecutors have launched an appeal against the sentence handed to Erin Patterson, the woman convicted of orchestrating a deadly mushroom meal that claimed three lives and left another critically ill. Patterson, 51, was sentenced last month to life imprisonment with no possibility of parole for at least 33 years, marking one of the longest sentences ever imposed on a female offender in Australia. The Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) argued that the sentence was ‘manifestly inadequate’ given the gravity of her crimes. The appeal was filed on the final day of the deadline, with the DPP emphasizing the severity of Patterson’s actions. The case has drawn global attention, with media outlets and the public flocking to the small courthouse in Morwell, Victoria, during the nine-week trial. Patterson was found guilty of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, by serving them beef Wellington laced with toxic death cap mushrooms in 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived but continues to suffer from health complications. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, narrowly escaped the fatal meal after canceling at the last minute. It was later revealed that Simon had previously fallen critically ill after consuming meals prepared by Erin, leading to a coma and the surgical removal of a significant portion of his bowel. During sentencing, Justice Christopher Beale acknowledged the heinous nature of Patterson’s crimes but cited the ‘harsh prison conditions’ she faces as a factor in allowing parole eligibility. Patterson has spent 15 months in solitary confinement and is likely to remain isolated for her safety due to her ‘major offender status’ and the notoriety of her case. She is currently held at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a maximum-security prison in Melbourne, where she spends 22 hours a day in her cell with no contact with other inmates. Patterson’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal her conviction, though no formal application has been submitted yet. Her defense must demonstrate legal errors to secure a hearing. The case continues to captivate public interest, with Patterson expected to remain a notorious figure in the Australian penal system for years to come.