Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has affirmed the organization’s readiness to engage in discussions about potential reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Berset addressed mounting pressure from the UK and several EU nations, including Denmark and Italy, who are calling for significant changes to the convention, particularly in relation to migration policies. Berset emphasized that while human rights laws may need to adapt, the institutions established post-World War II, largely led by the UK, remain vital for maintaining peace, security, and justice across the continent. He warned that the UK’s potential withdrawal from the ECHR could lead to international isolation, especially in discussions on migration and global human rights. Berset also highlighted the broader implications of such a move, including its impact on Northern Ireland’s power-sharing agreement and the post-Brexit deal with the EU. He stressed the importance of maintaining a collective approach to human rights, particularly in light of the Council of Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine and preparing for war crime tribunals. Berset’s comments come ahead of the ECHR’s 75th anniversary, marking a pivotal moment for the organization as it navigates evolving political landscapes and challenges.
标签： Europe
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Shein bans all sex dolls after outrage over childlike products
Global online retail giant Shein has announced a worldwide ban on the sale of sex dolls, particularly those with ‘a childlike appearance,’ following accusations of hosting such products on its platform. The decision comes after France’s Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control flagged concerns over the weekend, describing the listings as having ‘little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content.’ Shein responded swiftly, permanently banning all seller accounts linked to such products and temporarily removing its adult products category as a precaution. The company has also initiated a thorough review of its platform, vowing to implement stricter controls on sellers and enhance its keyword blacklist to prevent circumvention of restrictions. Executive Chairman Donald Tang emphasized Shein’s unwavering stance against child exploitation, stating, ‘The fight against child exploitation is non-negotiable for Shein. We are tracing the source and will take swift, decisive action against those responsible.’ The controversy erupted just days before Shein’s planned opening of its first permanent outlet in Paris, where protesters gathered outside the BHV department store. France’s finance minister threatened to ban the Singapore-based retailer from the country if it continued to sell the offending products. This incident adds to Shein’s existing scrutiny over its fast-fashion environmental impact and labor practices.
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Rybakina stuns Swiatek to progress at WTA Finals
In a dramatic turn of events at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Elena Rybakina delivered a stunning performance to defeat world number two Iga Swiatek and secure her place in the semi-finals. The Kazakh tennis star, who had previously struggled against Swiatek, turned the match around after losing the first set, winning 12 of the final 13 games to claim a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory. This marked Rybakina’s first win over Swiatek in 19 months, ending a four-match losing streak against the Polish player. Rybakina attributed her success to mental resilience and a newfound confidence, stating, ‘I stayed focused, and everything started going my way.’ Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova kept her tournament hopes alive with a comeback win against Madison Keys, setting up a decisive group match against Swiatek. The WTA Finals, featuring the top eight women’s singles and doubles players, offers a staggering £12 million ($15.5 million) in prize money. Rybakina, known for her powerful serve and aggressive play, has been tipped to challenge the sport’s elite since her Wimbledon triumph in 2022. However, she has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, while Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka have dominated the Grand Slam scene. Swiatek, who leads the WTA Tour in match wins this year, struggled to maintain her early momentum, committing 42 unforced errors in the latter stages of the match. In doubles, Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko advanced to the knockout stage, while Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova secured a hard-fought victory. The tournament continues to deliver high-stakes drama as players vie for the prestigious year-end title.
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Watch: Moment medieval tower partially collapses in Rome
A significant portion of the medieval Torre dei Conti, located near Rome’s iconic Colosseum, collapsed unexpectedly, resulting in a dramatic rescue operation. The incident left one individual trapped under the debris and another critically injured. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, working tirelessly to extricate the trapped man and provide urgent medical care to the injured. The Torre dei Conti, a historic landmark dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to Rome’s rich architectural heritage. The collapse has raised concerns about the structural integrity of ancient buildings in the city, prompting calls for increased preservation efforts. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse, while locals and tourists alike expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
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Rescue under way after medieval tower partially collapses in Rome
A section of the historic Torre dei Conti, a medieval tower located near Rome’s iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum, collapsed unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, leaving one worker trapped and another critically injured. The incident occurred around 11:30 AM local time (10:30 GMT), sending shockwaves through the city’s bustling tourist district. Firefighters immediately launched a complex rescue operation, with Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini confirming that the trapped individual remained conscious and in communication with rescuers. The tower, which has been closed to the public for years, was undergoing conservation work at the time of the collapse. Shortly after the initial incident, a second section of the 29-meter (90-foot) tower began to crumble, raining bricks and creating a massive dust cloud. Despite the dangerous conditions, firefighters managed to shield the trapped worker from further harm and continued their efforts to free him. Giannini emphasized the prolonged nature of the operation, citing the need to balance rescue efforts with the safety of responders. A police chief assured that the tower is not at imminent risk of complete disintegration. Meanwhile, a 67-year-old worker who escaped unharmed described the scene as unsafe, expressing his desire to return home. Rome’s mayor and Italy’s culture minister visited the site, where a crane and drone are aiding the rescue. The 13th-century tower, originally built by Pope Innocent III for his brother, remains cordoned off as authorities assess the situation.
