标签： Europe

In a recent report, France’s Court of Auditors has called on the Louvre Museum to accelerate its security modernization plans, emphasizing the need for immediate action following the high-profile jewel heist on October 19. The report, which scrutinized the museum’s operations from 2018 to 2024, highlighted significant delays in upgrading safety and security systems, despite the ongoing risks. The theft, involving $102 million worth of Crown Jewels, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the museum’s defenses. Thieves used a truck-mounted basket lift to access the Apollo Gallery and escaped with the treasures within minutes. The report criticized the Louvre for prioritizing “visible and attractive operations,” such as acquiring new artworks and enhancing visitor experiences, over essential maintenance and security upgrades. A security modernization plan, initially proposed in 2018, has faced repeated delays, with technical work now scheduled to begin in 2025 and fully implemented by 2032. The estimated cost for the project is €83 million ($95 million), yet only €3 million ($3.5 million) has been invested since 2018. The museum has installed 134 digital cameras in recent years, but this falls short of addressing systemic issues. The Court of Auditors recommended reallocating resources from art acquisitions and room renovations to prioritize safety and security improvements. The broader “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, launched earlier this year, aims to modernize infrastructure, reduce crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031, with a projected cost of €800 million ($933 million). Following the heist, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged “security gaps” and announced plans to install streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices within two months. Four suspects in the heist were arrested last week, though the stolen jewels remain unrecovered.

Two individuals in their 20s have been apprehended in connection with a suspected arson attack on a building in Drogheda, County Louth, which housed applicants for international protection. The incident occurred last Friday night, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, five individuals, including four children, were rescued from the top floor of the building. Several of those rescued were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical evaluation. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, launched an investigation into the fire, which they believe was intentionally set by unknown individuals. A spokesperson for the Gardaí emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.’ The first suspect was arrested on Wednesday night, followed by a second arrest on Thursday morning. Both individuals are being held on suspicion of offenses under the Criminal Damage Act 1991. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident.

A German palliative care nurse has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering 10 patients and attempting to kill 27 others. The unnamed individual, who worked at a hospital in Wuerselen, western Germany, allegedly administered excessive doses of painkillers and sedatives to elderly patients to reduce his workload during night shifts. The crimes occurred between December 2023 and May 2024. Prosecutors revealed that the nurse displayed a lack of empathy and acted as a “master of life and death,” using drugs like morphine and midazolam to expedite his tasks. Arrested in 2024, the court emphasized the “particular severity of guilt” in his actions, ruling out early release after 15 years. Investigators are examining additional suspicious cases during his career, and exhumations are underway to identify further potential victims. This case echoes the infamous Niels Högel, a former nurse convicted in 2019 for murdering 85 patients, marking one of Germany’s darkest chapters in healthcare history.

French authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into sex-trafficking allegations tied to the late businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who passed away two years ago. The probe, ordered by the Paris prosecutor’s office, centers on potential aggravated human trafficking involving multiple victims, alongside allegations of prostitution and rape. The investigation is expected to scrutinize Al Fayed’s Ritz Hotel in Paris, following claims that staff were complicit in or aware of the abuse of women. In response, the Ritz Hotel issued a statement expressing deep concern and pledging full cooperation with authorities. This investigation adds a new chapter to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Al Fayed’s alleged violent crimes and the quest for justice for his victims. Pelham Spong, a 40-year-old American woman, played a pivotal role in triggering the investigation. She alleges that Al Fayed relocated young female staff from the Ritz to his private residences and yachts across the Mediterranean. Spong, who worked briefly for the Al Fayed family in 2008, claims she was subjected to invasive medical examinations and sexual assault. She only recently recognized herself as a victim of sex trafficking after understanding the systemic nature of the abuse. Spong’s lawyer, Anne-Claire Le Jeune, believes her client’s case is strong due to the extensive evidence she has preserved. Meanwhile, Al Fayed is also under investigation in the UK, where over 140 individuals have reported him to the Metropolitan Police. The extent of his predatory behavior was first exposed in a 2024 BBC documentary, which prompted dozens more women to come forward. Despite numerous allegations, Al Fayed was never charged before his death. Harrods, the luxury department store he once owned, has allocated over £60 million to compensate alleged victims, emphasizing its commitment to preventing such behavior in the future.