分类： society

MADRID (AP) — In a bizarre yet significant operation, Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network specializing in the theft of outdoor seating from restaurants and bars. The National Police announced on Wednesday the arrest of seven individuals accused of stealing over 1,100 chairs in just two months. The suspects, comprising six men and one woman, targeted 18 establishments in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina, a smaller city southwest of the capital, during August and September. The stolen chairs, primarily made of metal or hard plastic, were resold both domestically and internationally, including in Morocco and Romania. The total estimated value of the stolen property is approximately €60,000 ($69,000). In Spain, it is common for restaurants and bars to leave outdoor furniture, often chained together, unattended overnight. The suspects now face charges of theft and involvement in a criminal organization.

In a powerful statement supporting press freedom, the European Union has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize to two journalists currently imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the decision on Wednesday, highlighting their unwavering commitment to justice and democracy. Andrzej Poczobut, a correspondent for Poland’s Gazeta Wyborcza, is serving an eight-year sentence in Belarus for allegedly “harming national security.” Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent Georgian journalist and founder of independent media outlets, was sentenced to two years for slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest—a case widely criticized as an attack on media freedom. Both journalists have become symbols of the fight for human rights and democracy in their respective countries. The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988 and named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, honors individuals or groups defending fundamental freedoms. This year’s award sends a strong message of solidarity to political prisoners worldwide, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. The ceremony will take place in December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, accompanied by a €50,000 ($58,000) endowment.

The Louvre Museum in Paris has resumed operations three days after a daring daylight robbery saw thieves make off with €88 million worth of jewelry. The museum reopened its doors at 09:00 local time on Wednesday, though the Apollo Gallery, the site of the heist, remains closed. The audacious theft, which took place on Sunday morning, involved masked thieves using power tools to break into the museum and escape on scooters within eight minutes. The stolen items include a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, and several pieces from Queen Marie-Amelie’s collection. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for accelerated security enhancements at the Louvre, labeling the incident an attack on the nation’s heritage. A preliminary investigation revealed significant lapses in the museum’s security, including the absence of CCTV in one-third of its rooms and a malfunctioning alarm system. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, is scheduled to address the French Senate’s culture committee to discuss the incident. Meanwhile, French authorities have intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressing confidence in their capture. The heist has prompted a nationwide review of security measures at cultural institutions.