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Christmas harvest begins in Germany, where some say decorating trees began
In the picturesque Sauerland region of western Germany, the annual harvest of Christmas trees has commenced, marking the start of a cherished tradition that dates back over five centuries. German growers, like Eberhard Hennecke, are busy preparing for the festive season, ensuring that families across the nation can continue their time-honored custom of decorating Christmas trees. Hennecke, a local producer, shared with The Associated Press that the Sauerland region alone accounts for approximately one-third of Germany’s Christmas tree supply. While most trees are traditionally sold in urban areas, there has been a growing trend of families visiting tree farms to personally select and cut down their trees. To enhance the experience, many farms now offer seasonal treats such as mulled wine and snacks, creating a festive atmosphere that brings joy to all generations. Hennecke emphasized the emotional significance of this tradition, noting how the collective effort of families choosing their tree together fosters a sense of warmth and happiness. This centuries-old practice, which originated in Germany and later spread across Europe and the United States, continues to unite communities and celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
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Hurling star DJ Carey jailed over fake cancer claims
DJ Carey, a celebrated former Kilkenny hurler and five-time All-Ireland winner, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for a fraudulent scheme in which he pretended to have cancer to defraud individuals. The 54-year-old, who previously lived in Newtown, Maynooth, County Kildare, pleaded guilty in July to 10 charges involving 13 complainants, including Denis O’Brien, one of Ireland’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. O’Brien alone provided Carey with over €125,000 (£109,500), along with accommodation and transport. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court revealed that Carey defrauded a total of 22 people out of nearly €400,000 (£350,000), with only about €44,000 (£38,500) repaid to date. The sentencing was delayed last week after Carey was hospitalized. The presiding judge condemned the fraud as one of the most reprehensible, stating that Carey had exploited people’s goodwill. Carey’s defense described his situation as a dramatic fall from grace, leaving him a pariah in the community. Once a revered figure in Irish hurling, Carey’s legacy is now marred by this scandal.
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Drones seen over Belgian military base for third night, minister says
For the third consecutive night, drones have been observed flying over a Belgian military base near the Dutch border, as reported by the country’s Defence Minister Theo Francken. The incident occurred at the Kleine-Brogel base, prompting the deployment of a helicopter. The drones subsequently departed towards the Netherlands, according to national broadcaster VRT. Francken described the event as ‘a clear mission targeting Kleine Brogel’ and suggested it resembled an espionage operation, though he refrained from speculating on the perpetrators. ‘I have some ideas, but I’m going to be cautious,’ he stated. Similar drone sightings were reported at other military air bases in Leopoldsburg and Marche-en-Famenne, as well as near coastal airports in Ostend and Antwerp. This incident is part of a broader trend of drone-related disruptions in European airspace. In October, unconfirmed drone sightings forced Munich Airport in Germany to halt operations twice within 24 hours. Earlier, in September, Denmark attributed drone flights over its airports to a ‘professional actor,’ though no evidence linked Russia to the incursion. Russia has consistently denied involvement in such incidents. Additionally, Estonia and Poland sought consultations with NATO members after Russian drones and jets entered their airspace. In response, the European Commission has proposed four defence projects, including a counter-drone system, aiming to bolster Europe’s self-defence capabilities by 2030.
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Irish government could charge asylum seekers for accommodation
The Irish government is considering implementing a new policy that would require working asylum seekers to contribute up to €238 (£208) per week towards the cost of their state-provided accommodation. This proposal, spearheaded by Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and his junior minister Colm Brophy, aims to reduce the financial burden on the state as it grapples with an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers and refugees. As of July, there were 32,774 international protection applicants living in state accommodation in Ireland. The proposed charges would be tiered based on weekly earnings, ranging from €15 (£13) for those earning €97.01 (£85) to €150 (£131) per week, up to €238 (£208) for those earning €600 (£526) or more. Asylum seekers who fail to pay these charges could face legal action, debt collection, and even potential denial of citizenship if they have outstanding debts. Currently, asylum seekers receive a weekly allowance of €38.80 (£34) per adult and €29.80 (£26) per child. The proposal will be discussed at a cabinet sub-committee meeting on Monday, and if approved, it will proceed to a full cabinet meeting for final approval. The government estimates that approximately 7,600 asylum seekers would be eligible to pay these charges. Additionally, the Irish Department of Justice has warned that the current influx of Ukrainian refugees could exhaust the state’s accommodation capacity by the end of November. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland, with 83,000 currently residing there. The government is also considering reducing the duration of state accommodation for new refugee arrivals from 90 days to 30 days and phasing out the €600 (£526) payment to those housing Ukrainian refugees. These changes, however, may not take effect until late 2026 or early 2027.
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Bella Culley freed from Georgian prison
In a dramatic turn of events, 19-year-old Bella Culley, a pregnant teenager from Billingham, Teesside, has been released from prison in Georgia after admitting to drug trafficking charges. Initially facing a potential 20-year sentence, Culley’s fate changed when prosecutors altered the terms of her plea bargain at the last minute. The decision, influenced by her age and pregnancy, was announced during a court hearing in Tbilisi, where Culley expressed her relief and happiness by embracing her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakaia. Culley, who is eight months pregnant, was arrested on 10 May at Tbilisi International Airport after authorities discovered 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish in her luggage. Her family had previously paid £137,000 to reduce her sentence to two years. Culley, who pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, claimed she was coerced into the act by gangsters who allegedly tortured her with a hot iron. She had been held in pre-trial detention since May, initially in harsh conditions before being transferred to a ‘mother and baby’ unit. Her lawyer plans to appeal for a presidential pardon. Culley, now free, will regain her passport and is expected to leave the country soon.