标签： Europe

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.

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.

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.

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.

A historic medieval tower in Rome, the Torre dei Conti, partially collapsed on Monday during renovation work, leaving at least one worker seriously injured. The incident occurred near the iconic Roman Forum ruins, drawing the attention of hundreds of tourists who witnessed the dramatic scene. Firefighters swiftly responded, using a mobile ladder and stretchers to rescue three workers, while one remained trapped inside the structure. During the rescue operation, another section of the tower collapsed, creating a cloud of debris and forcing firefighters to retreat from their elevated position. The extent of additional injuries remains unclear. Built in the 13th century by Pope Innocent III as a family residence, the Torre dei Conti has a history of structural damage, including collapses in the 17th century and damage from a 1349 earthquake. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were present at the scene to assess the situation.

French authorities have issued a stern warning to the online fast fashion giant Shein, threatening to block its access to the French market following the discovery of childlike sex dolls on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), France’s consumer watchdog, revealed last week that Shein had been selling these dolls, which were described and categorized in a manner that strongly suggested their child-pornographic nature. The agency has escalated the matter to public prosecutors, and Economy Minister Roland Lescure has stated that he will seek to ban Shein from operating in France if such incidents recur. ‘This is provided for by law,’ Lescure emphasized during an interview with BFM TV, citing the government’s authority to prohibit market access in cases involving terrorism, drug trafficking, or child pornography. Under French law, the distribution of child-pornographic materials via electronic networks carries severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and a €100,000 ($115,000) fine. The DGCCRF has issued a formal notice to Shein, demanding immediate corrective actions. Shein, which was founded in China in 2012 and is now headquartered in Singapore, has not yet responded to requests for comment. The company, known for its rapid global expansion and low-cost fashion, has faced criticism for its labor practices and environmental impact. The controversy comes just days before Shein is set to open its first permanent physical store in Paris, a move that has already sparked significant backlash, with an online petition against the store garnering over 100,000 signatures.